The Hermit and the Magician

by Mandy Doerr

In the darken Forest of Fey
Lived a young hermit lass
Who dwelled among the birds of prey
Wearing bands made of brass

With the caravans of Ludrik
Travelled a clever lad
A practitioner of magic
In colorful silks clad

Never tread the dark trail alone
Always be on your guard
The loner is to peril prone
His remains often charred

At the edge of the dark forest
The traders set up camp
Within sight of the falcon's nest
South of the stream bed damp

Even the hermit needs supplies
Stone to keep daggers sharp
Spices to use in berry pies
And canvas strong for tarps

Among the merchants he performed
Entertaining the crowd
With his talent and skill well honed
To their applause he bowed

Withdrawn she crept through the throng
Making no eye contact
The magician sensed something wrong
And stopped her in her tracks

Never tread the dark trail alone
Always be on your guard
The loner is to peril prone
His remains often charred

With cards he mesmerized the lass
Curiosity struck
And the soul once encased in glass
Found a friendship that stuck

The magician told the hermit
Of his dream to obtain
A fabled device most mystic
That could rule storm and rain

With loyalty most strong and true
The hermit pledged her help
This journey too she would pursue
With daggers in her belt

Encouraged by her faith in him
Went the magician forth
To lead them to the fortress grim
Beyond the forest north

Never tread the dark trail alone
Always be on your guard
The loner is to peril prone
His remains often charred

With trickery and dagger skill
They evaded many
Wishing their flesh to gullet fill
Bones to pick a plenty

At the foot of the stone fortress
They discovered a way
Leading to a hidden crevice
Under the mountain gray

Under the gleam of magic glow
They climbed down to the depths
Of the limestone caverns below
On top of hand carved steps

An enormous chamber appeared
A rumble shook the cave
Roaring threw their hearts into fear
For it was dragon made

Never tread the dark trail alone
Always be on your guard
The loner is to peril prone
His remains often charred

With magician and hermit stealth
They snuck upon the beast
Picking carefully through the wealth
They avoided its feast

He cast distracting dancing lights
She plunged her dagger deep
Coated with forest poisoned bite
The dragon fell asleep

They rummaged through the dragon's loot
For their enchanted prize
And there covered by dragon soot
Laid the magic device

Quickly they fled the caverns deep
Hastily climbing stairs
Not knowing how long it would sleep
Before taking to air

Never tread the dark trail alone
Always be on your guard
The loner is to peril prone
His remains often charred

Out of breath they reached the forest
And leaned against a tree
The dragon came anger possessed
They too tired to flee

Shrilled whistle brought the birds of prey
To aid the hermit lass
With magic effort came clouds gray
To hinder fire blast

Aided by the hawk and falcon
The lass found them cover
Drawing upon his knowledge won
A thunder storm hovered

Lightning flashed and hail plummeted
Dragon screams shook the hills
Flailing leather wings turned and fled
Beneath the mage's will

Never tread the dark trail alone
Always be on your guard
The loner is to peril prone
His remains often charred

Together they had travelled there
Together they had fought
Together they had found the rare
Together victory wrought

As friends they journeyed together
As comrades they remain
And now they control the weather
Friendship their greater gain

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