A Tale of Three Brothers
Once upon a time, before the scourge, three brothers lead their band through the world, in search of a safe place to lay down their burdens and sleep through the long night that was fast approaching. While truly, the whole band were brothers these three who lead them were something special. The Warmaster wielded a blade lined with living emerald with speed and ferocity shamed even the great cats of the jungle. The Hidden wove light and shadows with his hands as well as he wove truth and lies with his words and all saw what he wished them to see. The Muse could play his flute so sweetly that none could bear to turn away, and even the stones themselves took heed. Together these three lead their brethren through the darkening land, battling the monsters that beset them as they raced to seek shelter from the coming storm.

At last, they reached the crossroads where the river turned and silver once flowed like the water, bright and clear under the eyes of the greatest merchant of them all, Chorrolis. There, they discovered that they had been too slow. The place was long abandoned and the only word that remained told them that the doors of Throal had closed, they would need to find shelter elsewhere. At first, they despaired, they were mighty in their own right, but the coming darkness would soon swallow them all, no matter their bravery. They argued over and over what should be done. They fought, raved and railed until at last, they decided on a plan. Their companions would hide and sleep beneath the earth while the three brothers set out to find a kaer that would take them in. The Warmaster spoke first: “The trolls in the mountains are strong and brave. They will not close their doors easily, and will fight long and hard before they are shut. I will go to them, and find shelter there.” The Hidden spoke next: “If mighty Throal has closed its gates, then none may still stand by the strength of arms. Only through trickery may we be protected. I will seek out the Caves of Koilos and seek shelter in the living crystal, which shall bear my enchantments and hide us from all eyes, physical and astral.” Then the Muse spoke “You are wise to trust in strength, and you are wise to trust in trickery, but only in the combination of the two shall we find safety. In the darkest of times, we need the mightiest and most clever of allies. I know of a Dragon’s lair to the west, and I shall sing to him so beautifully that he shall grant us passage and shelter within his home, and there will we find safety through the long night.”

Each having spoken their part, the three brothers left their companions to hide and rest beneath the Clear Creek Crossroads. The three agreed that in two weeks' time they would return and, whoever had found shelter would guide the others to it. Thus agreed, the Muse set their story to paper, that it might never be forgotten, and they went their separate ways from the crossroads.