Chapter 1: In Which Zoltan Meets the Shiye-Lawr Again.
A lonely shadow was silently moving in the untamed wilderness. Not afraid by wild
animals or monsters, not slowed at all by thriving plants or by the coldness, it was going
deeper and deeper into the heart of forest, away from the coast, away from the Great Bay.
It was days since he had left civilization, but that was his personal choice. The forest
was green, as it always is in this northern region, consisting mostly of evergreen-covered hills.
Surely, it was spring, but in cold Norwold that meant something very different from southern
countries like Thyatis or Karameikos. Zoltan stopped and raised his head, sniffing the
surrounding air. " No more than 35 degrees ", he thought to himself. Then he silently resumed
his slow, determined pace, leaning on his walking staff.
Yes, there were unquestionable signs proving the return of spring in the region. Wild
animals were to be seen lurking around, whereas the forest was silent and forsaken a few
months ago, while most of them were either hibernating, or trying to escape the freezing cold
in deep holes or caves. They were happy now that the winter was over, with its layer of
vegetation-covering snow gone. Reindeers were grazing everywhere, hunted down by bands of
hungry wolves. Nature. Humans call it wilderness, elves call it home.
Suddenly, Zoltan heard voices coming from the trees overhead, singing in an odd
language. What marvelous voices they were! This was certainly not the song of humans, since
no man on Mystara could sing in such a beautiful way. Only elves had such pure and clear
voices that could mesmerize you so. They were elves of the Shiye-Lawr branch, singing in their
own dialect a song honoring nature, life, the return of the spring, and how happy they were. It
was years since Zoltan hadn't heard such a song, and he couldn't resist staying there for a
moment, doing nothing but listening silently, barely even breathing. He remembered the Vyalia
elves among whom he had lived for a few years, and how much he missed them. He was sure
now he had taken the right decision.
He stayed there for a long time, spellbound by the elven song. Then finally he raised his
hooded head, and said loudly, in the language of the elves: " May Ilsundal bless this song ".
The voices immediately stopped, and the forest suddenly became totally still. After a few
seconds, a voice answered him from a tree: " Zoltan! Be welcome among us! " Five elves
jumped to the ground. " Are you already tired of humans? " " Yes and no. May I join your
party? I shall explain to the clan why I'm back here once we're in the Foresthome. " " Sure.
Come with us, white man. "
Chapter 2: In Which Zoltan Is Accepted in a Foresthome but Makes Enemies Already.
They soon reached the elven Foresthome. The leader of the group whistled. He was
answered by another whistle coming from the trees, and soon a rope was lowered. Four of the
elves dexterously climbed it, then the remaining one asked Zoltan with a smile: " Can you
climb it unassisted or do you need some help, wise man? " " I may walk with a staff, young elf,
but this doesn't mean I am helpless. Do not always believe what your eyes tell you, for
everything is not always what it looks like. Never underestimate your enemy, he may surprise
you. " Zoltan grabbed the rope, and climbed it with an incredible agility. The smile disappeared
from the face of the elf, and he went pale.
The rope led Zoltan to a platform set in the tree. This was definitely no human town,
the latest being generally made of stone or wood. This village was entirely built high in the
trees, hidden from the eyes of whoever would venture so deep in the forest. It consisted mostly
of platforms, linked by ropes used as some kind of bridgeways, and roofs to protect the
inhabitants from the harsh weather. But what was most amazing in these structures was that
they were made of living wood, directly carved out of the branches of the trees.
An elf was waiting for Zoltan on the platform. " Welcome to our Foresthome. Lord
Gilsangir has been informed of your arrival. The whole clan is already waiting for you on the
meeting platform. Follow me. " Zoltan nodded. The two then walked along a maze of rope
passageways set up between the trees, until they reached a huge, open air platform stretching
over a vast area between the grandest trees. Many elves were gathered there, staring at the
pale Zoltan. Lord Gilsangir was sitting on a living throne, with Lady Alandira at his side.
Zoltan also noticed the presence of Calahas, cleric of Eiryndul, frowning at his sight, obviously
not pleased by the event.
