“..he warrior, with the last of his strength, launched his sword straight at the dragon! The dragon, desperate to avoid his end, quickly tried to avoid the sword speeding towards him, but-”
“How is a massive dragon able to dodge a sword that fast?” a young child interjected.
“And how can the dragon move faster when he is so large?” another child, listening to the bards story, seconded.
“A dragon, although large it may be, is still able to move its body quite quickly. To a stinger, we shouldn’t be able to move our body this fast, yet we still are. To continue, the dragon was quickly trying to dodge his demise, but the mage, with the wisdom comparable to hundreds of men and the knowledge of the ancient ones, quickly summoned forth the Chains of Divinity.”
The children were quickly re-captivated by the story.
“The chains that were said to be able to hold gods and demons, quickly subdued the dragon! The warrior's sword, flying true, struck the dragon and slew the mighty beast!” Cheers of the listeners were heard even outside of the tavern. The bard quickly tried to subdue the chaos “CHILDREN! Remember our promise? Try not to disturb the adults, or I may not be able to subdue their wrath!” The crowd looked at him and quickly calmed down. “I will have to rest before the next story, as this old body of mine can’t keep up with the excitement. Please wait for my return!”
The crowd slowly dispersed, the 7 to 9 or so children returned to their parents, and the bard went over to the bar with some other customers, and sat down. He was quickly served, likely due to the influence of the tavern keeper that couldn’t fully compensate him.
Although he doesn’t make much in revenue in these small villages, the villagers were more than willing to show some hospitality and kindness, which on top of the sizable audience was a pleasant benefit.
He wasn’t the greatest or most knowledgeable of his profession, as he didn’t come from a wealthy background, but he still was able to entertain a crowd.
After pondering over the stories he could share, a hooded traveler walked from one of the tables at the side, and sat on the stool next to him at the bar.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
“What brings you to a young bard like myself?” I speak laxly, knowing if he were to take action, I had many allies in the tavern.
“I overheard your captivating and heroic tale, but one subject you mentioned piqued my curiosity. You mentioned a group of ancient ones, but I haven’t seen to many subjects on them. Could you perhaps share some insight?”
The man, speaking in a low voice, touched a subject even I knew little about with my vast knowledge of folklore, nonetheless, I proceed to tell him what I’ve heard in hopes of a mutual beneficial situation.
“The ancient ones I’ve heard of, the were first mentioned around the Gaiges Duchy, in the northern most villages. It was a simple rumor at first, but after it slowly spread around, gaining traction alongside absurdity.
Thankfully, I managed to hear the tale before it corrupted itself.”
“The Gaiges Duchy… I see, that would correspond to where I also first heard the tale as well.”
“The story I perceived, although likely not close to the truth enough to be fact, is as follows.
The world, which had once been prosperous, gods and men walking side by side. The mightiest dragons and the darkest of demons were all but controlled by said gods, men asked, and the gods give. It was not known as to the benefit to the gods, but seeing as it was unmentioned, it was unlikely.”
The bar quieted down as I recite the story I heard, I quickly read and use the situation.
“The gods, that were said to be all powerful, and could end the word with one wave of a staff, were mostly benevolent. The non benevolent ones were controlled by what we know as the ancient ones, or ancient gods.
They still remain a mystery, but one thing is known for certain: they are the strongest beings to be in existence since creation. Some perceive them to be the creators themselves, but I believe there is more.
The more I heard the tales of the gods and ancients, the more I pondered. If the ancient ones were made to control a lot of gods, wouldn’t it be reasonable to make a creature to control the ancient one? Although it is just a hunch, a theory, it still is an interesting idea nonetheless.”
“Interesting.” He spoke in a deep, crackly voice. Different then his usual tone. “This will help in my research, thank you young bard.” He stuck out his hand on the table, and 5 large gold Cur appeared on the table. “Spend it well, and do take care. I believe the theory you proposed may have a truth to it, and that truth may reveal itself sooner then many expect.” And with his finishing words, I was about to question him before he instantaneously vanished from his chair, as if he never existed at all.
The village folk sat there, dazed, and I was just as speechless.