Forums / Roleplaying / The Squires Tale
| The Squires Tale | ||||
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Historicly, Samulis comes from the land of Mother Earth, but he is King of a place called Samersania in the Realm of Imparus. I published a whole entire website on all of Imparus, http://www.freewebs.com/samersania . I am working on writing a book and have been looking for a place to put it, but finally, I just realized. This is the best place to put it. Book I: A Squire’s Tale Forward: You, in your hands, hold not the work of an adult, but of an adolescent, let’s just call him ”The Lord Cartographer” for now, but in the future, he will be given more names. It is important, for all adult readers to instead of thinking in their normal mind, think as if you were still a child, young, but smart. Then, all in this book will begin to make sense, if taken from an adult’s prospective; the book will not make a lot of sense. To help all the readers, this book was written i*beep*.C., in the Holy Land. It was found by the explorer Sir Valerius in the year 1124, along with a Knighthood searching for the eagle of a lost Roman Legion. What they find is not what was expected. It was a temple, and a huge collection stone tablets written in Latin, dedicated a Philosopher and Prophet Silumas, who was from Sumeria, and his works were kept secret by the Imperial Roman Magistrate, since it dealt with the worlds’ end and what must be done. Sadly, the end was not in the time of the Romans, and they passed on, but not without building a hidden temple beneath Rome holding all of Silumas’ works. Sir Valerius and his order re-named themselves for a place mentioned in one of Silumas’ prophecies, Samersania. Thus forth, they were the Knights of Samersania, a secret order driven to protect the prophecies of Silumas till the end, and find the alleged ‘Kings of Olde’ who are gifted with the creation of Imparus, and return them to it in the year 9012, or the 1012th year of the 5th age of Imparus. These Kings were found and brought to Imparus, the Land of Gods, where they ruled over their kingdoms. In this story, we start in the year 1047 of the 5th age, with a young character, Thaön, a young character who is a squire to a Lord at the Great Sea Wall in northern Samersania. Remember, ‘think as an adult, dream as a child’, those are the words with this manuscript on the first line below the title. Note to reader: for more info on Imparus, please visit the Imparus website at Http://www.freewebs.com/samersania. Table of Contents: Page: Name: 3 A lesson from Hades 6 A Quest is a Soul 9 Thaön, the Woman’s Bane 13 A Dangerous Passage 16 A Forgotten Past 22 The Blade of Thaön
Chapter 1 A Lesson from Hades Thaön groaned… News from the frond had just come in… War! War! For the love of the Gods, War! He rushed down the main hall of the Imperial Palace towards the Throne Room. He knocked on the great Black-Wood doors… No answer. ‘Hmmm…’ he thought aloud, ‘I guess I can just go in and check…’ The great brass handle was only inches from his hand when… BAMM! The door swung open throwing him backwards as a dark figure stepped out. Blackness was closing in on Thaön. His vision shrank as the figure loomed over him, heartless, red eyes glared down on him. Blackness… Suddenly, his vision popped back on as if a light was turned on. “Urghh… my head!” said Thaön, his voice crackling harshly. “I am sorry I pulverized a messenger, and one such as you, M’boy!” said the cloaked figure. Thaön immediately recognized the clear, automatonic voice. “Lord Fasalus!” he exclaimed. “The one and only!” replied the cloaked figure, who if he could, smiled. Fasalus was a rich Lord from the city of Minas Fasaminus; he is the lord of Imperion, when Lord Daramon is away. After almost dying three times, and dodging close to a dozen assassination attempts, he was forced to replace many of his vitals and limbs with robotic parts, which earned him the title of ‘Brother of Soulbreath’, a Patonian Mage-Hero who paid for his first magic by replacing his body with metal mechanisms. Thaön said, “Can you send word to Batldregun (High General) Millimosus that Brigadus (a commander of a fort) Neron and Lord Archmeth beg for support at the northern sea wall at Ft. Acthmillion?” “Sounds pretty tough, friend,” said Fasalus as he walked out. Several minutes later, a nurse walked in to check on him and bring regards from Lord Daramon, whom was working in Samersania with Fasalus, leaving