I had risen early that morning, to practice archery on the hills outside of Yew. The night-frost was still laying on the ground… made the grass sparkle in the morning sunlight, as if someone had scattered diamonds all over the frosty fields.

I reached the peek of the hills, and started my practice… held my magical bow with a firm but yet, gentle grip… Just as I had been taught by skilled archers. I drew the bow, held my breath and concentrated… Let go of the bowstring and watched the arrow rush through the air with a whistling sound. I continued systematically, until the quiver on my back was totally empty and the muscles in my arm started to feel a bit sore.

As I decided to take a break, an unexpected sound came out from the edge of the forest nearby. I reached instinctively for my spell-book, ready to defend myself if necessary. Then the shape of an old woman appeared in the bushes. I heaved a deep sigh of relief and smiled towards the wanderer.

"Greetings young lady, what a fine morning it is"

"Aye, it sure is"

The old woman looked very tired… so I asked her to accompany me and share a flask of water. As we sat down in the sunlight, she started telling me about her journeys. She talked about dragons, elves and heroes… memories from the past… from a time when these lands were still young and fairly unspoiled. The sound of her wheezing old voice made my mind drift away… far away to past days of wonders and miracles, when everything seemed magical. I am not sure for how long we sat there, but suddenly her voice stopped… she paused and pointed anxiously with a bony, shaking finger towards something. I gazed down… And immediately noticed what had caught the old woman’s attention…

A man came riding in the valley below us. He rode his fiery mount effortlessly through the harsh terrain, with a peaceful expression on his handsome face. Even from a distance, one could not help but noticing him… There was something about that man. Something different and powerful. He radiated strength and energy… That kind of strength that made his enemies tremble for sure. Yet… there was more underneath. Much more. The man rode closer…

I could see his eyes now… His blue, expressive eyes that burnt with an ever burning flame. They reflected goodness and passion… glowing from the deepest corner of his soul…

He did not notice our presence… as we watched the man in silence… Watched him until he was gone and totally devoured by the thick foliage. The old woman stared at me with an amazed expression in her wrinkled face.

"Who was that man? He must be a King, or a Prince the least!"

I laughed… And gave her a knowing, proud smile in return.

"He is neither of that my friend. But I do know for sure… what he truly is…

- He is My Lord"

Morina, October 23 1998