Exerpts from A Bard's Tale: the novel

[Guileless_one]

The following are excerpts from the book that I am writing dealing specifically with the adventurers and their adventures in Dasaria. Please review your characters' reference and give any feedback you would like... there is no bad criticism only bad critics don't know that this will ever make it to print but if you would prefer your characters not be immortalized in the event that it does just PM and editorial changes will be made... as characters come to life in the tale I will update so keep your eyes open and enjoy we will start with everyone's favorite bard and definitely my favorite character introduction so far...

Alav Kennars

The Taleweaver tapped his chin again as if preparing to close the night when the man entered. Casio paused his idle movement only a moment as the human moved toward the bar, oblivious to the assembled crowd. Casio could not help but be distracted by the newcomer to the scene, as everything about the individual defied you to ignore him. The wide brimmed red hat that swept back just so on his head held a feather with shades of royal purple so bold it glowed of its own accord. His strong form was well accented by the deep red leathers he wore, making excellent use of the stranger's broad shoulders to taper to his proportioned waist. The image was one of practiced control made to appear haphazard but Casio knew better. This was a special member of the Taleweaver's profession. Everything about him and his movements told the Taleweaver that this was one to watch, or perhaps watch out for in the future.


“The poem is called an Audience of One”

Softly it flows around her
flaxen hair does frame the face
Yet in the eyes dark pain dwells
her mind seems a haunted place
Still in her smile a gentle glow
as my stories caress her ear
Thoughts within seem too bold
thinking simple tales take the fear
Alas she moves away
from the hand I must extend
So much I wish to hold her
and hope to help her mend
More than just my words
go out to her as I spin
Epics that weave about us
spoken more softly drawing her in
Only in time will I know
the story she does possess
And then perhaps one day
true feelings to confess



The tavern had grown quiet during the reading and Casio reflected as he always did after he read a verse. They were a prayer shared with all whose ears they touched. Some scattered throughout the gathering were moved as they always were and a tear fell from an eye here or there but no one spoke for several moments. A movement at the bar where the newcomer still stood drew Casio's vision. The intruding troubadour had now turned. The chiseled features looked slightly amused as the encroaching bard clapped lightly breaking the silence. The human's first words would establish a long lasting relationship between the two bards that, at the time, neither could imagine. “Well that was, hmm, words escape me... but wait I know... depressing.”

The look with which Bearis favored the troubadour would have withered a lesser man but as the Taleweaver would soon learn, this was no lesser man. Casio felt the man's presence and even now had to admit a begrudging respect for him. “May I know the name of the person who has found my work unsatisfactory?”

He showed only mild amusement when responding. “Of course you may. I would not have you be the only one in the room unfamiliar with me. I am Alav Kennars,and as no doubt you have already surmised, a fellow troubadour. It is however unlikely that you travel the same venues as I do. The audiences that are graced with my presence require a certain amount of talent.”

Casio's brow furrowed in a reflexive reaction to the blatant insult more than he would have liked. A downward turn of the lips was erased before any could note it, as a sly grin graced the bard's subtle features. If this individual wanted to spar then so be it, he would know the sharp edge of the Taleweaver's tongue. “It would seem there is no warmth for you here and Bearis, you will forgive my saying, but it would seem someone so obviously enamored with them self would be better suited to the grand halls of this land's capitol rather than a crossroads village. Dancing for the queen perhaps?”

The answer came from a surprising source as a low tremor of laughter boiled through the locals still remaining in the tavern. “This is a perceptive one, don't you think Alav? Or maybe that story has spread to other lands. Why don't you tell the newcomer why they won't let you into Dasar anymore. He seems to have guessed it anyway and I never tire of that tale.” Bearis laughed as he finished speaking.

It was Alav's turn to blanch at the hint of a sorted remark implied. Casio stored that information away as something he and Bearis must definitely discuss when the opportunity arouse. Bearis was enjoying his part in the dressing of the arrogant invader and decided to press on. “Well, what are you doing in here anyway Alav. Did the other pub run out of rum or has everyone passed out early?” There was some table slapping from the audience at that remark and Bearis appeared rather proud of it himself.

