<div align="center">~ The Ruins of Flaegra ~</div><div class="floatleft">(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/babycakes_0765/Ruins%20of%20Flaegra/RuinsodFlaegra.jpg)</div><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>Once a majestic nation built their fortress into the mountain side the land flourished with green plains as far as the eyes could see from on top of the highest peek. That was back when the world was young and the culture grew to magnificent stature. Well beyond any of its day and the carved the stone out of the mountain and used the river as an entrance out to the sea. Stones of great wealth ...erupted for the taking ..rubies, diamonds ..and stones that sparkled ending up adorning the proud people of Flaegra. They had livestock and great herds that gazed the open lands. An Utopia to far exceed that of any ancient civilization but as with all things there is an evil that comes with greatness. Their own greed and unwillingness to share their fortunes with others is what began the curse long ago that wiped them out.<br/><br/>Whispers now spread across this barren land of the tale of woes that swirl in the small dirt funnel clouds that dance upon the dunes that lead up to all that remain. Now the few that do pass stop and look at what marking is left of the great people and wonder who build such a place. Centuries have passed since that time and few dare to remain in the land long for the ghosts of the past tend to crept in the dark of the night. Many who stay to long find members of their party missing without a trace as to where they have gone. Rumors of this generally tend to make travelers stay clear of the Ruins of Flaegra but every so often the mountains offer up another chance to those hidden by the curse.<br/><br/>What all of that past civilization was known to the coming of those sent by the mighty witchking will remain a secret held with him. His choice of sending the Lizardfolk seems an interesting one indeed but out of the Marshlands they came to marching to the call by their duty to another into a world they may never forget. As the troops moved over the side of the mountain through a narrow pass that bears a warning all but barely visible and weathered down by the fierceness of the wind and time itself. The language of which was long forgotten and doubtful any among them would recognize it.<br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/babycakes_0765/Ruins%20of%20Flaegra/first.jpg)</div>Through the pass the 200 came ...and they moved passing the first indication that a civilization once flourished here. What would becoming unnerving very quickly would be the silence. Nothing seemed to move ..the sound of the 200 hundreds dragged footsteps. But when they all stopped other than the sound of their cold blooded hearts there would be nothing. No bird flew over the sky unless they brought one with them. No small animal or critter scurried across their path. Once the could see out into the wasteland it seemed to have no wind for a good 100foot perimeter around the side of the mountain.<br/><br/>And then there stood this alcove of perfect rounded cut stone staked on top of each other the masonry work of it seemed to still be holding and it was built into the wall of the mountain. the red hard clay like swirls on the rock seemed like the only movement that was happening. Painted as if in bloody tears. That was the color ...blood tears that had dried on the stones and crumbled to dust on the floor. The rings .. the smoothness of the walls. The Erie feeling one got in his gut as if knowing they had just entered a place once sacred and had been ruined but by what . What caused a kingdom to just not exist anymore ? Or did they ..<br/><br/>Sesshkar came to a stop as he shifted his mighty weight to one side. The man was agitated his feet hurt from stepping on those blasted rocks ..that moved and caused the full use of your muscles to hold one of his build upright. The troops with them tired ..as they spanned out into the opening the archers held their bows ready and most seemed on edge . Only small occasional sounds of grunts or hisses could be heard. The serpent beast stood there glancing upwards nodding his head . Tilting it as there seemed to be small square holes cut into the rock face they were dark .. as he motioned with his hand .<strong>" Place a stake here to mark this spot. "</strong>as he pointed out the hole to the Shaman that he served with the very life he breathed. She was worthy to be served Sithera ..and one of great beauty as well . Fine on the eyes to look at but that was another matter.<br/><br/>He looked at her ...wondering her thoughts on this place but would not ask her. Watching the one move and two of them pound the marker into he ground . A small rest given to the troops a chance to drink and rest the tired muscles. As he moved down farther now leaving her side his mouth dropped down some ... it was magnificent though he preferred the swamps as he snorted .<strong> " Land forgotten by water it seems ..but still there is life I feel it in my gut....none moving above ground , the silence of this place unnerves me .. we should best keep on our toes. Your Excellence ..Sithera ." </strong><br/><br/>As he pointed again for her to look and see ...for it was up a bit higher like that of a tower ..perfect place for archers. But were they worried about what come across that barren desert or what resided inside this mountain. What caused the air to be still. The sun was moving to set one could tell by the light . Waiting for the command to be giving to start the search but his job was to guard the Shaman and that is exactly what he intended moving back to her side .<br/><br/>(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/babycakes_0765/Ruins%20of%20Flaegra/second.jpg)<br/><br/>Moving farther down as the search and troops continued ...was definitely something else.<br/><br/>(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/babycakes_0765/Ruins%20of%20Flaegra/Third.jpg)<br/><br/>When turning to look at the desert in this area ...one could see this stretching out barren...though something was out there ..in the steam clouds at the end of a day. What was it ..one had to squint to truly see it ..but one did and pointed as others put their hand over their eyes to try and see.<br/><br/>(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/babycakes_0765/Ruins%20of%20Flaegra/temple.jpg)<br/>(Note : The sky would be as in the picture when any search party would reach it . Being seperated fromt the rest of the group for the night )<br/><br/><br/>