Owlspook crept slowly toward the voice holding the candle out before her as an amulet to ward off evil. Too much, she thought, too much has happened. 'Hurry child we have so little time' the voice bellowed in the dark, 'I must speak with you before the sun hits mid sky.'
Suddenly in front of her sitting in an old chair with the two ravens standing on either side of him was her Grandfather. He was as described to her so many years before but now older, whiter than white but his eyes shown clear and warm. Huginn moved and brought a chair placing it between her and the old owl. Her Grandfather motioned her to sit and she did still holding the candle. Muninn took the candle from her and held it while Huginn lit another and also held his. owlspook waited in wonder for what her Grandfather would say.
'Granddaughter owlspook I have heard of your journeys and tales of adventures through the years. You have grown up to be a fine and noble owl.' owlspook began to protest but Grandfather held up his hand to stop her. 'Let me finish. I know you well enough to know that you are bursting with curiosity and overwhelmed at the same time. It will pass. I wish I had the time ...' and his voice drifted off. owlspook took that pause to say 'Grandfather how ...' and the old owl cut her off. 'Be still and do not worry. I have time to tell you most but not all of what you wish to know.'
The candles flickered in a breeze that seemed to come from nowhere. Muninn and Huginn slipped away putting out the candles as they went leaving a darkness behind them. owlspook felt her Grandfather take her wing and pull her toward the back wall where he opened a door hidden. They moved inside where a faint glow emanated from a small crystal sitting on a glass holder on an oak table in the corner of the room. Again he motioned her to sit upon one of the chairs by the table and he sat on the other.
'Be still and there might be time for questions', he said with haste. owlspook complied. Her grandfather took a deep breath and began ...
'When I was a young owl I had many adventures such as you have had. My family thought me a bit bugger-eyed and crazy. I had the calling they said and they allowed me the freedom to move through the land as I wished. I had no clue at the time what they meant.' The old owl shifted in his chair and continued, 'Then one day I received an invitation to an art show here in the land of Zazz. It was an honor I couldn't refuse.' Seeing owlspook begin to squirm in her chair he said 'Yes Yes I know you received one too. It was I who sent it.' and a silly grin came to his face. 'As with you I was called to my grandfather's tree, the same Ancient Oak that we are in right now. And he told me what I must tell you and more.'
Huginn and Muninn came through the door bolting it behind them. They came up to Grandfather and whispered in his ears. 'Thank you my friends. I shall hurry.'
Turning back to owlspook he continued, 'I must make this short now. We are known and must leave soon. Do not fret we will meet again.' This time owlspook could not remain quiet and blurted out, 'But but ...' and Grandfather chuckled. 'Here is what you must know now. You have seen and heard what is happening in Zazz, yes?' owlspook nodded. 'Good. First, I will need the oak box with the earring please.' owlspook reached into her pouch gave it to him. 'Now about the amulet and the velvet bag. Yes there is treasure and no there is no curse upon the treasure. This fairytale was made up to ensure that others would not try so hard to find the bag. The amulet is for you and you only. It was made for you. Yes it is in there and only you are able to see it in there. It is a bit a magic the elves wove for me years ago. The amulet will lead you to a treasure. Oh I can see you ready to ask more questions.' and he again chuckled. 'I do not know what the treasure is but I do know what the treasure will do. It will restore the land of Zazz. How? I do not know.'
There was one knock at the door and Huginn opened it. In walked a very old and feeble pygmy owl. owlspook could not imagine how this old one could get around without help he was so old. Yet she saw a twinkle in her eye and to her surprise the little old owl turned into a ... a... "What are you?' she asked the creature that stood before her. Grandfather was laughing even the raven let out a little chuckle. 'I am Yarelis and you should be thanking me for coming out in this abominable weather. If it wasn't for your grandfather I wouldn't be here at all!' owlspook stammered, 'But but .. what are you?' Grandfather holding back another eruption of laughter said to owlspook,'Yarelis is a shapechanger, a Cabbit actually. She is my dear friend and well, she has been much more too.' Grandfather walked up to Yarelis and gave her a hug. 'Nice of you to come. Please sit down. Sorry I have nothing to offer you on this cold damp night.'
Yarelis became a very beautiful young white owl as her grandfather led her to his chair. 'Please sit here for a moment. I must finish explaining to my granddaughter.' and Yarelis did as he asked.
He turned to owlspook and said, 'Yarelis will be accompanying you on this quest of yours. You will find her skills to be very helpful.' and moving closer to owlspook whispering in her ear, 'but be careful. She is doing this as a favor to me. Treat her with the respect she deserves no matter what or ...' owlspook thought, or what? but let it slide thinking best to follow his advice.
'Remember the scroll map that the King of Cats gave you?' owlspook did a double take on that and was ready to say something as he grandfather continued, 'I know you have it memorized. Now think ...the marsh to the east of Zazz, then the mountains that open to the plains and then the great inland sea .. right, you do remember .. right?' owlspook did and it was true she had memorized that map so long ago ... 'Yarelis will guide you. Along the way it has been planned for you to meet up with others. They will find you and travel with you on your quest. Yarelis knows who they are and they are all old friends of mine from long ago.'
owlspook looked over to Yarelis and saw her preening, seemingly uninterested in what her grandfather was telling her. But she looked up and said, 'There is more he forgets to tell you. There are even others who desire Zazz to remain as it is and will do anything to keep you from completing your quest. We are likely to meet them on the way. We must move with purpose and stealth avoiding the towns and hamlets especially in the dismal swamp. I do hate going through it but there is no other way. ... oh I can see you saying why not fly. oh silly me I forgot to tell you, I can't and you're not big enough to lift me for any extended flights so we must go by land whenever possible.'
