Chapter One: A King's Banishment

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In the crisp of fall, when the leaves turn their bright colors, a knight from the land of Raledon is being banished from his homeland. “For being disloyal and dishonorable to the crown of Raledon, I hear by banish you form this land, along with any that shall follow you. Brian Sadler” The king read form a scroll in front of his face. “You will be sorry” Brian lifted his head and turned to the door. He headed toward the giant wood doors, “You know, I trusted you” The king walked to Brian. “You know we had those people defeated there was no point in killing them.” Brian gazed into the eyes of the king. “Any man of a different state than my own is a threat to me and my kingdom if they allow a different flag to fly than ours.” The king grunted in a low voice. “Well than you can consider me a threat to you and your nation, because I no longer will consider you an ally.” Brian moved away form the king towards the doors. Two guards took position in front of the door. “Than you can not leave here” The king whistled. “You will move or you will die” Brian latched the hilt of his sword. “Move from this position of honor” The king shouted. “Brian took two swings at the guards and they both fell to the ground dead. “I will gladly leave this land and its ruler; with such tyranny do you rule these people one day I will return and when I do you may sound your last horn because it will be the last day you see. Brian swung open the large doors and entered a large hall way filled with pictures.  Wind blew into the giant hall and sent a shiver down brains spine. “Stop that man” The king shouted entering the hallway. Brian continued towards the door at the other end when one man stepped in front of him and stopped Brian with the tip of the spear. Brian grabbed the spear and pulled the man face to face with him then punched him, the man dropped knocked out. “Don’t waste your time we will find you and when we do you shall die by my sword” The kings voice squeaked and his face made a perturbed feature.  One of the king’s most loyal servants walked to his side and asked, “What is the face for?” his servant asked “He will be back and we will have to fight not just him but his army” The king’s eyes were still fixed on Brian.  “My king these are my final words as a friend. May god have your back? If you wish to get rid of me so be it, but I will return” Brian Laughed.  “Be gone I have nothing left to say to you” The king answered in anger. 2

“That is what I fear. Too many people believe in him and will follow him” The king turned and entered the throne room. As Brian walked towards the castle doors, A couple dozen men swung open the doors and stood in the door way dressed in armor on top of a horse’s. “We will follow you where ever you go Brian.” They said as a man with an extra horse rode up. “I will come for you; with a force so great you will tremble and pray to god for my forgiveness.” Angrily Brian turned and left on the horse. The king ran to the door dressed heavily in his silk and cotton cloths. “You all will meet you’re end by my sword.” The king shouted as he watched the men ride away. “We need to reach the borders by sun fall he will have his army out to kill us” One of the men said galloping to the lead. The king was a tall rather muscular man, always had an angry look upon his face. His cape was dark blue trimmed in silver, his other clothes dressed to match. Brian was a shorter man, well trained in the fields of the sword and bow. He carried his sword everywhere with him; no one else could touch it. He wore leather armor, boots and gloves; only in time of war did he wear chain mail and full body suits of armor. They left the city through the giant gate doors; they were in a single file line; people gazed and cheered as the men rode away. Some of the men left family behind some left nothing but a memory. Trumpets sounded through out the kingdom as the men left, they passed the gates and rode on. “Take one last look at this place, it is the last time you will see it standing” A soldier cheered, the other men raised their hands and shouted agreeing.  “The road to Valison is just up ahead we shall make for that village and raid it. We only leave people that are willing to follow us alive” Bryan shouted changing their course east. They made their way to the town and just made it over the boarder before sundown. “Well it looks like we won’t take this place,” a soldier said to Brian as they rode over the hill, they spotted 4-dozen men marching around the city. They trotted up to the guards and halted. “We have been banished and seek shelter” Brian saluted the guard. 3

“Speak to our leader he is in the town center” the guard moved his weapon from its position. “Thank you” Brian lowered his arm and rode in. The town was small and simple wooden gates and towers, nothing like Raledon, most thepeople were peasants and nothing more. The houses were made from wood and straw. “These people are quit simple. They have nothing of good use here,” the same solder said to Brian. “What is your name?” Brian questioned. “Jacob sir,” The soldier answered. “Jacob, take these ten men and ride wait for my signal to attack” Brian said as they entered the town center. The town center was filled with people running around selling and buying food, pottery, merchandise and other odds and ends. At the center stood a fountain, where on top of it sat a throne, on the throne sat a young skinny black haired man no taller than Brian, his eyes were blue and he dressed in very little clothes, just a silk shirt and pants. Brian got off the horse and walked to the fountain there he bowed at the king’s feet.  “We are here because we seek shelter” Brian rose to his feet. “We can not give you shelter I’m sorry for that. But we can give you supplies, I’m sorry” The king turned and sent Brian on his way. “Well we can get supplies that we don’t need. So what do you guys say we take this here land” Brian drew his sword. “Right behind you” one of his men shouted. Brian gave the signal and Jacob came swarming in with ten men. They rode into the town’s center and killed all the people, except the ones that were willing to work for Brian. They saved the houses and buildings so that they had something to work from to build their empire. “Brian, the king has a few last words.” The captain shouted. “Yes Captain Jacob what may he wish to say” Brian panted as he walked to where the king rest. “You come to kill me? I have done nothing to thee, I will kill you” The king gasped for air. “Not in this life time” The Captain stabbed the king in the heart. 4

