Of Legends and Lore

"...and that is the story of Avae Lerret's Vale."

A hush fell across the tap room as Raneen stopped speaking. The only sound the crackle of wood settling in the fireplace.

"Barman, a drink," Raneen called out, "telling that tale always makes me thirsty."

And with that, it was as if a spell had been broken, the men lifted their tankards and their voices, allowing the storyteller to move unobserved, away from the fire and rejoin a small band of men gathered around a table at the back of the inn.

Their faces grim, they made room for him around the table.

"So it is agreed," Raneen enquired, "you will leave in the morning, now that you know where to seek the Vale?"

Their leader looked around at the tired faces, "We have travelled so far already, and had hoped to rest, but yes, we agree that this cannot wait. Although the deed was done in ages past, there is no time to be lost in its undoing."

"Perhaps, the next time you tell the saga," their leader gave Raneen a weary grin, "you will have a new chapter to tell..."