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The Great Desert War Trek

By Jania of Call Duck Manor

In a huge chariot drawn by many horses, nine members of the Kingdom of the West traveled for many hours to reach the Kingdom of Atenveldt. Arriving in the wee hours of the morning, we found ourselves in a great flat land. The air was wonderfully clear, which meant there were more stars in view, than many had seen in years.

We set up our pavilion and retired for the balance of the night, only to find ourselves somewhat unhappily awakened an hour or so after dawn by the great drums of the Rolling Thunder enclave. With continued sleep impossible, we arose to find we were on the edge of a vast encampment with more and larger pavilions than we had ever seen before. Great colorful flags waved from many standards. On the ground small long needled cacti frequently attached themselves to boots, skirts, and tires, and were best removed with the cactus tool (vise grips). Climbing up the ladder to the top of a great rolling caravan that stood at the edge of the encampment, I turned over 180° to view the whole site. In the far distance, I could see two circular dirt forts.

A tour of the site brought me to the merchants' row, where numerous articles were displayed. Many kinds of armor, beautiful blades in many styles, garments, hats, jewelry, books, a tavern, and two cook shops were available, at which to empty our pockets. Moving away from the camp area brought me to the forts, great circular dirt mounds, one with a tall central tower and barred gate, and another with a drawbridge. Later on it would be at these sites where the great battles would take place.

Morning court was called, with numerous royalty in attendance. Being somewhat short of stature, I did not stay for the proceedings, as I could see little, but wandered off to carefully view the merchants. I returned just as a wedding was announced. When the King asked if there were any who would object to the wedding of these two souls, the bride's father, a great Baron, said that since the groom was not a knight, perhaps it was not an adequate match. The King responded that in view of the groom's previous conduct, he would remedy the situation (to the groom's surprise), and proceeded to knight the gentleman. After calling upon all knights present to greet their new compatriot and with the Baron' s objection removed, the wedding proceeded. A silk cord was bound about the wrists of the two and witnessed by the great throng.

Later in the day, the great war got under way. As all spectators were told to remain far from the battle site, I could discern little of what was taking place. The West met Atenveldt near the entrance of the drawbridge fort and attempted to prevent their gaining entrance, but this was not to be. I saw the drawbridge raised against the Western fighters.

The various battles raged on. Until near the end, I was far away. Finding my viewpoint less than informative, I finally walked closer and climbed up the rampart of the unbesieged fort. From that viewpoint, I cou1d see numerous battles going on in small groups, but found I was able to identify few of the fighters. I did see Prince Roland with a valiant group skillfully defending an area. One great shield wall stood unmolested as few wanted to try the might of so formidable a red wall from the City of Angels. Shortly after this, the King of the West withdrew all Western fighters from the fray as injuries were mounting.

The drums were still rolling and the belly dancers added their note, but sleep overcame all until at some dark hour I heard cries for help. The tent of the lady camping nearby by herself had toppled in the strong winds and she could not get out. I heard various scurrying about and then heard no more, so obviously aid had quickly arrived.

The next day battles were again fought. I crept quite close during a fort battle standing among various resurrected knights watching their undented fellows attempting to breach the walls.

Frequently during the day, various mounted members rode about, the Queen of Caid being most attractively garbed, and enhancing the event from her horseback viewpoint.

There was a contest for war machines, with one machine that lobbed an object from one fort far beyond the second fort landing among a group engaged in an archery war. They objected greatly. I did not see this contest, but by report some worked too well, and others disintegrated when fired. A loud cannon type device was frequently set off.

The evening bardic circle was a delight to attend, and listen to the bard of Atenveldt play haunting music on his harp and sing beautiful tales from events past.

The drums did not sing us to sleep this night; which was very nice, since we needed the rest to prepare for the return home.

Returning from the war area feeling the effects of the long trek, and the short sleep, I relied on the reports from the surrounding fighters and archers to keep informed of the various encounters.

A great wind arose that evening covering us all with dust and invading all spaces. Most of our group retired early, although one of our younger members was out at the forts in the dark participating in a Ninja war. Blond hair being a definite disadvantage on a clear moonlit night, he had to find more dark coverings.

The third day we arose early to fold our pavilions and return north. We added a tenth member to our group for the return ride. She, being Bard of the Mists, kept us quite well entertained on our long voyage.

For even a nonfighter, the Great Desert War can be a great adventure in which to participate. If the opportunity arises next year, I shall undoubtedly to again.

 



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