Prologue To The Brumble: The Legend Of The Stone

Prologue

Brumble was born in Reflection City. He was perhaps the only person who knew the entire story of this strange but wonderful place. It all began years ago when his grandfather was a young knight. His grandfather, whose name was Dexter, was returning from battles with the eastern people. As he climbed the steep trail to his city, he was extremely burdened about the fruitlessness of fighting all the time. Even on the return to his home he had been attacked by bandits. He had left the northern front because he had received news that his young wife had died. The extreme winter had been more than her frail body could stand. Now he was returning to mourn her death and to make arrangements for the care of his child. As he approached
He built a fire and made a mud pack for its wound. He covered the fox with a blanket, and he then fell quickly asleep.

The next morning to his surprise there was no fox under the blanket but a man. Dexter was so amazed that he could not speak, but the old man put him at ease when he said, "I am a wizard. I had turned myself into a fox to enjoy the country and was shot by hunters. I was too weak to return to my human form. I am so glad that you came along, or I am afraid that arrow may have been the death of me."

Dexter introduced himself and told the sad story about the loss of his
Joel did not become too concerned, but the next day she did not arrive. That night he did not eat. While he was standing in front of the large window, in the distance he noticed a rider. His horse's gait was slow. Surely, if there was any trouble, if the rider had information about his daughter, the pace would be quick. There appeared to be no urgency with this rider. As the rider approached the castle he stopped. He dismounted his horse and stood next to his mount. He stood there motionless and stared at the castle. The king studied the rider and could see that he was tall, extremely tall. He could see that he wore a beard. This man a was knight, but not of his army. Joel alerted the night watch to keep an eye on the stranger but not to approach him. That night as the king ate, his thoughts returned to his daughter. The castle was cold and the large fire in the eating room did little to warm the air. The warm food and liquid did warm his body but did warm heart. He still had the feeling that something was wrong. He went to the window and saw the knight was still standing next to his horse. He had built a fire, and the embers' glow made this stranger look even taller. Did this man have information about his daughter? He ordered his horse to be made ready. He also sent for two knights to accompany