1 The young lad

So begins the tale of one young man, like many before him, standing up off of his knees in defiance. Defiance in what? A new king, a fallen kingdom and the new age that was about to become known as the bloodiest one yet.

As he stood up from his kneeling position those around him, his fellow villagers, only dared to steal a glance of the soon to be poor fellow.

His mother, not wanting to lose her eldest child, only 14 at this point, grasped his arm and tried to feebly pull him back down. The young man, while understanding his mothers intentions, did what he thought was right.

"You there, child, what brings you the courage to stand in my face?" the new king stated.

"You think any of us would ever serve you effectively, just because you take over the kingdom and crush everyone under your boot if they talk back?" he says, clenching his fists. "What is your name child?" the new king says with a sly grin. "I am Athys Belthi of Dentan village!" Athys says, almost as if about to initiate a duel. "I see, you are so courageous in your youth child, look around. Do you not see the many faces almost buried in the dirt out of fear?" the new king said as he gestured to the surrounding crowd. As Athys looked around he grew demoralized, but attempted to not show it. "I.. I wont lay on the ground as a stepping rock, just because you demand it!". The new king laughed heartily before looking back to Athys with an interested stare. "You know child, I could use someone with such a strong back to carry me across the country. However, I think I'll find a more immediate use for you in this instance." the new king gestured to a few guards at his right and to Athys. They immediately stepped through the cowering crowd and pushing off his mother as she tried to stop them, grabbed Athys and brought him in front of the new king.

Looking over Athys's shoulder, the new king chuckles at the pitiful sight. "Even your own mother is to afraid to stand against the seizing of her child. You know, its almost sad to see such a rare person as you having to be exemplified.". A sudden thought occured to the new king "Actually, what if I simply turned you around and sent you off with a small warning. Yes I'll do that." The new king twirled his finger at his guards who turned the glaring boy around and forced him to stand in place. "Now, child, go back to your mother and remember the day I spared you.". The guards released Athys who slowly walked back, confused and unsure of what just happened. As he made his way back to his original spot, everyone let a soft exhale in relief. His mother grabbed his wrist while softly crying as she pulled him into a hug and back down to their knees. "Oh, such a heart warming sight. Alright." the king turned around and walked back down the village road. "Loose Arrows!" the new king yelled with a clap.