#pray for summoner (they are banned from the inn)

[dotted-clouds]

kicked out of the Aether Resorts Inn 😔

[proto-homo]

Okay I just reread the first chapter of my manuscript and I’m gagged. I don’t remember this story being this good!! I’m definitely rewriting this. Please join me in being stunned

The Slayers

First Inscription

The first thing they taught us at the Bard's college was that the strings of fate connect everyone in one way or another. Slowly turning and tightening on the lute of life, tuning until the right note is produced, the right event takes place. Tuning eternally until all the strings produce a glorious harmony. I thought it was a crock of shit. Though to be fair, one semester wasn't enough to indoctrinate me to their proposed way of life. Especially when my reasons for being there weren't my own. "Become a bard," my parents pleaded. "Please do something with your life." Their words were harsh but they had to be for high elf prodigal wizards with a son who could make a pint of ale disappear quicker than he could a copper coin. I wasn't a complete magical failure, I just had no knack for it like my parents. They had clawed their way up the hierarchical elven ladder in a world that shunned our kind. We were dusk elves, not quite dark enough to be dark elves and nowhere near fair enough to be the prototypical waifish elf. Opportunities were far and few between for our skinfolk but my parents were changing that perception one draconian ritual at a time. I wasn't so lucky and I could tell growing up that they felt the same. So I followed their wishes and attended the college, learning to focus what little ability and skill I had. Unfortunately that one semester came and went in a deluge of offensiveness. Those backwater mages acted as if they'd never met a dusk elf and I developed an eternal scowl. My skin was an autumnal  symphony of crushed leaves and my eyes were browner than the deepest of earth's hues. We were creatures of nature and magic. Why wouldn't I look this glorious? My question went unanswered and my need for the school went with it. I was out promptly that solstice break, but not without my books and several stolen silver pieces from the campus vault, using the skills they taught me. Needless to say, I was banned and designated  the Rogue Bard. My parents weren't delighted by the news. We don't talk much these days but things are better. Mostly because of the exploits tied to my name. I've played for Kings and Queens all across and below Alstaff, fought bravely against deadly scourges, drank Orcs under the table, and romanced men and women(and Kings and Queens on occasion). All this while chronicling my adventures and deftly avoiding those pesky strings of fate. Or so I'd thought until I received a most auspicious invitation. It was early and I was far from awake when I heard my name being shouted through the halls in a manner I wasn't used to.

“Eonis Everfall of the Highdale Archmages!” boomed the voice down the hall, rousing me from a drunken slumber.

Thin sheets clung to my sticky exposed chest as the sunlight streaming through my window wreaked havoc on my senses. It was summer in the city of Faeron and the sun hung high at an angle above the town that made for astounding harvests and horrible hangovers.

The voice shouted again and I was swiftly reminded that a night of debauchery wasn’t the best thing to do every night. I slid out of bed as coordinated as I could muster. My head swum in dreaming mist as I made my way to the door, only to stop when a realization dawned on me. Nobody knew my full name, hell most people didn’t know my first name, but to call me so boldly and mention Highdale was a sure sign that trouble was brewing.

I staggered to my pack and drew a dirk, trying my best to not be as uncoordinated as the ale was making me. I was never that great at bladed combat but as I inched the door and opened it a crack, I reminded myself that as a bard I was always supposed to be just good enough.

“In here,” I shouted in a half assured tone. Anxiety bubbled in my stomach until the blankets behind me stirred.

“Eonis,” groaned the pile of sheets, “If there’s someone here to kill you tell them to come back later. I’m trying to sleep.” Tavaris emerged from the sheets like a wraith hunting for souls, delivering a glare that nearly made me forget he was naked. His ebony skin shimmered in the light as he stretched, giving off an inhuman glow intensified by his crimson boring into me. He had a predatory gaze, no doubt honed from his decades in the Assassin’s guild but whenever he stared at me, there was a softness behind it.

“You’re the only one who knows I’m here and I doubt you’d let somebody else take up a hit on me. You like a good challenge.”

He snorted as he looked me up and down, saying, “Your stance is terrible. You’d be flayed alive in seconds.”

His eyes darted to the ground and my focus followed to an envelope shooting from under the door. I turned to open it only to be greeted by an empty hall and my unease increased.

“Calm down, it’s just mail,” groaned Tavaris before slumping back into bed. I closed the door and picked up the letter, tearing it open with my dirk.

He was right. It was just mail. Stamped with a royal seal, the letter disclosed information about a formal event taking place in Balethorn, just two cities away. It was to be a splendid debutante's ball and the young miss had requested the presence of the fabled ‘rogue bard.’

I sighed in slight relief. Requests like this were routine but the fact still stood that they knew my name. I sat on the edge of the bed and read the letter to Tavaris as he wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled his face into my side.

“Sounds kinda like a trap,” he said, gnawing at my exposed skin. “Your music’s not that great anyway.”

I nodded along before he said his last line, falling back on him in retribution. He was right though, he had to be in his line of work. Traps, tricks, and treachery were all in the assassin’s handbook and if not for my dashing good looks, I’m sure I would’ve fallen to his blade when we met.

A simple quest made our paths cross; recover the children from the Sin Eater demon and find the one who summoned it. It was all fine and dandy till Tavaris dropped out of the sky on me and strung a garrote around my neck, letting me know there was far more going on than I thought. That day I learned that not everybody wanted to be saved. Some people enjoyed feeding sheep to the wolves to keep them at bay.

It wasn’t all bad though. I at least picked up a few new skills and a new murderous lover.

I looked back to Tavaris and shrugged. “I’ll do it. I haven’t been sucked into a primordial evil soup in months. Could be fun. I’ll let you know when I get back.”

I hopped off of him and began to gather my things before he said, “I won’t be here when you get back.”

I rolled my eyes. It was the same message he repeated every time before he vanished. Sure enough, before I got a second to say anything, he was gone. If there was anything of his I coveted, it was his mode of travel. I shook my head and began to gather my things, bemoaning the burden of the bard.

Lute, flute, sword, bow and arrows, lockpicks, small shield, chainmail, magic totem, magic tome, magic wand, and dirks. I ran through the list of my supplies as I suited up and gave my room the thrice-over before leaving. I carried the letter in hand as I strolled out of the inn. I read it again for good measure.

The insignia was nothing I’d seen before and that was saying something. I was a walking compendium of knowledge, a seeker of truth and historical lore, but as I brushed a finger over the wax stamp closing the envelope, I felt out of my element. I could see the strings of fate winding slowly but this was a new note being played. My only choice was to finish the song.

Faeron was unbearable when I stepped foot out into the sun. Quick cooling incantations were my only solace in the face of summer’s embrace. Out in the world, people were hustling and bustling around the town. Harvest was fast approaching and with it came the panic of superstition and the festival fervor.

