2. Of the Mustering of Men
Far off in another land, the lore of which this tale does not mention, Drew rested upon his mighty throne and there sat, as one in thought, and did not move for many an hour. An open book lay upon his lap and but for the gleam in his eye he could have been mistaken for one who had fallen mistakenly to slumber. But he was not asleep, and he heard far off cries as of one in dire need of service, for hearty was the voice of Greg, and far did it travel in time of need.
Now with great haste he went to meet his ally of old at the entry of his realm. It seemed to Drew that Greg was clothed in a shadow of himself, stricken with madness at the sight of some horror unknown. Thus spoke Greg:
"Holy shit," said he, "there is a bat in the kitchen."
And Drew was troubled. Long he thought and spoke not a word, and ere the suns retired beyond the western hills he broke his silence. "Let's get Dan!" he cried, and swiftly they rode beyond the wooded hills to the very ends of the earth, whereupon they rested for a time.
When the day was again fresh, Greg and Drew made entry into the halls of Sir Dan of Yore, wisest of loremasters. His lands are forever chill to the skin of men, and upon his throne they spied him wrapped about in many layers of cloth and raiment.
"Old friends, what brings you to far away lands in such dark times as these?" The voice of Dan seemed not his own, but as of one who has lost countless years to the unavailing cold of night.
"We come seeking your favour," answered Greg. "We seek counsel and aide." He bowed low and offered words of respect.
"Yes, I know. Much I have already seen in this matter, and yet much there is which remains unknown to even those who know very much. I will aide you in your quest." Greg and Drew were happy to receive this news and their hearts were glad. Dan continued:
"But we three alone do not possess such mortal power and strength as will be required to accomplish this task. Indeed, no man alone can slay this creature by swift blade or keen wit. We must seek good fortune in a man whose name is remembered by no one save the eldest, but who is called Brian in our speech."
"You speak wisdom and truth," declared Drew. "But few have seen or received word of Brian since this dark age began. His land is far and unreachable by foot or by sail."
"Then we must carry on with what strength we do have," said Greg. "What we lack in numbers we must make up for in skill and cunning."
They spoke no more of the matter but stayed in Dan's realm for a brief while, and when they were again of hearty mind and body they departed.
Far off in another land, the lore of which this tale does not mention, Drew rested upon his mighty throne and there sat, as one in thought, and did not move for many an hour. An open book lay upon his lap and but for the gleam in his eye he could have been mistaken for one who had fallen mistakenly to slumber. But he was not asleep, and he heard far off cries as of one in dire need of service, for hearty was the voice of Greg, and far did it travel in time of need.
Now with great haste he went to meet his ally of old at the entry of his realm. It seemed to Drew that Greg was clothed in a shadow of himself, stricken with madness at the sight of some horror unknown. Thus spoke Greg:
"Holy shit," said he, "there is a bat in the kitchen."
And Drew was troubled. Long he thought and spoke not a word, and ere the suns retired beyond the western hills he broke his silence. "Let's get Dan!" he cried, and swiftly they rode beyond the wooded hills to the very ends of the earth, whereupon they rested for a time.
When the day was again fresh, Greg and Drew made entry into the halls of Sir Dan of Yore, wisest of loremasters. His lands are forever chill to the skin of men, and upon his throne they spied him wrapped about in many layers of cloth and raiment.
"Old friends, what brings you to far away lands in such dark times as these?" The voice of Dan seemed not his own, but as of one who has lost countless years to the unavailing cold of night.
"We come seeking your favour," answered Greg. "We seek counsel and aide." He bowed low and offered words of respect.
"Yes, I know. Much I have already seen in this matter, and yet much there is which remains unknown to even those who know very much. I will aide you in your quest." Greg and Drew were happy to receive this news and their hearts were glad. Dan continued:
"But we three alone do not possess such mortal power and strength as will be required to accomplish this task. Indeed, no man alone can slay this creature by swift blade or keen wit. We must seek good fortune in a man whose name is remembered by no one save the eldest, but who is called Brian in our speech."
"You speak wisdom and truth," declared Drew. "But few have seen or received word of Brian since this dark age began. His land is far and unreachable by foot or by sail."
"Then we must carry on with what strength we do have," said Greg. "What we lack in numbers we must make up for in skill and cunning."
They spoke no more of the matter but stayed in Dan's realm for a brief while, and when they were again of hearty mind and body they departed.
No comments:
Post a Comment