The smoke formed a lazy circle around his head as he looked out over his gardens. Boarsroot, Ginger, Culvervine,Thyme, Silveroot and numerous other herbs florished in neat little rows. Many of these Trapairian used in his magic and healing, others were simply used in his pantry. Some were carefully dried in the sun for his nightly smoke.
The sun was just dipping below the treetops and the temperture dropped slightly as a Northwest breeze picked up. Trapairian finished the last of his bowl, then gently tapped the bowl into his palm and returned it to it's oaken perch. He rose with the grace of a much younger man, then brushed off his long flowing cloak. His long yellow beard hung down to his waist with a few streaks of silver in it. His golden hair barely reached his collar in the back and petered out all together halfway to his forehead.
"time to rest for your journey old man," he said to himself. He strolled up the path that cut through the meddow that separated his house from the gardens. The well worn path rose gradually in elevation, almost unnoticeably until it leveled out on a grassy knoll on which the house stood. From this summit his yard held a panoramic view of the gently sloping hills to the north and west. Looking back down the trail to the South were his gardens which edged the ominous Nog-Turim forest. The eastren boundry of his domain was a towering wall of Elm, Oak and Birch as the forest swept up from the South. Nog-Turim was an ancient dwarf term meaning "Dim View". The forest canopy was so dense that the floor of the great woods was in perpetual twilight.
The forest played host to a wide variety of creatures that wouldn't or couldn't survive in the sunlit hills and valleys of civilized man. Along with these inhabitants was a strange and marvelous ecosystem of plants and fungi that required little direct sunlight. Once deep into these dark realms, anyone bold enough would notice very little underbrush, and a soft cushioned floor not found in typical woodlands. The Nog-Turim was also the ancestrial home of the Dwarfs. Though many ventured out into the populated areas of the kingdom, to trade or even live among Man, many more still prefered the cool, dark confines of the great forest. While most men rarely traveled the Nog-Turim, Trapairian was as much at home here as the dwarfs themselves. It was through the very heart of the vast forest that his trek would take him. he was leaving early enough to permit himself a short stay in the dwarven village of Regnat.
Trapairian stopped just short of his abode, and with a quick snap of his fingernails, another tiny ball of flame hovered in mid-air. Instantly he touched all five of his fingernails of his right hand together, and in a blinding pulse of energy, a crystalline sphere had formed, engulfing the fireball. The walls of the multi-faceted ball glowed from within. A pool of light was cast out in all directions. He drew a mesh bag made of fine rope filaments out of his cloak, and placed the glowing orb into it. The bag had a long neck, with a braided loop at the mouth of the sack. This made hanging the lantren easy, and allowed the light to spred out in all directions. The crystal would become quite warm after a while, and the mesh bag proved to be a wonderfully useful way to carry it. Trapairian had been given the sack years before by the dwarfs in exchange for a dozen of the burned out crystals. At the time he thought he was getting the better part of the bargin, as he had little use for the balls after their eight hour span of illumination. Over the years though, the dwarfs had amazed him with their clever uses of the crystals. He came to realize their worth in Dwarven terms and always traded accordingly thereafter.
The
house was a six sided structure with a thatch roof.
The walls rose to a height of about ten feet, and
were made of logs cut to a length of one foot. The
logs were then stacked in a basic wood frame, like
firewood for the winter. In between each layer of
logs was a layer of clay dredged from the forks of
the convenire & Astra rivers, not far from the
wizard's land. The end result was a wall of wood &
clay thick enough to keep the harshest winter winds
from the cozy inside chamber. The outside of the
walls had then been painted with pine sap to
weatherproof it. Each side of the six sides were
eight feet with with a window set in the center of
the wall at mid heigth. Each window had a massive
storm shutter that hung from a pole above, using
leather strips as hinges. These were propped open
with a pole to let in light and air on pleasent
days. Trapairian's old friend, Gelsted Borin,, the
towering woodsman, had cut these shutters out of
oak, and installed them himself. Gelstead was one
of the few men who lived in the Nog-Turim. The rare
combination of his massive size and gentle nature
made him a welcome neighbor of the
Dwarfs.
Trapairian fondly
remembered the day Gelstead and 30 dwarfs showed up
on his newly aquired land. He was leading a caravan
of wagons full of dwarfs to build this house. Wagons
filled to the brim with logs cut to length, great
pots of clay, ropes, tools, poles, saws. axes.
bundles of thatch, and last but not least an entire
wagon full of dwarven women and the makings of a 3
day feast. Breads, jams, cheese, roast elk and boar,
bowls of mushrooms, greens for salads, fruits, nuts
and of course no dwarven feast was compleate without
kegs of ale and prickly berry wine.