the cities in command of their Governors. He was also regent to a Dwarven City in the mountains, which he had saved from the evils of an invading barbarian army several years back. “You’re in good shape for a fourteen-year-old, “the pretty nurse said with a smile. “With years of training, comes expertise; from a pocket full of gold comes greatness” he replied with a charm. She smiled. Thaön always had good charm with women. The Nurse was a young woman, probably about his age. Man! The way her gentle bluish-gray eyes twinkled and the soft, beautiful face… What was he thinking! He was too high in class to be married to some young peasant with a bit of medical training! “Sir? Excuse me? Mr. Ramrold?” Thaön’s thoughts ended abruptly there. “Yes?” he answered quizzically. “You are free to go, the salve has done its job well,” said the pretty nurse. As Thaön stepped into the cool air, he suddenly remembered he was expected at the Great Feast. What Thaön did not know, was that the second he stepped in, his life would change forever. Chapter 2 A Quest is a Soul He crossed the main Viaduct towards the Great Hall1. Around him, soldiers marched and villagers strolled. Merchants sold their goods and shouts of “Hello” or perhaps “Good day” rang out from doorways and stalls. Finally, the Great Hall appeared. It was a glorious building of high, golden arches and tall, white column. Outside was a green garden and a huge blue dome topped it all off, at a height of over five stories, it was a magnificent building for the city. Inside was all of the government of the Kingdom, Its council, the House of Lords, the Table of Equals, the Room of Guilds, the departments of Checks and Balances, Law, Coinage, Trade, Foreign Embassies, Population, Languages, Siege Development (they had to work outside of the city), Weapon & Armor testing, and Agriculture, along with dozens of other departments and groups that made the Kingdom run. In the Great Hall itself, in the center of it all, Samulis, King of Samersania, one of the Kings of Olde, sat at the head of the Great Table of Conquest2, while his Lords and officers sat going down on each side. Distinguished guests sat at the other end, to allow conversation to flow freely through the vaulted ceiling and across the column-lined walls. Thaön entered and as soon as the door shut, every eye in the room turned to him. “Thaön, how nice of you to join us! We were just discussing you.” It was Samulis. “Me?”Asked Thaön, “Why me? What do you need me for, M’lordship?” “You see, Lad,” replied Samulis, “The Rugvak, Ruthless killers of the North, who follow barbaric ways are massing an army in secrecy. We need you to help Lord Fasalus to secure the Northern Sea Wall from them. Thanks to you, the reports that the Rugvak have attacked will be replied against immediately. I will follow up if I can with as many horses and men as I can. Good Luck.” “But how,” asked Thaön, “Am I going to help?” “That is for you to find out,” Said Samulis with a twinkle in his eye, “All will be revealed in time, Lord Fasalus will fill you in later, but for now all you need to do is sleep and prepare, for a quest is a soul!” Samulis’ last words were meaningful, for the second Thaön set his head down; he closed his eyes and slept. His dreams were strange, Images flashed before him3, a great battle… A mighty evil… Great Siege firing and the sound of bows twanging and swords clashing… A ship, sailing over the seas, then climbing a mountain, then falling, and falling and… “Thaön!” He jerked from his sleep to find it was still dark out. He looked around, to find a familiar face staring in his own. “Lord Fasalus? What are you doing here?” inquired Thaön. “I am here, M’boy, to help you prepare to depart, for I will be accompanying you for the ride north. We will enter the realm of Imperion, take a break, and then continue on to Eogen Forest, then from there, we ride across the Great Plains of Samersania, to Northern Araegonia, where the Great Northern Sea Wall is. I will tell you more along the way, and when we arrive, but now it is time for you to prepare.” Footnotes: 1: Great Hall built in early 3rd age, viaduct dates back to mid 3rd age. 2: Named so because on the table is a map of the world, conquered areas are marked in red. 3: Images of prophecy are common in heroes and powerful leaders of Imparus, in fact, it is often thought that when a person begins to have images of the future in their dreams, they are becoming a hero.
