Storyteller Anon Pt.4

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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 reaches the Griffon lands and visits their old friends who had become VIPs. Anon shared The Saga of the Volsungs/ The Nibelungenlied and drank with them until morning.

Posted in Thread 846
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>The sun had barely approached noon and you were already down the mountains.
>Perhaps you drank too heavily last night, but it was good to catch up with your friends.
>It also reminded you of some tales that Dwarves get drunk so as to more easily travel the mountains.
>A funny little note from home.
>It might have held some truth given how well you made it down.

>On the opposite side of the mountain, past the bumps and rolls of hills, lay vast plains.
>There was short vegetation all over making it the perfect hunting ground for Griffons.
>The dragons and minotaurs had no care for the flat lands.
>The dragons could find no place to stash their hoards, and the minotaurs hated crossing the mountains just as much as you.
>That left the land mostly to the Zebras and the skies to the Griffons.

>The Griffons could also go out to sea as the plains came to a close.
>There was no beach or sand, and it seemed as if the world really did just end there.
>Miles inland the tree line resumed.
>Zebra tribes were scattered across this wide range, occupying both the open plains and the dense jungles.

>Sending messages between tribes required a Zebra to travel great distances.
>With the importance of such letters speed became a valued trait.
>A traditional competition was created where the fastest runners would race to all of the tribes.
>The runners had such bursts of speed few could hope to catch them.
>But they had little sense of pacing and ran themselves ragged.
>Most were forced to stop and rest for great lengths, a few foolish enough to keep going until they died of exhaustion.
>When you asked why they did not use other means to send their messages they told you the tradition kept their species strong.


>The Zebras are a very intelligent race, they know well the ways of the land.
>They value craft and cunning rather than brute strength, and sought new frontiers.
>It was no coincidence the Zebras were the first to meet all of the other races, or the ones to learn how a plant or mineral could be used.
>Yet they held a sort of mysticism in their views of the world and the spirits of the land.
>Respect was given to all life, and they took only the most crucial amount.
>It was the wise runner who recognized their weaknesses and what plants will sustain them on the way.
>From food to medicine to dangers that must be avoided.
>The first several to finish would help breed an even stronger generation with the winner being the most sought after.

> A shiver of uneasiness works its way down your body as you recall that fact.
>It made for a very awkward year.
>Blasted Griffon goading you into participating.

>These plains left little defense against the burning sun.
>Now at its highest point the heat became too much to bear.
>The Zebras knew of places to hide and escape the midday, and had shared their secrets with you.
>You found one such crevice with a pond being fed by the distant mountain.
>The hot warmth above gave way to a soft chill as the scent of freshwater enveloped you.
>The wildlife who relied on such places rushed away from you.
>You sat down to rest and wait out the blistering heat.
>The creatures slowly accepting your presence as the hours past.

>Waking up from the nap you notice the light of day was no longer visible.
>Very carefully you climbed back up, straining yourself here and there, to find the shimmer of the setting sun.
>Another shiver as your body adjusted to the temperature.
>The heat no longer aggressive, but like a midsummer night it was much warmer than below.
>It was fine travelling weather.

>A few hours more and your stomach grumbled in want.
>You could travel no more this night and so the distant village became the goal.


>As the rays of light dim the torches around the village went up.
>The bazaar was slowly dying but still held life.
>Plants and potions displayed on tables, gems and jewels resting on blankets.
>Items were haggled, a good deed turning another.

>It was not uncommon for one house to feed 5 others.
>The community was tight knit, but unlike the Griffons the Zebras were very friendly.
>The first time you met they approached you as you fumbled through the woods.
>They led you to their village and offered their own beds to you insisting they sleep on the floor.
>There was a great exchange of knowledge throughout that day and the many days beyond.
>Accounting everything you could say it was the Zebra lands that felt like a new home.

>”Is that Anonymous the Turtle I see?”
>The lady zebra’s words snapped you out of thought.
>”Or is it some mischievous spirit playing tricks in the low light?”
>She grinned alongside her mocking tone.
>You did have a reputation for getting into trouble.

