Chronicle of Darksun: Wolf and Hyena

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt;"Times New Roman";}

The sun scorched the sky overhead turning it red. The town was silent as it often was during moments like this. The man stood, his arms at his sides his pistols in their holsters. He stared at the man across from him, as his fingers nervously twitched ready whenever his opponent was. The man across from him showed no fear. He didn't even seem to move just stood there statue like against the setting sun. The town was quiet, so quiet the man thought that he had lost his hearing. Sweat began to drip across his face as he pulled out his gun and decided to make the first move. He fired. Then began to laugh. Just as a sensation began to move from his mouth, he fell to the ground. He gazed at his chest to see the sight of blood against his shirt. Then moved his gaze toward his opponent uttering a "Dam...n....." with his last breath as he collapsed his head pressing into the dirt, knowing that soon he would be buried in it.
The man walked slowly towards the man he had just killed. No signs of fear or guilt on his face. He did what was necessary nothing more, nothing less. He stood over the body, and from removed a small pendant form his neck and placed it over his face. And spoke
"Dear gods, bring this mans soul to the halls of the unjust and wicked. There he shall receive his punishment and burn within the torturous fire of those he has wronged."
He returned the pendant to his neck and removed the mans weapons from their holsters. People from the town ran out cheering and shouting, happy at the mans death. They cheered for the warden that had come as their savior. Once again he knew that he had only done what was necessary nothing more, nothing less. That was the creed of the wardens, the oath that they swore to the lands that they were bound to. To protect the innocent and destroy the wicked. The wardens were the judges, jury, and executioners.
He walked away from their shouts as they cheered and called out his name, James Pritcherd. He cared not for their screams, he was just happy to see justice served. His opponent was a swindler, renegade, and a fool who cheated out the town for money, forced them into slavery and controlled the town with an iron fist. Seeing as this was part of Jame’s territory he could not stand by while such a man stayed in power. He did not care for their cry's, for his duty to them was only deemed necessary based upon the codes of the wardens and the allowance of his king. He walked out of the town mounted his horse and rode eastward towards the hallowed plains. Where the kings awaited him or his carcass. The wardens acted as a unified local police militia serving their kingdoms all throughout the nine lands. A good 600 operated in the lands of the East known as the empire of dusk. Above the wardens were the rich men. Those that had money but were not noble of birth. Above them sat the true nobles related to the true families of the region. From this class rose two sub-classes the Knights, those who swore military duty to their king. And the Dignitary's serving as advisers and heads of smaller states. Above them of course was the royal family itself The king and his blood line. James was alright with how things worked. So long as he could administer justice he was alright with whatever structure seemed fitting to the land.
He rode for a solid hour arriving at the castle within good time. The banners of his king flapped wildly in the dull breeze showing the royal emblem, the dark raven against a dark blue banner. He dismounted his horse and walked into the grand hall to give the king his report.
" I see that the warden returns, splendid. I would hate to replace you. I have so few who wish to take up the warden banner." King Jonathan was a interesting man. His words were always well placed, though were often laced with dark sarcasm and a hint of icy disdain. Overall though a decent soul, and one of the best fighters in the realm. "what do you have to report to me."
"My lord, the bastard who tried to take one of your town is no more, I would scarcely think that his corpse shall frighten anyone ever again."
"Splendid warden James, your father would be proud of you. You have served the realm well over these long years and you still never cease to amaze me. At this rate no one will ever dare to question my authority ever again."
"I sincerely doubt that my lord" James said with a ringing pessimism in his voice.
"Maybe not my boy, but the world is a better place because of your work. You are of course dismissed until the Wardens give you your next assignment of course. James removed his hat, and bowed and walked slowly toward the exit.
"This lad would be perfect for the task at hand my lord." Said an advisory quietly as James walked away.
"I would have hoped that this matter would resolve itself, but I'm now afraid without action it shall never be finished. First thing tomorrow see that he comes to the castle for breakfast there we shall tell of him of his next assignment."
"yes my lord." The adviser turned and walked out of sight as the king removed himself from his throne and began to walk deeper into his castle.