[pre] The Kingdom of Adonia
Chapter 1:
"Magdelus bring my son forward" called King Acrisus. Magdelus, King Acrisus’s loyal follower and Sir Rose's guardian (King Acrisus' son), went forward to awaken Sir Rose.
"Sire arise your father is beckoning."
"A bit longer Magdelus a bit longer" called Sir Rose.
"You know he is very impatient sire, and if you do not awaken I will be forced to pursuey you."
"O Magdelus go away" cried Sir Rose!
Magdelus burst into his quarters and without a notice took a hold of his covers and flung him to the floor. "Magdelus what did you do that for?" "You left me no choice Sire." "You know I told you to call me by my given name not my royal one." "All right sire ... I mean Ian can you please put on your garments, and join us in the royal banquet hall." "Yes your majesty" laughed Sir Rose.
Sir Rose raised himself from the oak floor and went to wash up. Then he threw on his white trousers, indigo shirt, and brushed his blond hair. As he hurried out the door, towards the banquet hall, Figius came bounding toward him (his brown slender also from royalty lines canine friend).
"Roof" the dog shouted.
"Figius are you hungry" called Sir Rose, "come I will see that you are fed while I speak to my father."
Sir Rose ascended the golden lined staircase and sped away into the banquet hall, with Figius about his heel.
"There you are my son" called King Acrisus, “sit down I have something to discuss with you".
O great what is it now thought Sir Rose.
"Before you assume our chat, Magdelus!"
"Yes King Acrisus," "please fetch Figius a bone from the stew, that Marga in brewing (Marga is the King's cook)."
"Right away."
"Now then while the dog is tended to, we can finally talk."
"My son as you know today is your 18th birthday, and you have now come of age where you shall need to go upon a quest in order to prove you worthiness to the crown". "Do not heed my words harshly son, I know you are well worthy but those are the rules, and that is how it shall be done. " " So after your celebration is bid adieu I will have Magdelus acompany you to the town square to see of what quest are available. "
So they feasted, and sung, and had a very joyous night. Sir Rose danced with all the maidens, and feasted on rum, squash, potatoes, roasts, and breads of many flavors. He was so stuffed that he hardly had the strength to eat another bite, or open his presents. "Why do I have to be so nice, and why did every maiden have to bring a dish to the feast?" pondered Sir Rose. "I sampled so many delicious entrees that I lost track."
Now the procession of gifts came about. First, he was given a satin ruby encrusted robe from Magdelus. "O thank you Magdelus I will cherish it always." Next he was anointed with the waters of Babylon ( a far and distant land believed to have powers of protection), to head away the harms that would be upon him once he began his quest of crowning. Thirdly, he received a silver, jewel encrusted, golden edged shield from his mother Queen Amelia. Lastly, he received a silver and golden handled sword, from his father. It shown so brightly in the setting sunlight that it nearly blinded him. He also received many gifts, from the simplest thing as a vase to the humblest things as a painting, poem, or a sheep from a herdsman's flock. Sir Rose thanked every one of the peasants, which of many were his friends, excused himself and then retired to his chambers. He thought, this night is the grandest of all I have seen hence my 18 years of life. "This will all soon end for I must face my destiny tomorrow, and come upon a quest for my crowning. "
Chapter 2:
Sir Rose awakened at the crack of dawn excitedly but with a bludgeoned heart for he knew that once he set off on his perilous quest he may never see his friends, kingdom, or his parents ever again. So with a weary soul, but with a sense of pride he dressed hurriedly, called for Magdelus to meet him in the courtyard, and saddled his newly bought horse Rath. Rath was a gorgeous horse, with a brilliant auburn color, a white mane, and had the temper if provoked that could scare off even the bravest of warriors. But he was no match for Sir Rose's bold nature and kindness, for he immediately won the horse over.
