FOT6: The Circle is Complete

The dove flew straight and true, a white arrow pointing unerringly towards the Northern Star. Her small shadow passed over vast shimmering lakes, the scale of which dwarfed all but the seas which rimmed the world. She flew without rest, without pause to soothe her aching wings, nor to fill her belly with the bounty of the vineyards far below, whose bows were bent with the heavy burden of their abundant fruit. She flew past an immense outcropping of falling water, which announced its presence with a constant, thundering roar, and in whose mists water sprites danced and played amongst fleeting rainbows. Eventually, she flew farther than any dove had previously ventured, for she too sensed the urgency and the gravity of her mission. With her dying breath she alighted on an immense spire which cleaved the heavens with its towering visage. She had not died in vain, for gathered around her tiny body were a shining people, who were impressive in the variety of their appearances. Some had hair of raven-black, with eyes the shape of crescent moons and a golden pallor, others had tresses of oak-brown framing proud faces with tranquil azure eyes, still others shone ebony or caramel, and eyes gleamed multi-faceted and multi-hued. Their tongues were equally plentiful but seemed to meld with harmonic cadence in a song of deep sorrow. For all wept openly at the passing of this brave dove and at the message which she bore. That night, under the shadow of the Spire, a council was convened to determine the intertwined fates of one of their brethren and the future of the Steel Citadel.

In the throne room of the Watson-keep, the Keepers discussed their wyrd. One moon-cycle had passed since Lorilynn’s dove was sent on its foolhardy mission, and chances of their success seemed to be dwindling with the fading light of the moon’s crescent. As was his wont, Joshstor the Stoic advised continued patience and an impenetrable faith in the path of prophecy. The other three members were not so easily placated. Jenna’s nature in particular was ill-suited for awaiting the whims of fate. Her entire being vibrated with a need for action, to strike death blows against the gnome-king and his minions. Under the cover of night and shadow she stole away to his fortress, across the narrow bridge that separated Castle Watson from the King’s Keep, and the throne besieged by darkness. Her heart raced as she looked over the edge of this narrow footpath, at the deep chasm which stretched below her, a gaping maw of inky malevolence. She went recklessly, to scry what information she could on the king’s foul plans, and his knowledge of the secret fellowship forming just outside of his walls. Jenna the Tireless was swift, and easily by-passed the castle sentries on her way to the throne room. She was also cunning, as she had planned her route for all contingencies, avoiding the opulent halls in favour of hidden back passages. At last she reached the throne room, where her heart plunged with horror. Awaiting her with his royal guard was Jotnar himself, the gnome-king, laughing mirthlessly as he sprung his trap and ensnared Jenna in a net of cold steel and malicious intent.

As the sun rose, bright and full the following day, a lone figure approached from the north, casting a long shadow on the gentle rolling hills that framed the Steel Citadel. His mount was tall and proud, and christened with the noble name Cedric. He was resplendent in tunic of snow white, trousers of oak-brown, helm and cape of crimson, and proud banner emblazoned with a fiery leaf of maple, the proud emblem of his brethren. On his shield was the gilded 13 pointed star and crescent moon of House Siahen, and the name of its owner, Samric the Calm, first of his name. Although his nobility was clear in the quality of his finery, his tunic was crumpled, and his ebony hair was left unplaited, suggesting a bearing of relaxed detachment, or of recent waking from a deep slumber. Despite his appearances, this knight wielded formidable power in the form of his staff, Acer Rubrum, a weapon of considerable repute. It stood the length of a man, and was wrought of a single maple trunk, reinforced with the spirit of his ancestors and polished until it shone like virgin snow. Inlaid along its surface were the names of his lineage and the names of his brothers and sisters-in-arms who had pledged allegiance to his cause and to whom he had similarly sworn blood oaths. These signatures were more than mere adornments for when he entered the fray he would summon their collective spirits to empower his righteous might. Samric’s countenance was ever serene, and he appeared to all to be light of heart and of foot, for frequently, he would grace his halls with melodious ballads and graceful dances. So intriguing were these displays that the ladies of the court were known to swoon at what they beheld.

