family
Mrs. V's Garden
The day began just as so many had before. Mrs. V lay face up on a queen bed, arms folded across her stomach, as a cat snored softly between her feet. The sun’s gentle rays danced through the hand-sewn drapes before they landed on her face. The darkness receded and she sat up at a speed that refuted her one hundred and one years of age.
By A. Crossan2 years ago in Fiction
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS
It remains so in anticipation and concealed anxiety before Williams to speak to the royals and nobles gathered in the grand hall. It was said that something is going to be revealed and major decisions are going to be made at night, however, what was to happen was far more tragic than what everyone expected. With such an understanding, Williams, being a strategic man, had this plan for Kaffi right from the start of the dinner. The essence of celebration was really a cover up that concealed his discretion to prince William. Williams had planned this attack discreetly under the pretext of honoring his Victory before nailing Arthur’s loyalists. The surrounding territories of the palace were bright with the joy of the feast, now it was violated with screams and rains of blood. Williams’ soldiers which had laid ambush waited for the signal and charged into the hall and the surrounding areas neutralizing Arthur’s guards. Arthur, who is just starting to be up and about due to his previously bout of sickness was quite surprised. Thus, when his strength was reduced, he could not withstand the attacks on him. Williams, eagerly leading the pack, performed masterfully both in terms of a skillful fighter and the approach that is devoid of the tempering mercy that comes with time and where rage is still unsated. His people fought with vigor against the supporters of Arthur and the war ensued with many falls on both sides. Sword strikes and men’s shouts for mercy were heard as the palace territory was turned into a scene of a fierce fight. Arthur tried to stand his ground and defend himself but his current disability and this unanticipated attack did not allow him to do so. After this, the men of Arthur were overpowered and this simply that of the utter confusion. This former admirer of the kingdom perished among debris of what used to be his own army. During the fighting, he who long had been eagerly hoping for the hour to make his attempt, sprang at the chance and fled. Understanding the situation and feeling that she is in danger, he quickly went to Diana’s side. Quick thinking saved Diana this time and Alfred was able to get her out of the palaces within the shortest time possible away from the mayhem. Some used side doors and corridors, all of them, intending to move as far away from the fighting as possible. As a result of the violent aggression the losses were severe. Arthur was found dead, his dream of ruling the Britain, grasping the power and gaining the victories killed him in the area which he intended to demonstrate his victories. Some of the followers who were loyal to him to the death were also killed and their lifeless forms littered the palace compound. A few of Williams’ own men were killed in the course of the fighting and thus fell victims to the violent episode. As morning drew near, the palace would have been left in shambles with the consequences again lingering in the air after the incidents of the night. The condolences on the bloodshed got to King Frederic through Alfred who despite the risk got to inform him of the sad happenings. When Alfred got to the king’s bedroom, the people that attended on the king were both worried and amazed. “Well Your Majesty,” Alfred started to say reluctantly, as it was the breaking of difficult news. “It is war within the palace now Arthur is dead, Williams with his army attacked and many were killed.” “Diana is alive but the situation is worst.” It shocked the king, Frederic, to the extent that the color on his face faded as he listened to the news. His health has deteriorated due to the disease, and the former powerful king could only try to understand the magnitude of the occurred problem. His kingdom was in a state of upheaval, the death of his son, Arthur and the depredation which ensued in the Palace affected him so much to the point of deep despair. Shortly after that Henry, the wise cou arrive king's. His facial expression told me that this was not going to be easy. “Your Majesty,” Henry murmured and one could hear the sadness in his voice as well. I have corroborated the imageries; the siege was brutal and the toll heavy, it is time we took corrective measures to manage the scourge.
By Goodie_ola 2 years ago in Fiction
Fate Unfolds
This follows "Destiny Whispers P3" The day came sooner than she expected. The horns at the gate blared and all became aware of the arrival of the Koraki princes Rickard and Gabriellos. Word had arrived that King Athos would not be attending himself as urgent business had required his return South to Gaerwen. Edith for her own part was not sorry to hear the news. She had not exactly enjoyed the prospect of seeing the arrogant young Koraki king gloating over her father. She expected little more from Athos’s two brothers, but one less Koraki was always welcome.
