Prologue

An extract from the Grien the second.

12^th day of Winter, 732

My father was a king. My father was a great king. Under his reign, the province that was the land that I was born to grew into a great kingdom with lands stretching from the mountains of Galnor to the forests of Literia to the sea of Grimdor. From the time I came into manhood I have known not a day of peace. Until now.

Today my brothers and I laid the great man to rest. He had died in his sleep. After hearing the news that the northern armies had secured the fortress at Kaisha. The war was over and his work was done. And so tomorrow I take my father’s place as monarch of the kingdom. A kingdom built up by war. Food supplies are low. The border towns are rioting and my eleven brothers are all waiting to seize chunks of land for themselves. The task has fallen to me to untangle this web of confusion and chaos. My brothers dare not directly oppose me because I command the loyalty of the army. But they will bicker among themselves until the family is torn apart. This day I had summoned them to the war room to relay my plan. Eleven sections of land have I drawn out on the latest map of our vast lands. I have bestowed land to each of my brothers and they will reign over their lands as dukes of Quarvonne.

Thus the Great Council was formed, twelve men to rule the vast empire created by the blood and sweat of my father. Rodrak, Spirna, Ciss, and Moritor took control of the lands in the south containing the great forests. Hinmos, Onhin, Cydas, and Snidon took control of the lands to the west with the great mountains. Jamestor, Chaun, and Boor took control of the breadbasket in the valley between the mountains and the coastal plain. Finally, I, Grien, son of Jona will become the first King of Quarvonne with direct control of all the lands on the coastal plain. My power will be checked by the Great Council, which will meet no less than once per season and will be called to session for any major military action. Any opposition to my leadership was quelled when they found that my decisions could be overturned by a 10-2 vote and their ability to raise their own armies and have complete control over their own lands.

As my brothers left the first Great Council and rode off to claim their lands, I stood over my father’s grave with my sword raised up high and proclaimed this right not by the generations of greatness that lie in our past, but for the generations of greatness that lie in our future….

An extract from Aldur the 7^th king of Quarvonne

29^th Day of Spring, 816

This has been an exciting day for the peasants, and in an odd manner an exciting day for me. The anniversary of the 83^rd harvest since the founding of the Great Council has been a tedious one, but it marks my first one ruling Quarvonne. This festival is the one true time that the peasants get a day off. How I pity the poor bastards, being forced to work their entire lives for those who have been divinely chosen their superiors, it is their only day of happiness in an otherwise dreary life so I humor them.

The Great Council rode through the Capitol city with me at the lead. As part of the barbaric ritual I had stopped outside the city near the river and walked to the river and took the blade of my father, as he took the blade from his father, and cut my forearm. The peasants crowded on the riverbanks to see the bleeding of the king and I shouted out, as my father taught me to do, “I am the king, but I bleed like a man. On your shoulders I rule may only the true blood of Quarvonne flow in this river.” The peasants applauded loudly and began shouting inane things such as ‘Long live the king, and ‘Long live Quarvonne.’ Nothing is more depressing than seeing a bunch of people cheering a civilized man cutting himself needlessly and bleeding into the river. Sometimes it makes me wonder whether our kingdom is any better than the barbaric kingdom of Jisha.

The rest of the night was uneventful. There was much feasting and partying going on in the capitol city and it was my duty, nay, my pleasure to sit above them watching the everyday people party as if there were no tomorrow. The dancing line was interesting to watch as the peasants came and danced very closely and provocatively which would never be allowed in any other circumstances. In one corner of the city I could see fireworks being set off to the great amusement of the crowd, undoubtedly by the tower mage Dynale and while he has the ability to entertain the crowd is never in question, his powers are far more terrible than this simple display.

At last I go to sleep after a weary day knowing that I will not have to put up with this foolishness for another year. Every year I wondered why my father went on with this nonsense and now today I know why. Everyone needs something to believe in, and the peasants believe in me.

An extract from Duraith the 8^th king of Quarvonne

24^th Day of Autumn, 843

The impending threat of the armies of Jisha grows steadily day-by-day. Their land borders Chaun, which is a slight relief because the current duke, my uncle Careth maintains a well-trained army of fighting men. And the soldiers of that Duchy are known for their bravery and courage. Yet it is my personal feeling that our neighbor to the west should be kept in check thus today I proposed to the council that we send in a force to push the Jisha army, which now lays camped at our western border, back past the forest of Literia. At least that way their raiding parties will not longer be pillaging the Chaun villages and Duke Careth will be able to collect his taxes again. His incessant grumbling about low revenues vexes me to no end.

