The Chronicles of Clarazel

by Hazel Goodman

    Part One - Humphrey's Quest   

Page Four

A good meal safely tucked away And wineglass in his hand, Humphrey sat and listened well
To what his hostess had to tell About Forever Land
 
"My name is Clarazel," she said. "I am the Guardian here. The light was set, long ages past,
I hope Forever it will last." Her  words were most sincere.
 
"The light beams rays of Ancient Power Across this Magic Land To keep it always out of sight
From Land or Sea by day or night From any roving Band.
 
Folk of different race and creed Live here in Harmony. The Dandelions, the Sandman old
And Unicorns with Horns of Gold And Bat folk in the trees.
 
Wisps live within the Marshes, The Earthworms in the Plain, And far across the Field of Flowers
A Dragon Princess in her bower, Festooned with Golden Chains.
 
And down in Camelittle, In a castle old and grey, Live Knights who fled from Arthur's Court,
Who found with me the peace they sought. They live there to this day.
 
Many folk are gathered here, In this, my Magic Land, Ruled over by a King so wise,
Who's never taken in by lies. He is my firm right hand.
 
And now to your part, Humphrey. I've a task to set to you. I need a person brave and strong
To find someone whose path's gone wrong. There's nothing I can do.
 
There is a place called Nowhere Caught in the Plain below, Formed by Magic that 's not mine,
Long ago, in Ancient Time. It's there I'd have you go.
 
There's a Notice that says 'DANGER' 'KEEP OUT' and 'PLEASE TAKE HEED',
but Ouff, the Troll, went by one day And accidentally lost his way, For poor Ouff cannot read!
 
I cannot go and save him. This task is up to you. For Nowhere is just what it is,
It's not a place for folk to live, There's nothing  right or true.
 
Will you accept this special task To find poor Ouff again And take him where he's meant to stand,
To guard the Bridge from Dragon Land Close to the Barren Plain?"
 
Humphrey never wavered. "Of course I'll help," he said. "I have a Charm the Hermit gave.
It may be, with it's help, I'll save Poor Ouff from troubles dread."
 
Clarazel gave Humphrey A warm bed for the night. Then shortly after Dawn next day
She found a Map to mark the way, And for the dark - her Light.
 
"If you succeed in finding Ouff, Then call me loud and clear, Whilst holding firm this Magic Shell
That's covered with a Listening Spell You call and I will hear."
 
Then Clarazel showed Humphrey The path that downward lay, To where the road to Nowhere ran,
With paths un-trod by Mortal Man, Through rocky passes grey.
 
 

copyright © Hazel Goodman 1987 -  2007

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