The Lantine Chronicles

Jard Son of Lard

As the third age wore on, the power of Torlone stayed the same as the Lantines were tough and strong and the great deeds of their powerful navy had won them renown in the histories of many other races. Lard of the line of

Tar-ah-Kabar, the first King to rule in Lorto, ruled his land until the War of Judgement where his doom befell him.

It was a cold winters night, but in the Realm of Lard there was no snow. Jard and his friend Thumble were just leaving the pub after a jolly night's out. As they stepped out onto the stone road that went around all of Torlone, there was a flash of two pronged lightning that lit up the sky. Rain lashed down like a thousand whips upon a sea of slaves. Jard stared into the distance.lightning flashed again. It lit the sky for a second and that is when Jard saw it. Dimly illuminated in the distance was a great tower. One of the prongs of the lightning hit here, and the other hit miles south.

3 years later

It was a fair day. The sky was blue, the sun was shining and the clouds were barely to be seen. Jard stepped out of the Royal Quaters and blinked in the morning son. The sea was a perfect blue, and gulls were screaming overhead. Then he heard trumpets.

He realised he was late and began to run. Down the cobbled road, take a short-cut through the market, go down the first alley on the left and into the harbour of Torlone.

The Scene was one that he did n't expect.In front of him were moored eight ships as well as fifteen more justt outside of the quay wall. They were made of larch wood, and their sails were of different fanric to the ones the lantines used. Standing beside the biggest were Lard and his bodyguard, but also a tall man, blonde haired and dark eyed. He was muscular but thoughtful, and there was an uneasy feel about him and his company. He bowed.

"Hail Lard and Jard, Father and Son, Lords of Trāhn, Heirs of Lurka."

"And hail Charthi son of Darthi, Lords of Rairlow and the mighty Rule." Replied Lard. " I hope that you will stay in the strongest comfort and protection Torlone has to offer?These are dark times."

Charthi stood for a moment, lost in thought. Then he spoke.

"What are you waiting for?" He demanded.

"I'm sorry?" Replied Lard, puzzled.

"Do it."

One of Charthi's men raised his crossbow and fired a bolt into the heart of the nearest lantine.

"To arms, Rairlow!" Cried Charthi, and, drawing his sword, he aimed a sweeping stroke at Lard, who ducked under the attack and drew his sword.

"To arms, Torlone!"

Jard drew his sword and cried fiercely.

If any should dare harm his father, they would have his blade to reckon with.

But new force was issuing from Charthi's ships, tall men clad in mail with spears and scimatars and broadswords. They broke upon the bodyguard of Lard, killing many. The birch wood jetty was stained with Lantine blood.

Jard fought furiously, hewing, stabbing, thusting,dodging."Five, six, seven!" He cried as man after man fell to his blade. But Lard called him back.

They ran up to the highest citadel of Torlone, and they were asked several times "where are you going Lord? The men of Rairlow are killing our kin!"

Finally they reached the kings chamber. Lard ran into the corner and opened an exuisite chest of ebony. Inside upon a scarlet cushion sat a short broardsword with a sapphire embedded in the hilt.He picked it up with both hands and gave it to Jard, who took it curiously.

"This Jard, is the Sword of Legend that Lurka gave to Tarl-ah-Nahar, the first King of Lorto. This is what Charthi wants if us. The Rule is corrupted. A dark power has risen in the west. Go. Take one of the guard. Escape to Illidor and give this to the Elvenking.

Go.

To be continued...