The Adventure of the Celestial Outcasts

In the time of the noble King Aldred of the Eorland, on the third day of the third moon of the third year of the Gilded Era, at the fifth hour of the morning, the King sat upon his throne in the Hall of Eternal Twilight, receiving the homage of his lords and ministers. The scene was thus: In the midst of the golden dawn, the palace of emerald and silver sparkled under the veil of enchanted mist. The banners of the Five Tribes fluttered softly, and the blossoms of the Enchanted Garden shone with morning dew. Within the Hall of Twilight, the delicate fragrances of the ethereal flowers mingled with the muted glow of the sacred ruby. The celestial melodies echoed as the richly adorned attendants guided the royal procession. Pearls and gold adorned the ceremonial pavilion, and the sacred chariot stood before the steps of the White Temple. The ceremonial horns sounded thrice, while the ranks of the civil and martial orders assembled. At the forefront, the Herald announced, "Those with matters to present should do so swiftly, while those with no business may withdraw as the court concludes." Among the assembled, Chancellor Alaric and Chief Advisor Eamon stepped forth to address the King: "Your Majesty, the city suffers grievously from a plague that ravages both soldiers and civilians alike. We beseech you to offer clemency and mercy, to ease the burdens of the people by reducing taxes and mitigating punishments, and to seek divine intervention to protect the realm." The King, moved by their plea, immediately instructed the Royal Scribes to draft a proclamation: a pardon for all prisoners and a cancellation of taxes. He also commanded the temples and sacred sites within the capital to perform rituals to appease the gods. Yet, the plague continued to spread. Upon hearing of the worsening plight, King Aldred convened his council once more. From among them, a prominent noble, Sir Faelan, stepped forward. The King listened as Sir Faelan spoke: "Great King, as the plague devastates the land, I humbly suggest that we summon the High Seer of the Celestial Order to perform a grand ritual. Let him come to the capital and perform the Rite of the Three Thousand Six Hundred Nights to beseech the heavens for protection and healing." The King, agreeing with the proposal, swiftly ordered the Royal Scribes to draft a royal decree. With his own hand, the King inscribed the sacred document and dispatched Sir Faelan with a sacred incense offering, appointing him as the royal envoy to the Seer of the Celestial Order residing on the Mountain of Storms, to invite him to perform the necessary rites. Sir Faelan, having received the royal command, took his leave and set forth with his entourage. They journeyed through the rugged hills and tranquil valleys of the realm. The landscape unfolded as follows: The distant mountains rolled in lush green, and the trees stood tall and clear. Exotic flowers adorned the woodland, and the golden willows swayed gently. The journey was peaceful, the roads smooth, and their nights spent in humble inns along the way. The shimmering robes of the envoy and his swift horses traversed the path with grace. Arriving at the base of the Mountain of Storms, Sir Faelan and his party were greeted by officials from the Celestial Order. They made their way to the residence of the High Seer, where they were met with a grand display of welcome: Tall pines and ancient cedars encircled the residence. The entrance bore sacred runes in gold and shimmering charms. The shrine stood amidst whispering willows and ancient oaks. Statues of celestial beings and guardian spirits adorned the surroundings. The halls were decorated with offerings, and the air was filled with the scent of incense and the sound of celestial chimes. The High Seer, amidst his disciples and followers, approached and welcomed Sir Faelan, leading him to the Hall of Celestial Grace. There, the sacred decree was placed in the center for reverence. Sir Faelan inquired of the High Seer: "Where might the Seer be found, that we may present the royal decree?" The High Seer, approaching with grace, replied, "The Seer of this age, known as the Celestial Sage, prefers solitude. He has retreated to a hermitage atop the mountain, seeking enlightenment and meditation. I fear he rarely descends to meet visitors. If you wish to seek his presence, you must undertake the journey yourself, performing the rituals and sacrifices required." Sir Faelan, determined and steadfast, responded, "Given the gravity of the situation, I shall heed your guidance and ascend the mountain tomorrow to present the sacred decree." That night, they rested in preparation for the journey ahead. On the following dawn, as the first light of day broke, the mystics of the Celestial Order prepared sacred incense baths. They urged Sir Faelan to rise, bathe, and don fresh linen garments with simple leather sandals. After partaking in a modest meal, he shouldered the royal decree wrapped in a yellow silk bundle, carrying it with a silver censer emitting fragrant smoke. The mystics guided him