The Sealed Scroll

[Narrator, male, warm storyteller] The cart stood full from wheel to rail, Each bundle tied with care. The camp was packed, the fire gone, No trace was left there. Steve looked upon the loaded cart, Then reached inside his pack. "If words won't do," he softly sighed, "I'll write the truth in black." [Steve, male, determined, humble] Deliver these belongings to Catnatic. Property of Steve of the Hills. Forwarding address enclosed. [Narrator, male, warm storyteller] He signed his name with careful hand, Then pressed a seal of gold. The mark of fair Catnatic shone, Both noble, bright, and bold. The heroes gathered one by one And proudly marked below, Each leaving but a simple paw To show they'd helped the load. [Hero, male, confident] A quest scroll! [Steve, male, quietly pleased] ...A moving permit. [Narrator, male, warm storyteller] One final note was left behind Where once his tent had been. A weathered post became its home For any passing kin. [Steve, male, calm] Moved to Catnatic. Please visit my new home. [Narrator, male, warm storyteller] The wheels rolled on through fields of green, The horses kept their pace. Before the gates of one small town, The watch stepped in their place. [Guard, male, stern] Halt! Whose belongings fill this cart? [Hero, male, proudly] The belongings of Steve of the Hills! [Steve, male, matter-of-fact] Mine. [Narrator, male, warm storyteller] The captain took the folded scroll And broke the ribbon's tie. His careful eyes grew wide at once, The seal had caught his eye. [Guard, male, surprised] The Seal of Catnatic... [Narrator, male, warm storyteller] He found the name of Steve below, The destination clear. Then studied all the paw-print marks Placed proudly as sincere. [Guard, male, respectful] Official business. Our apologies. You may proceed. [Heroes, male group, triumphant] The sacred scroll has cleared the way! The realm has blessed our quest today! [Steve, male, quietly satisfied] ...Paperwork. [Narrator, male, warm storyteller] From town to town the story spread, Each checkpoint much the same. The guards would halt the traveling band Then ask from whence they came. The scroll would pass from hand to hand, The golden seal would gleam. The road would open once again, Just like a waking dream. [Guard, male, respectful] On your way. [Heroes, male group, joyful] Another trial overcome! Catnatic calls! We journey on! [Steve, male, softly amused] That's... actually correct. [Final Chorus, male group, soaring] Roll the cart and mind the trail! The road is bright ahead! The seal will open every gate, Where honest feet are led! From hill to hearth, from camp to home, Our journey carries through! The quest rolls on to Catnatic, With skies of endless blue! [Narrator, male, warm storyteller] And every town they wandered through Read truth upon the page. Though each believed a different tale, The scroll outshone the age. For sometimes all a journey needs Is one official seal... To make three very different truths All somehow seem quite real.