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Ceramic DM - Spring 2005 (Late Bloomer) - We have a winner.
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<blockquote data-quote="Herremann the Wise" data-source="post: 2350659" data-attributes="member: 11300"><p><strong>Ceramic DM Spring 2005 (Late Bloomer)</strong></p><p>Round 1, Match 3: yangnome vs. RangerWickett vs. <u><strong><em>Herremann the Wise</em></strong></u></p><p></p><p>I have labelled the pictures - Picture 1, Picture 2,... as they appeared in BSF's posting.</p><p>Altogether, not including labels and breaks {***}: 4,999 words.</p><p></p><p>I hope you enjoy.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><u>Of Power and Peace</u></strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Introduction</strong></p><p></p><p><em>For those who insist that they need to have a little background information… </em> </p><p></p><p>Our story takes place in The Land of the Three Realms within a crumbling empire that has slowly eroded over several centuries to a number of provincial territories. The Great War with the Northern Barbarians was almost forty years in the past yet still there was no firm resolution - just an exhausted cessation of hostilities as the Empire journeyed inwards towards conflict and collapse. However, the portended end of the empire could be nigh as the Barbarians unleash a power beyond imagination - once again they have discovered like their ancient forefathers before them, the secrets of dragonflight.</p><p></p><p>This story concerns the journey of Orrolo, a young man of the Empire who wishes for peace between the two realms. He is sent on a secret journey to garner the alliance of an old wizard of barbarian heritage deep within the misty and mountainous border between the two regions. He is then to travel to the heart of the barbarian land with the wizard as a guide to deliver a gift and message to the King of the barbarians - hopefully, something of enough significance to engender a fragile genesis of peace.</p><p></p><p>However, all is not quite as simple as it seems. Orrolo of the Empire must endure the arrogance of his elder cousin's attempts to hijack the mission for his own pride and ends. Not only this, but the barbarian wizard who is the linchpin of the mission has no love at all for the Imperials. Worse however, he was a prisoner of the Great War who magically escaped the clutches of the Emperor. Gaining his favour would seem impossible: for any... except for perhaps Orrolo of the Minsuno.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p><em>In one of the small outer provinces of the Empire inside the family temple of Minsuno, an argument ensues between the Lorus (spiritual leader) of the House and E’dhanus the arrogant second son and princeling of the Minsuno Patriarch…</em></p><p></p><p>“But he is your cousin and family. Besides which he like you is fated for this mission and as such his participation is not for your choice or choosing.”</p><p>“The lad is but a stripling! Why dilute the glory of this mission that by rights should be mine!”</p><p></p><p>The raging E’dhanus, second in line to the family throne felt the hot fire of his blood course through his defined and arrogant veins. He had just been informed that his younger cousin Orrolo would not only be present for the secret mission to hunt down the barbarian wizard Bazreth, but he would then also be a key member of the ensuing delegation to the barbarian King. For one filled with the rigid pride of Minsuno, it was a poor and odious decision.</p><p></p><p>The Lorus however looked on unaroused by E’dhanus’s temper, the soft scent and peace of the candlelight within the small sacred auditorium assisting her in maintaining a semblance of tranquillity.</p><p>“I am disappointed you feel that the glory you might earn on a quest you are still yet to begin is the primary issue. If I were you, I would concentrate more on the expedition at hand. If you feel that the wizard Bazreth will open his doors to you and welcome you with honour and friendship, I suggest reassessing your delusions. As for your cousin whom may I remind you is of the blood of Minsuno, I firmly ask you to recast your judgment. How long has it been since you have truly seen Orrolo? Four…maybe five years? In this matter, you lack all prescience.”</p><p></p><p>E’dhanus’s stony face clenched in held rage at the diminutive woman; his shaved head revealing creased tension upon his bitter features as if by sheer size and impact of presence, he could force a change in the mind of the slight woman. Again, she seemed unperturbed. The crisp tone of a small bell distracted his ripening retort as he swung around, the Lorus glancing towards the wood-framed entrance as well.</p><p>“Your cousin has arrived. I strongly suggest you make him feel welcome,” said the Lorus in a low even voice – the hint of a hidden smile momentarily gracing her lips.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p>For Orrolo, the weeklong journey from his father’s town of Goria had been uneventful although the full force of a hard, bitter winter was evident as the last small vestige of autumn was frozen from the countryside. He now waited patiently behind the ceremonial entrance to the Hall of the Mother, looking carefully to the attendant who was waiting for some unseen or hidden signal. Orrolo’s pure gaze through blue eyes – his mother’s unusual heritage – gave him a look of youth, yet strangely wisdom as well. His clear and handsome features looked up as the sweet sound of a small bell rang clearly and with distinction in the cold afternoon air. The doorway’s custodian politely opened the door before permitting Orrolo’s entry.</p><p></p><p>Orrolo moved inside; his compact, sturdy yet graceful frame bowing to the Lorus and his cousin the Prince according to the strict dictates of etiquette and decorum. Despite having heard the majority of E’dhanus’s earlier tirade against him, a smile broached his face as he looked upon the granite silence of his cousin. There was no point in making a poor situation worse.</p><p></p><p>The Lorus stepped forward as several retainers assisted her with her ceremonial robes. A beacon of magnificence despite her slight stature, she received the newcomer warmly.</p><p>“Welcome young master. Your arrival is most timely.” She glanced carefully at the stony faced E’dhanus before continuing despite the prince’s breach of etiquette. “I trust your journey was swift and without incident?”</p><p></p><p>Orrolo lifted from his genuflected position and answered carefully. “Greetings Mother Lorus and to you too Prince E’dhanus. There were several interesting happenings but nothing of great consequence. I am here now with only a few scratches, ready to serve your wishes good Mother.”</p><p></p><p>“Bah!” blurted E’dhanus, unable to hold his tongue a moment longer. “Be ready and upon your pony by the dawn’s bell otherwise I will be leaving without you.”</p><p>And with this he stormed off to much rustling amongst the various attendants, replete now with fresh gossip. The Lorus looked at the prince’s dramatic exit with a wearied sigh before returning her attention to Orrolo.</p><p></p><p>“He is stubborn and more a fool. But he is the Prince and his fate is cast amongst the stars above.”</p><p>Orrolo just shook his head in shared sympathy with the woman who had helped raise him before ascending to the position of the Patriarch’s Lorus.</p><p>Looking over to the exit leading above to the temple observatory she added, “Ah… come and walk with me Orrolo as there are things afoot and things you must know before leaving upon this special mission.”