They finally set out to town, to look for a suitable quest, once Magdelus had arrived and saddled. Sir Rose asked all the peasants, and looked about all the scrolls searching for the perfect quest. As they were riding home, Sir Rose heard a distance cry, and he rode swiftly to see what the alarm was about. Three ruffians were cornering a maiden, and she screamed out "come no closer or you will taste my sword you fowl ogres!" One of the men behind her lifted up his sword as if to strike, but brought the handle of the sword down on the back of the maiden's fair head. Sir Rose and Magdelus tried to stop them, but they scooped her up and ran straight into the forbidden swamp. As Ian rode at lighting speed toward the swamp Magdelus stroke him on the head with the blunt of his sword mounted him on his horse and took him back to the castle.
Ian awoke with a sore head and rage that filled his every breath. Magdelus had no right to stop him, and now the poor maiden will probably be lost to him for good! As he finished his last thoughts, Magdelus stormed in. Sir Rose was about to draw his sword, but when he reached all he found was an empty sheath.
"Where is my sword cried Sir Rose!"
" I have taken it away for safe keeping. I knew you would be angry Sire."
"I had no right, to stop you, but I feared for your life. "
" The swamp is too perilous and if we are to save the maiden Juliet, we must first gather a fleet of the strongest men and the proper supplies."
"You mean you will let me go after those brutes?" asked Sir Rose Of course answered Magdelus."
"This may be the most fitting quest yet !"
After bandaging his wounds Sir Rose approached his parents Amelia and Acrisus, to speak to them of his new found quest. The both agreed that he should assume the endeavor, and bid him good luck. But not after his mother handed him a blue stoned on a silver chain. As she did so she whispered "son this will bring you much luck in your quest, you will know when the time it right to use it." Awed at his mothers words, he took her gift and swung it over his head, then headed off to his journey.
After meeting up with the men, Magdelus had chosen , they ventured into the formidable swamp. The men consisted of four soldiers named Argus, Xavier, Torun, and Warheart. Argus was a strong bad tempered brute who wielded a forging hammer, but had the wisdom of an owl. Xavier was a swift even tempered archer, who had the aim of a hawk. Torun was the best sword wielder in all of the land, and could dice through a boulder in one try. As for Warheart he kept to himself, he was a seer, and had a very equipped knowledge of tending to wounds, and of sensing danger. With Argus; Xavier; Torun; and Warheart accompanying Sir Rose and Magdelus, they would be unbeatable or for they hoped.
They traveled for days without rest. On the third day they finally came upon a clearing, were it seemed the three men who had kidnapped Maiden Angelina had made camp the knight before. Magdelus pleaded for them to stop and rest the night for as to resume the search at day's wake. Sir Rose headed his plea and they began to make camp. Torun and Warheart went to gather food, as Argus, and Magdelus prepared the humble feast. While everyone was busy Xavier and Sir Rose scurried away from the group in order to survey and explore the swampy woods. After, exploring for over an hour Xavier and Sir Rose decided to try their luck at catching next days feast. As Xavier is wandering he catches sight of a beaver. Back then there were about thrice the size of the one's we have today. So he goes off to capture it. Being the foolish young headed archer that he is he doesn't mind his steps. Suddenly the ground starts sinking, and he panics and screams for Sir Rose. The rest of the men hear his pleas, and run to assist him. After seeing that he has fallen upon a quicksand hole, the men try to convince Sir Rose that his fate is out of their hands. For if any of them try to save the poor lad they would most likely peril. Being the kindhearted sole that Sir Rose is and that during the last few days him and Xavier how grown as close as kin, he grabs a vine, ties it to his sword and thrusts it into a nearby tree. He then tests its stability, and plunges into the sink hole after Xavier. Much time has passed, and Magdelus is getting gravely worrisome. For neither Xavier nor Sir Rose hath surfaced within the last 10 minutes. But as they are beginning to mourn the loss of their future King, and companion, Sir Rose crawls from the mucky depths of the hole dragging Xavier along with him! Torun hurriedly runs to Sir Rose's side and helps him drag Xavier to the fire so he can warm. Warheart checks Xavier for signs of life. Luckily Sir Rose plunged into the muck just in the knack of time. Xavier awakens, and asks Sir Rose to accompany him to the lake as so they can wash off. Torun being wary of their adventures decides to tag along. Within the hour they are back and all are feasting on beaver, squash, appagonia nectar ( a sweet nectar from a tree), and warming themselves by the fire. After the meal Magdelus scolds the two of them and sends them off to bead early. Mumbling under their breaths the bid their company adieu and went to sleep hurriedly.
