“And the cripple leaps ahead…”
Once upon a time in a country-side of HEROS, there was prophesy of draught, starvation and death in the land in few days to come, and the people were afore-warned to move out of their domain into a new land where dreams come true - The Promise Land. The oracle had also warned that only the strong and the highly skilled shall survive the throes. However, before the exodus commenced, every man was advised to make a worthy sacrifice. When asked what the contents of the sacrifices were for each person, the oracle just said again, “SACRIFICE”. Then, there was confusion. Alphareus, the Lord of the land, knew the oracle could not be wrong. It had not. He consulted the wise men who interpreted the oracle’s responses as “PREPARATION” before the journey and “STEADFASTNESS” during the journey. Skills were necessary, but not ultimate. The path to the new land, whose length was unknown, was described by a narrow slippery bridge across a boiling river. Alphareus felt sacrifice could not have come in such simple terms of PREPARATION & STEADFASTNESS. He called a congress.
“Once again, we have to fight against extinction for survival. Immediately after our victory over CHOURMOGUS, I have known that this is not our home. There is going to be another movement from this domain of death to one with livelihood. Probably, the greatest movement mankind will ever witness. The good news is that we shall know no bitterness in the new home. The bad news however is that, ONLY the strong and the highly skilled will survive. Now, go home, get fit and harness your skills for the journey that commences by the next 7 days.” Alphareus descended the dais and retired to his palace.
The congress dispersed. One could see no fears on anyone’s face. They were all warriors. After all, they had won all battles that came there way. Even the chourmogian war that seemed insurmountable was conquered. “Victory is certain”, said the Lead Warrior.
While everyone had gone to garner their arsenal, one man had gone for consultations on the description of the paths that led to the Promised Land. Metomiphius was a cripple. He knew that apart from severe death during wars, several were others that were stampeded during massive movements; most of them, crippled. He knew he had neither weaponry nor horses, still he decided to survive with the strong and the highly skilled.
Few hours after consultaions, Metomiphius set upon a journey that was billed for the next seven days. He had stocked himself with essential resources for the journey. He knew a delay is detrimental as much as an overload of resources. He took just enough essential resources and set forth.
For Alphareus, there was no need to be in a hurry. He had warriors and fast and healthy horses. However, he understood that after some lay-off, his chariots needed rejuvenation – Strength and Skill alike. He set aside a training camp and equipped it with new weaponry. He got more carts for storage. He was getting prepared.