Zoltan, heavily wrapped in his jet black clothes, slowly walked through the crowd of
assembled elves toward the royal throne, stopping seven feet from the king. He took off his
black hood, revealing his white hair and skin, and bowed to him, saying: " My lord, may
Ilsundal the Wise always watch over you and your people. " Although he couldn't see him, he
felt Calahas frowning even more than before, if ever that was possible. Zoltan then regained his
normal posture, and plunged his white eyes into Gilsangir's blue ones.
" I welcome you, Zoltan, high priest of Ilsundal the Wise. Judging by what you said to
the group you encountered earlier en route to our Foresthome, I assume you didn't come here
just to have some fun in our company. So, please state your business, my friend.
- Your Majesty, although I love to spend time with elves, it is indeed true that I came
to you for an important reason. " Zoltan paused a few seconds, letting the attention of the
crowd increase. " You certainly know that King Ericall claims the whole region of Norwold in
the name of his mother, Empress Eriadna of mighty Alphatia.
- I do, but this is men's affairs. We elves shall remain free of human rule, as we've
always been. And everybody knows Ericall doesn't control much of the land he claims. And
why should Ericall's claim concern us by the way? No men would ever want to live in our
dense forests_I mean, except for you of course.
- Well, this is the point. Maybe you know King Ericall has granted dominions during
the last Spring Festival in his capital city of Alpha, thereby hoping to better control the farther
areas. I am now Baron Zoltan, in charge of this very area you call home. " Whispers grew
within the crowd, and Gilsangir frowned, while Zoltan grabbed a paper in his pocket. He held
it out to the king. " This is written in Alphatian, but it says exactly what I just told you. "
Calahas intervened: " What does this mean? Do you think you can just come here with
a paper written by mortal humans and take control of our lives? "
An elf showed up on an adjacent platform, pointing an accusing finger toward Zoltan.
It was Aessalar, the assistant of Calahas. He shouted:
" Yes, you come here as a missionary of the humans and of your immortal. Do you
think you can merely come with a paper and turn us into your slaves? We settled here centuries
ago because we wanted to be ruled by nobody save ourselves. At that period we wanted to be
free from the rule of the king of Shiye-Lawr in Alphatia. Today we shall fight against a coup
such as yours. I shall never submit to your will, or to that of your human king and empress, or
to that of your Immortal, and neither will any of my kin. Leave us in peace and return with
your human friends. Leave the forest at once and go back to your so-called civilization; you're
not welcome here any more. "
Suddenly, a winged, one-foot tall creature appeared at a mere two inches from the nose
of Aessalar, and shouted: " Boo " as loud as she could with her soft voice. The surprised elf
lost his balance, and fell off the platform. The malicious sprite quickly cast a Featherfall spell
on him, causing him to fall slowly to the ground, while she burst into laughter, rapidly imitated
by the gathered elves.
The king said: " A member of the wee folk! Come closer to me, my little fellow, and
tell me who the hell you are, and what you are doing here. " The fair sprite fled toward the
elven lord, obviously very pleased by her impromptu entrance, and by her practical joke. She
bowed deeply to the king, and said with her most respectful voice_but still with a large smile
on her face:
" Your Majesty, my name is Maeva ap Lywell Van Gwernach, but my friends prefer to
call me Tac. I have traveled to this place with my friend Zoltan the Wise. I hope you will
pardon me for this little trick I played upon that elf, but I couldn't resist. He was flaming
Zoltan before he even had given him half a chance to justify. You know, he's really a good
fellow, and he certainly does not intend to enslave you nor anyone else, or do whatever other
horrors mentioned by that elf that unexpectedly left us way too early_much to our regret.
- Yes, to our regret, " answered Gilsangir laughingly. " But I guess you're probably
right, we haven't heard Zoltan's explanation yet_and nobody save himself can explain what
he meant with his title granted by a king of men. So, Zoltan, we all listen to you now.