Chapter 3:
At first lights everyone awakens, begins to pack up, and saddle their horses. Xavier looks around hurriedly wondering were Sir Rose has vanished to. The men hurriedly spread out to search the swamp. They soon find Sir Rose on the banks the river, pondering and looking glum. Magdelus ask "what troubles you lad?" Sir Rose responds " this stupid quest has only brought us near grief, I should never have pleaded you all to accompany me," " It would be better for me to go alone so as to not endanger no more cherished lives." Magdelus put a had on Ian's shoulder. "Ian do not fret, for we have chosen to come on our own will, not yours, and we shall not for sake you." "Right men!: "Yes sir" replies the company. Thank you Magdelus, you have brought much comfort to my heart." "Let us resume our quest."
So the company with Sir Rose now leading bounded down the treacherous paths. As midday was approaching they decided to stop. In order to quench their thirst, and eat their full. They went to the wagon, which they hadn't conveyed the stock of since they first left the castle, to check on their food supply and no sooner than they unlatch the door Figius come bounding out and tramples Sir Rose into the mud. "Figius how did you get here?" "Sir Rose come quick your dumbfounded mongrel has eaten are last supply of food called Argus!" "O Lord he didn't.." "Figius come cried Magdelus" The company was furious for now they would have to restock the carriage before resuming their quest. Sir Rose and Xavier came forward to calm the crowd. Xavier cleared his throat.. " Alum excuse me.." They still argued. " "Quiet!" Sir Rose yelled. The company immediately turn his way with scorn in their eyes. He immediately regretted his actions. " Let us acknowledge Xavier's words" Thanks you Ian"
" As I was about to say..." " Ian, Figius, and myself shall go hunting in order to replenish out stock. " "We will be back from nightfall" The company agreed and laid the task on their shoulders. " Come Figius" called Xavier. "We shall undo what you have done." With Figius tracking their prey Xavier and Sir Rose hunted until the sun began to set. "Me must hurry Ian for we gave our honorable word that we shall be back before nightfall." The company must be ravishing of hunger by now. So they retraced their steps and arrived at the campsite just as the sun was about to set. "They are here!" cried Argus. Magdelus was astonished at the multitude of food the two young warriors had conquered. They brought forth fruits, berries, honey, sap, beaver, lichen, deer, eggs, fish, and I could list their findings to days length. They all rejoiced, and partied a bit, the headed off to sleep off their feast.
After a well needed sleep the travelers set out once again. This time they were very close to the brutes who kidnapped Maiden Angelina. So close that Warheart kept coming upon fresh tracks ever few yards. They decided to let Figius of his lead and he went bounding down the bend of the swamp and out of sight. Sir Rose screamed after him, but it was in vain. The team sped up their horses in pursuit of the dog. When they found Figius he was cornering one of the kidnappers. "Desist “screamed Sir Rose. Figius backed off apprehensible.
Chapter 4:
Gargor the man Figius had captured was not about to give up easily, in a futile attempt to distract his pursuers he thrust his sword it to Figius's flank. Sir Rose cried out and charged Gargor with his golden sword . Gargor cried out in agony and swore at Ian. " You uncanthy Lad you shall pay for your insolence." Warheart mended Gargor's punctured chest, gagged him, knocked him out, and threw him into the wagon. Then he cried out as seeing Figius lying listless on the swamp floor. Everyone was astonished for Warheart had not spoken a word since they first began their travels. As he tried to revive Figius, Argus, Torun, Xavier and Sir Rose went forward to perceive the remaining savages location.
