Heroes of the Heartlands.
That’s what they’re calling us now.
We few, the Oracles chosen, first met in the Sour Vintage inn, in the Heartlands outside Estoria. It’s as clear as a candle in the darkness that each of us is marked for something very different from the local farmers. It’s an odd a group as I’ve ever seen. New folk- a gnomish scholar of some repute and a delicate elf wielding a brutish sword- with a minotaur, a siren and my own equine heritage are hardly likely companions. Another woman, though she kept her hood and features hidden. Each to their own.
After half a decade without the companionship of the tribe, I must admit, their company was pleasant.
The Oracles sent word through an agent- she carried the name Kyrah, named for the goddess of music and she certainly held herself as regally as any goddess. As voices raised in song that evening, she certainly seemed delighted. One has to wonder.
The Oracle has foreseen great things for each of us, but wanted to test our resolve first, slaying the Great Boar.
Two locals, Taneias and Javon, led us to its lair, companions of Kyrah she had picked to guide our steps.
A pit dug where the boar seemed likely to charge and hidden by the sorceries of our gnomish companion seemed to be quite effective and the sorceries of our companions flashing down from the high ground certainly maddened it enough to drive the beast into the trap.
The battle was fierce, but we few seem to have been picked for good reason. In the end, it was the Boar that was slain, but not without cost. Helikaon the elf took a grievous wound in the process and Taneias and Javon fell beneath its tusks in the initial charge. I’ll grant the elf this, slight he might be, but he can wield that blade like it is an extension of his own arm.
As we built a pyre to offer our thanks to the gods for our victory, Taneias and Javon joined the beast in the flames- May their names be uplifted in song for their bravery! It was after some discussion, Mytros we dedicated our prayers. I like not the bullying of Sydon and the older gods. But one that gave herself for us- that may just be worthy of the title.
As tokens of her admiration, Kyrah gave each of us a golden arrow. They’re beautiful workmanship, though I profess I’m a poor hand with a bow.
Heroes of the Heartlands. I hope we can live up to the name.