A Tale from Skyra
Ibn Punacious, originally from the western continent of Sabex, is a well known storyteller in many parts of the eastern continent of Anzac, from Northumbria to the Caloren States and to lands much further east. In recent years, his tales have taken on a new, fiercesome reputation, and only the brave of heart listen to a story's completion. Groans not borne of pleasure and much writhing and rolling of eyes have been reported. Some groups of citizens have even contemplated banning any future telling of Ibn's stories, insisting they are a form of torture. The dwarven city of Miridor has declared him an outlaw, posting a bounty of five thousand gold royals for proof of his demise. Oddly, the stories have actually increased in popularity among the Kmer of the Caloren States.
You have been warned.
* * * * *
One summer night, many years ago amidst the Greek city-states, three merchants traveling from Athenia to Corinthia gathered around a campfire. The journey was an easy one and the weather fair, so they did not mind making camp earlier in the evening.
Long after second moonrise, they were disturbed by the sound of something large crashing through the underbrush. Knowing that to ignore such a monstrous sound would be foolish indeed, they drew steel, alerted their guards, and prepared themselves for whatever the gods had in store for them.
There was a loud pop from the fire, startling everyone, when into the dim light stepped a warrior, much battered and hard worn. By his armor and his dirty, ragged cloak he was revealed to be a Macedonian, which did nothing to put the three merchants at ease. His sword, however, was sheathed and his empty hands were held up in plain sight.
"Peace," spoke the warrior, "I mean you no harm. I have been traveling since day before yesterday morn, and could not give you grief if I tried. A little rest and warmth is all I crave. I beg you, please, in the name of Hestia."
The three merchants and their guards relaxed, since Hestia, as goddess of the hearth, was both a gentle and very ancient deity. One did not lightly refuse a request for hospitality when Hestia was invoked. Such a request also held obligations for the petitioner.
Upon seeing him in the firelight, they noticed that his hair and beard were completely white — an oddity since his face was smooth and taut and by his voice, they had at first thought him to be a young man. They made room, however, and bade their guest to sit at the fire and take sup with them. The Macedonian gratefully agreed, and after some urging, related his story to them.
"My name is Iksander. It was only yesterday," he began," that the world looked fair and it seemed that Fortune Herself had smiled on us. My companion Artaxus and I were on our way to Thebas to sell our swords. The Thebans are always in need of veterans."
The merchants nodded in agreement at this.
