Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Bitter Fight

A messenger reached Kalen shortly after I wrote my last message to you. Another invading Ansgarian army struck across the border. The Boadhagh army moved to intercept the incursion.

Leading elements of Kalen's forces reached the varlets a day later. We have been fighting until yesterday evening. We finally were able to beat them back across the border.

Losses have been high. Kalen is grieving his slain warriors. Those of us who remain can only rest and bury our dead. It was a long and bitter fight.

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

From Where

Kalen is uncertain. The Boadhagh army commander has no idea where the Ansgarians will attempt to invade next. He has all the places where another intrusion from Rivalin being watched. He is still uneasy.

Windfire snorts flame still. So battle somewhere awaits us. But from where will it come?

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Monday, March 9, 2009

Sleep Well

The Ansgarian army was driven back into Rivalin today. Kalen used his archers to shoot an arrow storm of flaming shafts into the enemy columns. The invaders died in droves as they panicked and ran from those who set them afire. The use of fire finally balanced the immense numbers sent against us.

Windfire and I launched ourselves at those retreating. The Long Riders waded in among those fleeing as well. Thousands of the tree-like soldiers perished this day.

Tonight I shall sleep well.

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Sunday, March 8, 2009

Doomed

The Boadhagh army was on the move towards the invaders as Windfire and I galloped towards the Ansgarian forces. They met today in battle. I slew I know not how many. At nightfall, the two armies withdrew from one another.

Kalen, as always, used his troops wisely and well. But with the vast numbers facing him, all he could do was halt the Ansgarian army's advance. He is thinking now before the fire, his eyes with a distant expression.

I only hope he comes up with a way of defeating the hordes facing us tomorrow--or Boadhagh may well be doomed.

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Saturday, March 7, 2009

Unstoppable

It was a hard day today--and a day of defeat. Even with the Long Riders striking at the Ansgarian army flanks, they moved further into Boadhagh. As I said yesterday, I have never seen them create such a large force before. They seem unstoppable.

Windfire and I wreaked what damage we could. Many of them burned today. But there are just so many more to take the place of those slain.

I had the Long Riders' commander send a messenger back to King Airell beseeching him to send his archers to us. I only hope they can turn the tide of this invasion.

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Friday, March 6, 2009

Another Day, Another Battle

Windfire and I reached the invaders long before the Long Riders did. I know of no faster horse in Boadhagh than Windfire. Their army is immense. All I could see as we thundered down the hillside towards the invaders were the accursed tall soldiers wearing their black and gold uniforms.

At a distance, Ansgarians appear to be human. They have two arms and legs as we do. They have heads as humans do. But they are covered in a tough bark. Deathsong and Windfire both set many aflame, which broke up the ordered ranks on one side of the advancing column. Those on fire panicked and ran heedless of what happened to those around them.

We waded in among the Ansgar warriors. I know not how long we fought. The leader of the Long Riders finally called to me--the enemy is still advancing. But he insisted we must rest. I looked up to see it was nearly dusk. My arms are so weary from wielding my great sword. I fear that is a soldier's lot.

We shall fight again come the dawn.

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Thursday, March 5, 2009

Another Fight

An army messenger reached the castle last night; another Ansgarian army is moving across the Boadhagh border away from the Pass. It is night now. Windfire and I are going to the incursion point before dawn.

The Long Riders will go there at first light.

Another fight is before us. I envy my warhorse sometimes, for Windfire lusts for battle. I only wish I did.

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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Suspicions

I hope you can forgive me for not writing. I have no excuse--things have been terribly quiet. It would seem the Ansgar Empire is either amassing more soldiers or reconsidering its strategy to conquer Boadhagh. I suspect it is both.

I have journeyed back to the king's castle. King Airell agrees with my suspicions. He too believes the Ansgarians are considering another way to invade his kingdom. They slew my parents, the king and queen of Rivalin, just before their seizing what should now be my kingdom.

But all we can do now is await their next attempt. I fear we shall not have to wait long.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

For the Moment

All of us rest now after fighting off the Ansgarian attempt to get through the Pass. Outside of working on making more flaming arrows, the soldiers of Boadhagh watch beyond the Pass and sharpen their weapons. They know another invasion will be tried. It is only a question of when.

Windfire is bored. That is a good sign combat is not forthcoming--for the moment.

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Monday, February 23, 2009

Pursuit

Windfire was right; the Ansgarians easily broke through the wood barrier put across the Pass by the Boadhagh soldiers. Flaming arrows shot into their midst by our longbow archers stopped the penetration. They retreated. Windfire and I pursued them, slaying more of them. I only wanted to kill as many of the varlets as I could. Deathsong set several afire.

