tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40821162342072229972024-02-18T18:41:46.179-08:00The Tales of Gizmo the Bard and AssociatesThe epic tales of the fearless warrior Gizmo the Belligerent, a Bard of the Moving Shire, and his companions, a motley band of adventurers known as the Bards: Fox, the swift and cunning; Badger, the insightful and strong-willed; Schaff, the meek but powerful; Paddy and Dumon, the happy-go-lucky; and Holden, the drummer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-29524079482746737922013-05-14T08:23:00.000-07:002013-05-14T08:23:16.413-07:00X: The Empty Camp<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Scheaun and KT rode out to Koma. They traveled the majestic fields and magnificent forests, and because it was a beautiful day, had a picnic just outside its wall. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Here," said Scheaun. "Help me unpack." He got off of his horse. KT did, also, and began to take bags off of Scheaun's steed. A faint glimmer peeked out from under the blanket on his horse. She pulled the blanket off, revealing his sword, shield, and bow.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Scheaun," she said. "What is this?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What is what?" he asked. "Oh."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"This picnic isn't the only reason we're here, is it?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No. But I was going to ask you if you wanted to join me." She looked cross, but then she broke into a smile.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Of course I do!" She laughed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Later, when they were eating, KT stopped, looking off into the distance.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So what are we investigating?" she asked. "Or are we hunting some evil dragon?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"We are going to Koma," he replied. "Where the Chadde-worshippers live. That giant's eyes were glowing, so Scott, Gizmo, and I think that there's magic behind it."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Oh cool! Where Badger died!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah..."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Oh, sorry."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No, it's cool. Just kinda sad."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The two rode into the ancient city. Whatever trace of life bubbled up last time, had completely evaporated by now. There was absolutely no one among the grey ruins.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Wow. It's just as creepy as I imagined," said KT. Scheaun and KT stopped atop the steps of the temple where Badger's previous life ended. Its dilapidated state apparently weathered worse storms since That Fateful Day. The two entered the temple, leaving their horses behind. A torn tapestry hung against the back wall. The rows of stone pews were smashed, as if some large rock landed among them. A gaping hole in the ceiling shed light on the pile of rubble below, and that is where Scheaun and KT ended their journey.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Wow," said Scheaun. "What happened?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Whatever it was," KT answered. "I don't like it."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The two searched every crevice in that temple, inside, then out. They had not looked over the front steps yet, but when they returned,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"My Brand! I mean, My horse!" shouted Scheaun.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What? Where did it go?" asked KT. As it was, her horse sat content, (as content as a horse can be, and as well as a horse can sit) but Scheaun's was nowhere to be found. Searching the empty town, Scheaun could find no trace of the horse, but he found his sword not far from the town's entrance. They began to leave when Scheaun noticed footprints in the muddy ground outside Koma. The two followed the fresh indentions around Koma's outskirts, into woods on the side opposite the way they came.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"There!" whispered Scheaun. "Fire! It's a campsite in the woods!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Huh? Oh! There! I see," she replied.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I'll go get him. You wait here."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Beside the fire stood Scheaun's old white gallant stallion. He snuck through the camp, but looking into one tent, he noticed and unusual lack of... living creatures.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Where is everyone?" he murmured. He rode back to KT, and the two returned to Bamah.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Meanwhile, at the empty camp, the fire continued to glow. Trees behind it rustled, and out walked a robed warrior. Removing his hood, he revealed a bald head with a tattoo precisely like that of the late sorcerer.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Dammit Kreg!" he roared. Behind him shuffled a shorter version of himself. In fact, the three were brothers.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yes, Jus'tinn?" replied the short one.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Where is the horse?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It escaped."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I wasn't watching it."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Lord Chadde will not be pleased. Actually, you can explain it to him now." From the other direction came another rustle. Out strode Chadde. He stopped, realizing what happened, and killed Kreg.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Find them," growled Chadde's deep voice.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-17224007640248187992013-05-11T08:40:00.000-07:002013-05-11T08:40:47.358-07:00IX: The Captive<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Two large ugly ogres, with pale skin and glowing green eyes, led the young man down the corridor. IT was dark and cramped; drops of polluted, dirty water fell to the damp ground and splashed. Rows of mangy cells lined the walls, and just before the ogres led the young man into one, a witch who had been waiting there to meet them removed his blindfold. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Heh. That was easy. Too much curiosity for one cat," she said. It was Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Suddenly, he leaped over his own cuffs, grabbed one of the ogres' axes, and ran into the cell; the other ogre, axe drawn, followed him in. Gizmo turned, knocked away the ogre's attack, and lopped off his head. Gizmo shoved the body through the cell door. It knocked over the other two, and Gizmo grabbed their hands. He used the key to unlock his cuffs, put their hands through the bars, and locked the cuffs. He dropped the key between the semi-conscious two.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Gizmo looked down the hall. As he traveled back the way he came, he checked every cell for prisoners. Every one between him and the door was dead, but when he got to the last cell before the door, he found the old lady. However, it was not the same person the giant was chasing.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Who ARE you?" he whispered, and he cut the lock off the door. Looking up, he found his eyes met with hers.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No," he said. It was the Lady of the River.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No! Don't come in here!" she replied. Her eyes were red, as if at one time, she wept tears like a mighty river, but the source had since dried up.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I've got to get you out!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No! You don't understand! This cell is encased in some sort of enchanted... amber... bubble thing. She really doesn't want me to escape."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why do you look so different?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It ages me, very quickly. I shall probably die soon."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Then I will get you out!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"But it'll kill you!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Then I'll meet you on the other side," Gizmo replied. The source was renewed, as she realized there was no stopping him. He stepped through the amber. Nothing happened. Gizmo fished the talisman out of his pocket. It glowed; he smiled. Gizmo cut the Lady down and led her out of the cell. On the other side, she lamented.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I'm sorry. I don't know... I didn't know--" Gizmo grabbed and kissed her. When he opened his eyes, nothing had happened.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It was worth a shot," he said. Holding out the talisman to her, he said, "Your turn." She smiled and grabbed it. She glowed bright green, but as the light faded, her younger self emerged. The two embraced.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So why did the witch make the giant chase you?" he asked.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What do you mean? What giant?" she replied.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"She didn't make the giant chase you through Robert's Dale."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No. What--what giant?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It WAS her! Aww! She wanted us to investigate so that she could get her talisman back?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"But why would she kidnap me?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"She disguised herself, but she needed a template. Someone to resemble, so she could hide herself. You came along, the perfect subject, but she had to change you so that WE wouldn't recognize her."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Oh."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"But why does she want us dead so badly? We need to find the others. We're all in danger!" The two ran into the throne room, where they found the Bards.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Gizmo!" yelled Scheaun.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What is she doing here?" asked Badger, referring to the Lady. Before Gizmo could answer, the witch entered the throne room.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That was... skillful. I have to admit that your escape was brilliant," she said.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I have your talisman," replied Gizmo. "In return for its safe return, I demand you release my friends. We shall not bother you any longer."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Ha! you think that all I want is the talisman!? Thieves, murderers! You killed my daughter, Le'heigh-"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"She was kidnapping innocent people and torturing them!" Gizmo interrupted.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"YOU WILL PAY!" yelled the witch, and she pointed at Gizmo. As she did, he drew his sword; lightning shot from her fingertips, and Gizmo used his sword as a conductor, absorbing the sword energy.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"She meant to end our lives," he yelled. "It was the only way we could survive."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Burn!" she screamed back, and with her other hand, she used the fire from the torches along the walls as missiles. The fire flew towards the Bards, but the Lady knelt to the ground. She stood and waved her hands in an arc, as the moisture from underneath them froze and shielded the Bards.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Give me your coat!" The Lady told Gizmo, and he did. Gizmo slipped around the ice shield and disappeared. The Lady turned her back to the witch, who easily broke the ice.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Now I shall finish you," she raged, as she turned the Lady around.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"WHAT!?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Get your stinkin' paws off her!" cried Gizmo from the throne. He stood with his sword in one hand and the talisman in the other.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I don't think I will. She'll make a nice pet-"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Over your dead body," Gizmo said, and with that, he smashed the talisman. The witch began to glow a bright white light, and she dropped to her knees.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No! No! NOOO!!!" she howled. The white light consumed her and faded. She was gone in a wisp of smoke. The shackles around the Bards' hands and feet vanished. Gizmo got up, and walked over to them. As he did, he tossed his sword aside. The Lady ran to meet him, hugged him tightly, and whispered, "I love you."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">He smiled.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I know." They kissed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The Bards returned, and Schaff threw a grand party, with food, music, and a wonderful time for all. At the end of the night, Scheaun and Gizmo left together.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So what DID you find at Koma?" asked Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Like I said," Scheaun replied. "Nothing. Like, no one, just a bunch of ashes and rubble. But something odd did happen."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You should tell me about it," Gizmo smiled.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I will." For a while, they walked in silence. However, Scheaun broke it with the question that bugged him most.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So where was the Lady all this time?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I thought she was in Kali, but apparently she got back earlier than I suspected."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You didn't know?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No. I--we had some issues a little while ago, but now we're past them." Gizmo bit his lip.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Oh. Wait... ohhh. So Kali, huh?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"With the nice beaches?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Sure could use a vacation."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Not until you tell me about Koma."</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-76276912255552146702013-05-08T19:15:00.000-07:002013-05-08T19:15:41.522-07:00VIII: The Woman<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Early in the world of Bamah, the world was filled with magical creatures. There were those who worshipped Chadde, there were the Elves, there were the river people, there were animals who could talk, and there were witches. Eventually, the numbers of all three parties dwindled. The witches and Chadde-worshippers warred for a time, but most of the blame can be traced to the birth of man. As the species of man grew, he conquered everything and spread across the planet. All species are wont to do so, but none have suite matched man's might.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">When the actual kingdom of Bamah arose, the witches resisted. The King offered to integrate them into society, but they refused. They fled deep into the woods and never again returned. Establishing their own culture, the Most High Witch, a founder of the original tribe, named herself the High Witch, total ruler of all witches. She decreed that she would pass it down to the witch of her choice: (not much else is known about witches, such as how they reproduce, but it is the ancient witch term "D'aughtre Roiale," or, successor or heir that became the English term "daughter.")</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The High Witch chose the youngest witch, a mere baby to be her "D'aughtre Roiale," and raised her as her own.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The years passed, and the D'aughtre grew into a powerful witch, worthy of the throne. The High Witch's last words before passing on the crown was "grow a worthy one," referring to the raising of her successor. (Of course, it could also refer to their reproduction, which is definitively associated with the talismans, as witches "grow" with their talismans.)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The New High Witch immediately obeyed and chose a child successor. Her name was Le'heigh.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The young D'aughtre grew as her mother did, but she seemed more passionate about witch history. She adored the witches who would tell the stories of how the ancient witches were fantastic warriors, and for obvious reasons, hated man. However, the High Witch cared less about man; they had yet to interfere with the witches' society.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Mother! We have the power! We should retake our lands!" Le'heigh said one day.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What?" The High Witch replied.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I'm tired of your pacifism! We need to reclaim Bamah for magical creatures!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Umm... because man is greedy and evil! They stole it from us; it's rightfully ours!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You do know that they offered to let us join them. They didn't exactly run us off; our pride forced us to leave."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So? Uggh! You don't get it!" (It was obvious she was the equivalent of a teenager.) She stormed off.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Le'heigh ran away, to a new home in another set of woods. The High Witch was enraged for a time, but settled. As the time went on, Le'heigh never returned. Her mother began to fear for her demise. The High Witch gathered a group and left to search for her D'aughtre.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">They covered miles quickly, traveling from the eastern edge of Bamah to the southern tip in one day. Stopping in Robert's Dale, the small band of witches stopped at an inn for the night. There, they met a giant. He had come from a different way, and had stopped at a cave on his way, and he saw the girl they described.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Will you take us there?" asked the desperate witch.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Of course." The giant, however, was seedy. He knew a tribe of Chadde-worshippers who violently hated witches and would pay him handily. That night, he notified them of where they would be.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The next morning went well. The giant led the witches to Le'heigh cave. There, they were by the angry warriors.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You infidels! Your actions shall be punished!" yelled their leader.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What? Witches and those of Chadde made peace!" replied the High Witch.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Not with us!" they charged, and the battle was intense.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Stop him!" He sold us out!" said the High Witch, pointing to the fleeing giant. She leaped from her horse and handily defeated many warriors. One Chadde-worshipper, a sorcerer, knocked her down, but she sent him flying. The other witches stood their ground well, and there were no worshippers of Chadde left. A few witches captured the giant, and brought him back to the High Witch.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You! Traitor! You gave us away!" she yelled, angrily striking the treacherous prisoner.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I serve no one but myself. I have no master," he calmly replied.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Then I shall give you one," and with that, the High Witch cast a spell upon him, that she had complete control of his consciousness. The giant became her slave.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The witches had been gone some time, but at that same spot, on of the surviving warriors, the sorcerer, came to. Looking around, all he saw was vegetation and dead bodies. However, a green stone caught his eye. It was like no jewel he had ever seen. Placing it in his pocket, the sorcerer slipped away.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">This occurred a few hours after the battle, but at almost the same time, the witches came upon a grotto. Opposite them was a large pile of rocks.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"This is it. This is her dwelling," said the High Witch.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"How do you know?" rightfully asked a witch.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"These markings," she answered, walking over to examine the left side of the rocks. "These runes are from the ancient witch language. It is an ancient spell, for defense." She scratched it out, and a shriek filled the air. The grotto felt like a nicer place. Just then, Le'heigh leapt from a high tree and took out the High Witch. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Mom!" she cried, climbing off of her. "I'm so sorry."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No matter. You're returning with us."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No, I won't."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What about the throne?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You're not dead yet," she snapped.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"How dare you!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You chose ME! I didn't want that life anymore. Come get me when you... need me."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"As you wish. I will always stand by for you." Hurt, the High Witch returned to her horse. She reached for her talisman for comfort, but it was gone. She turned to Le'heigh.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Where is my talisman?" she roared.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That's what I was wondering. It was always about your neck," came the reply. "Did you drop it?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It's gone. Wait! It was that evil magician from the woods! I spared him, but he stole my precious talisman!" She leapt onto her steed and flow off. The other witches followed her, but Le'heigh returned to her cave home.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That'll never happen to me. I keep mine locked up," she said.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">That same sorcerer made his way to a nearby kingdom. The king's hunting party found him attempting to enter.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You there! How dare you trespass into my domain!" the monarch roared.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"My liege, I request solace. There are those who wish me dead. In return, I offer you this precious gem," replied the tactful sorcerer.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Very well then, indeed. Tis a marvelous stone to behold. As your new ruler, I demand you enter for protection's sake. Squire, see that he finds a job to stand upon." The two left.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"My, this is a wondrous stone. My daughter will love it."</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-89518562291711946862013-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:002013-05-04T09:00:05.521-07:00VII: The Witch"What does the witch want with the woman?" asked Scott.<br />