- Contrary to Aessalar's opinion, I do not come here with that title to enslave you. In
fact, it is exactly the opposite: it will guarantee you that the humans claiming the surrounding
areas will never try to oust you from your homeland. By recognizing them, you are assured in
return of being recognized by them as full owner of that land. This won't change anything
regarding your way of life; this is only token fealty, just so that both races can live side by side
without any misunderstanding. It will be my entire responsibility to deal with the humans, and I
can promise you I'll never get you involved in their petty squabbles. The only noticeable
change for you will be that you may more easily engage in peaceful trade with humans; for that
matter, I'm sure Baroness Celia, who established a dominion near the coast south of here, will
be more than happy to cooperate. And I should add that I'm not gonna steal any power from
you, Lord Gilsangir, you shall continue to be the clan leader as before.
- I think this is going to be trouble " intervened Lady Alandira. " We don't need any
more clerics within our clan, we already have far too many. If we let that cleric of Ilsundal
settle among us, it will only cause many unwanted clashes with the clerics of Eiryndul we
harbor. You just saw an example of what will happen all the time, and this may only worsen.
We don't need yet another futile cult of a stupid Immortal, one is more than enough.
- My dear Alandira, everyone knows your opinion about faith. You're probably right
on one point, however: This may be a source of tension with the older clergy dedicated to
Eiryndul. Zoltan, although he is a short-lived human, is a powerful High Priest of Ilsundal,
whereas Calahas has not yet achieved that level at Eiryndul's service. " Gilsangir paused a
moment, pondering over the choice that was now his. " But as our little fellow of the wee folk
pointed out, Zoltan is definitely an Elf-Friend, and as such I trust him when he says he does it
to our benefit. Zoltan, I accept you become a clan member, and I allow you to become a vassal
of the human king and represent us. Zoltan, albino priest of Ilsundal the Wise, you are now one
of us, and you can settle among us with Tac, your malicious little companion.
- Thank you my Lord, this was a wise decision you shall never regret. I accept it with
honor and modesty.
- You will probably need a home of sort, I'll do what's necessary to get a home in a
tree prepared for you.
- I thank you for your gentle attention, but that won't be necessary. I shall grow my
own tree. " said the enigmatic priest.
Zoltan slowly left the meeting room, with Tac sitting on his shoulder with a large smile
on her face, leaving a startled king behind. The elves were happy with the decision, except for
three of them. Alandira was not pleased, and Calahas had earned a powerful rival. Aessalar,
who had just climbed back to the meeting platform in time to hear Gilsangir's decision, was
plotting revenge.
Chapter 3: In Which a Tree Is Born and an Elf Finds His Vocation.
After the feast in his honor, Zoltan retired to a calmer area. There he meditated alone,
with only the silent presence of Tac and the forest surrounding him. He grabbed a medallion
that was hanging at his neck. The medallion started to glow with a strong aura in the priest's
hand, for it was not a mere mundane one. This had been given to Zoltan by an old elven
Treekeeper of the Vyalia clan some years ago, and inside the pure crystal, a root cut out of a
Tree of Life was resting, still alive and imbued with the power of Ilsundal.
Zoltan had always considered it to be quite similar to the holy symbol clerics of all
religions used to channel the magical energy they received from their Immortal patron. But
now the true power of the root had become obvious to him. The ten Mother Trees Ilsundal
created centuries ago as part of his path to Immortality were his ten avatars, and the Daughter
Trees grow out of their limbs were a receptacle of his power, destined to protect his kin once
he had completed his quest. The root itself was compelling Zoltan to plant it.
The priest dug a hole in the earth, and put the root, still enclosed in the medallion, in
the hole. Tac stared at him, wondering what he was doing. Then Zoltan sat back, closed his
eyes, and began mediating and praying, entering a state of deep trance, in complete
communion with the tree to be. Tac waited a few minutes, wriggling about and growing
impatient. She sighed, then grumbled, and finally yawned. Seeing nothing was about to happen,
she decided to lie flat on a comfortable bed of mosses, and immediately fell asleep.
Tac awoke at dawn the following day, stretching herself deliciously, and suddenly
found herself falling to the ground. " Whoa, if I didn't have wings_ Hey, wait a minute, where
am I? I'm sure I didn't go to sleep on that tree. That's weird. And I never saw a tree like this
one, except maybe_ No, that can't be_ " The sprite fluttered around, obviously very excited.
