'ello! I've been busy with school for the past year so I rarely have time to check in SF. Now with the break coming, I had a new story in mind and wanted to work it out into something great. I am putting more of an effort into this one, taking all feedback to heart, from my last story, which I have placed on hold, though I'll likely drop it. So I look forward to feedback and hope you do enjoy it. I am also working on a map, but I have no map making skill and will likely slow a simple on displaying the location of the five countries.
The Promised Rose
War erupted and five countries were in turmoil. Megys III, the Dark One, attempted to bring Varos Salvio, Rhythor and Tharcyne under his control through extreme brutality that involved butchering of children of all nations on his whim, invention of the Tartarus, a creation of the Embracing the Dark and was solely responsible for the Rape of Tharcyne. His goal was one country united, a Kingdom of Pyndarea. Great men fell, along with great houses, until only a few remained. Those few had no choice but requested aid from the nations of Baridi Mtu and Mohega. The Baridi and Mohegan people were willing to lend aid, for they knew their countries would be next. The cruel King succeed in seizing Varos Salvio, Rhythor, and Tharcyne. He wanted to add the lands of the cold men of Baridi Mtu and the wild plainsmen of Mohega to his new country. He would have taken them if not for a significant foe that heralded his downfall: his own son, Aegys Merlyn, the Brightstar. With his light magic, he was able to emerge victorious against his father, though not without the help of the Firestar, a stone of light containing the Sun's blessing. With it, he was able to subsume his father's essence into it and cast it away, so it might sleep within the depths of Tartarus, his father's pit. With this, a new era began, a golden sun for all.
In the year of Golden Sun 0001, one the first of Aegado, Aegys established Auros, the capital of Varos Salvio, and became the King of Pyndarea, which consisted of Varos Salvio, Rhythor and Tharcyne, combined out of a popular vote, for the people of Pyndarea realized a united country was better than none. Baridi Mtu and Mohega became independent countries under Pyndarea, remaining true allies of King Aegys, whenever he needed its citizens' aid. Through military prowess, Agnar Silvermace became leader of Baridi Mtu and Ahiga Freewind became the High Chief of Mohega. Rhyden became the capital of Rhythor and was given to Sir Alaric Farlow. Hydrus for Tharcyen and was given to the Dragon Rider, Sir Cecil Bloodwyn. The three families, along with the Baridi and the Mohegan, rebuilt their war-torn homes and recovered eventually. All of the five countries' descendants continued to rule with fairness and thrived under House Merlyn, the light of Auros.
But darkness seemed to rise once more, for blood and chaos. But the words of House Merlyn will ring once more...
The night is darkest just before the dawn.
Prologue:
Embracing the Dark
Golden Sun 1077, 6th of Merkerdo, Village of Dawnstone
Sir Tuck smiled as he exited Dawnstone's inn, The Gold Stallion, thankful for the temporary rest. He spent two months of winter in Hydrus and was thrilled for the fourth month of Merkerdo, the bud of spring. The Tharcyneans may love their cold, but he favored the warm weathers of his Rhythor. He took a good look at Dawnstone, as it was dark when he arrived. The village was not particularly large, but its people made up most for it. They were kind to him, as expected of a Salvian, being simple and honest folks making do with what they had in order to build a living. They stared at him as he headed toward their stables where he left his black horse. It was not often they'd see a man like him. Before he could get to his horse and go on his way to Auros to bring news from Tharcyne to His Highness, he was attacked by five men clad in red who came out of nowhere, as if out of shadows. They had thrown a knife at Tuck and he raised his black, circular shield in time to deflect it. They were assassins. He could tell by the fabled red cloak of the Silent Men. It seemed somebody wanted him dead. He had been threatened time to time as he was the son of Lord Cedric Farlow, but never had assassins been sent to kill him. Villagers ran into their houses and bolted the doors. He preferred it that way; less people to defend. Sir Tuck glared at them with his obsidian eyes as he held his shield in his left hand, his spear in the other. He pierced another assassin, having felled two so far. They were skilled, no doubt, but he was a man of the Honorguard, a brotherhood formed of elite warriors trained to protect the King. Tuck was only in his twentieth year, having joined only two years ago, which was impressive enough. For seven of the best were to be chosen. One of the assassins had cut him in the shoulders, a lucky hit, but Sir Tuck did not lose his look of determination nor did he falter as the words of the Honorguard vibrated in his mind: Stand firm. He pushed the man back with his shield and penetrated the man's heart with the tip of his spear, its shaft black, its black steel glossy. It was called Blackheart and one would see why, eventually. Tuck pulled it out of the man's lifeless body and towered over the remaining assassins. They stood still, evidently fearless and confident as they continued attacking him, only for another to be punctured. Now one remained, leader. What Tuck needed to do was kill the hooded man with visible scars, but not before extracting information. The leader growled. "I never thought this to be difficult..."