"And why does she want US dead?" said Badger. "I mean, she's not after just anyone. She wants the Bards. US."<br />
"The sorcerer who kidnapped the princess. He was a worshipper of Chadde," said Gizmo.<br />
"Wait... what?" asked Dumon.<br />
"Yeah, he did. I knew I had seen those marks before," said Paddy.<br />
"It doesn't answer any of those questions, though," remarked Scott.<br />
"Paddy, let me see that stone," said Gizmo. Paddy gave it to him. "Scheaun, look!"<br />
"It's a talisman! Like the one we used to kill Le'heigh!" Scheaun gasped. "Maybe it's the witch's?"<br />
"Right!"<br />
"Maybe she just wants it back," said Schaff. "She thinks we stole it from her."<br />
"But what does this have to do with the woman?" demanded Badger.<br />
"We'll just trade the stone for the woman," said Holden. "Easy enough, right?" The group assented, and began to follow the was the witch left. To himself, Gizmo said, "But it's never easy enough."<br />
<br />
The trail led them through the woods. Scheaun, at the front of the group, found himself at the edge of the forest. To either side a road ran, and it was between them and a large field. Across that field lay another forest.<br />
"It's... the highway," remarked Holden.<br />
"Yeah, I know," replied Scheaun.<br />
"So which way did she go?"<br />
"Not left... nor right... there! C'mon!"<br />
A shadow on the horizon dove into the trees across from them. The group rode like they never had before; the horses' legs were like strong tides of the ocean, waves churning to and fro. They flew across the plain, into the trees. Among the woods, the Bards continued to glide. No tree got in their way; no branch hindered them. They dashed into a clearing, and found themselves at the mouth of a cave.<br />
"She's in there," said Scheaun.<br />
"And... are we waiting for a signal?" laughed Holden. Scheaun shrugged. Badger, bringing up the rear on Scott's horse, flew through screaming.<br />
"YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" (It's a scream. What did you expect?)<br />
The Bards all followed her lead. The cave led them down, into the darkness. They stopped when a single torch glowed at the end of the hall. Gizmo dismounted and approached the wall on which it hung. He pulled the torch; it did not come down, but out. The wall swung open so that they could pass.<br />
"That was easy," joked Scheaun.<br />
"Yeah, never saw that coming," said Holden.<br />
"How did you do that?" asked Schaff.<br />
"We've seen it before," said Gizmo with a smile.<br />
The group entered through the make-shift door, into a throne room. In one corner sat an empty cage, whose door swung wide open. It creaked with the sudden draft, but never closed. The Bards looked inside, but there was only a blanket and pillow there.<br />
"I guess this is where she kept the old lady," said Badger. "But where are they now?"<br />
"What does the old lady have to do with this anyway?" asked Dumon.<br />
"Maybe they're the SAME PERSON, you guys," said Scott.<br />
"Why would she have the giant chase her around?"<br />
"I dunno--he got loose?"<br />
"But he couldn't, until he was in the ring of fire," said Badger.<br />
"I--maybe, I don't know," replied Scott.<br />
"Did anyone actually KNOW the woman?" asked Paddy.<br />
"No one. Like at all." replied Schaff.<br />
"Guys, where's Gizmo?" noticed Scheaun. He was gone. Paddy looked at the cage. On its door was a new note that read:<br />
<br />
IT'S A TRAP.<br />
<br />
And on the back:<br />
<br />
NO. SERIOUSLY. GET OUT.<br />
<br />
"I suggest obeying whatever advice he gave you," bellowed a deep female voice. The witch appeared among them. "Now."<br />
Schaff swung at the witch, but she stopped his blade with her bare hand; with her other hand she sent him flying across the room. Badger and Dumon pulled out their bows and launched several arrows at her. The arrows all stopped a foot from the witch. She looked at Dumon and Badger as the now-harmless arrows fell to the ground. At the same time, Scott and Scheaun drew their swords and ran at her. Holden followed suit but the witch defended every blow and knocked them all over. She looked around at the startled Bards and snapped her fingers dramatically. Glowing green chains appeared around their wrists and ankles, and the witch smiled. She held up her forefingers, then brought them together. The Bards flew into a row, suspended in the air. The witch pointed down, and the Bards dropped to their knees.<br />
"Where is it?" she roared.<br />
"Where is what?" returned Scott.<br />
"Don't patronize me. I sent my giant to kill you, while I have my sorcerer searching for it. Turns out you somehow double-cross me and end up alive and in possession of my talisman! Where is it?"<br />
"I don't have it," said Paddy.<br />
"That doesn't answer the question."<br />
"Gizmo has it."<br />
"Oh. Then I DO have it. Never mind," she said as she began to walk away.<br />
"Wait," said Badger. "Who was the woman?"<br />
"I was," said the witch, and she closed the door behind her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-2095922790004723932013-04-25T13:47:00.000-07:002013-04-25T13:47:56.680-07:00VI: (Whispers In) The Dark<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Gizmo!" Scheaun whispered.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You got those matches I gave you?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah. Hang on!" He fumbled around, searching for them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why are we still whispering?" interrupted KT.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"The title has to make sense to the reader! If we weren't whispering, it wouldn't be called "Whispers in the Dark," would it?" replied Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What are you talking about?" Gizmo lit the match.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Well, there we go," he said, looking around. He pointed. "This way!" Gizmo lit another torch for Scheaun and began to walk in that direction.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Gizmo chronicles all his adventures. I guess he's already come up with a title for this one," Scheaun told KT.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Wait a minute... You mean... Oh! He writes for the Bards! That's him! The Bards are popular in these parts. I never quite made the connection."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah. Well, I mean, how many people are named Gizmo?" laughed Scheaun.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"How many Scheauns spell their name that way?" KT smiled.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Gizmo took in his surroundings with curiosity and awe. He paid attention to every detail, as the cave work was art, not just random digging. Each side told a story, and each story flowed into the other. The walls were meticulously carved; its intricate details would make any sculptor cry. In fact, had Gizmo not noticed the boringness of the floor, he would have fallen over a steep ravine. He stopped; looking over the edge, he saw a massive dungeon on the floor of the cave. Cages hung from the ceiling, and those that were not empty not locked. Scheaun and KT soon joined him. They found a ladder and climbed down to the cave floor. In the middle of the circle of hanging cages beyond the circle, some tables, littered with papers, pots, and other paraphernalia, guarded a large metal box. It had a lock but was wide open, and sat on a pedestal as high as the cages.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Creepy digs," said Scheaun.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Very goth. Nosferatu would be proud," Gizmo agreed. KT found a ladder, and Scheaun carried it over to her.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Put it up against this cage. Hold it still," she said. Gizmo and Scheaun steadied her climb to the locked cage. Inside, two giant eyes stared back into her own. A dirty, starved man crawled over to her.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Hey, Scheaun, hold her. I found the key," Gizmo said. He ran to a couch beyond the empty metal box, and returned with a ring of keys. Handing them to KT, Gizmo joined Scheaun in holding the ladder.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Thank you," whispered the man. The three forced every living soul in the set of cages there. The motley crew began their return to the surface, but as Gizmo, the last to reach the top of the ridge, ascended, their journey was halted. A dark, robed figure stood at the Scheaun's sword.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"How dare you," the figure growled.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I could ask you the same thing," Scheaun replied.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"KT, take these people to the surface," Gizmo said. "Her fight is with us, not these innocents." KT hurried them along.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why are you torturing these people? What did they do to you?" Scheaun inquired.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What HAVEN'T they done? They stole what was most precious to me, and I must find it!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That gives you no right to take lives!" roared Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It is fitting; they took mine!" she answered, sending Scheaun soaring with her last syllable. Gizmo jabbed, but the witch formed a transparent blue shield and blocked his sword. The energy with which she formed flowed from her veins, forming a sword in her other hand. She swung to block Gizmo's second parry. Turning his blade over, she spun, roundhouse kicking him away. Scheaun ran in, and the witch ran at him. He blocked each of her strikes, but then she used her shield to knock his sword away. As she went to deal the final blow, Gizmo lopped the witch's head off. The energy-weapons faded into mist, and the witch's lifeless body fell over.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Well then," laughed Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Thanks," Scheaun replied.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The two made their way to the mouth of the cave, where KT and the prisoners waited. Smiling, she ran to hug Scheaun. She kissed him, and the two enjoyed their moment.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Hang on," said Gizmo. "The stone. IT's glowing through your blouse!" And it was. KT took the necklace out from under her shirt.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Let me see," said Gizmo. KT handed him the stone, and as he held it, a rumbling came from the cave. Everyone looked, and a bright blue light beamed upward toward them. In the light, they saw the witch's head and body floating; the two pieces began to grow back together. Quickly, Gizmo drew his sword, and smashed the stone to bits. The light went out, and the witch was dead once more.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Ding dong," smiled Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Wait, wait. Wait. What?" said Scheaun.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That stone was a talisman. As long as it is in one piece, the witch can survive. At least, that's how it looks. That stone was what she was looking for. It was the source of her power."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Well, I got that. But the 'ding dong' thing?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Oh, I don't know. First thing that hit me." One of the freed prisoners spoke up.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Thank you for saving us," he said. "We are all grateful to the three of you."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Of course," said Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"How can we repay you?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"There's no need. It's what we do," replied Scheaun.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Just go home. Enjoy your lives, and if any one asks, tell them it was the Bards," said KT.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Following the death of Le'heigh, many other witches, hiding in the Chroi forests, gathered. They pleaded with the High Witch, angry with the loss of their sister.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"The Bards deserve to die!" yelled one.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"The murderous fiends! Kill them all!" yelled another.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Silence, my children," the High Witch interrupted. "I have deliberated enough. The heartless killers shall die. But you go about your business. Leave this to me." The convention rejoiced.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-66937825329511964792013-04-18T08:36:00.000-07:002013-04-18T08:36:35.222-07:00V: The Giant<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The giant carried Badger and Dumon through the forest. The two Bards struggled to free themselves from his grasp but to no avail. Suddenly, Schaff swept through the tree is front of the giant. He stopped just in front of it. The giant tripped on a vine he could not have seen, and fell face-first onto the ground. Badger and Dumon fell out of his hands; Badger grabbed her bow and loaded an arrow, meeting Schaff, whose sword was drawn, at the giant's head.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Who are you?" yelled Badger.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Answer me!" She lodged an arrow in his left hand. The giant stood, growling, and roared. His eyes were a sickly green, and his veins bulged. Badger put an arrow in his right hand; he still grabbed her, but not before Schaff cut his right pinky off.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Let go of her!" Schaff cried, as he stabbed the giant's foot. It turned and picked him up, neglecting the sword sticking out of his foot.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Dumon had climbed a tree. She used it for cover as she pelted the giant with arrows. She fired quickly, but soon ran out. When her barrage stopped, the giant put his arm down from his face (he had been using it to shield himself.) He dropped Schaff, who fell unconscious. Running at Dumon, the giant grabbed her too, and fled.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">An hour later, the other Bards arrived. Schaff's light armor took the brunt of the fall, so he survived with only a few bruises.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What happened?" asked Scott.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I managed to stop the giant, but he still took Dumon and Badger," came the reply.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So back to square one again?" asked Paddy.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Not really," said a voice from the forest. It was Scheaun. He brought forth an aid kit and attended to Schaff.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I heard the screams," he said. " Got here just after you all did. See the giant gap there? Where all the trees bend as if something crushed them? He went that way."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What? Oh--the branches. Wow. That wasn't that noticeable before," laughed Paddy.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Where did you go?" asked Holden.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I went to check out the camp at Koma."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What did you find?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Nothing."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">By now, Badger and Dumon gave up their struggle.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So you're not going to tell us where we're going? At all?" Badger asked.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No. Not at all," said Dumon. She laughed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So what if I have to pee?" laughed Badger. "No?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No," said Dumon. "No peeing. Just wait." The giant stopped.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Finally!" said Badger.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Can I pee now?" laughed Dumon.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">He let them down, but a fire formed around them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What do you want from us?" asked Badger.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What do you want from me?" sang Dumon. Badger looked at her.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Sorry."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The giant fell to his knees. Seemingly having a spasm, he rolled over on his side, screaming. His eyes were no longer green; his veins were of normal size (for a giant.) Badger and Dumon walekd around to his face's side. The giant sat up, frightened.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Aah! Who are you? What happened to my hands?" he asked.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What do you mean? You just kidnapped us and almost killed two of my friends! Who are YOU?" stormed Badger.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Oh no... I'm in a prison. You can't be here! Whatever I've done, I apologize for! I wasn't myself."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What do you mean?" asked Dumon.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I'm under a spell. A witch holds me hostage and I do her every bidding."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You've been terrorizing an old woman. Do you know who she is?" asked Badger.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No, what woman?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Do you know anything about what you do?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"All I've heard is something about some 'Bards' or something. I'm helping her kill them, I think."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"WE are the Bards!" started Dumon. "Well, two of them."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You need to leave now! Listen to me! Get out! It's a trap!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"How?" asked Badger, arms crossed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That tree," he said, pointing to the only tree in the ring of fire. "Climb it, and jump to the tree next to it. Then run, and DO NOT COME BACK."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"No, we will come back. We'll save you."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You can't."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"We've beaten gods, battled dragons, and broken civilizations. A witch is nothing."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Fine. But go now, and do not come back without an army." Badger and Dumon climbed the tree, and descended the second when the ring of fire went out.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Really!?" asked Badger. Then she and Dumon hid. A witch entered the ring.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Where are they???" she screamed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Where are who?" replied the giant. She grabbed a sword, lifted it, and let go. It floated for a time. The witch left. Her last words to the giant were, "I'll find them myself."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The floating sword held still for a final moment, then flew through the giant's chest. Badger and Dumon ran to the giant's side. His last words were, "The stone."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The other Bards arrived.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Things just got weird," remarked Holden.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-38073025904160307752013-04-11T19:38:00.000-07:002013-04-11T19:38:49.064-07:00IV: The Sorcerer<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Scott, Gizmo, and Badger met Schaff, Dumon, Holden, and Paddy at Badger's. They began to discuss the giant.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I think it's pretty safe to say we need to stop this thing," said Scott.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah," murmured basically everyone in the room.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"But how do we even like, begin to find him?" remarked Dumon.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What I don't get is why he went after the one lady. I mean, why do we care?" asked Holden.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"He came after us as soon as we began protecting her. She's hiding something, and we can't just let a powerful threat run free," replied Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why do you say that? How do you know she's hiding something?" asked Schaff.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"As soon as we met her, Gizmo and I saw her expression change. She's not the helpless old lady she appears to be," replied Scott.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So, basically, to answer your question, Dumon, I have no idea. She has no family, and I don't know many giants. The only place to start is that forest."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The next day, the Bards made for Robert's Dale. They found the spot where the giant escaped, and they entered the woods there.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Wait. Didn't Scheaun come with us?" asked Holden. "Where is he?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"He's working another angle of this. He'll catch up," said Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Just then, the trees behind them rustled. A large animal rushed at them. Everyone drew their weapons. Out ran a short, robed man. Frightened, he stopped.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Help me!" he cried.