Ren✧ Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Might and Magic! Welcome one, welcome all to the lands of Arcanum. [spoiler=Chapter 1: Secrets] Chapter 1: Secrets as told by Timaeus I sit in the creaky, wooden chair. My back is hunched over the desk as I pour over the book in front of me. The room is lit by a single, oil lamp. There are no windows and only 1 door. There is nothing in the room except the chair, desk, and a bookshelf on the opposite end. It isn’t much, but it is all I can have right now. If someone were to find out what I was doing, I would be sent to jail, at best, and be burned at the stake, at worst. Logic tells me to stop, but my heart drives me on. This is a part of who I am, it is a part of who I will always be. Unfortunately, most people will never understand this and that is why I must keep what I am a secret. It is the dead of night, or so I assume. When I entered this room it was, but without away to see the outside, I can’t know for sure. I am forced to work at night, and put on a guise during the day. I must act as two different people, but it is a burden I am willing to bear. I close the large book in front of me, letting out a large yawn. I love what I do, but the hours are killer. Picking up the book, I place it on the bookshelf. I walk up the stairs, leading me to what seems to be a solid wall. I run my hand along the side until I find what I am looking for. There is a small button. I press it. The sound of twirling gears and contraptions whine quietly as the false wall opens up. Stepping through the now empty space, I find myself in a cramped compartment. The false wall closes behind me. I take a deep breath. I must now ready myself to be someone I am not. Having steadied my nerves, I push forward, opening a door. Light from a lit fire place spills over me as I find myself in my bedroom. I turn around to inspect the closet I just came out of. I look at it closely; to make sure the false back has closed securely. It has. I close the door of the closet and walk to the closed window in the bedroom. Peaking out the shutter, I can see that it is, as I suspected, still night. That is good. If I had been absorbed in my reading for that long, tomorrow would be indeed a challenging day. Letting out another yawn, I get ready for bed. I quickly undress down to my undergarments, and throw the dirtied clothes into a pile of clothes that need to be washed. Without further ado, I climb into my bed to catch a few hours of sleep. [hr] Sunlight strikes my skin and I happily take in the fresh morning air. The air is crisp, signaling that fall will soon turn into winter. I stand on the veranda of my house, watching the rest of Talonhold wake up for the day. Everything is so peaceful. Stall owners make their way out to their stalls, opening them for business. Shopkeepers open their doors, inviting potential customers in. A few early risers make their way through the cobbled streets. Among the normal residents of the city, there are also the guards keeping a watchful eye on the passer-by. Every time one passes me, I instantly tense up. Of course, there is no way they could know, but just the thought fills me with horror. I watch a guard pass, his round shield at his side and his sword sheathed at his hip. I shake my head, reassuring myself that today will be like every other. That nothing is going to happen. It is the same thing I tell myself every morning, but it doesn’t stop the worry and tension that knots up in my stomach. Stepping off my front porch, I make my way through the winding streets of Talonhold. Shop owners call out to me. Couriers run by, already on the job. Living on the main street of Talonhold has its advantages. Sure it is busy. But it is a quick walk to work each morning. I make my way up the numerous stairs that lead to the capitol building of Talonhold. The Castle of Baroness Ellis. Coming up to the huge double doors that lead into my office, I find myself in the presence of two guards, standing on either side of the entrance. I simply nod at them. Nodding back they allow me entrance to the castle. Having worked in the castle for the past 3 years, I am a common face. The inside of the castle never ceases to amaze me. The main dining hall is huge, consisting of two long tables, always equipped with dozens of plates and forks, and steaming dishes of food. A few servants shuffle about the room, picking up the dirtied plates of the early breakfast goers that had already eaten and left. Watching over the dining room is a large, stone throne. To either side of the throne is a guard, each equipped with several weapons and emblazoned with a symbol of a manticore, marking them as part of the Baroness’ elite warriors known as the Man-Eaters. The throne is empty. Which isn’t uncommon. Baroness Ellis likes to sleep in and will probably not be seen until noon. On both sides of the throne there are hallways leading to a room. On the left is a kitchen, bustling with people and noise. On the right is a library. My second home. I walk into the library, unlocking the doors. Seeing as I am the one