A fantasy tale with divergent characters as protagonists who need to confront the power of angry mobs stirred on my malevolent forces in a world where magic and magical beings come to life.
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Balthazar rode steadily along the dirt path, his eyes scanning the horizon as he neared the village of Long. His journey had been long and arduous, taking him from a village on sun-soaked plains of Africa into the heart of Europe. He was tall and powerfully built, his black skin glistening in the afternoon sunshine. At twenty-two, Balthazar carried the wisdom of someone far older, shaped by the trials and tribulations he had faced since the death of his father when Balthazar had been just fifteen.
He paused at the crest of a hill, reining in his horse to take in the view of the village sprawled out before him. The village was bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun. He was tired of never being able to find a place to call home. He couldn't return to his father's village as it had been destroyed. There was no one or no place he could call home back in Africa. His heart ached with the memories of his father, a chieftain, who had taught him the values of honor and compassion. Had things been different, Balthazar would still be mentored to one day take the role his father had held.
Balthazar urged his horse forward, feeling a wave of fatigue envelope him as he guided his horse down into the village. He had heard stories of the kindness of the villagers of Long, in Abbéville. If they, like too many others, didn't accept a black man as an equal, he would have to journey on.
The village square was bustling with activity as Balthazar brought his mount to a stop in front of the inn. Like all villages, the inn was one of the largest structures, sometimes having an upper story where passersby could find a bed for the night. Villagers were going about their daily routines. Their faces were lined with lines betraying the rigours of living hard lives. Yet there was a warmth and camaraderie that spoke of a strong community which was content, and perhaps even happy.
Balthazar's presence didn't go unnoticed. Curious glances followed him as he rode through the square towards the inn, his tall figure and foreign appearance standing out. He dismounted his horse and approached a group of villagers who were unloading sacks of grain from a cart.
"Good afternoon," Balthazar greeted them, his voice deep and resonant. "I am Balthazar. I've traveled a long way and am seeking a place to rest. I have skills that may be of use to your village."
An older man with a weathered face stepped forward, his eyes sharp and assessing.
"Welcome, Balthazar," the man said. "I am Eldric, the village elder. We don't often see travelers from distant lands. What brings you here?"
Balthazar gave Eldrick a brief explanation and added, "I seek a new beginning. I am trained in the ways of leadership and combat and earned my spurs as a knight fighting with Guillaume in Normandy. I wish to use my skills to protect and serve your community."
Eldric studied Balthazar for a moment, then nodded. "We can always use more strong arms and sharp minds. We'll talk more of this once you have settled in. If you are going to be staying in Long, it won't be at the inn. I have just the place for you in mind. Come with me."
As Balthazar walked beside Eldric, leading his horse through the village, he saw children playing, their laughter ringing out as they chased each other through the square. Balthazar couldn't help but smile at their carefree joy. It was a stark contrast to the hardships that had marked the past seven years since he lost his family and home.
Eldric led him to a modest house at the edge of the village. "You can stay here for now," Eldric said. "It's not much, but it will provide you with shelter and a place to rest."
Balthazar nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Eldric. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated."
As they entered the house, Eldric gestured for Balthazar to sit. "Tell me more about your journey," he said, his tone inviting.
Balthazar settled into the chair, his expression becoming thoughtful. "I come from a village far to the south, across the sea and a great desert. My father was the chieftain of our village. He was a wise and just leader who taught me the ways of leadership, honor, and combat. I was to become the next chieftain when he was ready to pass on the role. But he died when our village was attacked by raiders. I fought to defend our home, but we were overwhelmed. I lost everything, my parents and my younger brother."
Eldric listened intently. "I'm sorry for your losses, Balthazar. It takes great strength to endure such hardships and still continue to go forward."
Balthazar nodded, his voice steady. "I vowed to honor my father's teachings and find a new place where I could use my skills to protect and serve."
Eldric leaned back, his expression contemplative. "Our village has faced its own share of challenges. We've had to defend ourselves from bandits and deal with the occasional natural disaster. But we are a strong community, and we look out for one another."
"I like to be a part of that. To help protect and strengthen your community in any way I can."
Eldric smiled warmly. "You are more than welcome to stay here for as long as you want, Balthazar. Your skills and experience will be valuable to us. Rest for now, and we can discuss more in the days to come."