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Get on!" said Holden. He, Paddy, and Gizmo rode away. The others remained, as the giant leapt from the bushes. Dumon and Badger assaulted him with arrows, but it only angered him. He grabbed them as Schaff sliced his side. The giant ran off with the two Bards.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You go get those three! I'll follow the giant!" yelled Schaff. With that, they parted.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Gizmo, Holden and Paddy stopped in the middle of the woods.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Get down," said Holden. Before the man could say anything, Gizmo jumped on him.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Where is she?" he growled. "I mean, the old woman? How do you know the giant?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" The man blubbered. Off to the side, Holden whispered to Paddy, "Does he look familiar to you?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah, he does," Paddy replied. "Wait!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It's the guy who kidnapped the princess!" they both said. It was. The old sorcerer gathered his breath.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"There's this witch. She, she is working with the giant. They're after somebody called... uh... 'Bard.'"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"We're the Bards," replied Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Is that so?" said the sorcerer. "In that case..." Lightning flowed from his fingertips, sending Gizmo flying.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"She wants you dead," he said, raising Holden and Paddy off of their horses. He began to choke them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Should I kill you, she'll be pleased."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"So you're in on this too?" Gizmo, but the sorcerer could not tell from where. He looked to the trees around him.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You're one smart cookie, aren't you?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I know that tattoo, on the back of your head. You're a worshipper of Chadde."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"And?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Put them down."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why should I?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"We killed your Chadde."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Chadde cannot be killed, you fool!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I saw it happen," Gizmo whispered, from over the sorcerer's shoulder. THe sorcerer looked, and Gizmo's blade was at his neck.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Now. Put them down." He did.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Start talking," Gizmo said. "Who is the woman?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the sorcerer. He began laughing, but he was already dead. Gizmo let go, and the sorcerer fell over. As he hit the ground, the laughing stopped.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"He kidnapped the princess," said Paddy.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah, thanks by the way," said Holden.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Him?" replied Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah. I don't know what for, though," replied Holden.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Did he do anything unordinary?" asked Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Not really. He tried to steal this stone, but that was all he took from her," replied Paddy.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It was the only she had on her that was valuable," said Holden.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I know. I just found it odd." Just then, Scott rode up.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"The giant took Badger and Dumon," he said. "What happened to him?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Hmm. Interesting. Let's go," said Gizmo. "I'll tell you on the way."</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-24455435826039681692013-04-08T13:00:00.000-07:002013-04-08T13:00:06.903-07:00III: The Cave<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Not long after the defeat of Kawan, Gizmo and Scheaun were sitting around, remembering past adventures, whose setting was no more than their imagination.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Those were good times," said Scheaun thoughtfully.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What if we had just one more?" replied Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Make it two."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Two and a half."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Deal." The two laughed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"But really, check this out," said Gizmo. "I got a letter from a cousin of mine, who lives in the Chroi forests. She said she had heard about the Bards, and asked if we--the Bards, that is--could help with a local problem."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Wait... Chroi? Isn't that where that witch is? Le'heigh, I think?" asked Scheaun.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yeah. Apparently, she's a bit of a bother. Bit of a bother... Bit of a... bother... That's fun to say."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Bit of a bother."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Say it quickly. Bitofabother."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Bit-of-a-bother..."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No! No hyphens! Just Bitofabother."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">(This was the only thing the two said for the next five minutes, in different pitches and accents. It ended with the two rolling about on the floor, laughing.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Ok. So, to Chroi?" asked Scheaun.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"To Chroi!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The two left Bamah (The Lady was away visiting her family) and reached Chroi in a short time. Gizmo knew several shortcuts, remembered a few more, and made some of his own. Needless to say, Scheaun made it in one piece. The jury is still out on Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The two reached Chroi in a short time. As they approached, Gizmo's cousin ran to meet them. She was a lovely sight, and it had been a long time since the two had seen each other. Nonetheless, Gizmo's relatives were gracious hosts.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">That evening at supper, Gizmo's cousin Karina Tirvina (She went by KT, "her parents did that on purpose," Gizmo told Scheaun) finished the story she presented in her note.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Le'heigh, the infamous witch, has been viciously torturing our livestock and our people! She kidnaps innocent people and questions them. My own brother, your cousin, was taken himself! He was just hunting for our dinner, and out of nowhere she just... I'm sorry."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Does she keep them?" asked Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Rarely does she set them free. It was Lex (said cousin/brother) who told us about it. She kept asking him, "Where is it?" but no one knows what it is, much less where. It's all he talks about, now."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Where is she now? I mean, do we know?" asked Scheaun.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No. All we know is that she is further up and further in, near the mountain."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Hmm," thought Gizmo. "The game is afoot."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Have you been waiting to say that?" asked Scheaun.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well... yeah." He looked out the window into the night, but found himself entranced by the pitter-patter of the rain. It would be the last thing he said that night. However, Scheaun and KT stayed up longer, talking about Gizmo and the Bards' adventures.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That stone around your neck. It's massive. Like, I could kill a man with it," Scheaun mentioned.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Oh, that," she laughed. "Lex gave it to me the day before he was kidnapped. He said he bought for cheap off a foreign vendor, or something. Twas the last thing he gave me before..." teary-eyed, she looked out the window into the night.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yeah... Twas. nice word."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The following morning, Gizmo, Scheaun, and KT rode into the forest. For a long time, their search yielded no results.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What exactly are you looking for, Gizmo? I mean, I haven't exactly seen any dead bodies or trails of destruction," asked KT.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That, fires, signs of life, a Waffle Hut... Mr. Tracker, what about you?" he replied.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I see trails everywhere, but nothing human. Wait... there!" Scheaun leaped off his horse and fell to his hands and knees.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"A boot...!" he exclaimed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"A bootPRINT?" asked Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No! An actual BOOT!" Scheaun answered, turning to them with his prize in hand. The thing was small and green, but it was absolutely soaked in mud, which had caked on a bit after the night's rain.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"It was stuck in the ground; I had to break it out of the mud," said Scheaun.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What direction did the toe point?" asked Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That way!" Scheaun pointed to his left. As he did, understanding swept across his face. "That way!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Let's go!" yelled Gizmo, and he led them in that direction. The three flew though the trees, as a path became more and more evident. It led the into a grotto, and they stood on a hill overlooking it. Beneath them was a pile of rocks, but as they descended to the foot of the hill, they found it to be an opening to a cave.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Interesting," said Gizmo, who got there first.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Fascinating," said KT, who got there next.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Scheaun flew past them at a full gallop.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"WHOOO!" he cried. The two laughed and followed after him. The cave-tunnel led them to what seemed to be the end. One large rock in the middle seemed to stand out, and Scheaun approached it. It had a vertical crack in it, but the crack was polished so as not to cut someone should they insert their hand. Scheaun did just that, and he easily swung the rock open. Gizmo and KT arrived.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well then," laughed Gizmo. "Look who's being proactive."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Ladies first," replied Scheaun, as Gizmo followed KT through the door. A narrow, dark hallway led them into what seemed to be a large foyer. It was a dimly-lit room with a nice carpet rug, and on the far side was a table with three chairs and a flower. To the left and right were wooden doors with golden plates that read "Men" and "Women." Scheaun went into the "Men" door and found it to be a normal bathroom, as KT did the same to the "Women" door. Gizmo took a seat at the table.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"May as well rest a bit," he said, as he looked over the flower, intently. A smile seemed to crack across his face. Scheaun and KT joined him at the table, not noticing Gizmo's giddiness. Scheaun looked up at KT, and the two met eyes. She smiled nervously and blushed; Scheaun looked over at Gizmo and noticed his wide grin.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What?" Scheaun asked.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Pick up the flower, vase and all," came the reply. Scheaun looked at KT, shrugged, and grabbed the vase. It did not budge. Scheaun stood, in shock, and tried to lift the vase. The table creaked, but it did not move. Gizmo, smiling, said, "Watch this."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">He pulled the flower out of the vase. The wall groaned, and it spun. The entire wall rotated, pushing the table and chairs to the other side. Gizmo, Scheaun, and KT were on the other side of the wall, and it was dark.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-60592686467604698832013-03-29T14:00:00.000-07:002013-03-29T14:00:01.816-07:00II: The Royal Visitor<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Holden and Paddy did not make it to the battle at Robert's Dale, because the two were on an adventure of their own. The two had traveled to Fort Ni Aps for a job. It just so happened that a member of foreign royalty had come to Bamah to visit Schaff, and she chose to stay in Fort Ni Aps.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I need protection," she told her governess-turned-chambermaid. "I want to meet the Bards, too. Ooh! I want them to protect me!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"So be it," replied the chambermaid. When she returned, she said, "The majority of the Bards, including King Schaff himself, are in a nearby village, preoccupied with some strange case. However, there are two young men, members of the Bard clan, who have guaranteed their assistance."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Wonderful!" cried the girl. "I expect them to be gallant, chivalrous, and..." At that moment, Holden and Paddy burst through the door in full tuxedo, wearing polarized sunglasses and in-ear walkie-talkies.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"...odd," she finished.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Ma'am? I'm Holden, and this is Paddy, my partner. We've been in the protection business for a while now and it is our professional opinion that we move you. Now."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The royal visitor stared, confused.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Just kidding with ya, you're fine," laughed Paddy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Oh good," she sighed, still obviously uneasy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
The next morning, the royal visitor went for a walk with her chamber-maid.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Karen," she asked the maid.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yes, my lady?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"These Bards. I'm not sure I want... them."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Whatever do you mean?" asked the chamber-maid.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"They're weird! Last night at supper, they made fun of each other, made random comments, they just... They're so WEIRD! Are all the Bards like this?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"To be honest, I haven't the slightest, my Lady," the chamber-maid replied. (Or Karen. Karen is easier to write.) Just then, Holden flew past them in a golf cart, as Paddy followed on a pogo stick. Both were laughing. (And wearing the same tuxes as the night before.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I hope not, at least."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
That afternoon, just after lunch, Holden and Paddy were playing their favorite card game just outside the royal visitor's room (literally. Many times she could not get out without knocking over their table, and many times she almost did.) Angry with them for blocking off her exit, she climbed out the window and ran off into the town.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Holden and Paddy finished their long game, and went inside her room to check on her.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well, damn," said Holden. "She's gone."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"LANGUAGE! You can't just say 'well' whenever you want!" laughed Paddy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Sorry."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Apology... unaccepted! Just kidding," replied Paddy. "We kinda need to find her. Soon." The two looked out the window dramatically, searching for their runaway royalty among the scores of people.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
Meanwhile, the aforementioned visitor walked among the townsfolk. In her old nightgown, she blended in quite well. Except for the giant green stone around her neck. If anyone had seen that, it would have given her away. Fortunately, only one person noticed it. UNfortunately, it was an evil sorcerer who was in Ni Aps looking for a job (Why would a sorcerer need a job you ask? For money. He's not an alchemist or a vagabond. He needs money to get by.) So, he kidnapped her to hold her for ransom. (He's evil, remember?) However, he did not kidnap her in the usual manner. He took advantage of her royal naiveté, lured her into the house he was renting, and locked her inside.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">So yeah, actually. The usual manner.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Hello again, my dear," he said, removing the bag from her head.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Mm-mmm-mm," she replied. (Oh yeah, he bound her and gagged her.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I bet you're wondering who I am," said the sorcerer. The captive shook her head.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No? Are you sure? I prepared a monologue."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">She spit out the gag. "Let me go!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No. You wouldn't listen." He stormed off.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
Paddy and Holden ran into the shopping district, scanning right and left for the missing girl. Paddy noticed the sorcerer leaving his home. The sorcerer locked the door, glancing around him, put up his hood, and disappeared into the crowd. Paddy grabbed Holden.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Hey! Listen! This way! I think she's in here! Et cetera!" He put his ear to the door. Inside, he heard crying.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"See?" Holden followed suit.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well, that was fast. Let me go get my ax, and we'll get her out," he replied. Holden took off to the castle. When he returned, Paddy was gone. Suddenly, Paddy jumped off the roof of the building onto Holden.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Aah!" he screamed. "Oh, it's just you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Ow," came the reply. "How did you-"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Gimme that," said Paddy, grabbing the axe and taking down the door. Inside, the two found their visitor, bound to a chair in the corner.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Are you ok?" asked Holden, rushing to her side.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"How did you find-"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Here's your necklace," said Paddy, bringing her the green stone, which he found sitting on the sorcerer's table.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Keep it. My father gave it to me, but it doesn't mean as much to me as his other gifts. Thank you for saving me."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"It's our job, ma'am, but we failed you. If you want us to find our replacements, we will be happy to," answered Holden.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No, I owe you another chance. You'll make the most of it, won't you?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That we will." The three returned to the castle, and further events went as planned.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The sorcerer returned to his home, followed by a robed figure.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Here we are--wait... No. NO!!! Where is my door!?" he screamed. Running inside, he found the royal visitor and the blue stone missing.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"It was right here! I swear!" he cried.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I believe you," the figure replied. "No one would smash a random door for no reason. You had the princess, but they found her. Now they know about the stone, too. Find them. Kill them. Bring it to me."</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-85018069409961624812013-02-15T19:00:00.000-08:002013-03-14T14:45:53.462-07:00I: The Late Sovereign<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">A scream echoed throughout the tiny village. Outside it, an elderly lady scurried through the fields, as well as her short elderly-lady legs would, losing various knick-knacks along the way. Behind her, a huge lumbering giant chased after her. Furious, the beastly man swung his arms at the woman, terribly failing to reach her. As his enormous arm flew like a pendulum toward her, she would duck the other direction, creating a zig-zag path through the fields.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">She reached the village, gasping for breath in order to form her last word, "Help..." </span></span><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">before she fainted. The good women of the small village brought her inside a cottage, as the men grabbed swords and torches and pitchforks; they warded off the monster, who retreated angrily.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Thank you ever so much," smiled the old lady. "That horrible giant has been after me for a long time now. Don't let him find me."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Why would he chase you like that?" asked the village elder.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I don't know," she lied.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Gizmo sat thoughtfully, as he was wont to do lately, and stared the table in front of him. On it was an inkwell, a feather, and several leaves of paper. At the top of the paper read, "The Further Adventures of the Bards," but the truth was that Bards had no further adventures.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Hmmph. Perhaps Adventure herself will visit me, the Muse of the Ages, and bring me SOME sort of chapter to put into my books," he said. "...That was a good line. I've got to write it down."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Just then, there came a knock at the door. The Lady, reclining in a nearby room, glided across the floor to the door, and opened it. Outside stood Scheaun, armored for battle and sword drawn.