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Chapter 3 Thaön the Woman’s Bane Just as Fasalus had said, they soon left the great city with only swords and the necessary. It was an old Samersanian Phrase, ‘be prepared for anything’. The only thing Thaön was not prepared for was the beautiful views from the mountains. He could see the whole of the city laid out before him, from the smithy on Fortas hill, to the Imperial Academy, where he had learned about his life and the world around him. He was awed by the speed of the horses as the galloped along swiftly, but still gently along the Imperial Way, towards the great city of Imperion, and the north. He felt like the gods riding across the sky in golden chariots, zooming high above the earth that he still stayed attached to. The wind beating cold and hard against his face, blowing his hair back, and cooling down any of the heat floating up into the mountains from the valleys below. He could almost feel the horse’s mind, free and happy, grazing and wondering in delight of being out of civilization. He felt that way too, then he came back to the world, and reality came back into play. After about 2 days ride, they came to an awesome spectacle. As they rode around a bend in the cliff face, the mountains suddenly dropped away, and a huge gleaming, white expanse lay before him. At first Thaön was too awestruck and the glare was too bright for him to see what it was, after a minute and rubbing his eyes, he looked again, to see in front of him, a massive city of white, glowing marble, almost as big as Samersania and very well defended. “Hail! Imperion, the home of the Elves and Dwarves of Olde, when the sheltered together during the days when the Race of Man took dominancy. It is here where the first Human King of Samersania was crowned, King Armegadaeus the Gallant1, and also, where Elvenlord Imparus himself, first intelligent creature in the world after the Muraagians, was born from a tree. In fact, it is that large golden tree over there that is now a sacred place for all elves of the world,” Said Fasalus pointing towards the great temple on top of the hill next to the castle. “Is this where you were born?” asked Thaön. “Ha!” chuckled Fasalus, ”No, Thaön, I wasn’t born here, in fact, I was born far, far away, in the same land as Samulis2.” Thaön’s concentration returned to the city. Its huge and tall parapets shadowed over the rest of the city and made it shine in a glorious white color. Thaön could smell the sweet grasses and herbs floating up from the valley and the aroma of burning wood coming from the chimneys below. As they neared the gate, the walls seemed to explode in height, 50 feet of solid marble, and a huge black-wood gate plated in thick and heavy steel. The heavy gate swung slowly open, so huge it took five men to open each half, and almost 10 heartbeats later, it was fully open. A crowd of traders poured into the city behind Thaön and Fasalus, and several dozen aristocrats followed by what seemed to be the whole of the city. Shouts of greeting rang out as Fasalus quickly made a speech. He marched up the acropolis, artisans presenting goods and ideas, and centurions3 giving reports on the economy and military forces of Imperion to him. During all the questioning and talking, Thaön realized once more that Fasalus is a very powerful and influential Lord. He had a great number of people giving him return gifts and it seemed the whole city came to visit him over that one day. Thaön was also welcomed greatly and found that he had a fine taste for wine dining that night. By the fourth day, Thaön had grown to liking a certain maid4 by the name of Floridel of Frestus. She was kind to him, and he grew to think of her very well, but suddenly, when he said to her that she was beautiful, he promptly discovered that he should not have done so. She jumped on him, drawing a dagger from her belt and held it to his throat. “What did you say?” she shouted angrily. Luckily for Thaön, Fasalus was walking by when he heard the shouting. He rushed in to find Thaön pinned down by Floridel. “It is ok, Floridel, he does not know of my elite force’s devotion to my ‘safety’.” Floridel released him, and walked out of the room sheathing her dagger as quickly as it appeared. “Nice girlfriend,” said Thaön softly. “She is truly one of my elite guards, but she likes to use disguises to fool enemies, after all, how many Lords have female elite guards? Just don’t tell anyone about my guard force, we don’t want other Lords to learn about my secret ways, do we? And anyway, I thought I told you not to talk love and happy with anyone…” Fasalus walked away mumbling ‘what do they teach children in school these days?’’ Footnotes: 1: During the 3rd age of Imparus. 2: We will all just have to guess who he is then… 3: A leader of a group of 100 troops. 