'You are right Yarelis. You must be careful not to become known and you, owlspook, let Yarelis do all the talking especially with strangers.' Grandfather took a long hard look at owlspook and continued, 'It is time now for me to leave. The treasure lies near the great inland sea with a creature who will be neither friend nor foe. This creature holds the cure but does not know it. Do not harm this one for he is an innocent. You will know him when you see him and from him you will know the treasure.'
Yarelis again spoke up, 'Ah you silly old owl again you forget .. the amulet.'
Grandfather laughed again, 'Yes she is right. I do forget at times but being such an ol' owl ... the amulet yes ... when you reach the highest point of your journey you must open the velvet bag and take out the amulet. Hold it high above your head and you will know where it is you are to go. And now my young granddaughter it is time for me to go. They know I am here and I must always be on the move. Huginn and Muninn will stay with me for now but occasionally you will see them on your journey. I wish you well and luck. I know that this will be your hardest quest you have ever taken but I also know you will survive. We will meet again when it is over.' and with that last word he and the ravens left the room.
'Well young one it is time for us to move on too. We must make camp within sight of the dismal swamp before nightfall. Come hasten .. stop dragging your talons ... we will talk later.'
owlspook left following the shapechanger into the dreary rain hating the thought of having to walk all the miles ahead of her.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
6. To the Ancient Oak
The rain had not let up. It beat upon her window all night long but owlspook did not hear it. She lay fast asleep in the land of dreams.
The morning came and the rain was still coming down in bucketfulls. Te'hay came into the room to awaken owlspook. No sunlight streamed through her window and the air was cold and damp. She asked the old owl if the rain ever let up and he replied not for a long time. owlspook wondered why the whole land didn't fill up with water but didn't voice her thought.
Breakfast was set upon the oaken table for her. The old owl and the ravens were not in sight. So owlspook sat down and ate her fill. No fire was started in the fireplace and the room had a chill that was hard to shake. What a dreary place this is, owlspook thought as she finished her meal. Getting up she walked to the window and peered into the gloom. She had a hard time understanding everything that happened to her in the last two days. There she was minding her own business and enjoying the company of her guests .. and oh it was so fun to tell the old stories and then wham! why did Tara have to give her the velvet amulet bag ... and what does that have to do with my grandfather being still alive impossible as that seems ... I guess I'll just have to wait and see. She stood there with her thoughts staring out into the grey.
There was one knock on the door and as owlspook turned she saw the old owl open it and in came Huginn and Muninn shaking their feathers to rid themselves of the rain. The spoke no greeting but walked right past her into the kitchen with Te'Hay .. owlspook followed.
'It is as I expected.', said Huginn, 'The lowlands are flooding and driving all to higher ground. Most did not make it.' Te'Hay nodded and then saw owlspook standing in the doorway. They all turned to face her. Muninn spoke, 'You remember?' and with owlspook's nod he continued, 'There is no time to lose. We must leave now. Are you ready? You have the box and bag with you?' owlspook nodded again in reply.
The two ravens and owlspook gathered their pouches and with no further ado they left the relative warmth of the house and flew off into the wet cold morning with Muninn leading the way and Huginn at her tail. The rain and the wind tore them to and fro but Muninn knew the way and with difficulty they followed.
Above them they could only see grey and below the land was lost in water. The flew what seemed to be hours but took very little time. Soon they saw a dim light up ahead and owlspook knew it was the ancient oak. The approached carefully and lit upon one of the upper branches .. a breach of etiquette but the wind and rain gave them no other choice. Climbing down to the door was difficult to say the least but when they finally reached it, it was already open for them.
The two ravens went in first with owlspook hesitating at the door. 'Come in granddaughter! The rain precedes you! Hurry!' .. owlspook's heart jumped but she moved inside and closed the door behind her. Again no lights within except a candle by the door. 'Take the candle and come closer.' the voice commanded and she took the candle and followed the voice.
The morning came and the rain was still coming down in bucketfulls. Te'hay came into the room to awaken owlspook. No sunlight streamed through her window and the air was cold and damp. She asked the old owl if the rain ever let up and he replied not for a long time. owlspook wondered why the whole land didn't fill up with water but didn't voice her thought.
Breakfast was set upon the oaken table for her. The old owl and the ravens were not in sight. So owlspook sat down and ate her fill. No fire was started in the fireplace and the room had a chill that was hard to shake. What a dreary place this is, owlspook thought as she finished her meal. Getting up she walked to the window and peered into the gloom. She had a hard time understanding everything that happened to her in the last two days. There she was minding her own business and enjoying the company of her guests .. and oh it was so fun to tell the old stories and then wham! why did Tara have to give her the velvet amulet bag ... and what does that have to do with my grandfather being still alive impossible as that seems ... I guess I'll just have to wait and see. She stood there with her thoughts staring out into the grey.
There was one knock on the door and as owlspook turned she saw the old owl open it and in came Huginn and Muninn shaking their feathers to rid themselves of the rain. The spoke no greeting but walked right past her into the kitchen with Te'Hay .. owlspook followed.
'It is as I expected.', said Huginn, 'The lowlands are flooding and driving all to higher ground. Most did not make it.' Te'Hay nodded and then saw owlspook standing in the doorway. They all turned to face her. Muninn spoke, 'You remember?' and with owlspook's nod he continued, 'There is no time to lose. We must leave now. Are you ready? You have the box and bag with you?' owlspook nodded again in reply.