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"'Sup, Bro... oke? River? Lady? How are ya?" he fumbled, expecting Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Good! Come in," she replied. Gizmo got up from his usual seat and joined his old friend in his den.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"What brings you my way?" he asked.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"I've just come from Robert's Dale. Apparently, some giant was causing chaos by chasing some old lady around."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"That's terrible... I guess?" replied the Lady. She looked to Gizmo for support, and he shrugged in agreement with her indecision.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"She could have deserved it," Gizmo pointed out.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"It doesn't appear that way. I got in touch with Badger and Scott, and they're open to helping us out."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Seeing as it's almost sundown, it would be rude for me not to invite for the night. We can set out tomorrow."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Absolutely," answered Scheaun. "Thanks."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">The next day, the three met the two in King Carl's Square, the public area just outside the castle. It is the busiest street in all of Bamah, and was only recently named for the late sovereign.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Hey guys! How are you?" asked Badger. "Where's Schaff and Dumon? Or Paddy or Holden?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"I never got to them, well, I got to Holden. He said he would tell the others, and that they would arrive if they could," answered Scheaun.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Cool," answered Scott, and off they rode. The five horses made the normally longer trip in a much shorter time frame. They approached the village and were greeted by its elder. He was a crumbly old man, dressed in a dark green and wearing an odd golden chain around his neck.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Ahh, the Bards! Heroes of Bamah time and again! Welcome back to our humble town," he cried. "How may we help you?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"You know exactly why we're here," growled Scheaun. The elder looked horrified. Suddenly, Scheaun broke into a hearty laugh. The other, rightly confused Bards watched as he dismounted and hugged the old man. "Enday! So good to see you!" The old man's frown was quickly replaced by a chuckling smile.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">The student and his former mentor walked off as the other Bards dismounted and decided to visit their good friends, the Begharts.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Scheaun, my boy, how are you?" asked Enday.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Good, Doctor, good. I see you are the same. But, first, tell me about this woman."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"She was nasty-looking at first glance. She tore through the middle of town, afraid for her life, and blamelessly too. The ogre of a man nearly caught her up several times, but our finest leaders warded him off."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Nasty-looking how?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Sickly grey hair... cold green eyes... tattered clothes. We have no idea where she is from, either."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">By a strange stroke of luck, the woman in question was taken in by the Begharts. The other four Bards entered as she was finishing her evening meal. She sat at a table opposite the doorway and watched them enter, at first with curiosity, then dread and recognition, followed by malevolence, then sadness.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"My word, the Bards? I am not worthy of such attention," she said.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Are you sure?" asked Gizmo. He was the first in the door, and he saw every emotion pass through her face.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"But of course! I am just an old country hermit! What could I have done?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"You tell us," said Scott. Badger cut him a threatening but curious glance, as if to say, "Stop it. Whatever you're doing. What are you doing? Never mind, I don't care. Just stop."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Well, I don't quite know! You should ask that treacherous giant!"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Do you know where he is?" Asked Scott.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"No, just the direction. He ran off into the forests beyond the plains."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Thank you," said Gizmo, and he left her alone, as one by one, each of the four followed him into the Begharts' kitchen. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"You smell it too? She reeks of lies," Gizmo told Scott, who nodded.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">As the Bards began to prepare for sleep, they compared notes.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"The woman herself has something to hide," Scott told Scheaun.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Whatever it is, she is hiding it well. She has said nothing to any of the townsfolk. They don't even know her name," he replied.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">Gizmo, who had been staring off into the night sky, suddenly turned to them.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Whatever it is, the giant obviously wants it... or her. This happened when, four days ago? I am honestly surprised he hasn't come back yet. We may be here at the most opportune moment. There is nothing we can do tonight, that is, unless the giant pays us a visit."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">He didn't. The next morning came and went, as did the next. The Bards remained in the village and agreed to one more day before setting up an alarm system. However, it was not to be. Exactly one week after the incident, around noon, the giant returned. Young children playing on the outskirts of the village spotted him, and ran to the Begharts'. The Bards leapt into action. The giant shook the ground as he came within striking distance.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Stay back, you malevolent beast! You have no further business here!" threatened Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"ARRGH!" came the reply. Needless to say, the giant did not stay back. His eyes were green with a glowing gloss, and his veins protruded in a nasty manner. The Bards leapt into action. Badger fired an arrow into the giant's left shoulder, while Gizmo cut his right ankle. The behemoth fell, and Scott restrained him with a bit of magic. However, the brute grew in strength. The veins pulsed more rapidly, and the giant stood. The old woman hid behind the Lady, but the giant lumbered over to her. Just then, Schaff and Dumon rode in. Schaff drew his sword, dashing into the way, but the beast swung, sending him flying across the village.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"NO!" yelled Dumon, and she and the Lady took off after him. The beast, meanwhile, grabbed the woman, threw her over his back, and ran off into the forest. Badger and Scheaun tossed arrow after arrow at him, but to no avail. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Is he okay?" asked Scott.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Yeah, just bruised," Schaff replied.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"I really doubt that we've seen the end of him," muttered Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Where were you guys?"asked Badger.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Evidently some royal visitor is coming to Bamah. I don't know who she is, but she sounds important," answered Dumon.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Yeah, that's why Paddy and Holden aren't here," Schaff concurred. "They're in Ni Aps, making sure she gets here in one piece."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"You should get back to Bamah, then," said Scheaun. "I think the five of us can handle the investigation."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">"Yeah, but, could we wait for tomorrow?" asked Scott, looking off at the distant sunset. The Bards each mumbled an assent, as the sun dipped beneath the sheets of the horizon.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-46941528262796878752012-12-24T13:00:00.000-08:002012-12-24T13:00:01.838-08:00A Bard Christmas, Part 2<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Holden and Odin rambled along the frosty plains, northbound to the Elven King's fortress.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What is this odd contraption in the middle of your steel sleigh?" asked the bearded king.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"It's a radio. It's supposed to play music, but there aren't any towers to send it to us," Holden replied.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"So, it gathers music from magical towers? Are there creatures who play music in these towers? I assume you can choose which tower to listen to, but, how does it get the music?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That... that's basically it."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Fascinating. What happened to these magical towers?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well, they're not exactly magical, and they don't really even exist yet."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The bearded king looked shocked, then smiled impishly (which is actually an insult to elves; I have a scar on my arm to prove it) as he laughed and said, "Sorcery? I like you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Thanks?" laughed Holden, suspiciously.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Meanwhile, the other Bards gathered their weapons and gear.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What's the quickest way to the castle?" Scott asked Schaff.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"The way we came. We'll have to cross a river, but after that, it's just a small forest."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"All right, then. Does everyone have a ride?" asked Gizmo. He turned to Paddy and Freddy. "Yes? Good. Best of luck, you three. To Bamah!" With that, Scott, Schaff, and Gizmo took off, with their respective passengers in tow.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Paddy and Freddy mounted their horses in the windy squall. Le'ash approached them and said, "Your horses aren't gonna catch that truck." Her eyes faded white, like the snow falling around her.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Then, what do you suggest?" asked Paddy. Suddenly, a strong breeze blew from the opposite direction. The three and their horses were caught in a tornado-like whirlwind that took them high into the sky. Le'ash guided herself onto Freddy's horse, and as they righted themselves, the wind sent them flying towards the Northern Elven Kingdom.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That sounds like a good idea to me," yelled Paddy to his counterparts, "I never would have thought of this."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Odin leaned back in his seat, dozing off to the hum of the truck's engine. He was this close to slumber, when Holden slammed on the brakes, forcing the truck to a sudden stop (which is not easy, if you've ever driven a large truck.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Whoa! What's this?" cried King Krampus. "Why have we stopped?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That," said Holden, pointing to a large black line on the horizon. It was an army of</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"TROLLS!" interrupted the king. (I was getting to that. Rude.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The long black train was speckled with sparks of orange flame, as they marched on the distant city.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Trolls!? In Hiemalia Ventorum? This hasn't happened in ages!" he stammered. "Why are we sitting here? Get to my palace, NOW!!!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Holden floored it. As they approached the outer walls, the armies noticed the dark orange spot on the horizon, moving faster than them.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Wha' is tha'?" cried a troll sergeant.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Iss a... a... ah dunno. A flaming... wha'ever ih tis, geh tit!" yelled the field general.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Holden noticed that the trolls were both headed for him and not protected from their rear. He sped around the large army, slid into a turn, and bowled half of the troop over.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What are you do--woah! Hahaha!" laughed Odin, as he realized what was happening as Holden slaughtered the trolls.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Just then, Le'ash, Freddy, and Paddy flew in. Paddy drew his bow and took out the trolls that Holden missed (which were not many.) They landed next to the truck.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"This is going to happen in Bamah, also. We need your help to defend the town; Schaff's armies aren't ready," pleaded Freddy to the Elven King.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Fine. I see what what must be done. For your sakes, I will bring my armies, but I simply MUST return this child to safety!" Replied Odin, as he snatched up the young animal from the bed of Holden's truck.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I was totally gonna ask him that! Word-snatcher!" snapped Paddy. "Aww, just kidding."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Not too long after, the King rode out to the Bards on his gleaming white stallion.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Are we ready?" he asked.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"We won't make it there in time!" said Holden.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Nonsense! General? To Bamah!" Then, a large squadron of elves on horseback marched out of the city in rows. As each row came out of the city, it took to the skies, flying in grids toward the kingdom of men. Odin looked at the Bards and held his palm out to them. He raised his hand, and they lifted off the ground. Together, they all flew to Bamah.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Before Scott could bring his steed to a halt, Badger leapt into the air, drew an arrow, and placed it between a troll's eyes. Tumbling to the ground, she stood and took out several trolls before they knew she was there. Then, Schaff and Gizmo rode in on either side, wielding swords, and taking out trolls like 15-year-old rednecks take out mailboxes whenever they're bored. The six Bards met in the center of the troll band, climbed down from their horses, and drew their weapons. Schaff, Gizmo, and Scott took off, forming a front line, as Dumon and Badger tossed arrows over their heads. The Lady, realizing that she had not yet truly taken part in combat, stepped back and looked around. She thought to herself, "What exactly can the Princess of Water Nymphs do on land?" She smiled as she spotted icicles hanging from a tree.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">As Gizmo took out troll after troll, he felt himself surrounded by the enemy and losing hope fast. Then, as he turned to take out a troll behind him, he attacking foe was impaled by a frozen sword. The troll fell, revealing The Lady, armed with the aforementioned sword. The two shared a smile and a glance, before she yelled, "duck!" Gizmo obeyed, and the Lady swung, even though she was a couple of yards away. The blade lengthened until the frost itself detached from the blade; and icicle flew through the air like a dart, splitting the troll's skull.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Schaff finished off his last foe and looked to Scott, who did likewise.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"We're still too far from the castle. I like this flanking idea, but we need to move, even if the elves don't make it there first," Schaff told Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I know. Let's ride!" he replied, as the six mounted their horses.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Allons-y!" laughed Badger.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The six approached the southern gate of the wall surrounding the city. It was wide open, and obvious signs of battle littered the streets. They looked ahead, at the open square in front of the castle, and saw a fierce battle between, man, elf, and troll. The elves had arrived on time! Laughing victoriously, the Bards rode into the back of the battle.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The battle was fierce, unlike anything this side of Middle-Earth. Not a troll was spared who did not flee for his life, and the cause was victorious. Several, but not many, men and elves died that day, but they were honored as all heroes are. The Bards, bloodied but vigilant, celebrated. Odin Krampus and King Schaff exchanged thanks and renewed the alliance between the two kingdoms--neither would be bothered by trolls again, but as no one can see the future, they prepared for it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Later that day, the Bards gathered for dinner, and shared laughs about the day's events.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"This is one of those stories you should write down, Gizmo!" said Dumon.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yeah! I know you've gathered the others, but you should make this one special!" replied Freddy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Wait... what stories?" asked Le'ash.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo smiled. "They haven't told you, have they?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The old man's eyes were closed, but his smile was the same as it was that day. As he was flooded with beautiful memories, his daughter kept him from falling asleep.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Dad?" she whispered. "Dad? The kids are asleep."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Oh! Yes, well. You know me. Stories always come to an end, and I must see them through," he replied as he got up from his chair.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That you always have. Are you coming downstairs?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Why, yes. I want another mug of cider!" The old man took his time leaving. He smiled as he watched his grandchildren dreaming, and he slowly closed the door behind him.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-87599240048322850682012-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:002012-12-21T13:00:04.278-08:00A Bard Christmas, Part 1<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The old man sat by the fire, snoring comfortably as he dreamed of an endless fountain of hot cider. He was wrapped in a red and green knit blanket and lay sideways on the sofa, mouth agape with his own unconsciousness.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Suddenly, the door behind him flew open, and in ran three loud young children, followed by their mother and a strong gust of icy wind.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Shhh! Quiet! Grandpa's sleeping!" she whispered. (The mother, not the wind, although if the wind should whisper to you, you should listen.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No, too late. I'm long past any point of returning to sleep," called the grandfather. "Is it bedtime yet?" He somewhat waddled into the kitchen where the mother stood, pouring a mug of cider.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yes, dad. Would you mind? They love your stories."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Seems to me you aren't the only one to do that anymore," he replied. He turned to the stairs and began to climb them. He paused for a moment, deep in thought, but continued up the carpeted slope.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Where did we leave off? Hmm?" the old man asked his grandchildren.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"The weasel! The weasel!" cried the youngest, whose farthest memory was the tales from the summer before.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yeah! The weasel guy showed up, and Gizmo wrote all those stories down!" yelled his grandson, dramatically portraying each event as he mentioned it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Ahh yes!" remembered the old man. "Well, you see, the Bards themselves moved on. I'm not entirely sure how, but I do remember one specific instance when they came together again."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It was a snowy night, much like the one that the old man slept through. In fact, it was EXACTLY like that night; it makes for a more dramatic transition, an easier visualization, and a more sinister intro. If this were a movie, I would take the camera out their window, fade in the logo, and fade in the dark shadow on the right.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">This dark shadow was a walking figure. Huddled in a dark green cloak, he (or she, for all you know) struggled through the ankle-deep snow. He (or she) was blinded by the swirling winds around him, and bitter cold lined his bearded face (so yes, it is a "he." Or, a very ugly "she." But it's my story, so it's a "he.") In front of him, a cabin in the woods (true story) became a beacon of hope, a lighthouse to guide him to shelter. As he approached the door, he began to black out. Before he knew it, he made it to the hut. The door opened, and several pairs of hands helped him get to the fire. Removing his cloak and boots, they sat him down in a highback chair with a tub of warm water at his feet. A soft cry came from his cloak, and the hosts found a small fawn there. Only, this wasn't so much a deer as it was a caribou. Everyone, save the bearded hero, was surprised and crowded around; in fact, the bearded man smiled. Paddy, whose home the two intruded upon, burst out, "So why ya got a caribou?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The others in the cottage stood and looked at the highback chair. Gizmo, Freddy, Holden, and The Lady of the River (as well as the Lady's right-hand maiden, a river nymph who left the palace as soon as she found that her long-lost friend was alive... such a huge back story.) who had all four gathered at Paddy for the solstice, pondered who this strange man must be. The man met their puzzled faces.