The Storyteller

The Storyteller

Iza was a small woman, but she had a voice that could ring like thunder. She was one of the oldest and most respected people in Moldavia. Respected not only for her years, but also for her stories.

In the tradition of the Keepers of Old, she had memorized every story, every event that had come about in Moldavia's past; even what happened before Moldavia existed. These stories had been passed down through the generations of her family since the first people came to Moldavia.

Many people came to ask her advice on problems in their lives. Often, they were greeted with a warm smile and a tale that somehow related to their situation. And, at every festival, she could be found relating the stories of Moldavia to young and old.

Iza emerged from her home early on the morning of the Beltane festival, carrying a large book. "Just in case I forget," she always said. But she never did.

By her side walked her husband, Phaecian, who was twelve years her senior. He was the man who was to guide the oracle child, whomever she may be. Phaecian was by far one of the wisest men in Moldavia.

The center of town was bustling with people going here and there, trying to decide where to begin. The largest crowd was around the trade market where one could trade their old things for new ones. The craftsmen would use the old scraps of cloth and bead work to make new things to trade at the next festival.

Iza took her usual place on the steps of the temple of the Keepers of Old. Phaecian said his goodbyes and hobbled off to watch the contests. He had heard the tales so many times himself that he could practically recite them. But he never let Iza know.

A group of people flocked over in Iza's direction when they saw that she had arrived. The younger children came to sit as close to her as possible, tugging on her robe and asking her to begin.

"Be patient, dears." She told them. "I'll begin as soon as everyone is settled."

She waited a few moments until every person had found a comfortable spot and was settled in. Iza opened her book….