Warheart was successful in reviving Figius but he would have to stay behind and tend to him, while the others went ahead. As Sir Rose approached the unruly duo one of them named Gureth turned around suddenly, and unveiled their advancing attack. Before they new it the head of the trio, Ragar, called out " seize them!" " Gureth, Adalbar, Nixus, Trojar attack" .. I shall go tend to the maiden." The travelers did not know that Ragar had met up with his allies on the way to their fortress. Now Sir Rose took a deep breathe and ordered Torun and Argus to stand their ground while Xavier and himself would find better cover. Torun and Argus did as they were told, while the duo ran for cover. It was an excruciatingly long battle.
Torun and Argus did their best to fend the 4 intruders off as Xavier shot poison arrows at their foes. It was a dance of life or death between the four heroes, and the four brutes. Torun was taking on Nixus. Who turned out to be too swift for him. With a winded step he severely wounded Torun right harm. His sword wielding hand, leaving him at the mercy of a savage. Before Xavier could come to his rescue Nixus without a thought struck Torun down. Xavier filled with rage, came bounding toward Nixus with only his cutting knife, and killed him instantly. He then fell to his knees and screamed out in agony at his best friends massacre. Argus witnessing all of this and angered at his friends defeat cut through Trojar and Gureth as if they were merely a piece of timber. Between Argus and Xavier they defeated Adalbar as Sir Rose galloped after Ragar and Maiden Juliet.
Chapter 5:
Sir Rose and Rath galloped after Ragar and the maiden. He finally came to a clearing where he saw a fair maiden with brown glistening hair tied to a tree. Thinking Ragar had given up and left Juliet, he dismounted and approached her. In a moments notice Ragar sprung from the branches and tried to slice his way to Sir Rose. He cunning dodged him, and the sword battle began. Ian swerved right Ragar attacked head on. Ragar would not let Sir Rose take even a bit of a breather for he attacked simultaneously. Sir Rose tried to block his attack, but as Ragar's blade came crashing down a blue light irradiated and protected him.
''What the .......?"
" What kind of magic is this?" Ragar demanded.
" The Magic of the Rose Order. "
"If you value your life you will back down now."
" Do you take me for a fool!"
" Well I guess I can't be fooled by those looks."
" Why you brat!"
Finally Sir Rose found the loop hole in Ragar's tactics he always came from the right side. So without thinking further they lunged at each other, and Sir Rose pierced his opponents chest with his blade. Ragar fell to the ground at once and his final words are " I shall be avenged."
Seeing that Ragar was listless, Sir Rose rushed to Maiden Juliet's side and untied the rope. She fell to her knees, being very wearing from fighting off the seven men . Ian noticed that she was bleeding from her right shoulder. An aftermath for she spit, and scared Ragar after he tried to assault her. Sir Rose sufficed that she was very capable of handling herself, but this time she had been severely numbered. Sir Rose carried her for miles. Searching for his comrades.
She awoke while he was caring her towards the camp and started wildly beating in his chest. For she thought it was one of the men, but then she looked into his olive eyes and fell asleep as he carried her to what was left of his companions. Warheart bandaged her, and Argus gathered together Torun's remains so that when they finally reached home he could have a proper burial. Juliet fell asleep against Ian's shoulder on the ride home. Sir Rose occasionally leaned over to check her wound. Thankfully it wasn't deep, and the healing tonic was taking affect.
Wanting no further to stay in that retched wasteland they traveled for days without rest. They only stopped to water the horses and relieve themselves. On the fourth day they finally made it back to Adonia. Awaiting them was a feast, and the council of crowns. Marga took Juliet inside to freshen up. Sir Rose and the rest of the clan went to their quarters to change for the ceremony.
King Acrisus crowned his son and with pride announced that soon he would become the new king of Adonia. "All hail King Ian" cried out the townspeople! Then as the feasting began, Marga brought out Maiden Juliet. Sir Rose turned to see what all the silence was about. As she did their eyes met and he was captivated by her sensitive, but fighting soul. Well you all know how these stories end.[/pre]
Also, separate your dialogue by character. One character gets their own paragraph. If someone else is going to speak, you start a new line, even if it's just one quote.