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I am Odin Krampus, King of the Northern Elves," he said. "This is the last of the magic caribou who roamed our domain. Her parents are dead, and I must return her to Hiemalia Ventorum, the capital of my kingdom. If you will, I wish to stay the night."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Of course," said Paddy. "There's plenty of room, and food too. We're all here for the solstice."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"My thanks," replied Odin.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The night went on as the Bards had planned. Gizmo sang a few high-spirited tunes, and there was, as Paddy had said, plenty of food. None left hungry, even the fawn. The group exchanged handmade gifts, and all had a jolly time.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The next day, Odin packed to leave. Paddy and Holden approached him.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Are you headed north?" asked Holden.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yes, I must leave now to make it by sundown."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Oh, I wish you could have stayed a day longer," replied Paddy. "We're lighting candles and filling socks with candy."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That sounds dreadful," said Odin.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"It is," replied Paddy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Could I come with you?" asked Holden.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Can you leave now?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well, no. Wait, yes. We can take my car. I traded it in for a giant 4x4 truck."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That's actually a great idea. I planned on taking this long journey which, in and of itself, would have taken 10, 12 hours. And that's not even the director's cut."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I see what you did there," joked Holden.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The two climbed into Holden's large truck. They took off to the north.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Later in the day, Schaff and Dumon arrived at Paddy's home, to continue the fun of sock-filling and candle-lighting (Gizmo used up half the box of flints just lighting them) but Schaff was enthralled by the story of Odin. "So he just had, this, gazelle, I mean fawn, I mean, caribou-thing?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yeah," replied Paddy. "It was definitely a thing."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I used to hear about these things when I was little. My dad loved the elves. Both kingdoms were invaded by trolls, at two different times, so they helped each other defeat them. It was those magic caribou that really helped. They can fly AND talk. They're like, people, birds, and deer. All in one."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The last two to join the party, Badger and Scott, did not arrive to have fun.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Schaff! Trolls have been spotted heading toward the castle!" cried Badger, throwing the door open.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What!?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"The armies are far from ready; our only hope is for us to get there and defend it ourselves!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No, it's not," replied Gizmo. "Someone could head north, and get those elves. Paddy, why not take Freddy? Seeing as you gave Odin shelter, and since there is good will between both kingdoms, call it a favor?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Right," said Badger. "The rest of us could head south."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Lady's maiden, Le'ash, offered to go with Freddy, and it was decided then.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Just like old times," commented Gizmo, as he pulled his brilliant, gleaming sword from his hilt.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-22917728014472193892012-08-04T11:02:00.000-07:002012-08-04T11:06:41.966-07:00But Wait, There's More...<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">When Kawan had seemingly won, and Gizmo and the Lady ran off to bring back Badger, the story took an odd turn of events. Scott, Badger's beau, and Dumon, left Bamah to tell Mama Sinkus, Karli, and Kati the bad news. Badger was, at this point, dead.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Scott figured that telling the sisters first would be less of a challenge than breaking a mother's heart, so upon arriving at Fort Ni Aps, The two sought out Kati and Karli. They did find Karli, but evidently Kati was with Mama Sinkus.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Oh. Ok then, we'll all go there," said Scott.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"We have bad news for... all three of you," said Dumon. She held back a cry that Scott could not.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What... happened?" asked Karli, but by the time she said that, it was clear.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The three wept for what seemed an eternity, but they grew stronger for it. The next day, they set off for Mama Sinkus' home. Before they left Fort Ni Aps, a hooded stranger stopped them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It is not smart for you to return to Bamah," he said.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It is not smart for you to stand in our way," retorted Scott. "You DO know who we are...?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yes, and I still advise against your return."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Then let come what dangers that may." With that, the three rode past him.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Before the three got to Mama Sinkus' house, the three were again stopped by a hooded stranger. However, this one was slightly different than the first.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You shouldn't be here..."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why not?" barked Karli.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Kawan wants your heads."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"He can come get them from us," retorted Dumon.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Not long after, Scott, Dumon, and Karli were advancing up the steps of Mama Sinkus's house. Kati, smiling brighter than the sun, ran out to meet them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You're just in time!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"For what?" was all Scott could stammer, before being yanked inside by the beyond jubilous sister.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Inside, his heart leapt at what could only be described as a miracle. The three travelers were face-to-face with the remaining Bards, Holden, Paddy, Schaff, Gizmo, and Badger. Scott and Badger embraced like the estranged lovers they were, and immediately Badger went from him to Dumon, and then to Karli.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"What... how?" said Scott, dumbfounded. Badger then recounted the entire tale, with sound effects added in by Paddy and Schaff. The reunion was more joyful than anyone could imagine.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Just then, the two hooded strangers walked in. Removing their hoods, their faces showed wonder and confusion.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"But... Kawan... and--"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"--and you were dead--"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"--but how?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Hold on. First of all, who are you?" inquired Gizmo.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I'm Clarence," said Clarence.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"And I'm Wesel," said Wesel.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"We've been following the three of you, trying to warn you about Kawan..."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"He... You were all in prison," said Wesel.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I refuse to tell this entire tale AGAIN," said Badger angrily.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Why don't I just write down everything that happened, just for you two?" asked Gizmo. "Like, everything, from that time we fought the dragon, till now?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The group thought.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That way, we can actually tell EVERYONE!" said Paddy.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"everyone...?" echoed Dumon.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah, that's not a bad idea," said Scott.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Thus, the Tales of the Bards were born," said the elderly man. "Gizmo made sure everyone knew every detail of ALL the stories, and the Bards lived on, forever after."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"But, Grand-daddy, you didn't say 'happily forever after'," remarked one of his starry-eyed children.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I know. But, you're not ALWAYS happy, are you?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Well, no..."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"They weren't always happy, either. But, they had each other, and when they were together, that was when they were happiest. Now, I believe it's time for all of you to go to sleep. Dreams, my boys and girls, are the stories we make when we cannot live our own."</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-36817853137221314142012-07-31T23:00:00.000-07:002012-08-03T16:31:20.256-07:00The Wrath of Kawan<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger was dead. The Bards were broken.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Kawan was King of Bamah. He imposed law that made the Bards fugitives, and had them locked up in the dungeons that Schaff had never seen. Paddy, Holden, Schaff, Scheaun, and Freddy were in a single cell: they were alone but together. Gizmo had not been seen or heard from since That Day. Badger was dead. The Bards were broken.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo and the Lady sought refuge with Jacob Corona, as they had heard of the Bards' plight. The Day After That Day, the two had found the Queen of the Trees.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Mother! We need your help!" cried the Lady.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"You were looking for it, my dear. How can I be of service?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"A friend of mine is dead, and the other friends of mine are being torn apart because of it," said Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Queen smiled. "Your friend is dead, but I can bring her back. Because of your friend's heroism, I doubt Abram and Sarai will have a problem with it."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">A river flowed from nowhere, just beside them. Two dolphins swam up to the three, and stood. As they stood, they took their true form. They became Abram and Sarai.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"My son," boomed Abram, "Your selflessness and bravery will be rewarded--as will your friends'. As you have requested, Badger will be returned to you at the time you need it most--soon."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Sarai nodded. "She will find you, so keep on the lookout. Do not go searching for her. She will be a spirit-clone, but she will be Badger." The two disappeared.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Good luck, sweetie," said the Queen, as she returned to the trees. "Defeat the Dark One."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo and the Lady then saw Jacob Corona, not far from them. Normally odd, he was resolute.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"You guys need somewhere to stay? Besides the dungeon, of course. Your friends are there, but it's kinda cold."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo sat by the fire in Jacob's fireplace. He strummed on an old lyre, and the Lady listened intently. He sang a mournful song, but transitioned into an uplifting one at the bridge. It was the most beautiful piece Gizmo ever sang. Just then, two dark figures approached. Jacob Corona, stepping into the light, said, "We have company." It was Badger. Gizmo smiled.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Let us destroy the Dark One... tomorrow."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The three--Gizmo, the Lady, and Badger--wandered into town. The Lady and Badger, cloaked, led Gizmo to the castle in chains. Badger stopped at the gate.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I have the one called Gizmo! Where is my reward?" screamed the Lady.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Lead him this way," called Qarsinn, as he opened the gates. The four traveled to the dungeon, where Badger disrobed the cloak and ran Qarsinn through with her sword.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Did you miss me? I didn't miss you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Okay, enough," said Gizmo as he was unchained. "I'll go find Kawan. You two free the others."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo made his way to King Carl's old room. He threw open the door to find Kawan already dressed for combat.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"You have returned," he growled. "Gizmo the Bard. I've heard of you. You're not that great. Brave, for sure, strong, courageous, the whole nine yards. But you are not very smart. You shouldn't have come back."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well, so goes for Badger, but I hate that for you too. Wait... no, I don't."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"She's... alive...? HOW???" Kawan screamed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"My girlfriend's a goddess. Literally."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Lady grabbed Qarsinn's keys. Badger, running in front of the Lady, killed the evil guards Kawan installed. They vanished as she struck them, turning into a red mist. The two finally found the Bards, whose cell was the only one inhabited in the entire complex. Badger slung the jail door wide.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Lift up your faces, you broken heroes. Today comes vengeance. Now is the time for your bravery! I'm back!" The Bards looked up in astonishment. Badger's speech and presence lifted their hopes.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Releasing her friends from their chains, Badger led the six to the castle armory. There, she found her old sword, stolen by Qarsinn on That Day. She handed it to Schaff.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"You're gonna need this."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo and Kawan stood in the middle of the room. Kawan was still stunned, but his anger presided over his surprise.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No! You lie! I killed her. This cannot be happening! The prophecy!" he fumed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"How did the end of that prophecy read, exactly?" remarked Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I will kill you!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The two fought. Gizmo grabbed a shield from the wall, and dodged every blow confidently. Gizmo, who had collected his wits, easily beat the desperate villain. Gizmo had Kawan by the throat, but refused to kill him.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"This is not my fight," he said.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Schaff flew up the stairs faster than anyone before him. He reached the top and saw Gizmo with Kawan in his hand.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Finish him!" cried Schaff.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I was about to say the same thing."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Schaff smiled. "I appreciate that. But, revenge isn't always the answer."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo dropped Kawan and began to leave the room. Kawan immediately jumped, grabbed his sword, and leaped at Gizmo. Gizmo turned, and at the same moment, both Gizmo and Schaff lunged at Kawan, running him through together. Kawan was dead.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger was not.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">However, the Bards were still broken. Little changed from That Day, despite their enormous victory. They were unified once more, knowing that they would never be alone, but they knew that they would not always be together, either. Abram and Sarai came to the group after they all met at King Carl's room.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Such is life, my children," said Abram. "You must take peace in that you won't always be together. That is the other side of things."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yes. Abram is right," concurred Sarai. "You will never be alone. However, you must learn to stand strong apart from the group."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Bards saw the truth in this, even though they resisted it. They grew together, and as Abram and Sarai told them, they eventually separated. However, the Bards together lived on as legends. They never forgot each other, stayed in touch, and remembered everything, but fate was fate. The Bards were never broken again.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-61721807948164822992012-07-31T11:00:00.000-07:002012-07-31T22:48:29.832-07:00What the Bards Found at Koma<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">The day after King Carl's death, the Bards met at Holden's house to discuss everything. It was clear that Schaff wanted revenge for his father's death; each Bard agreed to support him in that effort. Badger, reminded of the bounty on Kawan's head and her actions toward that end, hid her past. She felt it better to not say anything; it would neither help nor hurt. Holden brought up an important fact.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"We have absolutely no idea how to find him, though."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Everyone in the room shared looks with each other and with the table. Then, Gizmo spoke up.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I may know someone. He and I go back a long time, but he's an excellent warrior. He taught me to track, and might just be the best there is."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Ok. You do that, and we'll go find out more about Kawan's people," replied Schaff. "That may help us when we finally meet."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo left Holden's to find Scheaun (That is another story.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">The other Bards gathered their gear and traveled to Koma. It was not on any map that Schaff had seen, but was located in an old book--an atlas--the oldest book in the kingdom's library.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Bards--Badger, Schaff, Holden, Dumon, Paddy, and Scott--arrived in Koma, the home of Kawan's people. It was an old set of ruins, rugged green landscapes littered with large grey stones. The shadows hid the locals from the strange outsiders. No one made themselves seen, much less any help. The large boulders were carved so that they were hospitable inside. Despite the random placement of the stones, a large structure stood proudly at the center of the ruins. The Bards approached it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">The building itself was a marvel. Like a temple, it stood thin and very tall. Several steps led up to an open doorway, which was wide, but narrowed to a point at the top. An overhang above the door was large enough for someone to stand.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Bards climbed the steps. The ghostly silence penetrated the hearts of the heroes, and they were quiet themselves. Entering the stone temple, they found a long, dark room with a giant altar at the far end. A hooded figure rose from his kneeling position by the altar.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"You've arrived," uttered a familiar voice. "He said you'd come."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">The figure turned. The man looked exactly like Qabel, but with a moustache and long goatee. The Bards, stunned, stopped.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Are you...?" stammered Schaff.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Qabel is my brother," the evil man smirked. "He is helping your new king move in."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Schaff started. "You don't mean..."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yes. Your father took his kingdom; now he is taking your fathers'. He is brilliant, isn't he? Kawan knew you'd come, so he swept behind you to take Bamah. Kawan is the ruler of Bamah."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Paddy turned, and saw Kawan atop the steps. "Guys..."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Now then. Badger, we have unfinished business. Draw your sword and fight me. But first, Qarsinn, take them outside," he said.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">A red light glowed from the little light that was in the room, and from Qarsinn, the evil priest, himself. His eyes caught fire and he floated toward the Bards. The group exited the room, but Schaff stopped.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I won't let you fight alone," he said.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Schaff, this is my fight. I was hired to kill him a long time ago. I didn't tell you because this is bigger than any one of us. If I die, it is your fight."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Qarsinn shoved Schaff out of the room. As soon as everyone was outside, the doors slammed shut.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger drew her sword and Kawan followed suit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Who hired you?" asked Kawan, in an eerily calm tone.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I don't know," she replied.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I do."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Who?"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"The man that just separated you from your friends. Qabel is actually dead. Qarsinn is a spirit-clone. Of the many things that the mighty Komaan, the god we worship... you know him as Chadde... taught me, the science of cloning is the best." He put down his sword, for Badger was piqued by his words.