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The path of Zach Gallend
Posted: 19 Mar 2004 12:18 PM |
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= Part 1 =
= The meeting =
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The day ‘twas dank and wet. The autumn rains bringing first chill to the forest though the leafs had not yet abandoned their perch. My friends know me as Labernath of the wood, for its ways are known to me. In the arms of the deep forest I am at home, as if one with the wind and through its bounty a family I sustain. ‘Twas a day spent as many others, in the search of the sparse game of the region. In this measure I had faired well, two pheasant cocks and a rabbit graced my game pouch and gave me pause to be thankful for there would be fare on the table for several days from the effort.
Homeward bound was I and in passing the local Inn I gave pause and decided a reward was in order. After all, of what use is life if a man ca’na enjoy the reward of a refreshing draft at the end of a hard day I thought. So, rather than passing as I did on a dozen dozen days afore, I entered not knowing my life was to be changed in that decision.
It was a dingy little tavern in the backwater of the Realm. Not unlike a hundred other in kind I suppose. The wooden floors creaked and the smoothness of the planks nearest the entrance gave testament to the untold generations it had carried. The place smelled faintly of sawdust and sour beer left unfinished. The first fire of the autumn blazed fresh in the fireplace lightly scenting the air with its smoke from the not fully seasoned logs that were hastily gathered and tossed in.
Ordering a pitcher of draft from the proprietor I retired to a table near the fireplace with a good view of the interior and settled in to enjoy my reward. At the far end of the room the regulars entertained themselves in their usual manor with tales of bravado that grew in every telling. This day the Israck boys were especially loud and full of them selves. Least there be any doubt, they fancied themselves the measure of the county by which all other’s failed in comparison. I liked their company not. Arrogant and rude they were in my eyes and nar more than a poor excuse for the local bullies were they. I had crossed paths with them on more than a single occasion where by they had learned to think twice before crossing it again.
Seems they had succeeded this day in slaying several Kabolds that had set up camp in the wood and they regaled incessantly of their battle prowess in an attempt to impress the bar wench and local lasses that gathered to them. I felt it not worth mentioning I had rid the forest of a like band twice its measure single handed not more than two days afor and turned my attention to the door as it opened letting in the cold wind for a moment.
He was a sight this stranger. Clothes well traveled and poor in their finest day by the looks of them. His head covered by a hood, to keep out the rain no doubt, and the whips of gray streaked hair that peaked out from beneath it belied one of some years. I watched him as he surveyed the place and quietly approached the bar.
“Excuse me sir?” I heard him say in a voice only slightly more than a whisper, “But might ye have some modest fair a weary traveler might purchase?” And in the saying reached for a coin purse and proceeded to empty its contents on the bar. The single coin it produced barely making a sound as it fell to the surface. The bartender looked at it in disgust and said in a voice much to loud for politeness “There be nar enough here to feed ye dog much less a man.” Looking again at the stranger his tone seemed to soften. “Well, ‘Tis not enough but I hate to see a man hungry. But this ain’t no charity neither” and as he gathered in the coin he produced a half loaf of yesterday bread and scooped a lump of lard on the plate from a container behind the bar.
The man graciously took what was offered in exchange and said something unusual. “It takes little to sustain the light once lit, may your kindness be rewarded and returned to you many fold.” Now, I thought that strange and as I pondered the words it was apparent that the Israck boys had heard and felt the need to make sport of such seemingly easy prey.
“OLD MAN!” said Jake the eldest son stepping up to the bar right beside the old fellow, “Seems ye are a bit short of a fair price?” A sick smile came to his face. “Mayhaps we can help? ‘Tis boring here since the minstrels left, why do’na ya entertain us with a little dance.” The old man calmly put down his plate on the bar and slowly turned to face Jake, his face covered still by the hood he wore.. “I said old man! Why don’t ya dance fer us, I’ll give ya what’s left of me ale in exchange.” As he took a pull from half empty glass and making a fair show of licking the entire rim placed the tankard on the bar next to the old man.