By Tomos Jackson2 years ago in Fiction
Three Days Later. Content Warning.
It's been three days. Three days since I've seen my daughter. Since I've been able to watch her playing at the park. Since I've seen that bright smile flashed across her face. Three days. Oh, God, if you would've told me that I'd have to be away from her this long. Don't get me wrong. Officer Lincoln has treated my daughter's case as if it was his own daughter who had gone missing- he's spent every waking second for my little Kayley. Along with every other person, not just from our small town but from every neighboring town around ours.
By 'Lissa Stufflestreet2 years ago in Fiction
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS
Williams oversaw the kingdom’s armed forces to defeat the neighbouring kingdom to show that he was a competent and tactful military commander. The situation was changed and he gained the newcomers’ respect and admiration not only from the nobles, but also from the ordinary people as well. Arn, in this novel for the first time Williams no longer follows the path that Arthur had paved for him instead he is finally accredited as the king’s son, a powerful warrior and a strong leader. The palace that Williams returned to was not a joyous one at all. It was all somewhat formal, and even the servants moved and talked quietly. This did not take him very long to know that King Frederic had contracted a severe illness as soon as the king was away. They pulled the news on Williams and it affected him. Their relationship fluctuated, but there was a loving relationship between the father and the son, so it was very hard to see his father so sick. The death of King Frederic made a gloom of the royal palace. The strong and charismatic king that was once alive finding himself helplessly confined to bed hence creating the future of the kingdom not very clear. Arthur was not well physically after the unexplained illness, and he could not rise and lead the kingdom, which is why Williams became a regent. Williams being new in his positions began to think of the future of the kingdom as well as his own position in the Kingdom. The victory he gets in the battle is very real, but the uncertainty of father’s health and the instability of the royal family is even more real. He was stressed specifically with the relationship between him and Arthur, the unsolved feelings regarding the death of Diana, and the undercurrents of a political court. Responding to tradition, Williams thought to have a victory dinner which means a recent military triumph. It was a ceremony that ought to have been presided over by King Frederic but since the king was ill, the role was picked up by Williams. It was finally to be a royal dinner with all the royalties and most important members of the court in attendance. But the real idea with which Williams convened this assembly was quite different, and he didn’t share it with anyone. When the preparations for the dinner were being arranged, Williams did not show any wraths though inside him, he must have been boiling. He invited all the royals including Arthur and Diana and all the noble and influential persons of the kingdom and the court. People were waiting for the victory of Williams and at the same time, people wanted to see the relationships within the royal family during such time. The banners and decorations were set up in the grand hall for the dinner on the day and, thus, the palace was completely different from happy and festive as it was before the mourning. They came to the palace as royals, as polished as they could be on the outside, while on the inside they all had their fears and doubts. When they were all seated, tension rises as King Frederic is not present and Williams also gives off a mysterious air about him. Williams was at the head of the table readying himself with his goblet to make his opening speech for the evening. He gave a moving speech on the recent win and thanked all the soldiers and nobles who contributed to the campaign. But there was a differentiated undertone to what he said; there was more to the story than simply getting a party going to salute success. With a certain pause and deliberation, Williams put down the goblet and scanned the company with a particular eye on each one of the dinner guests. “Tonight we triumph not only against adversaries but also for the future of the kingdom,” he said confidently. ”A future which needs to be won not by force of arms but by the force of right.” His speech left the room in a pin-drop silence, as the seriousness of what he has said set in. Williams’ look shifted from Arthur, and then at Diana, and lingered at Henry, the confidant of the king. There was an electric tension; there was no need to ask questions, it was as if an answer was expected. Williams went on; his tone still measured but assertive, “There are things that need to be settled, things that have remained unsaid for a long time.” Tonight, we do not come together as only a braw royal family, but as members of this kingdom’s administration. As such, there is a need to establish the current facts and realizations, and make appropriate choices.
