Celtic Heroes

Our well-rested sailor left the lighthouse and found Brennen sitting on the front steps. So he sat himself down beside the recuperating soldier and there started a lively conversation of how the lands used to be. But then Brennen’s face turned sour and he began to retell of how the invading forces had near but conquered the land of Lirs Reach, and the surrounding ones. “Acolytes and Orcs are our foes in Lirs, but out towards Shalemont, there lies a strong army of Connacht soldiers. Even further out, in Stonevale, there are the Blood grove Druids and their deadly leader Falgren. Otherworld, to the north of Stonevale, is an immensely large land filled with magical Kelpies and rocks and trees that come alive. Great floating eyes dot the landscape of Otherworld and a few are huge monsters that see all moving things. A great chained king sits in wait for heroes to come challenge him; no one has ever succeeded. These and more have made it impossible to live our lives without fear. I miss the days when we could run about as we liked, as children play so freely in the realms of their imaginations. I know not what we shall do if this blight continues to mar our existence. Have you spoke with my wife, Eryn?”
“I have. I am curious as to how you came to be here before me?”
“I have learned to secret to fast travel, a way to be anywhere you have been in a matter of seconds.”
“How would I learn this, inquired the sailor?”
“Think about the beach; think about the feel of the sand under your feet and the smell of salt on the air. How did you feel when you were there?”
The sailor remembered vividly, the smell of salt wafting on the sea breeze. Sea gull cried out in the distance and warm crept in from the soles of his boots. Opening his eyes he gave a shout of astonishment. He standing on the sun soaked beach where he had first washed up into the increasingly wonder-filled world. With a jolt, he realized Brennen was right beside him.
“How does this happen?”
“In this land, many things happen that cannot be explained. Where you come from can you not travel like this?”
“I don’t know. I don’t even know my name.”
“Come walk; talk with me about what you do know.”
They began to walk inland on the route that the sailor had taken to reach the lighthouse. The sun resting just above the trees was beginning to fade away and the sky was colored a brilliant red. Purple clouds floated lazily with ever-changing shapes. The sailor craned his neck to guess the different things they would make. A bird, maybe a gentle dove. An old man in a chair that rocked, a feather, and a tall hat. The sailor stumbled over a root and Brennen reached over a steadying hand.
“Careful.”
“The clouds are lovely and fill you with a whimsical feeling here. The clouds where I am from are white and puffy, sometimes grey and spread far out like a blanket for the stars. Sometimes on gloomy nights it gets rather dull, rambled the sailor without thinking.”
“Indeed it would seem that your memories are making a quick return.”
“Yes, I still do not remember my name or my country of origin, but I am certain to retrieve that information gradually.”
They continued walking, the sailor’s gaze now fixed on the ground before him so he wouldn’t trip again, and they presently came to the place where the sailor had been attacked by the wild men. The bodies were strewn about in the places they had fallen. Apparently the others hadn’t the decency to prepare the bodies for the journey to the nether life. Maybe they didn’t believe in such things.
“My Gods, exclaimed Brennen as he examined a body whose neck was at a horribly wrong angle. What foul beast could’ve done this savage work? This person must indeed be pitiless. No doubt it was self-defense but this; this is cruel, unremorseful work. I would dare say I’d wet myself if faced with this foe.”
The sailor looked at the ground and said,
“’It was indeed a work of self-defense. They rushed me and I had to kill them as quickly as possible so that I could face the others. It was kill or be killed.”
Brennen looked at the sailor with new eyes.
“This was the party that you had run into? He exclaimed incredulously.”
“Aye, it was the same; they had no reason to come at me. I made no move on them.”
“This surly is some great stroke of luck you have had my friend, these men are skilled death dealers.”
“Well, no more. They can’t harm but the flies that eat on them. Rather uncleanly they are.”
Brennen shook his head in amazement. He had killed Darkflames before but never so many as this at one time. This man is an absolute rogue too, he thought. Why, to twist around the head in such a diabolical manner, he must have no qualms about taking another’s life. He must be an excellent warrior, like the Rogues of this land but, with more honor and pride in his bones. He spoke of meeting Lord Maclir, I believe he will be a considerable asset to the allies of Lirs Reach.
“Come friend, you are what are we call a rogue here. Let me outfit you as one.”
So the traveled back to the lighthouse and the sailor, now known as rogue, was given a few coins, a set of black cloth armor and a map. They said their farewells and rogue set off on his way to the castle where Maclir resided. He came across a few people and helped them on the way further building his reputation and fueling his need to do more. I must do this for the people, he thought. No one should live shrouded in darkness.


Thank you all for your kind words and support! As an aspiring author this means quite a bit to me Thank you for taking the time to read this work. To see more, please continue to show your support.

Continue please?

Next story pls!

