Hey guys, the following is a story within a story. It is definitely a violent story, but the character who is saying it manages to dull down the significance of all the treachery and killing. Of course in the world this takes place in (a medieval fantasy world) this type of slaughter is common.
I also want to point out, this is in no way related to Stonehearth. It’s the only part of my book I can share by itself so far.
Please point out any grammar or technical problem you see.
Enjoy.
“Well now that we are done with the order we have some time to relax. I’ll tell you a tale, this happened long ago, before there was an emperor, when Iireach was covered by hundreds of ruling barons. In those times war was common and brutal, the only way a baron could gain power would be to conquer more land. There was one particular baron who ruled over what we now call Lower Uagos, his name was Amado. Amado was a charismatic baron, his people loved him and were deeply loyal. Under his reign Lower Uagos prospered.
“Like all good things this prosperity brought the wrong people’s attention. One day the baron of Upper Uagos, whose name was Diado, decided to conquer Lower Uagos. Now, Diado was a devious man, he knew that Amado had a powerful army, so he came up with a plan. He sent a message to Amado, telling him that he wanted peace, and that he would offer one of his daughters to Amado’s oldest son. Amado agreed to meet him, after extensive discussion the proposal was agreed. The wedding was set, it would take place in a great field in the heart of Lower Uagos.
“The day came and both barons, their families and their retainers came to the great field. The wedding went smoothly and it came time for the couple to say their vows. As they put their hands on each other’s shoulders the bride pulled a knife and thrusted it into Amado’s oldest son. Everywhere else Diado’s retainers drew out weapons and attacked Amado’s supporters. Dozens of people were butchered, the field ran with blood. To this day the blood fertilizes the farmland there.
“In the confusion Amado escaped. He fled from that field as fast as possible. He knew that his enemies would be after him soon, and they had horses. He was almost out of hope when he crested a hill and saw a small farmhouse. He ran to, his hope restored. He knocked on the door, a farmer and his pregnant wife opened the door. They recognized the emblem on his chest so when Amado begged to be hidden they took him in. They hid him in a pile of hay that the poor farmers used for beds.
“It wasn’t long before there was another knock at the door. Amado’s enemies had come. They pushed the farmer aside and searched the house swiftly. They found Amado in the hay and dragged him out. The pulled him out of the house and pushed him to the ground. A moment later they dragged out the screaming farmer. His wife watched from the door as they killed her husband on the doorstep.
“After a considerable amount of arguing Diado's retainers began leading Amado away, but he had the strength of desperation. With a shove and a duck he broke free from his captor's grasp. He darted away from the pack and ran into the tall corn field. His enemies were all around him, he knew he couldn’t get away. Suddenly an idea came into his head. He turned around and while staying as low as possible he ran back to the farmhouse. He knew his hunters would never expect this bold move. The recently made widow opened the door, she had tears in her eyes and her face was pale. She looked at her lord and nodded her head. She hid Amado in her house a second time. Diado's soldiers never came back to the house. They couldn’t imagine the deep loyalty Amado’s people had for him.
“The woman gave him her only horse, and Amado used it to ride to his palace. He rallied his army swiftly and rode out. His speed and courage caught Diado by surprise and rolled him and his army back. He chased them relentlessly past the border and beyond. He was after revenge and he got it. He killed Diado on the field and then took the now unprotected Upper Uagos but he never remarried and so his legacy ended.”
“What happened to the woman?” Sal asked after a few moments.
“Well after the war Amado had her fed and cared for. After several months she gave birth to a boy. She named him Devvanth.”
“Devvanth? The first emperor?” Sal was clearly surprised and Chaol was glad his storytelling had an effect.
“Aye. It is said loyalty and courage breed greatness.”
“That is a good story, sir, I wonder why I have never heard it before.” Sal said.
“It is not commonly spoken of, probably because people don’t want to talk about Devvanth’s roots. He was a farm orphan, poorer then poor. That’s another lesson for you. Sometimes the lowborn can become noble after all.”
you HAVE to tell me how you do that spoiler thing!