Wayward Tail: The Mortal Realms Trilogy, Book 1

Ptarian Code

The large double doors were in front of Artifax. Brother Belgeras was behind Artifax, waiting to follow him in the council chamber. He was to be seen by the other brothers, and presided over by Lord Kelpar. He took a deep breath and pushed the doors open.

Inside there were seven men and women standing in front of seven seats. The center seat was slightly more elevated than the others. Lord Kelpar occupied that space looking as incredulous as ever. He had large stained glass windows behind him so that he was wreathed in the morning light. Artifax remember the significance of the seaven seats, representing the Seven Heavens...

More memories began coming back from his short time in the Order. The six other council members, and the one head of the order were obliged to follow what was called the "Ptarian Code." Artifax tried to remember the code. "Justice and Good above all... Honor and Fealty to the King... Honor and Respect to Righteous Innocence... Damn it." Artifax remembered why he could never go back to the order. Artifax was hardly innocent the way the order expected him to be. But, he didn't feel any less dutiful...

"Artifax." Lord Kelpar interrupted his thoughts. "Welcome back to 'His' temple in Faerun. The great City of Spires. You are home." His voice took on less of a bellophonic tone as he looked to his left and right. "You may be seated." The chorus of council members did as he commanded.

An awkward moment passed as Artifax stood before them. Brother Belgeras took a vacant seat at the right hand of Lord Kelpar. The Lord began again, "It seems as though you have grown since you last stood before us."

"Is that a gnome joke." Artifax quipped, forgetting where he was. There was an echo of quiet snickering from various parts of the room. Lord Kelpar was not expecting this.

"Indeed you have grow little Artifax. Tales of your quest have reached us here in the south, and my, my what adventures you have seen... Some have said that you once died. But here you are, very much alive, chasing your true love to the giant islands. What do you say to these things?"

Artifax looked around, and the longer he stood silent the more like himself he felt. "I think I could use a drink and a guide for my quest. Unless you can help with one of these things, I should be on my way." Artifax no longer felt the desire to belong to this backward order as he once had in his mortal infancy.

Lord Kelpar's brow clearly showed his annoyance with the recent comments, but he replaced it with a smile. "What if I told you that I knew of a man who would very much like to help you on your quest?"

"What's the catch?"

Kelpar was now back in control and his smile widened. "There is something that we seek..." His voice trailed off, then he turned to the Brother Belgeras and spoke directly, "Go fetch Throk. It seems his master has arrived."