Red-Eyed Apes of Jibaral
Tomes of Amaxathroth > Ink, Blood and Parchment

The great rock Jibaral stands alone between roaring straits, where the Lantac pours into the Meddin. Serpents brave not these waters, but men and women of Malg and Cadaz risk all in tiny boats of fronds and bent askas wood. Mighty pillars stand amidst the waters, placed by kings of a past aeon, worn but yet strong; between hang great and rusting chains, each link the length of a woman's arm. From Malg come strong men, the chain-graspers; from Cadaz, lissom wise women, who know the sorcery that charms askas trees into boats.

The plain women of Malg are bitter and deceitful; the thin, swarthy men of Cadaz base and cowardly. Have naught to do with either, and beware their murderous plots and consummations, for they spread across that land, far from the walls of both cities.

At the foot of Jibaral, amidst spray-watered trees and lush fruit, are the Ape Temples. Furred and fanged, greater than their brethren, red-eyed apes climb down from the great rock to speak in the way of men. Many are those who come to Jibaral to seek the wisdom of the ape, ferried across the straits by men of Malg and women of Cadaz. The weak stay, for the hearts of weak men and hesitant women are no greater than the hearts of lesser apes; they will serve any who speak strongly.

This I learned from man-tongued apes who live as kings, served by men. I have faired well by this knowledge; it is a mighty sorcery indeed.

[ Posted by Reason on November 5, 2006 ]