Roleplayer Guild - Forum Roleplaying Games

By the time the villagers of Uruos had all returned, the sun had reached its zenith. They had gathered around the shrine that was, essentially, the nexus around which their lives revolved. It was for this reason that its despoiling had wounded them so deeply. Their faces were painted with shock and rage, and beneath this there was horrified wonder, for they could not begin to fathom who might have stolen their most valued treasure.

The elders of Uruos had convened at the foot of the shrine, resting on the warm granite. Of all the villagers they were the most colourful, bedecked with a wide and exotic variety of flowers, feathers and beads, which formed necklaces and belts and were attached to all their garments. The female elders wore their hair long, scented and riddled with blossoms; the men had their beards similarly worked.

From among this old, wizened group came a man who somehow seemed more ancient than the rest. Helki was his name, most senior of the elders, and when he rose a hush fell upon the villagers. They awaited his word as they would that of their Creator, and indeed they esteemed him almost as much. Helki performed a complex gesture to welcome the women, and then another for the men. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse and dry, but carried far enough for all to hear.

“Your elders have discussed this incident thoroughly, for we were the first to return and discover it when we entered the shrine to pay homage. It is our interpretation that this is a test, to determine our loyalty in a time of crisis.” A change, barely perceptible, swept across the crowd like a wave, and their expressions became softer.

“We must exhibit our faith by retrieving the Creator’s gift,” Helki continued. “Not all of you may go: we can not all abandon our way of life. Many of you will be obligated to remain here, to rear children or hunt or teach, but those of you who believe you are worthy, stay behind, and we will see.”

Helki smiled warmly and made another complicated hand gesture, this time in courteous dismissal. "Please," he added, "do not be disquieted. This is a grand opportunity." The villagers slowly disbanded into smaller groups, all of them engaged in heated debate, and resumed their daily rhythms. Fires were lit, carcasses were butchered and prepared, and the children played games on the beach and in the surf.

A handful remained at the shrine when the throng had departed. Among them stood Flint, a young man of average height and slender build, with dark hair and dark eyes. He was eager to prove himself—not to the Creator, but to everyone else. He had been out with a hunting party that morning and still carried a spear and net.

Helki addressed a woman to Flint’s right, dismissed her, and then his gnarled old finger pointed toward him. Flint froze and struggled to keep his eyes level with Helki’s. “You are young and fit, Flint, and would be an asset to such an expedition.” At these words, the beginnings of a smile formed on Flint’s lips, quivering with uncertainty.

“But you are temperamental, and often rash. I will confer with the other elders.” These words were like a spear through Flint’s heart. His smile perished and his hands squeezed into fists. He was anxious, excited and fearful all at once, and he knew that the decision sat on a fine line and could fall either way.

For what seemed like hours Helki exchanged whispers with the other elders. The temperature seemed to soar, and Flint began to sweat, and he felt like all eyes were upon him, scrutinizing him, knowing that he was fit to burst.

It was almost too much when Helki suddenly turned. “You are chosen,” was all he said. Flint almost ruptured with triumph. He managed a stern thanks, a gesture of appreciation, and hurried off when Helki turned to the next man. When he was out of sight, Flint sprinted to the beach, casting off his spear and net, pounding through the sand and then diving into the clear sea. It was cool and refreshing, and beneath the water he screamed his elation.

It was the sort of opportunity he’d always wanted.