</p><p>Several servitors adjusted her ceremonial dress as she took Orrolo by the arm and lead him upstairs.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p>The upper level of the Minsuno Temple encompassed a single large and open roofed room set aside for observing the stars and celestials; its simple yet dramatic architecture causing Orrolo to pause at its beauty. The Lorus pointed above to a series of constellations of astrological significance beside the twin planet Iriadeus.</p><p>“The stars following their strange orbits tell me many things young Orrolo… although the path I wish you to take, I cannot augur with any success. Come. Sit with me.” </p><p>Orrolo sat.</p><p></p><p>“The time has come to return to the Barbarians what is rightfully theirs. They know it is within the Empire somewhere and they will keep returning their attention to us until they have it. I hope and believe that by gifting it back to them, it will sway their attention and interest away from the lands of the Empire. The Empire needs time for its chance to heal. Otherwise it cannot but implode upon its own weight. With the Barbarians likely to focus here once more with some new power beyond my divining, time is dreadfully short. While many would consider this gift a sign of weakness, wisdom guides me towards this path as a last resort.”</p><p>Orrolo listened carefully.</p><p></p><p>“I need you to journey to a place upon the border where I have divined that an old enemy lives. The wizard Bazreth was held prisoner by the Emperor himself for almost seven years, pinned to a dungeon wall. Through magic beyond our understanding, he eventually escaped and retreated far far away. I need you to find him and show him the gift, as he will know what to do with it. In fact without his help, the entire gesture will be of no use. He knows the secret behind this gift… or at least has the power to divine it.”</p><p>Orrolo leaned forward as the Mother Lorus continued.</p><p>“We need to sway Bazreth to this endeavour. However, be warned. Bazreth obviously shares no love for the Empire although I hope you can convince him otherwise.”</p><p>The Lorus stood up and looked directly at the young man who she had fostered so many years ago. “Orrolo, you are special in some way beyond my understanding and to this task, I wish for your help and assistance despite your cousin’s best efforts. While he is strong in the ways of battle and a powerful leader of men, he is weak in the soul. Your rich spirit however I can almost sense as you sit here with me now.”</p><p></p><p>She ventured then towards a wall, which opened unbidden before her to reveal a small altar in front of a colourful reredos. Upon the altar laid a small tabernacle that she opened with a sweep of her hand. A shallow luminescence was cast from the slight box dancing across the Lorus’s features in what almost seemed incandescent joy. She closed it once more bringing it over to Orrolo. Bending down, she pressed it gently into his hands.</p><p></p><p>“We will talk this evening about preparations for your journey as you must have a thousand questions. For now though, I just wish to talk to my foster son.”</p><p></p><p>They spoke long into the night.</p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p><em>About a month later upon a track deep within the mountains, the coldness of the winter is augmented by the sullen demeanour of E’dhanus, having recently discovered and forced his cousin to relinquish the gold box…</em></p><p></p><p>The journey had been difficult.</p><p></p><p>Orrolo walked his pony up the chill path, several lengths behind E’dhanus’s gelding. While the journey deep into the mountain border had been relatively peaceful in terms of attack from the mountains native population, there had been several instances of conflict between the two cousins. Orrolo had found himself quickly assigned as E’dhanus’s personal servant much to his displeasure. While he had warned E’dhanus of the words of the Mother Lorus, E’dhanus was quick to dismiss her intentions and replace them with his own.</p><p></p><p>“The wizard will see that I as the senior member of this expedition am the person to discuss and entreat with. There is no point confusing him with additional input.”</p><p>Orrolo tried to conceive of how to confuse a wizard but could not. He saw too well through his cousin’s brash arrogance and as such merely hoped to mop up any gaffe that was sure to be issued from his mouth. While he had respect for his cousin in terms of being a Prince of the Minsuno and he would defend him, he knew in his mind that his allegiance must be to the dire mission foremost and his foolish cousin second. E’dhanus continued on ahead oblivious to Orrolo’s thoughts upon priority.</p><p></p><p>It was not too much past this point that Orrolo sensed a change in the immediate surroundings; something subtle and intangible.</p><p>“Cousin? Do you…”</p><p>Orrolo was stopped by E’dhanus twirling around upon his mount, anger clear upon his features.</p><p></p><p>“Sir,” Orrolo corrected, eliciting a grunt of satisfaction from his cousin, “Do you sense a change in the vicinity? Has the weather become… less oppressive?”</p><p></p><p>E’dhanus looked around obviously ignorant to what his cousin was sensing.</p><p>“What foolishness are you talking about, the trees still stand bereft of their leaves and my feet still sit frozen in my boots.”</p><p>Orrolo shrugged his shoulders as they continued onwards. The path meandered upon a flatter section before coming to a partially frozen creek, crowned by a small bridge crossing it. [Picture 2]</p><p></p><p>“Are you sure you don’t feel that?”</p><p>“Yes I’m damn well…”</p><p>E’dhanus’s harsh rejoinder was interrupted by a booming voice inside their heads.</p><p></p><p><em>“Leave trespassers… NOW if you value your lives. Cross my bridge and you will feel my wrath!”</em></p><p></p><p>Orrolo halted immediately while his cousin the Prince straightened, his attitude automatically attuning itself to one of arrogant defiance. He pushed his pony towards the seemingly innocent bridge unheeding. Orrolo was about to warn E’dhanus to stop but a hazy mist appeared upon the bridge. Stepping out from the captured fog was a tall man unlike any Orrolo had seen before. Black of skin with mercurial features, the aged and bearded man, robed in deepest blue looked upon the moving E’dhanus astride his small pony. In a deep resonant voice different from the one earlier, the man attempted to halt the Prince.</p><p></p><p>“Please good sir, do not come closer as my master is currently occupied with his own endeavours. Surely you have heard his warning and so please… do not force him from his current focus.”</p><p>E’dhanus slowed his pony and hurriedly assayed the most convenient protocol for the situation.</p><p>“We have need of your master’s services. Take us to him for we have travelled too far to be stopped and delayed by an underling.’</p><p></p><p>The robed man seemed untroubled by E’dhanus’s manner and could not help but elicit a small chuckle at the man’s supercilious assumptions. “My master would fail to appreciate such an exhaustive distance. Again; go and please do not intrude upon his current exercises.”</p><p>Unfortunately, E’dhanus once more failed to grasp the tenor of the message and launched himself from the gelding but several spans away from the bridge. With the black man’s cloak billowing around him, E’dhanus thought to sway the servant through threat and force. The response of Bazreth, Grand Wizard of the Northern Kingdom was instantaneous. The mist behind the robed man spiralled and twirled, immediately coalescing into a gigantic bearded face. The face looked down at the now stopped Prince, anger firmly upon its features. The fog extended, instantly forming an outstretched arm as power emanated directly from the pointing hand.