A Story...
The Shoikan Grove stands in front of you. The dreaded forest of terror. You can feel the fear running through your blood as you gaze into the mess of twisted trunks and limbs. Not even Kender can completely withstand the dread fear emanating from the forest. You almost enter, but pause and can't help but wonder why you are here....
The handwritten sign hung on the wall just inside Lady Jenna's Magic Shop, a strange place but very intriguing. You gazed at the sign in wonder, letting your eyes flow over the beautifully penned words.
ALL WHO WONDER OF THE TOWER OF HIGH SORCERY: PLEASE READ
The Tower is a place of enchantment and magic. We have decided to open the Tower up to the public. All are welcome inside anytime. In order to gain entrance, pass through the Shoikan Grove (it cannot harm you, I give you my word as a mage), through the gate, and to the large wooden door. Once inside, feel free to join in conversation, or study as you will. Do not fear, for your path shall be made.
-Dalamar the Dark
The words of Lady Jenna roll through your head. "Interested in the sign, eh? Well, I myself visit often and indeed, there are many visitors who go there. Quite the interesting place, and quite the interesting hosts..." You remember the smile on her face. It was one of mystery and remembrance. Apparently the Tower had made quite an impression on her. You left the shop, with but one destination on your mind...
Focusing once again on the Grove, you notice the terror stealing over you again. You can't help but think of the famed Kitiara's experience in the Grove and you recall how she made it through, only mildly unharmed. Looking into the trees, you get the eerie feeling that the trees are staring right back. You take one last deep breath, and step into the Shoikan Grove.
Darkness is thrown over you like a blanket over the sun. A darkness blacker than night itself. You release a quick yell as you feel yourself fall to the hardened earth, a root wrapped around your foot. You feel twisted branches scratching at your face. Lashing out with whatever you have, you hit the limbs and feel the trees back away. Taking a deep breath, you pull yourself to your feet. You remember the sign and its words: your path shall be made. You stare into the darkness.
"I seek entrance to the Tower of High Sorcery," you shout. "Admit me, I demand it!" You feel the trees hesitate in their movement, as if considering your words. You wait, noting the fear is still there, but seems to have lessened from before. Suddenly, you hear a voice flow through your head.
"You shall pass." The voice, a terribly scrapie mixture of horror and pleasure. You suddenly see a light appear, lighting a path which lies in front of you. Following the path, you focus on the light. A gate, apparently the source of the light, comes into view.
The black bars are bent and curved, as if twisted in agony. Stepping forward, you reach out towards the bars, but pull back instantly as they move on their own, giving you admittance to the courtyard of the Tower. You look up in awe at the Tower of High Sorcery, its black marble reflecting its surroundings. A large, wooden door stands about fifty yards in front of you. The sense of fear now gone, you feel a surge of excitement as you look at the door. You rush forward, eager to see inside.
Upon reaching the door, you stop, pulling in a breath of refreshing air. You note the large iron knocker on the door, and wonder if its perhaps enchanted itself. You raise your arm, grasping the large knocker in your hand. You send three loud knocks ringing into the tower. Stepping back, you wait expectantly.
The door opens, allowing you admittance. Before you is a large room, shaped that of an oval.
In the back of the room you see three large desks, each which appear to be longer then a minotaur is tall.
These desks are for the the three Mages of the Tower: Lord Dalamar, Lord Raistlin, and Lord Malikite.
Circling the perimeter of the room along the walls are bookshleves full of spellbooks and other pieces of lore, broken only by the windows.
The interior has many plush, comfortable chairs and couches, and the view upon Palanthas is breathtaking. You marvel at the small wonders you can see, noting the various people around you. Then, you hear a dark, delicate voice.
"Welcome to the Tower, traveler. I am Dalamar the Dark and this is my Shalafi, Raistlin Majere." A man with white hair glances up from his studies, his hour-glass eyes taking in every aspect of you. He calls out to you in a raspy, scratchy voice. "Make yourself comfortable....and indulge in the art of magic..."
Copyright©Bryce Mumford; 1997. All rights reserved.