and only librarian, I am expected to open and close the library. There are large windows in the library that let in light. Rows and rows of book shelves occupy the inside of the room. This is my life. I am Timaeus Allen. Librarian. But, I am also Timaeus Allen. Magician. [/spoiler] Chapter 2: Dreams Chapter 3: Revenge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyalist Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Intriguing. So we have a librarian who is secretly a magician. I assume magic is banned then? I quite liked it although nothing very interesting has happened. More of a prologue of sorts than an introduction to some kind of quest. Also by 'Might and Magic' are you referring to the games or is this completely different - E.g. It could be set in the same world (but it seems unlikely). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Intriguing. So we have a librarian who is secretly a magician. I assume magic is banned then? I quite liked it although nothing very interesting has happened. More of a prologue of sorts than an introduction to some kind of quest. Also by 'Might and Magic' are you referring to the games or is this completely different - E.g. It could be set in the same world (but it seems unlikely). Honestly wasn't aware that it was a game... And yeah, the first few chapters are kinda slow, as I introduce the main characters. And yeah, magic is a big no no, at least in Talonhold it is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyalist Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 Honestly wasn't aware that it was a game... And yeah, the first few chapters are kinda slow, as I introduce the main characters. And yeah, magic is a big no no, at least in Talonhold it is... Fair enough. :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 [spoiler=Chapter 2: Dreams] Chapter 2: Dreams as told by Atticus Matthews I stand beside the griffin, stroking the creature’s head. Its feathers are glossy and shine dully in the setting sun. This is my favorite time of day. The sun is settling down for a rest and in the moment of calm, everything is silent. Everything is absolutely peaceful. “Oy! Atticus! Stop your lollygagging! Get these beasts cleaned!” I turn to see my boss, Ronald. Ronald is an overweight man, always lumbering around. His face is red and sweat collects in his large, bushy eye brows. I could never understand why this man was always sweaty. From what I could tell, he did nothing more but eat and yell. Especially at me. Ronald is supposed to train and take care of the griffins kept in Talonhold, but it usually falls to me, his assistant, to do the work. “Yes sir.” I reply, a sigh of irritation and frustration escaping my lips. I hear Ronald grunt and then stumble out of the keep. I grab a bucket filled with soapy water and a sponge, and begin to clean the few griffins in the keep. From what I am told, Talonhold used to have dozens of griffins. Each fit and prime for battle. Supposedly there was an entire legion of warriors that rode on the backs of griffins, flying into battle and winning victory after victory. According to history, the legion died out after the final days of the Dragon Wars. The creatures in front of me are the only ties that past. I finish cleaning the griffins…all but one. Scar. The griffin held in the last pen in the keep glares at me. His dull golden feathers glint in the now nearly set sun, but they don’t inspire valor in me like the other griffins. Scar only fills me with fear. Since I had become the Assistant Keeper, Scar has remained a source of torment for me. Always scratching, screeching, and attacking me. Swallowing hard, I simply back aware from the large animal. I don’t feel like messing with him tonight. “Oy! You finished yet, boy?” The large doors that lead to the keep open with a clatter. In walks Ronald, face red and sweatier than ever. “Yes sir.” I say half-heartedly. “Good, cause you are on guard duty tonight.” Ronald proclaims. I nod. This isn’t an unusual occurrence. I am always on guard duty. Normally, it is the Keepers job to guard the keep…but since when has Ronald ever done his own work? With that Ronald leaves again…hopefully for good this time. I sit down on a wooden stool, taking my position as guard. The sun has disappeared from sight and only a small, orange glow behind the large mountains in the distance illuminated the sky. It’s times like this that I hate. It gives me too much time to think. Too much time to wonder. Too much time to dream. Ever since I was little, I had wanted to be a warrior. A knight that could charge into battle and strike fear into his foes. I spent days and night fantasizing about battle. It was all I could think about for 15 years of my life. That’s when the day of The Picking came, the day that fills the stomach of every 15 year old with butterflies. It was the day that everything I had ever wanted to be became nothing more than wistful dream. I remember walking through the castle of Baroness Ellis. I remember being amazed by the sheer size and grandeur of the building. The Baron sat at her