Arion's story

It had begun simply enough. Kiri had spotted Arion in a tavern and since she had not tormented him in many years, went in to see what mischief could be had. Arion, ever forgetful, had welcomed her as a friend, disregarding those 3 stab marks in his thigh. That night they drank and partied as only old enemies can and as the music faded, they found themselves engaged in a high stakes poker game. Having wasted all their money on booze and already bet their shirts, and in Arion's case, his pants, they decided on one final gamble, for all or nothing. To ensure they would win, they both palmed several aces. The cards were dealt and the bets made. Then the Alandran Assassin called. Not surprisingly, Arion and Kiri won with 4 aces. Unfortunately the Assassin had a royal straight: 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace. That meant there were 5 aces in play. At this the tavern exploded in angry incriminations which eventually pointed to Arion and Kiri. The Cityguards were called and, while not normally inclined to help assassins, they are quite strict when people cheat at poker, poker being the official game of Malacandria.

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The pair ran and the guards chased them and kept chasing them and chasing them for days. And that is what brought them to this point, being too tired to run further and so having to stand and face the attack of a squadron of enraged cityguards.

The pair fought valiantly, but Malacandrians were known for their relentless attacks and eventually the battle was over and the pair captured. After a few good kicks to Arion's head, the Commander of the Guard ordered an immediate trial and execution, not necessarily in that order. The pair were hoisted up and bound to a nearby tree, which, to add to the indignity, was full of vicious ants, but that was the least of their problems. The Commander declared himself Judge and called for a fair and impartial jury, but, none being found, called the other guards to jury duty. With a demonic laugh the trial began.

Judge: "Did you two cheat at poker?"
Arion and Kiri: "No!"
Judge: "You are lying, for that you will not only be burned to death, you will also be hanged afterwards."
Arion and Kiri: "But wait, the trial isn't over, how can you pass sentence?"
Judge: "I'm the Judge, I can do what I want. Jury, have you reached a verdict?"
Jury: "We have. We, the Fair and Impartial Jury, agree that this pair of criminals should be punished however you, the Judge, see fit."
Arion and Kiri (crying): "Waaaaaaaa."
Judge: "In that case. Light the tree on fire and let the execution begin."
Jury (cheering jubilantly): "Yeaaaa."

And despite their frantic screams for mercy and begging for forgiveness, Arion and Kiri were toasted. And baked. And fried. And eventually hanged.

Immediately after the two stopped struggling, a small fog started to form around them. The fog then lifted to the heavens and the bodies were gone! Suddenly flashes of lightning appeared and the thunder roared. The two immortals rose up and said, "You Dare turn on the immortals, your masters!" A great storm rushed into the city and the town then disappeared! No one from the city was heard from ever again. And Arion rose to the skies as Kiri made him an immortal. Arion had fought Kiri in battle and he was found loyal enough to become a most trusted Immortal. And so the great Eagle of the skies rose up and up. He is Arion...