The following is a story that I have been writing for several months in a small journal. I recently began typing it up, and will now post what I have typed, and continue to do so as I finish each chapter.
Prologue
Luthicus, Illusia’s legendary, indestructible warrior was famed for his numerous victories against the fiercest of foes. He served as a General in every war for the past 100 years, always fighting on the front lines. He saved as many lives as he took, defending his fellow men at arms whilst driving the opposing army back. It was said that Luthicus was worth ten thousand men in battle and those lucky enough to serve beside him—or unfortunate enough to stand on the other side of his blade—knew that this was no exaggeration. His blade cut swaths out of the enemy ranks, and when his foes were too afraid to come near him, his spear took them down one by one, attached to a chain wrapped around his arm so he could pull it back and use it again.
The one enemy to get the best of him, however, was the one against which he could not fight: A mysterious disease befell his wife, Tierece, whilst Luthicus was out on the battlefield. None of the doctors in the Shomali Desert where they lived had ever seen anything like Tierece’s calamity. She was taken to Illusia’s capitol, Moir, where the world’s best medical scholars met yearly. Even they could find no cure for this strange blight. Luthicus returned home to find Tierece cold and dying, and the warm tears he shed did nothing to help her. Tierece died in his arms, taking their unborn son with her.
For an entire day, Luthicus was unable to speak. He simply knelt to the ground and sobbed, his cries ringing out over the barren desert. A lowly servant attempted to bring him a tray of food and water, but Luthicus lashed out at him with an arm, instantly slaying the boy. His overwhelming grief turned to rage, and Luthicus looked to the skies, demanding an answer from the gods as to why they took his wife before her time. For three days he ranted, reminding them of all he had done for Illusia, of the countless armies of men and monsters he had slain in the name of the gods. Hearing no reply, Luthicus took up his golden spear, a peace offering from the Amarans, and threw it into the heavens. The sky split with a thunderclap so loud that all within ten miles of the epicenter—save Luthicus—were deafened instantly. For the next three days, blood rained from the skies, drenching the thirsty desert sands and soaking the villagers who were caught outside.
The following are the stories of the aftermath, in the godless world where Men rule without restraint…These are the tales of Tainted Sands.
Contents
[color=grey]Subsequent chapters can be found here[/color]
Chapter One
One Comment
I love the name. Its so mysterious and suspenseful. :O (Tainted Sands)