The next 3 days passed in a blur as the great wizard
was reduced to little more than a awed observer as
the forest dwellers preformed their own special
brand of magic. As the last day of construction came
to a close the women seemed to hit their stride. and
the air was filled with a multitude of enticing
aromas. Make-shift tables were loaded to capacity as
the men washed up and changed their sweaty clothing.
The leftover lumber was stacked nto a huge bonfire
as the feast began in earnest.
Trapairian made a point of going around the festive
group and thanking and conversing with each and
everyone. Not an entirely easy proposition, seeing
as dwarven custom required him to drink a flagon of
ale with each man. Even his pouch of herbs, used to
combat the effects of such overindulgences helped
minimally. Next he wandered over to the cluster of
women and bestowed a respectful kiss on the cheek of
each one, as he pressed a gold coin into her palm.
While custom prevented him from paying the men for
their labors, it was permissable to give each woman
a token of thanks for her efforts. Each one giggled,
and probably held the kiss in as high regard as the
gold itself.
Trapairian setteled down on the
ground
between Gelstead and the Dwarf's leader Culvin Nod
with a fresh flaggon of ale. As he lifted his drink
towards the star filled evening sky he spoke in a
deep baritone voice; "Culvin Nod, Gelstead, and
cherished friends. Were I to be King of all
Cryzarium, I could not have been given a gift of
more value or beauty than this honored homestead."
Cheers rose from the whole of the group as they
all
joined in the toast. Culvin Nod rose from his spot
and motioned to one of the women, who brought over a
large bundle wrapped in a brown tarp. The firelight
silhouetted the leaders short stocky frame and cast
a
glow on his light brown skin, and slightly crumpled
features. "Trapairian old friend, the house is but a
simple gift, along with a fine excuse for a feast."
This brought forth a gale of laughter and cheers.
"You have always been fair and loyal in our
dealings, furthermore you have healed our sick and
never used your magic for an advantage over us. It
is we who are in your debt, and hereby present you
with this last symbol of our esteem." As he spoke
these last lines the old dwarf handed the bundle to
the wizard.
Trapairian stood up and gathered the bundle into
his
arms. He untied the rope securing it and opened the
tarp. Inside was a carefully tanned hide of a Great
Shaggy Rock Bear. The long course silver and black
hair remained on one side of the pelt. The other had
been expertly scrapped and oiled to resist the
elements. Trapairian immediately recognized the
symbolic value of such a gift, as only Culvin Nod
himself had such a hide hanging in his doorway. The
legendary bear was such a formidable beast that it's
hide signified a position of great respect among
Dwarfs and Man alike. Standing 12 to 15 feet tall
and weighing up to 1500 pounds, the bear had no
natural enemies. Fearing nothing the bear would have
battled up to a dozen dwarven hunters, never any
thought of retreat in it's nature.
"I will hang this with pride, and it will remind
me
of our eternal bond." Trapairian said solemnly.
"Dwarven legend has it that not only will the
hide
keep the wind and rain from your home, but that the
spirit of the great bear will keep foes from your
door." Culvin Nod added. The feast went on until the
wee hours of the next day.
Hard to beleive 16
years
had passed since that fine night of revelry. Even
more unfathomable was that the newborn babe
Trapairian had delivered, and whose birth was
responsible for
King Wellington presenting him with this land, was
now poised to take the throne in a few short weeks.
It was in preparation of that event that he was
making the journey East. Years had passed since he
had made a simmilar journey.
Tommorow's first
light
would send him into the deep forest. a full 4 days
travel would be needed to reach Regnat. Barring any
unforseen difficulties, another days travel by horse
would get him to the city of Asperia. Once in the
city of Asperia the wizard would seek out members of
the Normoric Tribe. In all of Cryzarium only these
people had the knowlege to get to the presice spot
along the Crystalline Chasm that led to the crystal
caves. A centuries old , honor bound trust between
the Knights, and the Normorics had been forged due
to this fact. As Mystic Leader of the Knights,
Trapairian would arrange for guides and supplies for
the perilous trip to the caves. This was the final
leg of a journey that would lead Princess Sasha to
the throne of Fenestra within a revolution of the
heavens. The ardous trip would begin after the
corination on her 16th birthday.
Pulling the bear
skin aside, Trapairian entered his home and hung the
lantern off the centermost pole in the roof. The
soft luminescence revealed a tidy room with simple
furnishings. The back wall of the room was lined
with shelves full of scrolls. urns and wooden boxes.