Chaos ensued among the tree-like soldiers. We chased them for a league or so before finally going back through the Pass.

We have won another respite. But I fear that is all it is.

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Friday, February 20, 2009

We Can Only Hope

No other Ansgarians came near the Pass these last few days. It gave us all time to rest. The commander of the Boadhagh contingent guarding the Pass has started building a wooden barrier across the defile opening to slow another incursion--which will surely come.

Windfire snorts in derision as he watches the work. He doubts it will seriously hinder our opponents. We can only hope.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Momentary Quiet

The fight to keep the remainder of the Ansgarian army from getting through the Pass continued both yesterday and today. I must admit I am completely spent. Windfire no longer snorts flame. But how long that will remain to be true none of us here know.

A messenger came King Airell with a commendation for all of the Boadhagh warriors who fought off the incursion. It brought grins to many weary faces.

Even though no more Ansgarians watch us beyond the Pass, a strong watch has been posted this evening. I only hope not to be wakened this night for another attack. My muscles are supremely sore.

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Monday, February 16, 2009

Battle

Windfire (as always) was right. Another Ansgar army attempted to march through the Pass two nights ago. The fighting was bitter. The Boadhagh archers with their flaming arrows stopped the tree-like soldiers from crossing into the kingdom. The fires started among the enemy troops caused panic and confusion in their ranks.

Windfire and I rode among those who remained. Deathsong set many afire. And others I smote with the sword's edge.

Yet, even after such a loss, they came at us again the next day. The only thing I have ever seen an Ansgarian fear is being set on fire. Even with the possibility of that, their ranks marched towards us again.

How can you fight such courage and hope to win? I wonder sometimes.

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Saturday, February 14, 2009

An Ominous Report

King Airell told me several days ago Ansgarian scouts were watching the Pass. Both of us feared what such news foretold for Boadhagh.

Windfire and I went to the Pass and joined the Boadhagh soldiers guarding it. They pointed out to me the tree-like soldiers in black and gold uniforms observing us. My warhorse snorts fire now. So battle is imminent. We await whatever the Ansgar army throws at us.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

I Only Wish

King Airell rubbed down Windfire today. They seem fast friends. It always seems to me the monarch's spirits rise when he's around my horse.

I know his missing daughter Deirdre weighs heavily upon the king's heart. I only wish I could do something to alleviate that.

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Monday, February 9, 2009

Not So Sure

Sometimes there are no answers--only questions. Could I be king of Rivalin? And if so, would I make a good one?

I know not. Windfire believes I would be a good monarch as does King Airell. But I am not at all so sure.

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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Sometimes

Sometimes when I feel discouraged, I go to Windfire's stall. He senses my mood and nudges me with his nose. We talk of many things. He always knows what to say to brighten my mood.

The jet black warhorse is my best friend. Yet he tolerates few others. In that way, Windfire is most particular. Any stable boy who enters without permission is slain by a swift kick of one of his hooves.

But he loves King Airell. The monarch can go into his stall at any time and Windfire enjoys his company. That is one of many reason I deeply respect and love Boadhagh's monarch.

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Saturday, February 7, 2009

A Soldier's Way

I am a soldier, a warrior. I trained to fight all my life--my father trained me well to use Deathsong. War is all I know and fighting is what I do best.

My lust for vengeance against the Ansgar Empire makes my thrusts with my long sword against their soldiers harder and quicker. I sometimes think that anger against them helps keep me alive when I should perish in battle.

As a warrior, I have simple values; duty and honor I value above all else. And so I continue to fight to keep Boadhagh free and someday liberate Rivalin from the yoke of Ansgarian occupation. I have a duty to my father to take the throne, even though I think myself unworthy of that task.

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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

'Tis Odd

I sat today in the keep of King Airell's castle sharpening Deathsong. Most of the servants around me avoided coming anywhere close. I cannot blame them. But the green glow of the blade makes men nervous to be around it.

I could have ordered the castle smithy to do sharpen it, perhaps. But again, fear of the long sword would have made the edge far less than adequate. 'Tis odd, but I can withdraw Deathsong from its sheath to be sharpened without fear of someone dying. The blade seems to know that it must have such an edge to kill.

'Tis another reason I fear Deathsong. It truly seems to be live and think sometimes.

