Spoiler Alert: based on The Rattling Wind

 

Returned to Fair Jowl, the bold heroes hear

strange tidings from Farfield, a terrible fear

Andrenik Goldentongue reports of rough ravages

three villagers crushed by the light of Dark Moon

their bodies ill treated, bespoiled with weeds

"Our help is sore needed, time for more glorious deeds"

 

Through cold rain they travel, through farmers in the fields

arriving at nightfall, stout stone inn revealed

a warm welcome from the villagers greeted the heroes

Jorgren innkeeper, jovial and generous, if hard of hearing

confirmed the tale of three villagers caught out at night and slain

while the earth shook under Shepelkirk's sick glow

one brave villager's dying words, "The Rattling Wind"

 

Robbie and Bronwyn the stables did study

Ostler Orvald the lame showed oxen and ponies

and two strong well bred stallions, but branded with evil

one dappled, one grey, well matched and paired

strange site for small hamlet, with suspicion they stared

 

Lagertha saw iron scimitar, to smithy did go,

and stood by the forge's faint red warming glow

Viborna the redsmith, strong limbed and fair haired

quiet and scarred by life, brave but still scared

she bristled when asked for a price on the kopis

Lagertha wondered if there were long lost love for a Lunar

Whatever the past, Viborna was determined to defend her hamlet.

 

At sunrise brave party scouted the swampland nearby

Drakemere claimed by Durulz, dour ducks who don't fly

Three youngsters patrolled, boldly greeting the heroes

"Darvin Blackfeather is our chief, go back to your hovels,

Come back tomorrow, perhaps he will let you look at the pond"

with more bravery than brains, even Bronwyn was bemused 

the party returned to Farfield, and prepared for battle in the night

Viborna devised some traps, barriers and platforms were built

on top of the tavern, for lookouts and archers

The mighty four heroes held sway on their horses outside.

 

Heler's sweet touch ended, clouds cleared, Red Moon stood revealed

Soon the Earth shook, even fair Ernalda was stricken

a rumbling darkness roared into the village sowing fear

Andrenik loosed an arrow, no effect did it offer,

straight towards brave Baugi rushed the dark evil.

 

The hero observed that swamp thing from hell,

the tarn-hag in all its terrible strength

deftly avoiding its charge, he leapt to one side

then hefted his war lance and swung his arm

the decorated shaft struck strongly, singing true,

the shattered wheel shivered as many sparks flew

 

Two skeletons lay shackled, secure in their chains 

till Bronwyn arrived quickly and soon ended their pains

their bondage thus ended, the Hell Chariot decayed

returning to the dust from which we mortals are made.

 

Shocked villagers cheered the end of their enemy

but guilty looks soon lead to the full story

The chariot belonged to cruel Lunar Beleros

who ill-treated the hamlet years before the glorious Dragonwise

Led by Jorgren, they conspired to secret murder,

concealed the bodies in the pond and covered their shame

till reborn the horror returned and calamity came

their deeds revealed, The Blue Lord will decide their doom.

 

 

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