There was an archaic walnut table and chair next to
an open hearth centered along the next wall to the
left. To the right of the doorway was a large down
mattress on a raised sleeping platform. The right
side of the solitary room had been designated as his
pantry, and contained shelves full of clay pots and
urns full of preserved food. Below these shelves was
a large Oak bench used for meal preparation. On one
side of this work area hung an enormous water skin
over a simple wooden wash basin. On the other side
stood a pile of wooden dishes, and pewter mugs. The
old wizard left his shoes at the door and prepared
for bed. The next morning Trapairian rose at first
light and put a pot of water on the fire for his
tea. While he waited for the water to heat up he
packed some clothes into his backpack and discarded
the burned out crystal. Rolling up the mesh bag, he
placed it back into his cloak. Next he packed an
assortment of dried meats and fruits in a separate
pouch and placed it into his pack. When he was
satisfied that he had all he would need, he tied the
pack shut with a leather strap. The water was ready,
and he added some raspberry leaves to the pot and
cut himself a piece of bread and spred some honey on
it. Sitting at the table he slowly ate his
breakfast, taking time to savor the delicate taste
of the fresh tea.
The sky was a bright pale blue as he stepped
outside. The medow sparkled with fresh drops of dew
and a slight breeze still blew out of the Northwest.
While there was a bit of a chill in the air, by days
end it would warm up as only a day in early summer
could. Setteling the pack onto his shoulders
Trapairian walked down the path past his gardens and
entered the forest. He walked with a steady gait and
listened to the songs sung in the tree tops by the
birds. He could have gotten a horse from the castle
stables for the trip, but he prefered to walk and
keep in touch with the land. Trapairian felt too
many people did not take the time to enjoy the
pleasures of a long walk, or the land they lived in.
As a wizard it was important that he remember the
greatest magic of all was nature itself.
Mid-day came and went unnoticed as the sun was high
above the treetops. While man had devised a system
of dividing the day into pieces called "Arcs", the
system was of no value to the residents of the great
woods seeing as no one ever saw the sun directly.
With the use of a sun stick, one could judge the
time of day by measuring the length of the shadow
cast on the ground. In the morning the shadow would
fall after the stick, in the evening it would fall
before it. At Mid-day there was no shadow at all,
that part of the day was called "NONE". There were 4
arcs in each half of the day. Trapairian traveled on
until he thought it was at least the first arc after
none. The forest floor still had an uphill slope to
it when he stopped for a rest and some lunch. He
opened the pack and took out some smoked elk and
some dried apples. Reclining on the mossy slope he
ate his meal and listened to the sounds around him.
Birds calling, the hum of insects, chattering of
squirrels, and something else!
A rustling in the
leaves just to the left of him. The wizard listened
intently trying to discern the nature of the sound.
It was not the typical sound of an animal walking
through the dried leaves, but rather one struggling
or rolling in them. He stood up and cautiously
approached the direction of the sounds. Some fifty
yards from where he sat was a grey fox whose back
legs had been broken. The fox's silky grey fur was
matted and full of twigs and leaves. It had been
there for some time trying to travel on it's useless
back legs. Trapairian noticed a path in the leaves
where the poor animal had dragged itself. "well now
fellow, it appears you need some tending to."
Trapairian said as he knelt down a few feet away
from the fox. The fox stopped it's struggling and
glaired warily at the old man. Adapting a defensive
position the animal started to growl, as it prepared
for it's final battle.
"See here we will have none of that." the wizard
spoke in a soothing voice.
Reaching into his cloak Trapairian drew out a rose
colored crystal. It was about the size of an apple,
only more oval in shape. Placeing the crystal
between himself and the fox he touched the tip with
his left thumbnail. A pulsating glow came from
within the crystal, as the wizard started to hum in
an odd off-key way that had a similar vocal pulse to
it. The fox watched guardedly at first, then was
gradually lulled into a tranquil state. Some moments
later the fox had become totally mesmorized, and had
laid it's head down between it's front paws.
Trapairian removed his hand from the crystal,,but
continued to hum his odd melody. Slowly he leaned
forward and gathered the fox into his hands.
Gingerly he laid it in his lap and started to stroke
it's fine fur. The fox all but catatonic was unable
to move, but showed no fear in it's eyes. Skillfully
Trapairian explored the damaged back legs with his
long fingers. First he found the break in each one,
then alligning the bones to their normal position.
The fox trembled a bit but submitted to this exam
dreamily, unconcerned with the wizards probings.
When at last he was satisfied with the position of
the bones, Trapairian encircled the first leg with
his fingers, touching the thumbnail and nail of his
index finger. The fox twitched as a jolt of power
was released into it's leg. Still humming,
Trapairian repeated the process on the other leg.
With both legs now mended by his magic the wizard
laid the small creature on the ground. Raising to a
crouch Trapairian replaced the crystal to his cloak,
and withdrew a piece of smoked Elk. Next he added a
pinch of herbs from the healing pouch he wore on his
hip, and rolled it into a ball. He offered it to the
still groggy fox followed by a palm full of water.