There was a tale that traveled through agricultural circles around this time of year, the tale of Lady Amoundour. A lowly farm maiden with the blackest of thumbs prayed to the heavens for a healthy harvest. Her prayers were answered by the Sun with a hefty bounty but the Earth grew spiteful that she didn’t pray more to the dirt and so by way of winding roads, it sent bandits to raid her farmland. Luckily, she held fast in her beliefs of equal reverence and the Sun aided her, bringing its fiery rays upon the bandits and scorching them to dust.

The farmers took it as a parable about having equal deference to the components needed for a healthy harvest. I took it as a sign that the gods were petty and enjoyed us dancing for approval.

Regardless of my beliefs, Faeron was far into the festivities. Wood-carved Sun plaques hung from every home and business. Fresh dirt was tracked all across the ground of the city, ruining my new boots. Bakers yelled for people to come sample their Sun cakes and Dirt puddings, bringing a deluge of child patrons and sending a twinge of disgusted intrigue up my spine. Knowing these people, there was definitely dirt in those puddings.

I snatched up a Sun cake, tossing a few copper pieces to the vendor before making my way through the shops to the square. While my romp with Tavaris had been a great reason to stop in Faeron, I had a real reason for being there.

A huge crowd filled the square, cheering at a man dressed in robes of spun gold standing high up on a stage. He wore a bronze crown painted gold and revelled in the crowd's cheering before urging them to be silent.

“Welcome to the Amoundour Festival!” he shouted and the crowd’s cheering picked back up. I crept through the droves of people lining the square.

Every year the festival was held all across the world but Faeron was special. Only here, they held a very real reenactment of Lady Amoundour’s struggles, much to the dismay of the local farmers. For decades, one farmer would be chosen at random to act as the Lady of this year, devising ways to rescue their crops from very real threats. For decades, they would endure this trial or watch their crops be decimated and their land destroyed thanks to a magical artifact these fools should never have possessed.

I watched in silence, arms folded as the faux-Sun made his way across the stage to his throne and took a seat, gesturing for his servants. Dressed in drab, gray robes resembling clouds, a pair of sullen kids carried a gilded case containing the artifact in question.

It was called the Eternal Sun Rod in certain circles of collectors, a powerful gift from the gods on high. With it, the ruler of Faeron held a tight grip over farmland production, instilling fear into the hearts of any who would try to amass enough wealth to escape his rule. Every decade, he would wipe away the status of one family and every decade the people would cheer because it wasn’t them that time. This would be the last time.

I looked around at the painted on smiles and forced laughter as the faux-Sun did his dance up on stage. Sprinkled in the crowd were the broken faces of the farmers who banded together to hire me. Their offering had been a pittance but I wasn’t in this for the money. I was there to cut the strings of fate wound tightly around this town’s neck.

“The time has come, everyone!” decreed the tyrant as one his clouds dropped to one knee and presented him with a gilded box.

The crowd fell deathly silent when he reached into the box and began to rummage through it for the latest target. All I needed was a name. A name and I could start to put an end to this. I watched the people and saw the pain etched into their faces. Tyrants like this weren’t born in a day, not even a year.

They told me their festival used to be one of peace and joy, that at one point their lives were normal, but slowly it all unraveled until this was their way of life. I knew struggle, I lived it, and there was no way I’d let this happen to anyone else.

I felt the tension skyrocket as he withdrew his hand from the box and I began creeping back out of the crowd.

“Gilda Gletch!” He shouted, “Age sixty-two, childless widow. Oh this will be a quick one. Gilda, pray to the Sun for mercy and beg the Earth for forgiveness!”

Gasps rang out from the crowd. I raced to the edge of the town and hummed a bardic tune to myself. Song of Swiftness, spell number thirty-two in the overpriced pamphlet they gave me. With it, I was off, racing through the trees at breakneck speeds.

I could hear my father’s voice in my head. He’d told me to do something with my life and since that day I resolved to do everything I could.

I broke through the trees and out onto Gilda’s small corner of a farmstead. She was across the small field, sitting on the porch of her home in defiance.

“So it was me,” she called out as I approached her and delivered a strained smile. She nodded in return and waved me over. “It’s fine. Don’t be dismayed. I’ve lived through six of these festivals, seen them grow into something vile. I’m just happy it will all end today.”

Her tone was far from joy in the face of this impending raid and I could tell she had little trust in my ability. I didn’t blame her. We bards were seen as performers, consultants, skilled workers. Warriors were far from our image but that never stopped me.

I drew my sword and knelt at her feet, saying, “You’re right. It will end today. I’ll make sure of that.”

She looked into my eyes and for a split second I saw hope until fear snatched it away. I turned sharply to a band of six masked men emerging from the trees.

“What the hell is this?” asked one of them as he threw down a hololense crystal to project our images back to the town square.

They drew their weapons slowly, whirling them for effect. I stood and raised my sword, drew a wand from my belt and said, “Retribution, damnation, I honestly don’t care what you call me.”

They crept closer to me, closing the distance between us and I said, “Gilda...you might want to get in the house for this.”

A swordsman on my left charged as those words left my lips. I met his blade with my own, parrying the blow and leaping back before daggers sailed through the air. I traced their path to the slow moving Gilda and made a sharp dash to my right, blocking the daggers with my sword.

One by one they came at me, slashing as I leapt out of the way and blocked their strikes.

“Fancy dancer, are you gonna fight back?!” shouted one of the men as he swung his greatsword in an arc.

I ducked below his blade and raised my wand to his stomach, chanting, “Retch.”

He froze instantly, dropped his blade and grabbed hold of himself. He doubled over and emptied the contents of his stomach.

“Never fancied myself for much of a dancer. Playing music was much more my thing!”

I whistled and tapped my sword. Like a tuning fork, it vibrated, sending sonic waves cross the field. The men dropped their weapons and clutched their ears as I drew daggers from my belt and launched a shower of blades.

I sheathed my weapons as they cried out in pain and drew my magic tome, chanting, “Sleep.”

The words drifted through the air, heavy with arcane intent and the men collapsed. I let out a quick sigh and wiped my hands clean. I walked over to each bandit and drew my blades from their sleeping bodies, making eye contact with the hololense crystal.

I held my breath, waiting for the searing light of the sun to crash down on me. When nothing happened I could tell the sight of me dispatching these goons left at least one person in shock.

“I take it by the lack of death rays you’re still stunned at my assault. No matter, I’ll be making it back to the city in just moments for a face to face. Ah, and don’t worry about your little sun trick. This arcane barrier I’m erecting will block out the sun.”

I smirked and raised my tome, chanting once again. My blood was ice water and my breath frost as the tome began to float before me. Waves of ice emanated from me, encircling the little farmland in their icy grasp. I looked up to the sky as I began to run back to Faeron and had to stifle a laugh when nothing attacked my barrier. I’d bluffed to high heavens and he believed me. That barrier of hoarfrost wouldn’t even survive a warm dinner roll bumping against it.