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"It's actually pretty simple. If you're faithful, he will do anything for you."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Kawan pulled a cord beside the altar. A ceiling-high curtain fell to reveal a tapestry of the same height. On it was the visage of Chadde.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"We killed him."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"That you did, which is why I've come. Vengeance is everything! Don't you see?" Kawan picked up his sword again.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger, angry, lunged at Kawan. He defended that first shot, turned, and struck her leg. She lunged again, and the two exchanged several shots. Then, Badger forced his sword down. Stepping on the flat blade, she jumped, turned, and cut his face. Kawan sliced at her, and cut her across her stomach. Another series of parries led the two up a set of stairs, and onto the platform above the door; they were in view of the whole group. Kawan spun Badger's hand so that she lost her sword, and stabbed her through her middle. She fell to her knees, and over. The doors flew open, and the Bards, led by Schaff, immediately ran to her side. Kawan left for the castle in Bamah. When the Bards reached the spot where Badger died, they only found Kawan's sword. Confused but emotionally drained, Schaff and Scott dropped to their knees and sobbed. The other Bards began to cry also.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Bards silently returned to Dumon's Flat. Gizmo, with the Lady and Scheaun, arrived, only to see a teary Scott and Schaff being comforted by the other Bards. Fox, Kat, and Haley were there, but upon hearing the news, Fox and Kat left, never to be heard from again. They "did not want any part of this violence," and no one denied their logic. Unfortunately, Haley felt the same way, despite her love for Holden. She eventually left, as well.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Dumon was afraid. She had begun to feel for Schaff the way she felt for Paddy. They separated themselves from each other, but not from the group itself. The Bards were falling apart.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">EPILOGUE</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo took the Lady outside and told her, "I'm sorry I got you into this. This is dangerous work, and our world will never be the same."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;">"As far as I'm concerned," she replied, "I was involved from the beginning. Have you heard of spirit-clones?" She, a deity in herself, knew about the Triad of Abram, Sarah, and Chadde, the story, and the victory of the Bards. She also knew everything else there was to know about the Triad. "I will talk to my mom and dad. We'll see what they can do." Gizmo smiled and embraced her. The two snuck off to see the Queen of the Trees.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-68151746079481157272012-07-19T18:43:00.002-07:002012-07-19T18:43:14.383-07:00The Lady of the River<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Growing up in Bamah, one of Gizmo's favorite comrades was another boy named Scheaun. Together, they fought monsters, dragons, and creatures beyond that of other children's imaginations. One time, Gizmo was running through the forest. Scheaun bet Gizmo that he could find him, no matter where he went, so Gizmo traveled to the only place he knew he could hide. He found a clearing in a deep forest, on the Bamah River. A small pool formed where the river turned; a large, hollow tree root formed a bay so that anyone who was small enough could climb in, hide, and not be seen. Gizmo waited there, watching the path he came by. Then, Scheaun climbed up behind him.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Whatcha lookin for?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">A stunned Gizmo made Scheaun smile. The two backed out, and Scheaun began to explain how he found Gizmo. They practiced their tracking and combat every day, until once, it began raining. The two were at Gizmo's father, now known as the Knight of Bamah's, house, when Scheaun's parents entered. The two boys were "trained" in reading people's emotions, and it was obvious that the parents came with bad news. The nomadic village elders were banishing them for some reason, unknown to the two at the time; nevertheless, the family was moving to theother side of the River Bamah. It was for this reason that Gizmo's father, later Head Elder, removed the council from power.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The news was heartbreaking to the boys, but they knew somehow that they would meet again.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The day after King Carl's death, the Bards met at Holden's house to discuss everything. It was clear that Schaff wanted revenge for his father's death; each Bard agreed to support him in that effort. Badger, reminded of the bounty on Kawan's head and her actions toward that end, hid her past. She felt it better to not say anything; it would neither help nor hurt. Holden brought up an important fact.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"We have absolutely no idea how to find him, though."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Everyone in the room shared looks with each other and with the table. Then, Gizmo spoke up.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I may know someone. He and I go back a long time, but he's an excellent warrior. He taught me to track, and might just be the best there is."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Ok. You do that, and we'll go find out more about Kawan's people," replied Schaff. "That may help us when we finally meet."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo left to find Scheaun. He only knew that Scheaun lived on the Bamah River, but he had no idea if Scheaun was even alive, much less where he lived. So, Gizmo traveled to the pool where Scheaun taught him the proper art of tracking. There, he found it just as serene as the first time he had seen it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Looking around, he saw a flash of light from deeper in the forest. Gizmo followed it, and as he traveled deeper, it began to wobble. Suddenly, Gizmo found himself in a clearing. A stump sat in the middle of the clearing, and tied to it was a lightly-dressed maiden. Her face was covered by a skin pouch, and a single vine tied her hands and feet. Gizmo removed the bag from her head, and found the most dazzling creature he had ever seen. She was a fair-skinned being, with blonde hair that shone like the sun. Gizmo was taken back for a moment, but he cut her loose.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Thank you," she said, and hugged Gizmo till he could not breathe.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No problem. Now, uh, could you tell me what exactly happened?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I am the Princess of the River, the Lady Bamah. Well, I am basically the river. My dad is the Great Sea up North, and my mother is the Queen of the Trees. They're not together anymore, but it's an odd combination. As for the whole being tied down thing, there's an evil priest who headed this way. He's from the Koma region, and I tried to stop him, but he was really strong."<br />"What, uh, kinda curse?" Gizmo began to slowly look up.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Oh. Yeah, that." A giant spider approached from behind the Lady. Gizmo thrust her behind him with one arm and drew his sword with the other. The spider reared up on its hind legs, and slammed at the Bard with its front legs. Gizmo dodged one and sliced through the other. The spider fell over, and without wasting a moment, Gizmo cut through the other front leg, and stabbed the beast through its head.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Lady again hugged Gizmo, only this time, of fright.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Thank you, uh..."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Gizmo," replied Gizmo. The two kissed for a moment, but after that moment, Gizmo was no longer alone. The couple returned to the pool, hand in hand, when The Lady stopped.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"How do you know this place?" she asked.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"My friend and I would explore this place when I was younger. It was my favorite place in the world."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"This is where I was born. I remember a specific little boy running around this place when I was little, too. A second boy came looking for him, but couldn't find him. I pointed the first boy out to him." Gizmo was in shock.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I think that was me! Err, the first boy!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Who was the second?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Just then, a giant hydra sprang from the river. It swept at Gizmo, who removed one of the two heads. As two replaced the first one, a dark figure flew through the air and removed all three heads at once. The creature fell over, dead. The figure landed in the river not far from the couple, who approached it. The figure turned and smiled.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Him." said Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Gizmo!" cried Scheaun. The two embraced as only separated friends could.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I've literally been looking for you!" said Gizmo.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Really? Well, ya literally found me!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Shut up."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Who is this?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"The Lady of the River. Basically, the personification of the Bamah River."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Lady smiled as Gizmo introduced her to his long-lost friend.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I want to stay with you, but I can't," said the Lady as she hugged Gizmo one last time. "Lady of the River things, you know."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Oh, yeah. No, I understand," he replied.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Will you come visit me?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Of course." As she walked to the river, it began to reced so that she could not touch it physically. Each step she took was on dry land. She broke down and began to sob. Gizmo rushed to her side and held her tight. Her tears streamed down his shoulder and mixed with the river she could not have.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"It was the priest," was all she could mutter.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Scheaun looked on, and realized one reason why Gizmo needed him.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">However, Gizmo soon explained the second reason.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"So you need me to find the man who killed King Carl."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yes. And to catch up, of course. It's not meant to be so one-sided."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I see."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The three began to return to Bamah, when a warm wind began to stir the tree leaves into a whirl. They took the form of a woman, and the Lady ran to her. The two embraced.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Daughter, you know who removed you from the river, but you know not how. You are no longer one with the River; while still immortal and powerful, you cannot come into contact with the Bamah River ever again," she said. "He is an evil priest, and you two are on the search for him." This was to Gizmo and Scheaun. "He is with the Dark One, and even more darkness is to be feared. You must stop him."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Gizmo and Scheaun exchanged glances, nodded and bowed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"With all due respect, your highness, the Bards will destroy him." The Queen nodded and the leaves flew away. The three adventurers pressed forward to Bamah.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-26524824754027339792012-06-26T17:09:00.001-07:002012-06-26T17:09:25.489-07:00King Carl's Last Stand<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">When King Carl was a boy, he had an older brother, William. Their father, William the Elder, was the first king of Bamah. He conquered the tribal people that lived on the land, and by invading established the country itself. Kawan was the oldest son of the tribal chief, who lived with his older sister. The tribal chief killed himself when he heard of the coming invaders, leaving Kawan and his sister. She died in battle, but the young Kawan, who himself saw William the Elder murder his sister, was left alive. William took in Kawan as his own; he was the oldest surviving male out of the tribe. The three grew up together, and Carl and Kawan bonded because of their close ages; however, after both the Williams died, Carl and Kawan fell out of each other's graces.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">A shadowy figure crossed a wide, green field. The light breeze made the tall grass ripple like a breaking wave; in fact, the sunlight on the grass was enough to create such an illusion. The dark figure, its hood like a sail on open seas, stood out among the grass. It made its way into a village, a large bag over its shoulder and an empty bow in its hand. It moved through the busy crowd and made its way to the castle where King Carl lived. Removing his hood, Schaff entered the gate; the keeper waved cheerfully at the young prince. Retiring to his room, a single, silent tear rolled down his cheek. Claire was nowhere to be found, but it had been two years since she disappeared; Schaff moved on.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">King Carl entered the room unnoticed, and he addressed Schaff in the way only fathers can.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You all right, son?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yeah. It's over. I'll find someone else; I just hate to have seen it end this way."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That's how it is a lot of times. Sometimes, the ones you care about most are the one you've got to let go of. Come on, we're holding that banquet thing tonight, and, to be honest, that... are you really gonna wear that raggedy-lookin' outfit?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Schaff smiled. "No." King Carl began to leave the room, but Schaff caught him with a quick phrase. "Love you, dad, mean it."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"All right, Madame Harrison," replied King Carl, referring to the governess who kept Schaff when he was younger. (She always expressed her affection in this way.)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">That night, the Bards met together, for the first time in a year. Each came in couples, Holden with Haley, Badger and Scott, Fox with Kat, and Paddy and Dumon. Gizmo arrived and began a new song; few had heard it. After a single chorus, the entire group joined in, and the other villagers with any musical ability contributed as well. The entire piece was a beautiful melody, and everyone applauded the Bards. Gizmo, the scheduled entertainment, then began a song more popular; this one was met with almost as much applause as the first. Then, King Carl formally began the feast. This feast was a simple harvest ball; the annual Baman tradition was a night of "food, family, and fun." Gizmo told stories that amazed the younger children, and many older children joined them.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Scott and Badger approached Schaff. Badger, in high spirits, embraced Schaff, and the three exchanged salutations. Then, Scott introduced Schaff to a friend from the Fort, Emily. She and Schaff began talking, and the two spent their entire evening together. Paddy and Dumon joined Gizmo in his story telling, and Fox and Kat watched from a seat together. The event was proceeding in a marvelous fashion.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">King Carl watched the banquet with satisfied eyes, and turned to reenter the castle. He did, but as he passed his dining hall, a sight caught his eye; a chill ran down his spine. It was the maid for that room, dusting old armor on the shelf. He smiled and continued.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">When Carl entered his room, he found Kawan sitting by the window sill, watching the events of the evening progress.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Well done. Your fathers would be proud."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Thank you," King Carl could hide the disgust in his voice, but not his face.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I trust you know why I'm here, right?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Actually, no. Not this time."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I have a bone to pick, well, another bone to pick with you. Remember when you tried to have me killed?"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"That was ages ago. I have to apologize for my actions, and I will, if you're willing to recant yours."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Hmmph. As if. I accept your apology, though. I personally told you I didn't have him."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I cannot allow you to stay here alive, Kawan. Your actions are far worse in the eyes of the law, than kidnapping my son."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yours are even worse than that, and you know it."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">King Carl sighed. "My brother was a traitor; THE traitor. He threatened father; he deserved to die. That was his punishment, and I don't have to hear it from you!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"He was innocent."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"He was guilty! I heard him myself!"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I threatened your father! He killed my sister in front of me, with no reason. Then, he has the GALL to adopt me? He takes the one person I have, I take him. Your brother was a casualty, and for that I will apologize."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"You!? You murderer!" King Carl was taken aback. "Oh, you will definitely not leave here alive."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"One of us won't," growled Kawan.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"I DIDN'T GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO SPEAK!" King Carl grabbed a sword off his wall, and lunged at Kawan. The two fought as they had in their childhood, but the stakes were more than imaginary kingdoms and treasures of candy. Swords clashed, metal parried, and Kawan held his ground. However, King Carl had not kept up his sword training as much as he had liked, and his age was beginning to show. The two swords met in an upward cross, and Carl drove Kawan's blade to the ground. Carl turned and lunged, but Kawan drove his weapon through Carl's side. The king started, but fell to his knees. A tear rolled down Kawan's cheek, but he turned and left.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It didn't have to come to this, brother," gasped King Carl. Kawan stopped at the door.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Yes, it did."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Kawan entered the village streets, approaching Badger. Schaff stopped him with a sword and a fierce word.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"Boy, you might want to visit your father at this moment. It may be his last." Kawan's face was ravaged by anger and sorrow.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Schaff, stunned, took off to his father's quarters. No one ran as fast as he did that night, not since. Scott, Badger, and Emily turned to Kawan.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"We're not finished, girl. This had nothing to do with you," said Kawan as he vanished into the night.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">"It has everything to do with me!" cried Badger into the darkness. The three took off into the castle. The other Bards witnessed the scene, and ran to be with Schaff.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">They missed their chance. King Carl was gone, and his oldest son, was grieving over him. All the Bards sympathized with him, and they vowed to help him in his revenge.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"We're all here for you, dude," said Holden.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yeah, like, we'll help you tear him apart," replied Fox.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yes, we will." Carson's tears burned in fury. He turned to leave.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well, what about your dad? We can't just leave him here," called Emily. Dumon and Badger agreed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well, we won't. It's just... sometimes, the ones you care about the most are the ones you've got to let go of. It was his time, and now, it's ours." The Bards left the room, and as Gizmo shut the door behind them, he heard a shudder. He saw the open window and curtains ruffling. Little did he know that King Carl's look of shock turned into a tearful smile. He died at and in peace.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-45774658088859623362012-06-21T12:54:00.000-07:002012-06-26T17:19:28.080-07:00The Battle of Kawan<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">In the days before the Bards came together, Badger was a free-spirited girl with the heart and power of a warrior. She learned many skills from her sisters, who had since left to defend the country of Bamah from southern invaders. These sisters, Karli and Kati, were known each for their fighting skill, and together for their many victories in battle. It was for this reason that a visitor came to Badger and her Mama Sinkus's home.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Is this the home of Kati and Karli, the fearless warriors?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Yeah, why?" replied Badger.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I have a job that I need help with, and I've been told they're the best."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"For one, they're kinda, you know, defending our lives. For two, I can do anything they can."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The stranger thought for a moment, smiled, and relented.