I know its long, but if you could take the time to read and give feedback that would be awesome. Enjoy
Prologue
Maximus stared
into the fire, which was crackling merrily reflecting the High King's
feelings. Everything was going according to plan. The years had been
prosperous, and the many kingdoms were finally united behind one
leader. The Forever Kingdom people were calling it. Maximus liked the
sound of it. Maybe he could convince his mages to make him immortal,
and he would be High King forever. No
he chided himself, that was the pathway to corruption and tyranny,
the very thing he had started this conquest to end... “And now it
is” he muttered to himself.
“What
was that my Lord?” Goldre, the only other person in the room asked.
“I
was just thinking how far we had come. It was so many years ago that
we decided to unite the world.”
“It's
true your highness, you have done well.” The other man agreed,
nodding his head his wavy golden hair bouncing with the motion.
“WE,
Goldre. We did this, not me. We've been together from the beginning,
and I would never have made it this far without you. Even if I had, I
would have lost myself somewhere along the way and become the very
thing we sought to overthrow.” Goldre finally dropped the stuffy
steward facade with a sigh.
“Those
years spent talking late into the night, the plans we made, the
things we discovered. I almost started to loose hope. You brought me
through my despair. When I was going to quit, you brought me back.
For that I owe you everything I have my friend.” Discovered,
Maximus thought, stroking his cleanly shaven face. He and Goldre had
met their first day in the Academy of Mages. Goldre was there because
a local landowner discovered his magical ability and wanted him
taught so he could have his own mage. Maximus was there because his
father demanded that he learn the arcane arts, even though he had no
magical ability whatsoever. His father refused to believe that his
money and prestige would grant his son magical ability. They had
become fast friends, and spent much of their free time together. The
only thing they had in common was that they both believed that magic
could be used to build, not only destroy. There had to be more.
Warring kings would use powerful mages, and genies, mages bonded to a
single person, to get vengeance, take land that wasn't theirs, of
just cause chaos in general. Becoming a well trained mage was one of
the most sought after positions in the world.
The
two friends studied for years in secret while they looked for the
source of constructive magic. Within the Academy they only found
magical philosophers scoffing at the idea of a counter force to the
dark arcane powers. Eventually their persistence had paid off. They
had discovered the Great Secret. With that knowledge they had
reshaped the world.
“I
needed you. If it hadn't been for you, I'd be dead. Your ability
protected me.” The High King said with a smile, knowing it would
bother his friend.
“I'm
not taking the bait this time my old friend, I know you're trying to
annoy me. You know as well as I that you're a natural leader, and you
would've found someone just like me.” Goldre retorted.
“Never
just like you.” Maximus muttered, a smile coming to his face. Still
staring into the flames, he awaited his partners retort. When nothing
was forthcoming, he sighed, back to matters of the High King. “I
was thinking of going to Bri'Da, King Dra'Kette has asked for
assistance with some judicial matters, I'd like to see how our old
homeland is doing as well.” Still Goldre didn't answer. High King
Maximus finally turned in his elaborate chair to face his friend.
What he saw shocked him.
Goldre's
face was one of horror, his eyes spun rapidly, seeing things that
were invisible to Maximus. His mouth was open in a look of horror.
His arms were held in front of him defensively, his flexed fingers
resembling claws. This was the number one reason that the both of
them were alive. Goldre was seeing into the future. The events to
come would appear before him, and afterword he would enter a
trance-like state and describe the events and consequences to come.
From their research they had discovered that certain people that were
exposed to the Great Secret would develop exceptional gifts.
Strength, Knowledge, the ability to hear the thoughts of others,
seeing the future, and others. Maximus however, had never seen Goldre
look so scared during one of his visions. It worried him. “Scribe!”
Maximus yelled, knowing that there was one standing just outside the
door. A moment later a small man walked through the door on the other
side of the room ready to note whatever the High King needed. He
noticed Goldre and knew immediately what was happening. They only had
to wait a few more moments before Goldre started to speak.
