Willow defeated the wicked Queen Bavmorda by banishing the young infant future Queen Elora Danan to a realm where evil could not touch her. The the idea of such profound magic sent the malevolent sorceress into a suicidal rage of arcane energies that consumed her entire being.
Yet, Willow - our hero in this grandiose morality tale - is in reality a charlatan, a well-practiced huck, and one who narrowly avoided being sent to the mines. Even his greatest triumph, the glorious battle with Bavmorda, reeks of taint. His unheard of magical feat turned to be nothing more than an illusionist's vanishing swine trick. Sure, this impressed his village, it never failed, in fact. Disregarding the awkward instances that it did indeed fail, of course. The old local 5th level hedge wizard was relieved that somehow, in some way, the prophecy was fulfilled. He had initially declined the journey, and sent Willow and a small party of local militia in his stead, but was perhaps more amazed than anyone else that his sometimes student had brought the curse upon the land to an end. And in his typical thrifty brand of gratitude, he rewarded Willow with a 20% discount on most potions, oils, and ointments on display at his small shop, a benefit that would not be applicable to purchases by other party members.
But not all eyes would see things in such a positive light, or so it soon would seem. On the harrowing and ancient rock-paved highway, the road to Tir Asleen, whilst returning to the very kingdom that he saved through trickery and deceit, Willow disappeared. Months later it would be reported that his pony was found, grazing on thistles and scrub near a crow's cage. Of the canny nelwyn, the ambitious illusionist that defeated the dark queen through cantrip and guile and nerve, nothing more was ever heard tell of or seen since.
The crossroads were always said to be a gray land. Many since have quietly whispered that the wastes simply saw Willow Ufgood as one of its own.
Edited again because I strongly believe in the editing process. :)