The streets were deserted the second I stepped foot into the city. The tension was thick in the air but I held fast to my defiant image. These people had been pawns in the hands of a mad man for too long. They needed a rallying point.

“Little early to be ending the party!” I shouted as I approached the town square. “If I remember the tale right, the Sun and Earth have a special bond, right? Well maybe it’s time you two got more acquainted.”

The faux-sun sat atop his throne, looking down at me as he lazily turned the rod in his hand. His expression read unimpressed but I was well versed in reading people. My little stunt on the farm had shook him. He had sent his men as bandits to raid a defenseless old woman and met the swiftest resistance. Now he was alone.

“You know nothing of the tale, boy,” he said with a sigh, rolling his eyes in a dismissive manner, “But you will learn the Sun’s power today!”

He slammed the staff on the ground and I chanted a Swift Song before the blazing beam burned through cobblestone. Beams of light followed my every step as I ducked and dodged the blazing energy, much to his frustration.

“Why won’t you stay still?!” he shouted as he jumped up from his throne.

I drew my wand and totem, raising the little symbol to my mouth and chanting, “Solaris”

He slammed the staff again and I froze, letting him hit me head on. The totem chimed when the light hit me, exploding and reflecting a portion of the light back onto the stage. Chainmail singed my flesh but I bit my lip through the pain and focused as the faux-Sun staggered back.

“Larghissimo,” I chanted as I raised my wand and the explosion on stage slowed to a halt.

The faux-Sun froze with a look of horror on his face. I approached, tapped my wand on his nose, and whispered, “Allegro.”

Instantly his head returned to normal speed and his anger came with it. He thrashed in the slowed mass of light, grumbling as he shouted, “Release me at once! I will have your head for this!”

I ignored his blustering and took a seat on his throne before asking, “What’s wrong? You’re supposed to be the sun, no? I’m just helping complete the effect.”

I watched him float their helplessly and thought of the Bard college’s teachings. Our spells were to help, not hinder. Our voices were to be a guide in time of need. Even the spells I’d used on the faux-Sun were non-combative. I couldn’t have hurt him if I wanted and boy did I want to. I let him float in stasis for a few seconds until his anger melted into existential panic.

“I could leave you floating here forever, a ball of light untouched by time,” I whispered into his ear, telling blatant lies.

Most people never studied our power or our limits and the dread in his face showed he was one of these people.

“P-please,” he cried out, sweat pouring from his face. “I-I’ll stop it, I swear. I’ll stop it. I’ll never attack another person again.”

He pleaded before I tapped my wand on the throne. He dropped out of the air as the light dissipated and I grabbed the Eternal Sun Rob, saying, “Not without this, you won’t.”

I waved my wand over the length of the staff, whispering ‘shrink’ into the ether until the Sun Rod complied. It shrank to the size of a quill before I slipped it in my pocket and stomped on the stage.

“People of Faeron, throw open your doors and enjoy your harvest. Now your festival can really begin!”

I shouted and slowly the people took notice. Windows slid open and doors with them before cheering rang out. Finally, their town had been set free. I was greeted with gracious hosts and deep vendor discounts but I couldn’t stay long. Not with the party on my heels.

I refilled my supplies, rented a horse, and I was off. Travel between Faeron and Balethorn was quiet. It seemed I had fulfilled my karmic duty as neither bandit nor bandersnatch attacked me on the road.

In fact, nothing seemed to make its presence known to me along the road. The silence became palpable the further I rode from Faeron but I soldiered on. Curiosity got the best of me and trap or not, I needed to know how they knew me.

The sunlight began to wane and for the first time since I set out, I felt a pair of eyes following. Monstrous trees cast tall shadows all around me, threatening to swallow the path before me. Even the horse felt the tension, straying off the road in fear.

“Shh, it’s okay. I won’t let anything happen to you,” I whispered into the ear of the horse, thankful no one was around to see me trying to console him.

A few people see you talking to animals and rumors quickly spread. As if druids are the only ones in touch with nature.

His whining stopped for a second and as I leaned back, I caught sight of a light in the distance, beckoning my presence. This was it, had to be it. The closer I rode the more grandiose the building presented itself.

Dirt roads turned to pristine cobblestone, clacking evenly beneath my horse’s hooves. The mansion was a bulwark of civility in the middle of a savage forest. Gold lanterns lit the path before me, shining bright against solid red brick walls. A low overture began to fill the silence of the forest as a pair of stablemen greeted me at the door.

I dismounted and nodded to them both before they took my horse. Laughter spilled from the opening doors, making me immediately regret coming here.

Haughty laughter and sour notes filled the pauses in forced conversations between noble men and women. There were people of power and influence littering the room, keeping their political rivals at arms length and I began wondering just what I walked into.

“I see I’m not the only one lost here,” said a voice to my left.

I turned to see a young woman smirking at me with plump lips and a viper’s gaze. Thick coils of jet black hair encircled her head, covering one lavender eye. She folded her arms over the low-cut black dress that hugged her more than ample curves, letting the light bounce off her deep umber skin.

Our eyes met and at once I felt like the prey staring down his predator. She stood barely up to my chest but there was something about her that made her presence monstrous.

“S-seems that way,” I stammered before she made her approach.

“Iris Glaive, explorer extraordinaire who’s apparently been tasked with teaching a brat how to go spelunking. And you are?” she asked before looking away from me.

Her eyes scanned the room, continuously reading and assessing the gathered partygoers. There was something dark about her, a sinister air threatening to choke me. I could tell she knew and relished it.

“Eonis...Everfall and yes, I am quite lost. I believe I’m to be the party’s entertainment but it seems they already have a musician.”

Sour notes and uncoordinated key changes threw the entire overture away, leaving nothing but its crumbs behind but no one seemed to take note. I glanced down to Iris and she smirked, saying, “That’s a shame. I would hope your playing doesn’t make my ears bleed like this current amatuer.”

I smirked back to her as she took notice of the talentless talent and felt that predatory gaze soften. She tapped my arm and my heart skipped a beat when she said, “Come, there’s mead, and it’s far away from this sound.”

She turned to walk away and I followed but even a few steps behind, I felt her eyes hard pressed on me. She shared that she had received the same strange invitation as I did and intrigue got the best of her but the idea of her being a plain old adventurer didn’t sit right with me. There was something dark lurking beneath the visage before me and it could tell I saw it.  

She turned on a dime, handing me a glass of mead before giving my glass a light tap in toast and saying, “So you’re a bard, I see.”

I swallowed my mead and nearly choked when she made her quick assessment. I squinted and she raised a hand before saying, “How can I tell, you ask? There’s a little arcane trick they’ve taught you kiddies for centuries and it always makes my nose itch when you try it on me. Don’t you worry. There’s no need to read me. Our meeting won’t matter after tonight.”

She took a slow drink from her glass, smiling softly and I stared in silent contemplation. Who was this woman? What was she?

