Prologue
The Chronicles of Dragnar
~Battle of the Kings~
By: Michael Wydock
The land of Dragnar has known peace for four thousand years ever since an ancient evil was defeated by the hands of the Drakin, the first race of men and dragon.The Drakin were a civilized people with many unique abilities.Approximately four thousand years ago, it was believed that the Drakin species became extinct. To this day, the true reason behind their mysterious disappearance stays unknown. The time of the Drakin may have been lost, but the age of men was just beginning.Mortal men who thought themselves to be the superior race above all others.Among these men was the first true high king of Dragnar, Lord Kuru.A man with absolute power would make for a suitable ruler.However, Lord Kuru was driven by power and greed.He stopped at nothing until every kingdom bowed to his whim.He was unstoppable.For forty-two years, he ruled over all Dragnar as true high king.Lord Kuru ruled with an iron fist.The people feared him because of his raw power, but at the same time they have come to respect him.
However, some would argue that Lord Kuru’s rule was divine, that he made for an excellent ruler.Others say that he needed to be decommissioned.That a new king would one day arise.But nobody was brave enough or had the courage to question Lord Kuru’s rule.That is until one day, a young Elvin boy saw the true horrors that Lord Kuru had wrought upon the land.And he waited for his chance to challenge him for the throne.
Psygon Darkoss was an Elvin farm boy who dreamed of seeing battle one day.He loved his kingdom so much that he did not want to see it burnt to the ground.On his spare time when he is not tending to the crops, he would practice and study swordplay.The weight of his blade, however, slowed him down.He needed to be faster and quick on the draw if he hopes to fight.His father watched him and gave him pointers every now and then.But he would also criticize him and say that his skills were sloppy and not to the point.He was also one of Lord Kuru’s supporters.
He did see though that Psygon did have potential but needed help to unlock it.Once Psygon reached a proper age of seventeen, he was sent away to serve under Lord Kuru as his Steward.Little did his father know that this was Psygon’s plan all along for him to get close enough to Lord Kuru.However, Psygon knew that he would have to play it smart and assemble an army of his own, a rebellion against Lord Kuru.Psygon’s horse carried him across Dragnar for five days and five nights until they have reached their destination at Sunstone.Sunstone was Dragnar’s largest trading city.
The busy streets of Sunstone were filled with markets that sold fish as well as other produce.Stalls of hand-crafted jewelry, armors, and weapons on every cornerstone of the market.And then, he arrived at the gates of Castle Sunstone.The centerpiece of the town, the lifeforce of it all and the home to the most ruthless king.Every villager he rode past looked up at him in disgust.Saying to themselves ’why would he serve under this madman?What is wrong with him?Is he crazy?Fucking Lord Kuru supporter.’He could tell by the look in their faces that Lord Kuru had taken everything from them.Made them pay outrageous taxes and whatnot, taking away their life savings.Lord Kuru had to be stopped and Psygon felt like he was the only one who could do it, it was his destiny to do so.
He got off his horse and stood in front of the massive doors that led into the great hall.He took a deep breath before letting himself in.Rows of stone columns stood high holding the ceiling up as he walked down the red carpet.And there he was sitting on his throne, his seat of power.Long pitch-black hair and that scruffy beard to match.His armor was as black as his foul heart.He bared a red cape to prove his terrifying power.He stood up from his seat and walked down three steps to greet his new Steward.
“Ah, you must be Albertrate’s son.Your father has served me well and I hope you will do the same.Let me take a good look at you.”Lord Kuru starts to circle around him like a vulture waiting for his meal.
“Tell me, have you ever been in a fight before?”
“No sir.”
“I trust you know your way around a sword at least.”
“Yes sir.I have trained with my father.”
“That is good.And I trust that he had trained you well.”
“Yes.He also said that I had room to improve my skills with a blade.”
“I see.Well, if you serve under me, you will receive the best training possible.As my Steward, you will do as I command.And you will fight for your king, if necessary, is that understood?”Psygon knew that he could not back out now.He had to gain the kings trust first before he could go through with his plans.
“Yes, my king.”Lord Kuru stopped as he lets off a smirk.
“Good.My daughter will show you to your new chambers.My guardsmen will bring up your new uniform.”Psygon took his bow and leaves.
“Oh, and boy!”Psygon turns back to him.
“Do not fail me like your father did.”Psygon turns back and walks away where Lord Kuru’s daughter awaits him.She was a cute ginger-haired girl by the age of seventeen, same age as him.Her hair was long and flowing complementing her blue eyes.She wore a maroon red and gold dress all the way down to her feet.She motioned the boy to follow her as he did.She had to lift her dress as she climbed the stairs up to the second floor of the castle.The sunlight peeked through the red stained-glass windows and brightened up the halls of the second floor as the two walked along the red carpet.
“So, my father hand picked you to be his new Steward.”Psygon looks at the girl.
“Yes.”
“I pity you.”She replied.
“Why do you say such words?”
“If you have known my father for as long as I have, you will see just how cruel he can be.He is evil incarnate.His own people fear him.People should love their king, not be afraid of them.Even I fear him.”Psygon could feel the girl’s pain.He knows all too well what it is like to fear someone that you are supposed to trust.They have both arrived at their destination and now stand in front of a wooden door.She takes a key from her pocket and opens the door.
“Here you are.These will be your chambers my lord.The guards will bring up your new uniform.”She took a bow before leaving Psygon.Psygon turns and catches her before she leaves.
“Can I ask for thy fair ladies name at least?”She blushes a little before answering him.
“My lord may address me as Princess Alayra.”
“Alayra?That is a beautiful name for someone most fair.”
“I… I must get back to my duties.Fare thee well.”He watches her as she leaves before heading back into his chambers and shuts the door.There was a fireplace in his room as he lights it and stands in front of it.He leans and rests his arm up on the mantle as he watches the flames dance.This has given him time to think and reflect.Now that he is within the king’s stead, he must take his time and plan before he can strike down the king.He must bind his time and gain the king’s trust first.Soon, a knock came upon his door.Psygon answers it as it was one of the guardsmen with his new uniform.
“For you, my lord.The king requests that you put it on before joining his majesty for dinner.”Psygon takes the clothes and armor from the guard and retreats into his chambers.He places the folded uniform on his bed.A chainmail shirt and a maroon red and gold gambeson.