4: referring to maiden, not to a house-maid. Chapter 4, A Dangerous Passage After a week, they left the Fiefdom of Imperion towards the great northern lands of Araegonia. With them, rode a small host1 of Imperial Guards for security as they passed into country that could have bandits and wild animals. They rode swiftly up the mountain pass again and towards the north on the Imperial Way. Soon afterwards, they reached the pass through the abandoned Mines of Samutuk2. The Mines were very old, but were fixed up each year by the dwarves that lived in the valley nearby. As they rode into the center chamber, a violent shaking began. Suddenly, the walls began to buckle in as if a Jakeonian Samurai had hit it with his hand, cracking it in half. The mines fell into chaos, as the few travelers and scientists at work and vacation fled for their lives. Huge sections of the ceiling as large as the turrets of Castle Samulis started to fall around them, crushing the beautiful Compass Rose Mosaic, the Coat-of-Arms of Samulis, into a billion tiny ceramic fragments. The air filled with dust and rock as the fled. Statues along the corridors turned into barricades, feet clattered on the marble floors as people ran for their lives out of the mines. The last person, or more, last dwarf, ran out of the tunnel just as the mighty doorway overhead collapsed. Everyone inside was safe, the bad news was, now the north was completely cut off from quick-moving troops and resources from the south. It would take days longer to ride, much less march around the mountain through the rough terrain surrounding it. The party rode onwards, now riding slower because of the damaged and at some points, missing road. As they rode on, the damage became less and less severe; soon all they saw was a chipped ear on a statue or a bit of dust blowing off the marble track. They hastened their pace, wanting to make up for the time lost. The viaduct raced by, and once again, Thaön felt that great feeling of excitement, adventure and of Godliness. On the next day, the rode to the top of a mountain and looked across a vast expanse of woodland, Thaön was startled; he had never seen more than a small garden in his whole life! What really surprised him was right down the road. Elves3… the beautiful creatures that live forever, except if they are slain by poison or blade stood in numbers awaiting them. Their sharp, pointed ears and cheerful glowing eyes seemed to draw Thaön to look at them. Below him, he realized was not just a small clearing with some huts, but a large city, made out of living, growing trees. They rode slowly into town, and a mighty lord and his knights bowed to them. “Greetings, Elvenlord Minosis,” said Fasalus with a mighty grin. “My Lordship, Fasalus! My brethren welcome you and your humble travelers into Maesosa. Please, join us for food and talk,” replied Minosis happily, his voice was as smooth as honey, but as crisp as morning dew. “I bring bad tidings, Minosis. There was a quake at Mt. Largos that destroyed most of the Mines of Samutuk. Most of the trade will have to go around through the barren waste ‘round the mountain.” At the mention of the quake, Minosis looked shocked, “Oh my! What is man to do in such times,” he wailed, “Our fresh meats and fruits will go bad by the time they reach Samersania! I cannot believe Largos collapsed, it is a very stable mountain, or so said the Earth Readers4.” “Fear not, Minosis,” said Fasalus cheerfully, “The Imperial Engineers will have a road ready in no time.” After some more conversation, some elves helped them to their cottages while some children happily sung and danced as they lead the horses to the stables. Footnotes: 1: about 20-100 men. 2: Dates back to the 2nd age, it was a Dwarven sanctuary. 3: More relating to the Middle-Earthen elf than any other kind. 4:Geologists. | ||||
Chapter 5 A Forgotten Past After spending several days in the hospitality of the elves, they decided to embark on their great quest once again. After saddling the horses, they paid thanks to Elvenlord Minosis and the people of Maesosa for their hospitality, then rode off down the road towards the Great Plains of Samersania. They passed through the woodland realm at a gallop, stopping only shortly for food and lodgings. They soon entered the Realm of the Plainsmen, under the watchful eyes of the ever vigilant Riders of Samersania, a proud army of 30,000 Imperial Calvary who worked with local authorities to quell any crime or treason, though both are rare under the fair rule of King Samulis. After the woods, so twisty, wise, and old, came the plains, flat, simple, but ever-changing. Soon, they fell into rhythm with the land, ride through the day, then sleep through the night. After five days of riding, they came across the province capital of Baedion. Baedion was amazingly large, and had a population of well over 110,000, close to the population of Imperion at 125,0001 and Samersania 140,0001. Its twenty-five-foot-tall, golden sandstone walls towered over the plains, but did not match the fairness and glory of Imperion’s. Thaön was amazed by the rich and strange culture of the plains. It was a strange mix of Nordic and Classical Samersanian, which was very odd to find two almost opposite cultures together. Thaön rode into the city just behind Lord Fasalus. It seemed all of the city of Baedion was watching the proud procession march through. It seemed to Thaön, even the tall palaces seemed to be watching them, huge stone faces grinning and cheering. After a short march, they arrived at the large gate leading up to the acropolis of the city, as all Classic Imparian cities have. Thaön watched as the Imperial Guards, dressed in rich armors, opened the huge golden gate. They rode into a beautiful courtyard, birds chirping