The two ravens and owlspook gathered their pouches and with no further ado they left the relative warmth of the house and flew off into the wet cold morning with Muninn leading the way and Huginn at her tail. The rain and the wind tore them to and fro but Muninn knew the way and with difficulty they followed.
Above them they could only see grey and below the land was lost in water. The flew what seemed to be hours but took very little time. Soon they saw a dim light up ahead and owlspook knew it was the ancient oak. The approached carefully and lit upon one of the upper branches .. a breach of etiquette but the wind and rain gave them no other choice. Climbing down to the door was difficult to say the least but when they finally reached it, it was already open for them.
The two ravens went in first with owlspook hesitating at the door. 'Come in granddaughter! The rain precedes you! Hurry!' .. owlspook's heart jumped but she moved inside and closed the door behind her. Again no lights within except a candle by the door. 'Take the candle and come closer.' the voice commanded and she took the candle and followed the voice.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
5. Into the Land of Zazz
Mile after mile owlspook flew. She was lucky and caught a tailwind but in this storm they can be tricky. It took all her concentration to keep on the right course. It left her no time to contemplate why she really wanted to brave all this torrential rain to go to an art show .. so on and on she flew into the land of Zazz.
Hours later owlspook could see faint lights glowing through the rain. She knew she had been in the land of Zazz for some time and now she had finally reached the Center Mall. Zazz was a strange land populated by artists and crafters of all trades. But it also was a land of great mystery. Their work was flawless and much prized. It filtered into the marketplace. You could find it quite unexpectantly now and then. But no one had been allowed to travel through the land of Zazz. It was by invitation only. And now owlspook thought I have been invited.
Anticipation grew in her as she neared the Center Mall. Suddenly all the lights but one went out. A beacon as such she thought and followed it down. The rain still fell in torrents and landing was difficult. She was met by an old raven who motioned for her to follow him and so she did. From the center of the mall they moved quickly toward a building unlit. As they approached owlspook could see faces peering out from the windows watching them as they neared the door. The raven knocked once and the door opened. He quickly went in, owlspook following and the door closed behind them. No light was lit but in the dim owlspook could see that they were not alone.
Before she could even shake the rain from her feathers the raven turned and asked 'You have velvet bag with you?' and before owlspook could reply the raven continued 'Do not answer that ... yet answer me this .. have you opened the velvet bag yet?' owlspook looked into the raven's eyes and asked 'who are you to ask this of me?' The old Raven chuckled and replied, 'I am Huginn and my brother there' (he pointed to another raven standing by the door behind owlspook)'is Muninn. We have lived here long in the land of Zazz. We were sent by our master to watch the going ons of the creatures in this land. Many years ago a darkness spread over this land that obscured our master's visions... he could no longer see into the land of Zazz so sent us.'
Huginn paused and motioned for owlspook to take a seat by the large oaken table. Muninn brought a small candle lighting it as he placed it on the table. Both ravens pulled up a chair and sat on either side of owlspook. Out of the dark an old owl appeared carrying a platter of food and jugs of wine.
They all ate in silence and when they had finished and the table cleared Huginn began again. 'We have spent much time moving across Zazz querring the creatures that inhabit it's land. This blight has brought a malaise, a sickness with it. All born here have succomed to it's evil. The light of magic has gone out of their eyes and heart. There is no joy only a deep sadness. Even anger is left drowning in self-pity.' Huginn stopped and his brother Muginn continued.
'In all of memory this evil has come but once before. It was in the time of eons past when another people walked this land. They were creatures of two legs like us but no wings. They had no fur or feathers. They spoke a strange tongue. They kept to themselves but honored their master with sacrifice and ritual. His name is Wōdanaz and his is our master's master. this was before our time and it's all we know and remember of what was known.'
Huginn went on, 'There is one thing we did find out in our travels. It was a story told by an old owl who lived alone in an ancient oak at the edge of the great forest.' owlspook's thoughts began spinning for she too lived in an ancient oak. Only one other she knew of did. It couldn't be, no, she thought. He had gone on many years before she was hatched. It couldn't be. Muninn noticing owlspook's disturbance sat patiently for a moment and said to her, 'Yes it was him. He is still there in his tree and he waits for you.'
owlspook jumped up out of her seat, wing flapping, beak clapping. 'It is NOT possible!' she squawked ... 'he died before I was born and he was an old owl then! It can NOT be!'
Muninn quietly got up and walked over to the large chest of drawers on the back wall. He rummaged through it and took out an old oak box and brought it to owlspook who was still ranting and flapping her wings. As soon as owlspook saw the box she stopped and stared at it with an intensity that made the old ravens chuckle. The raven brothers look at each other and then said in unison 'It is time.'
They took owlspook and made her sit at the table again placing the oak box in front of her. They both said, 'Open the box owlspook.' owlspook looked in turn to both of them. She seemed dazed and confused. This was her grandfather's box long since vanished. She had never seen it before but it had been described to her so many times that she knew it. The urged her to open it and so she did.
Inside was a silver earring .. and she knew then that her grandfather was still alive. It wasn't an ordinary earring. It had power. She had been told that it was her grandfather's earring... that as long as her grandfather was alive the ring would remain on this plane. If he died the box would be empty. This was almost to much for owlspook to take in. How How How was all she could think.