“The Salted Rim is, as always, well stocked this evening with visitors who embrace their love of drink more fully. I decided to stop in of my own accord tonight to take a chance at seeing how the common folk were doing. You know full well that my songs and tales are presented for all to enjoy and it would seem a pity to leave out the lower classes no less deserving of their entertainment, despite their station.” He dismissively waved toward the farmers and laborers that remained and continued. “ It is a pity that so many misguided heroes were forced to listen to this, hhmm soft whisper in the guise of a bard, but thankfully I have arrived before they could be bored into unconsciousness. The verse there at what I hope was the end of his tales indicated that I had arrived just in time. ” His mention of heroes did bring the attention of the adventurers more fully to bear on the pair. The two bards now had the tavern's full attention.

The serving girls had stopped moving, dutifully staying out of sight while peeking over the shoulders of others where space allowed. No one would be leaving any time soon it seemed. The repartee had just begun with the combatants sizing each other up as gentlemen in a duel. The travelers and locals alike each shifted on their chairs preparing to watch the next subtle, or as was rapidly becoming, not so subtle strike. Bearis had even put down his cleaning rag and seemed entranced by what was proving to be a very interesting meeting. The juxtaposition between the two very different individuals was easy to see. Alav, fresh from his performing at the Salted Rim, still wore the ornate long sword that was his personal weapon and by no means simply for show. Educated eyes of the group, familiar in the art of swordplay, readily identified the scabbard which held the weapon. Casio had seen the type in use many times and knew that it would release its burden quickly when called upon. The fact that Alav's hand idly fingered the jeweled scabbard did not escape the Taleweaver's attention and he was quite sure that was what the facing troubadour intended. There was no wasted movement in this one as even his relaxed stance served to demonstrate his control of the entire situation. The next move was Alav's and the Troubadour made the drawing maneuver well.

“You know who I am now. Still I am sure few if any of us know who you are.” He gestured to the crowd enjoying the titter of laughter before continuing. “Please do share your title with us. I am sure your elvish name is long and virtually unpronounceable in common but then aren't they all.” A knowing look about the room brought some hearty laughter in response and Alav smiled.

The Taleweaver responded directly and with just a hint of ire. Alav was proving to be a most noteworthy challenge and to step lightly forward seemed his best defense. “My chosen name is Casio Philipe. You are correct to assume that my elven name would be too difficult for your limited human tongue.” The bard realized his mistake just a moment too late as Alav's smile sharpened into a wolfish grin.

“You can't be serious. You are serious. How did you ever come to take that as a stage name? No wait let me guess, it came to you in a dream. Embarking on your new chosen course you lay down in the flowered grove near the edge of your wooded home. Sweet dreams of the fairies with which you frolicked as a youth danced in your elven head. You awoke that glorious morning with the sunlight drying the dew from your body ready to seek adventure wherever your travels took you. The first thought in your mind was the name by which you would be known and that was your choice? I would suggest a more appropriate alias to be used in the future. Perhaps Daisy.” The crowd was overcome with the Troubadour's last remark and this time the laughter and table slapping shook the tavern walls. It appeared that Alav had won the round but Casio would not let the blatant attack go unanswered. He allowed the Troubadour to relish the moment until the crowd had quieted.

The expectant audience turned toward the Taleweaver eagerly anticipating his reply. Casio's impish grin assured them that he would not disappoint and even Alav seemed momentarily interested on what tack the wounded party would take. “Daisy? Yes, I could see your thought with that suggestion having such limited exposure to my performance this eve. The flower represents the radiance of the sun with its slight form surrounded by rays extending as if to touch all those near its center. An innocence and purity found only in children more often than not.” Alav raised an eyebrow at the response. He had been hoping for a much more direct reaction and almost seemed disappointed that he had not gotten one. He was not disappointed for long as the Taleweaver continued. “Your name is a fine one but I think too limited to convey your full presence. I would suggest perhaps an addition to your name that would announce your character more completely to those unfamiliar with you. I think the locals who tend the fields would agree that perhaps the title of Alav the Mule's Ass would be appropriate. Do you think it is too wordy?” The onlookers were not disappointed with this response. There was a universal nodding of heads in agreement among the members of the farm community who were familiar with not only Alav but the aforementioned rear end. Alav responded in the only manner a bard could under the circumstances.

