The Chronicles of Mythguard - A Newly Revised Version

Chapter 1

The view from the window was something to be awed at. The sky above was clear and blue, with the sun shining down across the tight-knit city of Mythguard. Red clay roofs reached out with brick chimneys puffing out smoke to the North and to the lower East was the gate to the Port of Yran. South of the keep was the endless ocean and to the West laid the Wall, a black line on the horizon.

It was midday and the peasantry below were out, going about their daily lives. Inside was Lord Barthanax Mastradome, sluggishly dressing. He had woken late, his wife Maisa already in the great hall. He was a man of twenty five, with a thick head of pitch black hair and a well-kept beard, with crimson red eyes and a scar that ran from above his left eye down to stop a quarter inch over his lip. He dressed in a quilted doublet of red and black, the colors of his House, and in red linen hose with black leather riding boots that went above his knees. Lastly he attached a cloak and his sword belt, sliding the large bastard sword into its sheath. A knock came from the door across the room.

''Come in.''

A woman appeared, slim with a narrow face. Her eyes were green and inviting, and her hair was a dirty blonde, yet still held a beautiful shimmer in the light.

''My Lord, Lady Mastradome sent me to hurry you to the court.''

''I'm ready now.''

He turned to her and stood, both looking at each other.

''Did my wife ask for anything else?''

''No, my Lord. Just for you to hurry to the court.''

''Accompany me then. She or I may need you.''

''Yes, my Lord.''

He exited the room first and she followed, closing the door behind her. Keys rattled as she found the one to lock the door, but he shook his head no.

''We won't be gone long.''

''But my Lord, I-''

''Ariana, it's me. We both know I'm leaving that room as quickly as possible.''

''If that's your wish.''

She tucked the keys away into a hidden fold of her dress. They both walked down the hall and turned left near the end, coming to two large oak doors banded in cast iron. He pulled it open slowly and Ariana scurried past him to shuffle through the crowd of nobles. He followed slowly, making sure the door was fully closed. Maisa stood near the front of the balcony, her purple gown an easy spot in any place in the room. Ariana flanked Maisa's left while Barthanax took her right. She turned her head to him, her hazel eyes surrounded in black eyeshadow. Her cheeks sparkled with glitter and her tanned skin accented her rosy red lips.

''You took your sweet time.''

''The only time it's sweet is if you're there.''

She grinned and kissed his cheek.

''You didn't miss much. King Serath is doling out executions.''

''I came at the best part then.''

Maisa turned and smacked his chest hard, angry at him. It stung, but he kept a straight face as she lectured him.

''Barth! Don't say such cruel things!''

''Sorry. I'll keep quiet.''

''Good. But don't think this is over.''

Mumbling under his breath, he watched as a man walked forward. He had greasy brown hair and a crooked nose, and the Royal Guard was exceptionally rough.

''What's the man's crime?''

King Serath's voice boomed in the great hall. He was a large man with a long white beard and a balding head. He wore pure red silk trimmed with fur and a golden circlet sat cozily on his palette.