She smirked as if she’d heard my thoughts before delivering a sly wink. She leaned in close and stood on the tips of her toes, whispering, “Don’t worry bout a thing. Nothing sinister was meant. I was just saying it’s back to adventuring after this. Besides….even if it were sinister, there are plenty of guards here to stop me.”

She tapped my shoulder as she leaned back and her eyes darted around the room. Sure enough, there were several guards covertly stationed around the room at several windows and doorways. At a gala such as this, it wasn’t a strange occurrence to see a slew of guards spread around the place but Iris’ wicked tone seemed to suggest something sinister.

“Enjoy the party,” she curtsied and walking away.

I watched her disappear into the party, greeting high society types as if she’d entertained this sort before. She seemed right at home in this atmosphere of glitz and glamour. Neither gold leafed hors d’oeuvre nor jewel encrusted finery could dismay her sense of status. I found myself unable to take my eyes off her until a guard stepped in my path, causing me to stagger back in alarm.

“Sir Everfall, yes? You’ve been invited to a private dinner with the guests of honor,” he said through the iron helmet covering his face. I stood straight up and shook away my nerves before he said, “Do not worry about the entertainment. You will be compensated for your time here. Please, follow me.”

The guard spoke in a monotone voice, not once waiting to see if I was taking in anything he said. He turned and walked away with the suggestion to follow. I scanned the room for Iris to ask what she’d make of this new private invitation but she was already gone.

By now the room was lost in its revelry and as I passed through the dance floor at a brisk pace behind the guard, I could hear nothing but a string of sour notes being played. I could tell fate was giving me a sign but curiosity got the better of me. If only to see the guest of honor, I followed the guard into a large dining hall separated from the dance floor by a set of towering oak doors.

Inside I was greeted by an assortment of new faces and sure enough, Iris sat among among them. She raised a glass to me with a smirk before turning back to a heated debate between political rivals, instigating their argument.

The guard closed the doors and walked ahead to pull out what had to be my assigned seating. I followed, taking a seat only after noticing the ball of nerves dressed in ornate robes seated next to me. A lithe young man with cheekbones sharper than than the edge of a claymore fidgeted in his seat with his head down. He was a statue carved of red granite, moving incrementally before returning to his starting position. Tendrils of coarse black hair hung loosely over one side of his head while the other side was pinned back, revealing an elven ear.

“Nice to meet another elf here. I’m Eonis, Eonis Everfall,” I tried my best to start up a conversation without having him die of shock.

He nearly leaped out of his skin when he heard my voice, turning slowly to look at me with amber eyes through thick lenses of glasses. He cracked a smile that quickly faded to a grin before he looked back down and nodded.

“R-right. Yes, nice to meet you as well. I’m B-belia, Belia Borfin,” he stuttered before wincing and saying, “S-sorry. I’m nervous. I’ve never been to an event like this. I attended with my Professor and other students but it seems I’ve been separated from the lot.”

His voice rattled worse than his body did and I attempted a grin to ease his nerves, asking, “So you’re a mage?”

He inhaled a sharp breath before looking up and nodding quickly.

“Y-yes, well, I’m attempting to be...I’m not that good right now but my Professor says it’s to be expected of apprentices. I just hope to do my best”

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head. At least your not the son of archmages who can’t even make a coin disappear. You’ll do just fine.”

I winked to him as he looked into my eyes and he let out a nervous laugh that seemed to ease him a tick.

“Thank you.” He looked around the room, mouth agape in awe, asking, “Any idea exactly who’s party we’re attending?”

I shrugged at his question looking around in awe just as he did before taking another sip of mead. The room seemed to be filled with a hodgepodge of guests. An armored knight sat next to a cobbler and a craftsman on one side of the table while a drunkard, political figures, and socialites sat on the other side of the table. I spotted another patron, masked and lost in prayer before the grand doors slid open and gasps abound from all gathered as a familiar face made his presence known.

“Welcome,” said the tall high elf, dressed in extravagant robes of gold painted moons as he strolled into the room. Whispers spilled from the crowd as he tapped his staff on the ground before taking a seat at the head of the table.

“I’m not sure if an introduction is needed here but I will make one either way. I am Moridon Highwater of the Rolling Glens, Grand Magus of Alstaff.”

He nodded and closed his eyes as the crowds whispering grew but I could only stare in shock. Of course there was no need for introduction.

Moridon Highwater was known throughout the lands. Advisor to the King of Alstaff, Moridon’s power was unparalleled in the field of sorcery. Not even my parents held a candle to his might. He had been born the son magicless vagrants and quickly became the most powerful self-taught mage of our time. He was my mirror.

He opened his eyes slowly and I could feel his gaze brush by briefly as if he’d heard my thoughts. He looked around the table and grinned to the gathered before saying, “I must apologize for the lateness of our young miss. She has asked me to continue the dinner in her stead. It seems her dress was not quite right so we’re having the Modiste Magus conjure up a new dress.”

He chuckled and the room exploded in laughter but I watched in silence at his strained laughter. There was a venomous aura about him, a power he tamped down just to be around the gathered mundane. I could hear Belia’s dinnerware clatter as he put a hand on the table before pulling it away with his other hand.

He was pouring sweat and no doubt trapped between shock and horror at the power before him. I placed a hand on his and looked him in the eye, breathing slowly and nodding for him to follow. He took a few deep breaths before nodding quickly and I let go of his hand. It seemed he had yet to be trained on refining his aura and at his current rate, he was only seconds from being devoured.

My focus darted to Iris and from across the table I spotted her cold intentful stare focused squarely on Moridon as she sipped from her glass. As I looked around, it seemed the whole room was unaware of the power we faced, all except the three of us and the masked knight lost in prayer.

I turned back to Moridon and caught a fraction of a grin before he tapped his staff on the ground. Light flickered from the rose quartz crystal atop an angelic pair of wings that gilded the top of his staff before filling the room.

“Shall we feast?” he said with a smile before the doors opened up and several waiters poured into the room.

A buffet of the finest meats and cheeses littered the table as they brought out more and more entrees and desserts. People began jumping at the food before placing could even finish. They were ravenous, insatiable, and I couldn’t help but lose my appetite at the display.

My focus drifted to Moridon who sat stone-faced, watching the carnage without taking a bite to eat and I swallowed hard before asking, “This is nice and all, but who exactly is this ‘young miss’ we’re here to meet?”

His eyes darted to mine and I nearly collapsed in my seat from his predatory gaze. I could feel him, wriggling through my thoughts, through the entirety of my being before Iris cleared her throat.

“I’ve been wondering the same thing,” she said in defense of my questioning and the room seemed to take a break from eating all at once.

Moridon delivered a strained grin and I tried to hop out of my seat to no avail. I was paralyzed in fear.

“Oh you may know of her. Prestigious royalty from a land far from here,” he began to say as his voice lilted. “She was once the Queen of an entire realm, you see, but as you know, not everything lasts for everyone. Not even the eternal.”

