History and lore...
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A former roadside tavern that has seen more
than one century come and go, the Crossroads is situated in the
center of the Six Kingdoms. Stories handed down from as far back as
anyone can remember tell of peculiar, inexplicable events in and around the
dense woods surrounding the stoic old structure. Some believe the woods are
haunted and others believe they are magical. More than one patron has
reported seeing strangely dressed figures suddenly appear in the clearing
out of nowhere and others swear people and animals routinely vanish into
thin air near the tree line. And, while it's true that most of these
occurrences have been witnessed after a drink or two in the tavern, it's
also true that these and other bizarre events have been witnessed in broad
daylight without the aid of anything stronger than an iced tea or lemonade. Whether these stories are based in truth or not, they have done little to frighten the locals away from the Crossroads—though in recent times few will stray off the main roads or explore the many foot paths and trails that loop endlessly through the woods. After all, it is better to be safe… Over the years, the Crossroads has had many caretakers. The newest, Brenda Smith, has put a small fortune into revitalizing the old place in hopes of attracting an a-list clientele that will help finance more serious matters that concern her and other residents who have relocated into the area in recent years. No one knows where Brenda is from or how she came to own the Crossroads. It is said that one night the previous owner closed up and the next day Brenda opened. The previous owner has not been seen since. No one seems to care. The new residents, who seem unusually well armed and organized—and the increase in strange happenings in and around the woods over the last several years—have not gone entirely unnoticed. Even the bravest and least superstitious among the locals have begun to avoid certain areas and people often whisper at night behind closed doors and keep an extra close watch on their children and pets. Although no one knows why, most look to the newcomers—and the Crossroads with its quiet, sentinel presence—for reassurance and protection. Whether their trust is misplaced or not is yet to be seen…
Use the links on the left to view photo stories centered in and around the Crossroads.
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