“Touche,” He only hinted at a bow to acknowledge the strike had been well placed. “It would seem we are at a draw my fellow bard. I must admit it is not often that I have found such a worthy opponent and certainly never here. I give you back your commoners and farm folk and extend an invitation to you as well. Come and join me some eve at the Salted Rim and let me show you the true meaning of our shared craft. I believe you will find the change of scenery refreshing and the audience a bit more of a challenge. Enlightenment is for priests, Casio, we are meant to entertain.”

Casio returned the slight bow before answering. “I too see you as a worthy troubadour and gladly acknowledge your talents. You choose your words well and their impact should not be underestimated. I will have to take you up on the invitation soon so long as you buy the first round once I have entertained them. Entertainment and enlightenment are good traveling companions and one need not stand without the other.”

Alav curtly waved and departed with the same manner he had entered. Casio had met many performers in the course of his travels but never the likes of this one. He anticipated the trip to the Salted Rim would be an interesting and enlightening one from which many new stories and verse might come. The Taleweaver could not have known just then how right he would be.

[Guileless_one]

Yunalesca Brasscobble

The tale weaver and the Captain looked out across the waves toward the small port in the distance. Despite the roguish captain’s connections in this town, they were making landfall under cover of darkness with the moon falling behind the city. There was no need for stealth in this instance, but old habits were hard to break and Casio was glad for it this time. He found the panorama before him oddly exhilarating. There was a large wall of cliffs just beyond the small docks and buildings that made up the port they were approaching. The moon appeared to be setting on the cliffs and the reflection on the water was inspiring to one who favored the quill. As he took in the view, the elf noticed an irregular prismatic splash of light on the dock that reached the farthest out into the water. He was moved to comment to the Captain, “What do you make of that light there on the dock? Surely it can’t be natural. Pixies? Fayes perhaps? It would seem odd that they would be so far from the forest.”

The captain chuckled, “That, my dear Casio, is not a ‘what’, but rather a ‘who’. And the ‘who’ would be a diminutive halfling by the name of Yunalesca Brasscobble.”

“Well, what is she doing out there on the dock?”

“She is doing what she always does; she is welcoming the ships to see what mysteries we might bring. Truth be told, she’s the reason I come at night. The light show is most spectacular, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Indeed it is. She is a wizard, then? Or studying to be, perhaps?”

“Oh, I assure you there is no studying in her. No more than one might claim formal training in you. You both share a raw talent for manipulating the mystical energies that surround us all. However, her use of such energies is a bit more chaotic.”

It was Casio’s turn to chuckle this time. “Well, she seems no less the showman for it. I look forward to making her acquaintance.”

As the ship moored a short time later, the small sorceress approached the ship glowing, literally, with her excitement. She stood a respectable distance from the ship while the men tied off, but no one could neglect seeing the small beacon as she waited impatiently for the passengers and crew to disembark. As the gang plank was lowered and the men began to file off in hopes of finding some warm rum after the trip, she literally danced among their feet, touching lightly this one and that with a small “hello” and a “welcome return” voiced to each. You would have thought the captain was returning to a daughter lost when she spotted him. Yunalesca floated up from the ground, planting the lightest of kisses upon his cheek. “What have you brought me, dear Captain? What brave hero or daunting scoundrel has come with you? Is there a dragon-slayer? Some powerful Cleric? A bold knight of some far-away realm? Please, please dear Captain, tell me who you have brought!”

“Oh my dear Yuna, I have brought you much more than that. I have brought you all these things and more, but I should allow you to ask him who he is, and how he is, and how this comes to be. You see, my dear Yuna, it would not do to take away his introduction.” As he finished speaking he motioned Casio forward. “This, my dear Yuna, is Casio Phillipe.”

Yuna lowered herself to the ground, looking Casio over from his head to his toes, her eyes returning to his face after a brief consideration. “I mean no offense, but you seem awfully narrow for a dragon slayer. I would think a dragon of any size would eat you right up. How is it that you slay the dragons that you meet?”

Casio smiled warmly, briefly considering his answer. “Madam Yuna, I would say this to you, I believe the Captain has led you somewhat astray and given me far too much weight. I believe what he means is that I can bring you the stories of all the peoples that you seek, all the bold adventures that you would know of. You see, dear child, I am a tale weaver and have traveled many places and seen many great heroes. I travel about gathering these stories and sharing them with all that I meet. No dragon slayer am I, although I do know of one who faced a fearsome dragon and after a fashion, lived to tell the tale.”