“The
time soon approaches. The end of an era is nigh. Though short, the
effects of it will define the future for generations to come. All
that has been discovered will be lost.” Goldre looked right into
the High King's eyes, something that he had never done before while
speaking the future. The pain and sorrow that Maximus saw in them
shook him to the core. More so than anything before had. “Your
reign draws to a swift and violent close. Everything that you have
sought to attain will break before your view. Nothing you do can stop
it.” Maximus' blood froze. Never had Goldre been wrong before, and,
staring into his friend's unblinking eyes, the certainty of his words
seemed to speak right to his heart. “The world will rip itself to
pieces at the demise of its High King. War will destroy this land in
a way never before imagined.” At this point Goldre raised his arm
and pointed right at the other man's chest, “The knowledge you
brought to the world will destroy it, Wars will ravage nations,
people, and the very land itself because you sought what should be
known to all.” The King hadn't thought the terror filling his heart
could worsen, but Goldre's declaration that the Great Secret would
cause to much pain coupled his pain with total despair. He started to
shake, cowering before the declarations of his closest and oldest
friend. “The world will be broken for generations to come. The
light of the world will have gone out. There is nothing you can to do
stop it.” Tears sprang to Maximus' eyes, and he finally tore his
gaze away from the man accusing him of destroying the world.
For
a few moments all was silent, except for the scratching of the
scribes quill on paper. Maximus waited for his friend to speak,
thinking that the prophecy was complete. After a moment however,
Goldre started to speak again, Maximus didn't think he could bear to
hear more, but he couldn't help but listen.
“But
do not loose hope. A new and better age that any could have imagined
will cover this land.”
Maximus
finally dared look up. What he saw shocked him. Goldre was once again
looking off toward something only he could see, and there was a smile
on his face, and tears rolling down his face.
“When
the World is darkest, the light of knowledge will save it. While the
land is ravished in war, it will be healed. When corruption rages,
the pure in hear will flourish. And though those that betray the King
had been banished to the dark and cold places of the world, they
shall unite with those that hate them. There shall be two, whose
unity will cause devastation heretofore unknown, one will rise amidst
the conflict, and save the world. Though all was lost, the Great
Secret of Ages will grace the land with knowledge once again. The
Darkness of Generations is upon us though.”
The
hope that had been blossoming in Maximus went cold at that last
statement, and his pleading eyes remained glued to his friend, aching
to hear more. Goldres eyes however clouded over, and he slumped to
the floor. Stunned silence filled the room. Even the crackling of the
fire seemed to have stopped for just a moment. The High King blinked
a full three times before realizing that Goldre wasn't breathing.
The
King hastened over to his friends side, knowing what he would find
before he could check Goldre for signs of life. “He's dead.” The
King declared, his voice hollow of emotion. The scratching of the
quill stopped. “How?” the scribe finally managed to ask.
“The
shock of what he saw must have been too overwhelming for his body.”
Replied the King, still numb from the torment of recent emotions. He
looked at the cooling body of his oldest friend, he had barely seen
forty summers, and was only Maximus' senior by two years. Remarkably
the gray that had begun to paint the temples of the King hadn't even
touched Goldre. For a moment Maximus seemed to be seeing the same man
who had started his campaign for peace over fifteen years ago.
Through the numbness and nostalgia the King realized that the scribe
was no longer writing, and looked up. The young elf's eyes were still
wide in shock. “Finish writing what you heard, before the words
fade.”
The
next ten minutes passed like as many hours while the High King waited
for his scribe to finish, he couldn't risk disturbing his
concentration. During that time the shock started to wear off. After
all these years, and all these battles, Goldre had died in a quiet
room during peace time.
Peace
time Maximus
laughed mirthlessly to himself. He couldn't shake the feeling that
the time of peace that he had worked his whole life for was on the
verge of ending.
Almost
as he finished the very thought, shouts started up from below.
“Run!”
Maximus commanded the scribe. The young elven scribe tried to stammer
that he should stay, but the High King interrupted him, “I believe
that what you hold may just be the key to saving the future. You
heard Goldre, my time has come. Flee from here, and remember forever
what you learned.” The scribe hesitated for only a moment more
before deciding that the King was right. If there was any chance that
what the two of them had just witnessed could save the future, a
simple scribe could escape notice. He dropped to one knee, and bowed
his head low.
“It
has been an honor to know and to serve you. Whatever else happens my
Lord, know that your subjects loved you, and believed in your cause,
and if you asked, I would die for you.”
