The Warrior
It was long into her journey that Astarte came across a mighty city, filled with bustling merchants and foreign smells. Along one of the business paths of the city she spied the strange form of a mighty warrior and approached with caution. To her amazement, the warrior spoke to her with hardly a sense that anyone of the passing strangers around her could here their silent conversation. “Greetings, child,” the warrior exclaimed, “It is no coincidence that you have come to me today. I have seen this meeting and know that you are special.”
Astarte responded, “I have felt this since I was born. But how?”
The warrior chuckled, “You can see beyond. I know this because it is not many that can speak to the Sentinels.”
She was confused, “The sentinels?”
“Yes,” the warrior continued, “I am the first of the Sentinels, the guardians of this land. Without our presence, the lands would fall into darkness. And I fear that without you, that way well happen still.”
“I don’t understand,” she responded, somewhat alarmed by the path that fate suddenly had in store for her.
“Yes, my child,” the warrior continued, “The Sentinels have seen the fates and without you, the land shall never pass into Spring this year. The winter shall be forever more. To see beyond will grant you the power to pass through these realms unharmed and seek the source of Spring. Only when you have does these things will Spring return to us.”
Astarte could not believe what had befallen her but in a moment’s notice, she was resolute to follow the words of the warrior and fulfill her fate. “So how do I start?” she inquired.
The warrior grumbled, “I am the first of six sentinels you will meet today. Look upon my tail feathers. Count the number and subtract one to get n. The next sentinel, The Angel, is located close to here at 32.18.n30 & 106.46.n77. Once you arrive there, that guardian will lead you to next sentinel. And, when the final guardian, you will have finished the first part of your quest on how to find Spring and release us from Winter.”
Astarte nodded quietly and began to read. Finally, the warrior let out one last bellow, “One last thing; when you finish this chapter on your quest for Spring, you will also find another piece of information that will help you recognize the final Centennial cache.”
She looked confused, “What does that mean?”
The warrior said, “I have no idea. It is just something that a little Corker told me.”
The Demon in the Darkness
Astarte came upon the form of a large metal cage, in which sat the huge bronze statue of a demon. She approached the bronze creature and as she did, the stone flew away, revealing a burning and terrible visage. "Are you a sentinel?" she asked fearfully, hoping the bars would not melt from the heat emanating from the being. "Yes." the monster hissed, flapping his large leathery wings. "I am a guardian of the underworld. But I hold great knowledge of this world as well. I know of your quest to bring back the light. Even though I am a being of darkness, I realize there cannot be one without the other. Seek the knowledge of the sage who lives in the shadow of the great building. To find him, look upon my base and find the first (f) and second numbers (s) listed there. You may find his wisdom at 32.16.s0s & 106.45.f44. Now begone from my sight before I summon an imp to dispose of you.” When the demon had finished, the creature returned to its bronze form. All that remained was a towering edifice, as silent as a dry river bed.
The Teacher of Knowledge
”Come child, sit at my feet. I have much wisdom to impart.” The Teacher was already sitting and reading from an ancient, other children huddled close to him, rapt with attention at his words. His bearing was that of a gentle sage, ready to speak to all who would listen. “Astarte, I know that you seek the Sentinels and with them the knowledge you need to save this whole valley. I can help you find The Gateway of Wisdom.” With that, a set of numbers appeared on the side of the Teacher. “Look upon the first number and add four (f). Now look upon the second number (s). The gateway can be found at 32.16.fff & 106.4f.2sf. The old man pressed a leaf into her hand. "This magic may help you speak with the plants and trees of the forest. Now go in wisdom, child. You shall surely find your destiny soon.”
The Gateway of Wisdom
Taking the sage wisdom from the Teacher, she came to a huge tree in the forest. Beneath it, the roots formed into a cave, into which an iron door had been constructed. With a feeling of dread, she opened the door, gazing at a staircase below. A voice inside her spoke with telepathy, "Leave behind all that you know, or you will never find what you seek." Stripping herself of her possesions, and clearing her mind, she descended the steps until she was alone in the darkness. A math problem formed in her head. "Take the third number and subtract one (t). Then take the last number and add one (n)." A vision of a heavenly goddess formed in her mind at 32.16.4t4 & 106.4n.n50. From the depths of the cave, another set of step lay befor her, this time leading up. Astarte climbed into the warm morning sun far to the west of where she once was.
The Queen of Heaven
”Come forward, child,” exclaimed the Queen from her tower, “Come forward and I shall tell you how to find my King. He is the last of the Sentinels and the place where you conclude this Chapter of your journey. Step behind me and to the right. Look at first number that appears on this plaque and take the first digit (g). The Northern path of the King lies at 106.16.4g8. Now step behind me and to the left. Look at the last number on this plaque and and take the first (f), second (s) and fourth (r) digits. The Western path of the King lies at 106.48.fsr.My blessings upon you, sacred child.” And with that, Astarte was resolved to finish this chapter of her story.
The Tree of Life
In the distance, Astarte saw the largest tree she had ever encountered. When she drew closer, she marveled at its branches and foliage. She knew the final clue had to be somewhere amongst the wooden giant. After a bit of searching, she located a small box. At this point, the great tree spoke to her. "Very good, Astarte! Very good indeed,” bellowed the old tree through her mind. “You have done well. Take from my body that which you need to continue on your quest." Opening the box, she found a piece of amber, an ancient piece of sap from the old tree itself. With a strand of cord, she fashioned the amber into an amulet of protection to help her on her journey. Looking into the box, Astarte noticed something else. There was a map of the land, and on the map was a clue to location. Knowing that related to another adventure to find the Centennial Cache, so she left the map there for another time. She did write down a code in this box to help her later find that secret spot. Returning the box to the tree, she looked up into the branched for guidance. "You must now travel upstream to the north through The Four Elements."