“Ooh, a bard? How wonderful! And you know of a dragon slayer? You must tell me, you must tell me right away!”

“My dear one, I fear my tongue is weary, much too weary to do the tale justice as the hour is so late. I would make this promise to you: take me to a near inn and I shall share a great many tales with you and the first of them will be of the dragon slayer, after a fashion.”

[Guileless_one]

Kell Dy'ner

The aloof dark elf which had been studying against the tree had not been seen since the performance. Casio reflected that he had not observed the individual's departure from the scene but then the bard had been somewhat distracted himself. When someone is charging you with a hammer, even the most observant tend miss some outside details. Casio's exposure to dark elves had been thankfully limited to tales and songs of other bards. Those few pieces that were related tended toward the sorrowful lamentations related to the disappearance of foolhardy adventurers and miners who had gone to deeply into the earth. It was accepted as fact that the dark elves often captured slaves to serve their purposes in the depths. Rumors of the terrors faced by these slaves at the hands of their captors were littered with dark rituals and sacrifices.

Two questions were brought to mind by the Taleweaver's limited knowledge of these elves. What was this one doing here? Why would he have taken any interest in saving an inconsequential bard? The facts were plan no matter how implausible they might appear. The dark elf had for reasons of his own used some dark power in his possession to save the bard. Casio was certain he had to find this mage. There was too much to learn not to seek the dark elf out and beside there was a debt of thanks to be paid as well, Casio reasoned.

[Guileless_one]

The G'elle Clan (?), Brenna and Celdur

A dark figure seemed to rise just to the side of where Brenna was examining the trap. The scout moved to stand, quickly turning to meet the threat only to be spun toward Celdur as an inky black arm encircled her throat. “Hello, love…It is almost a pity you are so predictable. It will almost pain me to take the gold the Varanites are offering for your head with so little effort.” Kin G’elle chuckled maliciously. The dark elf and his clan had come to the Dasarian forests some time ago and had found profitable use of their talents in hunting Dasarian scouts and patrols. The vicious family were not only extremely effective at this pursuit but also took a great deal of satisfaction in the killing.

“Release her now and face me, you cowardly bastard! You would use my wife as a shield?!” Celdur’s knuckles whitened around his heavy warhammer. He lunged forward only to be brought up short as Jin G’elle, the largest of the dark elf clan, moved to block his path. Celdur cast an eye quickly to his left where Din G’elle leaned against a tree just off the path. Tin G’elle, the only female in the group, stood poised on his right, smiling coldly. Celdur stepped back reflexively, only to hear the silky voice of Sin over his shoulder.

“You are right, my brother. Indeed, trapping them was almost as easy as capturing our bait. Actually the terrified human made more sport simply in her flight.” Celdur could feel the dark elf wizard’s hand pressing against the middle of his back warmed by some unnatural energy. The intensity of the heat grew quickly, spreading throughout his armor. The warrior lunged at Jin, swinging his hammer, as much to escape his new tormentor as to try and take the dark elf before him by surprise. Jin G’elle had anticipated the move. He danced to one side of Celdur’s powerful form, swiping the handle of his scythe across his foe’s shins. The force of the blow combined with Celdur’s own forward motion brought him to his knees. Jin took advantage of the opportunity, slamming his boot into the small of his back.

Kin felt his captive tense against him as Celdur moved to rise from the ground. “What is to become of the great elven warrior? Seems a pity he should be felled by only one enemy. Yes, I think we should honor him more properly,” the dark elven leader whispered venomously. “Din….by all means, help him up.”

“As you wish,” the wiry dark elf moved forward, deftly grasping the armor plates just below Celdur’s chin. A sharp boot to the chest brought Celdur to a kneeling position as Din pulled upward. The fight in Celdur remained and he sprung to his feet, sweeping his hammer upwards to break Din’s hold. He arced the hammer around, catching Din with a crushing blow to his shoulder. Celdur’s voice was little more than a growl through his clenched teeth as he spoke, “I will kill the lot of you. And you, Din, will be first.” The dark elf, staggered by the blow, regained his footing. He dipped below Celdur’s next violent swing, taking the opportunity to stab his wicked dagger between the overlapping plates.