Both were aceppted without hesitation.
Trapairian walked over to a nearby Elm tree and st
down to observe his patients progress. A while later
the fox slowly rose to it's feet. Fully alert now,
the fox stretched his long lean body for a moment.
With amazing speed the animal dashed away, stopping
only for a moment to look back at it's benefactor.
"So long friend fox, Take better care!" the wizard
called out as the fox vanished into the
forest.
Trapairian sat there for a while longer
feeling quite pleased with himself. For all the
wonderous things he was able to do with his powers,
healing the sick and injured was the most
satisfying. Even before he had become the Mystic
Knight, ruler of The Order of Crystalline Knights,
and had acquired these vast powers , he had been a
good healer. It was a gift he had recieved from his
mother. She had been a great healer, and had more
knowledge of herbal remedies than anyone he had ever
known. He sometimes thought that even with all his
magic, he would only be her equal.
The rest of the afternoon passed uneventfully as
Trapairian walked deeper into the forest. The trees
had become much older and larger in this part of the
woods. These trees had been saplings long before he
was born. Knowing the faint light would fade fast
with evenings approach, Trapairian stopped and made
camp for the night. He gathered a pile of wood for a
fire and had a blaze going in short order. Next he
filled a small tin kettle for tea. While the water
was heating up, he went for a walk to gather some
mushrooms and greens for a salad. A short ways off
he came to a small clearing in the woods. Here the
roof of the great forest opened up enough to let
sunlight reach the floor. All along the clearing
were large clumps of Bok plants, which had a sweet
taste, with almost a nutty flavor as well. He picked
a clump of the dark green leaves, and put them in
his front pouch. He left the glen in a Northren
direction Knowing the mushrooms he sought would be
found in the deep shadows, in low moist soil.
A
short while later the wizard was sitting by his
campfire enjoying a salad filled with dark chunks of
mushrooms, thin slices of smoked Elk, wild green
onions, and seasoned with ginger and honey he had
packed from home. The great woodlands were now in
total darkness, and the sounds of the nocturnal
creatures carried on the night air. The slight
breeze that had blown all day had now picked up to a
steady wind. Trapairian could smell rain coming and
knew the next day would be a wet one. He sat and
sipped a cup of mint tea and packed a bowl of herbs
for his nightly smoke. Thousands of fireflies buzzed
through the trees, flashing on and off, as they made
their nightly rounds.
With his meal finished and
the fire dying down to embers, Trapairian cleared a
spot of all sticks and pebbles. At last ready for
bed he sat down and place both hands above his head.
Touching all ten of his fingernails together, caused
a shimmering flow of power to cascade down around
him. Instantly the wizard was sealed within a
crystal dome, effectively protecting him from any
harm. No power on earth could break the barrier,
just as nothing known to man could shatter one of
his crystals. This was the Crystalline Knight's
power at it's zenith. Only a Mystic Knight could
perform this act, as only they possesed the power of
two sets of crystalline fingernails. Even he was
limited in it's use, as it could only be used for
self-protection. Trapairian closed his eyes and
slept in peace.
With dawn came the rain. Sheets of wind driven water
cut through the roof of the woods and drenched the
ground below. Trapairian awoke to the crash of
thunder, as tremendous bolts of lightning slashed
down from the sky. Reluctantly he dissolved the
crystal shell with a mere touch of his fingers.
Instantly a gust of wind showered him with rain.
Giving up on any idea of having hot tea this
morning, the old wizard selected several pieces of
dried fruit for his meal. He was packed and ready to
travel in a short time.
Most of the day was damp and dreary. The gusty
morning thunderstorms had given way to a hard steady
downpour. The rain laden clouds hung down over the
tree tops, sending grey streamers of fog and mist
swirling throughout the woods. The natural sounds of
the wildlife were all but gone, as the residents of
the Nog-Turim chose to ride out the storm in their
respective homes.
The afternoon wore on, and
Trapairian was soaked to the bone, even with his
poncho tied tightly shut, and his heavy leather
storm poncho over it. Tired and wet the old man was
ready to call it a day, and sat benieth a massive
Oak tree. He pulled some Elk out of his pack and
chewed it slowly. Without the sun, and with the dark
clouds overhead it was hard to judge how much light
was left in the day. With some food in his systwem
he started to feel better and decided there must be
at least one arc of light befor dark. He continued
on, having rested, the rain no longer bothered him.
The rain had stopped and the forest floor was
leveling out as he decided to stop for the night. He
had been traveling through a thick stand of Birch
trees, when he stopped abruptly and scanned the
woods to his left. A soft glow came from the other
side of a large clump of bushes some three hundred
yards off. With his guard up, he stealthfully
approached the source of the light.
