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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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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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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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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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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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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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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'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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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.

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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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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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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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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.

Bruce Skye, fantasy book, fantasy novel, Grayrider, new book release, sci fi fantasy, science fiction and fantasy