It seems we find ourselves with much to do. The prophecy names us heroes and say we will perform these labours, but would a real hero follow that path and leave those behind who needed them?
No. If we are to carry the mantle of heroes, we must live up to that ideal.
Theo let us know how his investigations went- a trail of what looked like dried wine led out the east gate and past a vineyard before he lost the trail. The tracks looked like goatlings- mean little creatures they are. I have no doubt it is they that took the Horn from the shrine, but they’re not known for their brains and initiative. Something sits behind their actions I’m certain.
He met with a vinter growing grapes whose daughter is missing. It seems to echo his own situation and he pledged his aid to finding her. This land is dangerous enough for adults, so I agree we should do what we can. I just pray we’re not too late.
After breaking our fast, we went our separate ways across the morning arranging to meet at the Agora for the evening meal. Alke headed north to reconnoitre the army and Calliope and Helikaon went to visit Pythor and the Dragon Shrine.
Braz, Theo and I headed to the smiths across the way. The smith turned out to be no ordinary man, but Volkan, god of smiths himself. We discussed the mythical forge we were seeking and were given directions. His apprentice was a friend of the missing vinters girl and is also missing. Something seems to be preying on the young of this city.
Worrying.
As we met at the Agora, ready to stake out a view of the nights sacrifice, a man approached offering us an emerald necklace for just a gold piece. The other merchants drove him off before we took what they knew to be a cursed item, taken from a consecrated tomb. He told us he had taken it from the Necropolis and we gave him the gold anyway in exchange for directions there. At least now our paths forward are known to us.
As dusk fell, we made our way out of the south of the city to observe the sacrifice site and see how we might protect the princess. I used my ties to the land to ask some of the birds, but I just got warnings of “danger” and “bad place”.
It was after dusk fell that we saw two basilisks swim from the river and devour the poor oxen left for them. A girl chained to a rock wouldn’t stand a chance.
We have plans to make.