and the gentle flump-flop of leather on polished granite. Thaön could hear someone playing a lyre nearby. Fasalus stopped by a small crowd of squires and dismounted. Thaön copied him. He felt his stomach lurch as he jumped to the ground. Too much riding he thought, perhaps I should have rested a bit more, ten ducentis2 in a saddle really does something to you… A man dressed in fine silk robes and a woman in a beautiful dress came out of the grand doorway to the High Hall. “Lord Fasalus! How nice of you to come! Who is this?” asked the man. “Marchos! Leutemna! How nice it is to see you again!” Fasalus exclaimed, “This is Thaön, my squire. We are headed to the Great Sea Wall by the orders of King Samulis himself.” “Oh, my!” Exclaimed Leutemna, “You’d better come in then, Fasalus, there is much news, I hear.” In the hours that followed, Thaön found himself sitting at the High Hall enjoying a feast next to Fasalus. Around him were common people, who had, by Samersanian Law of Hospitality, had been invited that evening to come. There were drinks and foods so exotic, that they shunned old Mechos’2 poppy seed toast. The meal was more of a party, with dancing, chatting, and gossiping all around. Even Fasalus joined in the gossiping, and Thaön found himself asked to dance. Soon after, all the commotion slipped away and Thaön went to bed with a terrible headache and a painful stomachache. Well, what the king asks must be fulfilled, he thought, what am I doing in this quest, helping man fight its enemy? For the glory of the Rose? Or is it another reason why Fasalus rides with quickness to what could be our doom? He dismissed these thoughts and went to sleep. The next day he awoke to find a note from Fasalus stating that he had gone to a council meeting and would return later. Thaön was welcomed to go to the stables or armory and train, or he could adventure around the city. The thought of getting the chance to execute some swordplay was enough to make him jump, grab his blade, and run to the armory like a wild horse in a pasture. The Armory of Baedion was a large affair. It was just inside the Inner Citadel and was made of Sandstone, like the walls of the city. It was a tall building, about 2 stories tall, and also very long and wide. He entered and felt a blast of cool air flow out. The vast room was bright and full of tapestries and banners. It was less of a room, and more of a stadium, full of fighters in mock battle. As he entered, a man dressed in armor with a large shield asked if he would like to participate. He said yes, and was lead away to the Arms and Armors room off the side hallway. Thaön picked out a nice armor of chainmail and a tunic with the Compass Rose, along with a wooden Knight’s Shield3 plated with a layer of steel. After a quick examination of his blade, the man allowed him to use it. He led Thaön out into the stadium where he found a suitable partner and they declared a duel. Thaön stood defensive and adamant, blocking any blow to him, then slowly went on the offensive, tearing away at the opponents’ defense. After a fierce exchange of blows, the duel began to resemble a dance of death. The partners spun and twisted, slashed and dodged. Blades spinning with deadly accuracy, stopped every time. After a while, they even began to sing. Oh, they sung of glory, of right and wrong, of unfortunate that died along. They sung proudly of their empire, and of their home, and finally, sung some songs of myth. After they had finished, the entire armory was watching them, blades at their sides. The two took of their helms and bowed. To Thaön’s surprise, he had been fighting a girl- not just any girl, but the young nurse he had met in the hospital in Samersania. “I remember you,” he said, “what are you doing here?” “I am under orders to come with you, Fasalus has his work to do, you will be rather lonely here,” she replied with a smile. “Why you? Why not anyone else?” Thaön asked. “Because,” she said, “I am your sister.” Those were words he never thought he would ever hear. “M-m-my S-sister?” he stammered, “I thought I was the only child of a great lord of Samersania4 who he and his wife died in a war. “Thaön,” she said, “Your parents are alive, they are not friends of Samulis, but His and Her Majesties themselves.” “It cannot be so! Fasalus, or someone would have told me!” Thaön cried out. “I would have if Samulis let me,” whispered that well-known metallic voice behind him. Thaön jumped and spun around to find himself looking upon the cloaked figure of Fasalus. “There is much that has been hidden from you, m’boy,” said Fasalus later in their room, “Lady Nyraed, your sister, is one. There are other things, sadly. One day they will all be revealed to you. For now, all I can reveal to you is that you need a bath!” Fasalus, his face absent of any features, tut-tuted in disgust and lead Thaön off to the baths, Nyraed giggling at Fasalus’ comment.5 Footnotes: 1: This is un-including the villages in and around the cities, and only counting villagers, not Government Officials or soldiers. 2: A very famous baker who lives in Samersania. 3: A triangular shield that is about 2-2½ feet tall. 4: Thaön thought until then that it may have been the lord Anaedulic of Baedus. 5: It is common knowledge that Fasalus likes to give bad jokes at serious times.