“If that is how you wish to welcome a benevolent soul then perhaps I should take my gifts and be on my way!”
>You chide in turn, the zebra mere inches from you.
>It used to unnerve you having them get so close, but that is just how they are.
>To them personal space is an obstacle to closeness.
>”Oh spirit you speak rebuke, but the Anonymous I know walks on 2 legs not 3.”
“And once you were a renowned runner, and before that an insufferable youth.”
>”Anonymous the Turtle also had a harder shell. Throughout my aging has a nerve begun to show?”
“Why, would a spirit recall the prattling of your tiny hooves who crossed the cracked plains with me? How we escaped the sun and broke bread in a shallow gorge and spoke of our dreams?”
>”Ah fair spirit, yay you would be allowed such information for you live in the shadows; such shadows that were present as we broke our bread. Tell me, if you are who you claim what ambition did I whisper?”


>A crowd of familiar faces had gathered around, as well as many new.
>She was once embarrassed of such a secret, but perhaps that is no longer the case.
“You spoke of your desire to enter the Great Race and to birth a son of unequal measure. A son I am sure you would dote on and spoil.”
>Her snicker turned into the widest of smiles, and she opened her hooves hugging your midsection strong.
>”Old friend it is so good to see you once more.”

>The crowd followed in welcoming you while the youngest of children looked on in question.
>Not wanting to be left out one such child came forth and spoke to the lady zebra.

>”Who is that mommy?”
>”This is Anonymous the Turtle, the one from the stories my son.”
>”They don’t look like they could beat a buffalo. The elder could beat them.”
>She laughed and sought to correct the child, but you kneeled down and intervened.

“So you’re her son? I suppose you were born after my last visit. Well then, run over to that tree and show me what you can do.”
>Seeking to impress the boy quickly did so, and ran back.
>He did have a natural speed to him, but his form was sloppy and he used the bursts of speed so common of young runners.
>She’d teach him the proper ways soon enough.

“Mighty fast of you there, but I bet I can make it to that tree before you.”
>He instantly got into a ready stance.
“Alright, GO!”
>With a bolt he was gone, still slightly winded from last time but way ahead of you.
>You slowly hobbled over while the child caught his breath looking smug in victory.
>Finally you reached the same tree.

“I win.”
>”No you didn’t I was first!”
“You made it to this tree now, but I was here years before you.”
>”What?”
“And I can prove it. This walking stick of mine came from this very tree.”
>Indeed the worn bark did match, and beneath the discoloration the central patterns were shared.


>”That’s not what you said!”
“In your haste you ran off without giving thought to my words.”
>”That’s not fair! You cheated!”
>Okay it was a bit unfair to do that, but hopefully they’ll learn the lesson.
>A gift to aid them in their future.
>Hell, let’s drive the point home.

“Then let me share a story. Strength and speed are often heroic traits, but knowledge is the most important of all. Listen now to the history of The Wazir and The Sage.”
>The lady zebra consoled her son and bid him to listen.
>The entire village gathered round and passed many foods along.

“There once was a Sultan stricken sick and all attempts had failed to heal him. No physical or scientific means held any result. He had tried various potions and plants, exercises and diets, but still nothing. The Sultan held grief close to his heart and spoke to the spirits.
‘If there is one who could heal me let them be known. Should they be successful in restoring me to health they will never want for anything again.’
And the spirits carried his words.”
>When the young ones looked on at the strangeness of your words you clarified the meaning for them.
>For the most part there was no trouble, but sometimes you preferred to keep the original words from home in the story.

“Passing through the Sultan’s domain was a Sage well read of many things. The Sage knew of herbs and salves, magic and blessings, astronomy and theory. The Sage heard of the Sultan’s plight and at once went to him.
‘Lord of these lands treasured by the spirits, I have heard of your affliction and made haste to you now. I can cure you and without pain of needle or taste of medicine.’
The Sultan found joy in the Sage’s words and provided rich cloth and home, still promising ever more once cured.”
>It seemed as if even the creatures of the night were listening to the story.
>Silence followed your pauses save for the flicker of torches.


