Tis said an argent bird blocks the light
Light will come the old ones say
Yet life had been there
Now all was dark save flickering candlelight inside a darken forge
"Old man--are you ready yet"
He carried sword
"Was that wise--announcing our presence so?"
"You wish to tame the bird young one
"So when will it come?"
"Others have tried baiting this bird,"
"And what you crafted will do what the others could not?"
"And if not?"
It circled above them
They waited as the bird descended next to the forge
*You think yourselves better than the ones who came before
But you built a dwelling and I let you
Forerunner placed the laurel wreath round the bird's head
*This wreath is metal--not black laurel
Its wings extended outward
She heard his final words
*You are here little one
She stepped out carefully from the forge's shadow
*See my handiwork
Lightbringer saw the bird circling slowly round her
The bird felt the arrow's blow
She fired arrow after arrow at it
*No--this cannot be
"And I shall continue doing that"
*Agreed*
"Now you will leave" Lightbringer said
The bird circled once more
She buried Forerunner next to his forge
Lightbringer noticed the design
"This is where the argent bird was tamed
Let this land prosper
People came to settle the valley
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Valleys where light never shines.
A bird whose outstretched wings cover the sky.
Only when the bird is tamed.
Between an eagle's nest and a crystal keep
Between an iron mountain and the southern downs.
A rotting scroll--a rusting crown
Testaments to an earlier time.
Forerunner creating bait for a trap
His garb black with soot and ashes.
The words came from Lightbringer
A young maid whose outfit was a bright contrast to their gloomy surroundings.
She carried bow and arrows
Two hunters stalking their prey.
"In a moment child--let me cool our gift"
He placed his present in a water trough
Steam covered the room inside and out.
She was new to the sport, Forerunner reflected, his eyes gazing outside
Noticing the smoke rise
But not foolish.
Yet you cannot do so without facing it
Thus I bring it to you"
Already a bird's cries could be heard.
"Soon
And when it does we will have precious seconds to tame
Otherwise it will kill."
A black laurel wreath
So finely crafted that it looked real
And dried it carefully.
Lightbringer said--holding back her anger,
"What makes this any different from the things we saw earlier?"
Forerunner paid her question little heed
"The proclamation and the prince's crown were the wrong bait
Good for people--not the one we seek."
"It will--I assure you
This bird seeks recognition of its prowess
Once given perhaps it will leave the valley."
"That is what our weapons are for."
Armed themselves and stepped outside
The gift in Forerunner's hands.
Eyes surveying their shapes and forms
Wings slowly closing.
Saw it land
Sensed its thoughts.
One ran away at the sound of my voice
The other never ventured out of the hills.
Now you offer me the fruit of your labor
Hoping to make peace with me.*
For a moment it seemed pleased
Then anger replaced acceptance.
You mean to stay here after I leave
For that you will die.*
Lightbringer escaped the trap
Forerunner did not.
"Hide and shoot"
Then hid at the forge's side.
Its eyes scanning the area
Looking for Lightbringer.
You did not run away
Come and meet me as your companion did.*
Silently reaching Forerunner
Laurel wreath by his side.
Do you wish to experience it as well
Leave this valley while you can.*
Preparing to land
Knowing it would kill regardless of what she did.
Placed it on the bowstring
Drew the bow and fired.
Its cry deafened her
Yet still it circled.
Some arrows missed
Others caused blood to fall from the sky.
You are hurting me
Killing me.*
Lightbringer said--though down to her last arrow
"Unless you leave the valley and never return."
The bird made ready to depart--then suddenly turned
*After you are dead.*
No matter how it turned in the sky
The arrow would not fall.
*Yes*--the bird replied--*though remember this
I will come back.*
Then flew towards its lair
Leaving the valley to Lightbringer.
Collected her fallen arrows
And saw light return.
Feathers falling from the sky
One landed inside the laurel wreath.
Remembered the bird's color
And publicly declared:
This is where red feathers fell
This is where the black laurel was forged.
Let the bird never return
Let this valley be called *Featherfall*."
Their actions benefited the known world
And the bird was never seen.
DISCLAIMERS
Page updated 8 June 2003 by Lord Robert Cattanach of Moravia.
(c) The Waterbearing Fish.