Upon his arrival, the hearts of the Keepers soared to new heights of hope, for despite the miniscule chances of success, despite the hardships and the trials, lo and behold, the Six were assembled and the Fellowship was founded! The circle was complete. Each of the Six surveyed their brethren with love in their hearts and courage swelling their breast, for how could a company of such fine warriors falter? Each contemplated the truth of their existence, if the Six stayed true to themselves and to each other, surely there was nothing that could not be accomplished.

From the dark heights of his usurped throne, Jotnar smiled to himself.  Under persistent persuasion, Jenna had graciously informed him of the Prophecy and its fruition. His way forward seemed clear, if togetherness was the strength of the Six, then separately they must fall...

What the curd?

First, watch this spectacle (link)

Now, read on.

My first ever experiencing of a MLE (Major League Eating) sanctioned event was difficult to describe. On the one hand there is a certain amount of admiration, perhaps admiration is too generous of a word, how about: incredulity? Confusion? Nausea? Awestruck? All of those words put together would sort of describe my general feelings towards the World Poutine Championships, held on Saturday September 24th, 2011. I'm not sure how you'd feel about numerous men (and one woman) liquifying french fries, gravy, and cheese in one hand, and washing it down with some sort of warm, red substance, "kind of like human blood," was how one friend characterized it.

The winner, and defending champ, Patrick Bertoletti, consumed just under 10 pounds (!) of poutine in 10 minutes. To put that in perspective, let me list a few other things that weigh approximately 10 pounds. A newborn human baby weighs around 7 on average. He ate a BABY and a HALF. A bowling ball weighs approximately 10 pounds. Hold up one sec. Picture a bowling ball in your mind. Feel how round it is, the glossy texture, it's comforting weight, the smell of oiled substances, the sound of 10 pins scattering with deadly force. Now imagine eating it. What's really crazy here is that this was actually an off day for him. Last year he won the competition by eating 13 pounds of poutine. WTF. Let me do a little math for you:

One New York Fries poutine is approximately half a pound, according to http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-new-york-poutine-i121729 this tasty dish has:

710 calories

58% of daily recommended fat intake

50% of daily saturated fat intake

15% of daily cholesterol intake

41% of daily sodium intake

Not really a healthy snack for sure. Let's extrapolate how much 13 POUNDS OF POUTINE is:

18460 calories (2000-2400 calories is recommended). That's 923% more than recommended.

1508% of daily fat intake

1300% of saturated fat intake

390% of cholesterol intake

1066% of sodium intake

That means it should take me nine and a quarter days to eat what he ate in 10 minutes!! Just incredible. Or perhaps ridiculous. I'll let you decide. Here are more world records of the second ranked eater in the world. Apparently he's an up and coming star:

1. 16" Pizza: 47 slices big apple pizza / 10 Minutes
2. Blueberry Pie (Hands-Free): 9.17 lbs blueberry pie / 8 minutes
3. Chicken wings: 4.1 lbs / in 8 Minutes
4. Chocolate: 1 lbs, 15.5 oz Chicago Chocolate Hearts / 7 minutes
5. Corned Beef & Cabbage: 10.63 lbs Corned Beef & Cabbage / 10 Minutes
6. Corned Beef Sandwiches: 11 8-ounce Corned Beef Sandwiches / 10 minutes
7. Date Nut Bread: 29.5 Chock full o'Nuts Date Nut Bread and Cream Cheese Sandwiches / 8 minutes
8. Doughnuts, Cream-filled: 47 Glazed and Cream-filled Doughnuts / 5 minutes^[11]
9. Grits: 21 lbs of Grits / 10 minutes^[11]
10. Ice Cream, Short form: 1.75 pounds (gallons) Brooklyn Vanilla Ice Cream / 8 minutes^[12]
11. Jalapeños, Pickled: 98 Pickled Jalapeño Peppers after 47 donuts / 5 Minutes
12. Jalapeños, Pickled: 191 Pickled Jalapeño Peppers / 6.5 Minutes
13. Jalapeños, Pickled: 263 Pickled Jalapeño Peppers / 15 Minutes
14. Key Lime Pie: 10.8 pounds Key Lime Pie / 8 minutes^[11]
15. Kolaches: 44 Cherry Kolaches / 8 Minutes^[11]
16. Oysters, Short Form: 34 dozen Acme oysters / 8 Minutes^[11]
17. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches: 42 PB&J / 10 minutes^[11]
18. Posole: 9 lbs, 3 ounces Posole / 12 Minutes
19. Shoo-Fly Pie: 11.1 Pounds Shoo-Fly Pie / 8 Minutes
20. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie: 7.9 lbs Strawberry Rhubarb Pie / 8 minutes
21. Strawberry Shortcake: 15.25 lbs Strawberry Shortcake / 8 Minutes
22. Waffles: 29 Waffles (8 oz.) / 10 Minutes^[11]
23. Whole Turkey: 4 pounds, 12.8 ounces roast turkey meat / 12 minutes
24. Whole Turkey, Short Form: 6.91 lbs roast turkey meat / 8 Minutes^[11]

Next year, I think I'll train for the amateur competition. Apparently, only 2.5 pounds would net me the trophy there. That's only a third of a baby.

FOT6: Swelling the Ranks

It was with great joy in their hearts that the Keepers welcomed their brethren into their castle's keep, for robust is the courage of those that seek to restore the glory of their heartland. Despite her gaiety from these good tidings, Lorilynn The Wise was besieged with anxiety, for three did not a company of six make. She prayed fervently to the gods of her kin and the gods of her realm to deliver the seemingly impossible task of a second trinity of nobility, eager for redemption.

In time, another braveheart arrived from the Mountains of the West and the brackish waters of the Mor-folk. She was known throughout the lands as Lady Natalia of clans Wahmhoffen and Buergerston, originally mighty warriors of the north but come to settle the hillsides of the western frontier. As befitting the banner of her houses, the fair lady was bedecked in robes of navy and gold thread, and came equipped with Patronus, the wand of her ancestors, wrought of mountain ash, enclosing golden eagle feather. Lady Natalia was renown for her natural beauty, quick wit, and her mirthful laugh, which rang forth with the joyous peal of church bells. Of equal repute was Lady Natalia's skill as a healer and enchantress. Unlike the dark magics preferred by the gnome king, the power which she wielded flowed from her deep capacity for love, producing spells that lifted her comrades and beguiled her foes with her unique charm. It was said that her mere presence would stir hope and merriment in the hearts of all that beheld her. Certainly, similar feelings bathed the Keepers as they contemplated her part in the fate of the Steel Kingdom.

The fifth to swear fealty to this fine company hailed from the snow-filled reaches of the Twin Kingdoms. Hair the shade of glowing embers, eyes of emerald green, Lady Meghildr evoked images of the norse gods of her ancestral homeland. Warrior blood flowed through her veins, as she was descended from the famed houses of Ockenstrom and Helmendor, who fought to found and defend the great halls of the Northlands. She was dressed in the manner of her peoples, silver helm atop a single braided plait shifted to the right--a symbol of her status as noblewoman--gilded leaf earrings, and robes of deep violet, cinched by a high waisted belt. Attached to this belt was the legendary war hammer Muninn, or Memory in the new tongue. This fearsome weapon was aptly named thrice over. Once, for it was said to store the memories of all who wielded it beforehand, and the thoughts of its current master, who had but to hammer it against any surface for these thoughts to be revealed and stored. Twice for its blows would mark its victims forever with the crest of her house, an indelible keepsake of their conqueror. And thrice, for the manner it which it was wielded, which was unique and left a lasting impression. For it was said that Lady Meghildr would be so graceful in battle, that she would seem to dance, a dance borne of her ancestors, a dance of death. This was but one of the many dances which she used to express the contents of her heart, joy, sorrow, rage; dances that were spontaneous and awe-inspiring to those that bore witness. Although she wielded great power, Lady Meghildr was patient and kind, if prone to fits of sardonic humor. She was also determined, and this mettle would be sorely tested in the moons to follow.

