Bringing It Home
Circus Spectaculum 9
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Dale and Moz recovered as many arrows as possible from the felled guard, but came up short of their original total. They realize bows are not ideal weapons to take on the strange creatures. They decide to reverse course and investigate the marsh for the shaman.
They skirt the edge of the marsh, avoiding boggy water and end up deep in the forest. The canopy of the forest dims the light of the day. In the darkest part of the woods at midday, they discover a hut made of logs and mud. There is a narrow path of solid ground to the hut but it is surrounded by watery marsh.
Not wanting to trespass, Dale and Moz call out from a safe distance. At first, there is nothing but silence but as they continue to call out an old woman emerges from the hut. She is not happy.
“What are you doing creating such a racket? How can I get some peace and quiet?” asked the old woman.
“We bid you greetings from the forest clan,” said Dale.
“Well bid yourselves goodbye and leave this place.”
“Are you the shaman of these woods?” asked Moz.
“I’m just an old woman who wants to be left alone.”
“What makes you so reclusive?” asked Dale.
“People disturb me.”
“Our clan needs a shaman to train the younger ones,” said Moz.
“They can just study themselves and do it quietly.”
“How can they study when they know nothing?” asked Dale
“That’s when it is easiest to study. When there’s so much to learn.”
“Won’t you please help us? Then we can go away and leave you in peace,” said Moz.
“Augh, all right. But if I help you then you go.”
The old woman disappeared back into her hut. Dale and Moz could hear her muttering to herself about misplacing things. Not long after she reappeared with a ragged-looking tome.
“This has everything I learned all my life in it. Don’t need to read, just look at the pictures. You’ll figure it out. Now take it and begone.”
Dale approached the old woman, accepted the tome and walked away from the hut to Moz.
“I think it is the same distance no matter if we go north, east or west. It is another day’s travel to the tribe. Which way do you want to go?” Dale asked Moz.
“Let’s go north through the forest. Don’t want to be known for using the roads for our rite,” answered Moz.
Dale nodded and they turned north, traveling through the dark canopy of the woods. It took another night’s camping to make it back to their tribe.
Before they arrived they agreed to give the heavy, old battle axe to the chieftain and ragged-tome to the lead council woman as gifts. Then they would present themselves as the tribe’s archers. All would be used to train the next generations.
The arrival of Dale and Moz coming out of the thick brush was a big surprise for the tribe. They were welcomed and celebrated. Dale and Moz presented their gifts and awaited the chieftain’s pronouncement. The chieftain proclaimed the Rites fulfilled and called for an honoring ceremony, pleasing the entire tribe.
Amid the festivities the chieftain summoned Dale and Moz to sit before him. Holding the battleaxe before him, the chieftain spoke.
“This is a fine weapon. It will serve as a grand symbol for the tribe. But this weapon has long rested and is in need of awakening.
“I am told there are master weapons smiths in the Eastern Frontier who could refresh and reawaken the blade. Some say there are other masters in the Northern Highlands that can make the mark of the tribe upon it.”
“Would you consider a quest to explore such things?”
Dale and Moz immediately put their fists over their hearts in unison.
“Yes, my chief.”
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A satisfying conclusion :)