The town was small 15 houses, a town center, a barracks, and one archery range. The buildings were made of logs and clay. It did not have a place of worship or a castle. “Well our first order of business is to send scouts to see our neighboring rulers.  Captain you must send four of your best men to scout the land.” Brian smiled as he turned to the captain. “And make it quick” he finished.  “And you ten there, go collect me wood. You ten clay and you ten build me a church with those resources.” He continued to order people. “What about us my lord, we haven’t anything to do?” A dozen villagers questioned. “Farm, or fish, anything that will get us food” He answered hesitant. “Yes my lord” they answered and walked away. By the time the villagers had their jobs assigned and left to work the sun was high in the autumn sky. Warming it to just a chill, they worked for hours bringing wood and clay to the building site of the church. The men and woman sent to hunt brought back glorious amounts of fish and deer meat back.  “Who would have thought that in one day a lord could have his men gather almost enough resources to build a church and collect enough food for a week? What a great day” Brian said shocked as his people finished their work and entered their homes. “Yes, these people are known for their hard work and continuous labor.  But this village wasn’t very large, I wonder why?” Jacob added gazing out a window.  “You villager” Brian shouted to a man standing in the road. “Yes my lord” the man answered as he bowed. “Come now” Brian directed. The man made his way into the house and to the room they were standing. The house was full of paintings and wooden furniture.  “Yes my lord” he bowed once more. “Why is this village so small? I thought you were known for hard work.” Brian asked confused. “We only started building it tow months ago. Our ruler was a harsh man he made us work from dawn till late night. If we refused then we were whipped. “Then why did he tell me to take care of you” Brian asked confused again. “He cared for the health of us, I don’t really know the answer he just wanted a glorious city. He took us from Palimont away form our families and brought us here. He owns… well here let me show you” The man left the room and walked down the hall out of sight. The two of the men, Brian and Jacob, sat and waited finally the man returned with something in his hand. 5

“Here take a look” he un-rolled a scribe form his hand and placed it on the table. “He owns all this land” The man traced over a faint red line with his hand.  “He has quit a bit of land” Brian looked at Jacob. “Enough for our empire, Look he is bordered by Wilmon and Vinford. Two countries always fighting over land, they wont bother us” Jacob pointed to the two towns.  “You know much about this land. But you don’t come form here” the man stated.  “I studied the history of our world in school.” Jacob replied, coughing.  “School, we don’t have that here, we are born into a class and only the nobles go to school.” The man took a seat on the floor. “No rise sit here” Brian pointed to a chair. “Tell us of your life” Brian said with interest. “If you insist” The man started. “When I was my mom and dad were sold as slaves to a merchant that travels by the name of Olmar Geeshman. I was a scavenger and when I became a teenager I had already been in the prison of Wilmon  13 times, one night after I had just stolen a piece of bread they threw me in there for the 14 time and the last time I should add. After that I became a sales man around the city, I stole money or all I needed to buy food for the people from the dark side of the city.  After that the king here came to power and then decided that he would give each shop a guard. I didn’t like that very much, so I went back to stealing from the lesser shops.  My dad came back and he had some money he gave me it and then left again. Last time I heard from him he was out east. Soon after that I came here and haven’t left, and now I have a new ruler” The man told his tale late into the night. 6

