GLRP E&H Thurisaz: Beyond the Door, Part I
Title: Beyond the Door, Part I
Author: Prospero Faenis
-+* Translator's note: The following text has been translated to the best of my abilities. The task was difficult in that the original manuscript seems to have been a combination of many languages combined. In instances where interpretation was possible, I have used brackets to fill in what I believe may have been the author's intent. Please consider this when weighing the accuracy of this tome. - Baederman *+-
Part One
We stood in the temple, huddled together like small children trying to hide from a [thunderclap]. Grown men we were, reduced to weak-knees and chattering teeth. Bach's hands trembled so badly that the light from his torch made even the shadows quake, adding to the dismal atmosphere.
Our love for Brother Timlyn kept our feet firmly planted. Since he had been taken from us, we had no choice but to try to barter a deal to bring him home. Brother Iness warned against it and called us dolts. Iness was a coward, hiding his weakness behind a [thin veil of false contempt].
A raven flew in through an open window and perched on the altar. We figured it to be a sign of some sort, until it spoke. Then, we knew we had gone too far to turn back now. "You seek audience with my master?" it cooed, tilting its blue-black head to one side, watching us with its yellow eyes. "What makes you think that you are [worthy] of such a conference?"
I steeled my nerves and made myself speak up. "It is not that we consider ourselves [worthy]. Your lord has something which is dear to us and we wish to bargain for its return."
"A bargain?" the raven chuckled. "I sense trickery at play here. Surely, you do not believe one can bargain with my master. He has never been one to haggle. What's his is his. He keeps what he has and adds more. I have never known him to give anything but [misery and destruction]." It flapped its wings, sniggering to itself. "Are you certain you are setting your feet on the right path?"
I nodded. "We must. It is our obligation."
"And what will you offer in trade to my master if he should humor you and lend an ear to your proposal?"
"We have this chest of gold. It is all the wealth of our brotherhood." I pointed to the chest before the altar. "Reese has a fine sword with a jeweled hilt that he will pledge and I... I pledge myself."
The bird opened its beak, laughing loudly. "No fool like an old fool, is there? What would he want with you? Look at yourself!"
"What did he want with Timlyn? Whatever purpose Tim serves, I can fulfill. He is a young man and deserves to taste the sweetness of his youth. I am past those days."
"Well past them, I'd venture," the raven snorted. "You know not the weight of your offer, but far be it for me to stand between a man and his conviction. I am merely a [messenger]. Seek the gatekeeper. You will find him well north of a glorious temple. Get past him, face the master."
I stammered, "But there are many temples! Which one?"
The raven chortled. "I have done all I will for you. If you wish an audience with the master so badly, you will find the temple of which I speak." Another chuckle and the raven flapped its wings and was gone from us.