The raven sat patiently allowing owlspook to absorb what was before her. They watched closely and quietly neither moving lest they disturb her.
owlspook's thoughts and memories intermingled .. then out of that tangle she looked up to Muninn an old memory came back to her ... perched next to her father .. herself just an owlet .. a story he told her about the earring ... and the passing of it from one generation to another ... it can't be she thought .. not me .. I don't want it ... it can't be ... yet she knew .. the earring and all that it entailed was to be hers.
Huginn and Muninn allowed owlspook to sit in her own thoughts for quite some time. The candle was running low. The old owl brought another and lighting it removed the old one.
Huginn broke the silence. 'There is more to be said before the night calls us to sleep. Tomorrow we travel to the ancient oak. Your grandfather wishes to speak with you.' And I with him owlspook thought. 'Yes I will go with you for what choice do I have now.' Huginn and Muninn remained quiet.
The old owl returned with two lit candles giving one to owlspook and led her up the stairs to her bed for the night. As the old owl turned to leave owlspook said to him, 'What is your name cousin?' 'I am called Te'hay which is white owl in your dialect.' and with having said that he left her alone to her thoughts.
White owl ... something pricked at her memory but it would not come forward .. although she knew she had heard of Te'hay before but ... oh well, it will come and .. it hit her again .. the silver earring, her grandfather, the velvet bag with the amulet, the quest, the lost treasure, the curse .. too much too much she thought as she readied herself for sleep .. the house was quiet nary a sound and soon after she had eased herself into the bed she was fast asleep.
Hours later owlspook could see faint lights glowing through the rain. She knew she had been in the land of Zazz for some time and now she had finally reached the Center Mall. Zazz was a strange land populated by artists and crafters of all trades. But it also was a land of great mystery. Their work was flawless and much prized. It filtered into the marketplace. You could find it quite unexpectantly now and then. But no one had been allowed to travel through the land of Zazz. It was by invitation only. And now owlspook thought I have been invited.
Anticipation grew in her as she neared the Center Mall. Suddenly all the lights but one went out. A beacon as such she thought and followed it down. The rain still fell in torrents and landing was difficult. She was met by an old raven who motioned for her to follow him and so she did. From the center of the mall they moved quickly toward a building unlit. As they approached owlspook could see faces peering out from the windows watching them as they neared the door. The raven knocked once and the door opened. He quickly went in, owlspook following and the door closed behind them. No light was lit but in the dim owlspook could see that they were not alone.
Before she could even shake the rain from her feathers the raven turned and asked 'You have velvet bag with you?' and before owlspook could reply the raven continued 'Do not answer that ... yet answer me this .. have you opened the velvet bag yet?' owlspook looked into the raven's eyes and asked 'who are you to ask this of me?' The old Raven chuckled and replied, 'I am Huginn and my brother there' (he pointed to another raven standing by the door behind owlspook)'is Muninn. We have lived here long in the land of Zazz. We were sent by our master to watch the going ons of the creatures in this land. Many years ago a darkness spread over this land that obscured our master's visions... he could no longer see into the land of Zazz so sent us.'
Huginn paused and motioned for owlspook to take a seat by the large oaken table. Muninn brought a small candle lighting it as he placed it on the table. Both ravens pulled up a chair and sat on either side of owlspook. Out of the dark an old owl appeared carrying a platter of food and jugs of wine.
They all ate in silence and when they had finished and the table cleared Huginn began again. 'We have spent much time moving across Zazz querring the creatures that inhabit it's land. This blight has brought a malaise, a sickness with it. All born here have succomed to it's evil. The light of magic has gone out of their eyes and heart. There is no joy only a deep sadness. Even anger is left drowning in self-pity.' Huginn stopped and his brother Muginn continued.
'In all of memory this evil has come but once before. It was in the time of eons past when another people walked this land. They were creatures of two legs like us but no wings. They had no fur or feathers. They spoke a strange tongue. They kept to themselves but honored their master with sacrifice and ritual. His name is Wōdanaz and his is our master's master. this was before our time and it's all we know and remember of what was known.'
Huginn went on, 'There is one thing we did find out in our travels. It was a story told by an old owl who lived alone in an ancient oak at the edge of the great forest.' owlspook's thoughts began spinning for she too lived in an ancient oak. Only one other she knew of did. It couldn't be, no, she thought. He had gone on many years before she was hatched. It couldn't be. Muninn noticing owlspook's disturbance sat patiently for a moment and said to her, 'Yes it was him. He is still there in his tree and he waits for you.'
owlspook jumped up out of her seat, wing flapping, beak clapping. 'It is NOT possible!' she squawked ... 'he died before I was born and he was an old owl then! It can NOT be!'
Muninn quietly got up and walked over to the large chest of drawers on the back wall. He rummaged through it and took out an old oak box and brought it to owlspook who was still ranting and flapping her wings. As soon as owlspook saw the box she stopped and stared at it with an intensity that made the old ravens chuckle. The raven brothers look at each other and then said in unison 'It is time.'
They took owlspook and made her sit at the table again placing the oak box in front of her. They both said, 'Open the box owlspook.' owlspook looked in turn to both of them. She seemed dazed and confused. This was her grandfather's box long since vanished. She had never seen it before but it had been described to her so many times that she knew it. The urged her to open it and so she did.
Inside was a silver earring .. and she knew then that her grandfather was still alive. It wasn't an ordinary earring. It had power. She had been told that it was her grandfather's earring... that as long as her grandfather was alive the ring would remain on this plane. If he died the box would be empty. This was almost to much for owlspook to take in. How How How was all she could think.