The council openly received my proposal and all was looking right until Duke Jameson IV stood up to speak. How I loathe that man. I believe his sole purpose in life is to disagree with me at every turn. At every vote, his honeyed words have one by one turned my council brothers against me. To top it off the Emperor of Jisha has presented him with a very pretty young princess for a wife on which the old fool is absolutely besotted with. His opposition to my proposal was thus crafted to sting even more and every one but Careth and I had voted against the invasion of Jisha. Jameson looked quite smug about that I would wager a year’s taxes to say that he is at this moment bragging about his victory to anyone who would listen. How I loathe that man…

Chapter 1

Andrina, crown princess of Quarvonne turned over in her sleep, the silken covers sliding down her body exposing a bare arm. In the haziness of sleep she still felt that she wasn’t alone. Indeed as her mind cleared she could feel warm breath against her neck and a strong arm wrapped gently around her waist.

Carefully she opened one eye and the brightness of the morning caused her to shut them again and wince noticeably as she felt her head pounding lightly. She groaned and then heard a soft chuckling behind her.

“Perchance my lady is feeling a little indisposed this morning?” a male voice whispered against her neck.

Andrina gasped as she realized that there was indeed someone in bed with her. She turned around quickly and smiled when she realized whom her bed companion had been.

“My lord” she said with a smile her eyes still half closed to lessen the effect the bright light was having on her aching head “Pray tell what happened last night and what you happen to be doing in my bedchamber”

Her companion lightly kisses her neck “Sleeping peacefully, at least I was until awoken by your stirrings milady” came the reply. “I could leave if you would wish”

Andrina was not at all satisfied with his reply “Methinks my lord that some form of explanation is in order, General”

General Donovan grins and kisses her forehead lightly “Well, there I was, my armor shining in the sun, standing watching the hill with blood dripping from my sword looking over my vanquished foes as my army mopped up the last stragglers, and there you were, eyes blazing as bright as the stars shine...” he grins and pinches her upper arm, seeing a giggle starting to bubble to the surface of her expression “No, don't laugh! This really happened” he looks into her eyes and grins.

The princess barely manages to stifle her giggle as she listens to his cryptic explanation, remembering his triumphant return with his army the day before

“My lord jests, you know well that I was not at the battle but at the Keep where all the ladies were forced to stay while you men get to ride out and do battle to uphold the honor of the kingdom though I would have gone with you had his majesty permitted.”

Her face gained a slightly confused look “but how did I get here? I do not remember much of anything that happened as the celebration progressed.”

“I do believe that you drank a little more than would have been prudent for a young lady, and could have been taken advantage of had I not been there to ensure you made it safely to your bedchamber.” He leans down and runs his fingers against her exposed arm “I wished to make sure that you were ok, and I endeavored to spend the night here”

“I would not have drunk at all if you and Sir Gared had not been so insistent that I at least try some of the celebration ale. Twas the first time and I am quite sure it will be the last. Vile stuff. And no one but you would have the nerve to even think of taking advantage of the crown princess, my father would see to that.” She sits up and realizes that she’s still dressed in the gown that she was wearing the night before “You had better make yourself scarce because should my father find out that you have spent the night...” she lets the sentence die off.

Donovan smiles that amused grin of his and sits up as well “Of course m'lady, although I doubt anyone would say anything about the second most powerful man in Quarvonne for spending the night with the woman he loves after winning a ferocious battle, but as you say m'lady, it would be most....” he looks at her fair face framed by her long auburn hair “…embarrassing.”

His sly admission to his love for her was not lost on the fair princess “Which leads one to wonder why, that if I am held so high in your regard, that you have not asked the king for…” her sentence was cut short in as a sharp knocking on the door was immediately followed by her highness’ lady in waiting walking through.

Andrina let out a short gasp as she stood looking face to face with her lady in waiting and realized Donovan had slipped silently under the bed. Her face was red as she looked at Eldis. “Don’t you know how to knock?”