throne, surrounded by the other masters of the court. The stablesman, the cook, the courier, the keeper, and the Baroness’ top ranked knight. There were of course others, but once I saw the knight, I had stopped paying attention. He represented my entire future. Everything I wanted to be. My name being Atticus Matthews, I waited in line behind the other kids. They stepped forward, saying their name and declaring what they wanted to do with their life. If kids were lucky, they got their first choice, or their second. Those unlucky ones got their third. Finally after 15 children, it was my turn. I stepped up, becoming the center of attention for the Baroness and the other masters. I swallowed and then began. “My name is Atticus Thomas Matthews. I would like to be a warrior.” The words left my mouth, leaving my throat parched. I hadn’t realized how nervous I was until now. My eyes darted between the Baroness and the knight. They shared a look. I tried desperately to analyze it. Was that acceptance in his eye? Was that a pitiful smile? After what seemed like eternity, the knight turned and addressed. “I am sorry, son. You are just too small to be a warrior.” My heart fell. Everything I had dreamed of being…gone. I shook the tears that had begun to gather in my eyes. I couldn’t let them see me cry. “I am stronger than I look.” I protested desperately. “My decision is final.” The knight proclaimed. “You second choice?” The Baroness asked. I thought for a second. I had never even considered that I wouldn’t be accepted as a warrior. Now I had to decide what I wanted to be for the rest of my life…again. “Blacksmith.” I stated. I figured that I would at least be able to handle the weapons. To my shock and dismay, another no. “You are too small to work in the forges.” A look of pity touched the Baroness’ eyes. I could tell she felt sorry for me, but there was nothing she could do. “Your third?” “Stablesman.” The master shook his head. “The stallions would crush you beneath their hooves.” “Is there any of you that will take this child?” The Baroness asked, addressing the masters. I looked from face to face, desperately hoping someone would take me. I started this with dreams of being a warrior, but now I could only think of NOT becoming one of the unchosen. The unchosen are a group of people that didn’t make it through The Picking. They were tossed aside, assigned to do menial, unskilled labor. While no one would voice the thought, they were the lowest of the low. A minute passed as the other masters considered whether or not they would take me. Finally a voice sprang up. “I suppose I could use an assistant.” I looked to see that it has been Ronald that spoke up. It was the first and only time I felt gratitude towards the fat, old man. I shake the memory from my head. There is no sense in dwelling on the past. I readjust my seat on the stool, waiting for the sun to rise, and my job as guard and keeper to be over…at least for the night. [/spoiler] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 bump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 BUMP, sorry I haven't wrote chapter 3 yet. I have been VERY busy these last couple of days and I am just now finding a moment to return to the computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L0SS Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 You know with a character named Atticus, you're onto a winner. My favourite literary character happens to be called Atticus. Anyway... moving on; firstly, I enjoyed the sense of place, and the way you have established the social norms of Talonhold. This is obviously a fantasy realm, but it's nice to have an insight into the employment process. As you mentioned, you're setting up your narrative which is why little has happened yet. Is this going to be from the perspective of several characters? I like the broken up, stanza like format. It gives a sense of poetry and fantasy to the story. The style is quite matter-of-fact, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I suppose I just expect a writing style which is more lively from a fantasy story. As long as you retain a layer of depth however, it shouldn't be an issue. Looking forward to reading on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 You know with a character named Atticus, you're onto a winner. My favourite literary character happens to be called Atticus. Anyway... moving on; firstly, I enjoyed the sense of place, and the way you have established the social norms of Talonhold. This is obviously a fantasy realm, but it's nice to have an insight into the employment process. As you mentioned, you're setting up your narrative which is why little has happened yet. Is this going to be from the perspective of several characters? I like the broken up, stanza like format. It gives a sense of poetry and fantasy to the story. The style is quite matter-of-fact, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, I suppose I just expect a writing style which is more lively from a fantasy story. As long as you retain a layer of depth however, it shouldn't be an issue. Looking