The stranger looked him up and down and said calmly “No thank you friend, I have enough to sustain me.” Where in Jake drew forth his dagger grinning and pushed the man away from the bar saying “You don’t understand old man, I want a dance and I am going to get one! NOW!” Where in he threw the dagger at the feet of the stranger and it embedded in the floor not more than a hair from his foot.
But the man did not move at all, he did not even flinch in the slightest. His eyes never left Jake’s and said softly “I have no quarrel with thee, return to your friends in peace.” Jake full of ale and infuriated now at not getting the reaction he desired pulled his second knife and approached the stranger “By heavens ye shall do as I say or cut ye I will.” And swung the blade towards the man.
In an instant, faster than the eye could follow the strangers hand had intercepted Jake’s wrist stopping its arch in his grasp as if it was an oak beam. I had not noticed it before but he was actually quite tall, at least a half hand taller than Jake that stood 6 foot. And from under the tunic with his arm and shoulder now revealed one could see he was broad chested and had the thick forearms of one use to wielding a heavy weapon. Slowly and smoothly the man twisted the wrist he now firmly grasped until Jake sunk to his knees and the dagger fell from his hand harmlessly to the floor.
At this point the remainder of the Israck boys, no longer laughing stood and drew steel. This was enough I thought and I sprang to the strangers defense. Ask me you might why I made this my business and in truth I could nar say. I knew this stranger not and nar cared for a wound that might cripple me or worse for his cause. But move I did as though I had no will of my own to this mans defense.
Blade drawn I leaped between the bullies and the old man and said “Enough’s enough! You’ve had you sport. Besides, look at him. He’s an old man and no contest. No gain in cutting down an old man says I.” As they thought on my words and no doubt my steel that lay between them and him I said “Barkeep a round for the mighty Kobold killers on me.” Half drunk as they were they lost heart and returned to their table and boasting as nothing had happened.
There in I sheathed my steel and turned to the stranger. I said to him, “I am sorry old fellow but all of this region are not of their like. You have my apologies.” Looking at the little more than a crust that was to be his sup I said “Please, Join me at my table and warm yourself up by the fire there.” Where in I called to the bartender “Serve up a proper meal here and don’t ye be skimpen on the meat” and I looked him in the eye “remember I ken tell dog from beef.”
I sat as the keep served a steaming plate and I poured a fresh glass of ale for the fellow from my pitcher into a tankard I had procured from the bar. As I lit my pipe he lowered his head closed his eyes before the meal for what seemed a log time. Looking up finally he remove his hood and I saw his face full for the first time.
Weathered it was with the hardship of a thousand suns and again another thousands freezing moons. Hair long full and streaked with a touch of silver gray with eyes one does not soon forget. Brown and clear as crystal, reflecting the fire light but with a spark that one would swear came from within. A feeling of calmness and wisdom radiated from his manner. Looking at me it was as if he could see through me to the depths of my soul. One would think this uncomfortable but I tell you in his presence I felt tranquility and peace like I have nar felt before or sense.
Then he smiled and the room changed. One could not help but smile back and a feeling of happiness entered my heart. We sat in silence as he ate, finally as he finished I said “Ahemmm, So friend, I am Labernath, of the wood. I must say that I have seen few that could so easily take Jake’s blade as you did.” “He is a loud mouth, a ruffian of which I have no use but he is not unskilled with a dagger. But you were able to fend him off with nothing but your empty hand.” Re-lighting my pipe and pulling a deep draft I said “I am curious, As I drew steel for thee and break bread with thee now, perhaps you could tell me who you are, where do you hale from, what brings you to these parts?”
end part one
Zach Gallend
"The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world,
is to be in reality what we would appear to be."
