The young man stood before the old seer, trying to stifle the stale odor of sweat and sulfur that permeated the old man's cave. The shadows cast from the flames of a small copper brazier danced on the wizened lines of the seer's face. The young warrior had traveled far to meet the seer, as it was told only he could provide the knowledge necessary to overcome the foe the young man faced.

"Do not think them weak merely because they are wounded", the old seer hissed. "They are an ancient enemy - older than any you have fought, with the exception of the Athenians. For o'er ninety years your people have faced this evil, and though they come not every year now, do not underestimate them!"

"I do not underestimate them old man", the young man replied. "I was there on the plains when they defeated us but 12 moons last, using the trickery and deceit of the striped ones to snatch their ill gotten victory. I seek only how they might be defeated now, and quickly at that."

"Seek not answers without the wisdom of history, my eager young one", spat the old seer. "Though they may be laid low by both Bull and Bulldog now, they are the more dangerous for it. You must know their treacherous history if you are to beat them now."

"What need I know of the past?" said the young man.

"You need to know that they have brought to ruin many a proud member of your clan before! You need to know of the year '93, when your former great leader met defeat on the plains for the first time, ruining that campaign. You need to now of the following year, when that same proud leader lost for the first time to a tribal foe right on your sacred field. And again, when that leader lost in his final campaign of '01 to them yet once more, denying your clan both the tribal prize, and the sacrosanct crystal."

"Yet the great old leader defeated them with his strong arm and powerful leg as a young warrior in '66", said the young man.

"Ah, so the whelp knows some history. But don't only know the joyful - know the pain. Would that same leader trade his loss to them in the final ill-fated campaign of 01' for that win of yore? Perhaps he would", said the seer.

The young man's eyes narrowed. "But what are they to be so formidable?", he asked.

"What are they?" shouted the seer, "They are the eagle that flies. They are the Tiger that stalks the night. They are men of the Plains. And, if you underestimate them, they are Your Doom!"

"But the legends say they are cursed", whispered the young man.

The old seer closed his eyes, and spoke, "Aye, that they are. No other can achieve so much, yet gain so little. But think not that curse extends to your clan, young one. Think not it for a second."

"What must I do", said the young man.

The old man spoke forcefully, "Respect them, and remember that even the great warrior Emmitt never saw them fall. Yet, know that they can be beaten, as the warrior Kerwin did in '86, or as many of your clan has done over the years. For even though they hold a small historical advantage, they can be beaten. Take it straight to them without fear, let your arms and legs be your weapons, and know that, with the help of your entire clan, and amidst the burning fires of the night in the sacred swamp, they will fall. Your strength is your victory"

"I am ready", said the young man.

"That I believe you are, young Tebow. It is not your fate to fall this coming night. Grab your destiny by the hand, and slay this ancient enemy. Once vanquished, the rightful place of your entire clan is yours to claim!"

"Go now," shouted the seer, "and claim your right."

The young warrior strode from the cave and into the night, with the words echoing in his head.

Respect.

Strength.

Victory.

Mergz can be contacted through his website Saurian Sagacity. Once again, Ryan's article can be found here.



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