The Demon Plague Verses Chapter 4, Part 1
Billet and Vilerend wandered
the vast tundra for days.
Seeking Shatterbone village
and the king's learned ways.
They carried the tablet that
was certainly a clue,
to release the dragon and
restore death they once knew.
The village was discovered
a long walk to the west.
It seemed to be quite peaceful
‘Twas Shatterbone they guessed.
What stood here before was nought
but empty ruined shells.
A village from long ago
from great heights it had fell.
The current people built on
these ruinous remains.
They piled new stone walls on
the Elder People's frames.
This mix of past and present
was topped with thick thatch roofs.
These homes were just good enough
to shelter and behoof.
In the village center stood
an imposing, grand hall.
Its base was ancient stonework
and wooden were its walls.
The King's Hall was open to
any that sought to speak
their thoughts to their ruler who
would offer his critique.
Vilerend and Billet stepped in
looking ‘round from the door.
A throne sat on raised, wood planks
above mosaic floor.
An old, yet tough man sat there,
the king of Shatterbone.
He spoke with a young couple
that too called this place home.
The meeting was concluded.
The villagers gave thanks.
The king smiled and said goodbye
and stood upon his planks.
He looked upon the strangers
examining his hall,
intrigued by their arrival
he bellowed forth a call,
“Welcome to my home,
Shatterbone Village,
where I am the king.”
“Tong Shatterbone is
my name. What brings you
to the frozen north?”
Vilerend and Billet told Tong
of Fern Quickstream's foul deed,
how she brought about death's end,
and now his help they need.
“You have heard the truth,”
Tong said. “I am known
for my library.”
“I collect ancient
texts and artifacts.
Show me your item.”