hang lifeless upon the gallows. Here in this place, I transcribe my story—a last testament to the age of The Jokerrs. Even in my torment, the prison keepers have provided me parchments. I know not why, but it is so; therefore, these words rest as a final call to the Jhemani in hopes that my legacy, in due time, will rest in appropriate hands. If not, then the history of my being and of my kind shall be lost forever. More than my chronicle alone is recorded here. The words from The Giver, spoken to me long ago as a child, resound on these pages.

CHAPTER 1



Pain in my shoulder and wrist agonized. I became ever so aware of it as my mind emerged from the twilight of unconsciousness. I knew not where I lay—or hung—for my senses came slowly. I struggled for thoughts. In time I discovered that my left arm lay free. Fingers moved, scratching against the gritty, cold floor. I listened with intensity, for I could see naught. Touching gently to my face, I jolted with a torrent of stinging pains when my free hand

grazed the swollen and bloodied skin of a wounded cheek.

What then had happened to me? I gathered my sentience while my consciousness returned as slowly as the coming dawn: It had been the king’s guards . . . the performance amidst the banquet guests . . .

“Your dammed songs Aithen!” the king’s voice echoed in my mind just before the command was given that I should be apprehended and taken. The guards then, twisting my arms behind my back and knocking me to my knees, punched and slapped at me with viciousness as they dragged me away from the king’s presence. I was jeered and taunted, and then . . . all went black. That I remember.

I awoke with the ever present why heavy on my heart. I had never been without loyalty to the king since the first day he bestowed upon me his confidence. My lord, he was. More than six full years had passed since the day I was assigned to serve therein beneath the mighty King Moriah. My selection came by name of those from whom he could have chosen. I served loyally, always with frankness. Veracity steeped in me, and my lord, with wisdom,