The raven sat patiently allowing owlspook to absorb what was before her. They watched closely and quietly neither moving lest they disturb her.
owlspook's thoughts and memories intermingled .. then out of that tangle she looked up to Muninn an old memory came back to her ... perched next to her father .. herself just an owlet .. a story he told her about the earring ... and the passing of it from one generation to another ... it can't be she thought .. not me .. I don't want it ... it can't be ... yet she knew .. the earring and all that it entailed was to be hers.
Huginn and Muninn allowed owlspook to sit in her own thoughts for quite some time. The candle was running low. The old owl brought another and lighting it removed the old one.
Huginn broke the silence. 'There is more to be said before the night calls us to sleep. Tomorrow we travel to the ancient oak. Your grandfather wishes to speak with you.' And I with him owlspook thought. 'Yes I will go with you for what choice do I have now.' Huginn and Muninn remained quiet.
The old owl returned with two lit candles giving one to owlspook and led her up the stairs to her bed for the night. As the old owl turned to leave owlspook said to him, 'What is your name cousin?' 'I am called Te'hay which is white owl in your dialect.' and with having said that he left her alone to her thoughts.
White owl ... something pricked at her memory but it would not come forward .. although she knew she had heard of Te'hay before but ... oh well, it will come and .. it hit her again .. the silver earring, her grandfather, the velvet bag with the amulet, the quest, the lost treasure, the curse .. too much too much she thought as she readied herself for sleep .. the house was quiet nary a sound and soon after she had eased herself into the bed she was fast asleep.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
4. The Invitation
Owlspook arrived home just before dinner time. She was surprised that none of her guest were waiting for her at the door. Well never mind she thought as she put away the supplies she had bought at the market. Coming into her house she placed the velvet bag on the table. and promptly forgot about it as she busied herself in the kitchen making dinner. The food was cooking on the stove when her visitors returned. Warm greeting and talk about the day filled the moments and soon dinner was brought out and all sat down to eat.
One of her guests, a small hobbit named Fancy found the velvet bag on the table and asked owlspook about it .. owlspook explained to everyone what happened that day at the market. Questions flew left and right and owlspook answered the best she could. None of her guests had heard of the amulet or it's treasure in that lay in the land of Zazz so the hours flew by as they discussed the possibilities. The night of storytelling became lost to their ruminations.
Later into the night owlspook realized that she was quite exhausted and took her leave. She carried the velvet pouch with her placing it inside her pouch. After such a long time discussing it she wanted nothing more than to think no more of it. And so she did. She climbed into her bed and fell fast asleep.
The sun rose as usual that next morning but owlspook slept on and it was after lunch before she awoke. The sun was hiding behind the clouds and the rain ran off her windows. A miserable day, she thought as she got herself up. The house was quiet and her guests had already left leaving their things hidden behind the couch as they had the night before. Guess I ought to fix something to eat, she thought and headed off to the kitchen to make herself some breakfast.
Just as she was ready to sit down and eat the doorbell rang. It was the PostOwl. A letter from a cousin, a note from a friend and an invitation to an art show. Now that is curious she thought as she noticed the return address on the envelope. It was from the land of Zazz! 'Such coincidence!' she said out loud while she opened the envelope. It read, 'You have been invited to attend the first ever Zazz Art Show to be held on the mall.' As owlspook read on she realized the art show was today! 'oh my oh my' she said. She quickly ate, got dressed, cleaned up the kitchen, grabbed her pouch and ran out the door.
The rain slapped against her as she closed the door behind her. Ugh she thought. She really hated to fly in the rain but there was no other way to get there that would get her there in time. As it was it would take a hours even on a good day. Oh well, she thought and off she flew into the rain.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
3. Market Day
It didn't take long for owlspook to reach the market. Busy as it was she was able to make her with ease through the narrow streets and between all makeshift booths. Usually she would meet a few friends out and about on market day but she saw no one she cared to speak with. Finally she arrived at the booth she was looking for. The old owl who manned the booth was new to her. She bought the few things she came for and was about to leave when from behind the hanging blanket out came Tara. Now she and Tara were not friends but they got along ok. Tara called out to owlspook asking her to come back behind the curtain with her so owlspook obliged her.
Once inside Tara began rummaging around the room digging through baskets, boxes and backpacks strewn about. From a old box Tara pulled out a small velvet bag ... the kind one stores one's treasures in and handed it to owlspook. She then told her that it was an amulet that she had acquired years before from a wandering trader. owlspook was about to open the bag when Tara stopped her. 'You must not remove the amulet unless you accept the quest that goes with it.' owlspook said nothing but motioned for Tara to continue. 'In the land of Zazz there is a treasure that is well valued by those who understand such treasures. Unfortunately I am not one of those that do. The trader who brought me this amulet told me of it but he could not explain to me what the treasure is. He also told me that one would come that would accept the quest, open the bag and see the amulet and that person would understand the treasure.' Tara became quiet for a time fussing around the room. owlspook stood waiting .. looking at the bag .. her thoughts to herself ... Tara spoke again 'Now mind you I have looked into the bag and saw nothing. I was curious enough and willing enough but I guess I wasn't the one. Before you I have showed this bag to others and the same has occurred ... if you accept the quest for this lost treasure there is no way for sure to know if you are the one until you look into the bag. Regardless I cannot keep it anymore. I have told you the story and now it's up to you. Give it away or sell it .. do with it what you wish it is now yours.' owspook thanked Tara and left the backroom and went out into the street. Her thoughts kept drifting back to what Tara told her although she was unsure whether or ot she wanted to go on a quest or that the quest was hers to go on ... Well never the mind ... the day was still young and she still had more things to do before heading home.