</p><p></p><p>A rippling of shadow thundered down forming a vertical plane of force. The thin expanse of magic coursed towards E’dhanus jolting him skyward as shock finally registered upon his features. [Picture 3] Banishing him ever skyward, the force suddenly consumed his essence in a violent coruscation of exploded colours. The Prince was gone. Orrolo, stunned by the incredible display of power looked on in horror as the face found his position, its expression unchanged. The hand reached out once more.</p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p><em>A month earlier, deep within the misted mountains lying between the border of the fracturing Empire and the Northern Kingdom in the deepest part of the night, a very special spider spins its web…</em></p><p></p><p>Bazreth looked on carefully.</p><p></p><p>The evergreen glade surrounding his gabled manse was dominated by a clear shallow lake of stunning effect in the evening light. The magic surrounding the glade held it in a temperate spring throughout the year with only the crispness of air to indicate the winter beyond. Bazreth, his rheumatic podgy fingers grasping a night pipe bereft of further intoxicants, leaned forward upon a small porch as he saw the small creature begin to spin and slide around the branches just beyond its home.</p><p></p><p>Like its entire and most unusual breed and species, the solar dew spider lived tightly inside a curled leaf before eventually journeying out to spin its delicate masterpiece. Using senses and perceptions beyond understanding of even the great mages of yore, it was able to cast its web according to the weight and position of the celestial bodies of the cosmos. Carefully throughout the night, it would traverse its web mimicking the exact and precise positioning of the celestials of astrological significance. With its ultimate performance finished, the tiny spider would then crawl back to its leafy home to expire; its life’s work as it were a final gift to the mortal realm.</p><p></p><p>Bazreth had kept this spider for what must almost be twenty years – many times it had threatened to venture from its leafy home but never for more than the light sustenance making up its requirements. Perhaps it had been the cool seasonal breeze that had set it upon its final path or perchance the celestials were in a position of import filling the small creature with an impossible impulse and desire? Bazreth looked upon the careful work of the spider, sighing as he pondered such thoughts. Filled with a giddy excitement yet at the same time a deepening sadness, he could not sleep but instead, Bazreth: one of the last wizards in the three Realms paid homage to his tiny friend of so many years as it travelled upon its final prophetic journey.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p>By the morning, Bazreth had slipped into a semi-aware doze as the dew-touched web glistened with magnificence from the sun’s reflected rays off of the massive twin planet of Iriadeus high above. Saddened by the passing of his small friend, he looked carefully at the amazing work and masterpiece of the spider. Stretching over numerous hands of distance, Bazreth looked up and across at the constellation marking that of the Three Realms. [Picture 4]</p><p></p><p>At first, there were a few points of interest, such as the Tanesin constellation in periodaxis with The Ghost of Eddin. However, something further clasped his attention casting a brittle sense of unease between his broad but old shoulders. With a quick inspection at the various Gallicean termini represented at the luminous poles of the entire system, a hollow, prescient impulse of foreboding buried itself directly into his stomach. Was it fear he felt that the stony implacable wheels of destruction were in motion once more?</p><p></p><p>Bazreth carefully considered his next move.</p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p><em>At the bridge forming the entrance to Bazreth’s domain and glade, the gigantic magical face looks down upon Orrolo, about to smite him from the mortal realm…</em></p><p></p><p>Bazreth’s misty hand gathered power around it, ready to strike down the other intruder. However, something stayed his hand as the arcane sight provided by the mist magic sensed a strange aura about the little man on the other side of the bridge. The magic upon the hand slowly evaporated.</p><p></p><p><em>“Why do you wish to intrude upon my attention, young mortal?”</em> intoned Bazreth, the change in attitude momentarily jarring Orrolo from his terrified semblance. Unsure of whether he was prolonging his existence or not, Orrolo answered with complete honesty.</p><p>“I, Orrolo of the Minsuno have been sent here master wizard by the Lorus of our family to seek your aid in attempting to dissuade the North from war with the Empire.”</p><p></p><p><em>“And what makes you think that I would want to stop them? Is your Lorus a fool?”</em></p><p></p><p>“No, no”, said Orrolo urgently. “She is very wise and wishes to offer them a gift. Something they have been searching for that is the source of their ire with the Empire.”</p><p>Orrolo looked up as the mist and fog of the face started unswirling. The wizard seemed to have reached some form of decision; Orrolo thought he saw some measure of curiosity in the face before it completely dissipated. The voice was heard in his head once more but without the dramatic volume of former announcements. “Moses, bring young Orrolo here to me in the glade. His statements shed an unusual light on our friend’s final message.”</p><p></p><p>Moses nodded, obviously having heard the same communication and so with a smile, he beckoned Orrolo across as he clucked to the two ponies that had scampered from the magical path. Orrolo looked back to where he thought he saw something momentarily glisten in the sky above. He did not know that it was the final wisp of his cousin’s spirit leaving the realm and cosmos.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p>Orrolo looked on at the magical glade of Bazreth in wonder and amazement. The brewing of some strange refreshment awaited near his fingertips as he sat opposite the daunting form of Bazreth the Wizard. Also upon the table directly in front of the wizard was the tabernacle, opened and radiating the same glow upon his face that Orrolo had seen before. From his perspective, he could not see inside the small box.</p><p></p><p>Bazreth was dressed in delicate robes of white, unsoiled or marked. His bearded face seemed to focus heavily as his lips curled downwards in concentration before being released in slight surprise.</p><p>“Do you know of this… thing young Orrolo?” said the wizard looking up earnestly at the unassuming young man.</p><p>“No sir. I was told that you would understand its significance.”</p><p></p><p>Bazreth’s lips curled in a short bark of laughter. “Your Lorus has a greater faith in me than perhaps I deserve”, he said looking back down at the item inside the box. “The symbols I can understand and certain revelations given to me a month ago seem to be a little clearer now because of them. However, I can only speculate as to why she would wish to give such a gift to the King of the North. Perhaps there is some wisdom here beyond even my understanding.”</p><p></p><p>Orrolo, still unnerved but surprisingly not affected by his cousin’s harsh and foolish demise at the hands of the wizard, looked across at the small box. He could not constrain his curiosity any longer. “So… what actually is it? Is it some type of magic?