Field Notes — Day 26 of Yearwake, 509 D.A. ملاحظة قصصية · الجزء 5 من 6

I've felt this heat before.

Long ago, I left my assistant Nala to research a monument within the Pillars of Creation... a strange, portal-like structure amid a sea of flame.

She called it a "gateway"— a jest, I know. And yet: Perhaps she was right. And perhaps... this platform could be similar: A teleporter to the isles above.

Of course, it's not activated. That would be too easy, wouldn't it?

Two observations:

1. I see pillars of light in the distance, aligned with the directions of the markers that surround the platform.

2. These pillars may be akin to the beacons of the Ancient Spires, and must be conquered to power the teleporter!

...Let's add a third remark, for good measure:

3. My provisions are running low. I cannot, should not leave this platform.

I wonder what Nala or Fran would say if they could see me now: On the other side of the world, the edge of eternity, reaching for the stars while being chained to a pit.

It seems I only learnt the language of the Ancients to understand a single, cruel joke. In fact, I may have become the punchline.

Well, we'll see who gets the last laugh. I still have hope. I always will.