Dispite his
quiet approach, when he had gotten only half the
distance a voice barked out! "Be ye friend or foe,
walk slowly with your hands in plain view!"
Trapairain recognized the voice as being dwarven. He
also heard the un-mistakeable sounds of swords being
drawn and a cross bow being cocked.
"I am but a traveler seeking company, and the warmth
of your fire." Trapairian called out.
"Step into the light then, and show yourself
traveler." the voice
commanded.
The wizard slowly parted the bushes and walked into
the campsite. The firelight reveled four dwarf, one
much older than the other three. The others varied
in ages, but were all young men, One was in fact
just a boy, but as large a dwarf boy as Trapairian
had ever seen. All four had their wepons at the
ready as Trapairian stepped into the circle of
light.
"Trapairian!, by the Gods what are you doing
traipsing around the Nog-Turim on such a night!" the
elder dwarf said as he lowered his sword.
"Well, well Kamul, I see that you still carry the
sword I gave you." Trapairian said.
"Indeed I do, and will for life, as it will take me
that long to prove myself worthy of such a fine
blade." Kamul said solemnly "Relax boys, It is my
pleasure and duty to introduce to you, Trapairian,
Mystic Knight of the Order of Crystalline Knights!
These fine lads are my sons. Sheb is my first born
and stands besides me in all matters. Next is Tornu,
who just reached his eighteenth year, and finally my
youngest,,Mala."
Trapairian extended his hand and clasped each
one'shand with a firm grip. "It is always nice to
meet the sons of old friends. Sheb, your father is
fortunate to have such a strong young man at his
side. Tornu, a young man's eighteenth year is an
inportant one, mark it well and enjoy. Mala, I would
guess that your size clouds your true age, how old
are you boy?
The young dwarf seemed at a loss for words. he stood
four foot eleven inches, and weighed an even hundred
pounds. The boy had no visible fat on his already
muscular frame. He was his middle brother's equal in
heigth.
"I am ten sir, my size has allowed me to become an
asset to my father's house sooner than is
common."
That it has, " Kamul interjected. "Hopefully it will
earn him a place of honor in the Fall Games of Ense
this year as well." Turning to Trapairian he clapped
him on the back and said; "Our fire is your to
share, but the price is as always, a rousing good
tale for all."
"Father! Should one ask such a
thing from so honored a guest?" Tornu exclaimed.
"One not only asks, One demands!" Kamul replied.
The three younger dwarfs all wore similar
expressions of shock. Trapairian laughed, "Fear not
boys, there is no offence taken. I know of your
custom of trading a campfires warmth for a story. I
think it to be one of life's better bargins. So your
father is right, A tale it will be!"
"Mala, fresh ale for all!" Kamul called out.
They
all gathered around the blazing fire with fresh mugs
of ale. The fire sent up a shower of sparks as Tornu
threw another log on top. Trapairian withdrew his
herb pouch and passed it to Kamul. The dwarf filled
his own pipe he carried with him and joined the
wizard in an evening smoke. The clouds had strated
to break up and the stars started to twinkle above.
"Boys, have you ever been told the tale of your
father's sword?" "No" was their collective reply.
"I thought as much." Trapairian said as he winked at
Kamul. Trapairian finished his ale and accecpted
another from Mala. He rose and walked to the far
side of the fire, then turned and faced the dwarfs.
His tall, slender frame was highlighted by the
firelight. Standing five foot eleven inches tall and
weighing 175 lbs. he seemed moumental compared to
the dwarfs. Age had etched deep lines in his face
and pulled the skin taut across his brow. Picking up
the mug of ale and taking a long draught, he
started.
"The sword your father carries is well over two
hundred yeas old. It belonged to a young man named
Thax Porias. Thax was a member of the Order of which
I am the leader. He was a very tall lad of amazing
speed and strength, and had the courage of many men.
I met him when I was twenty five, and he had joined
our Order at the usual age of 12. The sword was a
gift from his father in honor of his being chosen by
the Brotherhood." Trapairian paused, sat
cross-legged, and took another sip of ale.
"Bu-Bu-But that makes you...."Mala Stammered
"Yes lad, " Trapairian laughed, "I am two
hundred and twenty five years old. An unheard of age
too be sure, but true none the less." A look of
amazement passed between the three younger dwarfs as
Kamul drank his ale and smiled.
"Well then" Trapairian continued. "Page Thax
came to our Brotherhood and applied himself to the
rigorous training that is our way of life. By age 15
, his sword hand was as fast as any of the knights
and his eyes as keen as a hawk"s. In three years
time he had built himself up to great strength by
hard labor and rough play. Each morning he would run
4 miles to the coast of White Mare Island, where our
Order's lodge stands. Upon arrival he would plunge
his tired sweaty body into the brisk surf . After
swiming for half an arc, he would crawl upon the
white sandy beach and rest for half an arc. Then he
would make the return run. All this was done before
his morning chores. Though many of the other pages,
and even some of the knights tried to equal this
morning ritual, only Thax had the strenght, heart,
and determination to continue each day.
