In high school I had an Idea about a book, the map was written but the idea grew and changed through times. This is one of the first chapters I started and the story would evolve from here. Enjoy :)
The sun was shining, coloring the landscape with its orange gloss sickening the valley further down the path, it was getting closer to night as the crowd gathered in the woods near the church. The crowd was gathered by the observers and/or participants, the time would show. Procession was led by the soldiers of the Holy Order, the Empire had its fingers everywhere, this tiny town wouldn’t be an exception. At the end of the process there stood Ristek, young priest. His eyes glistened in anticipation, his title was long time awaited but he remained a deacon for the lack of the powerful connections. When he neared his late twenties the long awaited title came at the worst moment possible. This blessing came as a curse but he stood tall and determined. The crowd murmured, waiting this card game to unravel, the air was heavy on the glade where the procession ended.
- Welcome emissaries of our great emperor. How could a humble priest from the village of Ravine help you this pleasant evening?
He asked loud so everyone could hear, they all knew this is a show.
- Noble Aholian priest, we are grateful for your words. We bear greetings from the emperor and wish to talk with you in private if it’s possible.
Said the main emissary with thick Thirian accent. He was dressed in fine silk robes with oily hair almost slick as his voice. The rest of the group stood silently and on their faces one could see the fear of the crowd. This procession went through every village from the main city to here. In every town they were greeted and given finest presents and treatment, things in Ravine were different. The Ravine stood for nearly two-hundred years now and they were proud of their Aholian ancestry.
- The manners that involve this town are to be dealt publicly, as it was always tradition in Ravine. Everything you could say to me in private you can say to me here.
Replied Ristek with a smirk. The crowd murmured few “hear, hear” and “ay” , the only boy that couldn’t handle the pressure was Artan. His hands were sweating and his breathing was quick and shallow. He was afraid, he only heard rumors of the evil these emissaries bring, but now that he seen them up close, fear for the fate of Ristek overwhelmed him.
- I see that. Well then, our holy emperor offers you peace and freedom to practice your religion and your ways but you must make an altar of his greatness above your church, our architects would come and help you with that majestic project and you would pay a humble offering for the poor people in need of your great Empire.
The emissary smirked as his soldiers thumped the ground with their spears and banged swords on their shields. The thumping, stumping and banging was so quiet and practiced it was almost a sad sight, the only thing that wasn’t sad was the sharpness of their curved edges and dark expressions in their eyes. They knew they are outnumbered but they would take a large part of the crowd if they went down.
- As a priest of Ravine, I can confirm that the expected taxes would be paid, as they always were. That new thing about the shrine would be a little bit tough, you see or church is built on the hill and our god is the only thing higher than the golden eagle that stands on the top the church. If we build statue of our dear emperor above it, the connection would be interrupted and our prayers would not be heard nor answered.
Ristek was not smiling anymore, he knew they came to the business right now, but he didn’t know how would this work out. The emissary was sullen, he did not expect this at all. The open defiance of the emperor was not something that was seen often. He spoke to his advisers. They stood behind him and they whispered in hushed voices. There were three of them and it was clear even if it was night that the role they played was ears and tongues of the Emperor himself, when the hissing stopped the emissary exclaimed.
- By the order of our merciful Emperor! Everyone that wishes to parlay about the laws of this Great empire of the Valley should join the procession back to the Main city. We will be happy to hear your ideas.
He finished with a slick smile, as the soldiers grabbed Ristek by his hands and cuffed him quickly. The crowd stood still except the few brave neighbors who tried to stop them. Ristek shouted “ No! Don’t do anything stupid boys, I will go to the Main city and parlay with the Emperor” he flashed a sad smile to Artan and winked. The crowd quickly dispersed, everyone felt wrong and sick, but mostly they felt helpless, helpless against the evil that was rising from the Valley. They knew it wouldn’t be long before their church would make a foundation for the statue of the great Emperor. Artan went into shadows, he followed the procession to their camp. It was heavily guarded but he easily slipped their sight. They gave Ristek a good beating and then they put him into the cage as they laughed around the fire. Artan silently crept away from the camp and journeyed a few miles to a opening in the middle of the forest. The harvest moon shone brightly as he entered the meadow. His cape started to glow as the shape crept from the other end. The figure was getting closer.
- Brother Ristek is now prisoner, they beat him up but nothing serious. He is in a cage traveling to the Main city.
Reported Artan as he put his hand on his heart as sign of a salute.
- Good job brother Artan. We will gather the brothers tomorrow and decide what to do.
- Do you think we can help him?
- I can’t tell you that, but you know our words.
- I know, I just… I was very afraid dad.
- I know my son, but you’re in Brotherhood of the moon, you’re a man, and things won’t get easier as we near the end.