The next morning was warm and sunny; the villagers were up early and working, before Brian even arose from his sleep.  “Look sir” Jacob pointed out the bedroom window after waking Brian.  “It’s completed? What time where they up?” He rushed to the window in amazement.  “They were working when awoke” Jacob sat on the window sill. “What is our first order of business?” Brain asked still gazing out the window.  “Well we need to establish our being here set up out post, create a flag, and send messengers to the surrounding places. Just set up our city that is about it” Jacob turned and walked towards a chair by the door.  “Well let us go, we have work to do, don’t sit down” Brian rushed out the door. “Sir we don’t have any messengers and no one can sow or draw an out line for our flag.” Jacob shouted catching up to him. “We can go to the cities and recruit some. “ Brian remarked. “We could it would be difficult though” Jacob panted back at him. “We can and we will, Jacob. Gather up 15 knights and archers and let us make our way to this here village” Brian stopped and opened the scroll and placed it against the wall. “Carolinieth isn’t that a bit close to Raledon?” Jacob asked with a puzzled face. “Aye, that’s why we’re going there” Brian smirked; rolled up the scroll and continued to the stable.  “You are a smart man. We could have used you as a ruler long ago” Jacob laughed.  “Are you making jokes about me?” Brian asked with a sarcastic look.  Jacob went and rounded up 15 of his men and they set out for the city or Carolinieth.  They passed through outer lands of Raledon on their venture. “There it is” Jacob announced as they road toward a gate.  “Dear sir what business do you have here?” The guard asked.  “I have come to recruit men for my city. I wish to pass as a friend not an enemy” Brian saluted the guard.  “Recruit... City?... What kind of world are you living in?” The Guard laughed.  “I wouldn’t be making jokes you are out numbered and you smell of pig” Brian snapped back at the guard.  “So you can either let us in, or we can come back and kill you and you’re family. Now let us in” Brian demanded.  “You wont get in with that tone sir” The guard straightened his stance.  “Sir, I’m Lord Jacob, I wish to enter this city. My business is my own, I do not wish for a fight” Jacob asked with a friendly tone.  “Yes, Lord Jacob.” The guard signaled two men who opened the door.  “You can’t be such an anvil” Jacob whispered to Brian.  “Are you calling me grumpy? I wont have the likes of that” Brian rode on into the city. They split up and Brian journeyed around the city and saw such famine. Many people were lower class and were starving, they looked skinny and pale. The people from his village were muscular and tanned; they ate healthy and were treated with respect; from as far as he could tell.  He ventured deeper into the city and found the middle class houses, the people were still skinny but less pale they were walking about the streets not even taking notice of the lower class. Brian turned his shoulder and saw a man knock an older man onto the ground; Brian rode to where the man lay; now others were trying to help him onto his feet.  “Good people, come with me I will show you such good treatment that you wont ever want to come back here to this place of famine” Brian started to talk aloud to the people. People gathered around him as he talked about him and his land; he described his land as a powerful and golden city full of respect and glorious people.  As he helped the old man onto his horse and braced him self onto the saddle of his horse, placing the old man in between him and the horses head. 7

As he went back to where the others had gathered he had two dozen people following him.  “How many did you all find?” Brian smiled.  “12 they answered” They answered. “That’s three dozen men just about. Let us leave. Get off your horses and let the villagers use them” Brian exclaimed getting off his saddle. “What my lord?” Jacob asked.  “You heard me let’s go” Brian shouted as his men got off their horses and helped the villagers onto them.  They exited the town and traveled back to where they had come from, and got the new villagers settled in, into their new village.  “Look my lord, a monk; his skin is black, but non-the less he is a monk” a soldier said helping a man to where Brian was standing. “Take him to the church and get him acquainted.” Brian pointed towards the church.  The new villagers got acquainted with the others and got to work. The day finished just like the other, the male villager returned to Brains house and told him tales about the land. He told them for hours and then returned to his house for some sleep before his early morning.  “All right our second day here. We need to think of a name for our town” Brian said. Brian and his men were gathered in a town hall, they were discussing about their town and what they needed.  “How about Stonewall?” one shouted, others booed him.  “No we need something strong, something nice and solid.”  Jacob answered.  “Calhoun?” The wise villager asked.  “Who are you?” the men asked.  “He has told us much of this land” Brian defended him.  “What does it mean?” Jacob asked.  “It means warrior” he finished.  “I like it!” Brian shouted excited.  “Now, we need to think of our flag?” Brian continued their discussion.  “A fox head; the most noble and smartest warriors of the wild” Jacob raised his hand.  “A rose red flag with a silver Fox head, Jacob I like it” Brian concluded.  “We should have a feast tonight; to celebrate our home coming. Just think in a matter of two years we will be able to take on the forces of the King” Brian said with excitement. “We must travel to Wilmon to see if they will give us supplies like metal.” Jacob pointed out to the men.  “We don’t need metal.” Brian disagreed. “Sir we only have the metal from our weapons and that of the hunting tools.” Jacob continued to say.  “Can we do this tomorrow?” Brian asked exhausted.  “We could” Jacob answered and then left the building.  The two of them traveled around the town watching and helping the villagers build their homes and market places. Also stopping and talking to them about what they would like to see happen to the city as it grows larger over time.  “Lord Brian” a voice shouted form behind them.  “I hear you plan on changing the name of this city” a man rushed to them.  “You must not” he continued.  “This place already has a name if you change it you will confuse many people.” He finished.  “What is its name? On the map it has o sort of a name” Brian answered.  “Its name is Castlemont. It is a center of trade believe it or not, these flat lands make it easy to travel on” The man stated making an obvious face.  “I’m sorry I will not change the name if it means that much to you” Brian said placing his hand on the shoulder of the man.  “Thank you ma’ Lord, I will continue my work” The man turned and left.  ‘King Francis will find his end coming soon... if we keep our peoples morale high” Jacob started to say.  “What’s that my lord?” Jacob asked quickly.  “I don’t know” Brian whistled a horse ran to him and he leapt on.  “Get ready men” Brian shouted loud as he rode to a tower.  He watched the cloud of dust come racing towards him, the cloud past him and stopped at the trading post.  “Get back to work, false alarm” Jacob ordered. “What was it?” Jacob asked riding to Brian’s side.  “Let us go check” Brian turned and rode to the trading post. He got off his horse and walked into the place; it was filled with gadgets, glass products, fishing and hunting equipment, toys, food, and anything else that you could think of.  “Wow, look at this, this is old, 1247. That’s near a hundred years ago” Brian picked up a toy that looked like a small man, it had the date scratched on the bottom.  “The simplest things amaze you” Jacob laughed.  “Well just think hundred years ago we were fighting with wooden clubs and that’s it. Now here in thirteen-fifty-seven we have over hundreds of different swords, bows and just many different units of battle. All that created in just one hundred years” Brian explained with interest.  “I guess your right” Jacob let out a deep breath.  “Can I help you, Lord Brian?” the merchant asked.  “Where did the man go that just rode here?” Brian asked looking around.  “He is in the privy” The merchant answered.  “Thank you” Brian took a seat on a chair by the window.  As he looked around he spotted a map, “What is that map of?” He asked curious.  “That is a map of our region” The merchant said.  “I must get that” Brian stood and walked over to it taking it off the wall.  “Here” he finished handing the merchant three golden florins. Florins were the money that was used throughout the kingdoms of the continent of Maelgwn.  “That is far too much my lord” the keeper grabbed a hold of Brian’s hand. “No take it; I think we have at least 350,000 gold and silver florins in the town center bank.” Brian smiled.  “Thank you” the keeper smiled and Brian returned to his seat. 8