The
words lacked decorum, but then again, there was no precedent or
ceremony for this type of situation, and the words sounded as good as
any, and nearly brought a smile to the King's face.
The
shouts had stopped halfway down the hallway, and had now turned into
sounds of battle.
“I
thank you for your words, and willingness, but it is my turn to die
for my subjects. My final command is that you live for your King.”
He replied, moving to open the door hidden under a simple carpet.
“This stairwell will take you to the wall of the castle complex.
Now go.”
The
door opened, and the members of the Torch Guard entered.
“I
will” were the last words the scribe said to his King before he
escaped swiftly through the hidden door.
“A
group of rebels disguised as servants has started to attack from
within the walls, and I recommend that we escape as well your
Excellency.” Tinlar, the Torch Guards captain said, gesturing
toward the door the elf had just used. His heavy mace was out, a dire
sign, for by the large trolls own rules, none were to have their
weapons out near the King, except his personal guard during an
emergency. Maximus looked into the dark searching eyes of his friend,
who had shown an unmatched loyalty. Dark, intimidating tattoos ran
from his wrists to his shoulders, most warriors would turn and run
after getting a good look at him. His hair was done in the same style
as his less civilized kin, rolled into small, long braids. The only
thing more frightening than seeing an angry Tinlar was fighting him.
“Not
this time Captain. I need my sword.” The High King replied. Tinlar
gestured to the cooling form of Goldre and asked; “Does your
reluctance have to do with this?”
“Yes”
Maximus replied evenly, trying to keep his voice from choking, “they
will hunt me till the end. I'd rather not see another war start on my
behalf.” One of the Guard members brought the King his weapon,
which he grasped in his strong hand. “I won't ask you to stay and
die with me, though I would be lying if I didn't say I would rather
die fighting shoulder to shoulder with my men, but do as you will. My
time as King has ended, and with it, I fear that the Forever Kingdom
does as well.”
Almost
as one the men moved in a protective ring about their King facing the
sounds of battle, which were now right outside the door. Maximus
blinked a tear out of his eye. “No, I am no longer king, my reign
ends now, I will not cower from death at the backs of my friends. We
will face it together.”
With
that Maximus elbowed his way out of the circle, moving in front of
Tinlar, who had been at its head.
The
door broke.
Six
men burst into the room, there was still fighting going on in the
wide hallway behind them, these were just the ones who had broken
through. For a moment there was silence. The smaller invading force
consisting of mostly trolls and dwarves, and one man, stared down the
King and his guard, fully armored in gold leafed adamant plate mail.
It was unbreakable and light. The invaders wore simple steel chain
mail. A particularly large dwarf stepped forward, pointed a thick
finger at Tinlar. “Now it is time to fulfill your promise.” (I'll
need to translate this later) He said in rough tones. Maxmimus'
dwarvish was weak, but he understood the meaning.
“What
promise?” he asked, turning to Tinlar. He gasped as something sharp
pierced his armor, into his heart. His surprise was only matched by
that of seeing the hatred in his captains eyes
“You
killed my family and enslaved my kin, you now pay for your crimes.”
The silence that followed seemed to echo throughout the entire castle
complex, as though everyone inside could feel the lifeblood draining
from the man who had united the world under a single banner.
I'm the very first comment... What an honor. No pressure, right? This is so awesome! Have you finished writing it yet because I want to know what happens!? Just think of it this way... The sooner you finish, the faster you'll be rich and famous. Someday soon I'll get to tell people, yeah, I actually do know Andrew Ditto and they'll think I'm really cool. Keep up the good work! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Andrew I read this and it sounds really good! Fantasy is pretty much my favorite genre. It took me a while to get into it at the very beginning just because I wasn't really sure what type of story/genre it would be but once I figured it out I really started paying attention to the details you added and the back story that you gave. There is just enough there that I get hooked and want to read the rest of the book to find out what is going to happen. I like that it's different from other things I have read. It sounds like an interesting world. Almost like Zion! How everyone is united and the pure in heart will flourish :) Anyways it's a good base for a story that's for sure! You have me captivated and I am interested to see what else you come up with and how this story develops. Keep it up!
ReplyDeletePS: RIP Maximus and Goldre :'(