To the Primeval Isle

Come back when you are more experienced!

(This quest may only be undertaken by a character of level 75 and above.)

Have you heard of the book entitled "Traces of Living Beings in Ancient Times?" While clearing out the library's underground warehouse one day, I discovered a very old, very worn-out book filed with snatches of some ancient language. Believe me when I tell you that my years of working here have made me pretty familiar with most of the ancient tongues, but this language is totally strange to me. I hope to be able to eventually translate it, but right now it has me completely stymied!

In any event, I placed it on my shelf and, to my chagrin, eventually forgot about it. But recently I have heard that it may be a very valuable tome -- very valuable indeed!

"Ask why it is valuable."

A few days ago, Clark -- the most avid reader in all Rune Town -- stopped by andasket to see all the books I had cleared out from the underground warehouse. He seemed to be knowledgeable about the subject, so I showed this ancient book to him.

You should have seen Clark's face! He cried out and grasped the book to him as though he was embracing a long-lost friend. He told me that, long ago, he was a member of the original Primeval Isle Expedition and a close friend of the expedition's leader, Captain Marquez. This book, he told me, is the only one of its kind. It contains much of the mythology and history of the Primeval Isle. Marquez himself has searched for it for years, but had all but given up hope of ever finding it.

"What an amazing coincidence!"

You're right. It is amazing, isn't it?

Clark told Marquez about my discovery, and Marquez wrote to me asking that he be allowed to be obtain the book to assist the writing of his own history of the island. In its wisdom, the fathers of our library decided that the interests of scholarship would be best served by loaning the book to Marquez. But we need someone, preferably an adventurer, willing to transport it to him on Primeval Isle.

I don't think the task should be especially difficult, but of course anything so unique and valuable is bount to attract the attention of...well, less savory sorts of people. That's why we want someone with the skill to handle any trouble that may come along. What do you think? Would you like to do it?

"Say that you will"

Please take that book to Marquez at the wharf on Primeval Isle.

I know that you'll enjoy meeting him. An old adventurer himself, he always has time to talk to a young up-and-comer such as yourself.

Excellent! Excellent! Marquez will be so pleased! Let me fetch the book for you so you can take it to Marquez. You will find him in the front area of the wharf on Primeval Isle. Obviously, you'll need to take a ship from Rune Port to reach the island.

May your journey be uneventful!

It doesn't look as though you are here to travel. Do you have anything else to say to me?

"Tell him that you've brought the book about primitive creatures."

Oh, you're the gutsy one Anton mentioned! Ha-ha-ha! Perhaps you haven't heard of me, though? At first, my sole purpose in founding this place was to obtain freedom and wealth. But I was soon attracted to the innocence and mystery of the island itself. I led an expedition deep into the island's interior, fascinated by all we encountered.

It was not without its perils, though -- we were attacked by those powerful dinosaurs and the Elrokians themeselves. Many of our group lost their lives. But some good did come from our efforts -- we estabilished ties of friendship with the Elrokians.

I know that I am too old now to venture again into the wild interior, but the island's mystery still quickens my heart.

"Tell him that he still looks like an explorer."

Ha ha! Thank you for saying so. But my aching body knows the truth; those days are ended for me. Lately I have at least tried to pass my knowledge to younger, stronger adventures by writing an account of my experiences on the island.

I started by recounting my own experiences and stories I learned from the natives. But then I heard of an ancient book detailing the history of Primeval Isle, and I have searched for it for years now without success. I was ready to give up...until Clark sent me a message that he has found it. Ah, I see by your expression that you are as curious about its contents as I am!

The ancient language is no dubt foreign to you, but I can translate a few passages if you are interested in hearing them. Shall I do so?

"Tell him that you are interested in hearing the translation."

Excellent! I see in you the spirit of my younger days! Very well, let me begin:

In the days of old, when the circle of the gods was broken, countless races were spawned from that circle. The greatest of them were the gods themselves; the next greatest were the Giants. And the gods gave the Giants authority to rule over the world. All scholars know this story, but in these days men wonder what has become of all creatures brought forth into the world at the breaking of the circle.

An interesting beginnig, eh? Clearly this was a learned author; perhaps I will discover in its pages new knowledge about ancient Primeval Isle. I can hardly wait to begin my translation! Thank you for bringing this prize to me.