Eldis was the first mother of the Jamestor family and had become Andrina’s lady in waiting when her eldest son took a wife. She was not a woman who would be considered beautiful, although she was pretty in her day, and her eyes softened as she looked upon Andrina. “Oh my lady, I am so sorry, I did not mean to startle you. I came to check on you since you took much too strongly to the spirits last night and I have a remedy that will help you if you are not feeling well.”

Andrina thought about it and she did have a sick feeling in her stomach, but she doubted any of the old ladies’ cures could help since the problem lay under her bed rather than a true stomach malady. Andrina motioned for her to come close. As Eldis stepped around the bed Donovan quickly rolled out the other side of the bed and broke for the door. Eldis heard a sound and began to turn her head when Andrina gasped and fell backwards on a chair. Eldis hurried over to her and began to revive her. Andrina continued began to awake slowly and said softly, “Oh Eldis, please don’t ever let me go near spirits again, they have nearly sapped my strength…” She let her voice trail off and she looked and saw the old lady’s eyes nearly filled with tears and she knew her acting had been successful.

“Please, drink some of this.” Eldis pulled out a small, unmarked flask and held it to her lips. Andrina knew she had played along this far so she had to continue the charade. She smelled the liquid and it seemed more intoxicating than some of the drinks she had the night before. Finally she took a big drink and she noted how it seemed to coat her throat with a warm sensation that was not all that unpleasent but turned into a distinct tickle in her throat, she suddenly she began to cough violently. Eldis patted her back and had a big smile on her face. “All better, we’d better get you ready. Your father is holding court and you shouldn’t be late.

Chapter 2

The main chamber of Quarvonne echoed grandly with merriment, and with good reason. Nobles from all families were scattered throughout the room and they were celebrating a grand victory. The army of Jisha had been turned back before they reached the coastal plain and there was talk of peace and negotiations. All in all hope reigned in the Castle of Quarvonne.

The chamber was a grand creation. The walls of the room seemed to grow out from the mountainside. It was large enough to seat the 200 guests comfortably, but the ceilings were low and gave everyone a feeling of great intimacy rather than making them feel small and insignificant. The primary feature of the room was the throne and dais.

The throne was simple where other thrones were ornate. The plush seat was deep lavender and the frame made out of a strong oak. The man sitting upon the chair could be described the same way. His face was strong and his body was thick like an oak tree. His eyes were a powerful blue and the wrinkles on his face showed more determination than age. His gray hair was neatly combed and he sat like a statue looking over the room with a small, relieved smile on his face as his eyes followed the movements of one of the new entrants to the chamber.

Andrina moved through the crowd quickly. She was wearing a lavender dress with the seal of Quarvonne down the sides of her legs. Her auburn hair was straight and fell freely down the middle of her back as she moved through the hall. She looked at the tables and made eye contact with many of the nobles. Sir Gared of Sinod winked at her as he held a mug of ale up in her honor. Andrina laughed and waved a finger at him saying he was very naughty. She finally scaled the stairs to the platform and walked towards her father.

The king stood up and the entire chamber went quiet. “Be still my heart,” His voice rumbled through the room, “It may be the most beautiful woman in the entire kingdom. Who will take her hand in marriage!” The room exploded with boisterous noise as nearly every male in the room shouted their desire to have her as a wife, with some of the younger more drunk ones making some obscene gestures to match.

Andrina looked at her father sharply, and the king motioned for them to be silent. “Ah yes. My daughter seems to have decided.” He looked over the hall. “Who here feels they are worthy of my daughter? Please stand.” His voice came out as a command and it rang through the hall. Many of the knights who just a minute ago had been jumping up and down now sat as quietly as they could. The king’s eyes pierced the room and he noticed two men standing. His eyes fell on the man standing in the front of the Jamestor table. A short powerful man with dark hair and brown eyes, like all the Jamestor’s before him, stood gracefully in his elegant black and red dinner robes. The king nodded, “Jamestor, what makes you believe you are worthy of my daughter? I’m sure Lady Caitlin would be most put out” his voice was neither demanding nor cruel at this moment.

“I am sorry my liege if my standing offends you or my dearest.” he turned to his right where his wife sat”

“I was merely standing so one would not accuse you of incest as you are the only man in the room standing.”