"Your employer told you nothing of me?"
"It matters not who you are. Our employer need only to point a finger. You were better than anticipated, is all. I had never been bested nor will I now,"
"A first for everything then. I am Sir Tuck of the Honorguard. Today you die, skewered like a pig atop my spear. Tell me who employed you and I shall allow you last words!"
The leader's grip on his sword's hilt tightened as anger grasped him, which soon was replaced with that cold fearlessness. "...I am called Karth and it is you who shall die!"
The man was incredibly fast and quite handy with the sword. His dagger was made of silver. It seemed to be a lancereaver, a specially forged blade meant to be used against spearusers, but Sir Tuck had nothing to fear as long he stood firm. Never in battle did he tremble merely because his opponent had a special weapon that could be used against him. He had heard tales of Knights who overcame weapons like those.
Tuck raised his shield as Karth attacked him. A loud clang rang as weapon and shield made contact. Tuck jabbed at Karth and stabbed his shoulder. Karth howled and made a thrust for Tuck's face. Tuck responded by bringing his shield up to defend, but Karth took the opportunity to attempt a swift cut to his exposed leg. Unfortunately for the assassin, Tuck was aware of such a trick and jumped to his right. Using his momentum, he pierced the assassin in the throat and pulled back. All that was heard were gurgling sounds as the man let go his blade and fell forward. The promise of no last words remained true.
Tuck was not hurt too severely as his all-black Honorguard armor served him quite well. He had made quite a mess and realized he should leave Dawnstone as soon as possible lest reinforcements of sorts might stall him. He had to bring news to His Majesty or else all would be lost. In any other circumstances, he'd enjoy the calm quietness of Dawnstone. He was about to walk over to his horse when he noticed the approach of a unit of men, the royal banners in sight. He smiled and thanked the gods for this kindness, for he could get to Auros faster this way, but he lost his smile when he realized the man leading them was no other than his cousin, Sir Beric Farlow.
"Tuck!" Beric smugly grinned. Tuck had always hated that, hated everything about his cousin. Hated that he shared the obvious Farlow traits of jet-black eyes and hair with him, though Beric's hair was slicked back, and with his stern face, it somehow gave him a menacingly look. His own lord father disliked him as well. How the man had come to be a Knight was beyond his understanding, for he was no true Knight. But even on a bad day, Beric had always greeted him properly so why did he not greet him by his proper title? Beric noticed Tuck's expression. This only served to widen his smirk. Sir Beric took a few steps and looked at his kinsman. "I see you were too good for these men..." He pointed to Tuck. "Arrest him!"
"What? You?" Tuck was grabbed by two soldiers. "On what charges? Fools, unhand me! I am Sir Tuck of the Hono--"
"WERE! You were Sir Tuck of the Honorguard, now no more! You have been stripped of your titles, lands and wealth for committing treason!" Beric said, picking up Tuck's weapon, Blackheart. "Hm... just as they say. Black steel, black heart."
"Lies! I never committed treason! Take me before the King and I'll prov--" He could not continue his words for the elbow of a solider holding him struck him in the head, unconsciousness approaching. This was not good. As a man of the Honorguard, he gave up claim to Rhyden and the next in line would have been his younger brother, Edric Farlow. Beric would be next in line if anything happened to Edric and Tuck knew his cousin wanted nothing but the seat of Rhyden, for he once admitted to him that he would do anything to seize it. Tuck vowed as long he drew breath, Beric would never find his way as Lord of Rhyden, but now....
Now he might just have a chance. He only heard Beric's laughter as he became unconscious, "Oh, cousin, why act surprised? His Majesty, King Naegys II the Bright is dead. You'd know. After all, you murdered him..."
If his King was dead, the Princess would be next in line for the throne as she was the eldest, but he knew Prince Naerys never had love for his eldest sister. It was possible she would be in danger. The Prince having once japed he'd kill for the throne...
