(Dellerys) I read this saga to the members of the Clan at this evening's gathering. It was told to me by my friend Maura, when she was explaining the history of the troubles between our peoples. She found this translation in my tongue; you may have heard it in its original form. Near a village of the Westlands Did abide a fearsome dragon Hated wurm of fiery hunger Mortal man devouring gladly Burning what it could not feast on Many heroes sought to slay it Many heroes looked for glory Many heroes did it vanquish None remained to stand before it No man lived to fight again. Then the dragon made a bargain: If the village, every twelvemonth Gave to it a maiden shackled It would leave their homes and fam'lies Taking only sheep and cattle That the maiden would appease it No more lives would it require. So each year the village council Chose a maiden from the people Chained without the dragon's cavern Hardening their hearts to leave her Sacrificed her to the dragon That it would their lives allow them That it would devour the maiden That it would leave them alone. Came one year a girl of Northland Tall and fair, a maiden purest Travelling to seek her fortune Knowing not the foul tradition Gladly welcomed in the village Made to stay until the year-end Chosen then, to sate the dragon That the village girls had safety. Cried she not at this betrayal Though her face was full of anger Silently she met her fate. Found the news its way to Northland Where the girl's bethroth-ed waited Sorrow filled his heart, then anger He resolved to face the dragon Vengeance would be his, or freedom From the pain that gripped his spirit. Came he to the village hated Came he to the gates and shouted, "I will rid you of this dragon. Not for you, but for my lady, Whom you callously misused." Strode he to the dragon's cavern Boldly in its lair he entered Challenged he the monstrous creature, Battled he the wurm of evil. Hour on hour they fought unceasing, Sword to claw and shield to flaming. To a spire the man retreated, Upright rock by narrow passage, Climbed the rock as wurm's head found him Leapt upon the dragon's forebrow And before its claws could reach him, Dropped his shield and gripped his longsword, Plunged his blade between its neck scales. Leapt he from the dragon's head then, As the wurm fell back in dying. Limped the hero from the cavern, Rested then to treat his wounds. In the village all made merry, Dragon free, for maidens safety. Came the hero to the village, Raised his hands against the cheering, Threw he down his shield and scabbard. "Bury these," he yelled in anger. "Hide them as you've hidden honor, Cowardice finds you no freedom." Silently they watched the hero Turn his back and stride away. Hearts of Northmen long remember, Ever warring with their foemen, Ever angered by trust breaking, Ever saddened by betrayal. Spread the tale of Northern maiden, Who in innocence was cheated, By her innocence betrayed. Sought the hero not for vengeance. No more did he leave the Northland, Mourned his life's beloved's passing. Threat he had not made the village, But he knew his fiery brethren. Dire prediction had he uttered, Knowing that his clansmen's honor, When they learned their sister's story, Would require them to avenge her. Thus the land's peace would be shattered. Thus the Westland gained a foe.