While Bazil struggled to find his way through the dark
perilous castle of Rastipher, Julian experienced a struggle of his own.
Struggled to get his clothes off, that is. It was so hard going to
bed lately, when he knew his beautiful bride would not be waiting for him.
Then again, he had never had a beautiful bride, nor a bride of any other
type, so Julian was not really sure of what he was complaining about. With
that, he went to bed.
The warrior slept fitfully, and dreamed many dreams.
The best among them dealt with cheese.. but never mind, that too is
irrelevant to the story. The worst involved a small army of hamsters...
Julian shuddered and decided it better to not reveal the details of this
dream either. However, somewhere in between these dreams, there was a dream
worth telling.
.....
Julian looked around him. Torn bodies of stuffed animals
surrrounded him. Where was he? A strange creature stood amidst the wreckage.
He seemed very noble. He looked much like a man, but seemed to be made
completely out of stone. The creature looked upon the wreckage, and the
same time looked beyond it as well. He seemed to be lost in thought and
detached
from reality. Though the creature seemed gentle, Julian could not be
certain, so drew his sword, just in case. It was then he realized that
he had no sword on, nor scabbard, nor belt, nor clothes for that matter.
"Well isn't this a predicament," said Julian out loud,
"you'd think I was Bazil or something." Luckily, no people seemed
to be nearby, so Julian didnt mind going commando, among other things
for a while until he could discen what was going on. The the creature spoke,
not in words, but directly into Julian's mind!
These peaceful animals, the creature said,
turning towards Julian and gesturing at the fallen bodies around them,
they
were my people. They are dead now because of me. My name is Asinfar.
I am , I mean was, king of the Txzcol. They are now dead, please leave
me in peace with my fallen people. With that, he picked up a torn energizing
bunny. No longer will you keep going and going and going, old friend.
Goodbye.
"If I may not be so bold, kind sir, err king, err
gold one, but who did this? Perhaps their deaths may be avenged. I am a
knight if Cadentry and if you will help me out of this strange land,
and find me some clothes then I will help you avenge you people's murders."
Asinfar looked deeply at Julian, his golden eyes gleaming like they were
made of, well, gold.
You would do that, for me, a stranger?
"I am on a noble quest, one that I must complete,
but I am by honor to help you if you will aid me."
Very well, I will show you the way. Oh and here
are some clothes. Julian was suddenly fully clothed and
ready for battle.
But battle with who?
Next Chapter