By the
age of 16 Thax had no equal in our Order. It was at
this age each page is assigned to a knight for the
final 2 years of training. Thax became my page, and
pupil, as well as my friend."
Trapairian bent down and threw another log on the
fire. Eager young faces looked on from the far side
of the fire, he continued. "Each knight has a
special intrest or natural ability, just as all
creatures do. Mine has always been healing. The act
of becoming a Knight enhances a person's natural
gifts. Thax was good at any task set upon him, but
it was his swordsmenship that set him apart from all
others. To watch him duel was like watching a demon
be released into a tempest, with the strike of the
fastest forrest adder. Knowing there was little I
could teach him about sword play, or feats of
strength, I worked with his mind. He and I would
take long walks into the woods, where I taught him
all I could about plants and herbs. Not only their
healing properties, but all manner of knowledge
about the land.
One morning I woke him and told
him to prepare a pack for traveling. "Where will we
go Master?" was his sleepy reply. "We will Journey
to the mainland, and from Habtol take horses to the
Nog-Turim Forest." I explained
The excitement shone in his eyes. "The mainland, and
the Nog-Turim? But why?"
"I am in need of many herbs and plants found only in
the great woods for our healing supplies. You, who
are about to become a Knight in 3 moons time need to
meet the land and the people you will be sworn to
protect."
By mid-morning we had reached the Order's stables at
Habtol and chose 2 fine steeds and started our
quest. That trip to your homeland was one of the
most enjoyable times in my many years. Only another
teacher would understand the joy of seeing a pupil
nearly overwhelmed by new sights and sounds. Thax
was soaking up knowledge like a mossy bed soaks up
water. After a leisurely trip through the Kingdom of
Fenestra, where we stayed and met many of the simple
people, we headed south and entered the forest north
of Perpetua along the edges of the Grand Swamp. Thax
was speachless as we entered the vast woodlands. His
eyes gleamed in the dim light, and I could tell he
had been mesmerized by the strange world un-folding
around him. We made camp late that evening, anfter a
full day of harvesting herbs and fungi. We spent the
night on the banks of the Descedao River."
Trapairian stopped and stretched. "Have any of you
boys ever been
to the Descedao?"
"I was there once as a boy, however I have little
memory of the land or the river." replied Sheb
The other two had said they were never there.
Trapairian continued; "The Descedao river swells
greatly in the fall, during the heavy rains and
overflows it's banks. Over the years these floods
have carved a series of passageways into the steep
limestone cliffs on the Westren Banks. Most of these
passageways cut into the rock 10-30 feet and stop.
Others cut into the cliffs at such an angle, a
strong man could climb out. A very few even connect
with other passages, but most have only one
entrance, which is the exit as well.
We had a
good breakfast of Quail eggs, and mushrooms with
slices of bread spread with Torak bee honey. We had
just about filled our herb pouches the first day in
your homeland. I decided that I wanted some Jade
mushrooms, and some willow bark. Knowing that the
willows would be found further downstream, we
started out in the direction of the cliffs. Thax and
I spaced ourselfs out as we traveled through the
woods on our search. We had almost reached the
beginning of the cliffs when I spotted a dwarven man
lying on the ground. As soon as I came closer a
chill ran down my spine. He had been badly mauled by
a bear. As I bent down to tend to him an
ear-shattering roar pierced the woods followed by
the screams of children.
"Thax! Wait! I called out frantically as a blur
passed by me.
"I will be back, stay there
Master." he called out.
I did what I could for
the poor man, but his wounds were far beyond my
powers. Ahead of us the woods were once again
echoing with more terrified screams, followed by a
series of terrible roars."
Trapairian took a
long draught of ale, providing his audience with the
dramatic pause of all good tales.
"The next part of this tale was told to me by the
fallen man's wife. At the same time I was tending to
the mortally wounded man Thax had rounded the bend
of the cliffs. A Dwarven family of 3 small children
and their mother had been backed into one of the
dead-end passages by a colossal Shaggy Rock Bear.
The bear had surprised the family having an outing
alongside the river. The unusually long winter had
passed and the bear had come out of hibernation
ravonous. The husband had no time to even draw a
wepon before the bear had crushed him. Terrified the
woman and children had run blindly into the passage
and been trapped. Thax came around the bend and took
action. With his sword drawn, he put himself between
the bear and the helpless family. Screaming like a
man possesed Thax held the bear at bay momentairly.
