Submitted: 27 October 1997


Of the Balance and the Protector

by Elriic of Melnibone

(The Three Provinces)

As I sit in a quiet stall, practicing the tools given me to protect the balance, I contemplate my past. "Oh Elriic", I think, through it all, the balance has been kept.


Long ago, before the Gods of today were even a glimmer of thought, there was one, a being of knowledge that realized without evil there could be no good, without good, how could there be an evil? This god created a soul, one without name.

The soul glanced at his creator and asked, "Why? Why am I here? What is my purpose?".

His god responded to him, "Your purpose is great, while others like me, of good and evil feud to destroy each other, you MUST ensure that there is a balance. I have forseen a menacing future for us, one in which we all perish, the balance must remain."

The soul, in it's shimmering form looked up, sensing his purpose and made as much of a gesture of acceptance as one without form can.

His god smiled, "Don't rush into this destiny, for one who accepts this is fated to never rest, eternally vigilant; as a mortal, for the mortal world is where the Gods work thier most wicked and beautiful magick. Look deep inside, are you willing to give up the eternal rest that comes with leading a single life, to be made to serve an infinite sum of lives?"

The soul, thought long about this before responding, "I will accept my task, remaining neutral, keeping the balance, ever and ever."

... A blinding flash, and a long journey begins.

I think to myself, Elriic, the name I've chosen, to represent neutrality. I think back to past events . . .
Branwen's child stolen, my defense of the evil, the scolding of others for abhoring such violence. The day Evilruler struck down the Fenrae seargent, leader of attackers in an attempt to conquer Crossing, my defense of Evilruler when others thought he was a fool for doing what he did. The day I grew disgusted with this realm, and road the comet into another realm. My foolish actions which caused a Demon to briefly posess my soul. My return to the realm of dragons.
Yes, it has been an interesting life.. and I shall always hold the balance..

"Without evil there could be no good, without good, how could there be an evil?"

Elriic of Melnibone, Protector of the Balance