A journey to the Temple of Fiends

[Carthrat]

"Everything!" replies Helena, nodding. "We're, like, heroes now! Isn't it officially our job to go out and fix it all?"

[Olvelsper]

"Oh, speaking of which. Here's your trinket. I guess they weren't any use at all." Craig tossed Helena back her Light Orb.

[Carthrat]

"Oh, thanks," replies Helena, juggling the orb. "Yeah, it is pretty useless. Apparently this city's held it in safekeeping for ages, and, like, they gave it to me 'cos they think I'm some bigshot hero.

Like, yeah right. It's probably another stupid trick."

[Dracos]

"I admit, in part that was my goal.  But not to find just any heroes..."

The king brushed his beard.  "The legends speak of the time of prophecy, when the elements of the world would turn against us, enslaved by the might of the demon king Chaos and lead by his four most fearsome generals.  It also speaks of heroes...  bearing the orbs of light which have grown dim, they would travel the world to fight these demons...  and capture the power that they have stolen within the orb, taking it for their own and returning the world to the way it must be.  With this power beside them, they would find the strength to battle even the dread demon king." The king's eyebrow twitched at the handling of the artifacts.

Dracos

[Carthrat]

"Oh," replies Helena, inspecting the orb further.

"Huh. How're we supposed to beat dread demon generals if they *already* have this power?"

[Olvelsper]

"Well, I guess there's a reason why Gramps gave it to me...and here I thought it was a nest egg for the future." Craig sighed at the loss of money. "Anyway, does that make Garland one of those generals? He was hanging around something that seemed to be the polar opposite of our orbs."

[Dracos]

The king scratched his beard considering as he stood, appraising them.  "The legends didn't really say.  But then...You four are the legendary Light Warriors of this...I am sure.  Of ...the polar opposite you say?"

The king suddenly looked even more grim.

Dracos

[Olvelsper]

"Uh. Yeah. It was in the temple of fiends with him and the princess here. Seemed to be sucking in the light from around it."

[Dracos]

"Then there can be no doubt... Garland was being used as a tool.  An avatar of the dread lord chaos meant to hasten his entry into the world.  That globe must be a manifestation of the doorway between his world and our own."

Dracos

[Carthrat]

"What do we know about these.. generals?" asks Helena, curiously.

[Dracos]

"They will make their homes where the power of their element is the strongest.  One to each.  It is said that the first is a mighty creature of the dead, long familiar with the earth and capable of freezing a man's soul with a touch.  The second is said to be a brilliant warrioress of flame who's four arms each wield a separate instrument of death.  The third is the fearsome Kraken who could create torrents within the ocean with a gesture of his arms.  And the fourth and most dangerous, is Tiamat the dragon lord, who flies upon the northern winds.  I shall lend you my fastest steeds and allow you travel over the northern corneria bridge... as well as the ancient lute of the earth.  It was said ages ago that it could break seals of magic, shifting doors otherwise locked forever.  I feel that this will be of use to you."

Dracos

[Olvelsper]

"..wait. Where the earth is at its strongest? Elfland has the richest soil on this world! If Garland really did wake up these fiends, then it's most likely in danger even as we speak!"

[Carthrat]

Helena glances at the king, then at her own hands.

"When shall we leave?" she asks.

[Dracos]

"You should go north and consult with the great seer, Matoya.  She should be able to help you upon your quest.  And check with armsmaster Grensayer, he may have something of use."

Dracos

[Olvelsper]

"Could you secure a ship for us, sir? We'll eventually need one anyway to get to other ports beyond Elfland's as well."