Seven Signs, the Sacred Book of Seal

("finishedquest.htm")

(Only characters who are level 79 or higher and who have completed the Seven Signs and Emperor's Seal quests may undertake this quest.)

You've come to see Franz, yes?

I'm afraid you just missed him. He left for a meeting with the High Priests. If you're unable to await his return, then perhaps I can help. I'm his secretary. I assure you, I'm very trustworthy.

• "Well, there's this sacred book..."

The Sacred Book of Seals? I thought that was a myth. How fascinating....

What have you learned about it?

• "First tell me. What do you know about the 'Emperor's Key'?"

The Emperor's Key...the Emperor's Key... It does sound familiar... Hmm....

No, I don't think I can quite place it. Franz will certainly know more than I, but I don't think you can afford to wait. You really ought to search for that book.

• "Agreed."

Oh, I know!

High Priest Orven reads every scroll he can get his hands on. Perhaps he knows something about the Emperor's Key. He's at the Temple of Einhasad in the Town of Aden. Tell him I sent you.

I'll send a messenger ahead of you. But hurry!

I'm sorry, Franz has not yet returned. Have you learned anything new about the Book of Seals? Did you decipher the Emperor's Key? I'm dying of suspense!

• "I have an imperfect copy of the book."

A copy? This morning I believed the book itself to be a myth, and now you have a copy! Unbelievable! How on earth did you find it? Well done, well done! Say, what's that in your other hand?

• "This? It came from a monster that attacked me earlier."

Oh my... I wonder if it was after you...or the sacred text?

Well, that settles it. Give me that manuscript and the object you found and I'll keep them safe. You must be exhausted! Rest for a while. When you've refreshed yourself, then come back and see me.

By then, perhaps Franz will be back as well.

I believe it is of paramount importance that we find the Sacred Book of Seals immediately.

Hurry to High Priest Orven in the Temple of Einhasad in the Town of Aden. I will send a messenger ahead of you. Now, go!

Why have you come to see this old priest? You don't seem like one of our typical supplicants....

• "Priest Wood sent me."

Ah, yes, of course. I heard you were coming.

You're searching for the Sacred Book of Seals, aren't you? When I received Wood's missive, I remembered a text I'd read a few years ago that might be helpful to you.

• "What did it say?"

Well, the Emperor's Key is not a key at all, but a prayer. It dates back to the Elmoreden era, and is rather brief compared to other prayers of the time.

I suspect there is a secret message hidden in that prayer, which will reveal how it relates to the Sacred Book. I don't know anything more, but I think I know someone who can help.

A friend of mine is a cryptologist -- a codebreaker. He might be able to determine the hidden meaning of the prayer. What do you think? Would you like to speak with him?

• "Absolutely."

His name is Leopard, and he's a genius. I feel certain he'll be able to help you. You'll find him in the Town of Goddard--you should arrange to travel there immediately.

I'll send my copy of the prayer to Leopard myself. Now hurry! I will pray to Einhasad for your success.

Remember, you're looking for Leopard the cryptologist, in the Town of Goddard. Mention my name!

A sacred book? Well, all books are sacred to one such as me. In any case, a title would help. Or better yet, a reference number. You don't happen to have one, do you?

• "1-6-6-7."

Only four digits? Hmm... that must be very old text. We use 12-digits these days. Unfortunately, many of our old records were destroyed, so we may not be able to locate it.

Let me look.

• "I'll wait."

I'm so sorry: document number 1667 was lost in the great fire. However, there is a copy... a handwritten, incomplete copy. It is a mysterious record in its own right--we have no record of its title, year of publication, author, or subject.

I wonder if anyone has actually read it? Well, I'm going to need to see some identification before I can turn this over. Do you have a library card?

• "I have a letter of introduction from High Priest Orven. This record is to be delivered to Franz, the Witness of Dawn."

Orven! Well, why didn't you say so? And you're working with Franz, too? This must be an important mission you've undertaken.

Of course you may have the text with my compliments.

Good luck to you, stranger. Please give my best to Franz... and Orven!

You're the adventurer that High Priest Orven sent word of! I owe a great deal to him, and if I can repay him by helping you, then I'll do all I can.

Now, what can I do for you?

• "Tell me about the prayer known as the Emperor's Key."

I know that prayer... it's very simple and straightforward. Why do you ask about it?

• "I believe it may contain a hidden message..."

Really? That's... surprising. But some of the simplest-appearing ciphers are the hardest to decode. Hmm... let me think....

Sigh.... No, this is beyond my abilities, I'm afraid. However, my old cryptology teacher, Lawrence, is here in Goddard. If anyone can help, it's him. They don't call him the Great Master for nothing.

You should be able to find him walking just outside the castle walls....

Great Master Lawrence just went for a walk nearby, so he won't be far. Check outside the castle walls.