The Oracles of Retana - Act I: The Tessik

Retana Outskirts, Mirek - 1000 years After Retana (1000 A.R.)

Grandfather, I found this book in our attic, what is this? I can’t read it, but somehow I feel like I should be able to, said Kali.

Aah, bring it here my boy, said Elyron.

The grandfather, Elyron, dusted off the red book, gazing at its engravings on the cover like a portrait of someone long gone. The book reflected light as the grandfather turned it around to see the book's spine checking to see if the metal frame protecting the cover was still attached. He looked at his grandson, young, full of life and wonder, then stretched out his hand signaling him to sit.

Now let me tell you this, I remember Retana—not as the ruins you now tread, but as it was alive with laughter, firelight, the streets full with markets, shops, merry people, and the scent of forge-smoke. I was there when the pact was sealed in blood and gold. I was there when it began to unravel. They called me Relic. But now, I am Memory. And memory does not forget.

He opens the book and skims through some pages chuckling as all the memories pass through his head. The friendships, his former achievements, the ones he’s lost, Retana’s old precious memories all passed within moments time in his head.

Elyron looked at his grandson in admiration at how much he’s grown and told him while wagging his old finger, You have found something that I was going to pass on to your father before his passing. Now, I wish to give it to you.

He puts his hand on Kali’s shoulder.

But you my boy, do not speak the language of the Retanians nor can you read it. Your father never taught you the language to protect you from the outsider goblins and humans. Though you are goblin yourself, your father thought it was best to protect you. Though I disagree with his methods and now you need to learn.

Elyron walks towards the window and exhales through the nose. He turns to Kali and says,

I suppose I can read it to you, Kali, before death comes and takes me too. I can’t go on drinking life elixirs for the rest of my wrinkled life. This book is called “Tessik”, meaning remembrance. I wrote this book, so that you and your seed can remember us and our legacy forever.

It was a fine early morning, the birds were chirping, the trees were swaying, the sun glimmering, the river quietly moving the water along its bank. Perfection for such a moment. Elyron looked outside the window, took a deep breath and enjoyed this moment. He then sat next to his grandson on their hay-stuffed couch.

Elyron clears his throat, opens the book, and begins to read.

An ancient city where goblins and humans lived in harmony, nestled among rolling hills and crowned with majestic architecture that blends both cultures, Retana. Before there was Galdrek, there were times that were much simpler. Times where the winds, trees, water, and landscapes whispered through your veins the sweet honey that once was. I, Elyron, or as others know me, Memory, have written this book so that you my son can carry on our legacy. Now, immerse yourself in what was…. and what may even return…

The streets bustled with business, laughter, and joy. Man and goblin alike drinking and eating together like long life brothers all into the night. Stalls, Booths, Pavilions, Tradeveils, all running at top business, and business was good. Retana was rich and its economy excelled for over two centuries. Castles, homes, pubs, and taverns laid out all across the city. Nobody was unemployed. Everyone was housed. Everyone had a role, and each reported to their superior at day’s end. All worked as one. Foreign countries wanted business with Retana always as the quality of items made here were masterpieces compared to those outside of Retana. It was as if we were the center of the world. What a time it was to be alive.

Greed, hate, and fighting was almost non-existent.

The city was great and had about 4 kilometers in square diameter of walls protecting the inside of the city. On the North, South, East, and West sides of the city had large doors and on those great doors there were giant gear locks so that no one could invade, or suddenly attack the town itself. The king at the time was very strict on who let in, and almost everyone wanted to be at least a resident of Retana. The only way in was through registration and proper documentation, so those foreigners really had to be dumb to mess things up. At times, a foreigner would barge in the city thinking they could do as they please, but the local folks kicked them into shape, or kicked them out. All the time consumed through tedious documentation thrown out the window.

Every morning, the 6 bells that were laid all across the city rang giving everybody a nice wake up call before they start their working day. If that didn’t wake you up, the local roosters would give you a second wake up call. All were successful, All were thriving.

