In the Alksweld town of Wéafeirbénvi, which name meant Wolf’s Will, a great terror had been laid on the clans. This was in the form of great rodents, who’s bits were poison, and who devoured food in an endless hunger. For many long years the town’s clans attempted to kill these beasts, yet they were swift, and would come out when the town’s clans were asleep, and would devour all the food.
It was in this peril that the Clans sent out word for aid, though those that came were unable to defeat the town’s plague, and all hope had left the Clans, who believed they would only be rid of the plague by leaving their homes. But before any could do so, a stranger came to the town. And this stranger was indeed strange, for he was covered in a cloak, which appeared from some angles black, but from others grey, and others white. The area around his eyes were blackened, and on his head were to antlers, but unlike those of the Yéonec, who’s came down along their cheeks, his stuck up, pointing towards the sky.
“What brings you to our town?” Ask the Adajar of the Wéafeirbénvi. “Surely not to stay, for we are plague greatly, and none will be here much longer, for these rodents taint it.”
The stranger laughed. “Fear not mighty Adajar, because this plague of beasts will soon be departed, as I will drive them from here.”
Now the Town’s Clans in turned laugh. “Drive them from here?” they returned. “You are but one, and together we have not been able to defeat these foull pests. How can you drive them from here, when so many combined could not?”
But as they laughed, from his satchel he pulled a double flute. “With this I will drive these rodents from your town, for I have been gifted by Éorméh, goddess of music. And with my talent I will ride you of your plague, and in return you shall give me all your silver.”
The Adajar and the Town’s Clans were skeptical, but with no other ideas. They agreed, though they had no hope for success. The Stranger then played a tune on his flute, and that tune called to the Rodents, who came out at the sound, and rallied to the Stranger. The Stranger then led them to the sea, where they drowned themselves in it’s cold waters, and never would such fowl rodents ever plague Azileax.
But when the Stranger got back to the town, he found the gate closed. The townsfolk, though thankful for being relieved of the plague, soon realized they would have to give up much wealth, and so refused to hold up the bargain. Enraged, the Stranger promised to take something more valuable than silver, and then disappeared into the woods. The Town’s Clans did not take his warning seriously, say an old Druid named Awlnren, who’s name means Moon Spirit, and warned of possible danger, but was ignored. And while the town celebrated, he took his apprentice Dréiarneth, whose name means Great Mountain, from the town, with several silver coins.
On their way they passed the Stranger, and when Awlnren saw him he said, “Do not harm us, for we mean no ill will, and I shall give you this silver, though it’s not all of the Town’s, and ask you spare us from what will be lost, if not the whole town too.”
The Stranger smiled, and took the coins. “Fear not Druid, for you and your apprentice will be spared. But you are no representative of your town, and still they must be punished as oath breakers. Begone from this town, for if past this night you return with that child, the Town’s Clans, even that of your own, will surely kill you.” And with that disappeared.
Back at the town the Clans celebrated, and as they did flutes and strings were played. But then came a tune that made the people sleep, and even as they drank and ate they fell asleep. And then the gates opened, and the Stranger entered, playing his double flute. Then he changed his tune to the one he gave the rodents, and slowly, every child of the town from age six to fifteen rose to the tune, and followed the Stranger into the woods. And when the town’s Clans woke they found their children missing, and they would never again be seen.
And they cried out, and cursed the Stranger, yet the gods would not answer these curses, for they were oathbreakers, and so the Stranger was just, and to whatever land or country he went to, for none do know, he was never punished for his deed. And Awlnren went south, and he and his apprentice would never feel the Strangers wrath, though always would fear the Stranger's return.
And in the town of Wéafeirbénvi, though still it stands and survive it the clans did, still on the eve the Stranger came, they are quiet, and outside the gate a bag of silver waits that is gone by morning. And if any listen outside, when the moon is about and stars shine, they will year a flute, and the sound of children.
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