Lightning quick slashes of the bear's claws were met
with blazing thrusts and parries of Thax's sword The
battle raged on long enough to allow the mother to
slide the children out of the passage one at a time.
Each time a child would run away shrieking, the bear
would lunge and swipe at it with his claws, only to
be driven back by Thax's wild counterattacks. When
the last child was out of harms way, running for
their lives, Thax called out for the woman to run.
Frozen with fear the poor woman could only cringe
and cry.
At this time I rounded the bend. Possibly distracted
by my arrival or the womans sobs, Thax's god-like
defences slipped for a moment. The bear was on him
in a flash. No man can describe the damage done in a
blink of an eye by the enraged bear. Having
flattened his tormentor, the great bear reared up on
his back legs and roared in triumph. Preparing to
advance on the woman in the passage, the bear
dropped to all fours. With flawless timing, and grit
determination , Thax drove his sword up into the
bear's heart. His last bit of strength drove the
blade to the hilt. Both man and beast collasped in a
heap with a shuddering crash. The bear died lying on
top of Thax. I jumped out of my dazed stuppor and
ran to Thax's side. Thax's eyes fluttered partially
open, in a raspy whisper he said; "Master! ....Find
a m-m-man....of valor.....f-for m-m-my ...sword."
"With those words Thax joined the gods." The woman,
still sobbing clung to me for support.
Who are
you people?" she asked trying to compose
herself.
"I am Trapairian, Crystaline Knight,
and that brave soul was my
page, Thax Porias." I said in a whisper.
"At
this time a band of dwarven hunters arrived, having
heard the
screams and ensuing battle. After hearing the
account of his bravery, the hunters all agreed that
the bear was to be skinned for Thax'x burial shroud.
He was burried at the spot of his first and last
battle, and later a stone marker was placed there.
It stands there still, and every Spring the
ancestors of that family lay flowers on the spot and
pay homage to my valient friend
Trapairian looked around the fire. All three
young men were silent with a look of awe on their
faces. The wizard passed his mug to Kamul, who
refilled it with ale.
Tornu finally broke the silence. "I have never
heard such a tale of heroics, but how did my father
come to own this sword?"
Trapairian shot a questioning glance at Kamul,
who simply nodded his head. The wizard tossed a log
on the fire, sending another shower of sparks into
the dark sky. He sat back down and looked at the
three eager faces on the other side of the fire.
"I will now conclude this tale. Thax's
sword
hung on the wall of our lodge for 175 years. During
that time it served to inspire the Kinghts and pages
of our order. Though many hale and hardy men risked
their lives in the service to the land, I still did
not see the consumate bravery displayed that day so
many years ago. Then 23 years ago my friend Gelstead
Borin came to me with such a tale."
"Do you know Gelstead?" Trapairian asked the
boys.
"We have all heard of him, but I alone have met
him." Replied
Sheb.
Trapairian nodded and continued. "It seems that
Gelstead was on one of his many excursions deep into
the Nog-Turim, searching for a magnificent tree to
make a canoe out of. He was south of Bonae, along
the banks of the Descedio. Having located a suitable
tree he set to the task of cutting it and hollowing
it out. With his mind at the task at hand, he never
heard the pack of Ogres untill they were upon
him.
"Ogres!" Mala cried out.
"Yes lad, as mean and ruthless as any creature
alive." Trapairian replied. "While not common for
these lothsome creatures to venture into the
Nog-Turim it is not unheard of. Ogres who hunt in
packs like wolves are a cowardly race. They kill any
man or dwarf they find for the sheer thrill of it.
Only through superior intelligence and possesion of
better wepons were your people able to hold off the
first wave in the Great Ogre Wars. Together the
Order and the dwarfs were able to drive them South
into the jungles ages ago. This particular pack
numbered 6 and had surronded the woodsman preparing
for the kill. 3 Rushed at him with crude clubs in
hand. Gelstead being a massive man, grabbed the
first one, and slammed it's grey scaley body across
the log, snapping it's spine. The other 2 crashed
into him, cartwheeling all over the log into a heap
on the other side. Instinctively Gelstead smashed
his elbow into the grotesque face of the Ogre lying
besides him. The creatures long pointed nose
fractured, sending a burst of thick green fluid
splattering in all directions. Howling in pain and
rage, the Ogre swung it's club, landing a glancing
blow to Gelstead's right sholder. Numbness crept
down his arm from the blow.
As is their way, The other 3 Ogres waited for
their prey to tire before launching the final
assault. Gelstead was the first to his feet, and was
reaching for his ax, when the third of the first 3
Ogres smashed his club into my friends left arm. It
broke immediately. Staggering backwards Gelstead
slumped against an immense Oak tree. with his
backside protected, but one arm useless, and the
other still partially numb, Gelstead knew his time
was limited. He gritted his teeth and awaited the
final onslaught.
