Storyteller Anon Pt.2

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Summary: Anon had adventured across this new world for years, and has reached old age. Still wanting to travel the world but having no money to do so Anon tells stories to get food at each stop.

Last Chapter: Anon traveled to the Minotaur Kingdom and told The Iliad

Posted in Thread 844
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>The minotaur kingdom bordered the Grand Mountains with some villages climbing into the foot hills.
>Their neighbors, the Griffons, took residence closer to the peaks and the two had a long intertwined history.
>Although they had much in common the prideful nature of each had caused friction in the past.
>Battles and skirmishes were fought, and in time this grew into a respected rivalry.
>Once they had learned of the other races an alliance was formed, and much trade passes between these cliffs.

>The chill and strain of the high altitudes rattled your bones.
>Your frail form forced to follow the trade lanes.
>Despite their use these paths were notoriously dangerous, and it was often safer to make your own path.
>Once you would scale the mountain, but that strength no longer remained.

>Dragons inhabited the areas between the top and bottom of the Grand Mountains, and preyed on the caravans.
>There were also rumors of a diamond dog clan raiding the traders as well, both looking for loot.
>The caravans were never easy prey though; the guards and traders were some of the fiercest beings you’ve known.
>It was seen as an honor to serve as a trader due to the dangers, a position worthy of high rank.

>Disguises were also used to minimize attacks.
>Covered wagons hide the precious objects from a Dragon’s sight and were painted mundane colors as to not draw their interest.
>A dragon is smart enough to understand the ruse, but without seeing the goods they cannot determine if it is worth their time.
>The tactic uses a dragon’s own pride against it.
>But the mundane colors of your clothes do not offer the same advantage.


>Fame worked both ways, and your unique shape left little to question.
>Dragon’s have confronted you before, seeking you as the treasure.
>To paraphrase such a dragon “You will be a fine prize for my hoard.”
>You almost ended up married to one during a game of wits in a bid to escape.
>Well marriage might be too nice of a term.
>It was a good thing the game was just a distraction.

>You had since asked the minotaurs if it would be possible to get a pair of fake horns to fool the dragons, but they made it clear that it would be a sign of disrespect.
>The horns of a minotaur are their pride, a natural telling of their character.
>A minotaur with damaged horns had either been shamed or survived the most trying of circumstances.
>You’re unsure how they do it, but every minotaur could tell which was the case.
>And so you carry on with your tempered pace.
>One step occupying fear, the other a burning desire to travel.

>As the climb gets steeper and steeper your walking stick drives deeper into the ground.
>It had been so long since you last saw the Griffons.
>Their cities were more like forts with strong stone walls.
>They appeared impervious to attack, but the truth was they were still exposed.
>The walls worked against their one time enemy the minotaurs, but the various fliers and spell casters paid no mind to them.
>Patrols had to be regularly sent out to keep the skies clear.
>Only once had you seen a Griffon patrol engage a dragon in the air.
>It was quick and ruthless with both sides leaving wounded, but at the same time it was majestic.

>A shadow passes through you, and for a moment it is unclear whether it is real or just a memory.
>The resounding thud of beast on stone quickly awakens your mind to the truth.


>”Ah Anonymous the Human. A good find on this hunt.”
>The ancient dragon leered in with its slit eyes, the scars of countless battles scattered on its thick hide.
>”You travel my lands and make use of my road. You must pay my toll for doing so or be eaten.”
>The gaze of a predator found you, an unnerving sight to be sure.
>Yet you had faced similar instances from your own people.
>Remain calm and present confidence while preparing for the worst.
>That is what it had taught you.

“Dragon, what is the price of your toll? If you know my name you know I also have no worldly goods.”
>The dragon gave thought to your words, something that made you hope your hips could survive a mad dash down the mountain.
>For all their strength it was the clever dragons to worry about.
>”I have no use for your clothes or your little stick, but I have heard of your words. If you can entertain me I shall let you pass. Otherwise you will be but a snack.”

>A story for a dragon?
>An ancient one at that.
>They embody strength and wits in equal measure, alongside pride and greed.
>Many stories twist fate for those vices, but that may anger the dragon.
>Let’s try for a thief.

