Grandfather's Legacy

Day 7:

We had nearly half of our men killed. Our campsite for the night was attacked by canine-like creatures, along with the village. I'm not proud of it, but we used the villagers as bait to buy us time to flee. Now we're sitting on an empty patch of grass, cowering and waiting for the mist to clear.

Day 8:

There is still mist all around. One can only see a few paces in front of them. We can do nothing but keep moving forward.

Day 11:

We have been exploring this area for days. The sun doesn't appear to be anywhere. Changes in brightness are the only way we have to determine the time. You can't even see your own hand in the darkness of the long, chilly nights.

My tried-and-true compass just keeps spinning, and despite my best efforts to keep the team together, morale is at an all-time low. I think there will be a mutiny in the next few days, but let the bastards come! I didn't make it past those nutjobs in Cinis who wanted to hurl me into the goddam volcano, so I can die here like a dog!

Day 13:

I killed three men today by myself. I exiled from the group a woman and a boy who was only 15 years old. By now, command of the group ought to have been reclaimed. I only had proof of the treachery of two of the men. I had to make it clear, though, that any further disobedience will result in a quick demise.

Either by my hands or by the creatures that lurk in the mist.

They planned to poison our food and take the rest for themselves and their friends. These ungrateful scumbags.

Day 14:

Even though we went to sleep in the same barren area as before, I still find it hard to believe that when we woke up this morning, we were in a lush forest.

We're currently resting in our camp next to a small stream of water. gathering materials and getting ready to move forward. Most of the animals and plants here are ones I have never seen before in my life.

The surroundings make me think of images I have seen of the vast, ancient tropical forests that once covered the area where Lasurstein is now located.

No threat was too great for us to overcome, even though we had to fight off a few Predators.

Day 15:

We discovered a cliff today from which we could finally see above the tree line. There is nothing I would want more than to have my paints, brush, and canvas with me. The forest extends so far into the distance that I am unable to see its end. I can see an impassable mountain range framing the forest on one side.

In that direction, it seems as though there is a valley. I believe I even caught a glimpse of some tall buildings. In order to be certain, we must get closer.

…

Day 20:

For days and days, we marched. Today, we at last had a clear view of the Valley in front of us.

Once more, I wish I could slap my former self across the face. Massive mountains encircled the valley; they appeared to be restraining the skies' wrath because huge thunderclouds appeared unable to pass them. Vineyards, fields, small towns, and finally a magnificent palace on the outskirts of a major city come into view.

I can make out majestically tall spires, arches, and pathways even from a distance.

Every living and deceased architect from the empire was spit in the face by these out-of-scale structures that were constructed at nearly impossible angles.

Some elements make me think of Lazuli and its lush Gardens. The grandeur and magnitude of the scale may even surpass constellation. The powerful volcano Orbis, the guardian god of the Obsidian Kingdom, appears to be a large lump of rock in comparison to the enormous mountain range.

One of my men just noticed smoke coming from a small village. We need to leave right away and start moving.

Later, I'll continue the journal.

Day 21:

Much has happened since yesterday. I can only write a few lines at this time. We have been running all day, and we are currently taking a brief break. We took off running as though the free company was after us to challenge us.

We will all perish here if we do not arrive at the gate in time.

Day 25:

Days of being pursued by the storm's hounds came to an end today when we reached the halfway point of the peak. The enormous metal gate looms before us, and I only have a short amount of time to try to capture everything on paper.

Monsters are still behind us.

When we first came across a small hamlet on the outskirts of the valley a few days ago, we carefully examined the area but found no evidence of any farmers residing there. There were no domesticated animals, cut firewood, or tiled fields.

The chimney of the lone hut, however, was producing smoke. I ultimately made the decision to simply call out, and to my surprise, the door swung open. Despite the fact that no one was visible, I manned up and went inside by myself because my men were too afraid. Immediately behind me, the door slammed shut.

Many strange plants, animal parts, and artifacts were used as interior decorations.

But before I could get a good look, an elderly woman who was rocking in her chair spoke to me and said:

"Come in, handsome, and sit down." She indicated the small table and wooden chair next to her with her hand.

She abruptly interrupted me just as I was about to introduce myself after sitting down.

"Give me one good reason to not feed you to the hounds of the storm, I don't care why you lot are in this realm!" Her cold tone of voice and piercing dark eyes made me regret my decision.

I, however, am the great merchant explorer! How am I, your all-powerful ancestor, to submit to a simple witch?

After a few carefully chosen, sweet words and even sweeter honeyed wine, I was able to partially break down her defense.

You know you are not bad for a wanderer, so let me offer you some advice. She had red cheeks, and I could see that her pupils were slightly dilated.

"Whoever is foolish enough to tempt the gods will only bring ruin upon himself and the entire myriad of planes!"

Although I didn't understand what she was saying, I had to take her words seriously because of how solemn she appeared.

I kept on offering her spices, meats, and more wine after that to buy her loyalty.

Our asses are saved thanks to my former self, who packed all those rare and expensive goods. We would all have perished in this dream world if that old hag hadn't leaked the knowledge of the gatekeeper, guiding light, and storm servants.

The howling of the hounds, which sounds like thunderclaps and is already audible, is getting louder and louder.

She revealed the password to me as "Gatekeeper, I wish to wake up."

Whatever that implies, we might as well attempt to enter through that enormous metal gate. I find the metal to be very strange, and I can sense a strong force emanating from it. It almost seems as if something or someone is looking down on me.

Hér stendur vörður Draumaheimsins

I can't understand the meaning of the phrase that keeps repeating in my head, but I managed to write it down. I'm going to assume that this thing is the gatekeeper, so I'm going to try to enter the password.