Karn stood by a warm fire in the Polliwog Tower as Master Giblet moved swiftly to secure the giant oak doors.
Where did he get the wood? Wondered Karn. The tower seemed to hold many secrets.
Karn watched with a mix of curiosity and caution as the frogman wielded a set of iron keys, deftly locking the enforced entrance. Once satisfied, Master Giblet positioned a thick bracing timber behind the doors, as if fortifying the tower against threats. Karn couldn't help but wonder what kind of thief would venture all the way out here. It was so remote.
While Master Giblet busied himself with securing the rest of the first floor, Karn's gaze wandered around the room, drawn to the most recent addition to the Froggian history, depicting a large-scale war alongside the figure of a mysterious pale-winged shape that remained unfinished. As Karn moved closer, he could make out the familiar shapes of Felren warriors, Kraven and something else. Big hulking shaggy Bearmen.
The level of craftsmanship was astounding, as if every thread had breathed life into the scene. Karn marvelled at the intricate details—the subtle ripples in the clothing of the Froggians, the glistening droplets of sweat on their brows—that brought a sense of realism to the portrayal. It was as if he could almost hear the clashing of weapons and feel the tension in the air captured within the vibrant threads.
Noticing Karn's admiration, Master Giblet's eyes twinkled with pride. He extended a webbed hand and gestured for Karn to follow him up the stairs. The steps designed to accommodate the unique physique of a three-and-a-half-foot-tall frogman.
As they ascended, Karn's gaze remained fixed on the tales depicted on the tapestries lining the walls. Each one told a different chapter of the Froggian history, leading them back in time on a visual journey through triumphs, hardships, and moments of great valour.
At the pinnacle of the staircase, the tapestries reached a climax. The last piece in the series portrayed an epic struggle against a horde of monstrous toads. These toad creatures, menacing and grotesque, loomed like giants with bulging eyes. The Froggian warriors fought valiantly against this formidable foe, their determination clear in their expressions and battle stances.
Master Giblet stood beside Karn, observing his fascination with a glimmer of satisfaction. "Those are the Toad Lords," he explained. "They were a terrifying enemy.” He sighed. “There were countless battles, and many losses."
"And did the Froggians win, then?" he asked.
Master Giblet nodded solemnly. "Indeed, we prevailed against them, but not without great sacrifice. The tales within these tapestries serve as a memorial of our people."
Karn's admiration swelled. He could sense the weight of their history, the trials and triumphs that shaped their identity.
As he watched the narrative play out, Karn couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion.
When they reached the second floor, he found the walls covered in even more tapestries, yet these were slightly faded, with less vibrant colours. A hint of dust filled the air as Master Giblet led the way across the wooden floor covered in dusty footprints.
Within the faded tapestries, Karn noticed the Froggians seemed to wear different clothes, depicting a time of peace. He marvelled at the old scenes of fishing expeditions, farming, and the construction of modest dwellings playing out before his eyes, each thread portraying the history of the age and the Froggian spirit.
As they continued their ascent, they came across an extensive set of tailoring equipment. Each wooden handle and wheel bore the marks of countless years of use, their surfaces worn and polished by the skilled hands that operated them. Rows upon rows of spindles held colourful threads, waiting patiently to be woven into new tapestries of life.
Master Giblet gestured towards the next set of stone steps, guiding Karn forward with a sense of purpose. As they climbed higher, the atmosphere grew even more dim and dusty. The only source of illumination came from the faint light that spilled in from the lower floors.
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Master Giblet approached a depression in the stone wall and retrieved an ancient candle from a weathered holster. With deftness born of familiarity, he struck a flint rock against a metal surface, creating a shower of sparks that briefly brightened the room. After a few more strikes, the wick of the candle caught fire, casting a warm and flickering glow.
The tapestries on this floor were significantly older than those below. They depicted a time when the Froggians no longer adorned themselves in clothes but lived in mud caves near a vast inland sea. The scenes portrayed the struggles and resilience of their ancestors, capturing an ancient way of life. As Karn and Master Giblet walked through the dusty room, their footsteps stirred the settled particles, leaving fresh footprints in their wake.
