Echoes of the Past

Anton took his now customary position near the rear of the party, "I'm ready, let's move slowly, they may have placed traps for intruders"

Will slowly walks up, and checks the immediate area for obvious signs of goblin folk!

Miyana nods, still not loosening the string of her bow.

Boudica wrinkles her nose and says, "Ugh, goblins. I say we take the dark stone tunnel, not the most likely goblins-dug stinkier one. Trust the nose, someone once said’l

"Very Wise Miss Boudica" Anton said in relation to the choice of tunnel.

Watch that one step, Will says, gesturing at the bear trap. It’s a doozy!
Will strides heroically towards the dark stone tunnel.

"I'd rather go where the goblins are... filthy creatures, but as you say."

You advance down the path ahead, through the corridor of worn, brick-like walls that bear the marks of centuries of age. The air gradually grows fresher, the stench of the goblins receding into the distance, replaced by the earthy scent of freshly turned soil and the fragrance of moss.

As you continue, the dark passageway begins to brighten with an unnatural glow, the light intensifying until you reach the entrance of a small chamber bathed in a soft radiance, almost as bright as a summer's day. The floor inside is covered in a thin layer of dust, and at the center of the room rests a stone sarcophagus, its once-intricate carvings now faded with the passage of time.

Before the sarcophagus stands an ancient knight, clad in armor made of tarnished bronze. His long, grey beard cascades down to his chest, and his sunken brown eyes seem to have witnessed countless years. What is most striking, however, is that the knight is semi-translucent; the light from the chamber shines through his form, casting faint shadows of the room behind him.

As you step closer, an invisible barrier suddenly blocks your path. It shimmers faintly in the ethereal light. But when the knight notices you, he gives a slow, deliberate nod and raises his hand. The barrier disappears as if it had never been there.

"At long last"

Seeing the knight, Boudica becomes excited. "Could it be...?"

She steps forward to speak to the knight. She bows respectfully and asks, "Good sir knight, were you once in the company of Halav, Petra, and Zichrev? Please, tell me how I may be of service, as I am a follower of theirs myself."

Anton took out his journal and quickly began to sketch and write a description of the scene.

A ghostly knight, cast of bronze, pierced by light
Stands vigilant at Sarcophagi's side
With nod of helm and raised gauntleted hand did barrier set aside
His beard like gray waterfall over metallic river bed
Ancient wisdom kept of long dead past, his only words "At long last"

Will stands silent and marvels at the bronze warrior!

Miyana, ever suspicious, keeps her bowstring taut, but lowers the weapon to a "ready" position as she watches the old knight.

""I… fought with him. Halav. Yes. We stood… together. A long time ago"

The knight speaks Traladaran, but it is very hard to follow his words. The language has changed much over the millennia, and though he speaks slowly and deliberately, and uses simple words, the old forgotten pronunciation makes him almost incomprehensible.

"I guard this tomb. The weapon within. An ancient power... it waits. Many have come. Many have tried. None have passed" His voice drops lower, and though he is but a ghost of the ancient warrior, he manages to sound tired.

"You must pass the trials, and prove yourself worthy, if you wish to claim it."

Boudica, still kneeling, says, "I can’t speak for my companions, but I am willing to face these trials."

"Great Knight, what are these trials you speak of?" Anton still stood taking notes and did not look up to ask his question.

Yes, we will face these trials!