A few rows down from Tara's place was Zak's. Although she had no need for another of whatever he sold she wanted to met with him. It was a long time since she had a good chat with her friend. She had known him since he was a young one. Hmm she thought she hadn't seen him since he had left his mother's tree years before but had heard that he had a booth at the market and thought it was a good time to stop by and say hi.
It only took a moment to reach the booth. Zak was busy selling a blanket to an old crow who was obviously trying to haggle down the price. Zak was firm and eventually the old crow paid up and left. owlspook had stood and watched not interrupting her young friend in his business but now with a sweep of her wings she walked up and gave Zak a big hug. This surprised Zak who was going to rebuff this old owl until he noticed it was owlspook. The next few hours were spent in catching up and telling tales of this that and all thing that had happened to them since they last met.
By that time it was already mid-afternoon and owlspook took her leave. Then suddenly the bag she got from Tara dropped onto the floor. Zak reached down to pick it up and stopped abruptly. 'Where did you get that from?' he sputtered. Picking up her bag owlspook replied that Tara had given it to her just hours before. Zak went onto explain that he knew it, it's supposed contents and of the quest but thought it a legend. He also told owlspook that a curse also went with it but the curse had to do with the treasure not the bag. owlspook chuckled and said she didn't believe in curses and that just because she had the bag did not mean that she was going on the quest. 'So what do you plan to do with it?' Zak asked. owlspook just shook her head ... she didn't have a clue. Zak told her to be careful and advised her to get rid of it as soon as possible. As a joke owlspook offered it to him and he paled as he backed away. A bit curious owlspook asked him why he was so afraid of an unopened bag. Zak replied, 'The curse.' They talked a few more minutes about it and owlspook left considering the thought of destroying the bag and all that it contained. It might have been better if she had.
With her shopping done and her company soon to be returning owlspook left the market and headed home. Thoughts of the amulet flew from her mind and all she thought about was how she was going to continue her story of the King of Cats and the Gathering of Ten.
Once inside Tara began rummaging around the room digging through baskets, boxes and backpacks strewn about. From a old box Tara pulled out a small velvet bag ... the kind one stores one's treasures in and handed it to owlspook. She then told her that it was an amulet that she had acquired years before from a wandering trader. owlspook was about to open the bag when Tara stopped her. 'You must not remove the amulet unless you accept the quest that goes with it.' owlspook said nothing but motioned for Tara to continue. 'In the land of Zazz there is a treasure that is well valued by those who understand such treasures. Unfortunately I am not one of those that do. The trader who brought me this amulet told me of it but he could not explain to me what the treasure is. He also told me that one would come that would accept the quest, open the bag and see the amulet and that person would understand the treasure.' Tara became quiet for a time fussing around the room. owlspook stood waiting .. looking at the bag .. her thoughts to herself ... Tara spoke again 'Now mind you I have looked into the bag and saw nothing. I was curious enough and willing enough but I guess I wasn't the one. Before you I have showed this bag to others and the same has occurred ... if you accept the quest for this lost treasure there is no way for sure to know if you are the one until you look into the bag. Regardless I cannot keep it anymore. I have told you the story and now it's up to you. Give it away or sell it .. do with it what you wish it is now yours.' owspook thanked Tara and left the backroom and went out into the street. Her thoughts kept drifting back to what Tara told her although she was unsure whether or ot she wanted to go on a quest or that the quest was hers to go on ... Well never the mind ... the day was still young and she still had more things to do before heading home.
A few rows down from Tara's place was Zak's. Although she had no need for another of whatever he sold she wanted to met with him. It was a long time since she had a good chat with her friend. She had known him since he was a young one. Hmm she thought she hadn't seen him since he had left his mother's tree years before but had heard that he had a booth at the market and thought it was a good time to stop by and say hi.
It only took a moment to reach the booth. Zak was busy selling a blanket to an old crow who was obviously trying to haggle down the price. Zak was firm and eventually the old crow paid up and left. owlspook had stood and watched not interrupting her young friend in his business but now with a sweep of her wings she walked up and gave Zak a big hug. This surprised Zak who was going to rebuff this old owl until he noticed it was owlspook. The next few hours were spent in catching up and telling tales of this that and all thing that had happened to them since they last met.
By that time it was already mid-afternoon and owlspook took her leave. Then suddenly the bag she got from Tara dropped onto the floor. Zak reached down to pick it up and stopped abruptly. 'Where did you get that from?' he sputtered. Picking up her bag owlspook replied that Tara had given it to her just hours before. Zak went onto explain that he knew it, it's supposed contents and of the quest but thought it a legend. He also told owlspook that a curse also went with it but the curse had to do with the treasure not the bag. owlspook chuckled and said she didn't believe in curses and that just because she had the bag did not mean that she was going on the quest. 'So what do you plan to do with it?' Zak asked. owlspook just shook her head ... she didn't have a clue. Zak told her to be careful and advised her to get rid of it as soon as possible. As a joke owlspook offered it to him and he paled as he backed away. A bit curious owlspook asked him why he was so afraid of an unopened bag. Zak replied, 'The curse.' They talked a few more minutes about it and owlspook left considering the thought of destroying the bag and all that it contained. It might have been better if she had.
With her shopping done and her company soon to be returning owlspook left the market and headed home. Thoughts of the amulet flew from her mind and all she thought about was how she was going to continue her story of the King of Cats and the Gathering of Ten.
