Except for the ancient (or so he seemed to us at the time. I am quite
certain I have more years now than he at that time by almost double, but
such is the perception of youth.) Priest who visited the village once or
twice a year to take communion with those of faith, Bryauel was the first
practitioner of magic I ever met. I think it fair to say that he was a
pretty unique example of the profession. In my long life I've met many
great and powerful sorcerers. Some as good and as noble as the holiest
paladin, some twisted and evil, rotten to the core. Not one of them has
ever impressed me in the way Bryauel did that afternoon
As he swept regally into the village atop his magnificent white charger it was pretty obvious that here was a man who was used to commanding the respect of his fellows. I was totally awestruck. His long flowing white hair and his embroidered robes marked him out as unlike any man who had ever visited our little village before. I was instantly fascinated. The men of our village were a hearty lot. Used to surviving harsh winters and oppressive summers. Strong in the arm and thick in the head a lady I once knew would have called them. They weren't stupid by any means but education has little value to commonlanders who still live off the land and its very bounty in a very real way. The strength emanating from Bryauel that day was as different to the strength of the villagers as night is to day but the intent is the same. To survive and in some small way to control.
Unfortunately someone had already moved to take the reins from Bryauel's grip as he dismounted so I motioned to the leader of the troupe, a well- muscled troubadour name of Guristan, that I would see to his mount instead. Guristan had been touring the players around the Eastern parts of Antonica for over twenty years but still had the looked as a man normally would in his late teens. A testament to his mixed heritage. Whilst he would live less than half the years normally allotted to his elven ancestors on his mother's side, he would outlive most of his human fathers kin by at least double their score. I'd known Guristan all my life and had come to like the flamboyant bard more and more every year. His was not a manner one encountered very often in the Commons, life being harsh and primitive compared to those living in the cities of Freeport and Qeynos. I found his merry ways and constant smile refreshing compared to the dour demeanour of most of my kith and kin.
He followed me as I led his horse towards the common stables used for visitors. I wanted to ask him about the magician. But it seemed somehow improper to do so. As if I would be disrespecting him. So I asked instead about the missing animals. Guristan's eyes twinkled as he glanced sideways at me. "Don't need 'em this year my young friend. There ain't a bird, bear or boar alive can do anything even half as entertaining as our new act can, that's for very certain indeed" He said with a grin. "Happen you'll be wanting a seat on the front row Master Linadin, I think you're going to like the show this year" I smiled back. Of course I was going to like the show, I always did. There was little by way of entertainment to be found in the Commons anyhow. "Anyway. Dragging them stinking cages around for weeks on end got old a long time ago. At least their replacement cleans his own mess" Guristan added, turning away as we reached the stable doors. "Take care of her," he said, nodding over his shoulder at his gray mare, which was looking slightly nervous about entering the dark stable. With that he turned and walked away towards my parents inn.
As he swept regally into the village atop his magnificent white charger it was pretty obvious that here was a man who was used to commanding the respect of his fellows. I was totally awestruck. His long flowing white hair and his embroidered robes marked him out as unlike any man who had ever visited our little village before. I was instantly fascinated. The men of our village were a hearty lot. Used to surviving harsh winters and oppressive summers. Strong in the arm and thick in the head a lady I once knew would have called them. They weren't stupid by any means but education has little value to commonlanders who still live off the land and its very bounty in a very real way. The strength emanating from Bryauel that day was as different to the strength of the villagers as night is to day but the intent is the same. To survive and in some small way to control.
Unfortunately someone had already moved to take the reins from Bryauel's grip as he dismounted so I motioned to the leader of the troupe, a well- muscled troubadour name of Guristan, that I would see to his mount instead. Guristan had been touring the players around the Eastern parts of Antonica for over twenty years but still had the looked as a man normally would in his late teens. A testament to his mixed heritage. Whilst he would live less than half the years normally allotted to his elven ancestors on his mother's side, he would outlive most of his human fathers kin by at least double their score. I'd known Guristan all my life and had come to like the flamboyant bard more and more every year. His was not a manner one encountered very often in the Commons, life being harsh and primitive compared to those living in the cities of Freeport and Qeynos. I found his merry ways and constant smile refreshing compared to the dour demeanour of most of my kith and kin.
He followed me as I led his horse towards the common stables used for visitors. I wanted to ask him about the magician. But it seemed somehow improper to do so. As if I would be disrespecting him. So I asked instead about the missing animals. Guristan's eyes twinkled as he glanced sideways at me. "Don't need 'em this year my young friend. There ain't a bird, bear or boar alive can do anything even half as entertaining as our new act can, that's for very certain indeed" He said with a grin. "Happen you'll be wanting a seat on the front row Master Linadin, I think you're going to like the show this year" I smiled back. Of course I was going to like the show, I always did. There was little by way of entertainment to be found in the Commons anyhow. "Anyway. Dragging them stinking cages around for weeks on end got old a long time ago. At least their replacement cleans his own mess" Guristan added, turning away as we reached the stable doors. "Take care of her," he said, nodding over his shoulder at his gray mare, which was looking slightly nervous about entering the dark stable. With that he turned and walked away towards my parents inn.