The Flower Chronicles

Chapter1: The Serpent Flower

The Quest Giver

In an ancient and mystical world, there was the quaint village of Westworth situated in a grand valley between the two fabled Hills of Festraden, the Lesser and Greater on east and west respectively. Descending from the clefts above, a peaceful stream flowed through the center of this village and emptied into the Craindale River many miles away. The scenic environment of the land lent its people a sense of harmony. The temperate climate gave them good harvest each year. Flowers of every happy shade blossomed in the spring.

There lived humble farmers, blacksmiths, and those of various small trades. They were a proud people with a rich heritage of festivals and merriment. They celebrated the annual carrot harvests with feasting, the full moons with dancing, and Friendship Day with pals. They enjoyed the simple things in life

They especially loved King's Day, which commemorated King Tross' birthday. On that day, the people had a tradition of elaborate parades, carrot pie, and, of course, karaoke. They filled the day with events from sunrise to sunrise the next morning. Westworth hosted soldiers and other dignitaries from the nearby fortress to enjoy the revelries. The elders could remember about fifty years ago when the royal family themselves visited for the occasion. The legend of the great Westworth carrot pie spread far throughout the land. King Tross, then a young prince, needed to try a fresh sample himself. He demanded the secret recipe, but the Master Chef politely denied him such a privilege. They both laughed and carried on partying in their lighthearted humor.

Though an important part of the king's mighty empire, Westworth maintained a level of autonomy. The citizens elected their own mayor who ruled for two years. Currently, Mayor Marius held the office. He administered their own school of magic, The Order Helistrium, with headmasters independent of the crown's confusing regulations. The people welcomed trade with any peace-loving province that surrounded them. The kingdom's war rarely made its way to the distant village, but a small band of guards patrolled the palisade walls for burglars and ruffians.

The captain of the guard, named Brandus, desired to be something more than a mere village night watch. He wanted to be a great warrior, a mighty adventurer, or perhaps brave knight of the king. Unfortunately, he saw no more excitement past rounding up pranksters and breaking up drunken brawls on festival days. He dreamed of exploring the untamed wild and the vast uncharted seas. He grew up learning to think freely and question everything. He knew if he could dream it, he could live it. Coming from a long line of prominent elders, his ancestors founded Westworth about 300 years ago. They fought to subdue the land and defend it against the goblin hordes. This same spirit of boldness flowed through Brandus's veins. His spirit itched for something more than a quiet country life.

He attended the Order of Helistrium for a few semesters, but grew restless their bookish ways. He tried to learn a few useful tricks, but they involve too much memorization of what he called "mumbo jumbo". Worst of all, the professors lectured in a slow, monotonous tone that could put anyone to sleep. He did not care much for all their vague theories concerning origins, universal oneness, and the olden prophecies.

Brandus did become best friends with one aspiring wizard named Eulin. Now Eulin loved magic for the fun and pranks he pulled. He dabbled some in the world's mysterious, but he mostly enjoyed the practical glamour and gusto of the arcane arts. He was a tall and lanky fellow with wildly unkempt hair. His smile and magical gags could brighten anyone's day. The governor often made Eulin the centerpiece entertainment of the festivals. He greatly appreciated the attention.

One night, Brandus stood at his post atop the walls with Eulin. Both smoked pipes and discussed the physical virtues of the fairest maidens in the land. Suddenly, Brandus saw a dark figure shifting through the shadows of the trees below. Then he heard a loud scream out of the woods!