Once there were two brothers. They were twins and alike in every way that Nature could make them.
Both were strong, intelligent, skilled fighters and hard workers.
Both had a rigid definition of honour which they followed strictly, when it suited them.
Both were fiercely devoted to their Gods, but they held different beliefs.
As the brothers grew, each strove to be greater than the other, and each watched the other carefully concerned that the other would prove the greater.
The death of their father came to pass and his lands were divided equally between them. At the border of the two lands stood a spring that was the only source of water for miles around and the brothers were forced to share.
The brother's competition continued, even in adulthood. They watched each other carefully, each determined not to be outdone by the other.
The lands flourished and expanded. Each brother married beautiful woman and had many children. They became so successful they were able to take on tenents to work their lands for them.
There came a drought.
Dispite the brother's fervent prayers, rain was not forthcoming.
They began to squabble over the spring, and as their crops died they each began to suspect the other of sabatage.
Eventually, the spring ran dry. The tenents left, the livestock died.
Both brothers were cast into dispair.
Their wives urged them to join together and help one another, but they were each certain that the other would betray them.
Finally, their wives packed up their children and left together, leaving the brothers completely alone in their hatred.
One night, one of the brother's awoke to the smell of smoke. Concerned that one of his outbuildings may be burning, he quickly dressed and went outside to investigate.
In the distance he saw his brother's house engulfed in flames.
Approaching the house he saw his brother on his knees before the burning house wailing his misery to the sky.
His brother turned to him, "Brother! Help me!" he begged.
But he just smiled and taunted his brother for his misfortune.
In a rage, the stricken brother threw himself upon his twin, death in his eyes.
The brothers faught for hours, for they were equally matched and neither was able to gain the upper hand.
As they battled the fire spread from the house to the parched fields, to the outbuildings eventually reaching the other brother's property.
Neither noticed, however. Years of hate, jealousy and suspicion culminating in this one battle.
Soon the brothers were surrounded by flames, but they battled on.
The next day, a cool rain fell upon the scortched earth that was once the pride of two brothers.

Penned by my hand on the 17th of Ero, in the year 240 AF.