Latebra Velora

Our journey to Latebra Velora was nearing its end. Just one more day of travel, and we would finally reach our destination. But as fate would have it, one last surprise awaited us.
 
That evening, I shared the first watch with Luke. The night was bitterly cold, with a strong wind sweeping across the land. As my eyes went over the horizon, I noticed a large shadow moving in the distance. Too far away to make out any details. I turned to alert Luke, but by the time I did, it had already vanished. Unsure of whether it was real or just my imagination playing tricks on me, I decided to let it go. As we already had more than enough to worry about.
 
Thankfully, the rest of the evening passed peacefully, allowing us to resume our journey feeling quite refreshed.
 
We had reached the treeline around midday and followed it east. It was then that Hayley, Liliana, and I caught the faint scent of smoke, likely from a nearby campfire. Seeing as it was coming from the direction that we were heading towards and in hopes of meeting fellow travelers who could offer insight into the area, we decided to investigate.
 
Before long, we spotted a small tent pitched near a crossroads. Though the figure seated in front of it was was hardly the traveller we had imagined. Clad in full armor, a skeleton sat calmly in front of the tent, cleaning his sword. Upon noticing us, he rose to his feet and stepped into the centre of the crossroads. And issued in a hollow voice a challenge. Asking for a duel to the death.
 
Alistan eagerly stepped forward and declared that he would love to fight him, but that he had no interest in doing so till death. Disappointed, the undead returned to his tent and sat down again. Allowing us to pass.
 
Still intrigued, Alistan asked him if he was indeed the Black Knight of legend. In response the skeleton let out a dry laugh and revealed that he was merely a retainer. Placed there by his master to test those who sought to challenge him.
 
This caught Alistan’s attention once more as he immediately accepted the challenge of a duel to the death. In keeping with tradition, the skeleton introduced himself as Baron Perenolde. A name I recognized from the histories of Keralon. He had been a renowned knight some fifty years ago, who had disappeared after setting out to confront the Black Knight.
 
The duel began as the two knights charged at each other. Swords flashing as they sought weaknesses in their opponent’s defences. Despite being undead, Baron Perenolde had lost none of his skill. But as skilled as he was, Alistan proved to be his superior. Finding the elusive opening and severing the Baron’s skull from his body. Thus ending the duel.
 
As Alistan caught his breath, we discussed our next steps. We could continue on our way towards the city and meet with Lady Morenthene. Hoping to gather more information on what we might face. Or, we could take the fight to our enemy first and attempt to drive him off.
 
We chose the latter, taking the northern route deeper into the forest. But unease gnawed at the back of my mind. As we had no real plan for facing the Black Knight. Confronting a Nemesis Knight was considered a death sentence. For defeating one would curse you to die within the year. A fate I wouldn’t wish on any of my friends, especially after Grandmother Rootskewer’s warning.
 
That unease only grew when, about fifteen minutes later, Liliana and I noticed something odd. Namely complete and utter silence. No birdsong, no rustling animals, not even the buzz of insects. Though through checking our surroundings, we could find nothing amiss. Eventually, as we continued on our way, the sounds returned. Though the moment lingered like a shadow.
 
By nightfall, we spotted a large camp ahead. Hearing the telltale sounds of hammers striking anvils, fires crackling and voices murmuring indistinctly. Accompanied by the smell of food drifted through the air.
 
Despite these signs of normalcy, the camp itself was anything but. Every single inhabitant was an undead. Either skeletons, wights, and ghasts. With the ground itself testifying to their presence. As dead grass spread outward from the camp as though drained of life.
 
As we approached, one of the wights stepped forward. Eager to learn who amongst us had defeated Baron Perenolde. Alistan stated that it was he and requested an audience with the Black Knight. Not to challenge him, but to talk.
 
The wight scoffed, saying the Black Knight only granted audiences to challengers. And sneered that if we wanted knowledge, we could go back to Keralon and read a book. Liliana bristled at the insult to her brother, ready to pounce. But Alistan wisely chose to avoid conflict and led us away.
 