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Monday, February 2, 2009

Pondering

There are times, even with my lust for vengeance against the Ansgar Empire, when I wonder if I shall ever succeed. Seeing hoards of Ansgarian soldiers charge towards me without fear time and again makes me question if it is even possible. Remembering my fight against their encroachment across the Boadhagh border last week had me pondering this morn if what I seek is futile.

Windfire nudged me several times while I rubbed him down today, encouraging me that all is not lost. I know he is right. Yet, I cannot help but wonder about that as well as my fitness to be king of Rivalin.

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Saturday, January 31, 2009

Windfire's Counsel

Windfire is my best friend. I talk with him about what bothers me. And what bothered me today was knowing, if I could become king of Rivalin, I should not.

All I want is to live without being a legend or a hero to anyone. The people of Boadhagh see me as those things. All I want is to love someone and have her love me back. Is that so much to ask?

I would gladly be a commoner if I could have that girl's love who spurned me because I am of royal blood.

I spoke to Windfire about it as I rubbed him down today. His counsel was to wait and see what happened. All could well change. He said I would make a good king, regardless of how I felt about it. I have never known him to be wrong.

Yet, I still doubt my ability.

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Friday, January 30, 2009

A Sad Dinner

King Airell and I had dinner last night. He wanted to hear how we drove the Ansgarians out of Boadhagh.

After the meal was finished, we sat drinking mead. His eyes became sad and he looked distantly at the far wall. He was thinking of his missing daughter Deirdre, I suspect.

Seeing him like that grieves my heart. I only wish I could do something to gladden him. Yet I cannot. Only her return here will remedy his loss.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novels, Grayrider, new book releases, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Gray Rider

I wear a long gray cloak when I ride into combat. The people of Boadhagh call me the Gray Rider because of that.

There are legends, I am told, which are now spoken in the kingdom about me. Those I have heard are far from the truth. The stories told about how I acquired Windfire are all false. He chose me, I did not choose him.

I have no desire to be a legend. All I want is to be a commoner and find a woman who loves me. I would be quite content to marry her and be a farmer. I find the fame I have in Boadhagh both tiresome and foolish.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

A High Price Paid

We finally succeeded in pushing the Ansgarian encampment back across the border yesterday. But nearly forty of the Long Riders perished these last few days. That is too high a price to pay for our continued freedom.

I feel responsible. I feel as if I could have done more to prevent those deaths.

Windfire assures me I could have done no more. Nor can I think of anything else I could have done. But, I'm still haunted by these deaths. Some of these men were my friends. There were tears in my eyes as I helped bury them.

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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A Hard Day

It was a hard day yesterday. Between Deathsong and Windfire, many of the Ansgarian soldiers were set afire. My black warhorse trampled numerous other members of tree-like encampment. But the Ansgarian warriors have no fear. They fought hard against our intrusion into their camp.

Part of the Long Riders intercepted reinforcements coming to them. It was a bitter fight. Their leader told me after nightfall his own losses were high.

The camp is still there and have more replacements for those they lost. Another hard day is before us today, I fear.

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Monday, January 26, 2009

No Chance to Rest

We fought against the oncoming Ansgarian army all day yesterday. Windfire set many of the tree-like soldiers aflame as I hacked and slashed them. When Deathsong gets close to an enemy, it no longer erupts with blue-white energy. It seems to know its blade must do the work.

And work it did yesterday. Cutting through both leather armor and their own bark is trying. I must use more strength to penetrate both. Between our efforts and those of the Long Riders, the assault was halted--at least for the moment. They have a small encampment on the Boadhagh side of the border. And it will be from there that they will attack again.

Once more I must use Deathsong this day to push them to retreat. I only hope I have the strength.

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Saturday, January 24, 2009

A Grim Fight

We fought until Deathsong could find no more Ansgarians to burn. Fire slew many. Darkness prevented further battle. But I have no doubt the tree-like soldiers will attack again before dawn on the morrow.

The Long Riders attacked the right flank of their column late in the day. That gave Windfire and I a chance to rest briefly. And for that I am thankful. I cannot write more, for I am exhausted.

I know not if we won or even stopped their advance. I am so very tired.

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Friday, January 23, 2009

My Only Hope

Kalen received a message before dawn this morning; another Ansgarian army is invading Boadhagh from further afield. He is sending the Boadhagh cavalry (who we call the Long Riders) to harass and impede the progress of the invaders.

He has asked me to go as well. I have saddled Windfire and will proceed as swiftly as possible to where the varlets are crossing the border. Windfire and I shall reach the enemy long before the Long Riders do. Windfire's speed far outstrips any horse I have ever known.