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes… magic it is”, said Bazreth distractedly as he concentrated upon certain runes. Then all of a sudden he looked up, “No. I mean yes its magic but no… that’s not what the gift is. It’s held in a parcel of magic, bound together by great power. The gift itself according to the runes however, is something mundane… if exceedingly special in it’s own right.” He closed the box.</p><p></p><p>“Come Orrolo…Moses”, he yelled. The blue robed man with the black skin appeared almost instantly as if expecting the summons. Moses looked down at Orrolo and then over at his master.</p><p>“You know the preparations I have been making Moses?” questioned the wizard. “I believe now is the time my friend.”</p><p></p><p>Moses looked around the glade, taking in the surroundings. He had known the wizard for what must be almost forty years. Sharing a dank cell as prisoners can force a bond between people tighter and stronger than that of any family thought Moses, pondering his relationship with the wizard. He looked back at Bazreth, his toothy grin splitting his face. “I guess that means we’re going home sir.” It was more statement than question.</p><p></p><p>“Yes Moses, we’re going home.”</p><p></p><p>And with this and by morning, Bazreth looked around for the final time at the magical glade that had been his temporary home for so long. The portent of the solar dew spider weighed heavily upon his mind. It was time to go.</p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p><em>After a month travelling from the compressions of the mountainous terrain to the low arid wastes of the outer realm of the Northern Kingdom, a sight beyond imagination is seen…</em></p><p></p><p>The journey had been eventful with several interesting exchanges between Bazreth and some of the stranger denizens of the wastes. Orrolo of the Minsuno had assisted here and there with eloquent grace with the blade but such efforts were perhaps of less consequence, with Bazreth not wishing to expunge his power upon some creature of minimal threat. At this moment though, framed by the massive twin planet of Iriadeus behind him, Moses through slightly misted eyes looked up and to the far horizon [Picture 1]. Silhouetted by the setting sun was the breathtaking beauty of a dragon and her riders; the magnificence of the sight turned Moses eyes from awe to the crinkled tension of fear and then terror. The beast was headed directly towards them.</p><p></p><p>Bazreth, who was just behind the enigmatic Moses, saw the threat, raised his staff and countered it with significant magic and power. A dome of force suddenly surrounded the group, the twinkling of evanescent reflections coursing its breadth. The pure majesty of the dragon was evident as it circled around Bazreth’s magic. Almost the size of the Minsuno temple, the wings spread out gloriously as it glided in a single massive sweep. Orrolo looked at Bazreth, his outstretched staff holding the glassy shield in place. Turning back to the terrifying creature, Orrolo saw its low flight stutter as its wings suddenly swept up and its legs extended. The earth around them shuddered as the beast lowered itself and its riders to the ground.</p><p></p><p>The foremost rider stood high on top of the creatures raised neck, just behind its head. His frame was encased in black metal, a lance couched at his hip and a sword hilted on his left. In a thin voice barely penetrating the shield he shouted.</p><p>“Who travels here in the Dragon Realm?”</p><p></p><p>Bazreth having forced a parley of sorts cancelled the powerful magic. Looking up to the rider and with his most powerful and distinctive voice, he answered back, “My name is Bazreth as your father would have told you and his father before him. I am the last Grand Wizard of the North… and I am coming home.”</p><p>The dragon looked down unsettled, obviously able to understand some of the wizard’s speech. Meanwhile, the riders having reached some unspoken consensus climbed down, caution upon their faces but to a certain degree, awe and reverence as well. Looking upon the old wizard of the North, they both prostrated in supplication touching their heads to the ground.</p><p></p><p>Orrolo looked at the wizard in surprise as Bazreth smiled back at him, a twinkle in his eye.</p><p>“We have need to speak to the King on important diplomatic matters. I assume you can be taking us to his seat at Drammen Castle?” Bazreth asked pointing towards the conveying framework upon the dragon’s back. “I have someone I would wish him to meet.”</p><p></p><p>And with this, the group saw the world unlike how they had ever seen it before, the arid wastes giving way to hills, dales, forests and spectacular rivers and waterfalls. The beauty of the Northern Kingdom swept all to briefly beneath the dragon’s mighty wings.</p><p></p><p></p><p><em>***</em></p><p></p><p><em>In the Hall of the Barbarian King some time later…</em></p><p></p><p>A certain level of excitement pervaded the Drammen throne room as news was garnered of the imminent return of the last Grand Wizard of their age. Light flowed through the magnificent windowed arches caught inside by the dizzyingly high multi-domed ceiling. The pageantry of banners from all five dragonclans was present, each being carried by servants shadowing the first riders of each clan. With the King majestic upon his raised and mighty throne, all looked to the massive entry foyer as the King’s Bell sounded from the pinnacle of the tower immediately adjacent to the sweeping hall.</p><p></p><p>The appearance of Bazreth, robed in cloth of the finest weave drew an intake of breath from the noble crowd, highlighted by the magical ball providing illumination from several spans above the wizards head. Several mutterings however were heard as questions abounded amongst the throng. Directly behind Bazreth was a robed dark-skinned man from the far North but alongside of him was the slight stature of a Southerner.</p><p></p><p>What was an Imperial doing as part of an honoured procession to the King? Several exclamations could even be heard questioning the lack of restraint upon the free-walking Southerner. The King however, radiating the power of rulership seemed neither surprised nor in ire of the man. Unbeknownst to the nobles crowding the Drammen throne room, several meetings had already ensued between the men present. The King of the North was in fact most impressed, not only with Orrolo of the Minsuno but also with the gifts and agreements that had been bargained under the guidance of the returned Grand Wizard.</p><p></p><p>As the procession advanced to the King’s immediate presence, there was a hush as the King spoke.</p><p>“Welcome Grand Wizard and Orrolo Minsuno, delegate of the Minsuno Province.” With bows from the processionists, the King continued. “May I announce the signing of a treaty between the Minsuno Province and that of the Kingdom promising peace and cooperation for hopefully many years to come? In kindness, they have seen fit to return something priceless to our Kingdom of the North. Grand Wizard Bazreth… if you would do the honours please with your arcane touch?”</p><p></p><p>Hushed whispers of excitement swirled through the masses as Bazreth placed a small gold box upon the ceremonial altar to the side of the throne. With a slight motioning of his open hand, the lid opened. Carefully, he then pulled out a strange floating and glowing device made of perfect gold and round in aspect; a smattering of strange runes etched into its surface. Again there was a casting of magic where the gold device and something else seemed to coexist a hand above the opened container. Having finished the transformation, a perfect and massive egg hovered in suspension above the Minsuno tabernacle. However, it was no normal egg as its shade was that of purest crimson. It was the last male dragon egg in existence. With only five dragon-does left in the kingdom, it augured that the Dragons would truly fly again once more.