Come closer, children. Keep the fire bright. There are stories the young should learn before the golden banners cross the night. The Wind Dragon... The Wind Dragon... Remember the azure wind... My grandfather heard the horns one dawn, Long before your mothers were born. Golden banners crested the hill, And every bird in the valley went still. At their head came the General of Greed, A courteous smile, an easy stride. He bowed and offered the king his terms, While legions waited at his side. "Open your gates. Keep your homes. Keep your children. Serve the Lord of Greed." Some opened the gate... Some reached for the sword. Those who bowed still tell the tale. Those who fought became the tale. WHEN THE AZURE WIND COMES, KEEP YOUR PRIDE LOW! WHEN THE GOLDEN BANNERS RISE, CHOOSE WHERE YOU'LL GO! He smiles like a lord, He speaks like a friend, But kingdoms that challenge him scatter on the wind. Remember the warning... One kingdom opened its gates with bread, Set wine at the tables where soldiers were fed. Its markets flourished beneath Greed's sign; Merchants still toast that fortunate time. Beyond the hills another king jeered, "Why should Greed's general be feared?" The dragon chuckled; an azure storm roared— By dusk his towers stood no more. No siege. No years. No glorious stand. Only azure wind... and an empty land. WHEN THE AZURE WIND COMES, KEEP YOUR PRIDE LOW! WHEN THE GOLDEN BANNERS RISE, CHOOSE WHERE YOU'LL GO! Some call him savior, Some curse him still, But every world remembers what follows his will. Across the worlds the legions came, Their golden banners bore Greed's name. The spellsworn marched, the wyverns flew, And azure winds around them grew. He answered threats with gentle jest, And left the storm to do the rest. When morning touched the broken stone, Another king had lost his throne. "They say he laughed... even as the walls came down." HEAR THE HORNS! THE BANNERS RISE! AZURE STORMS CONSUME THE SKIES! KINGS MAY BOW OR KINGS MAY FALL— THE WIND DRAGON OUTLIVES THEM ALL! "Well... I do enjoy winning." WHEN THE AZURE WIND COMES, KEEP YOUR PRIDE LOW! WHEN THE GOLDEN BANNERS RISE, CHOOSE WHERE YOU'LL GO! Open the gates, or sharpen your steel. The dragon will smile whichever you choose. WHEN THE AZURE WIND COMES, REMEMBER THIS SONG! Some worlds welcomed Greed and still sing along. Some raised their banners, defiant and brave— Now children play where their kingdoms became graves. Remember, children. If the wind turns azure and golden banners rise beyond the hills... pray your king chooses wisely. "Are all dragons like him?" "Some bring armies. Others arrive without a sound. Far away lies Sullon, where dreams become real. There walks a quiet Water Dragon, serving the Lord of Envy, who collects whatever catches his eye." "And what does he collect?" "Tomorrow, little one... The Water and the Knife." [Greek lyra, distant female lament] Ai... ai... [End]
