A Story in 26 parts - T
The Warrior stood with his back to the door, staring out from the castle walls. There was a polite knock and a much smaller man entered.
“Troy– I have been looking everywhere for you. It is time. Let us go now”
Troy turned from window and reached for the thick belt, holding the broadsword.
“You won’t need that”
“You said that last time – remember?” He continued to reach for the belt.
“But that was last time; you really need to move on from that”
“Merlin said he would come again – two hundred and twenty moon cycles would pass – and he would come again. See – the moon is past for that time.” The belt, now fastened, hung from his waist. Troy’s size was such that the broadsword looked like a normal sword against his leg. Troy then reached for his helmet – it glistened in the sunlight
”Oh now come on – you don’t need that! I’m not wearing mine!”
“Well, dear friend, it’s a good job that I’m looking out for you then! Okay, you carry it for me” and with that Troy threw the metal helmet at his butler. The small man caught it, but stumbled back against the wall. Troy laughed heartily, before once again regaining a stony face.
“Now lets see what they want “
- - -
The Great Hall was fairly busy, with people bustling around clearing away the remnants of a hearty feast
“TROY!! GOOD OF YOU TO COME! JOIN ME FRIEND” The voice shouted across the length of the hall from the wooden throne at the end.
Troy walked steadily along the side of the hall – his eyes darting from one servant to another. He’d been in traps that looked like this before – and knew that he would need his wits about him when he got halfway as he’d have to fight his way out – for himself and Janitor. Janitor had stood by him for many seasons and had provided the clever words when the only way out seemed to be a fight.
But no one looked at Troy for long before returning to their own duties and he quickly covered the length of the Hall.
“You have a job for me.” Troy’s words were measured and straight to the point.
“Yes – you are to be the new Elf King. I have returned the kingdom to how it should be – but without a King this kingdom will fail. My Rune Stones tell me that you should be the King at this time – so congratulations, the job’s yours”
“But Merlin, I’m not a king! I’m a warrior – I’m not patient and calm, like… like Janitor! He is clever with words and numbers – he can deal with advisers and other clever people!”
“Troy – you are right; Janitor would be the ideal person when words are needed. But you are practical and down to earth; your decisions are swift and just. Janitor can be your aide – and temper those times when your quick wits need to be dulled”
“Okay – I’ll do it. Janitor will be my aide, not my second I’ll not have that, but I do have one question – what about Arthur? It’s been two hundred and twenty cycles now….”
“Yes Troy, Arthur is approaching this castle. I am fully aware of your history – both your side and Arthur’s. However, I think as brothers you need to meet – you need to settle your feud. My Rune Stones show that you will meet and that the matter will be ended finally….”
With that Merlin stood up – and passed the Elf crown to Troy. Troy held it in his giant hands.
“This will not fit – Janitor, store this crown safely to respect the head that once wore this crown. My head will only be covered with my Helmet, the one that has protected me for years. Should we need to fight I will wear my helmet, not a crown – but I can lead from the front and the Elvin people will know me. But I hope that we will not need to fight again. Now, let me try this throne for size – janitor, we need to arrange a feast with all the senior Elvin people… we’re going to need many bottles of mead….”
Troy sat down in the chair. It was hard, but comfortable. As he looked down the Hall he couldn’t help but think back to when he was learning his craft from Merlin with his brother… Merlin saw Troy’s eyes drift and quickly and quietly withdrew from the Kingdom…
(For Troy’s background, read the comments…Frog)
(With thanks to Joshua for the inspiration for Troy, below)
April 17, 2008 at 8:14 am
“Troy! Heads up!!” The clash of metal rang round the Hall.
“Arthur – keep your guard! Troy – side step and swing”
The two young combatants fought hard, watched as they expertly side stepped sword swings by their Tutor. Merlin had been surprised and impressed at how these two Titans under his charge had taken to sword skills – their strength already way up on any of the other pupils who were now laying around the hall, holding their own broken swords and damaged shields. Merlin was glad that these two at least had enough sense not give 100% in their battles with the others – but together… Merlin could see that they were defining who was the better man.