" A Tree of Life! Can't believe it! Hey Zoltan, have you seen that? Zoltan? " The sprite
suddenly realized she was alone up there in the highest reaches of the tree, and flew toward the
ground. She spotted the priest sitting at the foot of the imposing tree. " Hey Zoltan, this is just
great! How did you do that? " At that point she realized Zoltan was still in that same deep
trance as the previous evening and so couldn't hear her. " Oops, the process's not over, I
guess_ "
That day, the young Tsunamir had decided to wake up early, and go hunting alone. He
rapidly got dressed, grabbed his longbow and arrows, and left his home. He had just left the
Foresthome when he stumbled upon an unexpected obstacle: A tree was standing in front of
him, where there was none the day before. And what a tree! Tsunamir was struck at the sight
of the most dazzling tree he had ever seen. He felt mystically attracted to it, compelled to tend
it; it was like he had discovered a meaning to his life. From that day on, his life would be linked
to that tree.
Tac hailed the elf. " What's your name, young elf?
- I'm Tsunamir the Dashing. You are the little sprite that played a practical joke on
Aessalar yesterday, aren't you?
- Yes, but sh! Zoltan is meditating, I don't think we shall disturb him right now. All
that clerical stuff is serious, after all, and it amazes me how powerful it can prove to be. Ya see
the results! A Tree of Life!
- This is a Tree of Life, really? I had already heard tales about them, but I had never
actually seen one. We Shiye-Lawr have followed Eiryndul eastwards when King Mealiden
Starwatcher led our people out of the Sylvan Realm via the magical rainbow, and we didn't
bring any Tree of Life with us, although we kept memory of the grand trees. "
A patrol of elves guarding the village showed up.
" Hey, what happened here? I don't remember that tree_and what a tree_, though I
know this forest quite well.
- Well, it grew overnight " answered Tsunamir.
" Overnight? Are you kidding? What kind of joke is that? Who is using illusion magics?
- This is plain real, buddy, " intervened Tac, " although I would have loved setting up a
trick like that_thanks for giving me the idea. I think the wizard Arcadius knows about some
spell called Phantasmal Terrain or something like that. I wonder if...
- But how could a tree grow in just one night? Any sane elf knows such things take
years, or even centuries for a tree like this one.
- Oh, that's no normal tree, this one is a legendary Tree of Life. Zoltan's a cleric of
Ilsundal, remember? And please, can you shush up, he's still meditating. And lower your bows,
I'm no polymorphed orc!
- Sorry. Well, er... Salinor, go to the palace and fetch Lord Gilsangir. And Calahas,
too, I think he will be very interested. "
The elf nodded, and left. He came back a few minutes later with the king, Calahas, and
many elves curious to learn what was causing so much agitation.
The group stopped at the sight of the Tree. They stared at it, totally amazed.
" You certainly understand why I prompted you to come. The little sprite says it is a
Tree of Life, and that Zoltan caused it to grow overnight.
- And what did Zoltan say?
- Well, he couldn't say much_he's still in a deep trance. In fact, I am quite
preoccupied by his health. It seems he spent the whole night sitting there in the cold, and I
don't think he's used to the rigors of our nights. "
An elf child standing in the crowd asked loudly: " Is he dead, dad? He's completely
white.
- No, he isn't, sonny. He's always that way, he's just an albino. Mother Nature forgot
to paint him when he was born. This is his natural coloration. "
Calahas walked up to Zoltan, kneeled down, and looked at the human priest: " Yes, he
seems to have suffered from the frost. I can barely feel his heart pulsing. I fear he will die if we
don't help him. " He paused. " But if we take him back to the Foresthome and try to heal him,
we will certainly break his meditation, and I don't know what effects this could have on
the_ " He paused again. " _the Tree of Life. The decision is yours. "
The king weighed the different options, but he knew he had to make up his mind fast,
for waiting could mean Zoltan's death. " Take him back to the Foresthome, we shall heal him
there. Abandoning him here would commit him to a certain death.