He cut Iris a sharp glare before his face returned to a grin in seconds. I could see her shaking slightly but not once did she move to put down the glass in her hand. The mead vibrated with her nervous energy before Moridon continued.

“It seems not everyone was satisfied with her rule and so, under the cover of darkness, like the spineless wretches they were, her royal court committed a heinous act. You see, the young miss couldn’t be killed, no, not with the power she possessed. Her court knew it and to see her deposed, they hatched an ingenious plan. A crystal was forged with the power to capture a god and on that night they did as such, ensnaring her and shattering its pieces….Only, they thought this would be the end of the young miss but as the crystal shattered into endless shards, so did her essence, dispersing into the world and finding homes in the oddest of places. Knights, cobblers, craftsmen, and bards.”

His voice boomed as he said his last line and the room was frozen in horror before one of politicians screamed in terror and leaped from her seat. The whole room erupted in a panic and screams could be heard from the hall just beyond the doors. All the while, Moridon remained seated, smirking coyly.

“Oh there’s no point in running. Now that you’ve ingested the flesh and blood of the young miss, you won’t make it far,” he said before one of the guests jumped from their seat and doubled over, grabbing his stomach in pain.

He grabbed his throat as figures moved up it and tendrils shot out of his mouth. I leaped from my seat as Iris grabbed her stomach, brandishing my wand and shouting, “Wretch! Wretch! WRETCH!”

In rapid succession, I fired several spells around the room before my stomach rumbled and the doors flew open. I turned the wand on myself and fell to my knees as the searing pain of bile raced up my throat.

I pulled Belia under the table and grabbed a dagger from my boot as the marching of the guard’s feet filled the room.

“Don’t move!” I shouted before several hands pulled me away.

I turned my dagger on the armored hands of my captor, shouting, “Allegro!”

The spell took off, sending my dagger hand rocketing through the air with enough force to pierce metal but the guard barely registered the pain. My eyes darted around the room and I spotted Iris’ blood covered mouth before I looked to the still seated Moridon. Stoned faced and silent, he watched as the guards swarmed everyone before tapping his staff on the ground.

Darkness filled the edges of my eyes and then before I knew it, I was gone.

[whiteswarm-archived]

Artica’s Quotes

Champion Selection Ice Magic can be as light as a butterfly and pungent like a swarm of wasps

Ban Ice Magic can- ah no, wait…

Starting game (Summoners Rift) I have an iron will, four wings and an endless amount of ice. And I’m not afraid to use them I am here to remind the world that we exist If we win, I cook for everyone! Artica Neivers, at your service! And it is pronounced Neevehrs.

(Howling Abyss) Home Sweet Home Ooooh yeah. That’s more like it GIGI! GIGIII! ARE YOU THERE??

(Twisted Treeline) I don’t like this. At all I'm… cold? It can’t be… This land is dead. Starting a game with Ally Anivia Let’s go, teacher! I wonder how you were as a chick I will make you proud! Can I ride you? No? Fiiiine…

Azir Teacher, your lessons won’t be wasted. I’m so happy to see you again, Azir! Greetings! You got spare daters? Pleeeeease?

Illaoi AAAAAA! AUNTIE!! Get the coal ready, after the battle: Barbecue! How about you give me some advice about flirting with good looking people? I will show you motion!

Nasus You educated me, I will never thank you enough Shurima has a lot to offer, and I will make sure the world knows. Greetings! I’m borrowing books later, teehee

Lissandra Is this a joke? Can I switch team? This changes nothing. Stay away, Witch.

Rakan/Xayah Oh no. The birds who can’t fly… Great Curse this bad luck Dance, rebellion, cause, blah blah blah, yeah I know this rigmarole.

Attack I don’t want to do this, but you leave me no choice. I won’t stay here doing nothing For the Isøll. You can’t stop a storm! Cold can be a relief, and deadly. I’m more of a dialogue person, but for you I’ll make an exception Are you ice proof? Storm be it! My soul is one thousand snowflakes! Do you like highlander style? Start running I’m an avalanche! Bad mood today. Want to be annoyed? Here it comes! No damsel in distress, sorry! Pray you won’t loose a limb! I’m all out of pacifism You stepped out of the line! Winter is coming! Troid! (Fight!) This is Ice Music! A cretin after another Damhsa leis an sneachta! (Dance with the snow!) You will need a three hours hot bath! Move! Listen! Ice is part of me! Fight! Éist leis an amhrán sliabh! (Listen to the Mountain Song!) Mountains don’t forgive cheaters I won’t give up! Move those legs! Take this! Try and stop me! Attack: Dragon I’m sorry I have to fight this creature… Give us your strength I will give it back, I promise I want to fly as fast as dragons

Attack: Vilemaw EWW! SPIDER! GROSS! YOU MUST DIE! DIE DIE DIE DIE DIIIIIE!!!! I. Hate. Spiders. Attack: Baron Nashor Oh dear… What nightmare do you come from?! Ew, what did you eat? Dead rats? Ewww! It’s slimy!

 Movement Family isn’t only a blood thing The Ice Witch poisoned the Mountains, I am the antidote Everyone forgot, I’ll make them remember My wings won’t be cut Freedom is the greatest good. The IsØll will soar into the skies once again I have cold in my blood, not in my soul Artica hums The world is so big Vastaya? Humans? We’re all’brothers My family is… Pretty big Ice isn’t synonym with death My fight is just a part of the journey I have so much to ask my mother I’m the living example that Vastaya and Humans can co-exist Every step, wings fluttering, wave I sailed… I remember everything Cryomancer, voyager and writer, what a busy life. When ice turns blue from black, it’s beautiful They say I’m a fool and a traitor, they know nothing. They call me Mu’Takl, and they act like those they hate. The Beldam didn’t checked for hybrid children, that was her mistake. I don’t have one country! I’m a bit Freljordian, a bit Shuriman and a bit from Buhru! City folk are so boring When it’s all done, I want to open my own Inn and write novels. I GOT IT! I can teach Freljordian children to read and write! One step at a time Is féidir liom é a dhéanamh. Caithfidh mé é a dhéanamh… (I can do it. I have to do it) Lowlanders definitely need a week of tilling the soil I’m not dressed like a man! It’s an highlander outfit! Treoir dom, Daidí… (Guide me, Daddy) Dresses are the ultimate evil Nobody expects the wings! The tattoos on my wings are from my two other homes Coinnigh ar aghaidh, Mamaí… (Hold on, Mommy) I have to fix the shirt’s buckles I’ll finish here and then I’ll go cook Haggis with Aunt Arianna! Better if you don’t know what Haggis is. I will free them I’m in the mood for warm cider with cinnamon Are there apples in this forest? Actually I love spring and summer, but hate autumn. My wings get all wet.

Movement: River Nice and fresh! If everyone wouldn’t walk here, I’d take a sip! Awww ther’s Scuttle’s little footprints! That fruit looks good, I can make a pie of it! I’ll take it to Safie Would Scuttle and Gigi get along? Always loved to jump in puddles! Who cares about mud! I could freeze it and skate!