“Rest”. Troy and Arthur stopped, stood back and bowed to each other. They turned and bowed low to Merlin, who responded by nodding his head. Formalities concluded, the two young warriors faces broke into broad smiles
“I totally beat you that time”
“I wasn’t trying – next time, you will feel my wrath”
“Oh really – am I going to get a cold, or are you bringing friends?!”
“Stop you two! You could still be beaten. Troy – sword up”
Troy turned to face Merlin. His face lost all expression as he drew his sword. As soon as the sword had been raised, Merlin stepped forwards – and in a few lightening quick moves Troy found himself on the ground… his sword now sticking out of his own shield.
“Your attack plan is too standard. Your size means that you can’t move lightly – you are too easy. Arthur – your turn.”
Arthur raised his sword. For his size he was much quicker on his feet and was able to turn and twist for a few minutes longer than Troy… until he too found himself on his back.
“Like your brother, you learn well. Like your brother your attack plan is too standard – and like your brother you change when it’s pointed out. However, like your brother your size is your enemy. Because of your size I have greater leverage when I know how to apply it. You are both expert swordsmen and there are few who can beat you – but you need to learn to think light and small.
“Everyone on your feet. This weekend we will have a competition against Modred’s School. As well as spell craft and Ogham tree learning we will also have a demonstration of strength. Troy and Arthur – you will represent us”
- - -
The weekend of the competition arrived. Troy was standing in the circle against his opponent from Modred’s school. Troy noticed that Arthur had been reading a book for much of the week. As Troy raised his sword, he noticed Arthur wave his hand – and suddenly Troy felt very, very heavy, like stone. On quicksand. He felt himself slowly sinking into the earth – he saw all the pupils standing, pointing, shouting. He saw Arthur standing – but he wasn’t helping – he was smiling? As the last piece of sand covered Troy’s eyes he saw Arthur picking up Troy’s sword, Albion…
- - -
Troy then found himself in an underworld. He learned to fight, learned to survive. The lessons that he had received from Merlin had served him well and he quickly became the most feared and respected man in the underworld – until he saw a light radiating down stone steps – and a small man pointing at him, beckoning him to ascend the stairs.
“Are you the Warrior called Troy?” Asked the man.
Troy nodded.
“My name is Janitor – I’ve been sent by Merlin to get you. It is now time”
“Time for what?”
“Time for your return. Time for reconciliation”
“I will not reconcile my past. My past is dead to me now – my only bond is my name; Troy”
“That’s what Merlin said you’d say. He also told me to tell you that Albion is coming home, Troy”.
April 20, 2008 at 3:34 pm
“Troy!!! ” bellowed a voice from outside the hall, everyone turned round and a few plates that the butlers were holding dropped to the floor and smashed. The halls gates flew open and a mist filled the hall. ” Troy!! ” repeated the voice , but more fierce this time. The mist mysteriously vanished and troy noticed that a tall figure was standing there. ” Merlin? ” asked Troy.
The figure turned round , it was Merlin , with his pointed hat shining in the light ” Troy! ” exclaimed Merlin ” I have come for the Optavo! ”
” No! ” Bellowed Troy ” you can’t have it! ”
” you don’t know how dangerous it is! ” Exclaimed Merlin
” Well I’m keeping it and you can’t stop me! ” Answered Troy
Merlin vanished and then reapeared infront of troy , knocking over a nearby mirror and making it smash on the floor. ” you don’t know how powerful the optavo is you need to give it to me or destroy it! ” Merlin was now shaking with fear as though he was face to face with a dragon. ” I shall not give you the optavo , I shall keep it for my own good, and that is it ! ” Exclaimed Troy making every syllable rebound off the halls walls.
” It will possess you!? ”
” Possess me? ” said Troy ” what trick are you pulling on me? ”
” No trick! ” said Merlin ” just your selfish stupidity!! ”
” SELFISH STUPIDITY!!!!!!!!!! ” Boomed troy ” ARE YOU SAYING I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE OPTAVO HAS DONE TO PEOPLE!, PEOPLE LIKE MY FATHER!!!!!!!!! ”
” your father was as stupid as you when I told him to give me the optavo and guess what happened? it possessed him and
eventually killed him! , I would of thought that his son had more sense! ” Just then the ground started to shake , then the hall roof started to cave in and there before them was a mighty red dragon being ridden by a Spartinite…………….
PS: ( thanks for putting my picture on the blog David )