Whip-Tongue's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Whip-Tongue stood at the base of the Emerald Moss Podium, his webbed fingers gripping his bone staff. The trials were done. Now the real work began. He needed to find the true Green Paladin, someone worthy of the power waiting here. The Fae Foundry would be watching his every move. He looked up at the ancient stage before him. Vines twisted through carved stone columns. Green light pulsed from deep within the moss-covered surface. This was where he would bring his chosen candidate, where the Fae Foundry would judge if he had chosen well. His throat croaked as he swallowed hard. One wrong choice and he would lose their respect forever. The podium hummed with earth magic, waiting for someone pure of heart. Whip-Tongue turned away from the stage and adjusted his wide-brimmed hat. He had passed the trials, but that meant nothing if he failed this task. The world was full of fighters and heroes, but finding one without darkness in their soul would be hard. He tightened his grip on his bone staff and started walking. The search began now, and it would not end until he stood here again with the right person at his side. Something caught his eye near the podium's edge. A puzzle box sat wedged between two roots, its neon green and purple surface glowing in the dim light. A savage clown face leered from its top. Whip-Tongue crouched down and picked it up. The Riddle-Box felt warm in his hands. He turned it over, studying the panels. This was another test from the Fae Foundry, one more challenge to prove himself. His orange eyes narrowed as he pressed one corner. The box clicked and shifted. A voice whispered from inside, asking him a question about truth and honor. He answered carefully, his words measured and honest. The box opened with a soft pop. Inside lay a single leaf that glowed with the same green light as the podium. He understood now. This leaf would help him recognize the true Green Paladin when he found them. He tucked the glowing leaf into his pouch and moved past the podium. The Earth Trials stretched out before him, an open course filled with traps and obstacles. These challenges had tested his own strength, but now he saw their true purpose. The Green Paladin he found would need to pass through here too. They would face these same dangers and prove their worth to the Fae Foundry. Whip-Tongue walked through the course one last time, memorizing each trap and barrier. His quest was clear. Find someone who could survive these trials and stand pure before the Emerald Moss Podium. Only then would he earn the respect he sought.