Ashwood Manor

Prologue

"Come," The kindly old Bard beckoned to the chair across from him. If you had been here before, you would already have sat down, but everyone has their first time meeting The Bard. "It is not often I get new visitors. Most people don't read much anymore." He chuckled, his rickety rocking chair creaking a little as he sat back. "There are many stories to tell, if I have the time to speak them before my life decides to fade off into the world beyond." It was not a secret his health was failing, which is why he had called you, his only heir, to listen to all of his tales before he passes, that you might recount them for the world. The room he was in was one of great humbleness, his curtains shut tight to hide the view of the surrounding forest; The fire's light seemed more appropriate for this last story telling ritual. He had told stories for many years and for many kings. He had a large house, but he used very few rooms. Simple things amused The Bard, but his stories were complex. If anything was to be said about you, it was that you were lucky to be there when he gave up all of his secrets and wisdoms. "Let be begin with The Tale of The Broken King."