Socrates |
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Re: The path of Zach Gallend
Posted: 20 Mar 2004 12:03 PM |
| OOC Welcome at long last to Vives my friend. May your days be long apon the earth and your nights peaceful. |
Humbly Submitted,
Sinjin Kane |
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Re: The path of Zach Gallend
Posted: 13 Apr 2004 03:31 PM |
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= Part 2 =
= The parting =
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* Sitting back in his chair, the man thinks a moment and smiles * Questions fair indeed ye ask friend Labernath and a price I wouldst pay most gladly. Though in the telling, ye may not know more than thee do now. For who is a man? Can my name tell thee any more than thee know from what thy own eyes have told thee? And from whenst do I hale will nar be of use to thy ear if thee have heard them not before. And indeed, for what reason do I travel these lands is as much a mystery to me as it is to thee.
He paused and took a pull from the pint I had provided and closed his eyes in the savoring of it. “Ahhh” he said. “Tis been many days since I have enjoyed a good Ale.” His eyes wandered about the tavern “ And manys a times I have drank of the best of Spikes Dwarven Ale in a place not unlike this in the enjoyment of companions true.” “But you ask a fair question and it deserves a fair answer my new friend.
As I settled back in my seat he began, “There was a day, in my time”, he said, “where I found myself face down in the sand on the shore of a land I knew not. The lump on my head served testament to my mortality. But all before that moment was barren to my mind. I recovered my wits enough to stand and made way to a city not far away. Elmcross it was called and a fair place it was, full of life and commerce. Upon entry however I was unceremoniously confronted by two burley guards of the Realm and dragged off to prison. At the time I knew not why, I thought perhaps I was a famous felon or thief of note.” * Smile * “But come to find out later it was just that the city frowned on one carrying a weapon unsheathed as I had. Though, at the time I knew that not and sitting in the dank cell, in a strange place with no knowledge of self I came to despair.”
“For no reason that I could tell, I fell to my knees and cried out in my pain and confusion looking to the heavens for relief. It was most strange for I knew not to whom I petitioned or why I should think they might answer.. but only that it felt right.” He leaned forward toward me, elbows on the table and whispered “In that foul dank cell at the depths of my suffering appeared before me a vision… a spirit... a woman of beauty beyond description, almost transparent and surrounded in heavenly radiance.” “I was ashamed of my retched condition and fell prone as if to hide my flaws before her perfection. She reached down and placed her hand on my head and said “Rise gentle one. This is but a step upon the path that I have set thee on and will soon pass.”
“I looked up in confusion at her words and dared speak.” “The path that thee have set me on?” I said “Of what use can I be to one as yourself, I am as nothing before you? Of less use am I than the dust in the air you breathe or the straw on the floor on which ye now stand.” Amused, at my ignorance it seems, she smiled “The journey has but started and in time ye will know your part.” Looking me in the eyes unwavering he continued “I was confused now even more than before and I heard the cell door lock complain as it turned and she said before fading away. “Follow your heart, it will show thee the path, it will lead thee to the light.”
“You see friend Labernath” he continued. “this was the beginning of a time of wonder, the time of the Gods. For upon being released I was tossed into the streets of this distant city Elmcross where I found the Temple of light. Of Sreanne the Goddess of the light, of all that is good and righteous. And in contentment I followed the path that presented itself in full confidence that it would lead to the truth. To fill my soul with the light I had seen in that cell and so much desired.”
And as I learned the way of the light, along the path I was proud to meet souls of such nobility that I felt honor to have their lips mention my name, all now lost friends that live only in my memory.
For, all was not well and beneath the veneer of beauty and wonder that we saw was rot and foulness. The first revealing of such was the second time I was honored I thought to be in the presence of the light as once seen in that sparse cell I spoke of.”.
It was in the swamps to the east of the Majaran, I had chosen to accompany a noble group. They were to explore a cavern in which were reputed to be full of Giants of the worst sort. There were many in my company who I called friend. Ugh, Arakes., Mord, Nanase and Eowien besides myself and they could have given testament to my words were they but here now. As we approached the cave we were stopped in our tracks as a menacing figure appeared out of nowhere. He was 10 foot tall if he was an inch I tell you and all black and menacing as the night. This creature was called a half fiend warrior and declared he was the Avatar of the Dark one Sorn. He glared at us and told that the light was to be extinguished and that the dark one was to rule.
