touchnovel Chapter 49: Songs in the Desert Night
Chapter 49: Songs in the Desert Night
Chapter 49: Songs in the Desert Night After what felt like an eternity to Aster, he saw Stahl and allies returning to the group alongside a wagon pulled by two feral oxen. From the drivers seat, Aster could make out a fluffy black and white husky commanding the reigns. There appeared to be two more beasts inside that he couldn’t quite identify from his position near the end of the beasts, hidden from view. Captain Rixator’s booming voice announced the guests.
"WE HAVE GUESTS JOINING US, I EXPECT YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR BEASTS!" The bull stomped one hoof, all the soldiers present, Aster included now, called out in unison. "SIR!"
When it was safe to reveal the more rare assets counted among their number, Aster and Prince Tyfin came forward to greet the three beasts. The humanoid husky, who seemed to be somewhere in his late thirties, stepped forward first, extending a bow to the prince before him as he made his introduction.
"Dally O’Day! Bard, Vagabond, trader, and professional teller of tales, at your service, your highness."
The husky had on a large hat, with a large fluffy feather adorned in the band. As the husky motioned to the two beasts to his left and right, he made their introductions as well.
"This burly mountain of fluff to my left is the vastly talented, yet incredibly reserved, musician known simply as Milky."
The beast in question was a larger dog of some sort, covered entirely in a fuzzy white, thick coat of fur that stuck out in every which way, giving the canine an appearance similar to a sentient pile of snow, and perhaps just as soft natured.
Dally pointed to the peacock on his right then, as he made the next introduction. "And this lovely, mysterious lady is the ever enigmatic Madame Mist, a teller of prophecy, gifted with a voice that could appease even the gods! We are pleased to be in such vast company to share the evening with."
The dramatic husky finished his statement with a proper bow, extending his arm before himself in a swinging motion as he did so. The husky looked to Aster then, adding a bit just for him.
"And for the rare opportunity to entertain a human in this day and age." And with that, the traveling force found quite the welcomed distraction from their tiring journey in the form of good company and entertainment.
Dally and his crew had many gifts to share with their newfound allies, in the forms of good food, good wine and mead, and wonderful performances of song.
To Aster’s delight, firewood was among those gifts. It was about an hour into the night that the husky motioned over to the fluffy white dog, Milky, who started strumming four notes on their lute.
Aster found the sight of such a large beast playing such a tiny instrument a bit comical, and was surprised by how accurate the dog was able to strum the chords, considering the fur on his paws completely shrouded the strings from view.
Even so, as Milky fell into the rhythm of strumming away four steady notes on repeat, Dally began to sing, telling a story that even Aster soon recognized, although in a far different medium than he had ever heard before.
Gather round, and hear the tale. "As five great heroes once were hailed, To save this land from fate so sure and sound.
"The five great beasts they stood against, Made the strongest kings repent, For the folly of the path they found.
"For the beast who ruled the sky, with flaming wings that burned so bright, A bow was forged to tame the very wind.
"For those that seek to wield this power, Must speak their truth, in darkest hour, And pledge their heart to serve those called a friend.
"For the beast who claims the seas, Whose frigid chill can make them freeze, A trident fell to part the roaring waves.
"And should this be the strength you
As Aster struggled to make himself move against his attackers, fear returned to his heart as he noticed a large number of figures closing in around the encampment. They were completely surrounded and outnumbered by the strange, foreign creatures within seconds.
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