Mooaaarr

Very nice story

Rogue traveled for many a weary mile often stopping for a rest or a sip of cooling water. To think that Brennen and his lady should live so far from another soul, thought he, why I think that they rather enjoyed their solitude, they seemed ever effulgent in their smiles. Soon Rogue came to a dividing of the roads. There was the branch he traveled, and two more stretching out to straight, and to the left. On the road to the left, there was a sign that said, “Highshore Village”, and he supposed that if he went down there he might come to a place where he could ask directions to the castle. But the road straight in front of him climbed a hill and what lay beyond that was a mystery. Rogue’s curiosity won him over and he found himself walking up the steep path. Towers rose above him and a great stone wall came into sight as he reached the zenith. This, was Farcrag castle, and it was magnificent.
Rogue stalked confidently to the door and thumped it hard with his gloved hand. A muffled commotion could be heard on the other side before the large gate opened to reveal Sergeant Ross and his Private Duncan standing stiff at attention.
“You’re a new face, said Ross in a high, ear-grating voice. I quite like it, he finished with a grin.”
“Yes, I came from Brennen and his lady at the lighthouse. He told me to speak to your Master Maclir.”
“Oh! You’ve come to our aid? A hero? Pray, tell us your name.”
Rogue thought for a moment. He couldn’t just go by What he was. He had to find out Who he was. So he thought about his personality and his preferences. Hmmmmm…. He Just couldn’t decide…

Give me some strong male names guys XD

“I am called Rogue. I have lost my memories and can’t tell you my name.”
“Oooooo Mr. Mystery. I like that ahawhawhawhawhawww, you’re cute! Isn’t he so cute?”
“Ummm,Sir?” Piped up Duncan. “I think we should take him to our leaderrrr.”
“Oh my gawwd, I totz forgot you know I was just so wrapped up in his feature. You have a nice strong jaw Mr. Rogue. So hawtt, he said with a wink.”
Rogue decided that these guys were the absolute weirdest people he had ever met. But, he went with them as they started to walk further into the castle.
“I’m going to give you the whole tour, said Ross, biting his lip.”
“AAAAAAAHHHHH HE’S TOTALLY HITTING ON MEEE, Rogue’s brain screamed at him.”
“This fabulous area is the Arena” Ross waved his hand extravagantly. “And this is the merchant hall, where you can purchase all sorts of goodies like Fashion and Wigs and also Skill Books. The hottest fashion this time of year is Frostguard. But it’s kinda like super rare and only the high class has it.”
“Oh, said Rogue who was not even the tiniest bit interested.”
“Then over here we have…. Ross led Rogue to a huge stone archway that led into a positively ginormous open area…the dueling and meeting area of Farcrag castle. This is where people from all over the land come to get together and share their adventures and meet one another. We have lots of fun!”
“Our leader is over therreee…” Said Duncan suddenly.
“Man this dude is creepy, thought Rogue with a slight shiver.”
“Come with me darling and meet Master Maclir, he’s not the cutest but he’s a good leader.”
Rogue was lead though an enormous crown of people, past a magnificent water fountain, to the back of the area where a large man stood surrounded by his soldiers. The man had a rather large stomach and was happily drowning in ale and soaking it up with bread while chatting to the people around him. Rogue took another look around. Many merchants stood around advertising their wares, shouting in loud voices to come buy armor from them or “Find the Greatest Fashions!” Some of the people in the crowd were also selling off what they had found on their adventures. “SELLING: Amber Soul Orb, Diamond Demon Stone, Moon, Oak, and Sun Frags!” or “BUYING: Carpet 80%, Purple Crest Serpent, Frost Orbs, and Heroic ammy 120K!”
“You there! Come here!”
Rogue turned around and came face to face with a very drunken Lord Maclir.

Good job.

My name suggestion: Sreng. Fang would work as well.

Um... Axel The Bloodfang (The Bloodfang is just a fancy title ).

