[ act i - a legend born for greatness ] CHAPTER ONE ( the village square)
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IT WAS THAT TIME OF THE MONTH AGAIN when all the villagers gather in one place to buy and sell items for the next month. All villagers, those who lived in the city and those who lived on the outskirts, everyone was here. The stalls for the vendors were currently stationed in the village square. Many people moved around buying the things they needed and selling the crops their fields yielded, the animals they hunted, the weapons they forged, the clothes they sewed, and anything to make some coin.
The square itself was situated right in front of the great hall where they held massive feasts, delegated or held up the law with punishments and such. No one had ever met the princess, it was for her safety they were told. Instead, someone else gave orders in her place, a man they call Eskel.
No one knew why, maybe it was because she was too young, or too maimed, or maybe it was because of the way she came into power. It was said she slaughtered the Jarl and his family and took his Jarldom. Stories flew around about how she killed the unmarried king of their region and took his place as a princess. They said his crown was lost and that she would only take the title of princess until she found a crown that would suit her.
People just hoped soon they would be able to see what she looked like. They wondered if she walked among them, in a faceless sea to hide from any threats. And if there were threats they were taken care of immediately. Like that man a few months ago they found hanging in the square, he had challenged the princess for her kingdom. Eskel said she chose a champion to fight in her place. The villagers never saw their face, it was hidden, and the champion took them out like it was nothing. His body was then hung up to show what would happen if someone did challenge her rule. Not many people did though, it was much better than the Earl before her and most definitely the king before her.
Today the village was more alive, with more people than the usual day. Gunnar helped an older man load the things he bought from his mother's stand into his cart. He watched the man leave after he gave a few extra coins for the help Gunnar gave. As Gunnar looked around the square his eyes caught movement at the doors great hall. The doors opened and out stepped a girl in a golden dress. As she walked down the steps his eyes trailed up her body, her long hair as white as pure snow and her skin slightly tanned. Her face was so beautiful as if blessed by the gods.
His heart beat faster at the sight of her, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. He noticed Eskel walking behind her before stopping next to her once they reached the bottom of the steps. He could see her mouth move as she said something to Eskel before he nodded firmly. When she was finished she walked off without ever waiting for his reply if Eskel was going to give one.
Gunnar was not the only one who noticed her, others did too. They had all seen her before but for Gunnar, this was the first time. He never really came with his mother to this, he was usually at home tending to the farm and animals. But he knew his mother was getting older and since his father was not here this time, Gunnar went with her. The woman began walking between the rows of stalls, stopping by one that had a bunch of herbs and precious stones.