After the first five had arrived to confront their fates, three moon-cycles passed without a final hero. In desperation, the Keepers sought council at the temple of Heinzel, the Goddess of Steel. In a vision of true-seeing, the High Priest foretold of a great warrior, hailing from mythical lands far to the north, where the true-hearted dwelled in peace and harmony under the sigil of the crimson maple. From this gentle and noble kingdom would the prophecy be fulfilled. The Keepers quailed at this message, for who would leave such an enchanted dwelling to intervene in the dark matters at hand? It was only faith that compelled Lorilynn to send her most trustworthy dove to fly north, beyond the known lands, to seek the one that would complete the circle of Six, and set the wheels of prophecy in motion...

Remembering that Walk...

Recently, and don't laugh, I ended up watching the movie A Walk To Remember starring some random dude Shane West and the surprising Mandy Moore. Having co-existed in the era of Britney, Christina, and to a lesser extent Jessica Simpson, I'm not sure I ever really noticed Mandy during her early years. I vaguely remember the lyrics to some of her songs ("I'll always remember...it was late afternoon, in places no one will fiiiind!") and that she was a precocious talent, but that was the extent of my knowledge. After watching this movie though, I came to appreciate several other aspects about her.

1) She's very attractive, in a vulnerable, intelligent sort of way. She knows when to make eye contact, and when to unleash her warm, generous smile. She has mastered the look away to build dramatic tension, and the return to the audience, seemingly giving each member a private moment of intimacy. She uses her hands beautifully during performances, framing her notes, and lending an ethereal quality to the moment. She just looks stunning on multiple occasions

2) She's a very talented vocalist. (Link) Note the range, and the voice control. The sense of the musical moment, and the rise to the challenge. Superb.

3) She was born the same year I was born. I can therefore use her as a yardstick for my youth. I consider her to be in her prime; so I'm still in mine. Incidentally, she was only 18 (!) when she filmed A Walk to Remember. I'm pretty sure my crowning achievement at 18 was becoming somewhat competent at Golden Tee Golf.

4) She's modest and self-confident. On the subject of film nudity, "It would be completely uncomfortable to walk down the street and know that the person passing by had seen me without my clothes on. I've turned down several roles where the producers or writers wouldn't budge on that point. I'm not saying that it's wrong for someone else to do them, but I think there's a way to be feminine and sexy without posing half-naked."


5) She has a terrible filmography. Much like my <3, Jessica Alba, Mandy has not been very judicious in movie role selection. Sadly, A Walk to Remember may have been the pinnacle of her acting career. In distant second, is the Disney movie Tangled, which features a surprisingly good duet. (Link). That's kind of it. She's a much better actress than her roles have portrayed. Trust me, that kind of onscreen charisma is difficult to find.

6) Despite her formidable talent, her musical career has been somewhat underwhelming, at least commercially. I'll have to do some research on the actual songs, but the AWTR is fast becoming a must have.

So, in conclusion, let's all do our part to raise Mandy awareness. She's a starlet who took the road less traveled and will be Remembered all the more fondly because of it. Especially when she Walks (and sings).

FOT6: Heeding the Call

The Realm Keepers need not have feared, for planted within the greatness of humanity, is a seedling of courage, that need only strife and despair to bear fruit. The ages are littered with forests of great men and women who answered the call of their brethren, and stood firm as oak in the gales of war. From this great tradition, a new breed was sown, Six warriors, Six legends, ready to take up the cause of defending the Steel Citadel from her impish tyrant.

The people of Steel are aptly named for they had withstood many a hardship. Often they took arms to defend their lands against marauding Ravenfolk, tame torrential rivers, and carve their houses into the Steel Citadel's hallowed hillsides. To the surprise of no one therefore, the first to answer the Citadel’s call marched from within her own ramparts. They were three, bonded through a sisterhood forged during many moons of arduous training, under the mighty ebony lion of their castle’s sigil. For this grand castle, and their legendary exploits, they were later known under a different title, the Damsel-Warriors of Duquesne.

From county Northern Hills rode Lady Kristenivere, of Houses Rezzetanova and Rispolimen, first of her name. Her steed was jet black and she was accompanied by her faithful companion, Artie, her spirited canine protector. She was fair of complexion and her golden trusses framed a face of great beauty. Her athletic grace was matched only by her keen intellect and fierce will to succeed. Woe to those who would underestimate her warrior spirit! For she was known to smite those who dare comment on her fairness, without mention of her cunning. At her hip, Lady Kristenivere wielded the mighty Polamalu, an oblong weapon of great repute, which she threw with uncanny accuracy and ferocity. This treasure was a relic, passed down through the generations; its ebony casing, black as the night, was inlaid six times with wrought gold of the finest craftsmanship, once each for her House’s hand in the greatest victories of the Steel-lands.

From the emerald depths of the enchanted Forest Sharpsburg there emerged Lady Susanniel, a princess of elf-folk lineage. She ran unencumbered by steed, for her Elven nature manifested in vast stamina, and fleetness of gait, unmatched in the mortal realm. She wore a shimmering silver tunic of finest mythril, and dark fitted leggings that promoted swiftness and camouflage. This Elven warrior was armed with twin daggers, Joy and Misery, with which she could disarm any adversary with simultaneous strikes. The fairer race had bestowed upon her many gifts, for it was said that her charm was legendary, as was her fluency in the ancient canine tongue. As befitting her linguistic skill, she was ever accompanied by her caninesses, Ivy and Isabelle, two specimens as large as a man is tall, who possessed both regal bearing and gentle nature. In battle, they fought as one, their movements so enmeshed that it was nigh impossible to tell claw from fist, tooth from dagger.

The last of the Damsel-Warriors hailed from the inner sanctums of the great Steel Citadel. Her noble lineage was entrusted with the twin crafts of metalwork and messaging. From the halls of House Keenerel and Schneideren, arose the graceful Danavara, The Dark Lady, so named because of the black forges which blessed her houses with wealth and repute. It was said that smith was so engrained in her lineage that dark blood coursed through her veins and the ringing sounds of steel forging steel, drove her heart. For all of her shadowy artisanship, Lady Danavara was fair of complexion, beauty, and nature. She was robed in long flowing skirts, wrought of dark steel thread, and at her hip hung the legendary short sword Bustan-Rhymod, sheathed in a jewel-encrusted scabbard, forever at her beck and call. On the battlefield she would sing to her blade, awakening its inner fury, and spelling doom for all who would oppose her. Danavara was also a great friend to the feline-folk, who gifted her one of their race, white as snow. Although not yet a yearling, this feline was bestowed a blessing, the ability to deliver messages through thought, over distances great and small. So entwined were these companions’ thoughts, that outsiders feared that madness had touched The Dark Lady and urged her to constantly seek her feline ally's counsel.

To be continued...

Dad for a Day (and a Half)

I've been in charge of my little sister for the past day and a half. My (past and future) job requires me to interact with a lot of kids, and at the risk of sounding like a huge homer, my sister is one of the more lovable kids I've ever met. Let me tell you a little bit about her, for context sake. She's twelve, but a young twelve. So she still thinks I'm cool, and still acts like a kid, albeit a kid with acne, and who's almost taller than both of my parents. Many things confuse her in an endearing way. She doesn't quite know how to be a "girly-girl," nor does she have any interest in becoming one. She prefers to talk to boys, since apparently they are more pleasant company. Something to do with a willingness to making hilarious jokes, and being unconcerned with eyeliner. She's not interested in boys per se, just the general idea of peers who don't take themselves too seriously. Peer pressure is just beginning to exert itself on her attitudes and habits, but tangentially, often as awareness without action. This tends to manifest as "if I were cool..." statements. For example, "If I were cool, I'd be more boy crazy." But she's aware that she's not. And that's cool by me. My sister loves getting hugs, loves greeting people at the doorway (these events tend to co-occur frequently), loves being cheeky, and loves to chat. Usually our conversations go something like this:

