The tavern was filled with drink and cheer as the man staggered into the bar.

Nearby heads turned to face the stranger, blatant curiosity on their faces. As people got a closer look, it became clear that the man was no threat. The man’s attire was composed of simple leather clothing and a crooked hat with a single goose feather sticking through. He carried a box in the shape of a lute on his back, a telltale sign of his occupation. 

The man made eye contact with the heavyset tavern owner, the first to notice his entrance, and raised an eyebrow, gesturing to an empty table and then to his back. The tavern owner gave a single curt nod, and wordlessly brought over a pint for the man. Seeing as the owner had accepted the newcomer, people soon lost interest and turned back to their conversations.

“Thanks for the drink, it’s been a few weeks since my last cup,” the man in the hat rasped, greedily downing the contents of his fiery drink. 

“Well, as soon as you wet your whistle, you can sing us all a song. Drink is free if a man can entertain,” The tavern owner grinned, broadly sweeping a hand to the room. Raucous cheers in agreement responded as fists and boots pounded the wooden tables and floor.

So the man sang a tale for his patrons, hoping to fill his purse and belly for the night. 

“Woe befall, those who seek,

To disturb a dragon’s nest, so to speak.

Born brown as mud, both dirty and bleak

But in six colors, they come to be.

The twinkle of sapphires, the beauty of blue,

It cannot be outrun, for its speed its boon.

The wisest shine bright, making emeralds look dull,

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Clever they are, but its size their toll.

Red dyes the forges, of the ruby healer

It’s breath most soothing, and scorching of creatures.

A pearl stays hidden, to avoid prying eyes,

White as a ghost, its design to spy.

Golden like the sun, the topaz dazzles

To charm and trick, leaving prey baffled.

But of all one encounters, this bard recommends,

To avoid the dark onyx, the strongest of dreads.”

The song carried through the room and rose above the clamor. The racket died down to a low rumble, for the bard’s singing had captivated every man in the tavern. Some were even shivering slightly, their eyes dimly filled with fear.

The tavern owner was the first to break the silence, sensing his customers were on the verge of retiring from the night. That wouldn’t do for his business.

“Another round on the house! This bard is certainly worth his salt!” The tavern owner bellowed, quickly moving to fill the glass of the nearest man. At this, the tavern suddenly erupted into noise again, breaking the seemingly magical silence that had pervaded the air. 

The tavern owner strutted over to the bard and bent down slightly, quietly whispering underneath his breath.

“Dare I say maybe a little too much.”

The bard shrugged and wordlessly held out his cup. He had been asked to sing a song, and sing he did.

The tavern owner glowered briefly but sighed in defeat, filling the man’s cup. It was uncommon for a bard to visit these parts, so any form of entertainment was welcome. Another free pint wouldn’t hurt. Besides, he had also been caught up in the bard’s song.

Coin filled the bard’s hat as people came up to express their satisfaction. Some giving words of encouragement and claps on the back, others more silent, and appreciative nods. 

A voice called out. 

“From where did you learn this song, bard? It was quite something else.” 

Grunts of approval resounded as eyes flicked onto him.

The bard wordlessly poured his earnings into his purse and shouldered his instrument. He made his way to the entrance, feeling the gaze of onlookers burning into his back. All attention was on him again. Right before he stepped out, the man suddenly turned around and faced his audience.

A knowing smile formed on the bard’s lips as he spoke.

“Nowhere. I made it up.”

And the door shut behind him. 

As the man left, the tavern was deadly silent. But no further had the bard taken three paces did the shouting and laughter rise up again. After all, a bard’s tale was to be taken lightheartedly and for fun. There was no real truth or depth to a song meant to entertain. 

Or so it is known.