theworldofdreams.com

The old man sits on the edge of his bed, waiting for his limbs to warm up. His joints burn and his muscles ache from ancient wounds. He feels wetness on his hand and notices a hound licking him. With a smile he pats the dog's head. "Good boy. You're a good boy, aren't you?"

As he sits, disjointed thoughts swirl through his head. Old battles, old friends and old loves. So many memories. He looks at the armor on it's rack in the corner of the room. It's been years since he wore it. Does it still fit?

"Burke!" he yells. His voice, used to shouting orders in battle, is suprisingly loud.

"Where is that boy? Always goofing off..."

A young man enters the tower. He appears suprised to see the old man sitting up.

"It's early yet for your oat meal, Sir Stone... Do you require assistance?"

"Oatmeal?! Blargh. I don't want any of that pap. I want to put on my armor. Help me with it, Burke"

"Uhm...Burke hasn't been with us for years Sir Stone. I'm Pip." The young man looks confused. "You say you want to put on the armor, Sir?"

"Damn right. I think I'll go see the Queen today. It's been ages since I saw Her Majesty. She used to be sweet on me, you know?"

"The Queen, Sir? Let me ... go .... tell the stableboy to ready your charger. I'll be right back, Sir Mego."

Pip dashes down the steps. Sir Mego lurches to his feet and dodders over to the armor. Lovingly he runs his hands over the polished metal. A sword is sheathed with the armor. Mego pulls the sword. As he does so, he visibly straightens, his back stiffens and his feet shift as they seek an ancient and instinctive balance. He grins as he strides over to the window. The woods outside are dark. The sun is still rising and mist covers much. In his mind's eye though, Mego sees these woods, this land, this country. He remembers the old days, before even horses were tamed. One had to walk everywhere. Or run. In those days he had a wolf's loping stride. He thought nothing of running from Vesper to Britain. These days he rarely leaves his tower room.

Suddenly two men arrive in the room. Pip and an older man. The older fellow looks at the sword in Mego's hand and shakes his head sadly.

"Sir Stone. Lord Stone! What are you doing out of bed this early?"

"As I told Pip here, I was planning on eating a big breakfast and then going to see the Queen. See if she has any trolls that need taken care of. Maybe some Praetorians. Have you heard anything about them recently? Or of the Dark One? Does he walk the land again? Who protects the realm?"

"Sir Stone, give me the sword please. You must lie down again. It's too early for you to be exerting yourself."

The man steps up to Mego and gently takes the sword. For a fraction of a second there is some resistance from the old warrior, but then he relinquishes his past.

The man with the sword motions to Pip with his eyes. Pip takes Mego by the hand and guides him back to the bed.

With a sigh the old man lies down again. The wonderous memories and visions that so recenly filled his head slowly fade again. He closes his eyes once more and, for the final time, he leaves this World of Dreams.

Well done.

Very well done, Longshadow.

I wish I had been around in the earlier days when Mego walked the lands. Those must have been some pretty exciting times.

Ah Yes
Me too Atei. I was just coming in when they were leaving. All the mighty warriors from our realms beginning. I wish I was here from the beginning, its an honor that I am in the same world that they were and it would be an honor if I can meet them.
That writeup from Longshadow literally gave me goosebumps and a lump in my throat.
Friday night will truly be sad. The tears shall flow.

Herakles

Truly amazing! thank you...I have heard of Mego.
I am glad he got to come home one more time..if only
for a few minutes.

That gave me goosebumps as well...i could smell the rushes on the floor and see the tarnished armor standing in its place of honor.


Ais