Famers Storywriting Debate Tournament Round #1

Allister was in shock. The choice before him was by far the toughest he had encountered in his short life. To betray Tjorbï¿½rn, the man who had been like a father to him, the one who had trained him into the man he was today. It seemed an impossible decision to make, yet, if what Mirva had said was true, the right thing to do would be to stop Tjorbï¿½rn, and prevent the unnecessary desth of countless people. "Never trust anyone," Tjorbï¿½rns words echoes in Allisters head. He remained silent for what seemed like an eternity in his mind, examining the decision before him from all possible scenarios. Mirva could be lying, this "conspiracy" could just be some attempt at Tjorbï¿½rns life. Allister knew very well that his masters line of work caused him to make many enemies. "Well?" Mirva questioned, "what will it be? Are you going to help or not? The fate of the kingdom rests with your decision." Allister remained silent, with a pensive expression. Finally, he said, "How am I to know this is true? You could be lying." "Foolish boy," she snapped, "you think I would even be approaching if I did not already know this with certainty? Why would I waste my time? "Then producing proof of this plot should be easy!" Allister snorted, "please do show me something." Mirva scowled at him before finally saying, "very well, follow me, we're going to the kings palace." She quickly turned around and began walking away. Allister stood for a moment, in disbelief, "the king's palace!" he thought, "ill need to remain prepared, this could be a trap." However, ultimately, his curiosity and desire to see the inside of the kings palace was too great. He quickly checked to make sure his knife was well-hidden on his leg, and jogged to catch up with Mirva. The trip through town was short, as the pub that both had just been at was a short distance from the palace. When they arrived, the guards saluted Mirva, which confirmed to Allister she was indeed a person of importance. They entered through the gate and Allister was shocked by its size. Once inside the palace Mirva lead Allister straight to the throne room. Mirva walked up to one of the guards standing outside the closed door. "Notify the King that I need to see him immediately, tell him its about his problem." She commanded. The guard saluted and opened the door, entered and closed the door behind himself. "We're seeing the King!?" Allister gasped, "you're not being serious are you?" "Of course I am, I have been serious this entire time and you have only doubted me, well I have a feeling you will take the King's word much more seriously then my own. Suddenly the door opened again and the guard held it open. The other guard opened the other side and Mirva walked in. Allister quickly followed, admiring its beauty. In the center of the room was a large circular mahogany table. Studded with gold around the outside edge. There was an opening in the table that allowed what looked to be 2 people to stand in the middle. The room itself was massive, and opposite the doors, on the other side was the Kings throne. The King was seated upon the throne at present and Allister saw he was a powerful presence. He was A hulking man near six foot, shorter then Allister but extremely muscular and well built. Much the same as Tjorbï¿½rn, but slightly shorter. He has graying hair so Allister guessed he was likely in his 40's. On his cheek there was a large scare going from his eye down to his jaw. This Allister assumed was from his days in the Imperial Legion. Indeed the stories of King Melvar were legendary in status. The scar on his face, it was said, had been recieved while at the battle of Duskwood. According to lore he had been cornered by 8 men, and single-handedly managed to kill all of them, recieving nothing himself but the small wound. the pairwalked up in front of the throne and Mirva knelt before the King. Allister just stood in awe, not quite believing he stood in front of the great King Melvar. Mirva notice this and elbowed him. Allister understood the point and knelt himself. "Thank you for granting us this audience your majesty," Mirva proclaimed. "What news do you have Mirva?" Melvar asked, "have you found a way to stop this... Tjorbï¿½rn from assasinating me?" "I believe I have your majesty. Here with me is apprentice of Tjorbï¿½rn Thundermane, Allister..." Mirva looked at Allister, it was obvious she did not know his full name. "My name, your majesty, is Allister, I do not have a surname." "Very well," King Melvar chucked, "Mirva, how is this man to help us? Especially considering he is Tjorbï¿½rns apprentice, you really expect him to betray his own master?" "So it is true what she says then?" Allister asked. The king looked at him, "and what is it she has said?" He asked calmly. "That my master intends to kill you, and is part of a conspiracy to usurp the throne and throw the kingdom into chaos!" Allister responded, "This couldnt possibly be true, I asked for proof and now here I am before you." The King sighed, and pondered what to say, finally he began, "I see, well as little as my word means, I assure you, what she says is the truth. We have suspected this for quite some time, as you may have noticed other cities stewards have been slain recently. Those cities are still in a state of unrest as the position is being decided by myself. We knew eventually the plan would be ultimately to assasinate me, and throw the entire Kingdom into chaos. Now recently we found out from allies, that your master, Tjorbï¿½rn Shadowmane is a part of this plot, and is the one who will carry out my assasination." "This is unbelievable!" Allister exclaimed. Yet, as much as he wished it to go away, the doubt remained. Indeed stewards had slowly been assasinated in recent times, and coming from the King, he had little reason to doubt the truth of the situation. Allister, as much as he had been trained to kill, and feel no remorse, still could not bring himself to stand by and watch and countless people were harmed. "Even as it may be," the King said, "its going to happen, as it stands, Mirva how do you expect this boy to be of any help?" "Simple," Mirva responded, "he will poison his food or drink. I have something that will weaken Tjorboï¿½rn significantly and the best part is the effect wont be felt for quite some time. