"Brand, you read my Book of Traditions last night, didn't you?" Sarth said. His voice was halfway between an accusation and a statement of fact. "Uh, yea, sure did. Seeing your book gave me an idea, and I had to do some research," Brandooth casually replied. "Well, please be careful. I borrowed that book and don't want you to damage it," explained Sarth.

Sarth was actually more surprised at his friend than mad. Brandooth might be the most handsome and suave Thoom that the plain-looking Sarth ever knew, but he never before cared for the Thoomish Traditions. Brand was one to always wear the best robes and sashes while giving Sarth the hand-me-downs. But such was Sarth's position in life as part manservant, part tutor, and part friend to Brandooth, grandson of the famous Thoom'daron. As Sarth's father put it, "One can become a better Thoom by serving others." Oh well, that didn't mean that Sarth couldn't be a little jealous of Brandooth's golden attire and glowing smile that seemed to melt women's hearts.

"So, where are we going on such a brisk morning?" Sarth inquired.

"Sarth! Surely, you know! After all, you're always telling me that I should study our Traditions more. Today is Riddle Day, man! We're off to see the Ancient One," huffed Brandooth, practically running down Main Street to the Temple. Brand's eyes were as alive as a cat's chasing a mouse. He strode with purpose over the dew-laden cobblestones.

While sprinting to catch up, Sarth pondered how Brandooth could be hot on the trail of yet another scheme so soon. Wasn't it just yesterday that Brand was scolded by his father and told to make amends with Lord Thas? It seems that Brand's courting of the Thas' daughter, the Lady Elise, was essential to some political goal of his father. Now, Brand's latest "female accomplishment" and its subsequent discovery by the Lady were putting his father's goals and Brand's inheritance at stake. In fact, Sarth had to spend the better part of last evening comforting the Lady Elise and praising Brand, just to keep her from calling off the courtship.

"Don't look so sullen, Sarth. This plan is foolproof! The Ancient One is sure to help me out," Brandooth beamed to the huffing Sarth. Whatever he was planning, he had confidence. Arriving at the Temple, he wiped the perspiration off his bald pate, straightened his sash, and strode right in.

Sarth hesitated and pondered. As is Tradition, bets taken on Riddle Day were legally binding. After the terms were in agreement, the contestants told riddles until one could not answer. Sarth could possibly understand how Brand could challenge Lord Thas for the hand of his daughter on this day, but why was he in the Temple? This bode ill.

Early sunrise illuminated the Temple and gave the calm blue interior a holy serenity. The Ancient One was tending to the Morning Ritual when she noticed Brandooth. Sarth thought that she was almost expecting him.

"Greetings, my lady," said Brandooth, bowing low. "It's entirely my pleasure to see you on this fine day of Tradition."

A small smirk crossed the Ancient's face when she replied, "Greetings to you, Master Brandooth, son of Lord Daron, and to you, Mister Sarth. Have you come to worship with us today?"

"Alas, my lady, I've come for another purpose," said a smiling Brand. "I've come to challenge you to a riddle!"

The air seemed tangible with surprise. Had Brand lost his mind? Sarth cringed as the Ancient calmly started to speak. "Very well," she said. "Your terms?" Sarth could not believe it! The holy Ancient One would allow herself to be challenged?

Brandooth continued with confidence. "When I win, I would like you to personally recommend to Lord Thas that I should wed his daughter."

The Ancient seemed to take this term without emotion. She simply replied, "Very well. I accept. As for my terms, I ask that you dutifully study your Traditions and return, one year from today, to take the Test of Traditions." Sarth was impressed that the Ancient nobly had asked Brand to undergo the formal testing of knowledge of Traditions, whereas Brand had asked for a personal boon. "I agree!" exclaimed Brandooth hastily. "Let's start."

Raising a weathered hand, the Ancient interjected, "Hold, Master Brandooth. Thou must remember that a judge must be appointed who has complete impartiality. Since I doubt that anyone in this land would rule against me, I shall appoint a surrogate for my part of the Riddle Challenge." Brand was visibly worried. "Pardon, my lady, but what does that mean?" "Well," the Ancient explained, "since I cannot personally present you with a riddle, I will appoint Sarth to riddle you on my behest. I will then judge, if you consider me impartial." Brandooth shifted from one foot to other and nodded. The Ancient One then turned to Sarth. "Do you accept?" He seemed to shrink away. His mouth became dry. Why had she picked him? What did she know? "Yes, my lady," he was barely able to whisper.

With a wizened voice, the Ancient continued, "Sarth, you should present the first riddle, since I was challenged. Please make the riddle clever yet have an answer as common as the days. Remember, you are representing me."

Sarth visibly shook. He had to come up with a riddle. He had no preparation! Brandooth seem confident that the Ancient could not answer his riddle. This seemed to give Sarth some courage. If Brand could create a riddle, so could he! After all, Brand had the gumption to challenge an Ancient. Sarth's mind whirled. He had to come up with something. Riddle . . . common . . . . Book of Traditions! That's it! In one of the stories, a riddle was presented. Sarth was confident that Brand would not have read the whole book. Perhaps this riddle, ironically, would be his undoing.

In a quavering voice, Sarth spoke the riddle. "With a lying tongue, I claim to be the Sun. Yet the truth I always tell. Who am I?" Brandooth's heart raced and his confidence faded from his face. Perspiration pooled upon his forehead and rolled down. All could see that he hadn't the answer. With sullen demeanor, he eventually replied, "I know not. Who is it?" Suppressing a smile, Sarth answered, "With a lion tongue, I claim to be the Son. Yet I always tell the truth. I am Detros the Ruknee, Son of the Sun god himself."

A long moment passed before the Ancient spoke. "Brandooth, it is my judgement that you have been fairly asked a riddle that you could not answer. Therefore, one year from today, you shall return and take the Test of Traditions. I shall see you then, for I expect that you will not wish to return until then. Perhaps you should rethink your courtship of the Lady Elise, as well. Now, unless you wish to join us in celebrating the Sunrise, you may leave."

Like a whipped feral, Brandooth left the Temple with Sarth in tow. "I'm sorry, Brand, but I had to ask a good riddle. The Ancient would have not have allowed anything else," apologized Sarth. "It's alright, Sarth. I understand. I guess you'll have to start teaching me those Traditions." "Of course," replied Sarth, "but let's use your father's book. I really should return this one. We'll start tomorrow?"

"Sure," Brand slowly agreed. He then sulked back to his manor while Sarth hurried in another direction. "I guess," thought Sarth, "I should return to the Lady Elise her book. Her plan worked after all."

Analysis by Merlisk

Many Folk Tales tell of the adventures of Brandooth and Sarth. Although it's unknown if Brandooth is an actual historical figure, we do know that Sarth was a real scholar. His works on philosophy and diplomacy survive to this day. The identity of the Ancient One is never revealed, however.

This Folk Tale is consistent with others of this time period. They're placed shortly after the Icheton Wars and stress the importance of using one's wits to solve problems and not the sword. This Tale is one of only a few that tells of Brandooth being outwitted. Usually, it's he that outwits the adversary.

Also, note that the Book of Traditions is mentioned in this Tale. The original author, Thoom'daron, wrote and distributed this work to help ease the transition of the Thoomish people from an aggressive, warrior race to a peaceful, enlightened one.

Finally, realize that Brandooth, should he actually have existed, may not be an actual descendent of Thoom'daron. Several of the Folk Tales have him as any thing from grandson to great, great grandson to merely a descendent. However, also realize, that the beauty of these Folk Tales is not in the accuracy of the information. Rather, it's in the truths that they bring to life, no matter in what era one may live.