Times of Lore/The Foretelling Stones

The Frothing Slosh Tavern
You start in the tavern of the city of Erialan.

Talk to the prior, and he'll set you on the first quest.

Talk to the innkeeper and learn the eight different rumors. Also, he tells you the first important keyword: orcs.

The old man at the counter gives some information about a medallion and the missing king, plus a keyword that will be useful later: high king.

Optional: the magic axe
One of the eight rumors is: "A man from Lankwell boasts of a magical axe".

If you're playing a version other than the NES port, the magic axe is a weapon that really makes the difference. Lankwell is to the south from the city of Erialan. If you follow the plot, you should go there only during the third quest.

The Dark Forest
The Dark Forest is just north of the city of Erialan.

A woodsman lives in the forest. Get the throwing dagger in his hut, then ask him about the orcs. He knows that a path starts north from a pond and leads to their camp.

The blue potion is vital: use it as often as need be. Shortly after, another enemy will drop it anew.

The orc holding the foretelling stones is of a peculiar color (grey in the DOS, blue in the NES). Defeat it, grab the stones and get away.

Back to Eralan
After you obtained the urn with the Foretelling Stones, get back to the tavern in Erialan, and give them to the Prior. He will then recommend you to the Steward of the kingdom, so that the next quest can start.