Death AGH! No… Mom forgive me! AAGH! I… I failed UGH! Not… Fair Wha… Daddy? Is that you? Death by: Lissandra Don’t celebrate! Someone will finish my mission Curse you! Someday you’ll be taken down! Sejuani You condemned everyone! YOU MAD WOMAN! MURDERER! You’re the weak one!

Thresh EEEEK! I’M BURNING! These screams…!! MY HEAD’S EXPLODING! NO NO! HELP! EEEEEEEEEK!!

Rakan/Xayah You condemned your Freljordian brothers! Who’s the Mu’Takl now?! You are blind and you’ll always be! Dúnmharraithe!! (Murderers!!)

Respawn Now i get why Mom fell for Dad, haha! What do you say Death? Not today! Seeing my Dad was great, but I still got a lot to do HA! You wished I died for good, heh? Taunt I will put you in the “Imbeciles I met” section of my biography. You’re about to witness a painful butterfly effect I’m not here to play, get lost If you don’t want to be blown away, move aside Your mom should have spanked you more. I’m an highlander, grew up with earth’s fruit, hoe in my hands and the bagpipe’s music! I don’t have all day, what do you want from me??

Ahri Don’t let others tell you what you have to be What you did doesn’t count, what really does is what you’ll do! I can bring you everywhere, explain what you want, just whistle!

Ashe I’m not a threat, trust me My people can help Let me show you the truth

Anivia Anger is bad, I know… But keeping pain inside more I wish I could bring back my father, but I can’t I always moved forward, and I will keep on moving forward

Azir Be what your people needs I trust you, don’t screw it all up You’re the best emperor so far, be sure to keep being it.

Demacians Why fearing world’s nature? Having magic powers isn’t a curse, but a gift You’re the home of the right, but you silence who’s not “normal” Between Noxus and Demacia, I don’t know which is worse.

Graves/Twisted Fate Teehee, I think “Cat cats us” am I right? Even Illaoi thinks it, come on!

Illaoi I already passed the test, don’t want to repeat it Oh come on! A barbecue and everything will go juuust fine Don’t make me take back the apple pie promise!

Lissandra Who rejects family for evil powers doesn’t deserve life! You horrible, murderous wretch, you’re just a puppet in the hands of others! You think the Watchers even give a damn about you? I will eradicate your corruption from the Freljord! Your mistake was non checking for hybrid babies Nami Hello, boat mate! Watch out, Nami! Ice is just frozen water If the crow and the chicken insult you… call me.

Nasus Of cooourse I practiced, I wrote a diary! I’m almost sorry for the future scribes! I will teach you my Freljordian dialect, we shall see then!

Noxians You owe me a boat, animals! You’re not men, you’re beasts! You disgust me, murderers!

Ornn You haven’t forgot, thank you Teach me to forge! I will bring you pies. Pleeeeeeeease teach me to forge! I’ll be silent! Rakan You call it dance, I call it “Desperate case of self obsession” Calm your feathers, plucked peacock! Don’t try it, you’re engaged. You never danced in the Freljord You should dance atop of a stormy mountain, then we shall see! If we don’t cooperate, everything is going to end! My cape is simple, but can do much more than yours!

Rengar You showed the bastard who’s boss, great job Brute strength can’t do much against black ice I’m not your prey, Rengar

Sejuani Nice bola! How does it fight someone who flies? You have ice in the soul! I don’t want the Throne of the Freljord! I want my people free! And to kick your ass

Star Guardians Sooo, to guard the world you’re supposed to be filled with sparkles? What is the use of breast emphasizing clothes? I wonder if Gigi counts as a magic animal…

Trundle You bargained your life for a club of True Ice… What the F*ck is wrong with you? I knew Trolls were dumb, but man, you beat them all! The Witch will throw you away like garbage!

Xayah I have my cause, you have yours, don’t get in my way Insult me all you want. But never. My. Mother You’re not a rebel, just a reckless guerrilla! I’m just trying to save my land and the world from an eternal Ice Age… Nothing important. You’re blind just like the humans you hate You care about Vastaya’s freedom? Then help me! I may not speak Vastaya, but I can fly… hehe…

Wukong I will fly you around, you don’t fear heights, do ya? Your eyes are open, much more than other Vastayans. Aunt Arianna would like you but she’d say you’re too thin

Taunt Response What did you call my mother?! Wow. I’m shaking. I don’t have time to stick with you and break my non-existing balls. Comes in an antennae and gets out from the other Shut up. It will give you some decency Oh heavens, what do I have to hear? Heard worse. What did I even do to you? Who are you!? What do you want from me?? An ice spike is about to strike in your privates. Where’s the good pan when I need it?! I would shove spoonful of Haggis in your mouth just to tell you what it is and see you vomit!

Joke (Artica grows her fur with a puff sound) Wanna see something cute? *Puff* TADAA! Hey check this out! *Puff* I’m FLUFFY!!

Joke response Didn’t get it I don’t know you. HAHA! Nice one! You have a future as a comic! Uhmm… Ok?

Killing May your soul be at peace I’m sorry I hate killing. Killing is always horrible You kill only for feeding or not to be eaten, not for hating If everyone would follow my Uncle Brendan’s philosophy, the world would be better May Avarosa take you in her realm I will like killing someone only when this someone shall be the Witch

Killing: Friend/Ally

NO! What have I done! (Artica bursts in tears) I didn’t mean to! (crying) Please! Forgive me! (crying) (sobbing) Sos sa tsíocháin (Rest in peace) Slán, logh dom (Farewell, forgive me)

Elise You’re the spider, I’m the frost! And the moth cheated the spider Did I mention I hate spiders?

Lissandra Justice is made I can’t hear the Watchers crying. You will never deceive anymore

Sejuani You won’t hurt anyone ever again! This is for my village! Roasted boar tonight.

Rakan In the end, my dance won over yours! You didn’t kept up! I hope dad kicks your ass in the afterlife This is for calling me a frigid

Trundle King? Just a marionette. She’ll replace you You were already dead when you sided with the Witch

Xayah This is for insulting my mother *Sigh* I will finish what you started, but will do it my way Say hello to my dad from me Dad’s gonna spank you in the afterlife

Tower Ice breaks everything I can’t hear much though Just a statue

Howling abyss tower I hear it! Ice magic is free! A little step, for something big!

Destroying ward Nope! BOO! Haha! They won’t get close! Gotcha! A little advantage for me! Spy this! Shoo, little spy eye! Pentakill I… overdid it Hey, they were gonna kill me! It wasn’t me! That snow? Not mine.

Dancing next to Azir This is our battle dance! I beat you in this! North dance!

Braum AHA! You got the mountain beat inside! Keep it up, grandpa! That’s the spirit! Illaoi Nice motion, eh? YARR HARR! I dance with the sea too!

