Lions of Men

Chapter 9

Summer, January 1231 A.D.

(Thirteen years after the war known as the Black Era)

At first light, Rakurih rose from her sleeping chambers, dressed and made her way out of the castle. She took the short journey to her old favorite spot; the beautiful green-topped hills of Levanorah, a high rise of cliffs just outside the city. At first, she resisted the invitation to return to her homeland for the yearly festival, 'Feast of the Gods, Kings, and Men,' but she had not seen her mother in three years. Not to mention, she used to love to come to the cliffs with Rowen to enjoy the sunrise.

At a young age, Rakurih was fascinated with the symphony of nature. In her eyes, dawn was a time of purity, a time before the hands of man soiled the day. What a striking contrast this ritualistic scene of rejuvenation drew to the evils of the world. Though she didn't believe in the wild teachings of her mentor, Eudarius Healrose, she had to admire the concept of one God, perfect in power and holiness, creating all of this for his glory.

Sadly, the gods she knew were corrupt, greedy and violent. The painful memories of yesteryear made it impossible for her to surrender to such wondrous credence, comforting as it was. Thirteen years had passed since the most tragic year in the history of Levanorah, later known as 'The Black Era.' Yet Rakurih remembered it like it was yesterday. The Nords had all but destroyed her people and murdered Gambian, her husband, as well as Syrah, her best friend. Those painful memories would forever change her view of man and the gods they worshiped. In her eyes, there was no room for a perfect God in this world.

The years following would prove to be even more dismal. Recovery from the war brought hardships and impoverished conditions that would turn an already boorish Rashnee into a volatile and intolerable ruler. His brutal nature toward his own people would provoke many to open rebellion against the crown. At first Rakurih's mother, the queen was able to mediate between Rashnee and these mutineers. But when her cries for peace failed to stave off further insurrection, the dissension would lead to the execution of ninety-two accused traitors to the crown. There was so much rioting and tumult that the year of 1217 A.D. would later come to be known as "The Year of Red Wrath."

Rashnee's savagery against his own people tore his family apart. Their troubles led to his constant drinking and seeking affection in the arms of strange women. Shamarah would become the brunt of his many frustrations, and when her anguish over her husband's adulterous dalliances would no longer let her keep silent, the king would become verbally and physically abusive. Rakurih vividly remembered numerous occasions when she had to dive on top of her mother and shield her from her father's wrath.

A reprieve would come, however, when some began to romanticize the harrowing adventures of Rakurih's family during the Black Era. The stories of their survival spread throughout the region of Laynemarah like wildfire. Desperate to restore his kingdom to prominence, Rashnee and Theocales Wynlow, the new head of the Fellowship Regime introduced a festival known as "Feast of the Gods, Kings, and Men," to commemorate the Black Era.

The annual festival would produce some of the most memorable celebrations in the form of contests, dancing, feasting, and drinking. People all across the continent of Laynemarah flocked to Levanorah to join these illustrious affairs. The festival brought unrivaled fame and fortune to the city.

The favor of the gods was with the Levanites. Admirers from all over came bearing gifts, and to pledge their loyalty to Rashnee; and after being anointed the High King of the Fellowship, answerable only to Wynlow, his influence and authority spread to other kingdoms and provinces.

Riches and prominence beyond Levanorah's wildest dreams did nothing to repair the damage in Rakurih's family, however. Their private troubles would spill out into the public, bringing them unwanted attention. The tearful pleas of his wife to no longer oblige the many who wanted to hear the story of the Black Era from the 'Golden Queen' herself fell on deaf ears. Rashnee would force her to relive the nightmares over and over again by telling her story.