The song I perceive as I wander through the woods through thedim light of dawn, lilts as it?s carried on soft shifting windsthrough the stillness of this early morn."
Upon the hill, east of the woods, the old man stood rapt inthought; gazing, contemplative and lost in himself. His old hands,fingers long and thin, but rugged, grasped the wooden staff. Itwas familiar in his hand; crooked yet strong. How many times?
How often had he before this stood on this very place, lost withinhimself; rapt in reflection? A light breeze swelled about himruffling his hair and wisps of beard, grey with age and wisdom ofyears. He had seen much, experienced much and known friendsin the Hidden Lands. But that was before; before the Fall.
Glancing downward, a sea of activity, the forest teeming with lifeand lives. But lives are merely a doorway wherethrough can beexpressed the nature of the Ancient; the one who abides withinthe Hidden Lands. The old man thinks 'I am become not whatwas intended but through intent am become.' And so, in servitudeto human heart, he made forfeit that which was his; the intangiblefor the tangible, the imperishable for the mortal."
By now I am intoxicated by the surreality of the tale, viewingmyself in the old man, and at last it dawns and I realise the verynature of mankind, and of myself, and I lay down to cry."
In his youth, the Old man wielded the Garensword, but not now.
And yet, the legend holds that one day, Man shall wield thetwo-edged blade once more to the conquest of nations andstrongholds and powers beyond this realm."I raise my eyes as the song comes to an end and a strangerapproaches as though she's a friend. Extending her hand I acceptit and rise. Standing, she looks into my eyes. "
De-nyl, we have along way to go. There is so much, too much, that I have to show you.""
If the truth is what you seek, it is only with the Ancient whoseface is never seen. He remains within the Hidden Lands and mayonly be reached with the Garensword in hand. Let us depart from this place."I was relieved to learn that I would not be alone in my quest. Forthat day, Destiny became my guide. I released my falcon, the birdsoaring high and free above the forest canopy. And yet thereremained within my heart the lingering memory of that tragic Fall;the wretched nature of mankind and of myself. Am I who I think I am?
Am I even alive?
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