By Goodie_ola 2 years ago in Fiction
Long Lost Brother. Top Story - August 2024.
When I was told my brother was still alive, I didn't believe it. It had taken me twenty years to get over him being gone; I had very mixed feelings about seeing him again. Excitement? Yes. Anticipation? Yes. But something new that I had never felt before: fear.
By Rachel Deeming2 years ago in Fiction
THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS
It has been two years since the main action with Diana and during this time the kingdom only increased its territories with the help of the military genius of Arthur. His victories were followed by great demonstration, and people treated him like a hero. However, inside the royal palace life was dramatic and divided. The consequences of Arthur’s decisions were sore traces left for those he affected most, particularly Diana, who had become a recluse and was enshrouded by the affection by immediate family members excluding Arthur. Arthur had become utterly rude and almost abusive towards Diana. He said very few things to her, and the remainder of the things he said were said through clenched teeth and with hatred. Despite all the successes in the battle, his anger appeared to grow more and more, and he tried to make any noble young man, who paid her attention, look like a fool to her. These Diana’s looks and status humiliated her to the pale silhouette of pre-cellulite beauty which she bore silently with humiliation as she found solace in the company of her brothers, especially Williams. Still, Williams who was extremely furious at Arthur, had not lost his temper or cabin fever. He dealt with his brother civilly, but with measured content, thus never giving away what he detested with his kin. He had remained a pawn in Diana’s life but had suffered for her, and seen her situation better than most people. He hid his internal strife well, seeing Arthur get promotions in their father’s eyes day by day. King Frederic who failed to notice or pretend not to notice the tension within the family, proceeded to celebrate Arthur’s triumphs. Similarly, the court did appear oblivious of conducting tension from destabilizing the kingdom, while concentrating on the wealth of the kingdom. However, as far as the underlying structure of the relationships was concerned, the family was wrecked and the ties that bound them were thin and shaky, stretched out in the name of responsibility and facade. One evening, the court as usual assembled to enjoy the victory that has slain yet another man at the hands of Arthur and the air was tensed. The nobles were in the grand hall along with the sound of clinking of their goblets and low voices whispering all over the place. Arthur sat at the head of the table this time round confidently drinking in the admiration of the court. Williams sat beside him, completing apathetic not to look and Diana, placed at the end of the table, simply erased from everyone’s consciousness. Later on, one of the most influential lords rose for a toast as well. He greed Arthur’s bravery and his performance into the battle stating that he was the best knight in the whole kingdom. Any nobleman would be pleased to have such an elegant and beautiful woman as Diana, he said, through a veiled reference. The comment was harmless but Arthur did not waste time to respond. His face contorted and he glared at Diana then at Williams – the man’s eyes locked with Williams, whose response was neutral. It was at this point that the improving British position was suddenly spoiled when Arthur suddenly slumped forward in his chair,-white faced. Thus, when he grabs his chest and struggles to breathe, the low murmur in the hall rises to concern. Some of them immediately moved forward and the court physician was summoned. People realized that Arthur has a rather severe illness, and an unknown ailment has caused him to become emaciated and almost comatose. Thus while Arthur was being borne away, King Frederic looked anxious; his attention was soon claimed by the pressing questions of the kingdom’s welfare. A new villain emerged on the horizon: a neighboring kingdom has started preparing for a war, to seize the opportunity of internal conflict in the kingdom. Since Arthur was not able to lead the army then there was need to identify who was going to lead the army. This was a moment that destiny decided to interpose into the lives of the royal family, and turning to Williams, King Frederic said. “You have to command our troops, Williams.” He said it like the words had a decision sitting on them. >‘Without Arthur who can lead the armies to fight Gamorrian invaders the kingdom needs a strong figure to deal with this threat’. Williams who was overwhelmed by the promotion looked at the fragile brother he had. Although, coming out from the big brother’s shadow was becoming a burden and at the same time a great chance. Looking at his father he felt relaxation, anger, and determination all at the same time.
By Goodie_ola 2 years ago in Fiction
