A Destiny in Bronze (Bronze Age Fantasy)

"South," you suggest. "We're certain to find something and it isn't quite so dangerous as most think, so long as we're careful."

Ruth nods her head after a minute.

"I've not been down that way too often. But it really isn't that terrible. Especially past the swamps. We just need to avoid Tanaach and Zepath, and try not to stray too close to Bnaimokt in the east."

The plan is set in motion. Before you go, though, you have one last visit to your grandfather to make...

---

His sanctum is different today. Most often it is a small forest, one that is almost claustrophobic to you. You don't like your mystical senses being "turned off." A part of you had gotten used to simply knowing that a rock was underneath your foot, to naturally shifting around obstacles, to occasionally seeing a glimpse of what is to come. That is all gone here, in this place, ostensibly for your own protection.

The sky is filled with stars and the moon looms high in the sky. That is normal here, no matter the time outside. On rare occasions it will be day, most often noon. Sometimes dawn. The arrangements have a meaning behind them you are certain. You just don't understand them, not entirely.

What is not normal is the massive creature standing outside your grandfather's forge. At first you thought it a bear that he had tamed, but that is not it. It is... a dog. A stupendously massive one. A single paw is larger than your head and it stands taller than you. It sniffs at you and lets out a low growl. You feel the reverberation of it in the earth, in your chest, and it lets loose a single large whoof. A stark terror grabs hold of you... and then fades away almost as quickly.

You don't think this dog likes you.

"Snarls," you hear your grandfather command. "She's not an enemy."

Instantly, the massive dog calms himself. You still get the distinct impression that he doesn't like you. But he is not hostile any longer.

"My apologies. I had not been expecting you today," your grandfather says. "He was keeping me company as I worked."

He motions for you to follow him into the forge. Typically, his forge is neatly organized, every tool neatly put away and the forge fire dead. Now? The fire roars and his tools, while not disorganized, are clearly put in place. You have seen him work his craft on only very rare occasions, and only in limited amounts. He had offered to teach you more but you had lacked the interest to pursue it.

The roof of his forge had small holes placed in it. You had thought it something to do with the stars and now you see that confirmed. The light from the stars shines through these holes... and it congeals. You don't know of another word to describe it. At some point, it shifts and changes, into a physical substance that you can reach out and touch. Your grandfather motions you to wait a moment.

"Very precise part, this, than I can take a break."

He raises a hammer you haven't seen before. It looks much like any other hammer you've seen... except for the voice coming from it. The hammer is chanting in time with the blows on the hammer. Your grandfather is as well, though each of them are saying different things. You don't really know what they're saying. It's in the priestly tongue, of which you only know a smattering.

The chanting continues for a time. And then your grandfather places the hammer down, reaches out and grasps the glowing hot bronze in his hands. He shows no discomfort at this as he forcefully shapes it with his hands. You understand that bronze smithing typically requires molds, but it seems your grandfather doesn't really do things like that?

He speaks as he finishes.

"Working it directly, with your hands, allows for a closer connection with it. The closer the connection, the more I can put of myself in it, the more I can change it in unnatural ways. This applies to more than metals. It applies to everything. It is a lesson you must learn well. Now, why have you come? I understand that you and the other girl are going to try your hand at adventuring, or perhaps monster hunting. Surely you have more important things to do than listen to the ramblings of an old man?"

He might be old but he certainly doesn't look it.

"I came for suggestions. We head south and I would like to know of possible destinations."

Your grandfather grins at this.

"Good. Good! You have many opportunities before you! Wealth, glory, lost secrets, all of these are available... depending on the destination, and your skill. Now, listen closely..."

[] "The first possibility lay in the Lands of Zepa. Yes, it is an El-cursed swamp, and danger is plenty here. Yet to the north and west of Tanaach lay a cavern. It was sealed in ancient days by Zepa, and only those of his lineage may enter. I entered it once in my youth, and made accord with the creature that lay within. Do not approach the beast, unless you lack choice, for it is pitiable and in this lay danger. I will reward you handsomely for anything you discover within the ruins. Gold and silver for much of it, especially for the idols that lay within, and more than mundane items I will repay in kind. Do not tarry overly long for the cavern is near the sea. This nearness is why I do not approach it myself, you are much less noticeable." (Danger: Low to Extreme, Profitability: High, Glory: Low to None, Secrets: Some)

[] "Another possibility lay far to the south. Once you go beyond the swamps, the greatest danger passes, and you might find an arid land. These lands extend outside of Zepa's traditional claim, and is not quite desert. In a cave, there lives a great hydra called the Titan of Belus. It's gaze turns men to stone. Within it will lay a matana. I will well reward you for it. There are likely many other treasures within the cave, claim what you like from it, though I ask to inspect any interesting pieces." (Danger: High, Profitability: Medium to High, Glory: High, Secrets: Few)

[] "Beyond even the Titan, the lands turn wet and temperate. Many strange monsters may be found here. Most dangerous is the Lammu, a massive beast spawned from the sea. It has the body of a serpent, with the mane and claws of a lion. It controls water, so try to fight it away from any large sources. I will pay for any useful pieces you bring." (Danger: Very High, Profitability: Low to High, Glory: Very High, Secrets: None to Few)

[] "Beyond the Titan, and to the east, near to where the Mountains extend south, you might find rocs. These creatures are not entirely without danger, but an individual should prove little difficulty to a band of trained Blooded warriors with bows. Their nests contain significant amounts of gold and I will pay for any eggs you might bring, as well as any meat you manage to preserve." (Danger: Medium, Profitability: Low to Extremely High, Glory: Medium, Tasty: Yes, Secrets: None)

[] "I do not speak of this lightly. It is said that the lands of King Amoq, lord of all giants, lay to the distant south. You will not return for a year or more if you go, and the danger is greater than any other, save disturbing what lay north-west of Tanaach... and perhaps, greater than that. Yet these giants contain fine gems that make magnificent sacrifices to El. Sacrifice these as quickly as you may, do not keep them from the altar. If you go here, only cunning and piety will win the day, yet any trophies you return with..." (Danger: Extreme to Suicide, Profitability: Low, Glory: High to Extreme, Secrets: Some to Many)