“You there! What is your name?” Sputtered Maclir.
“I am Axsrefang, slayer of wolves and dragons, damage dealer, rogue. I’ve come to assist you in any way I can. I’ve heard you have a lot of trouble doing things yourself…”
Rogue looked rather disgustedly at the seemingly unfit ruler of Lirs. “Why, thought he, would the people admit a man such as him to preside over them? He is unfit even to spit upon. He usurps his own power in that drunken stupor.”
“Come, gurgled out Maclir through his mead cup, let me introduce you to my confidant and adviser Chipchip the Wise (he isn’t really) and he will tell you all about the trouble I’m in (people are talking about me behind my back). Maclir led the way back to his troop with leaving Axsrefang thinking to himself, “He really isn’t the best whisperer. . .”
Chipchip was a rather silly fellow with long, thin fingers and bright, blue eyes. During the discussion of all the land’s plights and the plot to overthrow Maclir, Axsrefang observed him with growing amusement. Chipchip could be speaking very seriously and then spring off into a tangent on how “sunflowers where his very favorite flower in the whole wide world” or “Did you see the comet last night? It was streaking over the camp in Shalemont last night so I thought I’d do the same to show it my support...” Axsrefang learned that his favorite food was eggs scrambled with boars meat, the color he looked best in was Purple, He often put a sunflower in his favorite hat, and that he danced around on his tiptoes at random. About ten minutes later, after a heated discussion (mostly by Chipchip) on how people who said “pie” way too often, should be burned at the stake and have their pie trashed, it was time to turn in.
Axsrefang was given a house (for keeps) on the inside of the square behind an armor merchant. The giggling gift-giver said not to worry, “this castle has no crime”, and that he’d “be over in the morning to wish him a good day and leave him breakfast with a sunflower (if he could find one).”
Axsrefang did not go immediately inside though. He went exploring around the immense castle. His domicile was next door to the bank and was told by its keeper, that he could store anything he wanted in it and it would be kept safely until he wanted it again. He went to the arena and watched several people spar. Sometimes two or three ganged up on one. A lot of the competitors tended to complain loudly when they lost a match. It became very annoying and Axsrefang left after a few minutes. He went to several shops and looked at what was sold. Some shops took one look at him and denied him access to their goods, claiming that he was “too poor” to possibly be able to purchase anything they sold, and that he must have X amount of currency before they’d even allow him to look in.
Axsrefang went back to his house and sat in an old wicker chair at a table near the window. There was an old four-poster bed that smelled of frisky business and red velvet curtains hung from its frame. The walls were bare and a wardrobe of sorts leaned against one while at the foot of another lay three empty chests. There was also a kitchen and a small bathroom with blue walls. Axsrefang laid down on the bed and found that, despite its rickety appearance and obvious wear and tear, it was quite possibly the most comfortable piece of furniture he'd ever rested on.
Hours later, Axsrefang woke to the smell of searing bacon and the fresh outdoors. Beside him, on a small bedside table that certainly hadn't been there the night before, was a piping hot platter of blueberry muffins, scrambled eggs with cheese, and two cups, one of orange juice and one of milk. Off to the side stood a little purple vase with a single sunflower basking in the sunlight that came from his opened window. Castle noises floated in and he heard the merchants advertising their wares and the clamor of people speaking to one another of trivial things. It was a very pleasant way to wake up in the morning. Axsrefang hoped that there would be more mornings like this. That is until he heard a crash and a giggle followed by the rhythmic tapping of feet coming from the kitchen area.
"Oh my darling look what you've dooone!” exclaimed a rather familiar voice.
"You've totally broken it, there's no fixing it now. Oh. My. God! We should all totally go shopping when he wakes up, the voice squealed"
Axsrefang slowly stood up and, realizing he was naked even though he had no memory of undressing the night before, searched as silently as he could for his pants.
"Well that crash probably woke him up anyways, said another voice, this one also dimly familiar. Let's go jump on him and get him up!"
Two pairs of footsteps came hurrying into the room. It was Sergeant Ross and Chipchip. Axsrefang wasn’t so sure he could handle them this early in the morning but he paste on a grin and said “good morning guys.”
“Oh my gawwwwd!! You look so Hawt with your bed hair! Here let me comb it for you. OOOOh can I braid it?!”
“I see you haven’t eaten the breakfast I made you. Hurry up and try it before it gets cold, it’s better warm.”
They all sat in a circle on the big four-poster bed and Ross got busy with Ax’s hair. It was kind of weird thought the rogue, but he decided to indulge the enthusiastic sergeant. Axsrefang started in on the food and found his morning meal to be exquisite and uniquely flavored.
“What did you put in these eggs?” asked the rogue.
“Oh, said Chipchip, Let me see. Milk, to make them fluffy. Boars’ meat to add texture and a rich meaty flavor. Ummm…. Oh! And sunflower oil to add some herbal essence and nutrition. I also put in some caramelized onions and some sautéed milkstalks to give you some energy to start your day off with a spring. Do you like the sunflower? I found it growing all by itself and thought to myself, “Awwww you’re so lonely. It’ll drive me crazy if you die without appreciation.” So I picked him just for your enjoyment and my sanity.”
“Thanks, said Axsrefang, I really enjoyed this meal and the flower.”
“You guys wanna go shopping now?” Ross was bouncing on the bed. “I hear there’s a sale on tableware and fashion today!”
The three men went into the square to find all the things that they swore Axsrefang would need. It took a while and when they finally made it back to the house they were loaded down with crates and bags. The crates were stacked against the wall with the chests and the bags were spilled onto the bed in a jumble of items. Among other things there was a loofa scrub (it does wonders for your skin in the shower like omg, stated Ross), a few assorted weapons, and a yellow sunflower scented mask that they hadn’t been able to wrench away from Chipchip. He really was obsessed with anything that had to do with the flower. The odd trio spent the rest of the night organizing and putting things away. When everything was done the two other guys said goodnight and left until the morning, promising to arrive bright and early for a day of training. Axsrefang didn’t doubt that they would be there before he woke up, again...
“Ross is still questionable with the way he keeps fawning over me, but I think I have grown fond of Chipchip. He is quirky and hilarious.”
Axsrefang went to bed with an image of sunflowers dancing through his head.

Funny...my first taste of the castle was not as....creepy? I don't remember Sergeant Ross being that weird lol.