There was a prophecy from ancient times told to us by the 4 local shamans. That prophecy was being fulfilled before us. Man and Goblin were to thrive and achieve things never known to living beings before. There was even talks about making “mechanical tech” whatever that means. They said our currency would one day be able to be sent here and there within a moment's notice. I have no idea how they planned on doing that but it was a rumor that went around nonetheless. We used gold currency with an etching of an R on them in the center, for Retana monetary needs.

A certain group was rising from the shadows, looking to take advantage of the goblins… nobody suspected them as they had great rapport with the people of Retana. It consisted mainly of humans, but a couple of backstabbing goblins also joined this syndicate. We called them “The cloak of thorns” and their leader “S—.

The elder stopped reading as he could hear people approaching from the outside in numbers five, maybe even seven of them. The elder looked outside from a hole on the wall the outsiders could not see. He saw that indeed it was seven of them armed with Armor, Sword and Shield, Bow and Arrow. The heart of the elder sank and all he could do was think of his grandson.

Kali! Whatever happens do not move from where I am placing you, whispered Elyron.

Elyron moved as quickly as an old goblin could and put Kali in the corner of the room where light did not graze. He withdrew a vessel from his robe and threw some glowing yellow potion upon Kali. Urami Toumei! Whispered strongly, Elroy. Kali gasped and looked at his hands as he slowly saw that he was turning invisible.

“Elyrooooon” we know you’re in there! We’ve just come to get what you owe us, shouted one of the humans. They fiercely banged on the door, putting fear into Elyron with every pounding hit.

Come on you stupid goblin, we just want to talk! Shouted one of the humans in the group.

Moments after, they burst into the house startling Elyron. Well well well old goblin. I’m surprised you’re alive. What are you doing here in the middle of nowhere on the outskirts of stupid Retana ruins?

Elyron did not answer and just gazed at them. The leader of the bunch gets face to face with Elyron, gazes back in anger for a moment, and punches Elyron in the mouth knocking him down. What are you deaf? I’m speaking to you old man! RANSACK THIS PLACE BOYS! The men destroyed everything in the house, flipping tables, breaking furniture, glass, and many valuables in the home. Elyron tried his best in hiding the book he held under his robe. Unfortunately, one of the seven who saw this told the leader, Forge.

Sire, he seems to be hiding something. Take it from him. It must be the most valuable thing he has. He cares more about that thing than his gold.

Stand up…. STAND UP I SAY! Shouted Forge.

Forge kicks Elyron hard enough in the ribs for Elyron to gain air and fall back to the ground, dropping his book on the way down. Forge picks it up and looks at it in confusion making a face like he’s never seen a book before. The book again shines as the sun radiates off the book from the window on the right.

Forge blows air from his nose, Goblin Trash. I don't know what this is, but I’m sure the commander would love to see this. He can speak these goblins’ language, so he can make some sense of it. We are getting coin today, boys! Elyron in shock groggily rose, shouting NO! Please…. return that to me! As his voice croaked.

Elyron runs towards Forge, he desperately stretches out his fingers towards the book, almost touching the book’s metal cover. A fast and sharp pierce of air is heard and Elyron is halted soon after by an arrow piercing his head. His body collapses to the floor dying immediately. His blood was now spilled all over the floor and on the wall behind him. The arrow had gone straight through him with much force. The blood trickled over to Kali’s feet as he held his breath to not let out a cry. Kali clenched his jaw, breath caught in his throat. He dared not move. Dared not cry. The potion held—but grief pressed against his chest like a blade.

The men laughed, and left the home. Kali watches through the window in fear, and anger as they walk away as their boots crunch through the gravel outside. All his emotions were churning within him. He wanted to act on these emotions but he knew it meant certain death. He turns back around to his grandfather and all that he had withstood lets loose like a waterfall.

Kali falls to his knees next to his grandfather, lets out an agonizing scream, and weeps.

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