Like many of you, I was greatly excited when the crown was returned, and the
shrine was activated. I heard many rumours about it: It would bring destruction
to Neopia; It would give free stuff; or both! My curiosity got the better of
me, so I moseyed down to the Lost Desert, to see it for myself.
It didn't seem so bad--I got a Dubloon! Many times afterwards, I got different
prizes, and even some NP. Wow! That couldn't be an evil obelisk. But, what about
the events that give you nothing?
"Your hands glow blue.... Awww! Nothing happened."
"You hear maniacal laughter in the distance.... Awww! Nothing happened."
"You heard footsteps.... Awww! Nothing happened."
And I thought the Shrine
only gave good prizes! I was a bit upset at these events that gave nothing,
so I searched out the truth. After being turned away time and time again, my
pet Peophin provided me with a visit to the Queen of the Lost Desert, because
of a common bond the two shared (which I will reveal in a later article).
Me: Good afternoon, Your Highness.
Queen: Please, call me Vyssa.
Me: OK.
Vyssa: Now, QueenFanila the Peophin said you had something you wanted to ask
me?
Me: Yes. It's about the shrine...
At the mere mention of the word, a sadness came over Queen Vyssa, so I decided
to tiptoe around the word "shrine".
Me: Why does it sometimes never give out items when it was supposed to?
Vyssa: What does it do instead?
Vyssa: I shall explain from the beginning. While my father was still alive,
NeoPets came from far and wide to greet him. He was a wonderful king who defended
the helpless, and made the wicked pay. Well, one day, a mystic Blumaroo came
from the Island of Roo. He said he had an urgent message for my father.
Me: Which was...?
Vyssa: That in two years time, my father would be destroyed. My father took it
as a threat upon his life, so the Blumaroo was banished from the palace grounds.
I was very concerned for my father, so I followed the Blumaroo and asked him
about the foretold death of Father. He told me to ask my father about his recent
dreams, and I would have my answer. The next day, I did precisely that, and
though my father swore me to secrecy, I am allowed to say that parts of his
dream, he saw the fatal banquet, and heard the maniacal laughter of Malkus
Vile.
Me: King Coltzan knew him??
Vyssa: He was a dear friend of Father's, until greed got to him. Malkus swore
whatever it took, he would have the crown of my Father. I am so glad that that
day has passed.
Me: I am, too.
So if you ever get mad that you didn't get Dubloons, or even a desert food,
try to think of it this way; you watched history come alive! | 