Me: Hey sis, what did you do today?

Sis: Well today...(lists 10 things that happened and her feelings regarding each)

Me: That's cool. Today, I took a nap.

Sis: I think my day was more interesting.

Me. Tell me about it. 

My sister does not like trying new things, especially if she underestimates her own abilities to perform novel actions. This happens much too frequently, to the point where I worry about her self-esteem. She is a walking paradox, in that she is super friendly, but has few friends. It appears that her best friend is not even a very good conversationalist. I suspect that my sister makes up for both of them.

And now, my parents are off to an exotic locale Ottawa, and I'm left in charge of this bubbly tweener. Not sure she knows what she signed up for. Sunday afternoon goes quite smoothly. I promise her that if she finishes her six (!) pieces of homework, we can go watch a movie. I promise that I'll work right alongside her. I work with her for about an hour, then television beckons. It is after all Sunday afternoon and there are subsequently at least four types of sporting events that require my immediate attention. It's not my fault that I have a Y chromosome. My sister, like a true professional, cuts a swath of destruction through her assignments, with only two minor YouTube breaks, as far as I can tell. I learn that Victoria Justice has her own television show, and also a bevy of low production music videos. Why does every young celeb have to cross-over nowadays? As promised, we look online to select a movie, and the choices for her age group are clear: Spykids 4D or Lion King 3D. Now quite apart from the delights of the Fourth Dimension (not Time my friends, but smell), one reason above all inspired my preference for Spykids:

Don't judge me. Luckily my sister agreed with my choice. It was a pretty awesome movie. For many reasons. I'm feeling pretty good about myself afterwards, not only have I ensured that my sister will progress academically, but I've provided age appropriate entertainment, for all ages. Then the bombshell. My sister remembers that she had tutoring that evening at 6:00, the movie started at 6:30. Crap. She is somewhat distraught, although in a gleeful way. I'm gutted. I offer to take full responsibility for my actions and shield her from blame. It's the least I can do for letting me watch Jessica Alba for two hours.

Out of that failure came a new found desire to be the best possible caregiver for the next night and day. I would iron her clothes, teach her to tie a tie, provide two highly nutritious meals, and drop her off at school at precisely the right moment. She would arrive and there would be no noticeable drop-off in her standard of care as judged by peers and faculty. She would not smell. I attacked these tasks with vigor. In short order, lunch was ready, pizza, grapes, cookies, all neatly packaged, despite the nearly overwhelming task of choosing the correct storage container. Note the container specifically designed for pizza that alas, I noticed much too late. Hopefully, her pizza will maintain its shape without support.

My sister was off to bed at a reasonable hour, with all aspects of school preparation complete. Kids need a surprising amount of stuff for school. My Dad calls to check in on me and I'm proud to report all is quiet on the home front.

