Chronicles of Forgotten Paths

Cap.1 - Valdora

The sun begins to set on the horizon, painting the sky with warm hues, ranging from orange to deep red, blending into a golden twilight. The wooden and stone houses reflect the colors of the sunset, wrapped in a soft light. The water of the small river running through the village flows gently, and its faint murmur seems to lull the settlement into the close of the day.

And here is where our adventure begins, in Valdora, a village of hardworking and peaceful people. Apart from the stronghold of the Yore, the ruler of this small settlement, there are few other buildings: a fishmonger, a florist, a forge, and, of course, a tavern frequented by citizens seeking refreshment and diversion after a day of hard work. It is here that some of our adventurers will meet for the first time.

At the far end of the counter, slightly sticky and worn, sits a man, no longer a boy but still young. Lost in his thoughts, he struggles to process what has recently happened to him: his village was destroyed, but he can't explain how or how he survived. Only he and Pika, a badger that has stayed by his side since that day, remain.

Not far away, Tordek, a rough-looking dwarf with a long braided beard, eagerly eats a roasted shank and drinks beer. "Bring me another!" he shouts at the innkeeper, shaking his nearly empty mug. On his back, prominently displayed, are an axe and a large hammer, finely crafted tools.

At that moment, the door opens, and a tall half-elf enters the room. Despite his youthful appearance, his age is hard to estimate given his race. He wears a gleaming suit of armor bearing marks of various battles, with a small emblem of a flaming sword at its center. He heads toward the counter, but the barmaid, carrying a tray of beers, trips on him, spilling everything onto the dwarf. Furious at the waste of his beloved beverage, Tordek addresses the half-elf in a less-than-friendly tone.

Realizing the situation could escalate, the half-elf quickly says, "I apologize for the incident. Allow me to make amends," and turning to the innkeeper, he adds, "Could you bring a mug of beer for my new friend, please?"

"Certainly, young man! And for you?"

"A mead, please."

The dwarf, now satisfied, exclaims, "Now you're talking! Drink with me, young friend." With the matter resolved, the half-elf accepts the invitation and, extending his hand, introduces himself: "Pleasure to meet you, I'm Altherion, Paladin and servant of the great Tempus."

Tordek, his mouth full, responds quickly, "Yeah, yeah, nice to meet you. Tordek of Khazrundar," and the two begin chatting, though they don't reveal much about themselves.

As the minutes pass, the tavern quiets. A soft hum of chatter and laughter fills the air, and just when the evening seems to wind down, the door opens again.

The figure entering is unlike the others: a very old, well-dressed elf, almost noble in appearance, accompanied by two dwarves as guards, forming a curious contrast in such a modest place. In a deep, haughty voice, he declares, "My lord has learned that three adventurers arrived in his lands tonight." He then glances at the counter where the three sit. "I ask that you follow me, as the Jarl wishes to speak with you."

Hearing these words, the young man with the badger joins the other two but remains silent. Tordek, impetuous as ever, replies, "If there's profit to be made, we can talk; otherwise, get out of my sight, elf."

It's well known that the two races don't get along, and hostility often prevails. The elf, disgusted, retorts, "My master will explain his needs."

Altherion intervenes, "I apologize for my new friend; he has... a strong personality. Could you give us more information? I'm not one to follow strangers out of mere courtesy."

The elder elf, almost resigned, explains, "My lord has a request, a task for you, should you accept it. I can say no more."

Tordek: "Ah, so there is something to gain! Why didn't you say so right away? Let's go see your master and hear what he's willing to pay." The other adventurers nod, and they set off toward the nearby ruler's hall.

During the short walk, the last adventurer finally introduces himself: "I'm Athos, apprentice druid of... well, it doesn't matter anymore," he says with a melancholic tone, then gives a faint smile and adds, "This is Pika," pointing to the badger, "a survivor, like me."