The Book of Temples Chapter 40
Greedy Noble’s folk
explored Linomnount
while carrying the disease.
The Wasting Slumber
was now endemic
to the entire island.
Each Child of the Gods
watched as their People
quickly sickened and passed on.
Though, like Hand and Knife,
they too had people
with innate immunity.
The Children questioned
their People and those
visiting from far and wide.
Soon they discovered
whence the disease came
and assembled those immune.
They would go in force
to Hand and Knife’s lands
for final confrontation.
Her People received
angry visitors
that made demands for a cure.
Again they said no,
they were bound by oath
to never teach their magic.
Nor would Hand and Knife
allow their service
to heal other Children’s folk.
Dissent grew among
rebuffed aggressors.
Many wanted to attack.
Some of the people
claimed pacifism.
Others wished to seize the cure.
Greedy Noble’s folk
warned against fighting.
They feared magical defense.
They were not believed,
then battle began.
Attackers were quickly slain.
No one knew it yet
but this was the first
battle in a newborn war.