All stood their ground and Ugh, in his Orc’ish way, teased the big man which did not please the fiend in the slightest I must say. And Arakes declared he would rather die than serve the dark one. And with but a look. the half fiend slew Arakes. I beseeched Seranne to raise the man and wherein I cast a spell and Arakes arose. The half fiend liked this not and with another look slew me in an instance for my trouble. A battle was about to begin now, one with no hope of victory. Nanase stepped bravely forth to take the wrath of the dark one and just before the blow was struck... (pause) .. all of a sudden .. from no where in a flash of light a Celestial Messenger , the Avatar for Seranne herself appeared. The messenger bade the beast to begone and to not trouble the good people of the light. But in a flash the a Celestial Messenger itself was felled, such was the wrath of Sorn
Then he turned to those remaining and declared his power over the light and that all that would not kneel to him were next. None of the company yield and though all was lost at the last moment the a Celestial Messenger reappeared, and without ceremony slew the Fiend in an instant. Then I was raised and the Celestial Messenger left but spoke these words. "Prepare all, the Dark lord gathers his forces, you must be ready". And then was gone.”
“A warning for which we gave great heed but despite our efforts I saw the fall of the great city Lordsguard to the hands of the followers of Sorn, the God of darkness, and Grumbar, God of Balance. Seen the beginnings of despair upon the land. Where in began a time of darkness and everlasting rain. In hopes of finding the key to right the world the noble and infamous banded together in common cause and searched for the three artifacts of power, the last of which it was feared to be held by the dragon Lord Vilecar. Most ancient and powerful of all dragon kind, his likes were spoken in legend and lore from the age of heroes and his prowess unmatched. Many gathered and attempted to breach his lair only to be thrown back well before it was penetrated and in the end carrying home more dead than alive. Six times were the forces united and the caverns assaulted, each time deeper purchase gained and each time for naught as the group was thwarted and retreated in defeat most bitter.”
“But the seventh time… yes the seventh time. The lair of the foul beast was finally pierced and though many had started down but less than score remained to draw steel and pit their arcane and divine magic’s against the ultimate foe, a beast older than the very earth on which we tread that knew never the taste of defeat. And in the balance we thought was the resurrection of the world. The names of the heroes who survived to see the dragon flame lick against their skin as the battle was engaged are forever in my memory. The names will mean nothing to thee… they will mean nothing to any of this realm. Some well I knew and some not so, but in single purpose that day, each and every soul united in common cause to see an end to the madness.”
As I listened in total captivation at the power of his words the old man paused in reflection and looking closely I swear a faint tear was forming in his eyes as he continued to say. “ On that field at that time, in that place they were to forever become my brothers, my sisters, my comrades in honor.”
The old mans eyes closed as he drew heavily on the pipe I had offered him as he remembered the names.. Looking up finally he said.. “I am sorry, of course these names would mean nothing to thee but everything to me.”
“And I was there as well’, the old man said, “on that day the battle was pitched. The beast nearly felled only to be restored time and again. But none lost heart and the assault continued giving no quarter. Death touched many more than once as the beast breathed the very fire of hell upon our band only to have their lives restored to enter battle again and yet again. The magics of the arcane and divine filled the air striking home time and again against the seemingly invincible foe. Steel Sword and mace pounding whenever chance favored them inflicting terrible vengeance on the beast’s tough hide. And finally, after hours of battle, the foul worm tired, belched forth one mighty last breath of hell fire in its death scream and fell in defeat. The prize, the last of the artifacts three was ours.”
The old man paused in the telling with the sad look of remembrance about him. And I thought to myself, now if even half of this tale be true then before me sits one of note in his time. If a lie, then it matters not as the telling be well worth he price of a sup and pint. Looking over at the mighty Kablod slayers as they retell in painful detail over and over again each bow shot of their so called triumph I felt pleased to listen to the stranger truth or not. Passing him a freshly packed pipe he accepted with a nod and lit a twig in the fire which he applied to the bowl and drew. “Continue, please if you will ” I said.
