Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Prologue

Lord Edward was a chivalrous and good man, wise and kind, who loved the kingdom of Arkovia and her people.

 

Daily he spent his time hearing the petitions of his people, using his fair judgment to either grant or deny their wishes. He was a beloved monarch.
Unfortunately for Edward, he had a nephew named Michael who was his exact opposite. Vain, evil, bloodthirsty, and ambitious, Michael somehow rose to the rank of first knight.

And so one day he arrived at the castle, ostensibly to seek the king's permission to marry his betrothed, Maid Celestria. 

Michael's real purpose for visiting the castle was to challenge the king to a duel to the death.

For nearly an hour the two combatants fought with their swords, even gaining an attentive audience.

Michael unleashed one mighty lash with his sword, smiting the king in his chest. Edward died instantly.

When the Reaper arrived to collect the monarch's body, there was a collective sadness in the kingdom.

The throne of Arkovia remained empty for several weeks.

In the interregnum, Lord Edward's daughter, Lady Alys, returned from exile in Tredony to bury her father and take care of his affairs. When she was sent away, Alys was a mere girl of ten. Now, though, she was a blossoming young woman.

A fortnight later, Lady Alys was crowned queen of Arkovia.

Alys wasted no time in pursuing her father's killer. Even though she had been sent away for her own safety, she loved him dearly and missed him. So she went to the wizard's tower where her former teacher was still practicing the arcane arts. With his crystal ball, he revealed to Alys the name of her father's killer.
"Michael???"
"I'm afraid so."

Alys left the wizard's tower and headed straight for the knight's quarters. She knew she had to confront Michael.

Alys climbed the long flight of stairs to the knights' quarters in the west wing of the castle, where she would confront her cousin for his treachery. When she spotted him, Michael was preoccupied with slitting a training dummy to smithereens.

"Hello, cousin," Michael greeted her in his slithering voice. His fiery red hair glistened in the candlelight. "When I last saw you, you were but a mere girl. And now you are queen, how quaint."
"This is not a joyous family reunion, Michael."
"I am aware of this. And I must say, Alys, you certainly have turned into a fine young lady."
Alys didn't know how to take Michael's compliment. But he continued. "I am deeply sorry about Uncle Edward's passing. He was a fine king and a finer man."

Alys shook her head. Michael was always a sly one. "You are not fooling me, Michael, with your pretty words."
"What are you talking about?"
"I know about the swordfight in which you took my father's life."
"Wha--wha -- what swordfight?"
"You purposely plotted to kill him so you could take the throne. Unfortunately, Michael, you did not take me into account. And now you shall pay. I hereby sentence you to the Pit of Judgment."