The next day, I wake up at the crack of dawn to complete the last of my challenges as faux father. Breakfast. I hear its the most nutritious meal of the day. That's a lot to live up to. My sister requested toast with butter, I feel like that's well within my culinary capacities. I get over-confident and decide to up the ante. There will be protein, there will be scrambled eggs! I tackle this task with gusto, whipping up a frothy mixture of eggs, sea salt, and love. I add oil to a frying pan and tend to my meal with a measured intensity. The textures is perfect. I taste. What the hell. It's over-seasoned, I've added olive oil instead of canola. Rookie mistakes! It tastes like salty olives. I momentarily panic and consider eating my failure myself. She'd never know. After considering my options, I decide to let her decide for herself. My sister saunters down the stairwell and I'm informed that its standard procedure to eat in the car on route to school. Now, not only will my eggs taste like they've been marinated in the Dead Sea, but they will be cold as ice. I'm incredibly nervous. We pile all of her assorted book bags, notebook computer, water bottle, lunch bag etc. in the back seat. I make pleasant conversation as we drive, carefully noting her demeanor towards her meal. She picks up a small piece of egg and tastes it. I hold my breath. She puts her fork down and starts to talk to me about her upcoming school day. I only want her to tell me about her upcoming mouthful. The tension is too much, I break down and tell her that the eggs are salty, and that she could salvage her meal by heaping them on the bland toast, hopefully providing a buffer against hypertension. She agrees. She finishes the meal.

 Salvation. Now I need to set a reminder to pick her up from school. That could be embarrassing. Watch out fatherhood, I'm coming for you!

The Fellowship of the Six

One moon-cycle has passed since the ending of the Fellowship of the Six. Despite this passage, songs of their valor have been sung from the vast honey-wheat fields of the Nebraskan plain, to the deep blue lakes of the Twin kingdoms. Their deeds are known to many, the Slaying of the Great Scorpion, the Genesis of the Rainbows, are two which need no further elaboration, so great was their achievements. However, lesser known are the heroes themselves, and their true motives for overcoming such perils. To preserve their dignity and their honor, the following tale is now commenced. 

There was a great darkness upon the lands of Steel, an evil borne of a tyrant king, small in stature, but terrible in his neglect. Within this spectre of darkness, there arose a glimmer of hope, a secret prophecy scryed in the dying moments of a noble oracle. She foretold that into these ill times would come the Six, noble-born hailing from the farthest reaches of the known lands, a beacon of light to extinguish the shadow and begin a Golden Age. This foretelling was revealed to the four Keepers of the Realm, an order ancient in its lineage, and sacred with its purpose. The Keepers were the rightful rulers of fair Pittsburgh, a brethren sworn to uphold its highest ideals, and wield their might in the service of its peoples. They had however, through trickery and dark cunning, been enslaved by the gnome-king, forced to do his ill will, and tortured for many moons, until their spirit weakened. The prophecy though, kindled hope in the hearts of the Keepers, Lorilynn  The Wise, Joshstor The Stoic, Kristiela The Mirthful, and Jenna The Tireless. A secret council was convened and a desperate plot hatched, grand in its design but fraught with frightening peril. They sent their most trusted heralds, riding their swiftest steeds, to the four winds, carrying a cargo most precious and dangerous. For in each rider’s possession, was a parchment, sealed with the wax shield of The Keepers, that contained a proclamation, a holy mission to save the fate of the Steel Citadel. The proclamation thusly read,

To the noblemen and noblewomen of the Realm,

We, the Keepers of the Steel Citadel, come to you in dire times, requesting a grave boon. As you may well know, our lands, once resplendent in golden glory, have fallen to the dark ministrations of an evil gnome-king. He seeks not, the common good of his citizens, but rather exploitation of their gentle natures to further his own abominable ends. We are powerless to halt his growing power, save one prophecy told in secrecy, and meant for salvation. It was foretold that Six Heroes, hailing from lands unknown, would turn the tide of shadow, and commence a Golden Age in the Land of Steel. The Six must be true of spirit, wise of mind, and brave of heart, for they will face many trials as they quest for freedom. Thus, if there be any of your kith and kin, who seek not the comforts of riches, but the glory of valor, send them in utmost secrecy to Castle Watson and our training grounds to prove their worth.

Forever indebted,

Lorilynn the Wise, Joshstor The Stoic, Kristela The Mirthful, and Jenna the Tireless

As they sent their messengers on their perilous journey, a great heaviness settled in the heart of the Keepers, for who would answer this siren’s call?

To be continued...