Know that this is a tale of Jhivantane, the jewel of Tyrra and that this was in the time of Haroun Al-Rashid, Shahan-shah, Prince of all the lands of the known worlds.
There was no court like to that of Haroun Al-Rashid. He had gathered to him all manner of mortals from all corners of the world. There were sages and wise ones, alchemists, geographers, geomancers, astrologers, translators, archivists, jurists, grammarians, and scribes. In his court were the greatest teachers of humans, and the greatest elders of the dwarves, (a dirty folk who did not bathe, and who honored the dried dung of their leader, whom they call Thane.) You must realize, he had with him the greatest scholars of the world in his August Presence.
Thus his palace in Oglat was the Palace of Wisdom.
There were sorcerers in this place and astrologers who could interpret the will of the heavens from the high dances of the distant stars. There were puissant enchanters from Sessai and other far off lands, with tall fur hats, and long sleeves full of secrets. There were poets and musicians, and men and women of high wit and perfect taste. There were strange prodigies in that place, humans with the heads of animals, and animals that spoke like humans. There were marvelous mechanical wonders that counterfeited life, and sang or moved when they were spoken to.
Thus his palace in Oglat was the Palace of Wonders.
For those were days of wonders. Haroun Al-Rashid was a wise king. When he sat in judgment, even his sages were astonished at the brilliance of his verdicts. Under him the city prospered, and the whole of Tyrra flowered and blossomed.
But Haroun Al-Rashid was troubled in his soul.
Dressed as a merchant from a far off land he would travel through the city, sampling its delights, and tasting its wares, ennobling the virtuous, and entertaining and casting down the dull and the wicked. In this way he encountered stories stranger than hitherto told, even in the marketplaces of Jhivantane.
So it was that he did meet and speak with one merchant, a hobling Granya named Tylla Downyfoot, long of years and long of cunning, or so it is said. She had journeyed far and near across the lands and seas of Tyrra and her wares were said to be as dear as they were exotic. Of all the things that she brought with her to the great bazaar at Oglat, it was said that the most precious of all was the Orb of Crystal Song, whose eldritch powers could transform common stones into the most exquisite of jewels.
King Haroun greatly desired to see this wonder, and offered the old hobling a chest full of gold if she would show him the Orb, and how it worked its magic.
"A fair price," She replied, "but the gem is not a part o' the bargain." She was a shrewd trader, but knew only that a wealthy merchant stood before her.
He agreed, and chose a small pebble. Tylla began to sing to the Orb, a low humming tune that sounded much like the lullabies that mothers sing to fretful babes. She placed the stone upon the Orb as the song ended. Suddenly there was a bright flash, and a perfect sapphire sat glowing atop the sphere. Without pausing, Tylla took the gem and gave it to a beggar child. Haroun Al-Rashid was entranced, and he determined to have the Orb for himself.
Thus began the undoing of Haroun Al-Rashid.
Seven times did he bring forth chests of gold. Seven times did the merchant sing her song. Seven times did the Orb flash. Seven perfect stones were given to the ragged bystanders in the crowd. The disguised king noticed that when Tylla Downyfoot sang in lowest tones, sapphires were produced. A slightly higher tone brought forth rubies. A mid-range tone resulted in emeralds. At highest pitch she brought forth sparkling diamonds.
Night was falling in Oglat and King Haroun had seen all that he needed to see.
"I will have the Orb, Elderling." he told her.
"Aye, thee, may if the bargain be to both our likin'." Tylla Downyfoot answered.
"I am the king of these lands," he cried out, "and you have been given value enough ! Seven chests of my gold have you taken, and I have not even one of your gemstones for all that bounty!"
"Be ye king or pauper, a bargain's a bargain!" Tylla told him. "I'll treat no more wi' ye unless thee promises fair value!" she swore as she disappeared into her tent.
The king was full of anger now, and vowed that he would have the Orb that very night. Long after midnight, he came with his guards to where the hobling clan slept. Over and over the words of Final Death were spoken until naught but piles of dust lay under the sleeping furs. There was only a single small coffer lying within the tent, but in it sat his prize. King Haroun Al-Rashid returned to his palace in triumph.
Far away in the night, the Downyfoot clan gathered around Granya Tylla as she cast a Scry spell into a basin of pure water. They all watched as the king began singing to the Orb of Crystal Song. Once - twice and two great diamonds appeared. He slipped them into his tunic. Haroun Al-Rashid, the king of Jhivantane began the third song - and suddenly a great discordance filled the palace, waves of light shimmering about him as he shrieked in agony. When the stillness came, a crystal statue stood in the king's place, and the Orb lay untouched in its hands.
All the courtiers came running into the room, and let out cries of alarm when they saw. Their voices resonated through him, and the statue crumbled into dust, and the enchanted Orb fell from the shattered fingers and rolled into a corner.
"Hmph!" cried Tylla Downyfoot as the clan rose and made its way safely out of Jhivantane with seven chests of gold upon their backs. "The bargain would have been small, but his greed was too great. He heard the song, but never learned it's truth. No one can keep what is given them by the Orb! - t'was a curse put upon it! So be it then…"
She followed her people, singing.
"Take in greed, Die in greed.
Use me only to fill a need."
Editor's note: Thank you to Morris for pointing me towards this text. Also, thank you to Ember's Library, for it was from there that I copied the text.