The Prince on the Plains
The adventures of Jule Shannara, part 3
It was mid-day and the sun was as red as the blood on the ground. The warrior known as Cyprus of Nod
was standing before a heap of fallen enemies when one of them suddenly turned into a bone horror.
"I wish you wouldn't do that when I'm standing next to them!" He yelled at the
green haired necromancer.
"And I wish Jule and Scout would at least leave us something to kill! I run all the way here
only to see a barrage of arrows kill everything before I can attack!" replied Natas.
As they turned around Scout and Jule merely chuckled as their pets came running back to them, clapped
each other on the back, and went to collect their arrows. Looking around the ranger known as Scout
then asked, "Uh, where is Panel Boy?" And it did seem that the strangely armored warrior
had disappeared. Seemingly on cue he appeared walking from around the back of a large boulder, ran up
to one of the dead Mergoyles and chopped it's head off with his sword. "Be dead you vile
creature!" he yelled.
"Uh, Panel Boy? He was already dead. You don't see the blood on his chest?" replied
Scout who had just pulled the arrow out of the Mergoyles chest.
"Yeah Panel Boy, at least come out from hiding before they are all completely dead next time!
Then you won't look as much the coward!" exclaimed Scout.
"I was not afraid!" yelled the rainbow colored warrior, "I thought I saw something
there and I wish you'd quit calling me that!"
"Nevermind all that, it's time we move along on our journey." Said Jule and they
departed on their way to Piken Square killing many more vile creatures on their way. Leaving Ascalon,
dusk was approaching and Jule saw a camp ahead. "Scout, I see a camp nearby, run ahead and see
if you can find out who that caravan belongs to and if we might find shelter there for the
night." Scout ran ahead along with his pet Snow Wolf only to return shortly with a look of
surprise on his face.
"Jule, you are not going to believe this!" he shouted, "That is the camp of Prince
Rurik of Ascalon and we have been granted shelter by the Prince's guard!"
"Excellent, the gods smile upon us today. Off we go then." Replied the elf.
Upon entering the camp they were stopped at the gate and told they were requested to join Prince Rurik
immediately. Entering the tent they were greeted by the Prince and several of his officers.
"Please be seated. We hear you are on a great journey. Where is it you seek my friends?"
asked Prince Rurik. At this Jule began to tell him of his dreams of the Dragon and his Grandfather, of
the dwarves and of the place called Forge.
"Ah yes." Replied the Prince, "That would be Droknar's Forge, It is in the lower
Shiverpeaks. A mighty city where many gather to buy and sell goods. It is a great gathering place where
you will see many guilds represented. And I can only assume the Dragon you speak of is Glint, and she
is rumored to be in the desert somewhere. The last rumor I had heard had her near the Tomb of the
Primeval Kings. I do not think you are quite prepared for a trip to the lower Shiverpeaks at this time.
There are many dangers there that are too great for a party of your size. If you like, you may accompany
us for part of your journey. We are leaving Ascalon and heading to Kryta. The great city of Lions Arch
to be exact. There you may be able to find passage to the desert or in the least a guide to help you
find it. It will be a dangerous journey, as the Charr are mustering their forces against us even as we
speak not to mention the beasts that are scattered all about Tyria since the Searing. I seek refuge for
the Ascalonian people in Kryta much like what you seek in Droknars Forge. But, like I said, the choice
is yours. Tomorrow we will head into the upper Shiverpeaks, through Borlis Pass and the Frost Gate in
hopes that King Hrothgar will grant us passage to Lions Arch. We leave in the morning and I hope you
choose to join us. Either way, a safe journey to you all!" And with that the Prince retired to his
sleeping quarters leaving the Brotherhood to make their decision.
"Well Jule, What do you think? Shall we travel with Rurik or head to Piken as we planned?"
asked Scout. Everyone was quiet, as Jule seemed lost in thought.
"I remember Lions Arch from my boyhood. That is where we landed when my family came to Tyria from
Cantha. I have not seen it since I was a child. From what I remember it was a great city, even greater
than Ascalon and I think I would like to see it again. I, for my part, will journey with Rurik to Lions
Arch and from there in search of the desert and the dragon Glint. But as always, you are all free to do
as you wish." stated the elven leader calmly.
"Oh come on dude, you know we all goin' where you go, quit playin'!!" shouted
Natas.
And so it was decided that the Brotherhood of War would join with Prince Rurik on his journey through
the Northern Shiverpeaks to Kryta and the great city of Lions Arch. At this they all went to their cots
to sleep wondering what else would happen on this incredible journey. Only one day into their journey and
they had joined with a Prince of Ascalon, what would tomorrow bring?