Nanna...
Golden Sun 1077, 7th of Merkerdo, Auros Dungeons
Tuck woke up to find himself in the dungeon ruins of Auros, its only source of light the torches attached to the walls. There were no windows as far he could see. This effect was meant to demoralize criminals, ringing true to the expression, "You'll never see the light of the day again." Even so, he felt it was already a new day. Groaning, he realized his armor was gone as well as his weapon and shield. All he was wearing were the standard prison garbs of cotton white half-sleeve tunic and brown leather pants tied by a rope on his waist. Truth be told, it made him wonder who in the bloody hell changed him out of his armor...
"Finally awake, eh? Ya were down an awfully long time; methinks they drugged you," someone said. It was possible. He vaguely recalled slipping out of unconsciousness once, but all went black when he drank something. He realized the man who spoke was in a cell across from his. It was hard to see his face, but he could make out a gaunt figure. Starvation, perhaps. Sometimes they threw men into the dungeons for a few days, just to let him starve, then throw him out. Cruel, but better than the chopping of hands during the time of King Aegys IV Merlyn, who banned it. Tuck seemed not to realize he was quiet for a while.
"Ya mute or somethin'?"
"No, no... sorry. I'm just... groggy..."
"Ya, it'll wear off. Wot ye in fer?"
"Treason supposedly... but lies..."
"I been in here fer a while now, fer stealin' they say, lies I say. Ya know, ya look familiar,"
"I've been in Auros many times, wandering in the streets for my lady... mayhap you had seen me once or twice?"
"Who are yer?" the man squinted his eyes, attempting to analyze Tuck's face once more. Short jet-black hair, dark eyes...
"Si... No..." If he were truly stripped of his titles, then he is no more a Knight. This hurt more than he thought. "I am Tuck of House Farlow,"
"HA! And I be the King!"
"I jest not, knave!" I growled.
"Oh? M'home's Blackstone, see, where they say Sir Tuck was born," the man stated proudly. Tuck made a quick smirk. It was true, he was born in Blackstone, not Rhyden, for he lived the first twelve years of his life as a farmhand only to find out he was the bastard son of Lord Cedric Farlow. "If yer truly 'im, then ya know the first weapon he ever wielded?"
Tuck grinned. A trick question. The songs of his humble origins claimed he wielded a pitchfork as his first. "A hand-made fishing spear."
The man's eyes widen. "By Gods... will ya answer sumthin' of mines?
"What is it?"
"The whispers be true?"
"What?"
"Whispers of Princess Nanna the Whiterose and ya?"
The man flinched out of fear as Tuck gave a look of anger. Nobody knew, he had to remind himself. It's impossible. Besides he had not seen Nanna for a year since she decided to join the Church of Aurora to become a Sister of Light. He understood how whispers would form, considering he was her bodyguard. The common folk fawned over foolish tales of how Princesses would fall in love with their Knights but cannot be with them. Only he was with Nanna. She was his love and he hers, her first and only. It was the reason he wanted to leave the Honorguard, to do right by her. He knew her father, the King, was a honorable man, but would not have approved, so they eloped. They had plans of telling the King, but before they could, she had decided to study the ways of a Sister of Light. He did not understand her reasons nor did she ever tell him. She just went and left. It hurt him deeply and he wanted to go find her, but it might have looked suspicious and he trusted Nanna, so he waited, waited and waited. Before he could tell the man the whispers were not true, Sir Beric approached with two guards. Tuck growled. "Well, Tuck! The time for your sentence has come to pass. Are you ready for death?"
"No! You cannot do this!" His cries of protest were ignored as the two guards grabbed and dragged him through the long tunnels of the dungeons. Before he knew it, he was on a wooden platform in front of many people. He was forced to go on his knees and watch the scorn in the eyes of the common folk. He looked around and noted that Prince Naerys was present, sitting on a makeshift throne, his golden hair of mid-back length flowing in the wind. Sir Beric walked toward him with a huge grin, his hands behind his back. "If you think they are here to see you die, you are mistaken. When I said death, I meant something else... the death of your soul. Tuck Farlow, for the murder of King Naegys II the Bright, I sentence you to... Embracing the Dark!"