They heard foot steps on the floor and turned to the door and saw a man with dark skin, not black but a very tan. The man wore a blue robe with a black rope he almost looked like a monk; but he had a turban on his head covering his hair. “Hello, how may I help you, I’m George the Trade Post Merchant” The merchant asked form behind the desk.  “I’m Olmar Geeshman. I’m looking for a large amount of steel tipped arrows.” The dark man answered.  “Yes here they are” The merchant answered. Brian and Jacob walked to the shadow to watch the man.  “That will be three silver Florins” The keeper answered.  Olmar reached for his pouch and pulled out a dagger.  “Have a good day” Olmar answered and went to stab the man.  “Stop right there” Brian shouted as he lurked out of the darkness.  “Who are you?” He asked.  “I’m the proud ruler of this here settlement” Brian answered.  “Well sir I must be on my way” The man crept to the door.  “Not so fast” Jacob Came walking in from the door way.  “Two of you!” the man said angered. He dropped his weapons and then Brian and Jacob took him to the town center and laced him in a room then locked it.  “Go get the man that we meet with every night.” Brian ordered Jacob. “At once” Jacob said bowing then leaving the room.  Jacob wondered through the village, villagers were rushing to get things done and built. He came upon a small boy trying to carry a heavy stone to a building site. “Here let me help you” Jacob said walking to the small boy.  “No, no” The little boy panted, he fell to the ground and laid there.  “You need help” Jacob lifted the boy and carried him to the tavern.  “Give me some water, and a piece of cloth.” Jacob ordered the bartender.  “And who do u think you are?” the fat round man asked from behind the counter.  “I’m the 2^nd in command of this town if you must know” Jacob answered glaring at the man.  “Right, sorry let me get you that water.” The bartender reached and grabbed a bucket full of water.  “Here” He handed the bucket to Jacob. Jacob took a cup and lifted the kids head and poured water into his mouth. The kid slowly swallowed the water, Jacob repeated this three more times. He slowly sat up and then began to drink more water.  “Are you ok?” Jacob asked as the kid drank.  “Yes my lord” He answered.  “What’s your name?” Jacob asked holding the boys cup. “John” the little boy answered jumping off the table.  “I must go back to work” John said and walked out the door. Jacob followed him out and watched the little boy carry the rock to a house where his family was working.  “Hey you” Jacob shouted to the villager he was looking for.  “Yes Jacob” he said walking to him.  “What’s your name?” Jacob asked patting hi on the shoulder. “Michael sir” he answered.  “Michael come with me” Jacob directed him.  “Yes sir” Michael answered. Michael left what he was doing and went with Jacob back to the town center.  “Look who came riding into the city” Brian said unlocking the door that lead to where Olmar was.  “Olmar!” Michael shouted exited.  “Michael, what are you doing here?” Olmar asked curious.  “This is the king I work for now” He answered. “Why did you travel here?” Michael asked taking seat.  “I’m a merchant, I have to travel you know this.”  Olmar smiled.  “What news do you have of my father?” Michael patted his friend on the back.  “News, You’re father is buried in the Crowfront Hills just out side of Raledon” Olmar softened his tone. 9

