Foolish bravery is a blind spear that strikes one’s allies.
Wise bravery is a beacon that guides one’s comrades.
Look! The futile struggle of that dark demon breed.
Arrows rain down, but cannot halt his charge.
Branches pierce, yet fail to reach his armor.
Finally, the young warrior raises his gleaming sword high…
“Why did the tree monster shoot arrows at him? Why would arrows try to stop the warrior?”
At the child’s question, Laurent, his hand slipping off his lyre strings, let out a sigh.
“It was in the song, remember? Those arrows were fired by the Wolf Knights. But…”
“Mom! This guy is lying! He said the Wolf Knights shot arrows at our own warrior!”
The young listener, who had been Laurent’s sole audience, sprang to his feet and ran to his mother, who happened to be the tavern owner allowing Laurent to perform.
She clicked her tongue at the disheartened bard.
“I enjoy listening to free songs and all, but are you really okay missing the mark every time like that?”
“Tell me about it. I heard the people here love bards, but…”
“Well, considering the times, no one’s even drinking at night lately.”
Things were tense in Zigsmund Territory. News of the mass migration of magical beasts had spread quietly, and the Captain of the Guard was steadily assembling and organizing troops.
The townsfolk busied themselves securing their doors as soon as night fell, leaving little appetite for bardic songs. Laurent’s recent lack of success was likely due to more…