Though the wight had been most unhelpful, our little detour was not in vain. As Hayley had used her potent gifts in order to pluck a stray thought from his mind: “The Challenge of the Lost Tournament,” a phrase linked to a former king of Keralon.
Unfortunately, the meaning eluded even the collected minds of Hayley and Luke. Hoping she might, Alistan attempted to contact Galiene via sending stone. Though sadly she did not respond. Not unusual in itself, but it did add to our growing worries.
 
We continued toward the city, eventually stopping to make camp. This time, we rested without incident. Only one oddity: a lone undead knight passed our camp, likely heading to take up Baron Perenolde’s vigil.
 
We then continued on our way towards the city. Before nightfall eventually forced us to stop and make camp. This time, we rested without incident. The only thing of note happening was when a lone undead knight passed by our camp. Likely heading to take up Baron Perenolde’s vigil.
 
Though it turned out that he did not have much more luck then him. When we returned to the crossroads, the camp lay in ruins. The knight having been torn apart. Judging by the abundance of tracks we could find, something massive had attacked him. Most likely a dragon. Perhaps Lady Morenthene’s patience had run its course. Or perhaps the knight had simply encountered a random force far beyond him. Regardless, as there was nothing left for us there, we simple continued on our merry way.
 
And after half a day’s worth of travel, we finally reached our destination: Latebra Velora.
 
Picture, if you will, a vast, ancient city shaped by the passage of time. At first glance, you would dismiss it as merely a ruin. Untill you notice how the vines and trees weave delicately through its structures. Reinforcing and enhancing rather than overwhelming them. Granting the city a primal beauty, crowned by a colossal tree at its centre. Its branches reaching skyward, as if to shield the city below like a mother’s embrace. Surely only being matched by Irminsul itself. That was Latebra Velora.
 
Now based on what you know of me, you might suspect that I find Latebra Velora to be more beautiful than Keralon. But I assure you, that’s not the case. For comparing the two does them both a disservice. Latebra Velora has a natural beauty that comes from its harmony with its surroundings. Whereas Keralon’s lies in the enduring legacy of its builders. Our ancestors who shaped it through sweat and sacrifice. Both are beautiful in their own right.
 
But my apologies, as it seems that I have gotten a bit of track, as I sometimes tend to do.
 
When we reached the city’s gate, we were stopped by the guards. Who, upon receiving the letter of introduction that Ambassador Rachnar had given Hayley, immediately send word of our arrival.
 
We didn’t have to wait long. A luxurious carriage arrived, from which stepped Surina Mystan. A green-scaled Dragonborn who exuded grace and elegance in her every motion. She introduced herself as a lady-in-waiting to Lady Morenthene and our guide.
 
She offered to take us to a local inn first, so we may rest before our meeting. An offer we gladly accepted. And we would have been more then content with a simple room, to our surprise she had rented the entire third floor for us. A most welcome luxury after the past few days.
 
After taking a moment to, as they say, wash the trail dust from our gullet, we rejoined Lady Mystan who had been waiting patiently for us. She then led us to the giant tree at the heart of the city. And it just occurred to me that to my great shame I had forgotten to ask her if it actually had a name.
 
At the tree’s base stood a massive gate, which opened just enough to let us inside. Allowing us to decent down a massive twisting tunnel, formed from the roots of the great tree.
 
At the end, we emerged into a cavern so vast that the entire village of Tarn could fit within it with room to spare. A mountain of gold glittered beside a shallow pool. In which lay Lady Morenthene herself.
 
It is truly a humbling experience to be in the presence of one so ancient and powerful. More so when she welcomes you with a wry remark, suggesting we might be the first humans and elf to leave her lair alive.
 
Following proper etiquette, we each made a deep bow and introduced ourselves to her. Stating that we were here to assist her in dealing with the Black Knight. Something that she was grateful for. For while the knight itself was not a problem to her, the curse he held might be another matter. A wise precaution, based on the curses that we had already seen.
 
In an effort to learn more, Alistan asked if we could consult her library. But as dragons have no need for one as they simple do not forget what they learn, that sadly was not possible. And considering that Galiene had not yet contacted Alistan, it seemed that the only way we might learn more was to return to Keralon. But as Hayley rightfully pointed out, there was no wisdom to be found in that. We were already here and we had a job to do.
 
We thanked Lady Morenthene and returned to the inn to rest for the night. Tomorrow, we would face the Black Knight.
 
But first, I had a souvenir to buy.