through the mountain paths, instructing him on the way. The High Seer advised: "Sir Faelan, if you are to save the realm, approach with unwavering sincerity and devotion." With a final farewell, Sir Faelan recited the divine names and ascended the mountain path. As he neared the middle of the mountain, the towering peak seemed to pierce the heavens, a grand and majestic sight indeed. The landscape was: The mountain's base anchored deep in the earth, its peak touching the heart of the sky. From afar, it appeared to cut through the chaotic clouds, and up close, it swallowed the moonlight. The rugged peaks and treacherous paths twisted and turned, while the summit lay flat and serene. The mountain was a mix of jagged ridges and rounded summits, with hidden caves where beasts might dwell. The cliffs were draped in mist, and the air was filled with the sound of rushing waters and the cries of distant creatures. The scenery was a blend of jade and sapphire, with waterfalls cascading down and vines hanging in the air. The roar of a tiger could be heard in the wind, and the cry of an ape signaled the waning moon. The entire mountain was like a tapestry of blue stone and mist, covered in a veil of morning fog. Alone, Sir Faelan climbed the winding paths, struggling with the steep ascent. After several hours and several peaks, his legs grew weary and his steps faltered. He pondered, "As a noble envoy, accustomed to comfort and luxury in the capital, how can I bear such hardship and struggle? Yet, here I am, suffering in search of the Seer." As he moved forward, he suddenly encountered a gust of wind. From a nearby grove, a thunderous roar emerged, and a fearsome beast with a white forehead and golden stripes leapt out. Sir Faelan was startled and cried out, falling backwards. The beast, observing him with fierce eyes, slithered away into the shadows of the mountain. Sir Faelan, trembling and in shock, slowly gathered himself. He resumed his climb, but not long after, another dangerous creature appeared. A massive snake, as large as a barrel and covered in snow-white scales, emerged from the bamboo thicket. The serpent, with eyes gleaming like gold and a mouth gaping wide, hissed and released a cloud of venomous gas. Terrified, Sir Faelan collapsed again, feeling as though his very soul was in peril. Once the snake vanished, Sir Faelan gathered his strength and resumed his ascent, despite his fear and exhaustion. He continued, cursing his fate and the trials he faced. Eventually, he encountered a young apprentice riding a yellow cow, playing a pipe made of iron. The apprentice appeared carefree and untouched by the trials of the mountain. The young apprentice, dressed in humble green robes and straw sandals, played his pipe as he rode the cow. His cheerful demeanor and innocent appearance stood in stark contrast to the harsh environment. Sir Faelan, relieved but still wary, asked the apprentice, "Where did you come from? Do you know who I am?" The apprentice, smiling, continued to play his pipe and replied: "I was with the Seer earlier. He mentioned you, Sir Faelan, and said he would be journeying to the capital on a crane and cloud to perform the great rite. He is no longer here; the mountain is dangerous and filled with fierce creatures. It is best you return." Sir Faelan, though skeptical, decided to heed the warning and began his descent. He met with the mystics once more, expressing his frustration and recounting his terrifying experiences. The High Seer’s attendant reassured him: "You have not been deceived; the apprentice you encountered was indeed the Seer in disguise. Though young, his power is great. He is known as the Celestial Sage. Your trials were a test of your resolve. The Seer has departed, but he will complete the ritual in your stead." Relieved, Sir Faelan accepted the explanation. The mystics prepared a feast and a place for him to rest. The sacred decree was secured, and the incense was burned in the Hall of Celestial Grace. That evening, after the feast, Sir Faelan stayed until dawn, finding solace in the warmth of the hospitality offered. After the morning meal the next day, the mystics and attendants invited Sir Faelan to explore the mountain. Sir Faelan, delighted, followed the group out of the main hall, guided by two young apprentices. They journeyed through the palatial grounds, marveling at the grandeur of various temples and halls. The Celestial Hall, in particular, was magnificent beyond description, with its intricate layout: In the left corridor were the Hall of the Nine Skies, the Celestial Hall, and the North Star Hall; in the right corridor were the Hall of the Celestial Sovereigns, the Hall of the Three Guardians, and the Hall of Shadowbane. After visiting these halls, they arrive at a place at the end of the right corridor. Sir Faelan observed another hall: it was covered in red clay walls, with two red lattice doors; the door was secured with a large iron lock and adorned with numerous seals, each stamped with a red wax emblem. Above the door was a plaque with four golden runes that read: “Hall of the Dark One.”