My only hope is that we can slow down or perhaps stop the enemy until the Long Riders can reach us.

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Thursday, January 22, 2009

My Worry

Kalen celebrated heartily last night our victory over the invading Ansgarian army. But I did not participate. For Windfire still believes battle is imminent. He snorted fire when I told him of Kalen's joy.

So I stood watching the Pass last night with a half moon as the only light illuminating the way. No one approached. Yet, I am still uneasy.

Something will happen, I think--and soon.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Solution

Kalen, as always, found a solution to the problem of fighting the much larger Ansgarian army facing us in the Pass. He had the many archers the Boadhagh army possesses fire flaming arrows at the tree-like soldiers.

Chaos ensued as those set afire panicked and collided with their brethren. The pending attack early this morning fell apart. Those who survived retreated.

I know not how long it will be until the Ansgarians strike south again. But it will be all too soon, I fear.

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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A Long Fight

Kalen and I were up well before dawn moving the army to the Pass. We stood watching the Ansgarian army near the Pass late this morning. He is worried we shall not succeed in stopping the varlets from entering Boadhagh. I share his concern--I know not if we shall triumph here. It would seem a long and bloody fight is before us.

The Angarians vastly outnumbers us. Numbers alone can many times win battles. My only hope is Kalen can find a way to once more outwit our opponents.

Windfire snorts flame now. He knows battle is near. I only wish I lusted for it as he does.

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Monday, January 19, 2009

Sitting Before My Mead

I sit in the great dining hall of King Airell's castle. A large hot meal is before me. The several fireplaces in the chamber all have fires burning. Yet I still feel chill.

Windfire and I spotted a Ansgarian army moving towards the Pass--the opening in the mountains between Boadhagh and Rivalin. We dodged their cavalry before returning to the king's castle.

For a reason I know not, I just thought again of the girl who rejects me because I'm royalty. And my hunger has abruptly disappeared.

I cannot be a king. For all I want to be is a commoner.

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Sunday, January 18, 2009

Sometimes

Sometimes having a sword which seems to have a mind of its own is terrifying. Deathsong lashes out to kill many times for no reason I can understand. So I have started pointing its tip at an enemy yards away. The long sword seems to understand what I want and a crackling blue-white light emerges to set an Ansgarian soldier aflame.

Still, the blade's power and lust for death took time to grow used to. I am so thankful my father constantly reminded me as a boy of what Deathsong would do when unsheathed. His warnings prepared me for the night I first used it to seek revenge for the murder of my parents and the entire court of Rivalin.

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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Wondering

Every time the armies of the Ansgar Empire attempt to invade Boadhagh, their forces grow larger and larger. It is only Kalen, King Airell's army commander, who outwits our opponents and brings victory out of certain defeat. There has been more than once, I must admit, when I was not sure any of us would survive the day.

With so many being thrown against us, I sometimes I wonder how I can bring about the destruction of the Ansgar Empire.

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Friday, January 16, 2009

Vengeance

I can never forget finding everyone I had ever known and loved slumped before their unfinished dinners. The sight of my slain parents and their retainers is not something I am not sure anyone could forget. Nor do I want to.

That memory spurs me to slay as many of the hated Ansgarians as I can. It keeps me going, pushing me on when exhaustion and weariness bid me to rest.

Vengeance is all I have left.

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Deirdre

Deirdre, King Airell's daughter, was a childhood friend. She was so intelligent and sometimes mischievous. I have never understood why she so suddenly deserted her father and vanished.

But, alas, I have not seen her since before the fall of Rivalin. I have no idea what she is like now.

I only hope, for her father's sake, she returns. It would be a great boon to his heart to see her again.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Soldiers of Ansgar

The warriors of the Ansgar Empire are not human. They appear human from a distance, for they have two arms and legs as well as a head. But they are covered with bark. Cutting through their armor and their bark is trying sometimes.

That is why I am most glad I possess my magical sword, Deathsong. The blade will set some of the varlets aflame before Windfire and I ever reach them. And that causes panic among those set afire. It is an advantage that has saved us more than once.

Ansgarians have no fear of battle. Even knowing they face my glowing sword, they attack.

I fear Deathsong's power. But I know not how I could fight the Ansgarians without it.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Kalen

The leader of the Boadhagh army, Kalen, has become a good friend these last three years. I have fought often with his army against Ansgarian invasions of the kingdom.

