Index

Back to 18_1626_Dark1

Ahead to 20_1626_Dark3

A Freezing Day, a cold Dark Season, Valind blows from the north

tall crystal shards rise ahead on the road to the Ruin of Hender

Sorala spots shadows ahead, shapes full of stasis

Five down horses, three dead men, dusted with snow,

lances and javelins hint the attackers high llamas

what doom could await the two missing riders?

Bonded One finds little of value, just a small axe

Snow Runner a shawl, a gown, combs, henna powder,

two young women are now astray and alone on the plains

all agree that they must be rescued or avenged

ahead, beneath the eerie spires, Gors Stalker sniffs a campsite

six met six, then split, some went north, others south

North shall be next, the Block of Pimper where humans are sold.

breaking camp, valor is tested by winds of Valind's bowels

bitter cold blasts assail beast and man

all but those blessed by the Storm soon shivering 

that evening the shelter of market a welcome sight to the tired travelers

where a tower of stone rises on the side of a small hill

Three groups there are camped, let them be described

High llamas from Prax, high kicking haters of horses

Sables from Tarsh, some slaves of Shepelkirk

Mixed zebras and bison, from across Prax and Sartar

their master, Enta Varn, now Market Voice of the tower

where a frail fire feebly fights the freezing cold within.

Enta and Andrenik talk trade and tall tales, then go below,

there the two girls, unharmed, unmolested, well-fed, and warm

both fair princesses of the Elder Amber clan

many fine fabrics and furs, bronze and glassware,

three magics of the Earth, unfairly earned

Enta not entirely the merchant we all wish to be

Spirited Seducer makes sweet talk with guard Teva

Some silver changes hands, down payment or foreplay,

should sly stealth or trickery be needed for rescue

Thane Baugi shows wisdom, is loathe to despoil

a fellow Lightbringer, His Voice of the Storm

choosing hospitable release and payment

a fair price is bargained, a fair price is paid

the rough llama warriors satisfied with their silver

then tasked to return the girls safely, strong oaths to ensure

Next morning as most prepare to depart

Vrank of the Sables came to view the heroes camp

hippogriffs and bison, ostrich, mules, zebras and horses

he asked Lagertha about the flyers, proud beasts of the air

then foolishly challenged Sehzade, blood prince of the Sun

Soon a course was set out, a fast race to be won

Sable was speedy, but silver bridled Sehzade was swifter

A bronze sword richer, Laughing Daughter shakes hands

with her honorable and chastened rival.

A Day's Rest to cleanse the mounts, then to the Tourney

a huge ruined city, forest of palms, a lake in the desert

all around an ancient arena, name lost in ages past

The caravanseri huge they visit, ten zebras inside, 

comfort from the cold, room and board for beasts

a common room with hot food, and foul drink from dates

one party of Sword Brothers, here for their Holy Day,

heartily greet their sword sister Bronwyn,

two seek to become men of iron the morn of the morn

Darii does track various villians wanted in Pavis

Sorala suspects attack from Lord Demon, slayer of Flamal,

whose fear and frenzy fight both order and chaos

his Legions of Death still required in our world

Alone at a table sits a war woman, fair save her necklace,

displaying gory parts of foes past defeated

defilers of the Earth, Oathbreakers, all avenged,

Red-Headed Daughter joins her to sip apple cider

Soon joined by Bronwyn and Freyar, they talk long through the evening.