“How did he die?” Michael asked with teary eyes.  “He was taking goods from my wagon to a market store in Raledon and was killed just three or four days ago. A dozen men ran him over as they bolted way from the kings’ troops they ran this way.”  Olmar explained rubbing Michaels back. “No” Michael shouted and stood up.  “I didn’t know him enough to be this sad, but he was my father.” Michael sank sitting in a chair.  “It was the kings’ guards who ran him over” Olmar finished.  “You’re business here is done you are free to go” Jacob said escorting Olmar out of the building.  “Don’t do anything stupid. If you would like when we attack Raledon for the first time I will train you personally and let you fire the first arrow at the door.” Brian asked sitting next to the man.  “No, I don’t wish for revenge I just wish to visit the grave of my dad. Revenge is to violent no blood should spill over my fathers death” Michael answered. “If that is what you wish” Brian said standing back up.  “I will be back in a few days” Michael said standing and walking out of the building.  “All right sir,” Brian said patting his back.  “Sir?” Michael asked, turning back around with a bewildered face. “Yes” Brian answered.  “See you my lord” Michael turned and left. Jacob re-entered the room where Brain was.  “We should get back to work.” Jacob said standing in the door way.  “Yes I suppose we should” Brian answered. 10

They passed kids playing in a pile of leaves on a street.  “What is this game called?” Brian asked admiring them.  “It’s not a game my lord, its just fun” a little girl answered.  “May I try” Brian asked curious.  “Yes, my lord” She answered.  “Thank you” Brian said leaping into the air and falling into the leaves. He tried to get up and was unable because of all his weight of his armor.  “That is fun” Brian laughed.  “Sir you look like a child” Jacob whispered.  “Who cares I’m having fun.” Brian answered.  “And I shall do it again” He stood and leaped again.  People passed by and watched their leader playing in a pile of leaves with the children of the village.  “My lord, we really should be going” Jacob whispered.  “Well children thank you for giving me the time to play” Brian said to the little children.  “Why must you always act like a child” Jacob continued to whisper.  “Why must I persist to act like a child? Because its fun interacting with the people of my city will let me get to know them and their needs better.” Brian whispered back.  “Sorry my lord” Jacob answered with calmness in his voice.  “Thank you” Brian answered and started to walk away. They ventured to the barracks near the archery range and stables. “Men we need a messenger to send to Palimont.” Brian said entering the barracks. None of the men had ever been there but they had heard stories that they killed the messengers of their enemies.  “Men” Jacob shouted; the men jumped where they sat.  “Yes, I will go” a man said walking out of the shadow.  “And you are?” Brian asked.  “Richard Larment, Longbow man” the man answered.  “I shall accompany him. John Baltherian, Long sword man.” Another man stood up.  “Right, you should leave now, take this letter to the king and have him reply with one of you present” Brian stated signaling the men to come with him. “You understand the stories of this city?” Brian asked them as they walked to the stables.  “Yes” They both replied.  “Ok then off you shall be” Brian left them at the Stables. “Is this a good idea sir?” Jacob asked Brain.  “You must understand we need an ally” Brian answered quickly.  They wondered back into the city while the two men got ready to ride to Palimont. The two soldiers left the city for their journey to the city of Palimont.  The road was long it went through a dry land and up a mountain there they could see the gate to the city, people hurrying about their business.  “That’s the city?” Richard asked dumbfounded.  “That is the biggest city I have ever seen. Look at their port over there; never have I seen such a navy.” John answered pointing towards the port.  “A magnificent city.”  Richard smiled. They continued down the side of the mountain, until they reached a small out post.  “You must pay a tax to enter the city” a man stood guarding the camp.  “Do you really challenge us being alone and all?” Richard asked making a misleading face.  “That’s what you think” The guard whistled and ten more men popped out from some bushes and out from behind trees.  “So what did you say that tax was?” John recovered quickly.  “That would be 100 florins” the guard answered.  “100!? That’s a bit much don’t you think?” John continued.  “No, not at all” the guard smiled.  “That is how much… Oh never mind” Richard started to say.  “Here is your money” Richard handed the man 100 florins and continued.  They passed through the small out post and started on a trail that was surrounded by trees and buses.  “We only have 12 florins left” Richard said looking into his pouch.  “That’s weird they would have us pay there” Johan said confused. They came to a clearing where they could see a towering gate before them that lead to the city of Palimont.  They trotted to the entrance and were stopped by another gate captain.  “You must pay a toll to enter.” The guard said slowly.  “We just did, the men at your out post” Richard said quickly.  “We don’t have a post sir” the guard answered slowly.  “We paid 100 florins you better had let us in” John shouted.  “Ok, what is your business?” The guard started to look more awake.  “We come bearing a letter of peace from Castlemont” Richard showed him his letter. “Castlemont? Where is that?” The guard questioned with a puzzled face.  “You know the town... city… place… just over the mountains and a crossed the flat lands.”  Richard stumbled.  “I don’t think he knows what we are talking about” John whispered to Richard.  “What’s that you said” The guard asked John pushing a spear up to his nose.  “Umm… well… I said… you didn’t know what we’d be talking about” Johan stuttered with fright.  “Leave them.  Castlemont is where all cargo is checked being taken to Carolinieth” A man walked to the gate, dressed in a robe and jewels.  “If you would pardon my guard here he is a bit slow” The man said taking his hood off.  “The king wishes to see thee” He continued. 11