Blood flowed free from Celdur’s side but the wound did not seem to slow him. He brought the hammer down in a vicious overhead swing to crush the dark elf’s skull. He had underestimated the skill of his opponent, and before the blow could fall, Din had stabbed him twice more. The hammer fell ineffectually as the gaping wound was opened in his side and a puncture appeared in his breastplate.

She could restrain herself no longer, and at last Brenna was moved to cry out. “NO!” Tears began to run down her face, seeing her beloved wounded so grievously. The answer to her cry was immediate and almost intimate. “So at last the fair one speaks. It is a shame it takes so much pain to move you. It will be a great pleasure to see how much pain it takes to break you. Tin, take her. It is time we finished this.”

A trickle of blood ran from the side of his mouth as Celdur answered the advancing dark elf, “Yes, let us finish this. My hammer to your swords, coward.” Celdur straightened to his full height as the blood ran freely from his wounds. He advanced, gripping his hammer in both hands. There was no more rage in him, only the valiant power and courage of a true warrior. Brenna’ s heart leapt to see him as he moved forward. “Take my strength, Celdur. We are as one.”

Celdur’s first swing was a near miss as Kin dodged backwards. The warrior’s hammer swung around without pause, seeking to strike the soft target. Kin was forced back to avoid the second swing as well. Celdur moved with agility one would not expect he still possessed as he threw the hammer straight out from his chest, striking Kin squarely and forcing the breath from him. Something touched the dark elf’s eyes for just a moment, something that had no business appearing in his evil countenance. Celdur saw it and grinned, blood trickling between his lips. Sin noted the glint of fear in his brother’s eyes and hissed, “Oh enough melodrama!” The wizard’s hands burst with light, as Celdur was rendered immobile. Brenna found the breath forced from her as the paralysis spell froze Celdur. “I believe you will want to say goodbye now, Brenna. I will be sure to release Celdur for his own farewell to his beloved.” Sin turned to address his brother who was crossing his two short swords one over the other in front of him. “Kin, I believe I am correct in assuming we will only need his head to collect the bounty.”

Resignation steeled Brenna’s voice, “Death cannot separate us, Celdur. I love you always. You will not be forgotten.”

“How poetic. Sin, release the fool and let us see how he answers.” The motion that followed was so quick even the other dark elves were taken by surprise. The cross formed by Kin’s two short swords came together, neatly bisecting the frozen warrior’s neck. The paralysis that held him broke with a few muttered words from Sin. Still Celdur’s final words poured from him, “I love you, Brenna.” Celdur’s body dropped to the ground. Brenna broke Tin’s hold on her, running to take up her husband’s hammer.

She turned to face her mate’s executioner, fury burning through her whole form. “You are mine!” she screamed, rushing toward him. She swung the hammer wildly, knocking a sword from one of his hands. Another lucky strike took his legs from beneath him. Sin began another incantation, his hands glowing red this time. Kin stayed him with a quick look as he sprung to his feet. “Is this any way to treat your new master? You know you are no match for me. Why not make it easier on yourself?”

Brenna’s fury swelled at his taunting. She pressed her attack but her lack of skill with the weapon wearied her quickly. Kin easily deflected her blows, pushing her back until she stumbled against the trunk of a massive tree in the darkness. Brenna realized there would be no escaping them. The dark elf clan had closed in with Kin’s advancing motion. Brenna whispered quietly to herself, almost as if praying, “Celdur, Teleiri, forgive me.” Kin quickly closed the distance between them. “Reasonable at last, I see. Any life is better than no life at all, wouldn’t you agree?” Her eyes rose to meet his leering gaze as she dropped the hammer at her side. Her answer was little more than a whisper, “No, I would beg to disagree.” Her dexterous hands moved with such speed Kin could not stop her. She deftly plunged the sword still in his grasp into her own breast, burying it to the hilt.

[Guileless_one]

A riddle for you... who can this be?

The next thought the Taleweaver had as he puzzled the possible whereabouts of the dark elf shocked the bard. “There is a dark mage here? How interesting.” The bard was shocked because the thought was not his own. The chill that penetrated to his bones as the thought formed drove him from the theater.

[Oye99]

//Dude, welcome back!

[Guileless_one]

back may be a strong word but my thanks... never really left you all as you will soon see through this work... -bows-

[Clerified]

Casio is back? You're a relic.