Astinus' Office
Dominating the center of this room is a massive birch desk. Legend claims this desk has supported the thousands of volumes of history Astinus has recorded. A large pot of ink, a container of sharpened quills, and a candelabra complete the desks decorations. Small windows line the room, allowing light to trickle in and gently illuminate the entire room. A comfortable couch rests against the west wall. Tapestries hang on the walls between the windows. Shelves line the walls, filled with tomes of the more recent records of heroes and villians upon the face of Krynn.
The librarian notices you aren't reading anything...
Astinus hands a large tome gilt in gold to an Aesthetic standing by you.
You note the spine bears the word 'Graff' scribed in burnt maroon ink.
As you glance down at the page you read..
From the pages of Graff's book..
Author: Graff
Date: Tue Nov 24 02:31:20 2009
Subject In Palanthas
Deck hands made busy as the ship coasted into the harbor. Too busy with
mast and anchor, and likely too veteran to care, they didn't even look up to
take in the sight of the great city. But Palanthas was beautiful, clean and
whole, which were hard to come by in these times, Graff knew from his
travels. The buildings were tall. Some cast shadows onto the water, which
sparkled in the sunlight. He suspected that the water, too, was clean,
likely enough to cast reflections from the taller towers, but the water was
too choppy from the bustling trade. The cleanliness was nice. It was the
kind of thing Graff always appreciated, especially when, like now, he could
least afford it.
The captain and he exchanged well wishes and the second pouch of his fare,
and then he wasted no time in disembarking. As he roamed the port, Graff
could feel the tension all around him. He didn't even need the magic. He saw
it on their faces and in the strain of over-hurried work. The traders had
told Graff that war had come to the east of Solamnia, and that the Knights
weren't fairing well. The merchants were on top of such news. As long as the
Bay was clear, they'd be fine. They might even come out ahead, if war raised
prices. But it was worrying.
No one spared a second glance as Graff wandered toward the Old City. That's
why he liked cities. It might be strange for someone to be so covered and
with face hidden in the summer months, but the winds off the Bay kept the
town cool, and there was always someone stranger in a city this big. He was
more worried about his appearance when he went to the Library. It shouldn't
be altogether surprising. After all, men such as him gravitated toward
private, scholarly work, and what better place than the Library? Even still,
there would be people.
Graff shook his head, as if shaking free of his concerns, and looked around.
He was getting close to the Old City. He needed to find an inn on the
outside. Without knowing how long he'd stay in the city, it was prudent to
keep the luxuries to a minimum. The Lady Herra's allowance had lasted him a
few months away from home, but he had learned how to take care of himself
the many years since. One luxury that he would pay for was a nice bath. The
ocean salt had found a permanent home in his bandages, and it was stinging.
He found the inn sprinkled among granaries and warehouses and a stable. It
was well lit and unremarkable, the place to go for merchants who wanted to
be close to their wares, not the night life. Graff took a room and a hot
wash basin. He mechanically unwound his bandages, giving the water time to
cool. The water itself was never pleasant, but after drying off, Graff
rubbed his burns with a salve that he ground and mixed for himself. It was
the first relief he'd had since before the voyage, and he fell asleep with
his whole skin tingling.
Graff knew he was supposed to be at the safe house. Uncle Daram had made him
and all the other kids in town practice over and over again. And Uncle Daram
was a Knight, so he knew he should listen. But Lord Tyrian was here from the
capital visiting the Lady Herra, and Graff wanted to see for himself. Dad
had said he had Elven blood, but Evon said he was something else.
The Lady Herra was wealthy, and she received her guests in a room full of
fine furniture and skirted tables, so hiding places were easy to find.
Unfortunately, from his, Graff could see the Lady Herra's face perfectly,
but only a back-quarter profile of Lord Tyrian's. He seemed to swirl the
wine in his glass unconsciously as he took his ease. He had two armed men at
the door, but they stared straight ahead and ignored everything. Even still,
the Lady Herra's face was pale and lifeless, and Graff had begun to think
that this was a terrible idea.
"I don't mean to be inhospitable, my Lord, but when last we spoke, you
assured me that you'd leave Elmwood in my hands. Now, you've come yourself
all the way from Lemish and without a courier or a warning. Lady Herra
looked flustered.
Author: Graff
Date: Tue Nov 24 02:38:19 2009
Subject In Palanthas II
"Of course, my Lady Herra. I don't deign to interfere with your capable
rule. But it's grave news that's brought me here. My sources have informed
me that one of your dear friends has been conspiring against us with those
damn Knights. I knew how devastated you'd be at the news and thought it best
to deliver it in person." Tyrian somehow managed to say his whole spiel in a
sneer.
Lady Herra was silent for several seconds before responding.
"That does indeed sound terrible, my Lord. Please let me know who stands
accused, and I will call for inquiry at once."
"Oh there's no need for such formalities. My men are handling it as we
speak."
Lady Herra jumped from her seat, and took her leave without words. Lord
Tyrian drained his glass and followed more slowly, both guards in tow. Graff
didn't understand what had transpired, but he followed discreetly. He
maneuvered through the servant halls and took a side door. Once outside, he
understood. His house was engulfed in flames, tips stretching for the
heavens, unabated. Village men stood all around, watching the fire consume
it. Tyrian's soldiers had subdued the bucket line, though Graff doubted it
would've done any good. Graff rushed passed the soldiers who were past such
expectations. He hoped he would reach his parents in time.
He jerked awake, feeling the intense heat on his skin. His eyes focused on
the darkness, and soon he could make out the patterns on the ceiling. But
the heat wasn't going away. As his beating heart slowed, Graff started to
hear the whinnying horses. They were much too loud and shrill. He didn't
have time to wrap up, but he threw on his clothes and grabbed his stuff and
headed down into the chaos.
He exited the inn to a surprising brightness as the granaries were on fire.
It made a powerful burnt smell. Following the smoke into the dawning light,
Graff noticed other pillars of smoke sporadically about the city. They must
be arsons. War is closer than he'd hoped. Half-dressed men were organizing,
but there were no formal fight fighting teams in sight. With all of the
fires across the city, Graff figured that they couldn't be counted on. So
much for not attracting attention.
He rushed forward and dropped to hands and knees, rifling through his
ingredients. He uncorked a bottle and spread a sooty powder in a clockwise
circle around his body, and he began to chant. The words would have seemed
nonsense to all the observers, but Graff had spent his life trying to
recover his lost body. He knew more about fire than anyone. As the fire drew
out of the building, people began to stare, and to back away. Graff
collapsed to the pavement as the fire extinguished. He was getting stronger.
A year ago, even, he'd be unconscious. Now, he had enough strength to push
himself up and drag his bags behind him as he walked away, slowly. No one
followed. The Library would have to wait a few days, war or not. He needed
to rest, and another bath. He was bleeding. Even still, he couldn't help but
smile. He wished Lady Herra could see him now.
Read More
He states simply 'You might start with that one.. or you could take a look at the latest story..'
The Latest Entry
Time Well Spent
by Daridar, posted on Sun May 24 00:54:27 2020.
My months in the tower had been fruitful but difficult. I'd spent nearly
a year there. The first six months were full o(read more)....
The Storytellers of Ansalon, The DragonLance MUD
Astinus points to the massive wall of books behind him and bids you to make a selection.
Authors:
All|
A|
B|
C|
D|
E|
F|
G|
H|
I|
J|
K|
L|
M|
N|
O|
P|
Q|
R|
S|
T|
U|
V|
W|
X|
Y|
Z
Astinus says '
There are 41 authors starting with the letter G
who have stories in the Palanthas library.'
\n
