2002: Seth Bluepyre II
Note: This was originally posted on the short-lived uo-europa.com official page, rather than on uo.com.
It had been almost a week since I had left my master’s home in Cove. The quiet coastal valley already seemed little more than a childhood memory, and the open lands I am used to had become thick with trees, with vast mountain ranges dominating the horizon.
I made steady progress, and opted to travel along the more seldom used trade routes to the North of Britannia, hoping to avoid any encounters with bandits and plunderers along my way.
One evening I was travelling Eastwards, when I stopped to enjoy the sunset. Setting my backpack on the ground, I sat and watched as the sun dipped majesticaly beneath the distant ocean, casting a shining halo of golden orange across the water. The air was salty and fresh, and I soon felt myself drifting into a slumber. Suddenly I heard the sound of horses being led my way, so jumping up and gathering my belongings, I ducked behind a nearby thicket out of sight. From between its thorny branches I had a good view of the road ahead, and it was not long before the two riders came into view. They looked like peaceful folk, mayhaps travelling gypsies, but one can never be sure so I kept myself concealed as they grew closer.
“Woah down” Cried one of the riders, a young man covered in leather armour.
He was looking my way, the hairs on my neck stood up and my heart raced so loudly I could have sworn they would hear it.
“Come out!” Demanded the man, drawing a small cutlass from its sheath.
I slowly stood up, clutching my spell-book close to my chest.
“Who goes there?!” He shouted, I glanced at him and his female companion, regained my composure, and replied.
“So.. Seth Bluepyre eh? Well, ‘tis good to see your not a bandit, though what little wares we carry would scarce be worth the burden” He said, still smiling confidently.
“Might I ask… where are you going?”
“My wife and I are journeying towards Empath Abbey, in Yew. There is a market day there, and god willing we are going to sell our leather goods.” He said, pointing to some large satchels strapped to his horse.
“Sounds intriguing” I replied, still slightly at a loss for words.
“Aye, would you like to accompany us friend?” He offered.
“I would gladly, but ‘tis not too far to the outskirts of Yew forest, and I am enjoying the walk. Besides, I would not like to slow you both down, I have no mount.” I said, now feeling comfortable in their presence.
The man wished me luck and good travels, his wife made sure I had enough water in my flask, before they both led their horses up the road into the distance. I smiled, tis always nice to meet such warm people upon a lonely road.
It was not long before I could see the peaks and spires of Empath abbey rising above the towering trees of Yew Forest, and I could already hear the crowds. The main road was awash with people from all walks of life, and heavy wagons rumbled past, laden with their owner’s wares. People were gathering near the towering Abbey walls, where some stalls were set up. A large sign read ‘Yew Craft fair’. I had always loved such markets, as I always marvelled at the skilled craftsmans work. I have always been a trifle clumsy, and have nothing short of admiration for people who are so talented with their hands.
A rather regal looking man on horseback trod slowly past, nodding at me as he did so. He was wearing yellow and black, and carrying a mighty halberd, and I could make out a few more in the crowd donning the same uniform. Thinking it likely he may be responsible for the festivities, I approached him.
“Hail sire! I shouted above the commotion.
“I am Seth Bluepyre”.
“Greetings Seth!” He shouted, scanning to his left and right as he did so.
”Mayhaps we should go inside!” He shouted, pointing toward the huge wooden Abbey doors with the tip of his halberd.
