So, you've heard the rumors. That I don't help crazy people trying to go on quests unless they give me ten reasons. And sure, you're reasons are good, one dead king, two heirs to the throne, three kingdoms on the brink of war. But none of that means I'm going to go trekking across mountains and deserts to find some mythical stone to divine the true heir that may not even exist.
Let me give you my ten reasons.
Ten, the number of people that left home with me to go find the sword that could cut through anything. We were told if we brought back the sword, our King would use it to stop the war before it got too far. One vicious strike and the neighboring kingdom would see their folly.
Nine, the number of fingers I had left after the first battle two days after we set out.
Eight, the number of innocents that got killed because they were in the same lodging house as we were in the first month of our quest.
Seven months, the time that passed until our first member died. It was a painful death as we watched him wither away from poison we couldn't cure.
Six days, the time it takes to cross the Artun Desert at its most narrow point on a fast camel.
Five days, the number of days we wandered the Artun after drinking our last sip of water because a sandstorm killed our camels. Less than half our number made it long enough to be found by slavers.
Four, the number of children that died in the fire we started in order to escape from captivity after we were saved in the desert.
Three, the number of people who betrayed us in order to claim the blade as their own on the return journey.
Two, the number of kingdoms that went to war even though we returned with the blade to stop them.
One, the number of people who got to return home alive. I alone.
There's nothing you can say to convince me your quest will be different than any other that I've been on or seen. You get the stone or you don't. You live or you die. But it changes nothing. The kingdoms will still go to war, people will still fall prey to intrigue and murder, and the only thing you've done is get innocents murdered along your journey.
Tell me, what could you possibly hope to achieve with this mythical stone that someone else hasn't already tried?
Can't think of an answer?
Give me ten reasons you're different and I'll consider it. Until then, your reasons mean nothing to me.
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Short Stories
Cerita PendekSometimes I get a scene or idea stuck in my head but don't see it evolving into a full story. They'll be one chapter each but may vary in length. You'll find those short vignettes here! No solid plans on when I'll update as inspiration comes as it w...