Laughter rang through the chamber and Jamestor held up his cup for a toast. Andrina rolled her eyes for she did not like the man who indeed was the first to ask for her hand in marriage when she was but 14 years old. To think if she or her father had accepted the proposal then she would be married to a man 20 years her senior. The princess turned to look at the pale blond woman beside Jamestor, a young girl, barely older than Andrina herself, from the Duke’s own province. She looked a little worse for wear from consuming a little more ale than might have been prudent for a young lady.

“No wonder for if I were married to Duke Jamestor I’d drink myself senseless as well so as to blissfully forget the pig I married” thought the little princess.

“Unfortunately you were not the only one to stand at my request,” The king looked to the figure at the back of the room and it seemed as if the eyes of everyone in the chamber followed them. Andrina had gracefully stepped up onto the platform where her father stood and taken her place on his left

“The man of the hour! General Donovan!” The room erupted into cheering and applause with the exception of the Jamestor table and the Duke turned a very dark shade of red.

Donovan strode towards the platform confidently not showing any ill effects of the celebration the night before. All around the hall the honor guards stood to attention their amour clanking as they saluted their leader. Donovan’s confident stance was shaken by a hint of embarrassment by this outward show of respect for he was not of noble blood and had never demanded this kind of ceremony from the soldiers under him. Regardless, every soldier he met, whether on duty or off would immediately display their respect for the man whom had led them towards victory after victory against any army foolish enough to dare threaten the peace and stability of Quarvonne.

He was dressed in ceremonial battle armor with the fist of Quarvonne on the chest signifying his position as enlisted rather than by noble birth. His sought those of Jamestor and he gave the Duke a cold piercing look as he made his way to the platform. He finally came in front of the king and dropped to a knee before him and lowered his eyes. “In your name I serve.” His voice was low and resonated through the room as the cheering stopped.

“Please rise.” The king said, more in the tones of a command than a request and Donovan did so. “You have returned to the land as a conquering hero. You have banished Jisha from our lands once again and for this we are in your debt.”

“You can owe me no debt for all I own is already yours. I unlike many others in this room put the will of the kingdom before that of my own petty squabbles.” A wave of angry mutterings swept through the court with this obvious jab at the other noble families present.

The king chuckled. “It is good to see you up and about. We feared that perhaps all of the excitement of the battle and celebrations were too much for even a strong warrior as yourself.”

“Tis true my liege” replied Donovan, “the excitement of the evening does tax one so. Fighting against ten thousand men for four months does not even compare to all the dancing that the ladies insist on dragging a poor soldier through” he turned to the princess and grinned cheekily to which Andrina simply shook her head and looked away. The general was a master tactician and brave soldiers but in all of his good qualities, propriety was no one of them. It was not so much that he could not adapt his manner of speaking to the prevailing customs but rather would not for he was very much against pretending that he was one of the aristocrat classes.

The king merely laughed all the more heartily. He liked this brash young soldier for he was a refreshing breath to the stale air of the court. He reminded the ruler of himself before the pressures of inheriting the throne from his father made him settle down and loose his freedom in matters of court and politics. He raised a hand and waited a few moments for the hall to grow silent before he proceeded with what he was planning to do ever since news of the victory had reached him by rider.

“I am here to offer you a reward for your deeds. You will be given the rank of Knight within my family and receive all of the titles, money, and,” he looked at his daughter who averted her eyes to look down demurely, “the privileges thereof.”

Donovan dropped to one knee, “I cannot accept your reward, my good king.” The sound of uncomfortable shuffling was heard in the chamber, masking the gasp and subsequent glare of annoyance at Donovan from the princess. Refusing a knighthood was unheard of especially since it was common knowledge that Donovan was courting the Princess and it was law the Princess must marry nobility.

The king was taken aback, “Why do you refuse my gift?”

“I will not take on responsibilities that will hinder my ability to serve my king. I do not want land, nor power.” He stood up and turned to face the nobles. “I do not wish to become a part of all this. I will not be a part of those who would have worries greater than serving their king. Nor would I wish to be weak and stay home to protect the castle instead of going into combat.” He directed his gaze to Jamestor. “I do not have noble blood in me and I do not wish to curse my future family with its taint.”

Duke Jamestor stood up at this his heavy wooden chair crashed to the ground behind him, many other heads of noble houses too stood in show of their support “How dare you! How dare you come in here and insult those born higher than you. Have you no respect for those of higher rank, peasant? Showing such disrespect to the king is treason. Punishable by death! Perhaps you will now reconsider your words.”