Testing

To be a bard, take the road up the hill. On the hilltop, dream for many nights. Either they’ll come to you or they won’t.

First the cat-woman will scratch your eyes. Either you’ll wake blinded or with the gift of far-seeing. You cannot tell in the dream.

Next, the serpent-man will bite you. You will not know until you wake if the poison brings death or inspiration.

Finally, heed the words of the dancing fool. Memorise them, and perhaps you’ll awake wiser. Or perhaps you won’t.

You’ll wake a bard, or you won’t.

Wake, that is. For very long.