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I need someone... destroyed."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It was local legend that a dangerous being, Kawan, the Dark One, roamed the southeast region of Bamah. He was a deadly fighter, whose only reason for leaving King Carl and the Baman army was a feud between the two. By fear alone, Kawan held control of the people in the area. No one crossed him, and those that did were displayed for all to see.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The mysterious visitor made it obvious that Kawan was the target and that the best price would be paid to the best challenger. Mama Sinkus was asleep, but Badger thought up a good plan to keep her from worry. She agreed to the terms of the deal, and the visitor left.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">When Mama Sinkus did rise, Badger told her that she would be traveling to Fort Ni Aps, to visit her sisters. It would be a week's stay, but the war could affect the amount of time she stayed. Badger left the next day.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">She journeyed to a small village on the lower end of the Bamah River. It was bustling; the market town was small, but well populated. A man named Robert met her at the gate.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Could you help me?" Badger asked</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I hope so. This whole dale, this valley, is mine."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Where is the one they call Kawan?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The man stopped. He spoke something about the rain and night, and hurried Badger inside.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"The Dark One is in this town. He is feared and fears none. He knows everything and has spies, everywhere. Look for him in the dark grey hut at the far end of the dale. For tonight, though, stay here. My wife and I'll do all we can for you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger stayed the night at Robert's home. His son and daughter accompanied him in beautiful music that evening, and Badger learned to sing many songs that night.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The next morning, Badger woke up. She heard no noises from throughout the house. She ventured from room to room, but found no one. Packing her things, she prepared to leave. When she opened the door, she entered the deserted street. She started to the dale, when a voice froze her in her steps.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"So you're just going to leave like that? Fine? Don't say goodbye."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">She turned around. Facing her was a dark-skinned war hero in full armor, which was as dark as he. He looked up from his polished gauntlets to her, and smiled.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Oh, ok. I see how it is. Hi Badger, I'm Kawan. Or, the Dark One. Or, Robert. I do own the valley, though. The family is mine, too."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger looked on in fear and silent confusion.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I told you I know about everything. I know about the hit on me, I know about your sisters, and I know how you think. I won't kill you; no, I'll let you go. If you can outrun the dragon. See, I don't hold the people in fear. Well, I do, but more so because of that thing." As he pointed, a dark shadow darted across the sky. A dragon made its way towards the two warriors.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"No, I actually need your help. No one stayed around here, except you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I sleep late."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Oh, she talks? I see. Now, if you'll kindly draw your sword and draw that beast's attention, I'll see that it hurts no one, except maybe you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger had no choice but to oblige. She drew her bow, though, and prepared to plaster the beast with arrows.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Her first fight. Nerves screamed, and she shook like a windswept tree. She took a deep breath, rethought her entire life, closed her eyes, and let go of the arrow. When she opened her eyes, she saw the dragon reeling in pain. A wooden shaft stuck out of its left eye. Kawan marched up to the dragon with the swagger of an undefeated champion, and removed the head of the beast in a heroic sweep.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger approached the dark warrior and his slain prey.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Hmmph. That works."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Did it? I--"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Kawan suddenly snapped.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Listen. You get outta here. Go back to where you came from. We will end this, another day. I will find you, and we will settle our score. You want me dead?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Someone does."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Tell them that you're delayed. I'm out of the country, and you're waiting to strike. I have more important fish to cook right now. Go. Go!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger backed away, watching the crazed adversary look over the fallen beast. She turned to run, but stopped. Looking back, she saw the carcass of the beast, but no sign of the dark warrior.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Before she actually returned to her home, Badger visited Kati and Karli at Fort Ni Aps. While not completely out of the way, it would provide truth to her story. Karli saw her and ran up to her.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Are you ok? I heard you fought... Kawan."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What? How did you hear that?" Badger replied.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Because someone sent a messenger to me asking us to fight Kawan. I sent him to you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Wait... who was it?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"I, uh, don't know."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Well gee thanks." Badger replied; she began to leave. Karli thought for a moment.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"Badger!" She called.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"What?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">"The messenger was... Qabel, the king's new deputy. He runs errands for King Carl, does things for him."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Badger never forgot those words, but she never understood them, either. She made it home safely, but she never heard from Kawan again.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-35947379545883281832012-05-15T09:45:00.000-07:002012-06-22T11:26:10.719-07:00An Interlude<div>
The old man's eyes twinkled as he spoke. From his high-seeming post upon his recliner, the elderly man held his children's attention. Finishing his stories, his young audience gaped in admiration of the fantastic tales their grandfather told them.</div>
<div>
"Gizmo's story became that of legend. His work as a bard, a singer of song and teller of tales, was told by other bards everywhere. He became a hero for them. That is the end of Book One."</div>
<div>
"Now, you three should scurry off to bed," their mother called from the next room.</div>
<div>
"Aw, grandpa! One more story!"</div>
<div>
"Nope, that's it!"</div>
<div>
"But it's only Book One! There HAVE to be more adventures, aren't there?"</div>
<div>
"Oh, well of course, there are more adventures. For now, though, you children need your sleep!" He smiled at the children's feeble attempts to avoid their mother's command. His grandson and oldest granddaughter lazily waddled into the next room, while his youngest stayed behind, smiling.</div>
<div>
"Grandpa?"</div>
<div>
"Yes, my dear?" She crawled into his lap.</div>
<div>
"You're Gizmo, aren't you?"</div>
<div>
"How did you know?"</div>
<div>
"I just guessed." Gizmo stood, carrying his youngest granddaughter into her bedroom.</div>
<div>
"You're so smart."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-62539418736173702312012-05-14T08:25:00.003-07:002012-05-14T08:25:33.675-07:00The Eighth Tale of the Bards: A Sea of PlainsThe Bards' adventure led them to the outskirts of Bamah. After a day's ride, a quaint village met them. A handful of small, dusty but well-built cottages dotted the landscape. The entire colony was surrounded by a sea of plains.<br />
<br />
Many of the cottages were abandoned; in fact, only about three held signs of life. The first shack was guarded by a terribly-clothed, scrawny old man. He woke for a moment, to watch the Bards enter the remnants of a town through his down-turned hat. The moment after, he fell asleep. A main, dirt-paved lane separated most of the cottages. Two houses, toward the middle of the lane, stood next to each other, but separated from the rest of the town by a roundabout. A woman sat outside one, watching a large pot boil, and next door, a man sawed away at long planks of wood. Another woman came out of the second house; she walked to the first woman. Before she sat down, she noticed the Bards approaching and gave a cry. All attention was on the approaching party; the man stopped sawing and two children appeared in the doorway.<br />
"Is this the home of the family called Beghart?"<br />
"Yes," replied the man as the Bards stopped. "My name is Chase."<br />
Freddy climbed down from his horse and shook the man's hand.<br />
"We are travelers from Bamah. We are searching for something that is in your family's possession."<br />
"And what do you plan to do with it?"<br />
"Destroy evil that threatens us all." The man was obviously confused. Freddy offered to explain, and Chase offered the group lodging.<br />
<br />
Gizmo shook himself awake. He found himself in a dark room, and feeling at the walls learned that it was his closet. Kicking the door down, he searched his house for any trace of the Bards. Packing his emergency reserves, Gizmo climbed upon his fastest horse and took off to Jacob Corona's house.<br />
"Go back home!" called Jacob from his porch.<br />
"But I'm looking for the others!"<br />
"No, I meant go back home and look around for footprints or hoof-prints." So he did. Gizmo found a plethora of signs that the horses left in a southern direction. He took off after them.<br />
<br />
The Bards found lodging in the surrounding cottages. Freddy, Badger, and Scott discussed the matter with the Begharts, but the others set themselves up in the houses. Paddy and Dumon roomed together, as did Badger and Scott. Holden and Fox took a house, and Schaff and Chadde (still disguised as Gizmo) shared the last hut. Chadde began unpacking Gizmo's things and laying them in an orderly fashion. Schaff, watching Chadde, spoke up.<br />
"That horse is new, isn't it?" asked Schaff.<br />
"Yes, I found her not long after your birthday."<br />
"Oh, where? She's not like any I've seen."<br />
"Well, I had seen many of them wild in Mille. I went back there to purchase one."<br />
"Oh, I didn't know you had gone back since."<br />
"Yes, It was my grandfather's birthday."<br />
"Oh."<br />
Schaff immediately realized that something was wrong. It was not like Gizmo to unpack his things, at all. Schaff said, "So why are you unpacking?"<br />
"Oh, it helps me relax. I like knowing where my things are."<br />
"But we'll probably leave tomorrow."<br />
"I know."<br />
<br />
Freddy attempted to explain the situation to Chase. Badger helped, but it seemed to be of little use.<br />
"You need my daughter-in-law, well, to be,... Her necklace?" asked Chase.<br />
"Yes."<br />
"If you can find them, I'm sure they'll let you trade for it. I say that because they [Chase's younger brother Zak and his new bride, Madeline] are away in the meadow right now."<br />
"Thank you," Freddy sighed.<br />
The three of them wandered over to their night's lodgings, and explained to the others what was to happen.<br />
"We're going to find them and I will trade them... something... for the Heart. Then we will return to Bamah."<br />
"Then we wait for Chadde?" asked Paddy.<br />
"Yes."<br />
"What do we have of value, worth trading? Like, at all?" Holden pointed out.<br />
"That will present itself. In the mean time, Badger, Gizmo, Scott, and I will search for the couple. Dumon, come find us, should Chadde appear."<br />
<br />
Gizmo rode south, kicking himself over letting Chadde escape. The horse ran furiously, and its speed was like none had ever seen. The hoof-beats were heard in the village long before Gizmo arrived. Paddy, Dumon, Holden, Fox, and Schaff watched the cloud of dirt advance towards them.<br />
"It... it must be Chadde," said Holden.<br />
"Dumon and I will go find Freddy," replied Paddy, as the two took toward their horses. Holden, Fox, and Schaff readied their weapons as Gizmo rode in.<br />
"WHERE ARE FREDDY AND BADGER?" he roared. The three, stunned at the vision of their fellow Bard, pointed him in the right direction. Gizmo flew by them. They looked at each other, and took off on their own horses.<br />
<br />
Freddy and Chadde split from Badger and Scott. They covered several miles quickly, but it was not long before Badger saw them.<br />
"Hey! They're over here!" called Scott.<br />
Freddy and Chadde joined the couple, and the four approached the happy party.<br />
Zak asked, "What is the meaning of this?"<br />
Freddy said, "If you value your lives you will give me that necklace," and pointed to the Heart.<br />
Madeline replied, "What ever for?"<br />
"An evil power threatens to destroy all life with it."<br />
The two were still obviously confused, but they gave the charm to Freddy. He began looking it over, and when he finished, he looked up and smiled. He placed the beautiful jewelry on his belt. Tossing a bag of gold coins to the newlyweds, he said, "Please accept this gift as compensation."<br />
The group began walking back over to their horses when they saw Dumon and Paddy arrive.<br />
"Chadde is on his way!" cried Dumon.<br />
"Then we have no time to lose," replied Freddy.<br />
The group climbed onto their horses as a dark spot on the horizon flew toward them.<br />
Gizmo drew his sword; when he was close enough to see Gizmo, Chadde rode alongside Freddy and drew his own sword.<br />
"Is that... Gizmo?" exclaimed Badger.<br />
"It's a disguise, to throw us off!" yelled Chadde.<br />
"Ok, but why would he run at us in his disguise? The very act defeats the purpose."<br />
Chadde lunged for the Heart, but he fell off his horse. The Heart fell into his hands, but at the same time, Gizmo leaped from his horse and plung ed his sword through Chadde's chest. The force was enough to penetrate armor, body, and armor again. Gizmo redrew his sword and cleaned it as Freddy retrieved the Heart. The group began to ride away, but Chadde stood up.<br />
<br />
Just then, Fox, Holden, and Schaff joined the group. Looking past the others, Schaff and Fox saw Chadde charging at them.<br />
"Guys!" he shouted.<br />
Gizmo and Freddy immediately turned around, as Badger and Scott slid off their horses. The four were joined on the ground by the rest of the Bards. Freddy held up the Heart, as it began to glow. Dumon fished the Harmonica out of her pocket and walked over to him.<br />
"I only have two hands," he said. "It's your Harmonica."<br />
Dumon began to blow a jaunty tune on the instrument, and Freddy held out both hands, as the Heart glowed in one and the Compass Frog materialized in the other. Chadde leapt one last time, at the Bards. The three talismans glowed brighter than the sun; the Bards had to shield their eyes. Time stood still.<br />
<br />
Chadde swung his sword overhead; he caught fire across the length of his body. Chadde's black figure was a fearsome sight against the blaze. In an instant, however, his sword began to disintegrate. It was as if he were a zipper, opened by the fire that had just consumed him. The disintegration peeled him apart before exploding, piece by piece, every part of him. The process took Chadde's entire body. When it was complete, there was no evidence of any struggle whatsoever. The Heart was gone. The Frog was gone. The Harmonica was gone. The Bards stood together as they had done many times before, but it was this battle that would never be forgotten. The Bards returned to Bamah, in near silence. Save for the occasional, mutual decision to hold camp for the night, no one said anything. The shock of the battle was enormous, and no Bard was ever to be the same. No one ever knew of the fight that happened; it was recorded in no annal of Baman history whatsoever. They knew that the times they had together were worth more in terms of sentiment than any sort of recognition; they treated all their adventures that way.<br />
<div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-42600382213635788342012-05-09T09:46:00.001-07:002012-05-09T09:46:11.601-07:00The Seventh Tale of Freddy the Llama: The Heart of SaraiChadde soon discovered that he only had half of the Compass Frog, and so only had half the power he thought. He was truly afraid, for he knew that the llama had both the frog and the harmonica. His only hope for any sort of advantage rested in the last talisman: the Heart of Sarai. The Heart was a pendant on a chain, a beautiful pink crystal attached to a chain of metal no tool could break. It, with the Frog and Abram's Harmonica, were locked away in a Box and hidden deep in the Swamp of Drumm.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our heroes, the Bards, were not the first to come across this Box. Not long before Freddy tripped on it, a young man went hunting in the swamp. He saw the gleam of the golden fringe through the thick mud stains, and, reaching down to remove the Box from its dingy prison, pulled it from the mire. The young man opened the Box, and inside were a harmonica, a silk bag, and another box. Taking the silk bag, he put the Box back. He found a brilliant pink necklace inside, and it glowed despite the dark canopy of the swamp. The young man looked around, put the necklace back in the bag, and left the Box half-buried in the mud.<br />
<br />
The rest, as they say, is history.<br />
<br />
Paddy and Dumon had run the flat despite having very few customers. Holden moved out, supporting himself on his new-found riches, leaving Freddy the only "permanent" resident. Truthfully, however, the llama had been little seen for the few weeks after the incident with Chadde. Dumon's Flat only remained open for two reasons: tourism and "something to do." The Bards found little work after the Battle at Mille, and had almost begun to separate. Gizmo was planning a long adventure to Troy (not the Troy of legend, but another, named for the heroic battle), and Badger was readying to venture to the Hill of Springs, a land across the Sea of Ocixem. Schaff and Claire would soon ascend to the throne, as King Carl was in a sickly condition. Fox and Holden spent several days working at the Sassy Bass pub, and adventure presented itself only as dirty dishes.<br />
Freddy reappeared one day, revealing to Paddy and Dumon that he had located the Heart of Sarai. The two looked at each other in awe, then back to Freddy.<br />
"Where?"<br />
Freddy smiled. "I'll show you."<br />
<br />
Holden and Fox were busily cleaning tables in the middle of a shift, when the doors of the pub flew open. Holden noticed. Freddy stood in their midst, and immediately Holden took off his apron and followed him. Looking up, Fox and Freddy exchanged a glace that told Fox everything, and Fox followed Holden's lead.<br />
<br />
Badger and the Great Scott strolled into the flat, and saw Paddy and Dumon packing. Badger asked, "Where are you going?"<br />
"Uhh... on an adventure?" said Dumon.<br />
"Where?"<br />
"She said on an adventure," replied Paddy.<br />
"That's not a place."<br />
"It's in... New Mexico."<br />
Badger stared at him.<br />
"No, actually, Freddy's back. We're going to find the third talisman-thingy."<br />
Badger smiled. Naturally, Scott asked what on earth they were talking about. So, Badger told him the tales of the Compass Frog and the Harmonica.<br />
"Oh, cool. Let's go."<br />
Badger smiled, again.<br />
<br />
Freddy knew that luring Schaff from his ailing father would be no small task. However, Freddy knew he needed all the help he could get. Fortunately, King Carl was up and walking around when Freddy arrived. Explaining the situation, Freddy asked him outright. Schaff agreed, but on the condition that he could leave should he hear word of his father's condition.<br />
"Well, yeah. I mean, that's not a problem at all."<br />
<br />
Gizmo was the last Bard for Freddy to visit. Gizmo heard that he was back, and prepared for the journey. When the llama did arrive, something seemed off. His eyes, normally clear and vibrant, were bloodshot and cloudy.<br />
"Are you ok, Freddy?"<br />
"Yeah, just a little tired. You know, from the journey back."<br />
"Well, yeah. Where all did you go?"<br />
"Everywhere, man."<br />
"So you've located the Heart?"<br />
"That I have."<br />
"Shall we ride?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"And... everyone else is outside?"<br />
"Yeah, they're waiting for us."<br />
"Let me get my horse."<br />
"No need." With that, Freddy exploded, revealing the dark figure of Chadde. Gizmo lunged at the villain, but he caught Gizmo's sword. The room swirled and darkened, and Gizmo fainted. Chadde hid Gizmo in his closet and changed his appearance.<br />
The real Freddy, as well as the rest of the Bards, entered immediately after this confrontation.<br />
"Hey Gizmo, where are ya?" called Freddy.<br />
"In here. Come on in."<br />
"I assume you've heard?"<br />
"Everything. Shall we ride?"<br />
"Well, yeah."<br />
"Are you feeling ok? You look tired," pointed out Badger.<br />
"A little. But I wouldn't miss this for the world."<br />
Chadde, disguised as Gizmo, rode off with the Bards.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-61374456969286095912012-04-22T17:00:00.000-07:002012-04-22T17:00:02.043-07:00The Sixth Tale of the Bards: The Rhyming SquidIt was Schaff's first birthday since he was reunited with his father, King Carl. A gala was held in this occasion, and Schaff invited the Bards without question. The private affair was grand, but it was what happened afterwards that made the day paramount.<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Badger and the Great Scott, Holden, and Fox traveled together to King Carl's estate on the Sea of Ocixem. On the way, Fox tried to convince Badger that King Carl hated Holden and himself. While Holden agreed, Badger shook her head and laughed. They arrived and were greeted by King Carl. Badger and Scott entered first, and Carl was delighted to see them. Upon seeing Holden and Fox, however, his delight disappeared. Carl remained cordial, but it was evident that Fox told the truth.</div>