Rakan Watch and learn! Can you do this? EH?? EEHH? This is dancing! Xayah You got a lot to learn Poor Freljordian moves, huh? I dance with the wind and the snow!

Buying Hello merchant! What nice stuff do you have today? By Avarosa, this is a theft! Ooooh, nice! A couple sales from time to time? No eh? All that money for this thingy?!? Interesting The village carpenter would made a better work for 30 coins, really. You obtained it legally… Right? Perfect! I don’t have a short arm! I don’t wanna waste money!

Buying Shoes TAKE THEM OFF. I HATE THEM Why do I need shoes to go faster?! I haven’t wore shoes in years… Save me. Oh no, my toes ripped the front. “Why do you walk barefoot?” They say. It’s because shoes hurt as f*ck!

Recall

Be back later And we fly! Behave, or I will smack you with a frying pan Fixing two things, be right back! Actually I’m having a snack… Or Aunt’s gonna think I’m too thin

Skills

Q Come here! Didn’t give you permission! Where you going?! Get back here!

W Aha! Look up, you balbh (idiot) From the skies to the ground! Aaaaaaaand here I am!

E Firm like a mountain, light as the winds! I am free! I am the Mountain, I am the Air, I am the Winter! I am an IsØll! I move, dance, love and sing, I am alive!

R Today the White Swarm shall dance!!

Using Ward Aunt says you must have eyes on the back of your head nowadays You never know… Uhmmm, gonna place you here Do your duty, thingy Hello? Don’t kill me please! Sometimes antennae aren’t enough Extra visibility, I like that!

Using a potion Oooooh, apples It tastes like Uncle’s cider… Remembers me of the pies me and Safie bake Tastes like home.

Feeding Poro Eat up, you’re scrawny! Not Gigi, but I won’t let you starve! Who’s a cute ball of cuddles and love? You are! Yes, you are! I wanna adopt them all!

[add-salt-shed-light]

The Travel Ban

Before commenting on the liberal meltdown over Trump’s temporary travel ban and refugee policy, I think it would be appropriate to comment on these issues from a Christian perspective.  As a Christian, my stance on these two items should be decidedly different than a position taken by a secular government.  The government, given its intended function, must make decisions on behalf of a collective population.  I believe a Christian’s response to these matters, should be driven by individual exercise on the basis of biblical principles.

In order to arrive at the appropriate response, we must first identify the biblical principles that should guide and inform the Christian perspective.  My mind immediately goes to Galatians 5:22-23 and the fruits of the Spirit, which should be manifestly displayed in our individual Christian walk.  Specifically, I think of ‘love’, ‘kindness’, ‘goodness’, and ‘gentleness’.  Should our hearts not respond in such a manner to the plight of the refugees, who are leaving behind everything to flee violence and death?  Further, we are instructed throughout scripture to love both our neighbors and our enemies (Matt. 5:43-48; Matt. 6:1-3; Rom. 12:14) and are told to feed the poor (Luke 3:11; Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 25:21).

 Should we not open our arms and welcome in the poor and needy?  Without hesitation, we should answer ‘Yes!’, even if doing so could potentially be to our own peril.  When the Good Samaritan helped the man that had been beaten by robbers and left for dead, he did not first subject the injured man to extreme vetting.  Rather, he had compassion on the man.  He displayed love, kindness, goodness, and gentleness.  Upon finishing the parable, Jesus then instructed those listening to go and do the same.

 Luke 10:30-37 – “30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same (NASB)”.

You may ask why we should demonstrate this type of compassion if it could be a potential danger to us.  It would be at this point that I would raise the topic of evangelism. Why should we show love and compassion to both our neighbors and enemies?  Why should we feed the poor?  Because, in doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ and further the work of the gospel.

 Mark 8: 34-35: “34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it (NASB).”

 We may not often consider the physical dangers that can be associated with spreading the gospel, given the protections afforded to us by the country in which we live.  It could very well be that a refugee seeking entrance into our country is entering with the intent to act in violence towards us.  However, the gospel of Jesus Christ is powerful enough to win any heart and we should view an incoming refugee as a soul needing salvation. Whether a refugee or an immigrant, our desire for them should be the same: to see them saved through the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Our kindness, compassion, and love can prepare the soil for sowing and even the feeblest proclamation of the gospel can plant a seed that the Lord can use for the salvation of the individual.

I might speak a word to those Christians who lashed out in anger at the travel ban issued by the Trump administration. (Sadly, there were even those who professed shame at being a Christian, because in some way they saw the travel ban as a poor reflection on Christianity.)  I ask my fellow Christians to keep in mind two things:

 The US President, when sworn into office does not pledge to uphold Christian principles.  Rather, the President swears to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States”.

The bible instructs Christians to pray for those that are in authority so that “we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:2b-4, NASB)”.

 Now allow me to bring those two things together to make a point.  The US Constitution in its current form provides us great freedom in exercising our faith and presenting the gospel to the lost.  The government is a secular government (i.e. with a separation of church and state), and its primary duty is to care for and protect its citizens.  The government is not responsible to exercise the fruits of the Spirit on our behalf.  As Christians, we should pray for the government and its leaders so that we may continue to have the freedoms to publicly exercise and communicate our faith.  We, as individual Christians, are called on by scripture to feed and clothe the poor, to show love and compassion to others, and to give them the gospel.  

We may be discouraged that our mission field is not expanding because of the temporary ban placed on the admission of refugees and immigrants.  However, we should not lash out in anger at a government that upholds a mandate to protect its citizens.  Should we be angry that our government is not demonstrating Christian charity? No!  That is our responsibility as Christians.  

To my fellow Christians that have publicly railed against this travel ban – have you taken responsibility as an individual Christian to exercise love and compassion, and preach the gospel to those immigrants/refugees who have already been granted entrance to your country?  If you expect the government to exercise Christian charity on your behalf, then you are likely to be disappointed. If you believe it is the government’s duty to exercise Christian charity on your behalf, then you lack biblical understanding on your calling as a Christian.  Pray for the government and fulfill your individual responsibility as a Christian.

 [You may note that I have not referred to ‘hospitality’ in my comments above (Greek: ‘philoxenia’).  This has been purposeful, as in all instances of its use within the New Testament, it occurs within the context of Christian fellowship (Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 5:10; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9).  The Greek word itself is compound in its construction:

Philo – someone loved in a personal intimate way (brotherly love)

Xenia – carries the meaning of hospitality in the form of generosity and courtesy shown to those visiting from afar.

Certainly, actions that demonstrate love, compassion, kindness, etc. are consistent with the application of hospitality.  However, Christian hospitality appears to be reserved for those with whom you share a spiritual bond in Christ.  I would not be dogmatic about this but I believe the concept of ‘hospitality’ as communicated in the NT is between those of like precious faith.  I would be interested in hearing others’ thoughts on this word and its meaning within the pages of the NT.]