Friday, August 31, 2007
2. Time to do some chores
Owlspook got up very late and noticed that her visitors had left. Their sleep gear had been packed up neatly and placed behind the couch. She decided she might as well do a few chores and maybe catch a little nap before they returned. Storytelling by the light of the fire was more appropriate anyway she thought as she grabbed her pouch and headed out the door to the market.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
1. the whole story or at least the beginning of it
Well hello there! Welcome my friends! Have a seat. Care for some tea or a cookie or two? It's good to see you and it's been a long time. Ah yes I'm doing well. So you've finally come to have me tell you the whole story? Well it is a long story you know but since you ask and have the time and are willing to listen to an old owl tell her tales, I think then you're right. It is time. So get comfortable now and do remember what you hear is what I remember and what has been told to me by the others.
It was all the King of Cats fault. Oh yes, don't try to tell me otherwise. You weren't there and I was and I'm going to tell you why. So just sit back and listen. Perhaps you will be amused and then again maybe not.
I should have realized what I was getting myself into but as usual I didn't and now here, since you asked, I am finally able to tell you the whole story of the King of Cats and the Gathering of the Ten or at least as much as I can remember.
Long ago and not so far away was a land called ET. At that time it was inhabited by two groups of barbarians. As you all know quite well barbarians of different tribes seldom are able to get along without an occasional fight or two so you can well imagine ET was a lively land to say the least. But this story is not about their adventures.
ET was like any other frontier land. Civilization had definitely not engulfed them yet. However, there was the Overlord who imposed his might upon the inhabitants and kept the peace such as it was. But this story is not about the Overlord either.
I can see by your faces you're beginning to wonder just who the heck this story is about. Well just be patient I'm getting to that.
Within the land of ET there was a group of ruffians who spent a lot of their time in a tavern called "Nothing".
Strange name for a tavern, eh? Well, it's like this ... Remember when you were a kid and your mom asked you what you were doing? You probably answered "Nothing, Mom". Same thing. We all hung around doing practically nothing so the name was quite appropriate, wouldn't you think so?
Oh we ruffians had a great time spending our days and nights in Nothing. Lots of fun and always someone to talk with. We told stories, shared poems, told jokes and sometimes just got plain silly. Life was good. Occasionally one or two of the barbarians would complain to the Overlord about closing us down. Thought it wasn't right to have a tavern in ET. Now you would think that they being barbarians would enjoy spending some time whooping it up in our establishment but oh no, not them. They were the most straitlaced barbarians I've ever met. But the Overlord did listen to them and thankfully every time he was petitioned he decided that ET needed Nothing. The barbarians always went away grumbling but couldn't do a thing about it.
Now you may think that all we did at that time was spend it in Nothing, doing nothing and you'd be wrong. There was much to do in ET and we all did have our own lives to contend with.
Another place we hung out in, mainly for a rest, was the Asylum. Yup, we were a crazy bunch but don't you ever call us insane. We definitely were not insane. The Asylum offered free room and board. Just don't eat the cookies. Nurse Ratchet always laced the cookies with mind altering substances. Not a good thing. Don't eat the cookies.
I want to make something clear to you now. Nurse Ratchet may sound familiar to some of you but she's not THE Nurse Ratchet, a cousin perhaps and just as ... well you know ... we avoided her at all costs and got pretty good at it too.
The Asylum was our second home and we had many adventure there. Infact some of what is to be told happened within those walls.
Okay, I can by your shifting in your seats that you're wondering just when I'd get to the story. Alright, I'll start now. You'll just have to pay attention because being an old owl that I am I do tend to ramble a bit.
I did tell you didn't I that I was friends with the King of Cats? I didn't? oh, okay ... I was and I still am but he's getting a little grey in his ear tuffs and we don't see each much anymore. But he was a magnificent beast back then.
Life was going mostly peacefully in ET and we all were having a jolly time in Nothing. Nurse Ratchet was on vacation so it made the Asylum a very comfortable place to spend the off hours. I hadn't visited with the King of Cats for a long time so I decided to fly over and see how things were going with him. The flight was uneventful. I should have known something was up because I usually met up with a few friends on the way however I was just happy to be out and about on such a nice night.
It wasn't long before I got to the Kingdom of the Cats. As the custom with cats many were up and about doing what cats do. All seemed as it should be. When I reached the King of Cat's home it was just before dawn. I noticed that his place looked a little bit .. hmmm how should I say ... ah, shabby. Things seemed out of place and unkept. I didn't think much of it, being not much of a housekeeper myself, so I landed, went up to the door and knocked.
It was awhile until I heard the door unlatch. I thought that a bit queer since the King always had an open door policy but I soon forgot that thought when my friend opened the door and I went inside.
Then concern for my friend grew as I walked in. There was a large table off to the side near the fireplace. It was strewn with books and old scrolls. The drapes on the windows were closed and there was no fire in the fireplace. The room had an almost musty smell to it and was in a state of disarray. I took a good look at my friend and, well, he looked as if he hadn't had any sleep in days.
Noticing my quizzical look he asked me to pardon the clutter since he had been busy elsewhere and then showed me to a seat by the table. He pulled a scroll from the top of the pile, unrolled it and asked me what I thought of it. I took a look and saw that it was a map.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. In a hushed tone my friend told me to hide the scroll in my cloak and so I did. He then got up and went to the door and while throwing a look for me to keep silent, he asked who was it knocking so late. There was no answer. He then turned to me and motioned for me to leave by the hidden door next to the fireplace. I wanted to ask what, why but there was no time and so I opened that door, closed it behind me and fled down the tunnel to the river and the open land beyond it.