- And what about the tree?
- Nothing. We shall wait until Zoltan recovers consciousness. Only he knows what he
has to do regarding it. "
When Zoltan finally awoke, he realized he was not amid the trees any more. The voice
of an elven maiden sounded: " At last you are back to this world. We feared nothing could
bring you back to health. You remained unconscious for a full month. We tended you, but
nothing improved your condition, neither well-known medicinal herbs nor Calahas's healing
spells.
- Where am I? Where is the forest?
- Oh, we brought you to the Foresthome. Outside you would already have died of
exposure. Hey, don't try to leave your bed yet, you're not strong enough to stand up.
- I know the process took a heavy toll on my constitution, but I have to go to the Tree.
I really have to. "
Zoltan got up with great difficulty; his pain was obvious. He walked toward the door
made out of living wood, pitifully leaning on his walking staff. He reached the door, grabbed
the handle, and stayed there a few seconds, recovering from the mere effort. The next step was
more difficult, however, for Zoltan now wanted to climb down to the ground. However, he
had been seriously injured many times during previous adventures with his companions, with
no more healing spells handy, and he had always managed to continue despite the suffering.
Furthermore, the quest was of much more significance to him this time, and his low
constitution just wouldn't stop him.
Zoltan firmly clenched the rope, and carefully climbed down. Once there, he set out for
the place where he hoped a new tree was now standing. Although this was not that far, it
seemed to him like it was miles away, both because of his temporary poor health and because
of his longing for the sight of the mighty tree.
When he reached the spot he was aiming for, the tree was standing there, majestic.
Zoltan felt the power of the Tree of Life permeate his entire body, and the pain was gone. A
young elf approached, and spoke to him:
" I was waiting for you, Master. I knew you would come.
- Who are you, young elf?
- My name's Tsunamir, Master. When the Tree first appeared, I felt its call. I thank
Thee Ilsundal for giving a meaning to my life. So I took care of the Tree while it was growing.
Is the process over, Master?
- No, it isn't. It will take five more years before it gains its full range of powers, but it
is already aware.
- I shall tend it through these five years, and afterward. Teach me the Way of the Tree,
Master. Teach me the Way of Ilsundal and I shall serve you and Him faithfully. "
Zoltan stared at him, wondering if Ilsundal in His great wisdom had really chosen the
young elf to enter in His priesthood. One thing was obvious, however: he would need an
assistant when he would leave the forest to represent the elves before the human king, as he
had promised, or when he would have to follow his old companions on an adventure.
" Tell me something, young elf: You said you knew I was coming. How is that?
- Oh yes, I almost forgot. Just before your arrival I found something lying at the foot of
the Tree. I think this is yours. "
Tsunamir reached for something in his pocket, and held it out to the priest. It was a
elven-designed medallion, with a well-cut crystal that reflected the morning sun in a dazzling
rainbow of light. Inside the crystal stood a small, living root, strongly pulsing in the presence of
the Tree of Life from which it was coming.
" Indeed it is, my son. "
Appendix: In Which the Main Characters Are Described.
Zoltan Hytaxius
Human Cleric of Ilsundal, level 10.
Strength 14, Intelligence 20, Wisdom 20, Dexterity 10, Constitution 13, Charisma 17.
Age: difficult to estimate, in fact only 27.
Skin: white, Eyes: white, Hair: white, Distinguishing mark: albino, 6'0", 168 lbs.
Born in a poor family of Thyatis City, Zoltan became the leader of a band of teenager
bullies as a way of not being rejected as a monster because of his lack of skin coloration. When
the girl he loved died of an overdose, he felt disgusted by the so-called civilization and left for
the west. In order to avoid contact with anyone he didn't follow the road, roaming aimlessly
through fields and forests alike. One day he stumbled upon a group of elves of the Vyalia clan,
between the countries of Thyatis and Karameikos. They treated him with respect, not giving
any particular attention to his lack of coloration. The local Treekeeper, saying his patron
Ilsundal had foreseen his fate would be very important to the Elves, taught to Zoltan the Way
of Ilsundal in only a few years_an amazingly very short time from the elves' point of view. He
also gave him a medallion with a root he had cut from the living Tree, telling him he would
know what to do with it when the time came. Still with no real goal in life, but now a young
cleric, he left the Vyalia. He met other young adventurers, and decided to go with them on
various adventures all over the Known World.