“The Sage immediately set to work on a wooden mask with great horns. The horns were made hollow and filled with the selected ointments. The Sage told the Sultan to wear the mask and he did so.
‘Now, great Sultan, go and run wild till you can run no more. As you sweat the medicine will drain into your brow. Once exhausted quickly join a bath laden with lavender, and when you exit sleep through the night.’
The Sultan did as commanded, and the people cheered and laughed alongside him.
The Sage had put a smile on the mask and rounded the eyes offsetting the menacing horns.
Spurned by his friends and community the Sultan did run until all of the ointment was gone.”
>You were happy with changing the bat to a mask, and the joining of the populace.
>It worked for the zebras own traditions.

“When the Sultan awoke the next day he indeed found himself healed. Thrice blessed he called for the Sage and gave all sorts of honors and gifts. The Sage became as family to the Sultan and had no want for the rest of his life. The Wazir saw this in jealousy and sought to destroy the Sage by speaking to the Sultan.
‘Oh Sultan, Lord of the Spirits, I weep for your life as you welcome spies in your home.’
‘What say you Wazir? Of whom do you speak?’
‘The Sage who you have welcomed means you nothing but ill.’
‘Nonsense! The Sage healed me when all else had failed. They are wise and a boon to this world. If they were to ask for all I own I would think nothing of it.’”
‘But, Oh King of Kings, if they could heal without pain of medicine they could do harm with just as much ease.’
The Sultan had trouble believing the Wazir, but in time feared for his life.”
>A zebra’s hospitality renowned mixed with the basest of fears.


“And so the Sultan called for the Sage and repeated what the Wazir had said.
‘If you healed me without pain of medicine you could just as easily harm me without notice. Thus I must strike first.’
‘What crime have I committed? You seek to repay my kindness with evil!’
‘It cannot be helped, I must strike first.’
As the guards entered the Sage cried out as they wept, pleading with the Sultan.
‘If you truly seek to do me harm let me share what I have left with the people. I will soon come back and in return offer you my prized necklace.’
The Sultan allowed the Sage to do so, and soon the Sage had returned with the piece of jewelry. The necklace shined of the brightest gold studded by the largest of gems. The intricate detail captured the Sultan’s eye and once received instantly put on the necklace.”
>Spreading a person’s wealth to the community was a final act of contribution.
>Although the family got the majority it helped fend off competition and solidified the importance of the whole.

“As the Sage prepared for the worst they spoke to the Sultan.
‘The gem you treasure would shine all the brighter if you were to rub it.’
‘Is this true?’
‘Yes, for each pass of the hoof the gleam only magnifies.’
In haste the Sultan rubbed the gem, but nothing changed.
‘It still remains the same.’
‘Give it another pass.’
The Sultan did so, and as the hoof passed a final time the Sultan became as still as stone. The Sage had poisoned the gem with a paralyzing powder, and when the guards went to aid the Sultan the Sage made their escape. In turn the spirits brought ruin upon the Sultan and the Wazir for committing such wrongs.”
>The crowd smiled and quickly made chit chat with one another about the story.
>Finally you could tell one that didn’t involve battle.


>As the night dragged on you caught up with all in the village.
>If you ever did settle down this would probably be the place.
>Warm words shared by all, and generosity without question.
>But your body still has some strength yet.
>The untraveled roads calling out to you still.
>As you warp up for the night and pop your bones the lady zebra comes up to you again.

>”Anonymous, please come stay with me for the night. Rest upon my bed and I shall take the floor.”
“I appreciate the offer, but age has caught up with us both. I’ll go stay with one of the younger zebras rather than deny you your bed.”
>”It is of no bother, I’m still as spry as my youth.”
>Before you can dismiss her Junior pokes out from behind her.
>”You can sleep in my bed and I’ll sleep on the floor.”
>It’s good to see he has forgiven your little trick.
>You wouldn’t want to deny him this opportunity to share his bed either.
>After all, hospitality is very important to these zebras.
“Alright, I humbly accept. And in the morning I’ll tell you a secret before I leave.”
>As the fires burned their last the 3 of you left to turn in for the night.

Source: The Tale of the Wazir and The Sage Duban: Part of The Tale of the Fisherman and the Jinni which is part of The Arabian Nights.
http://wordyenglish.com/arabian_nights/sage_duban.html
Origin: Middle Eastern