forward to reading on. I honestly cannot remember where I pulled that name from, it kinda of just sprung up on me. Yes, the perspective is going to be changing quite a bit, which is strange for me because I have almost always written in 3rd person. So shifting first person is a bit different for me. I am about halfway through writing my 3rd chapter, so it should be up within a day or two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L0SS Posted April 6, 2013 Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 I honestly cannot remember where I pulled that name from, it kinda of just sprung up on me. Yes, the perspective is going to be changing quite a bit, which is strange for me because I have almost always written in 3rd person. So shifting first person is a bit different for me. I am about halfway through writing my 3rd chapter, so it should be up within a day or two. Sounds good. By the way, if you're interested, the character I was thinking of was Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 6, 2013 Sounds good. By the way, if you're interested, the character I was thinking of was Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. THAT'S WHAT IT WAS! I just read that book this year in my English class. Thank you for relieving that burden from my mind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2013 [spoiler=Chapter 3: Revenge] Chapter 3: Revenge As told by Timaeus Allen “A foras mentis.” I whisper the words beneath my breath, feeling the magical power channel through me. A swirling, white mist appears in my outstretched hand. I look closer to see shifting shapes of spiders, snakes, and what could perhaps be the face of a woman. My heart begins to race. This is promising. I have been attempting this spell for quite some time and this has by far been the most promising of the results. I steady my breathing, ready to expand farther upon the magic, but before I get a chance, I hear a noise. Panic strikes my heart, and I instantly cease the flow of magic. I knew that practicing magic in the library was a stupid idea, but boredom had gotten the better of me. Unfortunately, my boredom may well have just got me killed. I whip around, looking to see who had entered the library, and more importantly, if they had seen what I was doing. My heart leaps into my throat when I see who it is. Baroness Ellis. Fortunately, it would appear that she hadn’t seen me. I let out a small sigh of relief, but I didn’t completely let my guard. I never did with the Baroness. Composing myself, I walk over to her. I bow slightly and then say. “Good day. What can I assist you with, madam?” Meetings like this demand each and every well mannered gesture I knew. I unbend my spine, meeting the Baroness’ eyes. They are a dark grey, like a swarm of storm clouds. Her jet black hair is left unbraided, falling to just below her waist. She wears lush clothing, complete with a long, royal cape. There is a reason, aside from her intimidating appearance, that I fear the Baroness. Not only could she declare my execution on her slightest whim, but she is a renowned witch hunter. And while I am technically not a witch, that didn’t stop her from burning the last wizard at the stake. “I am in need of information, Scholar.” She declared, her voice boasting authority. “Ask, and I will do my best to answer.” “I have heard rumors of a large population increase in the outlaw city of Haven. Can you shed light on these rumors?” My heart starts to beat a little faster. The city she speaks of, Haven, is not just an outlaw city, it is THE outlaw city, the single city that dared break away from the Empire and break the most sacred law. It was a city of magic. “Nigh, my lady. I am sure it is nothing to worry about, but I will inform you I find anything out.” I assure her. “Thank you, Scholar.” She said, turning on her heels and exiting the library. As soon as the door slams shut behind her, I nearly collapse on the ground. The stress of the situation had nearly given me a heart attack. I mean, it didn’t appear she had seen me use magic, but there was no guarantee. For all I knew, she could be ordering a legion of soldiers to storm the library at this very moment. There was nothing I could do though; I would just have to wait it out. In the mean time…I walk over to a stack of parchment lying on my desk in the library. It was all the news we had gotten as of late. I shuffled through the papers, looking for anything about Haven. Nothing. Another relief. The city of Haven lay in the northern most regions of the Empire, nestled amongst the huge mountains of the Northern Spikes. It was well protected and if the Empire had confirmation of the fact that Haven was amassing a large population, it would be assumed that it was an army. And if it was an army, then we would surely go to war. But for now, it seemed that war was still only a pending threat, not an immediate one. … As told by Serena Daniels I struggle helplessly at the bonds that hold me. My wrists are already torn and ragged from straining against the metal cuffs and chains. I wear only my