| As told to the Defender of the Word by the grateful peoples of Vesper.... Aye, it was a crisp autumn day in Vesper. I had just come back from Farmer's Market, toting my grapes and pumpkins home for the Missus when I decided to stop by the bank to see if any of my old friends where about this fine afternoon. Pity we had been scattered as of late, but what can we citizens do? Tis a terrible plight on our land as of late, the people killers and assassins were marking their territory and had laid claim to our fair city. All we could do was drop our heads and go about our business quickly. No time to stop and visit like in the days past...fear had taken over our lives. Guilds like BIC and CSS where on the prowl, raping and murdering the good citizens of Vesper as if we where the monters, instead of they. Upon arrival at the bank, I noticed a strange quiet had taken over the area. Not seeing any of my comrades, I ducked behind some trees beside the Brew and waited to see if there where any orange robes afoot. I overheard a conversation as I stook there that could hardly believe. It seems that the foul CSS had finally gone to far. They had insulted the one Guild that ould take their jibes seriously and fearlessly....they had insulted the Circle of Vesper. Rumor had it that War was at hand, and that her Ladyship SaLeM had laid out the edict that her Guild would squelch the uprising and once atain make the streets of Vesper a safe palce for all. I could hear pride in the voice of the old man telling his tale. Although I knew him not, the white haired old gentleman wore the familiar colours of CV and spoke great lengh extrolling the virtues of honour in our society. Funny man, was he. So, I crouched there, listening and wondering what would become of our town should CV fail, when I heard the cry of WAR! "Let our actions tell our tale" thundered throughout the streets, and The Circle of Vesper appeared from the shadowy buildings and began their assault on the enemy. The old man cackled behind me in delight as he watched the warriors chse the Orange menace. "Hit him, Dan...watch your back, M'Lady... go get him Cush!! That Helek... hahaha, my boy!!!" the old man relled and bobbed with each of his Guildmates as they fought their battle eagerly and with such proess that I knew they had trained well for this assault. Then the dull, sickening sould fo death as one fell before us. I hid my eyes, tnot wanting to witness a hero's demise. Shaking, I sat back hard on the ground and let out a hiss between my teeth, when I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Stand, son." the old man was before me extending his hand outward towards me. Hoisting myself up, I stood head and shoulders over this short man. "Do not fear the smell of death in the air, my son. Tis the enemy who is falling before us. Today, you and I witness the end of a long rule of tyranny that from this day forth will live in the annals of history as The Circle of Vesper's finest hour. Alone, they fight hard, but together, they fight strong. Looking at the old man's face, I could see his pride, and I was pussled as it misted over and look of longing replaced it. I paused as I heard him utter, "This is for you, Jeldin, Barrack, and my brother, Veritis... keppers of the Stone. See what your deeds hath wrought. A strong bunch, aye...and smart too. The chosen ones!!" The old man looked at me and bid me this, "Go now, son, and tell all of Vesper that today, the evil hath fallen prey to the good. Tell them that you have seen that might and honour will triumph over all else. And tell them, that above all else, today you saw the peace can indeed be maintained with Honour and dignity. Tell them all that The Circle of Vesper lives in the hearts of all good people and that they have let their actions tell their tale!! With that and a swirl of his cape he was gone. Nothing left of the old man, nor of his Guildmates, the valiant warriors who defended the land. Quick and decisivewhere they and gone as quickly as they came. I ventured out and stepped past the fallen arrows strewn about the cobblestones. Slowly the town filled with amazed citizens, softly whispering to each other. A soft breeze belw across the streets and a parchment stopped at my feet. I knelt to pick it up and unraveled it. Reading it, I walked over to the board and posted it at the bank.... "Good people of Vesper," I shouted, "hear this, a message from her Ladyship, SaLeM of Vesper, Stone's Defender, Circle of Vesper." And I read to them that wich was written upon the scroll..... "Good people of Vesper, It is with great gladness that I give you back your town as a peaceful and safe haven for all. The CSS have fallen and will no longer be a threat to you or your loved ones. It was my hope to achieve this goal peacefully, but that was not to be. Thankfully the only casualties where theirs. In the words of our truested Bard, I am not afraid to die, if it's something worth dying for. This is worth dying for, but that was not to be this time. While we endeavor to maintain peace, I certainly should be the last to forget tht if peace cannot be maintained with honour, it is no longer peace. Until we meet again, fair Vesperians, we remain, your humble servants. SaLeM of Vesper GuildMistress Stone's Defender |