Now allow me to address the liberal backlash that resulted from the original temporary travel ban, as signed by President Trump.  The executive order was accused by the liberal left of being xenophobic, islamophobic, and even racist.  It was also accused of being un-American.  I will address the inconsistencies demonstrated by our liberal friends, within the two categories established by these accusations:

A Muslim ban

Un-American

 A Muslim Ban

The executive order signed by Donald Trump placing a temporary travel ban on seven Muslim majority countries was immediately labelled a ‘Muslim ban’ by the Democrats and their liberal supporters.  The protesters hit the streets, screaming out accusations of islamophobia and, of course, racism.  (You can’t find a group more obsessed with ‘racism’ than the liberal left.)  Before I even begin to point out the hypocrisy of these accusations, let’s reflect for a moment on whether this executive order amounted to a Muslim ban.

To fuel the outrage of the liberal protesters, CNN reported that 136,000,000 Muslims had been banned from the US.  That number was comprised of the sum total of the entire populations of each of the seven banned countries (as if all citizens of those countries wanted to come to the US).  Now in order for this to truly be a Muslim ban, then shouldn’t the ban include all Muslim majority countries?  Are there only seven majority Muslim nations in the world?  No, there are approximately fifty such countries, with Indonesia alone having a population of 209,000,000, followed by Pakistan with a population of 176,000,000, and India with 167,000,000. The executive order only placed temporary travel bans on seven countries out of fifty.  With approximately one billion Muslims in the world, the ban only impacted 14% of them.  The ban did not target the Islamic religion or any specific ethnicity.  This can hardly be construed as a Muslim ban nor can it be called racist.

Now let us discuss the liberal hypocrisy.  I read the entire executive order (the first one, which caused all the initial outrage).  The words Muslim and Islam were found nowhere within the document.  It makes me wonder if liberals can read for themselves or just blindly trust the mainstream media for their source of unbiased information.  The other thing that struck me was the absence of the names of any of the banned countries (with the exception of Syria).  None of the countries were named within the document. Instead the document made this reference:

“I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and non-immigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in Section 217 (a)(12) of the INA, 8 USC 1187 (a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States…”

How could anyone know which countries were impacted by the ban?  They would have to refer to the document referenced in Trump’s executive order (as quoted above).  That particular document (The Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015) contained the list of the ‘seven countries of concern’.  Whose administration identified these as countries of concern?  Whose signature is found on the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2015 that identified and listed these countries?  President Barack Obama’s.  How dare President Obama target seven Muslim majority nations as countries of concern based on the level of terrorist activity originating there? It’s odd, but I don’t remember the liberal outrage and accusations of racism and islamophobia at that time.

In short, liberals should practice reading, exercise simple logic, and stop smoking marijuana.  (Marijuana impacts short-term memory and may be the reason that they forgot it was their beloved President Obama who committed the outrageous racist and islamophobic act of identifying seven majority Muslim countries as dangerous terrorist states.)

 Un-American

I will be brief in my commentary on whether or not this travel ban is un-American.  From a Christian standpoint, I have no biblical principles to apply in determining if something is un-American.  However, I would think a consistent liberal would need to conclude this travel ban to actually be American.  After all, what could be more American than a policy that protects homosexual rights?

Imagine the United States someday becoming a majority Muslim nation.  What then would happen to homosexuals and same sex rights?  First, let’s consider what the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) says about homosexuality:

"We also sent Lut: He said to his people: Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For ye practice your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds. And his people gave no answer but this: they said, "Drive them out of your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!"" (Qur'an 7:80-82) "Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)! They said: "If thou desist not, O Lut! thou wilt assuredly be cast out!" He said: "I do detest your doings:" "O my Lord! deliver me and my family from such things as they do!" So We delivered him and his family,- all Except an old woman who lingered behind. But the rest We destroyed utterly. We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful." (Qur'an 26:165-175) "Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant! But his people gave no other answer but this: They said, "Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!" But We saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind. And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)!" (Qur'an 27:55-58) "And (remember) Lut: behold, he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Do ye indeed approach men, and cut off the highway? - and practise wickedness (even) in your councils?" But his people gave no answer but this: they said: "Bring us the Wrath of Allah if thou tellest the truth." (Qur'an 29:28-29) "If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (Reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some (other) way. If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, Leave them alone; for Allah is Oft-returning, Most Merciful." (Qur'an 4:15-16)

[http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/homosexuality]

Let’s also consider sections from some of the hadith (commentaries written on the Qur’an and on Muhammad’s actions and teachings by his companions):

 Narrated Ibn Abbas: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed effeminate men (those men who are in the similitude (assume the manners of women) and those women who assume the manners of men, and he said, “Turn them out of your houses.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) turned out such-and-such man, and ‘Umar turned out such-and-such woman.” Sahih Al-Bukhari – Book 72 Hadith 774

 Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If you find anyone doing as Lot’s people did, kill the one who does it, and the one to whom it is done.” Sunan of Abu-Dawood – Book 38 Hadith 4447

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: “If a man who is not married is seized committing sodomy, he will be stoned to death.” Sunan of Abu-Dawood – Book 38 Hadith 4448

Narrated AbuSa’id al-Khudri: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A man should not look at the private parts of another man, and a woman should not look at the private parts of another woman. A man should not lie with another man without wearing lower garment under one cover; and a woman should not be lie with another woman without wearing lower garment under one cover.” Sunan of Abu-Dawood – Book 31 Hadith 4007

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu’minin: “Ibn AbuMulaykah told that when someone remarked to Aisha that a woman was wearing sandals, she replied: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed mannish women.” Sunan of Abu-Dawood – Book 32 Hadith 4088

[http://hadithoftheday.com/homosexuality/]

 Sharia law (or Islamic law) condemns homosexuals to death.

“Mohammed’s first successor Abu Bakr reportedly had a homosexual burned at the stake. The fourth caliph, Mohammed’s son-in-law Ali, ordered a sodomite thrown from the minaret of a mosque. Others he ordered to be stoned. One of the earliest and most authoritative commentators on the Koran, Ibn ‘Abbas (died 687) blended both approaches into a two-step execution in which “the sodomite should be thrown from the highest building in the town and then stoned.” [http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/pages/quran/homosexuality.aspx]

There are ten countries in the world that punish homosexuality with the death penalty, including: Yemen, Iran, Somalia, and the Sudan. These four countries are included in the list of the seven countries covered by the temporary travel ban.

Shouldn’t the secular liberals be delighted that those haters, bigots, and homophobes are being banned from entering the U.S?  In fact, the liberals should be angry that the ban is only temporary and not permanent.  Letting them in would seem entirely Un-American.

Putting homosexuality aside for a moment…do you know how those countries treat women?  How a liberal can consistently defend women’s rights, homosexual rights, and at the same time express outrage over a temporary travel ban against seven Muslim majority countries is astounding.  

But I guess that’s the point.  There are no consistent liberals.