<div>
Gizmo traveled with Paddy and Dumon, and they arrived shortly thereafter. The party itself was full of revelry, delectable treats, and good times all around. A certain bearded warrior (another hero from another adventure) joined in as Gizmo and Badger sang, and Holden and Fox played. The warrior, however, had another appointment with a dragon. Therefore he left.</div>
<div>
Holden, tired of the festivities, retreated to another room. He noticed a map on the wall. Most maps were of lands, such as Bamah or Drumm, but this one was of the Sea outside the window. It showed islands and currents, beasts and ships, and a large "X" on one island that was draped with a picture of a squid and marked by a cove. Gizmo and Paddy followed him and his glance as they walked over to the map. Schaff then began telling the story of a treasure that was supposedly held in the island, guarded by that squid, and available to anyone who could answer the squid's riddle. None who had ever made the journey returned alive.</div>
<div>
When asked if he knew the riddle, Schaff said, "No. I don't really know if that story's even true."</div>
<div>
By then, all the Bards were interested in the story. Fox came up with the idea for searching for it, and, without any real hesitation at all, the Bards headed toward the dock. As the other Bards prepared a small cutter for launch, Schaff noticed that a line was missing, the halyard. (This specific ship was a gift for Carl from a neighboring monarch, and it hadn't been piloted in a while. Carl took down all the rigging while it was moored at the pier; he had many other ships, also.) The girls looked in the ship's cabin, and the guys looked over the outside. Gizmo walked back up the dock to King Carl's shed to look for it. Schaff then found the line, and Claire (Schaff's girlfriend... did you really think she would miss his birthday party?) went to tell Gizmo. As it was, a light breeze blew on the sails. Dumon and Paddy untied the ropes from the mooring, and the Bards (save for Claire and Gizmo) were off. All but Schaff, Paddy, and Dumon went into the ship's cabin area. They followed the map to the letter, and as they arrived at the shore of the island, Badger returned to the outside and asked about Claire and Gizmo. The other three above deck looked at each other. They decided to wait for the two when they dropped anchor.<br />
Meanwhile, Claire and Gizmo returned to the dock to find the rest of the party gone. Thinking quickly, the two leaped aboard a smaller vessel, already rigged, and followed a map stored in the sloop's sleeping quarters. While sailing, the two noticed a pair of dolphins splashing next to the boat. As Gizmo sailed toward them, a gust of wind blew the map away. The dolphins saw what happened, and began splashing around the bow of the sloop. As they swam away, they made obvious splashes. Claire realized that the dolphins wanted to be followed. So, they did follow the dolphins.<br />
Gizmo brought the boat alongside Schaff's vessel. Claire leaped aboard, asking if anyone had seen the dolphins. No one beside Gizmo and herself had. Looking around, the two saw no sign of the guardians that led them to the Squid's Island.<br />
The Bards swam to shore, and found a sea cave not far from where they docked. They ventured inside and found a long patch of shore inside. Following this, the Bards were led deeper and farther down, where they found a large room with a giant underground lake in the shape of a "C". The other side of the lake was adorned with gold and jewels in amounts none had seen before or since. The lack of a sentient squid was a notion Fox brought forward, and he found that he was not alone in his thoughts. The Bards approached the gold cautiously, but when they reached it, the squid broke the surface of the lake; it blocked them off from escape by sea or land.<br />
"Well, this explains the lack of dead bodies," said Gizmo.<br />
"Yeah, and I'm so hungry, too," said Paddy.<br />
"Come on! Really?" said Dumon.<br />
The squid sighed and said this:<br />
"Ok, so here's the deal. You answer the riddle correctly and you may come and go as you please. You can't leave until you do answer, blah blah blah. Ahem.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Its sister lays claim, though it does not compare,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an extraordinary fish and exceedingly rare,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
its attitude no one should count,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which of the fish has the largest mouth?'"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
"That doesn't rhyme," said Paddy.<br />
"Are you kidding?" said Fox. "That's the riddle?"<br />
"I think it's a cool choice," said Holden.<br />
"Well, yeah, but, come on!"<br />
"Do you know the answer?"<br />
"Yeah. You?"<br />
"Yeah. The Sassy Bass. It's the pub where we work."<br />
"I was about to say..."<br />
The squid shrugged her shoulders, and as she swam away, said, "Tell King Carl I said hi."<br />
The Bards agreed to evenly divide the gold among themselves, and carried as much back as they could. Scott noted how good it was that they happened to take two boats.<br />
When they returned, King Carl helped them unload the gold and store it in a vault. When he heard that Fox and Holden had solved the riddle, he gained respect for them. No longer did he disapprove of them, but he saw them as adventurers in their own rights. None will ever know what grudge he'd held against them, but it was gone like the dolphins--never to resurface.<br />
<br />
The only two other facts of note in this story were that, first of all, Fox and Holden learned to not care what Carl thought, or anyone for that matter. When they heard of the change in Carl's demeanor, they shrugged it off.<br />
Finally, from time to time, Gizmo and Claire still see those dolphins when on the water--any water. The two accept it as a sign of protection, but still hope to discover the source of the guardians.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-33090254852315481522012-04-15T19:00:00.000-07:002012-04-15T16:57:54.606-07:00The Fifth Tale of Freddy the Llama: Abram's Harmonica<div>Before Abram and Sarai banished the symbols of their power, they realized that the Compass Frog had developed a personality. It was prone to fits of rage and sorrow, when its eyes would glow red, and it would sulk without motion for days on end. Abram and Sarai took note, and so placed it in a charmed box, that whoever opened it would see the wrath of the schizophrenic frog. The box itself caused the frog to lose its alignment, also. Buried within the soil of the swamp for such a long time, the frog grew both tired of the silence and slowly insane. Abram remarked at the curiosity of such a disease, and Sarai reminded him that it was a spoiled, but it was just a frog.</div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Since retiring to the closet, Freddy remained a silent, quiet figure. Many days, he was nowhere to be seen, but no one ever doubted his whereabouts. One day, he purchased a white suit, with black trim. He never took it off. Bran, the compass frog, had worn off on him. Its existence was a mystery to the Bards, but its effects were evident.</span><br /><div>The Bards were together one day when they began quietly discussing the strange manner in which Freddy had been acting. Badger thought him to be sick, Schaff considered him dying, and Paddy said, "Guys, he's dead. Freddy is dead." Freddy walked in the room and said, "Paddy. I'm not dead. You're so loud." He wandered back into the closet.</div><div>The Bards thought about how to find out more about Freddy when Holden mentioned that he hadn't cleaned his closet in a while. Gizmo said that it could be used as a clever excuse, and Fox and Badger agreed.</div><div>Dumon and Paddy led the group into the closet. Paddy shouted something about housekeeping several times, and Holden and Fox told him to shut up. Entering the room, the group found him missing. They searched everywhere, as it was a large addition to the flat (mind you, Dumon and Paddy knew nothing of the closet's size) when Dumon opened a closet door.</div><div>Here, a strange young man named Jacob Corona walked out and said, "It's a closet within a closet! Closet-ception! Oh my goodness!" He then ran away. Gizmo muttered something about it not being cannibalism and Dumon shot him a disgusted look. She walked in and saw a glowing box with holes in it. She opened the box and found a frog inside, the source of the glow. When she opened the box, voices whispered "good Bran, good Bran..." Freddy, sleeping in the corner, chanted in his sleep. Dumon, giggling, said, "bad Bran, bad Bran." The frog turned red and the two disappeared. The other Bards had entered the dark room by then, as well; they witnessed the odd occurence. They all agreed with Paddy that she must be found.</div><div>Meanwhile, Dumon found herself in the swamp of Drumm. The frog sat on a stump in front of her, its eyes glowing red. She stood, and watched as orcs dressed in short, hooded coats assembled around her. some were adorned with golden jewelry, and they all swayed as they walked. She walked to the frog, watching the advancing army, and leaned to pick it up. It threw her backward some forty feet, but well within the ring of orcs. The orcs continued to advance until the frog hovered into Dumon's lap. By this time, she had crawled over to the frog's stump throne. Each of the orcs dropped to mimic the way Dumon sat. She began to get up, and so did the orcs. Frightened, she dropped back to the ground. She heard a whispery voice of some unknown language, but she understood. It was as if some out-of-focus lens turned; the system of verbs and nouns gained clarity.</div><div>The frog explained in a deep, booming voice that the orcs were under its command, but under the call of whoever held Bran. Afraid for her life, and rightly so, Dumon asked about Freddy. The frog's eyes faded as it fell asleep, and the orcs vanished. Dumon, confused and alone in the swampy forest, gathered herself and sought a river. She kept the frog in hand, in sight the entire time, and when she found a river, she began to head downstream. Suddenly, she heard voices and footsteps; she ran. She came upon a house that seemed vaguely familiar, but her head began to ache and pound. She stumbled inside, dropped the frog, and fell asleep.</div><div>Schaff remembered that Freddy (who was asleep and therefore of no use) found the frog in the Drumm swamp. Paddy said that he had a friend with a river house and boat (he specifically said "bo-at") who could be of some help. They traveled to the house, and lo and behold, it was Jacob Corona's house. "Oh yeah, Dumon? She's right inside. Watch out for my chickens," he clucked.</div><div>The house was an old and dirty shack, but when the Bards went inside, they found it lavishly styled. As they traveled from room to room, each decor style was a different, expensive set. Dumon was fast asleep on Jacob's sofa, but the frog was nowhere to be found. Freddy walked out of Jacob's closet, alert, panting, and somewhat disturbed. "Chadde has the frog, but I've stolen his power." He then told the following story.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I can travel from closet to closet. The teleportation that Dumon went through was the frog's doing, in sheer terror. Chadde had attacked me earlier today, knocking me cold, and freezing the frog in sleep. He fled when he heard Dumon enter. The frog evidently came back to his senses still in terror and blind madness. He's prone to odd fits. I came to, and you all were gone. I found the harmonica I gave Dumon, as it was in the box with the frog, and used its might to find the frog. There was Chadde, standing over Dumon and the frog. I played a jaunty tune on the harp, and it paralyzed him. I took the frog, chanting 'good Bran, good Bran..." when Chadde grabbed the frog from me. I played another tune on the harmonica. The frog began to split. Chadde did too, but I mean that he ran. I held a green frog while Chadde carried a red one away. The green one began to glow, but I began to glow, too. The frog vanished into my hand. I dropped the harmonica in pain, but I also began to hear voices. They explained everything about the frog and the harmonica, but they're not the only talismans. One more remains, a heart pendant necklace-thingy, and Chadde knows enough about it to use it. However, he thinks we only have one source of power. We don't have much time, but while we can, we need to stop him from using the Heart of Sarai."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-79328342078249889822012-04-05T09:08:00.009-07:002012-04-10T18:21:19.557-07:00The Fourth Tale Of Badger: The Siege of Fort Ni Aps<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Badger grew up in a house with two sisters. Mama Sinkus loved her daughters more than any mother had ever known, and raised them in a house between Bamah and the swamp of Drumm. Her older sisters, Karli and Kati, teased her, like all older siblings do, but in their rivalries showed her not only love, but also a particualr set of skills, that not many are familiar with, much less masters of: espionage, deception, and archery. Her sisters were gossipers, as women, and blackmailers, as warriors. They fought for King Carl, and were stationed at the southernmost Bamah fort of Ni Aps.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">One day, Mama Sinkus asked Badger to take her sisters their birthday gifts, as she couldn't travel to Ni Aps; Badger fought Kawan during this time. Ecstatic at the chance to see her sisters, Badger immediately packed for the trip. She left the Bards, but they assumed where she was; knowing her free spirit self, they shrugged it off.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Badger arrived at fort Ni Aps, and found her sisters not long after. The gatekeeper knew her, and led her right to Kati and Karli. The sisters celebrated the long-awaited reunion in their normal style--food, drink, and tale-telling ("catching up" is the term they used). Badger, in her merriment, chose to stay for the week.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">The next day, Badger wandered the grounds of the fort. She came upon a street musician; fascinated by the crowds that gathered around, she stopped to see his show. He performed simple sleight-of-hand, but it was evident by his show that he had been practicing for a long time. After his show, she approached him, asking for tips on his performance. He smiled, introduced himself as The Great Scott, and took her to the house he lived in. He revealed that he knew her family; had heard of them; well, had known them.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Kati and Karli fought under his father in several battles. He was wounded, and Karli defended as Kati carried his father back to the fort. Scott watched as the three came into the fort; he felt grateful to them. Badger spoke of returning the message, and the two laughed.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">So Badger and Scott conversed, for an hour or two; they soon grew close, enjoying every moment together more than the last. Then, alarms began sounding throughout the town; an outside force threatened the fort, and the two returned to the sisters' barracks.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">For many years, the Baman people lived in harmony with the Antipoans to the south. However, Antipoa was recently stricken with an army of orcs, who, when driven away, headed north along the Wolfe River.</div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">When Badger and Scott found Kati and Karli, they had armed themselves for combat. Badger saw that she really shouldn't go into the battle, as her mother cared very much for all of them, and losing even one daughter would be devastating, so any rogue heroic act, however awesome and theatrical it would be, would be ignorant and </span>unnecessary<span style="font-size: 100%;">. Scott, who later criticized my use of a run-on sentence to describe her single thought, stayed behind with her.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">The orcs broke the front gate with brute force. Several men died in that one skirmish. Kati and Karli's forces drove them back at the second wall, and Karli took out the orcs' mightiest warrior. Scott convinced Badger to follow him to the highest tower of the second wall (which wasn't a difficult task) and there they shadowed the archers, stealing glimpses of the battle. When one orc scaled the fortress wall, several archers died pushing him back, but to no avail. Scott, stealing a sword off the nearest tower guard, sent him back to the ledge. Badger stole a bow off a dead archer, and when the orc fell over the side, he pulled Scott with him. Badger sent her first arrow right through the orc's forehead. Scott freed himself in time to survive the fall with only a broken arm. Badger covered him as he made his way to the front gate. Kati noticed him, and calling Karli, defended the retreating magician. Badger continued the fight atop the wall, skillfully driving back orc after orc. Not even three of her arrows missed that day, and the battle swiftly ended when Antipoan armies flanked the orcs. What orcs didn't flee, died in combat.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">That night, a feast was held to celebrate the two nations' alliance. Kati, Karli, Badger, and two other Bamans were awarded for their bravery, as were several Antipoans. Scott healed quickly, and was able to return to Bamah with Badger. They lived with Mama Sinkus, happily awaiting their next adventure together, with the Bards, or not.</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4082116234207222997.post-44179774839739753112012-04-02T17:30:00.007-07:002012-04-02T19:27:05.188-07:00The Third Tale of Freddy the Llama: The Compass Frog<span><span>Long ago, before Bamah was settled by any sort of creature, three Grand Sorcerers ruled the land to the north (known as Drumm), sharing power equally, for a time. Then, one leader, the youngest, gathered most of his armies and power into one talisman, meaning to overthrow the other two. Chadde, as he was named, ruled a swamp where he made his dwelling. As it was a swamp, it was inhabited by many frogs. He kept one as a pet; it had the odd ability to always point due north, no matter how Chadde held it. "Bran" was its name, and Chadde frequently petted it, as he chanted, "good Bran, good Bran." The unassuming frog (it's a frog, it doesn't assume much anyway) was brainwashed into believing that all it did was good. Its life source became intertwined with Chadde's, so that one could not be awakened without the other.</span></span><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Not all was good, however. The other two came together to discuss the matter. Realizing that their younger brother was stupid and that he should neither store all his power in one item nor attempt to take out both siblings, they decided to take out Chadde together and commit their lives to protecting the three power talismans--they chose to store their own powerful armies in similar fashions. Sarai, the middle and wisest sorcerer carried a heart-shaped necklace with her; Abram, the oldest and most powerful chose his favorite harmonica (I said strongest, not wisest) as his token. The three met in the field now home to the King Carl's castle, and the older two smote Chadde with thunder and light never known before. The two, commenting on how easy the victory was, sent the talismans to the end of the swamp, to be found only by those worthy of them. They would be called Majors of the Drumman Armies, and would take on the roles of the three Grand Drumman Sorcerers.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Freddy was a normal llama, that is, as normal as llamas get. He lived in Bamah with the Bards, and this is his tale. However, the tale starts in the days before Gizmo. As Freddy, Paddy, Badger, Dumon and Schaff were exploring the mystical remains of the swamp, Freddy tripped on a stone; the group traveled ahead, clueless of the events that were unfolding. Flipping it over, he noticed an odd glow coming from under the stone. "That's odd," he remarked, and pulled a gold box out from under it. The Box was unlocked despite a keyhole, and when he opened it, Freddy found a silver harmonica an another box with holes. The entire Box gave off a feel as if something was missing, but Freddy shrugged it off. He pocketed the harmonica and retrieved the inside box. It began croaking, "good Bran, good Bran," and Freddy found a frog inside. Picking it up, he noticed it began turning. South. No matter where he held it, the frog faced South. Then, Dumon and Paddy returned to Freddy, shouting about "finding him" and "what happened?" and "cannibalism" and "Come on, not again." Freddy showed them the frog. The entire group was awed by the frog and its unique skill. Freddy kept the frog.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>The group returned to Bamah, but before they could, large beasts began to grow out of the ground. Afraid for obvious reasons, the group took off toward the town. Again, Freddie tripped. "Why am I so clumsy today?" he said, as he ran for the frog. When he picked up the frog, the frightening beasts surrounded him. Just as mortal terror set in, the beasts dropped to one knee, or root, or whatever any beast could bow on. (Most beasts are truly magnificent creatures, but weird. Take the platypus, for example. They don't do much. I digress...)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span>Realizing the significance of this possibility, Freddy asked of the army their leader. A resounding "HE WHO HOLDS THE FROG. So, basically you." shocked Freddy. The beasts established their ownership and the story of their slumber. Freddy asked if they were "you know, there if I need you." One beast approached Freddy and pointed to the frog, telling him to rub it and chant "good Bran."</span></div><div><span><span>Freddy returned the beasts to the earth, and himself to the Flat. Entering, he found the Bards ready for battle to save his life. Nothing happened, according to Freddy's account. Dumon, being always hospitable, asked him if he had need of anything. Freddy asked for a room, even though Schaff pointed out that he had a perfectly good home and belongings just outside Bamah. Freddy traded the harmonica for a closet, any closet. Dumon, a harmonica </span>connoisseur, happily agreed. Thus, Dumon held Abram's harmonica, unbeknowst to herself, and Freddy held the frog.</span></div><div><span>Freddy sold his house and converted the closet to nice cottage, only in a closet, and there lived for the rest of his days. However, Chadde, brought back by the use of the frog, was angered. Searching for the frog he so desired, Chadde moved to his swamp. Finding the empty Box, Chadde plotted his revenge on the characters who established Bamah.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0