[WARNING:
CONTAINS SPOILERS REGARDING THE OUTCOME
OF THE ABODE OF GOLGOTHA ADD-ON]
The
bridge walls finally gave way with an
almighty crack sending the entire bridge
plummeting into the gaping embrace of
the chasm below taking Suraea along with
it. The crash that followed almost caused
Kurien to lose his balance as the very
ground on which he stood shook with the
repercussions of impact. Then all lay
still. Without even turning around to
look at the wreck below, Kurien began
to walk away from the chasm, away from
the forest and away from the mansion.
The two days and nights that followed
while Kurien travelled back towards his
home town past without incident. Although
those few days were some of the longest
Kurien had ever experienced since he only
had the thoughts of Sureaeas passing for
company. On the third day however, he
caught site of the walls that surrounded
Phire, his home town in the distance.
'I made it' Kurien thought to himself.
'I'm home'.
A lot of changes had been made to the
town of Phire while Kurien was away as
some of the structures he found himself
surrounded by were unfamiliar. The sound
of excited voices and some polite and
impolite chatter drifted over the deserted
streets. Kurien followed the sound until
he found himself in the town square surrounded
by townsfolk eager to find a bargain.
He had arrived right in the middle of
a market day. He looked around at all
the faces that eyed him suspiciously as
though he were a foreigner. He had been
away so long that in some ways that's
exactly what he was. The thought was quickly
dismissed as a loud familiar voice broke
his momentary trance.
"Kurien!" The voice boomed excitedly.
Kurien turned and was confronted by Jaster,
his face beaming. He looked a little older
than when Kurien had left but he still
bore the same warm hearted face that Kurien
had always remembered.
"Kurien my boy, it's so good to see
you! When did you return?" inquired
Jaster.
"A mere moment ago." said Kurien,
his voice steady and devoid of emotion.
"What's the matter Kurien? Where is
my son Suraea?" Kurien remained silent
for a moment as if to compose himself.
He took a deep breath and then spoke.
"I must talk to you in private Jaster."
He said at last, "Let's return to your
home." Once there Kurien proceeded
to tell Jaster his story. Kurien spoke
of his new found magical talent, the journey
to the tome and of the mansion. Jaster
never said a word throughout the whole
thing.
The next day was a cold one in both weather
and in the spirits of the townsfolk that
bore Suraeas loss. The rain continued
long into the funeral where a small monument
was erected in Suraeas honor in the town
cemetery. All remained silent throughout
the entire event save those who gave words
of kindness in front of the mourners.
Suraea had been much loved among the townsfolk.
During the following week Kurien showed
Jaster the talents he had aquired from
the tomes pages and told him more of the
travels he and Suraea had endured. They
went over the incident in Yurichs mansion
many times and Jaster even found out about
Yurichs past through books and word of
mouth. One morning Kurien was awoken by
a knock at his door. It was Jaster. And
he had a big smile on his face.
"Kurien. Come with me." Jaster
said proudly. Jaster led Kurien through
the house and out into the town. He continued
toward the town square. As they approached
Kurien noticed a huge crowd of people
gathered. Most of the town was here. They
weaved their way through the crowd towards
a makeshift raised platform upon which
the mayor and Rikan, the captain of the
guards stood. Jaster jumped up onto it
then he reached his hand down to Kurien.
Kurien placed his hand in Jasters and
pulled himself up. The crowd cheered.
"What's going on?" Kurien muttered
to Jaster.
"You'll see, you'll see."
Jaster took the podium. He held his hand
high and the crowd fell silent.
"My friends. This town has always been
well defended by the finest of guards"
said Jaster motioning toward Rikan who
dipped his head slightly in return, "However,
there are some types of defense that not
even these brave men can give. I speak
of course of magical defense. There is
no school of magic for many miles and
so it has always been an impossibility
that we appoint a magician to lead our
defenses along side the head of the guards
and teach our men and women of magic.
Until now. Kurien has proven himself to
be a great magician. He can conjour spells
that the rest of us can only dream of."
Jaster turned to Kurien. "So I ask
you Kurien, to accept the post as the
head of magical defenses." Kurien
was stunned. But what better way to protect
the town he loved so dearly.
"I accept."
Raptuous applause ensued and a grand party
began which led well on into the night
and with that, Kurien, Jaster, Rikan and
a smattering of friends retired to a quiet
bar where they talked long into the night
of family, of friends, and of the future.