He is a cunning warrior. I have yet to see the Ansgar Empire deceive or defeat him in battle. I have marveled often at how he can anticipate their strategies.

But it is not just about winning battles for him. Kalen truly cares about the men under his command. After a fight is over, he is inconsolable for at least a day afterwards. He grieves for the Boadhagh soldiers he has lost.

His friendship is a great boon to my spirit.

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Monday, January 12, 2009

My Secret

I met an incredibly beautiful woman months ago in a Boadhagh village and my heart was stolen. I went back many times to see her again. She seemed to enjoy my visits.

Then, not long ago, I made the mistake of telling her I was the prince of Rivalin. She turned me away and wanted never to see me again. My heart was terribly broken by her doing that.

It is because I am royalty she shuns me, for she is a commoner.

I want to fulfill my duty to my father and take the throne of Rivalin. Yet in my heart of hearts, I want to be a commoner and marry that lass. That is my secret.

What kind of king would I be, desiring to be a commoner?

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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Duty and Honor

I am a simple man. I see myself as a soldier and as such, I have a few simple values. I believe in duty and honor above all else.

I have a duty to one day sit upon my father's throne. But how I can fulfill that duty, I have no idea. Rivalin, my ancestral kingdom, is now part of the Ansgar Empire.

Honor, I have heard it said, is doing the right thing when no one else is looking. I agree with that wholeheartedly. I only hope I live my life by that precept.

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Saturday, January 10, 2009

My Craft

I am a warrior. My craft is slaying Ansgarian soldiers. My father, the king of Rivalin, believed I must use Deathsong well. So even as a small boy, I was trained in swordsmanship and shield usage.

Deathsong is a great sword. Most men would need both hands to wield such a weapon. Because of the intensive training my father gave me, I am able to use it with one hand. And I have been thankful for that ability many times in the last three years.

Most soldiers wear armor. I do not. I find it impedes my dexterity in using Deathsong.

I only hope one day I can bring about the fall of the Ansgar Empire. After they murdered my parents, it is the only way I shall ever know peace.

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Friday, January 9, 2009

Windfire

Windfire, my horse, is unlike any I have ever known. He is highly intelligent and lusts for combat. When battle looms, he breathes fire.

I talked to the old horse handlers at my father's castle about him. They said there was an ancient breed of horse which was the choice of kings. Windfire certainly fits their descriptions of such steeds.

He cannot talk as humans do, yet I can understand what he says when he neighs or whinnies. He seems able to choose who he talks to.

Windfire is my best friend. And I know not why he chose me as his master. But I am very thankful he did. He always listens and has good counsel when I am troubled by something.

And yes, he chose me. I did not acquire him, as many people mistakenly say.

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Thursday, January 8, 2009

King Airell

Those who murdered my parents told me the Ansgarian army would invade the kingdom the next day. The threat of using Deathsong on them was their motivation.

I am not my ancestor, King Ahearn. I felt it best to flee Rivalin. King Airell, the monarch of Boadhagh on Rivalin's southern border, took me in. The last three years I have used Deathsong to stop the Ansgarians from sweeping through his kingdom as they did my father's.

King Airell is a good king and was a great warrior in days past. I have heard many stories of his exploits when he wore armor. His friendship has meant much to me.

But I worry about him. His daughter, Deirdre, left Boadhagh it seems without explanation several years ago. That broke his heart. He speaks of her sometimes with great longing. I hope someday, for his sake, she will return.

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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Deathsong

There are times I do not know if I love my sword or hate it. Its power terrifies me sometimes. It lusts to take life and seems to draw strength from doing that. It seems to have a mind of its own when I am in battle on occasion.

I remember my father taking me to the armory as a child. He opened a seldom-touched chest in a far corner. He showed me the worn leather scabbard that held Deathsong. He also showed me the ancient runes on the guard of the weapon. I did not know how to read them, so my father told me their meaning: "Whosoever wields this sword wields the curse of death. For if none is taken, yours shall be the sacrifice."

I can never draw Deathsong without taking a life. If I fail to do this, I shall be slain by the blade. So I am always extremely careful when I take out the sword.

My father told me time and again "Take heed with how you wield Deathsong, my son. For this sword must one day be used to destroy the sorceress Morrigan."

Morrigan is a legend. I doubt she exists. The Ansgarian warriors I fight are not human--unlike those soldiers she controlled a thousand years ago. My ancestor King Ahearn fought her army with Deathsong and won. And she disappeared.

Deathsong makes the Ansgarians far easier to fight. But, alas, the blade still scares me.

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