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Windhammer, Copyright Wayne Densley 2008 All Rights Reserved
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35
 "Whether it be by intent or good fortune you now stand before the Oracle of the Elesmenedene, Friend. State your name and purpose if you wish to gain the help that is mine to give."
The mirror asks the question in a soft, feminine voice that seems both fragile and utterly irresistible. Startled by the question you do not answer immediately, but instead move forward and inspect the mirror more closely. It stands as tall as yourself, its frame an ornate scrollwork of twisting vines carved in silver and obsidian, and from its first words now shines with an intense blue light that fills the chamber. Embraced within this azure glow you notice that its surface is quickly being obscured by a thick swirling mist.
"I am an adventurer from the Dwarvendim fortress of Maenum, sent to this place under duress and with only a single purpose before me. I am here to restore the Tellandra and return its power to its true Masters".
At your words the mirror brightens, its swirling mists forming into a vortex of moving shades and vapours.
"Your quest is welcome here, Halokim Vesh of the Stone Kingdoms. For too long the power of the Tellandra has languished in the hands of those who do not understand it, and like yourself it hungers for release from its servitude. Your presence has been made known to me by those who wish your success and to you I give this knowledge." For a moment the Oracle is silent.
"Listen carefully and heed well what I say," it continues, "for I have been given the task of showing you how to defeat the Dragon Windhammer, and in doing so free the pillar of stonewood".
You raise your eyebrows in surprise but your attention is focused on the mirror as a range of images quickly form upon its misting glass. Within its swirling vapours previous attempts by other adventurers flick swiftly across your view. As you watch a tableau of images form and disappear within the mists, displaying the last moments of countless, luckless warriors and thieves who have stood before Windhammer. To your growing dismay their last moments all end the same way, their fate drawn as hapless victims consumed with Dragonfire, their charred and riven bodies falling ashen upon the steaming floor of the Dragon's lair.
Stunned by the horror of what you see you stand transfixed; a strong urge to give up the quest almost overpowering you. In this moment of faltering courage the soft voice from the mirror pulls you away from the images that swirl before you and back to reality.
"To destroy the beast known as Windhammer you must acquire three items of power. Scattered throughout this fortress can be found these talismans; a gemstone known as the Dragonseye, an axe made of pure magic and a spear, created by the Stone Kings and once the personal property of Morgen Orncryst the Younger. You must have all three when you face the beast or you will surely die".
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This book, and its associated books and other documents in the Chronicles of Arborell series are the intellectual property of the author, Wayne F Densley, and all rights are reserved by him. Windhammer is best viewed at 1024 x 768 resolution. Any questions regarding the Chronicles of Arborell can be answered by emailing the author at densleyw@shoal.net.au
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Windhammer, Copyright Wayne Densley 2008 All Rights Reserved
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