The Forgotten Children
Original Character by Linea24; Story by The Atomic Punk
You must turn back. It is true that you will find the Sylvan Wood to the north. The Merchant Desert borders many kingdoms. However, this is no safe passage for merchants – or anyone. You are best to take your caravan around this cursed valley.
Travel along the Kobold River. You will reach your destination in twelve days. It will take you three weeks to cross the wind-swept Steppes, lest you encounter orks. Sailing the Great Wyrm Sea will take four months. Should you climb the Goblin Peaks to the east, your journey will last a year.
Dare not stray from the routes into the Merchant Desert. My siblings and I watch over its five corners. While it is true that you can cross the valley in a matter of days, there is no profit to be made. For in this wasteland lives a dragon merciless and fierce. He kills without hesitation. He will slay your soldiers. The beast will take your maidens for his brides as he has done for centuries.
The only things that thrive in these hot, unforgiving sands are the spawn of these unnatural unions. The half-breeds that drive the mothers to suicide. The inconsequential nothings that the dragon casts aside. Those fortunate enough to escape his wrath have no home. They have no heritage. They exist solely to warn travelers of the horror that stalks the desert valley.
Farewell, tradesmen and immigrants. Tell others of your encounter. Let them know of me. I am Quena. I am my father’s child.
