Role

Chapter 2

The Great Stone
Added Sun Mar 17 06:56:29 2019 at level 11:

*Several Years Later*

"What will it be today, Jumbel?" uttered Sernat. A burst of flames bellowed
from his oven has he swung a grotesque cave rat in my direction. I gagged,
and replied: "How about some of that delicious mushroom pie?". With a
fat smile on his face, he declared: "One exquisite mushroom pie for Jumbel!".
He handed me the warm pie and winked as he whispered: "That'll be thirteen
copper coin eh?". I glanced over at his price list, noting its price
of twenty five copper. Boggled by the concept, I dug down into my
coin purse and handed him thirteen copper coins. "Want some of this squid to go?"
he chuckled. I shivered at the thought, gave him a hearty smile, and walked
out of his cook house towards the Great Stone.

As I walked passed the great life rock, I marveled at its stunning size. I ran
my hand across its surface, connecting with its life force. Beautiful crystal
veins pulsated with a soft glow - breathing vitality into our community. As I
studied the stone I could not help but wonder what lied beneath it. I whispered
to myself: "Perhaps some mischief today eh?". At that very moment, precisely
thirteen crystal veins illuminated with a vigor I'd never seen before. Intrigued,
I began a long walk towards the great lift.

On route, I paused near the Holy Cavern to admire the great lion statuette. Its
intricate detail gave it a life-like presence - as if it could pounce at any
moment. Feeling courageous, I raced over to Koellang and with shortness of breath
shouted: "Greetings my good friend!" With a curious smile he replied: "I know that
look and it's nothing good!" I fumbled through my possessions and whipped out a
precious uncut diamond. Koellang's eyes lit up, and he asked: "A fine gem - where
did you find it?". With a grin, I replied: "A keen eye and a bit of luck, Koellang".
He smirked and whispered: "What do you want for it?". I whispered in
reply: "Safe passage downward eh?". His face grew stern and he took a moment to
ponder the notion. He nodded and whispered: "Not a word of this Jumbel, I will deny
I ever allowed it". I nervously adjusted each of the eleven stone roses secured
to my belt as he lowered us into the darkness.