Between coughs, Karn couldn't help but ask, "When’s the last time you ‘ere up here?"
Master Giblet's expression turned solemn. "Not for an age, I'm afraid. The lower two floors have kept me busy for a long time."
Karn pressed further, curiosity gnawing at him. "I appreciate the history lesson, but why are you taking me up here?"
For a fleeting moment, Master Giblet's green face was illuminated by the warm candlelight as he smiled. "We’re off to see the dragon."
Without another word, he turned towards the next set of stairs, leading them to the fourth floor. The dust on this level seemed even thicker, resembling a dark snow that blanketed the floor. The tapestries that adorned the walls depicted a time of transformation and magic when spirits intertwined with the Froggian species near a mystical lake.
The images captured a profound moment when the creatures underwent a change, their shapes forever altered. As Karn's gaze swept across the scenes, he noticed other animals touched by the same magic.
Black birds soared through ethereal skies, and large cats merged with land-dwelling spirits. Even the towering mountains reached out to embrace hulking bears dwelling in the deep caves. Above it all, a massive white creature loomed, its wings spanning the entire expanse of the tapestry, as if reaching out to the heavens themselves.
The colours on these tapestries had faded significantly over time, their threads bearing only traces of their former hues. As Karn moved past the final few depictions, his eyes widened in recognition. The giant, runic symbols he had seen on the mountains and sky spirits mirrored the mark carved into Alec's heart stone. A realisation dawned—the Elementlets and Hybrid races shared an ancient bond, intertwined by forces older than time itself.
Overwhelmed by the wealth of information before him, Karn's mind swirled with countless questions, yet each time he tried to form one, his eyes were drawn to a new revelation, rendering him speechless. Master Giblet, sensing his confusion, gently guided him towards the topmost floor of the tower. As they ascended, the tapestries gradually faded away, giving way to the raw, ancient stone walls of the tower.
When they reached the last floor, Karn's brow furrowed in curiosity. The trail of dust that had accompanied them thus far dissipated, and a soft, crimson glow emanated from a mysterious object positioned at the centre of the room.
Sensing Karn's unease, Master Giblet reassured him, "Don't worry, I’ve complete control over this entrance, although it’s been a long, long time since I've used it."
Walking closer, Karn's eyes widened as he realised that the object emitting the red glow was none other than a door. It was a simple wooden door, unremarkable in every way, yet it seemed to float without hinges.
Without hesitation, Master Giblet strode towards the door and casually turned the handle.
As the door cracked open, an intense brightness flooded the room, casting everything into stark relief. A wave of an unexpected scent filled Karn's nostrils, causing his stomach to rumble from the unmistakable smell of freshly baked bread.
"Oh, they’ve improved the market district," said Master Giblet with delight, stepping confidently into the sunlight that streamed through the door. "I haven't been here for far too long."
Karn's eyes adjusted to the sudden burst of sunlight, and as he followed Master Giblet. The two of them had somehow stumbled into a sprawling city.
Massive white walls stretched far into the horizon, encapsulating a bustling city within. In the distance, majestic castle peaks pierced the sky, their grandeur a testament to a rich history.
His eyes widened as he took in the vast expanse of the cityscape. Towering multistorey medieval buildings, each unique in shape, size, and colour, dotted the landscape as far as the eye could see. Their vibrant walls added a lively mosaic of hues to the scene, creating a kaleidoscope of architectural wonders. Thousands of people filled the streets, going about their daily lives with an air of familiarity, seemingly unperturbed by the newcomers who had appeared out of thin air.
Merchants set up their colourful stalls, proudly displaying their wares and engaging in lively banter with customers. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, enticing passersby with its tempting allure. Musicians filled the streets with melodious tunes, their melodies weaving through the vibrant soundscape.
With a sense of wonder, Karn realised he had stumbled upon a realm where imagination knew no bounds.
Master Giblet threw a hand toward the tallest castle tower in the distance. “No time to lose. Let’s go see the Dragon.”