The Eight Stories of the Ancient Bark

The First One   A small, childlike Eldrin sits attentively in a desk chair, her left arm lazily holding her cheek at rest, her right hand poised with a pen held sturdily in a chubby fist. The look of stubborn determination on her face belies the love of learning usually expected of Eldrin children, so the statue bears somewhat more age in the face of the student than one might expect. The statue stares blankly at the desktop, but there does not seem to be a page beneath the pen. It is almost as if the figure was commanded to write but then thwarted by denying them a surface upon which to do so.   The figure is dressed in a shortish shift of leaves, each carved in exquisite detail, down to the veins and lines in the leave themselves. The hair, usually the most difficult part of such a work, bears details that are staggering to behold, suggesting either a form of certification spell was used, or else the artist was a master of his craft beyond current capabilities.   Beneath the throne's heel, you'll find the Fowl. Digest the volume she'll produce and make the Mute ones howl.   Below the Fowl's lair in wretched clothes, you'll meet an Earnest man. His story's deep as he holds onto a secret Plan.   Under Earnest's plan, you'll be led to a darkened door. Verily, you must speak to it, to gain entrance through her floor.   Once you've gleaned the truth from her, Verily she'll lead you to understand her tale and take the Boatman Screed.   The Boatman Screed, will answer all the questions that you'll ask. But beware - the answers require from you a task.   You're near the Ancient Bark hard by and worked through all the text. How prepared are you for the danger next?   You've come to the penultimate, the Fae Rie Sphinx awaits. Give the answer worthy, and attain the Final Gates   The years have not been kind to you, the passing ages roll. You became the quenched fire, the ashes have gone cold.   The last place you expected, of that there is no doubt. But the question wasn't getting in... the question's getting out.