Hm, I am quite intrigued. What was the importance of the sword? What happened after Fortis pulled it out of the stone? Lots of questions with no answers; I hope all will be revealed soon. I mean, the whole story sounded like a legend or some kind of folklore. Also, how does it connect to the story? I'm really curious about that. Anyway, great job, and I look forward to more.
this is supposed to be more of a legend. the connection isn't quite as obvious as i wanted it to be, but the sword is the one that Lya found in the desert cave.
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Side Story (Untitled)
Part 2
Over the next several days, Fortis fought his way out of the desert. Large sandstorms, wild animals, and other challenges made the trip out of the desert almost impossible. By the time that he finally reached one of the kingdoms that bordered the desert, Fortis was barely alive.
He was taken to the council that governed the surrounding kingdoms. The main rulers of the kingdoms were all waiting for his report. Fortis quickly told them everything about the sword and how the villagers hadn’t told him anything about it.
“We must send our army to this village at once!” shouted King Nefas. “We can’t allow them to make the first attack!” The other council members nodded in agreement.
“This sword should also be examined,” Queen Vitiosus said as she eyed the sword which lay on the table in the center of the room. “I will take it with me and see what I can find.” Her eyes glittered with malice as she looked down at the sword.
“Fortis, you will remain here while we examine the sword and decide what will be done,” said another of the council members.
“As you wish, your majesties,” Fortis bowed as he exited the room.
A week passed, and the armies of the kingdoms were prepared to march into the desert. The council called Fortis to attend another meeting. Upon entering the council room, Fortis saw that the sword was once again lying on the table in the center of the room, but now the large stone that had been inlaid in the hilt had been removed and sat next to the sword on the table.
“What have you learned, Vitiosus?” King Nefas inquired as the last of the council members found their seats.
“There is nothing special about this sword,” she said in her sharp, dry voice. “I can find no reason why that tribe would value it so much.”
“There must be something,” Fortis insisted, “why else would they be so protective of it?”
“Perhaps because they planned to use it to attack us,” Vitiosus snapped.
“Whatever the reason, we are prepared to begin the attack. Commander Fortis, you will lead the army to the village tomorrow and begin the attack.”
Fortis saluted the council and left the room. As he was heading to the army camp, he was stopped by a young girl had the same dark complexion as the desert villagers.
“Sir,” she said in a pleading voice, “you must return the sword.”
Fortis stiffened and started to walk past her. “I can’t do that,” he said sharply.
“You don’t understand!” she cried as she followed him, “we need it, it protects us!” Fortis turned and looked back at her. “Come with me and I’ll show you.” She started running towards the desert. Fortis hesitated, then followed her back to the village.
As Fortis walked into the village, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The healthy, lively people that he had left just a few weeks before had been ravaged by sicknesses and injuries. The bright atmosphere of the village had evaporated, and in its place was a feeling of gloom and depression.
Verum came running up when he saw that Fortis had returned. “You brought it back?” he asked hopefully. Fortis shook his head and looked around the village again. Some people were lying forlornly in the streets, and he could hear someone crying in one of the houses. “Fortis, we need it,” Verum said quietly.
“What…what happened here?” Fortis asked, still in shock from the dramatic change in the village.
Verum sighed and gestured for Fortis to follow him. They stopped in the center of the village, where the stone pedestal stood. “It’s not just our village that is suffering, it’s the whole desert. That sword is in our care for a reason. My people are supposed to protect it until a truly righteous person comes to claim it. In return, the sword protects us and the desert.”
“I don’t understand,” Fortis said, “we examined the sword, there was nothing out of the ordinary about it.”
“It’s not something that you would find just by examining it. It’s…complicated. You see, it was given to my people many generations ago. No one is really sure who it was that gave us the sword, but our responsibilities were undeniably clear. We weren’t supposed to let anything happen to it, or let it leave the desert unless it was in the hands of the one who it was meant for. If it’s not returned within the next few days, my people and everything else in the desert will die.” Verum looked quietly at Fortis. “Will you help us? Or will you lead your army here and attack us?”
Fortis was struck by the severe tone that Verum had. There was no doubt in his mind that Verum was telling the truth. But how could he convince the council? They were all prepared to attack and conquer this village the next day.
“I’ll do what I can,” Fortis said, “And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for causing this trouble for your people.” Verum nodded and walked back the village as Fortis turned and headed back to the council.
