Sovereign Peaks

The initiates woke up bright and early to the smell of breakfast being prepared in the monastery kitchen. Even though the sun has not risen yet father Edwin was already hard at work. It was a big day, as today the young monks would make their first pilgrimage up the 70,000 steps of the sovereign peaks. As their guide and mentor, father Edwin Haroldson wanted to make sure that they started their journey with his legendary breakfast of eggs, bacon and battered toast.   "Good morning! " Father Edwin called-out as his charges entered the dining hall. "I hope you're all excited to go on your first pilgrimage up the mountain. I remember my first trip up The sovereign peaks. It seems like only yesterday... " The initiates smiled as they sat around the mess hall listening to the father preach. They knew that once he started recounting the good old days there was just no stopping him. They sat quietly eating the breakfast he had prepared for them while listening to his tales. Then once they had finished they stood up and set out on their journey.   This pilgrimage would not be an easy one. The 70,000 steps to the top of the sovereign peaks was a daunting task. It was quite possibly the most difficult trial that a member of their order could complete. Father Edwin had completed the pilgrimage 17 times, and was eager to make this his 18th. The monastery stood at the base of the mountain, directly next to it one could see quite literally the first step of their journey. The monks all gathered at the foot of the stone staircase. It was easily 10 ft wide carved out of the very mountain itself. With the smooth seamless texture of the stone one would believe they were of dwarven make, however there are no historical records of dwarves living in this area nor are there any records of who built the staircase to begin with.   "Now gather around my children before we begin our journey I shall pray for the guidance of the Radiant Trinity." the monks all bowed their heads as father Edwin spoke a prayer to the gods Solorin, Ilysana, and Aurixal. With their bellies full and their faith bolstered, father Edwin took the first step forward.   The white morning star Solaris had just now begun to rise, caressing the mountain side as it crested over the horizon. For the first leg of their journey the monks would be traveling in the shade of the various fir trees that grew on the lower part of the mountain. All the while father Edwin went on about the sun and it's importance to the world. How their God Solorin placed it in the sky as a gift to Verdraxis, giving light and warmth to it's people while keeping the creatures of the night at bay.   They would continue to travel for a full day without rest until they reached the top of the first 10,000 steps. Here they came upon a wide plateau with a single marble pillar standing upright in the center. Carved into the smooth white stone were words in the ancient Kelniron language that few people know how to speak. Father Edwin approached the pillar and turned to speak to his students. "This is the first pillar of the Radiant Trinity. Written upon it is one of the seven tenants of our faith. Listen well as I translate the words for you. Take them to heart and let them guide you in all things." The father then turned to the pillar. Placing his hand on the cold marble he drew his fingers across the text as he read them and spoke the translation aloud in the common tongue.   The sun had begun to set as father Edwin finished his lesson. He turned back to his students and instructed them to eat their rations and get a good night's rest. In the morning they would resume their fast and continue their journey to the second pillar. The pilgrimage would take the monks a total of 7 days before they reach the top. All the while they walked with their teacher, listening to his many stories and lectures. As the days went on they climbed higher and higher, the tree line started to thin until they saw no trees at all. On day five not a single spot of green could be found. The air became thin and the cold winds cut them to the bone. Snow fell from the clouds, sticking to the ground and impeding their progress. Still the monks pressed on with confidence that their faith would carry them through. At night they would break fast, eating the limited rations they carried with them and melt hand fulls of snow to keep hydrated.   As they continued to climb the steps they would eventually rise above the clouds. Finally on the seventh day they reached the shrine at the top of the mountain. It was... simple. Not at all what the young monks were expecting. They stood in a wide open space. The terrain was rough and unpolished stone. At the very edge of the cliff was a single pedestal where rested a flute carved from silver wood. From where the pedestal stood, one could look out over the cliff and on a clear day you could see the grand City of Kelm, a mere spec on the coast of the Kelniron bay.   "My students" father Edwin began. "You may notice that there is no pillar at this final stop. Do not think that there is no lesson to be learned. The final tenant of our faith is quite possibly the most important of them all. As we climbed the mountain, many of you were in awe of it's grandeur. The sights you have seen and the lessons you have learned have shown you the greatness of our order. Yet at the very top of this mountain we are reminded of our humility. The pedestal you see before you is made of rough Stone, and the flute that sits upon it not lavishly decorated yet serves a greater purpose. As followers of the Radiant Trinity, we serve a higher cause. We must remember however to remain humble, least we fall to hubris. For the rest of the night I would like you all to meditate on the meaning of humility." With this father Edwin left his students to their meditation. He sat on the edge of the cliff and looked out over the ocean. The sight was breath taking. Even though he had seen it many times before, it always brought a tear to his eye. He looked over his shoulder at his students and thought to himself "some day I shall be gone, and one of those fine students will be sitting in my place. I am happy in my old age to know that even tho this may very well be my last pilgrimage, the tradition will carry on to the next generation." He looked back out across the sea, marveling at the gods creation. He smiled and chuckled to him self as he thought "Eighteen trips up the mountain. Why not go for an even twenty?"   In loving memory of Charles Spiegel.