Oh my, my young ones. Am I catching you yawning? Is my story so sleep inducing that your mind drifts? I think the time is late and I am growing weary also. It is a good time to stop. A cliff hanger some would say. I see you have brought your bed gear with you and you are most welcome to stay. We can pick up the story tomorrow once we've had a good sleep.
It was all the King of Cats fault. Oh yes, don't try to tell me otherwise. You weren't there and I was and I'm going to tell you why. So just sit back and listen. Perhaps you will be amused and then again maybe not.
I should have realized what I was getting myself into but as usual I didn't and now here, since you asked, I am finally able to tell you the whole story of the King of Cats and the Gathering of the Ten or at least as much as I can remember.
Long ago and not so far away was a land called ET. At that time it was inhabited by two groups of barbarians. As you all know quite well barbarians of different tribes seldom are able to get along without an occasional fight or two so you can well imagine ET was a lively land to say the least. But this story is not about their adventures.
ET was like any other frontier land. Civilization had definitely not engulfed them yet. However, there was the Overlord who imposed his might upon the inhabitants and kept the peace such as it was. But this story is not about the Overlord either.
I can see by your faces you're beginning to wonder just who the heck this story is about. Well just be patient I'm getting to that.
Within the land of ET there was a group of ruffians who spent a lot of their time in a tavern called "Nothing".
Strange name for a tavern, eh? Well, it's like this ... Remember when you were a kid and your mom asked you what you were doing? You probably answered "Nothing, Mom". Same thing. We all hung around doing practically nothing so the name was quite appropriate, wouldn't you think so?
Oh we ruffians had a great time spending our days and nights in Nothing. Lots of fun and always someone to talk with. We told stories, shared poems, told jokes and sometimes just got plain silly. Life was good. Occasionally one or two of the barbarians would complain to the Overlord about closing us down. Thought it wasn't right to have a tavern in ET. Now you would think that they being barbarians would enjoy spending some time whooping it up in our establishment but oh no, not them. They were the most straitlaced barbarians I've ever met. But the Overlord did listen to them and thankfully every time he was petitioned he decided that ET needed Nothing. The barbarians always went away grumbling but couldn't do a thing about it.
Now you may think that all we did at that time was spend it in Nothing, doing nothing and you'd be wrong. There was much to do in ET and we all did have our own lives to contend with.
Another place we hung out in, mainly for a rest, was the Asylum. Yup, we were a crazy bunch but don't you ever call us insane. We definitely were not insane. The Asylum offered free room and board. Just don't eat the cookies. Nurse Ratchet always laced the cookies with mind altering substances. Not a good thing. Don't eat the cookies.
I want to make something clear to you now. Nurse Ratchet may sound familiar to some of you but she's not THE Nurse Ratchet, a cousin perhaps and just as ... well you know ... we avoided her at all costs and got pretty good at it too.
The Asylum was our second home and we had many adventure there. Infact some of what is to be told happened within those walls.
Okay, I can by your shifting in your seats that you're wondering just when I'd get to the story. Alright, I'll start now. You'll just have to pay attention because being an old owl that I am I do tend to ramble a bit.
I did tell you didn't I that I was friends with the King of Cats? I didn't? oh, okay ... I was and I still am but he's getting a little grey in his ear tuffs and we don't see each much anymore. But he was a magnificent beast back then.
Life was going mostly peacefully in ET and we all were having a jolly time in Nothing. Nurse Ratchet was on vacation so it made the Asylum a very comfortable place to spend the off hours. I hadn't visited with the King of Cats for a long time so I decided to fly over and see how things were going with him. The flight was uneventful. I should have known something was up because I usually met up with a few friends on the way however I was just happy to be out and about on such a nice night.
It wasn't long before I got to the Kingdom of the Cats. As the custom with cats many were up and about doing what cats do. All seemed as it should be. When I reached the King of Cat's home it was just before dawn. I noticed that his place looked a little bit .. hmmm how should I say ... ah, shabby. Things seemed out of place and unkept. I didn't think much of it, being not much of a housekeeper myself, so I landed, went up to the door and knocked.
It was awhile until I heard the door unlatch. I thought that a bit queer since the King always had an open door policy but I soon forgot that thought when my friend opened the door and I went inside.
Then concern for my friend grew as I walked in. There was a large table off to the side near the fireplace. It was strewn with books and old scrolls. The drapes on the windows were closed and there was no fire in the fireplace. The room had an almost musty smell to it and was in a state of disarray. I took a good look at my friend and, well, he looked as if he hadn't had any sleep in days.
Noticing my quizzical look he asked me to pardon the clutter since he had been busy elsewhere and then showed me to a seat by the table. He pulled a scroll from the top of the pile, unrolled it and asked me what I thought of it. I took a look and saw that it was a map.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. In a hushed tone my friend told me to hide the scroll in my cloak and so I did. He then got up and went to the door and while throwing a look for me to keep silent, he asked who was it knocking so late. There was no answer. He then turned to me and motioned for me to leave by the hidden door next to the fireplace. I wanted to ask what, why but there was no time and so I opened that door, closed it behind me and fled down the tunnel to the river and the open land beyond it.
Oh my, my young ones. Am I catching you yawning? Is my story so sleep inducing that your mind drifts? I think the time is late and I am growing weary also. It is a good time to stop. A cliff hanger some would say. I see you have brought your bed gear with you and you are most welcome to stay. We can pick up the story tomorrow once we've had a good sleep.
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