Chapter 6 is currently being typed. It may be done by tommarow. | ||||
Important Footnote for the Forward, you must read this: In the line that says 'this book was written i*beep*.C.' it is supposed to say 200.B.C. | ||||
Any comments? I need feedback so I can improve it, just no flamming as usual (I know most players never flame on VU anyway :) good community!) | ||||
Hm...there are some grammar mistakes scattered around the story in several places. I could send them to you via message if you really wanted, but I will let you try and see them for yourself and just correct in the future(Don't need you completely reposting the story because that takes up lots of room and makes things sloppy). Try writing your stories in Microsoft Word or something with spellcheck(I need to more often but don't). Just continue working at your story. I need to continue mine... | ||||
um... I did write all of this in Micorsoft Word. That's why it is in a different font than any on VU. If you want you can e-mail me the improvements, or simply send each change in order and I can find them. Even though it is 23 pages on Microsoft Word, it is easy enough since I wrote it all. | ||||
Well it may have to be at a different time because I am busy for tonight and most of this week. | ||||
hey, i'm trying to write a book tooo...it's actually posted under "the noldor in the land of zeta". it's not the name of the book, but it's all i could think of...please comment there also... | ||||
Manwe, I read some of your book. It sounds good. Think of a title, such as The Dwarves of Zeta or mabye somthing more origonal, such as The Kings of the Noldor or somting, or mabye the Tale of... Those are all pretty popular naming ideas. | ||||
Being original gets points in my book. I try to make ideas that are not the same as others. I created my own world, own kingdoms, people, some different races, ect. My world has had all of my medieval RPs take place in it. I will have every Deallus generation have something new happen in my plan. I just need to continue writing my story though. It takes a lot of effort and imagination that I did not borrow only from Tolkien. I have read hundred and hundreds(maybe over a thousand...but I dont count) of a variety of books ranging from Tolkien written, Merlin(several different authors), Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Stephen Ambrose(Band of Brothers), Agatha Cristie(famous murder mystery writer), Star Wars, and dozens of others I cannot even remember. I do not base my writings on one or two authors alone, but I mix as much as I can to make a unique style. I work VERY hard on making grammar good because I do not like to read things with many grammar mistakes. It is harder to read and makes me have to read slower. | ||||
I agree abou the grammar, and I am looking to have the book edited before I finally post it on my website. I have looked to Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, James A. Owen, Hilari Bell, and several other authors, and many movies (who could forget all the great inspiration from Star Wars???). I agree, Deallus, the best story is the one that you tell yourself. Sometimes, you write it, and you don't realize how much inspiration you pulled. In this story, I just realized I pulled a ton out of Lord of the Rings and a suprising amount out of Prince Caspian. | ||||
Any more advice? | ||||
Hello? | ||||
Expecting people to always say something? O.o | ||||
hers an advice....post the next chapter =Þ | ||||
If it is finished, there is no need to keep bumping it XD I have like 7 stories and they are all in the archives somewhere XD | ||||
I am not finished, it is just the last 3 chapters are really big, so they take long to type. I also have been working on my studies alot (school is hard...). I will be done by december if I manage enough time. It seems that whenever I talk to someone about a writing, they have alot of comments about grammar and concept, but not here, RP-ing is alot more of story-telling than story-helping, eh? | ||||
well i think your doing great keep up the good work...and maybe theres no help for you cause you dont need it xD | ||||
If I brought this in front of my english teacher, she would filp out probabily. | ||||
thats just because shes a teacher xD thats what they do =Þ | ||||
lol... Here is some of chapter 6:
Chapter 6 The Blade of Thaön “We are only a few days ride from the wall,” Said Fasalus the next morning as the brother and sister ate, “I expect we can make it there by the next full moon1. We will stay one more day so I can get enough supplies and equipment ready.” That day passed quickly, without any problems or events worth mentioning. Later in the afternoon, as the packed the last of their gear up, a warrior from the armory came up with a large parcel under his arm. “Thaön!” he said, Thaön immediately recognized him as the man who helped him at the armory, “I brought some armor and a shield for you to guard you on your journey, oh yeah, and a sword.” Thaön looked upon him as if he was the Father Christmas from the Old World2, and he was reciving gifts. The warrior un-wrapped the bundle and pulled out a silver and black shield with a red Compass Rose painted on it, the Coat-of-Arms of Samulis. “This shield is very old and was forged by Samulis himself for his son, you, to use when you came of age.” Next he pulled out the mail and brown tunic from the armory. This was quickly followed by a gray cape, with a red square and the same golden Compass Rose on it. Lastly, came the sword and its scabbard. The warrior handed it to Thaön as if it was a relic of noble importance. “I already have a blade!” Thaön protested. “Aye, a regular blade, but this one is made of tempered steel, hardened and re-enforced with some Elven Mithril3. This blade will cut your other one in two, along with any foe.” Thaön gently drew the blade, the hiss of steel on scabbard filling the room. The blade seemed to glow and its beuty was evident. The cross-hild was decorated in gold swirls, and the pommel had a Compass Rose with a sapphire center. Its blade had a string of the same swirlling leaves down the middle made of gold and Mithril. When Thaön looked closer, he discovered that the golden swirls on the blade had Samersanian inside of them, inscribed by hand. “I…It’s… Beautiful!”cried Thaön. “It was made for you. As for your sister, he has already been armed and armored. Good luck on your quest,” said the warrior, “You shall remember me as Ordaitus of Burgengaurd!” The warrior left as fast as he appeared, leaving Thaön to change and wash quickly, before they departed. Thaön picked up some bread and hot foods on his way back from the stables for a hot meal before they left. He returned to their rooms to find Nyraed and Fasalus chatting lively about their previous journeys and travels. Thaön walked up and set the food on the table. Nyraed and Fasalus immediately stopped and quickly said thanks, before digging in. “Nyraed, Fasalus, do you notice any improvements in how I look?” Said Thaön standing up. “Thaön!” gasped Nyraed, “you’re wearing the tunic and armor father made for you when you are ready. You look great in it!” Her face lit up like a candle and a small tear of joy rolled down her cheek. Fasalus, if he could have smiled, he did. A deep, muffled chuckle came out, a testimony to his automatronic side.
To be continued... | ||||
Pronunciation Guide ('=stress mark, -=space): Thaon: They'-on Samulis: Sam'-ul-lus/Sam'-ul-lis Fasalus: Fah-saul'-us Nyraed: Ni'-raad Samersania: Sam-er-zan'-ia Imparus: Im-par'-us Mithril: Meath'-ril/ Meath'-rel Baedon: Bai'-don Leutemna: Lew-teem'-na (short second space) Mechos: Meck'-os Anaedulic: Anni-duel'-lick Baedus: Bai'-dus Armegadaeus: Arm-eh-gadi'-us/ Arm-eh-gail'-ius/ Arm-eh-gadai'-us (quick 'gadai') Jakeonia: Jake-ain'-ia Patonia: Pat-ton'-ia Dougland: Doug'-lind/ Doug'-land Minosis: Mi-no'-sys Maesosa: My-so'-suh Is that enough? I will post some things on Samersanian Language next week if I can. | ||||
The rest of Chapter 6: Soon, they set off towards their final destination, the Great Northern Sea Wall. They passed quickly through the Realm of the Plainsmen and soon, after a long day, saw a mountain range to the north. “Those are the mountains of Highplain, from when the sea was much lower4,” commented Fasalus. After another day, they arrived at the mountain pass, heavily guarded by 20 well-trained Men-at-Arms. The guards bowed as Fasalus passed, as his name was famous in every corner of Samersania. They soon entered Fort Acthmillion5, which was also a city. They rode through at least five curtain walls starting at 10 feet high, and going up to an impressive 40 feet. Finally, they reached the Inner Keep, a great black tower, and a yard of green growing grasses, shrubs, and trees. Men in mails and armors Thaön had never seen before marched around; shields with strange insignias from faraway lands and weird weapons were in their hands and on their backs. Jakeonian Imperial Troopers in full eastern armor paced across corridors and elves in full mail with great yew bows held high stood on the keep walls. The timing of their paces was so precise that it sounded like a single man walking heavily. Footnotes: 1: About 4 days. 2: Mother Earth, where you (the reader) are most likely reading this. 3: The stuff Tolkien talked about in The Book of Lost Tales, in the Binding of Melko. 4: Before man came to Imparus… a really long time ago. 5: An Elven hero from days long gone, he is a popular hero in the mountainous region in mid-Samersania.
