Toread The Bard pt. 14

“You hath served the kingdom well, Sir Toread. Please accept this medal of honor.”

Toread slowly walked down the rainy village street, his thoughts blurry. He had just refused a medal from the king himself. Why?

“Your Highness, I cannot accept such a gift. ‘Tis not my place. I am but a bard.”

He knew that wasn’t true.

He knew that this refusal would disfavor him with all those affiliated with the King. Nobody refuses a gift from the King.

“I led the armies, still I am a bard.

I fought the fiend, still I am a bard.

I changed the world, still I am a bard.

I ask you, please, let me stay a bard.”

Deep down, he knew he had made the right decision. Now, he could live a peaceful, quiet life. He sighed.

A beam of light pierced the clouds, colliding with the cobbled street in a flash.

Toread. Thine work is not done. Rest will come, but ye must destroy the largest threat to the kingdom and the world, the vengeful menace, ZND TEHANGRY.

Light flooded the bard’s vision, and as it receded, a beautiful silver sword shone on the ground. Slowly, he picked it up.

Znd… his old nemesis.

“The divines hath appointed me to destroy my enemy. I shall do so gladly.”

He strode to the stable, through the pouring rain, and mounted Minscraff. The steed felt Toread’s intentions as he flicked the reins. And he knew where to go.

Without a second thought, Minscraff galloped off into the rainy night, as divine eyes watched with a smile.