The two remaining Ogres of the
first wave crouched low, ready to strike. The other
3 had crept in and would rush in after the first 2.
Gelstead knew he had no chance of surviving the
odds. Reaching into his waist, he pulled out a long
Knife with a leather tong attached to it. Using the
leather strap he bound the knife to his right hand
and let out a primal battle cry.
From the far side of the clearing the cry was
returned. Gelstead stared in disbelief as your
father rushed down the hillside into the midst of
the surprised ogres. Taking advantage of the
confusion and surprise in his opponants, Gelstead
rushed forward and slashed the throat of the closest
Ogre. On the far side of the battlefield the
woodsman saw your father spinning and twirling
amongst the terrified Ogres, with nothing more than
a small hand ax. Dwarfs by the nature of their size
are no match for an Ogre. For a Dwarf to attack 3 of
them was more than the dim-witted creatures could
comprehend. Fear turned to panic as your father all
but severed the arm of one of the beasts and had
burried the ax into the skull of another. With a
savage kick Gelstead leveled the last of his
attackers. The Ogre with the crumpled nose collasped
on the ground, as Gelstead pounched on him with
Knife in hand. The struggle was short lived, as the
nasty creature was no match for my large friend.
Lightheaded and weary, Gelstead was on the verge of
passing out. Blinding bolts of pain from his arm
were all that kept him concious. Regaining his feet
he staggered twards Kamul who was thrashing and
rolling on the ground with the last Ogre. The well
muscled beast was raining blows to the sides of your
father's head with his large boney hands. Ignoring
the terrible beating being inflicted, Your father
clamped both hands tightly around his advarsarys
throat. Staggering to it's feet with your father
clinging to him, the Ogre spun round and round in an
attempt to shake off his smaller foe, With grit
determination your father wrapped his short stocky
legs around the creatures mid-section. As your
father continued his strangle hold, the Ogre ran
blindly into Gelstead, bowling him over. The Ogre
lost his footing on the sloped banks of the river,
and both combatants tumbled into the water. Your
father and the beast slipped quickly benieth the
surface of the deep, slow moving river. Gelstead
scrambled over to the waters edge and saw only a
string of bubbles burst up from the murky depths.
Moments later, your fathers shaggy head bobed to the
surface. Reaching in, Gelstead pulled your soggy and
gasping father onto the river's bank. Both collasped
in a heap from exaustion.
At last your father
clasped Gelsteads arm.
"A battle well fought my very large friend,
Kamul Kex, of the dwarfs of Ense at your bidding."
"I am Gelstead Borin, humble woodsman, and
your indebted friend from this day forth. Never
would I have thought a dwarf to be such a formidable
foe."
From that day forth Gelstead and your people
have been bonded in friendship and honor. After
hearing the account of the tale, I knew the man to
wield Thax's sword had been found, and that
concludes the tale of your fathers sword. I hope it
has been payment enough for this fine fire."
Trapiarian said smilng across at the 3 young Dwarfs.
"Indeed it is!" exclaimed Sheb, looking at
his father with a new level of respect. "Father I
speak for all your sons when I say this night has
given us a legacy of bravery to aspire to."
Tornu refilled everyones mug with ale. then
raised his to the star filled sky and called out; "
A toast, to Kamul Kex, woodsman, loving father, and
Slayer Of Ogres!"
"Kamul" all shouted as they toasted the elder
dwarf. Trapairian sat back and enjoyed this scene. A
father basking in
the love and admiration of his progeny. It was
something he could only experience vicariously, as
the Knights of the Order were forbidden to marry.
Looking at Kamul, the old wizard winked and finished
his ale.
"Father, may I see your sword?" Mala asked The
stout dwarf rose and drew the ancient piece from the
scabbard he
wore across his back and handed it to his young son.
Mala ran his fingers across the lettering ingraved
on the handle
and looked up at his father and asked, "Why have we
never heard this
tale?"
Kamul looked at his 3 young sons and speaking
slowly, chose his words carefully. "My sons if any
part of tonight goes with you in life let it be
this. A man will acknowlege personal acts of
bravery, but will never sing their song!" Do you
understand?"
After a monents reflection all answered yes.
Hesitantly Mala spoke up once more; Father, just one
more
question, "Were you afraid?"
"Mala, a man without fear is a fool, a man
who makes fear his master is a coward. Yes I was
afraid, but defending one's homeland, and aiding an
ally took precedence. Learn to greet your fear as a
friend, and it can never become your master! Come
boys now off to bed."
SO ENDS THIS SAMPLE OF MY BOOK. ANY AND ALL
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