“Told you we were needed here” They teased the guard.  “Those men out posted are the best of the best our own men.” The man told Richard and John as they followed him.  They walked down roads gazing up at buildings so tall they reached the sky, colorful also they were brown colors but the roofs were blues. The castle was of grey stone it stood out like a soar thumb. “Where are you taking us?” Richard asked. “To the king of course, any fool that travels here through the mountains is a spy or an assassin” The man answered.  I assure you we are neither” They both answered.  “Well I can’t trust you, you must understand that we are at war with all our neighboring kingdoms” The man explained.  “Yes well we just established our settlement. We came I need of resources and weapons” John answered tripping over a stone.  “Good balance you have” The man laughed.  “How much farther until we meet the castle, we must hurry” Richard asked impatiently.  “Just up this road” The man answered still leading them.  They reached the castle minutes later, the castle was tall it had flags hanging form towers and guards hurrying around it doing business.  “We are in the middle a war if you didn’t know. It’s been a hard year for us we have little food for our army” The man swung open huge doors. The doors entered a giant room full of candles and paintings. “This is the main hall” The man pointed out. “This city took many years to build the castle took the longest followed by the walls.” He continued.  They now entered a large room with red carpet lines in front of the entrances to the room; they led to three chairs that were sitting on a raised piece of the floor were the king, queen, and princess sat.  “My lord, may I introduce Sir... What did you say your names were?” He started to speak loudly and lowered to a whisper.  “Richard and John” They answered quietly.  “Sir John and Sir Richard, they come from Castlemont” The man announced.  “Thank you Lord Jenkins” The king answered.   “What is your business? “ The king asked gazing at the men.  “We come baring a letter of peace from Castlemont” Richard bowed pulling a letter form his pocket.  “Hmm let me see this” 12

The king cleared his throat as Richard walked to him handing him the letter.  “I see here you wish to ally with us in return you will give us gold and food for iron and wood, such material I would think you are building an army, and stone for walls?” The king interrogated the two men.  “Yes we are rebuilding the city it will soon be just as great as this city” Richard smiled. “Richard” John whispered worried.  “Ha” The king and queen laughed. Answered and they continued on their way.  The city was bigger than they had imagined it would be, and many more people than they expected; although more than half of the people were part of the army and navel fleets. They entered the castle and walked down the main entrance hall; it had pillars and curtains hanging made of silk, also a golden floor and on either die of the path long fountains that stretched the length of the path.  It was truly and amazing piece of architecture.  They reached a pair of doors that stood high, the man swung them open and they entered they now entered the main hall where the king, queen and princess set in their chairs; the kings was higher than the queen and princess, because he was the most powerful.  The king and queen were both plump and grey haired, and blue eyed people they wore many articles of clothing made of silk and cotton, their clothing was very dark colored but it had a few bright greens and reds in them.  The Princess had brown hair and brown eyes, unlike her parents she was beautiful, possibly the most beautiful girl Richard and John had seen. The princess wore a dress that was tight on her, it was a sort of fine silk it was light blue with a golden trim around the bottom; she didn’t look much younger than Brian.  The sound of music being played by the kings’ musical group filled the whole castle; they played a very soft relaxing song.   “Who wrote this?’ He questioned again.  “They have terrible hand writing” he laughed.  “That would be our King Brian” Richard answered.  “Well I do hope he is a better ruler than he is a writer” He laughed again.   “May I use the bath room?” Richard asked still bowing.  “Yes, Leo, show this man the way to the lavatory.”  The king lifted his hand and waved it.  “Yes my lord” Leo answered.  Richard and Leo left through different doors then they had entered. 13

“I must take a few days and look over this document; I know that our two cities are at peace but to ally with such a small city-state. I will give you housing and clothing and what ever and how ever many woman that you want for the next few days.” The king said standing and walking away to his chambers.  “Take this man to his room” The queen pointed to a guard.  The man took John to his room where he entered and found a fire going in the fireplace.  The fireplace was in the right wall and had a painting of some one above it; two windows were placed on either side of it also. The bed was huge and covered with wonderful colored blankets.  There was also a table with parchment and a quill pen setting on it.  The room was also filled with many candles; some in a small chandelier others in tall candleholders and others small, the candleholders were silver and gold.  Richard was shown to his room it looked very similar to Johns, the only differences were the painting was of a different man and his bed was just a little smaller.  They both meet each other back at the entrance to the castle.  “How do you like you’re room?” John asked smiling.  “It’s very nice.” Richard smiled back.  “What of yours?” he questioned John.  “It’s marvelous the bed is huge” he exclaimed.  “Yes mine is also large.  Many women will fit in these beds” Richard smiled and laughed.  They both laughed and continued on into the city.  They traveled passed merchants shouting food prices and selling merchandise.   “This is huge how will we ever create a city just as grand?”  John gazed at large buildings.  “Look lets travel up this tower” Richard walked to a ladder that went up the side of a watchtower.  The two of them climbed it, it seemed like forever; but when they reached the top the sun was setting and they could see the battle being fought in the distant east. “Look at the size of their armies” Richard pointed.  “Wow, and to think they have been fighting over that strip of land for years” John watched in amazement.  “What is so special about that piece of land?”  Richard asked curious.   “That piece of land is said to be the most fertile in all the land, if you grow crops there they will feed an army of hundred thousand” John explained peering over at Richard.  “Look at that sun set that’s amazing” Richard took a seat on the ledge of the window.  They gazed at the sun setting for some time, it set behind the mountains of a distant island the sky was pinks and purples, truly an extraordinary view for any that gazed upon it.  “I do think I will enjoy my staying here, how about you?”  John smiled watching the last of the sun set behind the mountain.   “This king is very kind, maybe a little to kind?  He seems to be very confident” John started.  “If we ally with him, I think he might turn on us” He finished.   “You worry to much, try not to.  Besides we need these supplies if we don’t get them we won’t be able to fight even our peasants uprising against us” John answered taking a deep breath. 14

