Ann the Scribe

UP: Great Lakes

    I�d like to express my gratitude to thosebrave adventures that helped escort me to the Shrine of Compassion from EmpathAbbey. As a scribe and monk I do not get out often, but I am aware of thedangers in our land. It was for this reason that I put out a modest call for anescort as I made my pilgrimage to the Shrine of Compassion. Brother Edward hadbeen there for the past month meditating on the Virtue and I was to relieve him.Five stalwart gentlemen came forward in answer to my call for help. Orion, Scrib,Maldoror, Sinteres and Jharo.

The trip started out with a few mongbats accosting us, which were rapidly dealtwith. We�d decided that taking the road would be safer than cutting throughthe wilderness. This had the side effect of having to pass by the local cemeterywhere some skeletons decided we should join them in their eternal rest. Mycompanions dissuaded them of this idea.

We pressed onward, encountering ettins, orcs, trolls, dire wolves and even agazer! At one point an orc mage attacked and focused on myself. It was veryfrightening and the world went black at one point. Fortunately, one of mytraveling companions was able to bind my spirit back to my body and we continuedonward.

The rest of the journey was punctuated by more attacks, which seemed to growfiercer the closer to the shrine we came. Some part of me wondered if somethingdid not wish me to arrive and meet with Brother Edward. The worst of the attackshit as we entered the desert around the shrine. Scorpions, spiders and earthelementals seemed drawn to our group. Many of the brave warriors fought on, evenwhile poisoned. The Virtues were with us that day, though, as we managed to pushthrough the monsters and finally arrive at the shrine.

Brother Edward was pleased to see me and a bit surprised that a month had passedalready. We both thanked the five gentlemen who�d escorted me and I gave themsome food and drink for the trip home. I am proud to know that there are bravesouls in the world still who are willing to take time from their busy lives inorder to help those of us who are not skilled in the arts of combat. My thanksand blessings go out to all of you who stop to lend aid to those who are weakerand in need.

From the Town Cryer - The Journal of Ultima Online, Wednesday, August 2nd 2000