The Chronicles of Clarazel

by Hazel Goodman

    Part One - Humphrey's Quest     

Page One

Once upon a long ago, In a land not far from here, There lived a fearsome Giant Band,
With greedy hearts and grasping hands, Who filled all folk with fear.
Their Chief was tall and ugly, With hair as black as jet. He ruled his tribe with fists of steel
And cold hard words, and kept at heel A giant Wolfhound pet
He loved his hoard of treasure, And his gold tied up in sacks, He'd call the Wolfhound from his meal
And hurry off to fight and steal, His crossbow on his back.
	He had a son called Humphrey, Who was born with hair of red; And somewhat small as giants go,
	Who took a long, long time to grow However well he fed.
He tried to teach his son and heir To fight and steal and such. To use his fists, to punch and kick
And lots of other nasty tricks - Humphrey didn't like too much.
He'd rather curl up with a book Than go and pick a fight. Or tend the plants and watch the birds,
He thought that fighting was absurd And he knew that he was right.
When Humphrey reached his eighteenth year, His Father plainly said: "You've wasted more than time enough
With silly books and all that stuff, Now put it from your head.
It's time you joined the fighting with my fearsome Giant Band. So take this shield, this mighty sword
	And give to me your solemn word to fight at my right hand".
Humphrey took a deep, deep breath, (With all the courage he could find) "I'm sorry, no, I will not fight,
And though you rage with all your might I will not change my mind."
It was the first time Humphrey Had dared to disobey. But it was time to state his case,
To pack his bags and leave this place - He knew he couldn't stay.
His Father stared at Humphrey With eyes of piercing blue: "I see you've quite made put your mind
To keep you here would be unkind, As I DO care for you.
So take my Blessing Humphrey, For I'll not make you stay.
You do have courage, I can see, So go and be what you must be. I'll not stand in your way."
	Then Humphrey packed himself a bag With clothes from his old chest,
Some special books and food and such: He didn't need so very much To carry on his Quest.
"I'll bid you Goodbye Father, I'm glad you wish me well. I'll have to travel far, I know,
To seek a land where I can grow. How far, I cannot tell."
He hugged his Father quickly, Then swallowed down his fears: He headed South across the Plain,
And knew he'd not return again.  He wiped away a tear.
copyright © Hazel Goodman 1987 -  2008		>>>> NEXT PAGE