“If the king does turn on us that means we are surrounded by enemies.  We will not last very long” Richard said worried, as John sitting on the stone ground near the window smiled.  “That’s funny, we follow this man knowing only of his Great War stories; leaving every thing behind family and such. Now we sit here and ponder why we did such a thing” John smiled.  “I would think if one man did something he would be sure why he does t and not have to think why” He took a breath and stood.  By now it was dark and the street lights had been illuminating the streets for over an hour.  “What say you to going to the tavern?”  John asked walking to the latter.  “No, I don’t drink.  It turns a man into a beast that can’t be controlled.”  Richard followed him.  They started to climb down the latter and stood at the base of the tower. They heard a scream and followed it to a dark alleyway.  They grabbed a torch off a wall and walked down the alley; they saw a shadow over another on the ground.  They rushed to it with their swords drawn.  The two of them chassed off a man and turned back to find a woman on the ground bleeding.  “What happened?” Richard asked healing the woman.  “That drunk started beating on me because he wanted to marry me.  I told him no so he threw me down here.” She explained crying.  “Did you know the man” John asked helping Richard.  The lady was dressed in rags she looked of a peasant; she was bleeding from her lip and had bruises on her arm.  “You are quite a beauty” John said lowering the torch towards her face.  “Thank you, that man was my lover, I left him not to long ago” She explained.  Richard smiled as john flirted with the lady; they finished bandaging and cleaning her up and helped her off the ground.  “If you don’t mind, you can come back to my room in the castle tonight?” John asked walking with her.  Richard followed the two from a distance laughing at John attempting to flirt with the young lady peasant.  “I would love to stay with you tonight” She answered and followed him into the castle.  “First I must get your name” John stopped her.  “Ah yes my name, Serene.”  She smiled and followed him into the castle.  “That’s a beautiful name” John answered smiling.  John and Serene went to his room and Richard walked slowly to his room.  He passed many rooms on his way the kitchen, dinning room, ball room, and the royalty rooms; king and queens, also the princess’s. He pondered what they might be talking about so he stopped and listened.  The guards were lazily sleeping in chairs out side the rooms. 15

“I think it wise to ally with this city of Castlemont; we need food and also soldiers.” He heard a deep voice say, so he thought it was the kings. “But if they turn on us, what than shall we do. Our forces are all ready limited on the battlefront; I estimate that we have 2,500 men able to fight and 300 plus that are willing to fight” Another deeper voice said.  “General Leo what do you purpose we do?” The first voice said.  “You know what I think we should do.  Ally with them will give us men.  Even if it’s only 300-400 men tops we need men.”  Leo answered.  Richard started to learn closer to the door as it flew open, and he fell on the ground.  “Umm… sorry your majesty I tripped” Richard recovered standing up.  “So what do you purpose we do?” the king asked him smiling.  “Ally with us only until you have what you need, and we have what we need or you can stay allied with us even after we have our resources.  Men for battle we can supply you with 500 cavalry and 100 archers in one months time” Richard answered quickly.  “I trust you, you give us 600 men and food, and we give you what you ask for” The king answered.  “But come take a seat” He pointed to a chair next to Leo.  “This is General Leo; my finest; and this is my son Brad” The king finished pointing at each of the men.  They both wore tunic armor and a tunic over that, they looked very well trained.  Leo had a battle scare on his cheek and Brad had two on both of his cheeks.  Richard stood and bowed at the two of them.  “Where is your friend? John?” the king asked. “He found a lady, her name is Serene, and they went to his room” Richard smiled.  “He is a beast” The king laughed. “Do you have a wife?” Brad asked.  “No, I used to she died”  Richard answered mourning .They sat for hours until the queen came in and it was time for the three men to leave.  “Why don’t we get some sleep, and in the morning we will take you to the battle field” Leo smiled and went into his room.  “See you tomorrow” Brad opened his door where many women sat on his bed.  Richard returned to his room where one girl waited for him.  “Who are you?” He questioned.  “Gabriel” She answered.  “Ah, I must get some sleep” He said taking his clothes of and getting into the bed.  “Let me give you pleasure?” She asked.  “What kind?” he asked.  “Any kind you want” She smiled.  “Than I shall have a massage” He answered. 16

