Where the West Sea mixeth its waters with the Great Sea, in comparison with which it is only its narrow gulf, there in ancient times arose a mighty realm of the seafarers of renown. On their ships they were sailing all seas and were dropping anchors at all shores. From their merchant voyages they were bringing not only precious treasures, but chiefly they were gathering the wisdom of the whole world. Around of their chief harbour had grown a great town full of magnificent palaces. But no building was more splendid than the temple, in which were standing four equal altars; one consecrated to the Lord of the Winds, which stretch the sails; and one to the Lady of the Waters, which give firm support to the keels of the ships; and one to the Lady of the Earth, which provides the safe place to rest after voyages; and one to the Lord of the Fire, which in lighthouses helps to avoid dangerous places and to find the way home
But the Lord of the Winds was not content, and sent a messenger to them with these words: "Why have ye made my altar so low? My airy realm spreadth above both the earth and the sea, and to me therefore belongth the highest place."
And they said in astonishment: "Doest thou really want us to measure our reverence according as high who dwellth? Then we should have to revere above all the Lord of the Fire, whose realm of the sun and the stars overtopth all other."
And the Lord of the Winds frowned, and summoned all the winds, and forbade them to fan near the shores of Dexterland. And the surface of the sea was as smooth as glass, and no sail was inflated by wind. And the Lord of the Winds sent this message to the Dexterlanders: "If the Lord of the Fire is dearer to you then I am, then try to drive your ships by fire instead of by wind."
And they did try it, and they saw that it was good. And they decorated the altar of the Lord of the Winds, and bestowed praise upon him with these words: "We thank thou very much, for without thy advice we would never had thought such thing. It is not so beautiful as sailing, which will ever please our hearts, but with fireships will our voyages be faster and more reliable."
Then the anger of the Lord of the Winds was kindled against them, and he summoned all the great birds, and commanded them to attack Dexterland.
The mightiest among the birds of heaven were the sons of Aptenodyt. They were noble beings of immense beauty and wisdom. They were clad in bluish gray and white and on their necks were shining necklaces of gold. And Aptenodyt stepped before the Lord of the Winds, saying: "That be far from thee to do harm to them who has not sinned against thee."
To which the Lord of the Winds said: "I am the King of the Air, and if ye want to fly in my realm, ye must obediently fulfil my orders."
But they said: "If that is the case, then we will rather leave thy kingdom than take part in injustice."
And since yon times nobody from egg of Aptenodyt has furrowed air with his wings, but instead they are flying in waters of the Encircling Sea, which washeth the shores of Dexterland. And with Aptenodyt and his two sons left Megadypt and his son, Pygoscel and his thee sons, Eudypt and his six sons, Sphenisk and his four sons, and Eudyptul and his two sons.
And the Lady of the Waters blessed the waters of the Encircling Sea, so that they are now six times more fertile than the waters of other seas. And she covered the whole Dexterland with the mighty shield of crystalline water, underneath which the Dexterlanders can live in peace and safety.