There were loud gasps from the crowd and fear filled Tuck's heart. Embracing the Dark was a cruel, cruel punishment that had originated in the time of King Aegys I Merlyn the Brightstar. It was invented by Megys Merlyn the Dark One, who had a fellblade forged for this very purpose. The fellblade was forged of fellstone, a stone made of dark energy. When the sword, Darkstar, was made, Megys the Dark enchanted it with his every ounce of evil within him, the purpose to create a Dark Knight. Once a Dark Knight, one was a mindless puppet of whoever commanded the Knight. The problem was that being influenced by Darkstar was to risk madness or death. The latter was preferable because being a mindless puppet was not appealing. It was a punishment reserved for the worst of criminals, but solemnly used. "N-No... you can't! Wh... What of a fair trial!"
It was Prince Naerys who spoke this time, his blue eyes filled with malice. "Ah, a fair trial? Give him a fair trial. Then bring Darkstar."
Beric laughed. "Well, Tuck? Have you any explanation?"
"My lord! I beseech you to have some mercy! I am being framed somehow. I would never kill His Majest--" He never finished his words as the Prince kicked him in the face. "That's enough. We know you did it as we have evidence. Bring her in!"
Guards bought out a young woman, her long hair pale-gold, though it seemed not to have been washed for a while. Her clothes were ragged and dirty. He would have not recognize her if not for her big, ice-cold blue eyes. "Nanna?"
"We discovered that you plotted with my eldest sister to kill my father, wed her, and then seize the throne for your own. We would not have known if it were not for a certain serving girl," Prince Naerys chuckled.
"What...?" Tuck was confused. What serving girl?
"This serving girl told me Princess Nanna was with child, see? Yours. Oh, don't worry... the child is dead. I made sure of it. You sullied my family's name, dishonored my sister and attempted to use her for your selfish desires. Bring Darkstar now," Prince Naerys' anger rose with each word. Tuck was shocked. She had been with child the whole time? His child, his legacy... gone.
"Don't listen to him, Tuck! Lies! Lies! Li--"
Naerys smacked her hard on the cheek. "Silence, foolish sister! For that, you die first. Ready the noose!"
"No, no! Wait! NO!" Tuck tried to fight off the guards, but there were too many and he was at a disadvantage. Before he knew it, they had him pinned down.
Prince Naerys looked at him with so much anger in his eyes. "I have decided to force you to Embrace the Dark while watching my sister die. Men, hold him. It is time!" Darkstar was bought in, encased in glass. Naerys opened it and took the sheathed sword. The sheath allowed anybody to safely touch it. He drew it and many gasped at the sight. The blade was black, blacker than Tuck's own spear, with an eerie shade of purple. Prince Naerys smirked as he plunged the blade into the wooden board and backed away instantly, the sword right in front of Tuck. The two guardsmen immediately released Tuck as seeping mists of darkness started to envelop Tuck. At the same time, Nanna's neck was on the noose, tears on her face. "Tuck! Tuck!"
Tuck felt nothing but searing pain, as if somebody were constantly stabbing him with hot pokers; he felt his consciousness fading as darkness crept into his heart. His screams of torment were merely ignored. He fell down and convulsed, unable to handle the pain. His body surrendered itself to the darkness. He was going to be made a mindless servant of Prince, or rather King Naerys' for rest of his life. He won't even remember Nanna or that she will be dead. And his child, oh his sweet child, whoever they would have been. He allowed his love and desire for Nanna to sway him from his proper duty, but how could one not fell in love with her? Even as she was, she was still beautiful. He could feel it; His mind was fading. He either faced his fate as a mindless puppet or was about to die. He took one last look at his beloved before his eyes failed him and closed, as he laid down smiling. "Na... nna..."
Prince Naerys looked to his executioner and nodded. The man, his face covered with a black mask, nodded back and was about to kick the stool Nanna was standing on. With a few seconds left, she had to let Tuck know. "Blackstone, Tuck! BLACKSTONE! I love y--" A loud crack was heard as her neck broke, her body dangling under a trapdoor. Tuck heard her and opened his eyes to see her dead. At that moment something imploded in him, something about seeing his lover dangling like that, something about her brother and his cousin both sharing a mutual evil look. "NAAAAANNA!" The darkness enveloping him suddenly went inside him and then came out of his month as a demonic shadow was formed. It evaporated and Tuck felt his mind was clear as well. He stood up, picked up Darkstar and pointed it at Beric. "Death to... you all!"
All he remembered was fury and power swelling in him as he readied to kill or be killed...