Becoming a Bard

Before you can say anything, the stranger continues.

"You must forgive me my manners, John Doe. I have the honor of knowing your name, without having shared my own. I am Xavier Tehantes---"

"Xavier Bird's Song!" you interrupt excitedly. You may not have recognized the man, but you know the legend around him. He is one of the most celebrated bards in the world. It is said he knows at least a thousand tales, and his songs can lure the shyest birds from their perches.

Xavier gives you a rueful smile. "Yes, that is one of the names I am known by. I have been searching for the last few years for an apprentice. I am told you have a way with a story and a voice that may be trainable. Perhaps you would be interested in serving an apprenticeship with me?"

You feel your heart racing and have a hard time breathing. As a bard, you could travel the entire length and breadth of the world. And a bard trained by the legendary Xavier Bird's Song, few doors would not be open to you!

Xavier smiled. "I see the yes in your eyes. Very well. But be warned. There is more to being a bard than a witty story or a pretty song. The training will be hard and varied. I have a home not far from here. Will you follow me?"

Without a second thought, you agree to go. Two days hence, you arrive at the small estate of Xavier Bird Song's. There you learn what your training will entail. There are tomes of stories and legends, and many parchments and instruments for writing down the new stories that you learn in your travels. There is a small herb garden, for the bard is also learned in the spells and lore of Nature. Xavier also had a collection of musical instruments, some common, some exotic, in which he was conversant in. And, of course, there was a collection of swords and other weapons that the bard must be skilled in.

As you get settled into the room which will be your home for the next few years, you find sleep to be elusive, as you excitedly look forward to tomorrow, your first day of training.