I was in the process of tuning my archery skills at the Avar Vilage when I was approached by a decrepid old man wearing what looked like dark grey robes of the disciple. I can only assume that at one time they were Qor robes. The old man said "Greetings, I am {edited by the boatman} and I have been watching you for some time now. I have a proposition for you. I will show you what's beyond the village and in return, you will tell the world what you have seen. I am only a boatman, so fear not, but there are things out there that are dangerous ... as long as you are with me, you should be fine." He pointed towards the water and it was then that I noticed a small wooden boat. He motioned me to follow and I said "Why me? There are hundreds of people here. I ..." With that, {edited by the boatman} waved his hand and said "Arkblade, you have been chosen for a reason. If you do not wish to find out what is beyond, I will bother you no longer."

Well, I took him up on his offer. I decided to go with him. The first place we went to was his little shack on a small jagged island about 22 miles passed the Avar Village. I must say that for an old man, the boatman can move his boat quite well. He told me that he had a device that could capture a view so I could share it with you. It was a strange contraption, but it works.

He took me to the far end of the small island and revealed an acient book. He said it contained maps and information about all the forgotten places of Meridian. Not only forgotten places, but forgotten races as well. I attempted to thumb through it, but the boatman snatched it back and said "All in good time, let us prepare for our first journey. You will stay with me tonight in my cabin and then in the morning we shall travel to the gnome caves. I think you will find it most interesting."

I will write about my journey to the gnome caves in my next installment of Arkblade's Travels. Until then, stay safe and live well.