undergarments, and I guess I should be thankful that they allowed me to keep them. From what I can tell, these men don’t know the meaning of the word pity, or mercy. Not that I would want it from them anyway. Not now. Now all I want is revenge. I have been held captive by these men for quite a few weeks, and tonight would be the night I escape. I can feel it. My guard is getting lazy as I pretend to grow weaker, and while I may have lost a few pounds from the slop they feed me, I am still as keen as ever. The problem is, I can’t be sure that my captor will feed me tonight…and if he doesn’t then I will be forced to wait. I don’t know if I can. This imprisonment has brought terrible things…unspeakable things. For the millionth time, I scan the area. I am being kept in a tent, which I originally found strange, but I now realize it makes sense. The men that captured me are a band of marauders and they are always on the move. Sturdy, short chains keep me bound to the ground; stakes drove into the hard earth. I hear the sound of someone outside my tent. My heart starts to race. It was time. I was going to escape. A hand reaches inside, pulling open the flap. I see who steps in and my heart drops. It isn’t my guard, but someone I have never seen before. That can only me one thing. The unspeakable things were about to happen. My plan began to fall apart. “I bet you know why I am here, you filthy witch.” The man said, an evil smile crossing his face. I quickly take stock of the situation. The man is tall and sturdy, he could easily overpower me, but it would appear that he was drunk. I inhale deeply and my suspicions are confirmed. I can smell the scent of alcohol on him. What is better is I notice that he has a dagger sheathed at his side. I can do this. “I know why you’re here,” I say, trying to use my most seductive voice, “I am ready when you are.” I bat my eye lashes. I hear the man laugh slightly. He advances towards me, taking off his shirt. He shoves his face onto mine, making our lips meet. I begin to pull away, but remind myself that this is part of the plan…no matter how disgusting it is. After the appropriate amount of kissing, I pull away slightly. “This would be so much better if I wasn’t chained up. We could so much…more.” I raise my eyebrows at him, trying my best to look both innocent and seductive. Either because of the man’s drunkenness or the sheer fact that he is a man, he bobbed his head up and eagerly. Clumsily, he grabbed a ring of keys from his pocket, and made to unlock my cuffs. After a few minutes of fumbling with the locks, the chains fell away. “So much better. Are you ready now?” I ask. “You aren’t nearly as bad as the other say you are,” the man said. The statement hardened my eyes. He was talking about the other men. The men that had raped me. It was time for revenge. “Close your eyes, big boy.” I say. Like a puppy he obeys. That’s when I make my move. I grab the dagger from his belt and thrust it deep in his chest. He lets out a muffled, guttural cry before slumping to the ground. I withdraw the dagger from his body. A smile appears on my lips at the sight of his dead body. [/spoiler] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2013 BUMP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L0SS Posted April 9, 2013 Report Share Posted April 9, 2013 The splitting up of narratives continues to intrigue. The newest storyline seems to be the most action-orientated, which is a nice contrast. The whole drunken-rape-escape is a little generic, but it sits well with the other storylines. The only thing I can see becoming an issue is having too many characters implemented and become confusing. Not a problem yet, but something to look out for. All in all, a solid chapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2013 The splitting up of narratives continues to intrigue. The newest storyline seems to be the most action-orientated, which is a nice contrast. The whole drunken-rape-escape is a little generic, but it sits well with the other storylines. The only thing I can see becoming an issue is having too many characters implemented and become confusing. Not a problem yet, but something to look out for. All in all, a solid chapter. Yeah I too had thought about that. I will be sticking to mostly these three characters. Occasionally we will have a little side show, but otherwise these three will be our basis. I agree it was kinda bland, but I tried to spice it up a little. In all honesty, I haven't even started Chapter 4, but I hope to start and get it finished by the end of this coming weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Warden Posted April 11, 2013 Report Share Posted April 11, 2013 You've been, wait for it... [url=http://forum.yugiohcardmaker.net/topic/299580-wait-for-it-heart-breakers-episode-4-magic-is-gathering-hold-tight/?p=6179348]HEART BROKEN![/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ren✧ Posted April 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 11, 2013 You've been, wait for it... HEART BROKEN! That I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.