The Trials of Aleksander the Lesser

The Blue-Feathered Cap

   In the days when plague ran rampant through the land, in a time of division and hate, stone buildings stood proud and grim on a gently-sloped, green hill. Here was the birthplace of many a hero and heroine, some long lost and others yet unknown. Sprawled on the edge of a once great city, this cradle of good and brave persons now housed those destined to bear the weight of nations, men and women who would tip the scales of balance in battles of wit, strength, and mercy. Striding or trudging they went from building to building, as the bees from flower to flower. Idly about the lawns they lay where green grass rose up to cushion their limbs. Laughing, debating, crying, and jeering, many strangers huddled in uncertain gaggles of hastily found friends and allies though one sat apart.

   Nose in book yet eyes darting about, this tall youth was named Aleksander, son of Mark, grandson of Tom. Reared from an early age to be good and far, to protect those unable to protect themselves but harsh and unpleasing of features, the noble youth settled his back against a great tree and read of the brave and famous men who came before, pondering if his name should ever find itself carved in stone as a testament to the ages. He hailed from the woodland himself, from the polis of fair Zelie, where many a day was wasted among the trees or his workbench, locked in solitary inventiveness and in truth, wanting of close comrades-in-arms and trusted friends. Youthful Aleksander, as the work horse plows the fields day after day, had grow strong and stout of heart, with great space for the love of others but little room for love of himself. Cursed with lean frame and scowling brow, as a vulture to panting puppies was he to his peers. But do not be troubled, reader, for despite his youth and frowning lip had he marked himself foremost among his fellows and great and lofty were his works. For he had been a mentor and older brother to many younger boys, a trustworthy friend and shoulder to cry upon. In the defense of others he stood, though often outnumbered and shunned, and always he placed his desires, needs, and self after others'. For the name Aleksander, as he is fond of telling others, means "Defender of Man." When he lived up to the title bestowed on him at birth, he was merry and bursting with laughter. But woe to him when failure, that imposter, stalked him, the once cheery youth walked with mournful tread and beat his breast in despair. Oft did he sigh like furnace and sting at bystander with whip-like tongue when this black mood consumed his days. This would be the cause of guilt that perhaps will be told another time.

   Much more is to tell of light-footed  Aleksander, for his depth would find Poseidon's murky realm wanting. Unknown by name to many on the green hill thus far, he had established himself as a common sight on the campus. Day by day, he spent his precious free time to sit in new locations and read from his treasured book. If not for the tall sight to behold, then for his unusual choice of dress. Upon the golden crown of his head, wore he a blue cap. The cap, adorned by deep blue trim and a single goose feather, was a magical item from a faraway land. When worn on his towering form it took the place of a battle standard, visible and beckoning to all who gazed on it. In the battles to come, it would serve as reassurance that to his allies that by will or in defiance of gods he had not fallen. 

   The first of these battles would come with the dawn, for already were omens seen. For as he walked this way and that, gulls screeched across the sky and dogs howled as if a danger were coming. But Aleksander was not alone in this venture and would rarely find himself alone in battle. Already did brave comrades offer their shields and lances to him, including swift Riley whom hailed from a town not far from Aleksander's, Edmund who was shrewd but fierce, Andrew called Andy who was greater in height but not in strength than Aleksander, the wise and knowledgeable Abby, athletic yet shy Sarah, and Bella, who lived up to her name better than Aleksander his. Far away too did Aleksander have allies, Ariadne to the North and Cassandra in the South, both of whom he named muses and dearer to him that all else. Growing in strength was his brother Dimitri and though five years his younger he almost matched him in height. And two familiars accompanied the fledgling warrior, both gifts from his dearests. Hecate, a black cat given by Cassandra, to ward off evil dreams and protect him from magic while he slept, and Samantha, a clever and wily fox that inspired his crafty nature. With these friends and allies, Aleksander stood ready for the trials that lay ahead.