Maeva ap Lywell Van Gwernach, or more simply Tac
Sprite Fairy Wizard, level 9.
Strength 6, Intelligence 17, Wisdom 9, Dexterity 18, Constitution 9, Charisma 15.
Age: unknown, Skin: white, Eyes: blue, Hair: blond, 11", a few lbs only.
Little is known of the small, spirited and mischievous sprite, except that she originates
from the fairy world of Feywood; she decided to go with Zoltan, the friend of the forest-
dwelling creatures, when he traveled to her world with his group. She loves to play unharmful
tricks, and has always her tiny backpack full of weird objects she collects to that end. She
generally remains Invisible to Mortals in order to better surprise her victims. Although she's
now a somewhat experienced spellcaster, her spell range is limited to nature-oriented ones, and
she often uses them to play practical jokes rather than on more vital issues_much to the
dismay of Zoltan's adventuring companions.
Calahas
Elf Cleric of Eiryndul, level 7.
Strength 14, Intelligence 15, Wisdom 17, Constitution 14, Dexterity 17, Charisma 13.
Age: 520, Skin: pale, Eyes: green, Hair: blond, 5'2", 125 lbs.
Previous highest-ranking priest of the village. He opposes Zoltan both for personal
power and on behalf of his patron immortal. He won't directly challenge his clan lord's
authority but tries to influence him. Can temporarily rally Zoltan if the clan is seriously
threatened.
Aessalar
Elf Cleric of Eiryndul, level 3.
Strength 16, Intelligence 14, Wisdom 14, Constitution 15, Dexterity 18, Charisma 10.
Age: 240, Skin: pale, Eyes: blue, Hair: golden blond, 5'4", 140 lbs.
Assistant to Calahas, he violently opposes Zoltan, even if it should lead to problems for
the clan or himself. He will first try tricks_following his patron Immortal's teachings_, then
become more dangerous if Zoltan gains power within the clan. He's not beyond trying to burn
down the Tree of Life, or attacking Zoltan or his allies.
Lord Gilsangir
Elf Fighter/Wizard, level 12/8.
Strength 16, Intelligence 17, Wisdom 18, Constitution 12, Dexterity 11, Charisma 15.
Age: 880, Skin: pale, Eyes: blue, Hair: white, 5'4", 130 lbs.
Kind, benevolent, fair ruler of the Foresthome. Generally slow to make his decisions,
because he always wants to listen to everybody's opinion and then decide what's better for his
kin. His decisions are law, however, and no elf in the clan will challenge them.
Lady Alandira
Elf Wizard, level 12.
Strength 8, Intelligence 18, Wisdom 14, Constitution 10, Dexterity 17, Charisma 14.
Age: 830, Skin: pale, Eyes: violet, Hair: violet, 5'1", 110 lbs.
Alandira believes one should always try to achieve greater personal power_not a
common attitude for an elf_, and that the best way to do this is by studying magic and
mastering it. To her, following an Immortal doesn't help, you are just a pawn for him. So she
opposes all clerics, but only if that's not too difficult, dangerous or time-consuming_she has
better things to do. Influencing her husband is an easy way.
Tsunamir
Elf Cleric of Ilsundal, level 1.
Strength 15, Intelligence 16, Wisdom 14, Constitution 14, Dexterity 18, Charisma 12.
Age: 150, Skin: pale, Eyes: green, Hair: golden blond, 5'3", 130 lbs.
Tsunamir is a very young, still turbulent elf, who does not much except singing,
hunting, flirting, in short, having fun. When Zoltan's Tree of Life appears, its majesty and
beauty strike him, and he embraces Ilsundal's way. He tries to be a good acolyte to Zoltan the
Treekeeper, but he's still very young, naive and impulsive. He would give his life to save the
Tree of Life.