26 October 2002
A mighty man once lived, the manner of which this world has not seen nor will ever see again. For he was a warrior-poet of old, mighty in both speech and action. None could stand against his word or his sword: within him resided the purity of a spring and the forcefulness of the sun.
He long roamed the earth, speaking tales of days as they were, as they are, and as they will be. His tales enchanted the listener, not with magic, but with truth. For his stories were a life unto themselves, living tapestries which drew men into a different land. The man’s tales brought the strongest to tears, and gave strength to the weak.
Their power was found in the heart of poet; for he carried a hidden fire which pierced deeply his heart, causing him the greatest of anguish. The fire was a story ineffable – the greatest of all tales, one that could not be expressed.
Few indeed saw this pain; it is doubtful that many mortal men could experience it and live. The poet knew his role, and lived his life despite the anguish which crippled his soul. The fire struggled against him; there were times when his mouth was closed and he was thrown to the floor, crying bitter tears that none could understand.
Yet still his tales grew in renown and power, for the man strove for a day when this inner fire could be expressed. Time passed and the poet grew old; the day came when he knew that his time was complete. Rising slowly from his chair, the poet began to chant one final tale, of the fire immortal.
To this day, there lives no man who could repeat the story spoken day, for such was its power that it pieced deeply into the hearts of each man and became an unspeakable part of him. The poet’s voice rose and fell as the ocean tide, carrying with it the music of the forest. He spoke of truth and betrayal, love and anguish, and the bitterness and sweetness of life. The fire within him was poured out into this tale, and the room was silent as the poet sank to his knees.
The hush remained in the hall as the poet’s final words escaped from his mouth. The people buried him deep within the forest, under a cairn of stone. On its face, only these words are inscribed: the fire immortal. It is said that even today, in these dark times, those who find this monument discover that the story still remains.