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Arxium had faced much death and destruction in a mere two and a half days. People were frightened, angered, and lashing out. The royal adviser was dead, and even the monsters perpetuating the fear and violence couldn't seem to keep themselves together. It was a time of complete and utter turmoil. Every side needed some assistance, and the townspeople could use something to lighten their spirits.
And that was where a strange visitor found himself in the conflict.
The surviving citizens of Arxium were gathered within the main hall of the palace. The Queen stood by her throne where her son now sat, listening to the concerns of her people. Without her adviser, she was without guidance, but she was not helpless. Lady Avra was a resourceful woman, and in some ways she was better off without Baldassare there to guide her. He had helped the royal family for generations, so his absence was felt deeply, but the Queen would survive, and so long as she did, she would ensure that her people did as well.
Suddenly, there was a commotion by the doors. The Queen noticed before anyone else, watching as the doors to the hall slowly opened. The sound quickly drew the attention of everyone gathered. And now the spotlight was on the man that had just entered the city. By his attire, he appeared to be some sort of court jester.
But not Lady Avra's court jester.
He bounced into the room, his demeanor light despite his dark appearance. He looked around at everyone gathered as he made his way to the center of the room, spinning and bowing as he greeted random bystanders that looked on in confusion.
When he finally stopped skipping around, he began to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen of our great empire! I am but a humble entertainer, here to uplift your spirits in what I hear is a deeply troubling time!"
He gave a short speech about his craft, told a few jokes, and began to dance around as jesters are wont to do. The children immediately took a liking to him, and some of the older individuals gathered seemed to appreciate his presence. Some seemed more nonplussed.
The Queen herself was unsure of how to react. Should she have the man stopped? He seemed harmless, but he was a stranger nonetheless, and how could a stranger be trusted in these times when even friends and family appeared suspicious? But, then again, perhaps a stranger was exactly what he needed. If he'd just arrived in Arxium, he certainly wasn't one of the monsters that had been terrorizing it. He could be a new monster, but he could also be of help.
For the time being, she deigned to allow the continuance of his performance. He couldn't exactly be a danger with so many eyes on him, could he?
Eventually, between his dances and his songs, he began to offer a little game.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I have a riddle for you all! It is a simple one, truly, but think of it as a test of sorts! If it goes well, I may present you with another riddle! Or maybe, if your answer impresses me, I may present you with . . . a
wish."
Murmurs broke out through the crowd. A wish? What did the fool mean?
"You heard right, ladies and gentlemen! The first person to impress me shall be granted one wish! Anything the heart desires! I promise! And I always make good on my promises!"
He danced around the crowd, his infectious energy seeming to bring some of them to buy into what he was saying.
"Now, for the first puzzle!"
He began to speak in a songlike manner.
"I am your strength, I am your bane
I am your stability that drives you insane
I am everything, I am nothing
I am your thoughts, I am your dreams
I am your power, your goal
I am forever out of your reach
I am this song
I am never wrong
But neither am I truth
I do not care for you
But I am your shield
I do not root for you
But I am your sword
I do not speak for you
But I am your pen
And the greatest paradox of all
Is wonderimg what I am"
There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.
"Now, does anyone have an answer?"