The lower plains of Corellia sweep North and East towards the Rathwood. The roads crossing from Halta to the Hundred Kingdoms were less traveled than the River itself, though this late in Descending Water with the Equinox coming made the weather perfect for travels. Last night a bonfire had been seen on the horizon, a celebration of success so grand the smolderings could be seen still as you approached. Before the trees break and allow sight to the ground levels, a tiered pyramid can be made out, draped and garlanded with the Lilac Solanum. To the Northside, the tramplings of many feet marred the fresh countryside, carts and more had followed, though now only the carrion birds are seen.<br/><br/>Along that trail, as the eye draws the mind a feeling of unease, and what at first had seemed lumps of stone in the pastoral grass leading to the manse, raiton peckings prove to be much more gruesome. A low moan, “The cost was too high,”  from beneath a tree some ten paces away alerts you to the lone survivor.<br/><br/>A man, suffering from severe beating, and blood loss, deliriously waves at the air until he notices you. “My Prayers Answered!, come closer please. I beg of you…” His words trail a bit as a fit of coughing wracks his frame drawing blood from deep within. “My appointment with Lethe draws nigh, and I must dispense my needs so to make the time. Will you hear a man’s needs?” Accepting your response as his last chance to make his peace, for he has no time or choices, the man continues, the question just a courtesy. “My forty fellows and I liberated but failed to secure the treasures of Tal Mon’rey the Coming of the Dawn, fourth incarnation of….” another coughing fit destroys his litany. “Nevermind his heritage. Treasures beyond wealth, yet in the right hands weapons and armors, devices of wonder and hope, and the keys, the keys to The Pulse of the East (the manse whose shadow you now rest) which offers safe harbor or perilous defense.”<br/><br/>With mournful and torn eyes, “My son conquered this site, only to be cut down once everything had been packaged for travel. Six survived to prepare the victory parade, and brigands descended upon us during our revels last night. I burn for their deaths, yet I know I cannot bring it to pass. Vow to the Heavens where I shall soon pass that you will not allow the brigand, the Thief King Zudak to keep purchase of those items, neither trinket nor god-toy. Your promise shall be grave goods enough to appease my hungry ghost. I shall go in peace, knowing that cretin shall not profit from this venture.” The old man lifts a hand to clasp yours ...<br/>