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">***</p><p></p><p></p><p><em>And so ends this tale, as Kuroku Minsuno closes the dragon-embossed Book of Legends for his young son the Prince, having read him the story of how his great grandfather Orrolo found peace for the Empire; garnered by giving Its ancient enemy the true weapon and power to destroy It. For with power, occasionally comes peace.</em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Herremann the Wise, post: 2350659, member: 11300"] [B]Ceramic DM Spring 2005 (Late Bloomer)[/B] Round 1, Match 3: yangnome vs. RangerWickett vs. [U][B][I]Herremann the Wise[/I][/B][/U] I have labelled the pictures - Picture 1, Picture 2,... as they appeared in BSF's posting. Altogether, not including labels and breaks {***}: 4,999 words. I hope you enjoy. [B][U]Of Power and Peace[/U][/B] [B]Introduction[/B] [I]For those who insist that they need to have a little background information… [/I] Our story takes place in The Land of the Three Realms within a crumbling empire that has slowly eroded over several centuries to a number of provincial territories. The Great War with the Northern Barbarians was almost forty years in the past yet still there was no firm resolution - just an exhausted cessation of hostilities as the Empire journeyed inwards towards conflict and collapse. However, the portended end of the empire could be nigh as the Barbarians unleash a power beyond imagination - once again they have discovered like their ancient forefathers before them, the secrets of dragonflight. This story concerns the journey of Orrolo, a young man of the Empire who wishes for peace between the two realms. He is sent on a secret journey to garner the alliance of an old wizard of barbarian heritage deep within the misty and mountainous border between the two regions. He is then to travel to the heart of the barbarian land with the wizard as a guide to deliver a gift and message to the King of the barbarians - hopefully, something of enough significance to engender a fragile genesis of peace. However, all is not quite as simple as it seems. Orrolo of the Empire must endure the arrogance of his elder cousin's attempts to hijack the mission for his own pride and ends. Not only this, but the barbarian wizard who is the linchpin of the mission has no love at all for the Imperials. Worse however, he was a prisoner of the Great War who magically escaped the clutches of the Emperor. Gaining his favour would seem impossible: for any... except for perhaps Orrolo of the Minsuno. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] [I]In one of the small outer provinces of the Empire inside the family temple of Minsuno, an argument ensues between the Lorus (spiritual leader) of the House and E’dhanus the arrogant second son and princeling of the Minsuno Patriarch…[/I] “But he is your cousin and family. Besides which he like you is fated for this mission and as such his participation is not for your choice or choosing.” “The lad is but a stripling! Why dilute the glory of this mission that by rights should be mine!” The raging E’dhanus, second in line to the family throne felt the hot fire of his blood course through his defined and arrogant veins. He had just been informed that his younger cousin Orrolo would not only be present for the secret mission to hunt down the barbarian wizard Bazreth, but he would then also be a key member of the ensuing delegation to the barbarian King. For one filled with the rigid pride of Minsuno, it was a poor and odious decision. The Lorus however looked on unaroused by E’dhanus’s temper, the soft scent and peace of the candlelight within the small sacred auditorium assisting her in maintaining a semblance of tranquillity. “I am disappointed you feel that the glory you might earn on a quest you are still yet to begin is the primary issue. If I were you, I would concentrate more on the expedition at hand. If you feel that the wizard Bazreth will open his doors to you and welcome you with honour and friendship, I suggest reassessing your delusions. As for your cousin whom may I remind you is of the blood of Minsuno, I firmly ask you to recast your judgment. How long has it been since you have truly seen Orrolo? Four…maybe five years? In this matter, you lack all prescience.” E’dhanus’s stony face clenched in held rage at the diminutive woman; his shaved head revealing creased tension upon his bitter features as if by sheer size and impact of presence, he could force a change in the mind of the slight woman. Again, she seemed unperturbed. The crisp tone of a small bell distracted his ripening retort as he swung around, the Lorus glancing towards the wood-framed entrance as well. “Your cousin has arrived. I strongly suggest you make him feel welcome,” said the Lorus in a low even voice – the hint of a hidden smile momentarily gracing her lips. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] For Orrolo, the weeklong journey from his father’s town of Goria had been uneventful although the full force of a hard, bitter winter was evident as the last small vestige of autumn was frozen from the countryside. He now waited patiently behind the ceremonial entrance to the Hall of the Mother, looking carefully to the attendant who was waiting for some unseen or hidden signal. Orrolo’s pure gaze through blue eyes – his mother’s unusual heritage – gave him a look of youth, yet strangely wisdom as well. His clear and handsome features looked up as the sweet sound of a small bell rang clearly and with distinction in the cold afternoon air. The doorway’s custodian politely opened the door before permitting Orrolo’s entry. Orrolo moved inside; his compact, sturdy yet graceful frame bowing to the Lorus and his cousin the Prince according to the strict dictates of etiquette and decorum. Despite having heard the majority of E’dhanus’s earlier tirade against him, a smile broached his face as he looked upon the granite silence of his cousin. There was no point in making a poor situation worse. The Lorus stepped forward as several retainers assisted her with her ceremonial robes. A beacon of magnificence despite her slight stature, she received the newcomer warmly. “Welcome young master. Your arrival is most timely.” She glanced carefully at the stony faced E’dhanus before continuing despite the prince’s breach of etiquette. “I trust your journey was swift and without incident?” Orrolo lifted from his genuflected position and answered carefully. “Greetings Mother Lorus and to you too Prince E’dhanus. There were several interesting happenings but nothing of great consequence. I am here now with only a few scratches, ready to serve your wishes good Mother.” “Bah!” blurted E’dhanus, unable to hold his tongue a moment longer. “Be ready and upon your pony by the dawn’s bell otherwise I will be leaving without you.” And with this he stormed off to much rustling amongst the various attendants, replete now with fresh gossip. The Lorus looked at the prince’s dramatic exit with a wearied sigh before returning her attention to Orrolo. “He is stubborn and more a fool. But he is the Prince and his fate is cast amongst the stars above.” Orrolo just shook his head in shared sympathy with the woman who had helped raise him before ascending to the position of the Patriarch’s Lorus. Looking over to the exit leading above to the temple observatory she added, “Ah… come and walk with me Orrolo as there are things afoot and things you must know before leaving upon this special mission.” Several servitors adjusted her ceremonial dress as she took Orrolo by the arm and lead him upstairs. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] The upper level of the Minsuno Temple encompassed a single large and open roofed room set aside for observing the stars and celestials; its simple yet dramatic architecture causing Orrolo to pause at its beauty. The Lorus pointed above to a series of constellations of astrological significance beside the twin planet Iriadeus. “The stars following their strange orbits tell me many things young Orrolo… although the path I wish you to take, I cannot augur with any success. Come. Sit with me.” Orrolo sat. “The time has come to return to the Barbarians what is rightfully theirs. They know it is within the Empire somewhere and they will keep returning their attention to us until they have it. I hope and believe that by gifting it back to them, it will sway their attention and interest away from the lands of the Empire. The Empire needs time for its chance to heal. Otherwise it cannot but implode upon its own weight. With the Barbarians likely to focus here once more with some new power beyond my divining, time is dreadfully short. While many would consider this gift a sign of weakness, wisdom guides me towards this path as a last resort.” Orrolo listened carefully. “I need you to journey to a place upon the border where I have divined that an old enemy lives. The wizard Bazreth was held prisoner by the Emperor himself for almost seven years, pinned to a dungeon wall. Through magic beyond our understanding, he eventually escaped and retreated far far away. I need you to find him and show him the gift, as he will know what to do with it. In fact without his help, the entire gesture will be of no use. He knows the secret behind this gift… or at least has the power to divine it.” Orrolo leaned forward as the Mother Lorus continued. “We need to sway Bazreth to this endeavour. However, be warned. Bazreth obviously shares no love for the Empire although I hope you can convince him otherwise.” The Lorus stood up and looked directly at the young man who she had fostered so many years ago. “Orrolo, you are special in some way beyond my understanding and to this task, I wish for your help and assistance despite your cousin’s best efforts. While he is strong in the ways of battle and a powerful leader of men, he is weak in the soul. Your rich spirit however I can almost sense as you sit here with me now.” She ventured then towards a wall, which opened unbidden before her to reveal a small altar in front of a colourful reredos. Upon the altar laid a small tabernacle that she opened with a sweep of her hand. A shallow luminescence was cast from the slight box dancing across the Lorus’s features in what almost seemed incandescent joy. She closed it once more bringing it over to Orrolo. Bending down, she pressed it gently into his hands. “We will talk this evening about preparations for your journey as you must have a thousand questions. For now though, I just wish to talk to my foster son.” They spoke long into the night. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] [I]About a month later upon a track deep within the mountains, the coldness of the winter is augmented by the sullen demeanour of E’dhanus, having recently discovered and forced his cousin to relinquish the gold box…[/I] The journey had been difficult. Orrolo walked his pony up the chill path, several lengths behind E’dhanus’s gelding. While the journey deep into the mountain border had been relatively peaceful in terms of attack from the mountains native population, there had been several instances of conflict between the two cousins. Orrolo had found himself quickly assigned as E’dhanus’s personal servant much to his displeasure. While he had warned E’dhanus of the words of the Mother Lorus, E’dhanus was quick to dismiss her intentions and replace them with his own. “The wizard will see that I as the senior member of this expedition am the person to discuss and entreat with. There is no point confusing him with additional input.” Orrolo tried to conceive of how to confuse a wizard but could not. He saw too well through his cousin’s brash arrogance and as such merely hoped to mop up any gaffe that was sure to be issued from his mouth. While he had respect for his cousin in terms of being a Prince of the Minsuno and he would defend him, he knew in his mind that his allegiance must be to the dire mission foremost and his foolish cousin second. E’dhanus continued on ahead oblivious to Orrolo’s thoughts upon priority. It was not too much past this point that Orrolo sensed a change in the immediate surroundings; something subtle and intangible. “Cousin? Do you…” Orrolo was stopped by E’dhanus twirling around upon his mount, anger clear upon his features. “Sir,” Orrolo corrected, eliciting a grunt of satisfaction from his cousin, “Do you sense a change in the vicinity? Has the weather become… less oppressive?” E’dhanus looked around obviously ignorant to what his cousin was sensing. “What foolishness are you talking about, the trees still stand bereft of their leaves and my feet still sit frozen in my boots.” Orrolo shrugged his shoulders as they continued onwards. The path meandered upon a flatter section before coming to a partially frozen creek, crowned by a small bridge crossing it. [Picture 2] “Are you sure you don’t feel that?” “Yes I’m damn well…” E’dhanus’s harsh rejoinder was interrupted by a booming voice inside their heads. [I]“Leave trespassers… NOW if you value your lives. Cross my bridge and you will feel my wrath!”[/I] Orrolo halted immediately while his cousin the Prince straightened, his attitude automatically attuning itself to one of arrogant defiance. He pushed his pony towards the seemingly innocent bridge unheeding. Orrolo was about to warn E’dhanus to stop but a hazy mist appeared upon the bridge. Stepping out from the captured fog was a tall man unlike any Orrolo had seen before. Black of skin with mercurial features, the aged and bearded man, robed in deepest blue looked upon the moving E’dhanus astride his small pony. In a deep resonant voice different from the one earlier, the man attempted to halt the Prince. “Please good sir, do not come closer as my master is currently occupied with his own endeavours. Surely you have heard his warning and so please… do not force him from his current focus.” E’dhanus slowed his pony and hurriedly assayed the most convenient protocol for the situation. “We have need of your master’s services. Take us to him for we have travelled too far to be stopped and delayed by an underling.’ The robed man seemed untroubled by E’dhanus’s manner and could not help but elicit a small chuckle at the man’s supercilious assumptions. “My master would fail to appreciate such an exhaustive distance. Again; go and please do not intrude upon his current exercises.” Unfortunately, E’dhanus once more failed to grasp the tenor of the message and launched himself from the gelding but several spans away from the bridge. With the black man’s cloak billowing around him, E’dhanus thought to sway the servant through threat and force. The response of Bazreth, Grand Wizard of the Northern Kingdom was instantaneous. The mist behind the robed man spiralled and twirled, immediately coalescing into a gigantic bearded face. The face looked down at the now stopped Prince, anger firmly upon its features. The fog extended, instantly forming an outstretched arm as power emanated directly from the pointing hand. A rippling of shadow thundered down forming a vertical plane of force. The thin expanse of magic coursed towards E’dhanus jolting him skyward as shock finally registered upon his features. [Picture 3] Banishing him ever skyward, the force suddenly consumed his essence in a violent coruscation of exploded colours. The Prince was gone. Orrolo, stunned by the incredible display of power looked on in horror as the face found his position, its expression unchanged. The hand reached out once more. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] [I]A month earlier, deep within the misted mountains lying between the border of the fracturing Empire and the Northern Kingdom in the deepest part of the night, a very special spider spins its web…[/I] Bazreth looked on carefully. The evergreen glade surrounding his gabled manse was dominated by a clear shallow lake of stunning effect in the evening light. The magic surrounding the glade held it in a temperate spring throughout the year with only the crispness of air to indicate the winter beyond. Bazreth, his rheumatic podgy fingers grasping a night pipe bereft of further intoxicants, leaned forward upon a small porch as he saw the small creature begin to spin and slide around the branches just beyond its home. Like its entire and most unusual breed and species, the solar dew spider lived tightly inside a curled leaf before eventually journeying out to spin its delicate masterpiece. Using senses and perceptions beyond understanding of even the great mages of yore, it was able to cast its web according to the weight and position of the celestial bodies of the cosmos. Carefully throughout the night, it would traverse its web mimicking the exact and precise positioning of the celestials of astrological significance. With its ultimate performance finished, the tiny spider would then crawl back to its leafy home to expire; its life’s work as it were a final gift to the mortal realm. Bazreth had kept this spider for what must almost be twenty years – many times it had threatened to venture from its leafy home but never for more than the light sustenance making up its requirements. Perhaps it had been the cool seasonal breeze that had set it upon its final path or perchance the celestials were in a position of import filling the small creature with an impossible impulse and desire? Bazreth looked upon the careful work of the spider, sighing as he pondered such thoughts. Filled with a giddy excitement yet at the same time a deepening sadness, he could not sleep but instead, Bazreth: one of the last wizards in the three Realms paid homage to his tiny friend of so many years as it travelled upon its final prophetic journey. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] By the morning, Bazreth had slipped into a semi-aware doze as the dew-touched web glistened with magnificence from the sun’s reflected rays off of the massive twin planet of Iriadeus high above. Saddened by the passing of his small friend, he looked carefully at the amazing work and masterpiece of the spider. Stretching over numerous hands of distance, Bazreth looked up and across at the constellation marking that of the Three Realms. [Picture 4] At first, there were a few points of interest, such as the Tanesin constellation in periodaxis with The Ghost of Eddin. However, something further clasped his attention casting a brittle sense of unease between his broad but old shoulders. With a quick inspection at the various Gallicean termini represented at the luminous poles of the entire system, a hollow, prescient impulse of foreboding buried itself directly into his stomach. Was it fear he felt that the stony implacable wheels of destruction were in motion once more? Bazreth carefully considered his next move. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] [I]At the bridge forming the entrance to Bazreth’s domain and glade, the gigantic magical face looks down upon Orrolo, about to smite him from the mortal realm…[/I] Bazreth’s misty hand gathered power around it, ready to strike down the other intruder. However, something stayed his hand as the arcane sight provided by the mist magic sensed a strange aura about the little man on the other side of the bridge. The magic upon the hand slowly evaporated. [I]“Why do you wish to intrude upon my attention, young mortal?”[/I] intoned Bazreth, the change in attitude momentarily jarring Orrolo from his terrified semblance. Unsure of whether he was prolonging his existence or not, Orrolo answered with complete honesty. “I, Orrolo of the Minsuno have been sent here master wizard by the Lorus of our family to seek your aid in attempting to dissuade the North from war with the Empire.” [I]“And what makes you think that I would want to stop them? Is your Lorus a fool?”[/I] “No, no”, said Orrolo urgently. “She is very wise and wishes to offer them a gift. Something they have been searching for that is the source of their ire with the Empire.” Orrolo looked up as the mist and fog of the face started unswirling. The wizard seemed to have reached some form of decision; Orrolo thought he saw some measure of curiosity in the face before it completely dissipated. The voice was heard in his head once more but without the dramatic volume of former announcements. “Moses, bring young Orrolo here to me in the glade. His statements shed an unusual light on our friend’s final message.” Moses nodded, obviously having heard the same communication and so with a smile, he beckoned Orrolo across as he clucked to the two ponies that had scampered from the magical path. Orrolo looked back to where he thought he saw something momentarily glisten in the sky above. He did not know that it was the final wisp of his cousin’s spirit leaving the realm and cosmos. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] Orrolo looked on at the magical glade of Bazreth in wonder and amazement. The brewing of some strange refreshment awaited near his fingertips as he sat opposite the daunting form of Bazreth the Wizard. Also upon the table directly in front of the wizard was the tabernacle, opened and radiating the same glow upon his face that Orrolo had seen before. From his perspective, he could not see inside the small box. Bazreth was dressed in delicate robes of white, unsoiled or marked. His bearded face seemed to focus heavily as his lips curled downwards in concentration before being released in slight surprise. “Do you know of this… thing young Orrolo?” said the wizard looking up earnestly at the unassuming young man. “No sir. I was told that you would understand its significance.” Bazreth’s lips curled in a short bark of laughter. “Your Lorus has a greater faith in me than perhaps I deserve”, he said looking back down at the item inside the box. “The symbols I can understand and certain revelations given to me a month ago seem to be a little clearer now because of them. However, I can only speculate as to why she would wish to give such a gift to the King of the North. Perhaps there is some wisdom here beyond even my understanding.” Orrolo, still unnerved but surprisingly not affected by his cousin’s harsh and foolish demise at the hands of the wizard, looked across at the small box. He could not constrain his curiosity any longer. “So… what actually is it? Is it some type of magic?” “Yes… magic it is”, said Bazreth distractedly as he concentrated upon certain runes. Then all of a sudden he looked up, “No. I mean yes its magic but no… that’s not what the gift is. It’s held in a parcel of magic, bound together by great power. The gift itself according to the runes however, is something mundane… if exceedingly special in it’s own right.” He closed the box. “Come Orrolo…Moses”, he yelled. The blue robed man with the black skin appeared almost instantly as if expecting the summons. Moses looked down at Orrolo and then over at his master. “You know the preparations I have been making Moses?” questioned the wizard. “I believe now is the time my friend.” Moses looked around the glade, taking in the surroundings. He had known the wizard for what must be almost forty years. Sharing a dank cell as prisoners can force a bond between people tighter and stronger than that of any family thought Moses, pondering his relationship with the wizard. He looked back at Bazreth, his toothy grin splitting his face. “I guess that means we’re going home sir.” It was more statement than question. “Yes Moses, we’re going home.” And with this and by morning, Bazreth looked around for the final time at the magical glade that had been his temporary home for so long. The portent of the solar dew spider weighed heavily upon his mind. It was time to go. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] [I]After a month travelling from the compressions of the mountainous terrain to the low arid wastes of the outer realm of the Northern Kingdom, a sight beyond imagination is seen…[/I] The journey had been eventful with several interesting exchanges between Bazreth and some of the stranger denizens of the wastes. Orrolo of the Minsuno had assisted here and there with eloquent grace with the blade but such efforts were perhaps of less consequence, with Bazreth not wishing to expunge his power upon some creature of minimal threat. At this moment though, framed by the massive twin planet of Iriadeus behind him, Moses through slightly misted eyes looked up and to the far horizon [Picture 1]. Silhouetted by the setting sun was the breathtaking beauty of a dragon and her riders; the magnificence of the sight turned Moses eyes from awe to the crinkled tension of fear and then terror. The beast was headed directly towards them. Bazreth, who was just behind the enigmatic Moses, saw the threat, raised his staff and countered it with significant magic and power. A dome of force suddenly surrounded the group, the twinkling of evanescent reflections coursing its breadth. The pure majesty of the dragon was evident as it circled around Bazreth’s magic. Almost the size of the Minsuno temple, the wings spread out gloriously as it glided in a single massive sweep. Orrolo looked at Bazreth, his outstretched staff holding the glassy shield in place. Turning back to the terrifying creature, Orrolo saw its low flight stutter as its wings suddenly swept up and its legs extended. The earth around them shuddered as the beast lowered itself and its riders to the ground. The foremost rider stood high on top of the creatures raised neck, just behind its head. His frame was encased in black metal, a lance couched at his hip and a sword hilted on his left. In a thin voice barely penetrating the shield he shouted. “Who travels here in the Dragon Realm?” Bazreth having forced a parley of sorts cancelled the powerful magic. Looking up to the rider and with his most powerful and distinctive voice, he answered back, “My name is Bazreth as your father would have told you and his father before him. I am the last Grand Wizard of the North… and I am coming home.” The dragon looked down unsettled, obviously able to understand some of the wizard’s speech. Meanwhile, the riders having reached some unspoken consensus climbed down, caution upon their faces but to a certain degree, awe and reverence as well. Looking upon the old wizard of the North, they both prostrated in supplication touching their heads to the ground. Orrolo looked at the wizard in surprise as Bazreth smiled back at him, a twinkle in his eye. “We have need to speak to the King on important diplomatic matters. I assume you can be taking us to his seat at Drammen Castle?” Bazreth asked pointing towards the conveying framework upon the dragon’s back. “I have someone I would wish him to meet.” And with this, the group saw the world unlike how they had ever seen it before, the arid wastes giving way to hills, dales, forests and spectacular rivers and waterfalls. The beauty of the Northern Kingdom swept all to briefly beneath the dragon’s mighty wings. [I]***[/I] [I]In the Hall of the Barbarian King some time later…[/I] A certain level of excitement pervaded the Drammen throne room as news was garnered of the imminent return of the last Grand Wizard of their age. Light flowed through the magnificent windowed arches caught inside by the dizzyingly high multi-domed ceiling. The pageantry of banners from all five dragonclans was present, each being carried by servants shadowing the first riders of each clan. With the King majestic upon his raised and mighty throne, all looked to the massive entry foyer as the King’s Bell sounded from the pinnacle of the tower immediately adjacent to the sweeping hall. The appearance of Bazreth, robed in cloth of the finest weave drew an intake of breath from the noble crowd, highlighted by the magical ball providing illumination from several spans above the wizards head. Several mutterings however were heard as questions abounded amongst the throng. Directly behind Bazreth was a robed dark-skinned man from the far North but alongside of him was the slight stature of a Southerner. What was an Imperial doing as part of an honoured procession to the King? Several exclamations could even be heard questioning the lack of restraint upon the free-walking Southerner. The King however, radiating the power of rulership seemed neither surprised nor in ire of the man. Unbeknownst to the nobles crowding the Drammen throne room, several meetings had already ensued between the men present. The King of the North was in fact most impressed, not only with Orrolo of the Minsuno but also with the gifts and agreements that had been bargained under the guidance of the returned Grand Wizard. As the procession advanced to the King’s immediate presence, there was a hush as the King spoke. “Welcome Grand Wizard and Orrolo Minsuno, delegate of the Minsuno Province.” With bows from the processionists, the King continued. “May I announce the signing of a treaty between the Minsuno Province and that of the Kingdom promising peace and cooperation for hopefully many years to come? In kindness, they have seen fit to return something priceless to our Kingdom of the North. Grand Wizard Bazreth… if you would do the honours please with your arcane touch?” Hushed whispers of excitement swirled through the masses as Bazreth placed a small gold box upon the ceremonial altar to the side of the throne. With a slight motioning of his open hand, the lid opened. Carefully, he then pulled out a strange floating and glowing device made of perfect gold and round in aspect; a smattering of strange runes etched into its surface. Again there was a casting of magic where the gold device and something else seemed to coexist a hand above the opened container. Having finished the transformation, a perfect and massive egg hovered in suspension above the Minsuno tabernacle. However, it was no normal egg as its shade was that of purest crimson. It was the last male dragon egg in existence. With only five dragon-does left in the kingdom, it augured that the Dragons would truly fly again once more. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] [I]And so ends this tale, as Kuroku Minsuno closes the dragon-embossed Book of Legends for his young son the Prince, having read him the story of how his great grandfather Orrolo found peace for the Empire; garnered by giving Its ancient enemy the true weapon and power to destroy It. For with power, occasionally comes peace.[/I] [/QUOTE]
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