In the Morning the rose early and Richard left with Leo and Brad to the battle field.  They marched through the muddy field to where they could over see the camps, they saw that the other side had many more men then they had, but Palimont clearly had the advantage, because the other warriors were so far form their home.  “Why not cut around them?” Richard asked.  “Cut around?” Leo asked confused as he gazed on the battle field.  “Cut off their supplies, it’s what you should do.  If they don’t have supplies then what else are they, nothing” Richard smiled as he planned out in the mud.  “You are smart, god blessed you with a gift” Brad laughed.  “You will only need 40 men at most, is what I would estimate” Richard smiled.  “What kind of units?”  Leo asked intrigued.  “Ten of your best cavalry units and ten horse back archers.  The rest can be longbow man.” Richard estimated.  “Let us try that.”  Leo said walking around the camp gathering men.  It took him no long than an hour to find 2o men that were willing to fight.  “Here are twenty men” Leo sighed, “I hope it is enough” He finished.  “We can work with twenty men.” Richard smiled.  “What do they specialize in?” He asked.  “Umm five are longbow man. Then these five are short bow man. The rest are cavalry” Leo pointed to the groups of men.  “Let us ride then” Richard said mounting onto a horse.  “You wear too little armor” Brad laughed at Richard.  “It is enough.” Richard remarked. “If you say so” Brad also mounted a horse next to Leo. They rode out fast and went east to where a small forest lay. They could see a small camp with no more than 20 men in it; this is where the other side was getting all their supplies sent to.  “You ten stay here we will ride out and start the battle, you men must cover us with arrows. Ready, aim” Richard said and then gave a signal.  The ten men let arrows fly into the air and like sharp knives the cut into the heads and bodies of the enemies.  “Let us ride” Leo shouted, him followed by Brad, then Richard, and last all the cavalry units they had went out and within a matter of minutes they had cut off the supply route.  “Men a cargo cart is coming hurry dress in their armor.”  Leo commanded his men.  The hurried and dressed in the armor of their enemy.  “You don’t look familiar” The man said driving the cart.  “Umm… we are new just got promoted to the field” Brad said with a deep voice.  “Are you sure?” The man asked. The man was white but very tall and skinny, he didn’t seem too bright.  “Yea just five minutes ago we just got here” Brad convinced the man.  “Well if you say so. Here are the supplies you asked for, food, arrows and you-know-what” The man whispered in Brad’s ear.  “Ah yes thank you I really need, you-know-what” Brad smiled as he whispered back at the man.  The fellow turned and left just as he came, as soon as he was out of sight they took off the armor and placed theirs back on their bodies.  “Brad go and get us 100 men to keep this post here, if we keep this they are surrounded by our troops. There will be no escaping.”  Leo grabbed Brad and took him to a tent away from every one else.  “But they have so many more people than us we can’t hold them off at two places” Brad whispered confused.  “Don’t you trust me?” Leo asked, “If we get the men from them than we will be able to fight this war.” He finished walking away from Brad.  Brad stood alone for a second to think about what Leo was trying to do.  “You and you, come with me” Brad pointed to two men.  “Yes sir” They said.  The three of them mounted onto a horse and left as fast as they came.  “Where is he going?” Richard questioned Leo.  “To get more men” Leo asked walking past Richard.  “I will return to the city and get my companion” Richard mounted a horse and left at a trot. Leo smiled as Richard left, he rounded up his men and they gathered in the captains’ tent. Richard passed Brad who now had 100 men following him to where they had just fought. 17

Richard returned to the city and met John who was sitting on the fountain next to his horse who was eating grass.  The sun beet down on their heads, it was now noon and they had to return to their city. “Let us start going home. We need to return the letter to the Brian; he must grow ever so impatient.” John said greeting Richard. “You are right let us part now” Richard smiled and mounted on his horse.  “Your horse is lame you might want to purchase another” John laughed at the old gray horse.  “Do you have the letter? Never mind my horse” Richard asked angered.  “No, don’t you have it?” John felt around his clothes.  “No” Richard said un-mounting his horse. “Well than we should get it then, shouldn’t we?” John laughed.  “That we should.” Richard laughed along.  They returned back to the throne room and found the every one up and about.  “What are you dong?” Richard asked walking to the king.  “We dress my daughter she is to return to the city with you. Oh, before I forget, thank you for helping us take over their trade routes. Even though they lack resources they will still be able to put up to a certain extent a fight that is worth being in.  So I thank you and send you on your way.” The king handed him the letter of alliance and sent them on their way.18