“Very well dragon, I tell the tale of my friend the Black Thief who had escaped certain doom many times over.”
>Using the walking stick as leverage you sat down on a large rock.

“Long ago there was a King and Queen who had three sons. While the sons were still young the queen had passed, and at her final request were sealed in a cave so that they would not be in danger to the new queen. The king remarried and for many years the queen was unaware of the sons.”
>The dragon was already looking bored.
>You were not sure if the titles king or queen meant anything to them, but were hoping their natural competition could be targeted.


“When the Queen learned of the sons she immediately planned their demise. With deceitful words she got the King to release them from the cave and made a wager with the sons. If she were to win the game they must do all she asks, and if they win she would do the same. They agreed for they were unaware it was rigged, and so they lost. She demanded that the sons bring her a great treasure for her hoard knowing it would be the end of them.”
>The dragon continued to appear only partially interested, time and discipline having silenced its tells.
>It is only the start of the story, but there must be a hook soon for your own health.

“As the 3 sons left together in hopes of conquering the danger as one, they came across an old man. They were drawn to his black cap and took note of his heavy limp. Although the other 2 wished to rely on their own strength the third spoke to him. The old man introduced himself as the Black Thief, and told them that he was after the same treasure. He had tried before and almost got caught for the treasure called out to its master. The Black Thief in turn heard their story, and knowing how the Queen would scheme offered to aid them.”
>The dragon made note that the main character had finally arrived, but made no other motions.

“Despite their best attempt the 4 were caught when the treasure called out. The master sought to burn the group alive 1 by 1, but as the great fires were prepared the Black Thief spoke.
‘I was once in just as much danger and he shall escape just as I once did.’
‘You were never so close to death his fate is but a few moments away.’
‘I was a single moment away from death, and yet here I am.’
‘How so?’
‘If you find my danger greater will you free him?’
‘I will.’
“And so the Black Thief recounted the tale of his near death when stealing a large amount of gold from a witch.”
>For a flicker of a moment interest showed in the dragon.


“The master did indeed find the danger greater and so freed the first son. When the next son was soon to die the Black Thief spoke up again.
‘He will escape just the same.’
‘Have you been in greater danger still?’
‘That I have.’
‘Speak and I may spare this one as well.’
And so the Black Thief recounted how while stealing some precious jewels he was once trapped by a large guardian, but tricked it into running past and sneakily made his escape.”
>There was no flicker in the dragon this time, but its interest seemed held.
>That’s a good enough sign for right now.

“Again the master did indeed find the danger greater and so freed the second son. This time the master spoke first.
‘Do you have another great danger to share to save this one’s life?’
‘I do, and it is by far the greatest.’
The Black Thief told the master of how a large foe had rampaged and at one time ate a chunk of the Black Thief’s foot causing him to forever limp.
The Black Thief waited for the right time to strike, and paid the foe a horrible revenge, inevitably killing him.
The master knew the story to be true for the great foe had rampaged and threatened his own life, and so released the son and the Black Thief.
He granted the Black Thief the treasure in thanks and the group of 4 returned home.
The Queen saw that the sons had succeeded and in a fit of rage ended up killing herself.
The Black Thief revealed that the witch from the first story was the same woman, and that he had finally gotten his revenge. ”
>Hopefully the changed ending would again speak to the dragon’s competitive nature.


>With the story over the dragon remains still for a minute before bringing its face in front of yours.
>While it waits you begin considering if you could jump out of the way quickly enough.
>The moment seems to last an eternity, the dragon opening its mouth slightly a few times as if to speak.
>Finally it retracts its head up a bit.
>Still within striking distance but easier to converse with.

>”I thought better of you from what others have said. The story had its moments, but was not great. Still it is acceptable enough, be off with you Anonymous.”
>Using the walking stick to prop yourself up you begin to continue on your way.
>The ancient dragon returns to the skies as you do so, and the mighty blast knocks you over.
>That will probably bruise, but no real damage is done.
>Preferring to avoid angering the dragon you wordlessly move towards the Griffon kingdom.

Source: The Black Thief and the Knight of Glen
http://www.mythfolklore.net/andrewlang/116.htm
Origin: Irish