Tales of Awesomeness #6:

Hello, Jack.

The old man sits cross-legged inside an ancient mausoleum within the Iledan Forest. On his back is his tattered cape to protect him from the cold and on his lap is his walking staff to protect him from wild beasts. Every now and then, he will glimpse at the window to his left as he waited for the sun to set.

His eyes will stray from left to right, marveling at the fine masonry employed on the mausoleum walls. He will let out a slight chuckle as he recall that he was the one who built this place those centuries ago.

In front of him, just by the far wall, is a huge pile of fine sand, telling him that the spirit –resident of this place was released and its secret was already revealed.

A few minutes will pass and the final rays of sunlight are no more. The old man wiggles his fingers and utter the words of power to allow a small globe of light to appear and float over his left hand, illuminating his immediate area.

Moments later, he strained his eyes as he begin to notice the spectacle he came here to see. Dozens upon dozens of glittering dots emerge from the sand pile in front of him. The blue and white lights will swirl and coalesce until recognizable humanoid limbs begin to form. The lights will spread until it completes into a hovering transparent spirit clad in majestic leather armor. The spirit tilts its head to the old man, its eyeless eye sockets looking intently at him and in a low, serpentine voice, it spoke: “Jaiiiirrrrrr”.

“A good evening to you too, Jack,” The old man answered as he playfully passed the ball of light from his left hand to the right and back to his left hand.

In response, the spirit hissed, “Patchessss…”

“Yes, my friend.” The old man countered. “I too encountered the half-orc named ‘Patches’. Like in our world, he surrounded himself with noble and dependable comrades.” It is here where the old man stopped toying with his glowing orb to continue the conversation.

“I recall that you promised me that you’ll only reveal the sword of Mol if a way to obtain the Hutaakan Tapestries was discovered. Explain.” A long silence will follow. The old man’s head will stay motionless but his eyes are constantly moving left to right as he absorbed the unspoken information given. After what seems to be hours, the old man gives out a long tired sigh, as if he is now resigned on what needs to happen.

Slowly, the old man stood up and collected his walking staff. “I guess my fate is now intertwined with these youngbloods. Interesting to know that the possibility of my going home will rely on their success. As always, I am grateful for your aid.” He said to the spirit as he dusted himself, now intent on leaving. The spirit did not answer, as none was necessary. “Before I go, would you mind telling me where you placed my staff of spiders?”