Chapter 16

John decides to approach the group of merchants, hoping they might have more information about the strange occurrences in Ebonshire.

John: "Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation about the unusual phenomena happening around town. I'm new to Ebonshire and I've been trying to learn more about its history and recent events. Can you tell me more about these strange happenings?"

Merchant 1: "Well, as we were saying, there have been reports of odd lights and ghostly figures in the woods. It's been the talk of the town for the past few weeks."

Merchant 2: "Yes, and some people believe it has something to do with the old legends about the scholars and their hidden knowledge. But who knows if there's any truth to that?"

Merchant 3: "There are also rumors of a hidden chamber beneath the old church, but I've never met anyone who's actually seen it. It's all just hearsay and tall tales, if you ask me."

John thanks the merchants for sharing their insights and considers whether these strange occurrences might be connected to the scholars, the ritual, or the ley lines. The discussion has only fueled his curiosity and determination to uncover the truth.

John decides to search for any locations that might be connected to the mysterious ritual mentioned in the scroll. He walks around Ebonshire, keeping an eye out for any unusual landmarks or structures that could be of significance.

As he strolls through the town, he notices a small, secluded park with a pond, which seems to have an unusual number of old trees and intricate rock formations. The atmosphere in the park feels different, as if there's a lingering energy in the air.

Curious, John takes out his map and sketches to see if this park corresponds to any of the marked locations. He realizes that the park is indeed one of the locations marked on the map, and it's also situated near one of the ley lines mentioned in the scroll.

Feeling that he's on the right track, John decides to explore the park further, paying close attention to the trees, rocks, and any other features that might be connected to the scholars or the ritual.

John approaches the rock formations, carefully examining each one for hidden clues. He searches for any markings, symbols, or unusual features that might be connected to the scholars or the mysterious ritual. As he inspects the rocks, he discovers that some of them are arranged in a specific pattern, forming a circle.

Upon further investigation, he finds that there are small, intricate carvings on the rocks, which seem to be symbols similar to those he has encountered in his research. He takes out his sketches and notes, comparing the carvings to the symbols he's seen before.

Excited by this discovery, John dedicates time to sketch the rock formations and the symbols carved into them. He believes that this location might be significant in relation to the ritual and wants to ensure he has a thorough record of it.

John moves on to examine the trees surrounding the rock formations. He searches for any markings or symbols that might be connected to the scholars, the ritual, or the ley lines. He carefully inspects the bark of the trees, the branches, and even the ground beneath them.

After a thorough examination, John discovers a few faint markings on some of the trees. They seem to be similar to the symbols he's seen before, but much more faded and harder to discern. John takes out his sketches and notes, comparing the tree markings to the symbols he's encountered in his research.

Intrigued by these findings, John takes the time to sketch the markings on the trees, adding them to his collection of information. He wonders if these symbols are part of the same pattern as the ones on the rock formations.

John considers the information he's gathered so far and decides that the abandoned mansion might hold some key insights. He believes that investigating the mansion may uncover more about the ritual, the scholars, and the ley lines. He starts devising a plan to approach and explore the abandoned mansion.

John decides that it would be best to rest early and gather his strength for the investigation ahead. He heads back to the inn, where he thanks the innkeeper for the hospitality and retires to his room.

Once inside his room, John checks the door and windows to ensure they are secure, then lies down on the bed, allowing the events of the day to wash over him. With so many mysteries still left to unravel, he knows that he'll need all the energy he can muster for the days ahead. As he drifts off to sleep, thoughts of the abandoned mansion and the scholars fill his mind.