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Chapter 7 The Silence of the Sea As they entered, the Lord of the Keep came out of the castle. “Alas! What have you brought with you? A son of the king?” he cried. “Lord Archmeth, I bring Thaön, Son of Samulis and Nyraed, daughter of the Queen1. His Imperiality2, Samulis, has ordered 1,000 Elven Archers and 2,000 Imperial Knights to come. I see they are already here,” he glanced out the gate to the harbor, “along with the Douglandean fleet and the Jakeonian Samurai regiment. A question, good Lord3, did the catapult crew arrive? How many tons of artillery shot have arrived from the quarries?” “Yes, Lord Fasalus, the catapults have arrived, and we have enough tons of shot to sink a hundred-thousand transports!” Archmeth boasted, “We drove the Rugvak scum from our shore and sunk hundreds of their so-called ships.” His voice suddenly became very sullen, “spies bring news of a massive fleet of over 20,000 ships embarking to try to take the fort…” “Oh my! This is what Samulis has feared all this time. The alliance must be summoned!” Shouted Fasalus, making the nearby guards turn their heads quickly and wonder what the shouting was for. “Sir! Enemy fleet coming, about five kilometers4 off!” shouted an elf from the pinnacle of the tower, “there are at least 5,000 enemy ships, no, 10,000 ships! To arms! Ready the catapults!” “This must be part of your Great Fleet,” cried Fasalus, who was rarely scared, as he put his hand to his sword and gripped his cross-bow tighter. The castle gates suddenly swung open and a messenger rode in full gallop, “Samulis and a host of 10,000 Imperial Troop will be here in ten hours! Reports say Lord William’s Black Fleet5 will arrive shortly after, and King Christian and King Douglass arrived at Burgengaurd two days ago with 6,000 Landovarchs6 and at least 2000 pirates. Now, even rumor of the Atlanteans sending some Flame-shooters and a small host of Elite Swordsmen by sea on a Douglandean Man-o-War has reached us. In great effect, and stupidity, the Joshonists have sent a huge amount of peasants to attack their capital, and the Lost Colony sent relief supplies by frigate here. There is even rumor that the infamous Elvenlord Imparus himself is coming, with the Chancellor’s Guard7 and 1,000 Peacekeeper Knights. No help will arrive for then hours, though. You must hold them off until troops can arrive.” The messenger managed to get out all of that before riding off as swiftly as night. “Why didn’t he stay to help us?” asked Thaön. “Because,” replied Fasalus, now under control, “he is a leader… He is Elvenlord Imparus himself in disguise. He has done what is necessary, to bring hope to man, even if it is lies. There is help, but everything, except for Samulis, is over fifteen hours off. Don’t tell anyone what I just told you, or our morale will fall dangerously.” “I will ready the Long-Range Trebuchets,” interjected Archmeth, “Time is of the essence, they will arrive within two hour’s time at the speed they are going. You two should go up to the command room and prepare, this will be a massive fight.” Thaön was too anxious not to agree, and he and Fasalus walked up to the tower. They looked into the spyglass across the vast forest of longships moving steadily towards them, oars bristling like branches, sails like leaves, and hulls like fallen trunks. Footnotes: 1: A custom from another world that the daughter is said ‘of the mother’ and son ‘of the father’ 2: Imperiality is like ‘Highness’ or ‘His Majesty’ but in an Imperialism, kind of like saying Emperor. It is an Imparus-only term, evolved from Imperial. 3: good Lord is an honorific term that High-Lords (Minosis, Fasalus, Daramon, etc.) use to address Low-Lords (Archmeth, Marchos, etc.). 4: Imparus uses the Metric System, the English system, and the Elven System (uses measurements related to parts of trees and places, such as the D’march, consisting of how far you could march in a day). 5: A fleet of very loyal Pirates whom serve Lord William, High King of Patonia, feared by all non-alliance ships. 6: Douglandean Knights. 7: A group of extremely well-trained heroes from around the world, two of which come from Mother Earth and are the only two people of any race allowed to bear guns (banned from all of Imparus, Elvenlord Imparus took care of that himself…) | ||||
Chaper 8 status: 1/3 way through the great climax! News: I have cut the regular chapter 7 into twain, now there are not 8, but 9. | ||||
The book has a permenent resting place! (this is a safe site as declared by the Samersanian Council of Internet Policies on this day.) | ||||
well, if it isin't this ol' post. | ||||
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