It took them a lot of time to reach Hilem village. On their way to Hilem village they passed by a narrow road leading away from the road they were traveling.
" I have heard quite interesting stories about the graveyard near this village. " said Barett.
" There is a graveyard near this village ?" asked Gojo.
" Yes, did you see a narrow road leading away right ? That's the road that leads to the graveyard which is often described as cursed. Several legends are associated with it. " said Barett.
" I see, that sounds interesting. Tell me more about the legends later. " said Gojo.
Hilem village was a pleasant village. After reaching the village Gojo, Grisella and the others had their lunch and then they gathered behind one of the carts. Barett then resumed his stories.
" I myself don't know much of the legends. However I have heard a few stories from other adventurers back at Geradin. It is said that the graveyard comes to life at night. " said Barett.
" What ? Really ? Is that even possible. Have there sightings of any undead in this area ?" asked Grisella.
" Well, the adventurers did not mention anything about the undead. However they did say that the graveyard comes to life at night. A few villagers had gone to venture the graveyard at night but so far none had returned. This is not the only legend. I also heard that if anyone had any wish they need to fulfill they could go and visit the graveyard at night. There they could ask the guardian of the graveyard to fulfill their wishes in exchange for certain quests they were
given. " said Barett and then stopped to take a breath.
" So I don't know how much of these stories are true. I just told you what I heard from adventurers. " Barett further said and ended his story.
" If I am not intruding, I know a few things myself about the graveyard. " came a voice from behind the cart. Gojo and Grisella looked back to find a very old man wearing disheveled clothes standing there supporting himself with a cane in one hand.
" Forgive me, but I was passing by when I heard you talking about the graveyard located near the village. If you don't mind I can tell you a little more about the graveyard. I have lived in this village for quite a long time so I know much more about it. " said the old man.
" Please come inside and tell us what you know about the graveyard. I am curious about it. " said Gojo.
" Well, then where should I begin. My grandfather was a surveyor who used to work for the Lord of the land. He often told me interesting stories about the places he travelled. Once he had gone to the Imperial capital of Ravenna for some work. He worked there with a historian of the imperial court. It was from the historian that he learnt about the history of the graveyard. " said the old man.
He continued " The graveyard is over five hundred years old, much before the Empire came into existence. At that time these regions were inhabited by different tribes. These tribes used to bury their dead in certain graveyards, the one located near the village also belonged to them once. These graveyards had an idol belonging to the guardian of the graveyard who helped in passing over of the fallen souls. After this region came under the control of the Olvin Empire, things did not change much. They left the graveyard untouched. However a little over twenty years ago grave robbers accidentally destroyed a part of the idol of the guardian of this graveyard. From that day during the nights the entire graveyard got shrouded by a layer of mist. "
" It did not end there. There were various rumours about the graveyard. It was said that the graveyard guardian could grant one's wish if than person successfully completed a quest given by the guardian. Even one of my friends named Brian went there eight years ago , with the aim of getting back his wife who died nine years ago. He did go there at night but did not come back. Before him a few more villagers went and did not return. It is for this reason we call the graveyard cursed. " the old man ended his story and exited the cart.
A few hours later night approached. Gojo finished quickly and was leaving quietly when he was caught by Grisella.
" Where are you going at this time ?" asked Grisella.
" Shh, they will hear you. I was trying to sneak away and go to the graveyard by myself so calm down. " whispered Gojo.
" Trying to experience all the fun by yourself ? Count me in, I am also interested in the mysteries the graveyard holds, so I will join you in this adventure. " Grisella whispered back.
" Okay, okay, then follow me quietly. We have to sneak out of the village. " said Gojo.
After sometime they managed to get out of the village and went into the forests. Both of them had lit up torches to travel through the dark forest. After walking for eight to ten minutes they noticed mist at a distance. They went forward and entered the mist. The air felt a bit cold than normal. They kept on going forward and soon the graveyard came into their sight. Old graves filled the graveyard. The tombstones had some language written on them which they couldn't read.
Soon they noticed, at the middle of the graveyard a sat a large idol of a man with it's left arm missing. That seemed like the guardian of the graveyard. So the two of them went towards the idol and stood in front of it. After standing for a while the idol started to emit a dark blue light. It spoke to them
" I hope, you mortals have come here to seek something right ?" asked the Guardian.
" Yes " both Gojo and Grisella replied at the same time.
" Very well, free the souls from the Dream Realm. Your wish will be granted after that. " said the Guardian. The light shone around them brightly that they closed their eyes for a moment. Opening their eyes they found that were in a room with windows on two sides. On one corner of the room sat a young man wearing disheveled clothes. He looked quite beaten up.
" Where are we ? What do we do now ? Who is that man by the corner ?" Grisella asked Gojo.
" We were told to free the souls trapped in the Dream Realm. That man seems to be the soul. We need to guide him out. " said Gojo.
The man in the corner stood up and approached them. He fell, on his knees and said
" Thank God, have you come to release me from this dream ? Please help me reach the fountain releasing colourful water outside. I don't want to be trapped here any longer so please help me. "
Gojo and Grisella looked out of a window. Outside the house they were in, a little far away was the fence and a big gate at the middle of the fence. Outside the fence they could see at a distance, a fountain releasing colourful water.
" Alright, prepare yourself, we will help you reach the fountain. " said Gojo.
Soon the three got out of the house. At first everything around them seemed normal but then they understood that it was not an easy task. As they were walking towards the gate, they felt that the ground below them was shaking. Then they looked around and saw two enormous roosters made of rocks charging towards them.
" Grisella you take him to the gate and wait there I will take care of these two first and then reach the fountain. " said Gojo.
He then turned towards the roosters and used reverse red to blow away their heads and throats one by one. The roosters fell to the ground. However, they soon stood back up. They grew a new throat and head and then started charging at Grisella and the soul faster than before. Gojo blew their heads again with the same result. He then rushed to the side of Grisella and the soul and blew apart the gates using reverse red. The roosters were only a few feet away from them.
After that they ran at their full speeds towards the fountain. They finally reached the fountain as one of the roosters was reaching for Grisella's head. The soul grabbed the fountain. As soon as he grabbed it, the roosters halted what their attack and stood up. Soon they were reduced to dust.
" Thank you for all you did for me to reach tis fountain. I pray that you are successful in all your quests here. So farewell. " said the soul of the man and vanished in the air.
Soon the surroundings around Gojo and Grisella started spinning at first slowly and then at high speed.
" Looks like we are heading to the next quest. Let's win this Grisella. " said Gojo.
" Yep, let's finish the quests. " said Grisella and went silent.
Soon they were in a area and second quest began.