The Tragedy Of Lord Baynard

Never again shall the eyes of Baynard, the lord of all that was west of the streams of Candlebirth, shine in this realm again. It was unfathomable to the people, but rightly so. As common people, matters about royal lies and treachery never reached their ears, which meant that the dirtiest sewer gate could look like those of Heaven if it was praised to be. Yet, it remained but a sewer gate, flooded by filth and dung all day long. No matter though, Baynard was dead, with good reason too.

It was many a year ago when this aberration came to my mind. At that time, I was but a small lad with big dreams. My father was a coal miner, but very respected despite the lack of an honoring job. Ingenious as I was, I did not notice his rise in his drinking habits, nor the addition of several guards throughout the streets. At that time, Wilfrock the Brave lorded over the land. He was strong and courageous but lacked wisdom, which his steward, Bartholomaus, assisted him with. From his castle, he ran the people well and justly.

But then the unfathomable happened and armies of steel armored men rampaged across the land. It was not till years later, whilst serving in the court, that the details of this event were revealed to me. 

Upon his throne, Wilfrock had received word from a messenger that a nearby army was readying to attack, but their leader would be okay with negotiating terms to avoid fighting. Wilfrock would have discussed the matter with Bartholomaus, but the steward had fallen ill and it was unlikely his brain would be able to muster up advice that was fit for a lord. So, Wilfrock, lord of the land west of the streams of Candlebirth, was filled with temerity and declined the invitation to negotiate. This perplexed the court, but they had no choice except to follow his orders.

Wilfrock sent a letter back which contained so much provocation that the army, who was led by none other than Baynard himself, attacked as soon as the letter had reached them. They attacked rampaged, and slew every townsperson in their way, all while Wilfrock the Brave's army struggled to maintain the situation. 

Baynard easily defeated them and slew Wilfrock on his throne (a stain still remains on that chair to this day) and subsequently became the newest lord of all that was west of the streams of Candlebirth.

In the aftermath that followed, I found my father dead with a stab wound that went straight through his chest. I boiled with rage but hid it for I could not show my anger if I wished to get revenge.

Years passed and my body changed so that I resembled a strong man, much like an ox. I built my way up through the court until the steward died of unknown causes and that position opened up. I was given the position and served Lord Baynard for two long years.

I planned and plotted my revenge and finally acted upon it an hour ago. Last night, Baynard had drunk an entire barrel of rum in celebration of the conception of his first child, who would hopefully be a boy to carry on his legacy. He had been very drunk, which made him obstreperous and cantankerous, leading people to leave him alone.

As he slept the following morning, people still avoided him, still hoping not to anger him.

This was it.

It was time.

Finally, the plan that I had perpetrated was upon me. Inconspicuously, I snuck into the lord's room, blade in hand, and crept up next to him. Smiling, I poked the blade near his throat and slit it.

Now, as my horse trots across the streams of Candlebirth, I turn around, look at the land I had never before left, and grin, for I am a free man and Lord Baynard lays dead next to his expecting wife.

Fin.