As he blew a smoke ring from the pipe he continued. “As I said with the foul Vilecar defeated the last piece of the puzzle was in place.” “Then the squabbling began in earnest of how to best make use of the three pieces.” “In attempt to have their wishes prevail cults were formed and attempts made to obtain the artifacts for uses fair or foul.”
“As the congregations of Light, Dark and Balance argued on the path to set the world right my soul withered and I retired to meditation to seek the truth.” “In a glen overlooking the sea not far removed from the once fair city to where I retired often, I meditated for days and the answer came to me.” “I thought the soul of the Goddess of light has fled and is hidden some place, some where in the body of a another to weather this storm and is trapped unable to return.” “I must seek her soul and return the light to the realm.” “I looked to the sea and on that shore where once I was born into this land I made preparation while the squabbles continued.” Pausing and taking a deep breath he said, “ Finally ready, I departed in a small craft alone as I had once arrived.” “Trusting in my heart full of hope and desire for truth to lead me to the answer I sought and restore what once was.”
“Behind me the clouds grew dark and thick ‘or the Firestorm Mounts and I heard a cry, a curse and so in the icy words, which immediately took hold of the realm. Behind me all that I knew withered and died, in front of me the vastness and depths of a unforgiving sea.” “In its destruction even the skills divine and hard won of mine were extinguished, I was powerless.” “But even with this further challenge placed upon me in my heart I was determined to prevail as I felt.. NO!.. I KNEW! That all the kindness and good I had known could not be extinguished and that some where the light endured and must be saved and protected so that it would one day be returned.”
“There in my friend, I drifted where ere the current and winds would command and eventually set ground on a distant shore. Strange to me as was Arcania when I first arrived. I searched first one realm, then another and another with out end finding no success. I saw sights I had nar dreamed of, Bridges of rainbows , Mountains of glass and a fair city in the sky floating on the clouds. Souls of all type, noble and scoundrel alike were known to me in my search for the one, the haven of the light. How many places I traveled, how many years, I can not say in truth for they all seemed as one to me now.” The old man lowered his head, “The search has lead me here and wonderful folk have I met in my short travels here, but it has been for naught and I fear I have failed. Offworlder they call me and no room for me and my past can I find in the hearts of this realm.” Looking up again at Labernath, “But whilst I draw breath still I will nar abandon the gentle souls in my trust and will ere search beyond the dawn horizon even to the deepest circle of the damned itself if it needs be till my limbs are beyond my command.”
Speechless was I at the power and will behind such words and as I grasped for something to say he reached to the floor and recovered an dried flower that had perchance rolled there entangled in the newly piled logs near the fire. Clasping his two hands together with the seed at its peak between them he drew it to his chest. He closed his eyes and said “ For I will continue, and after me there will be another and then another. For as the light lives in me so it does in all men of honor and goodness. It can not be driven from the earth.” He looked at me and said “You have shown a total stranger kindness. You have risked your blood for another in need without thought of reward. You have fed a hungry man of your own coin with no expect of return. In you and indeed in countless others through acts never recorded I have seen that the light endures and needs not a foolish old Priest such as me to sustain it.”
Then he stood up from the table and said, “For my part ‘tis time to continue my path.” And he opened his hands and placed a now fresh bloom on the table which now shown white and bright as a candle flame and said. “It takes little to sustain the light once lit, may your kindness be rewarded and returned to you many fold… may the light be with thee.” Turning and leaving swiftly without so much as a backwards glance he was gone.
Labernath, sitting there in silence thinking of what the old man had said and looking at the flower now gracing the center of his table with its steady glow he thought, Blast!! his name.. he never spoke his name.
The end……………….
Zach Gallend
"The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world,
is to be in reality what we would appear to be."
Socrates |
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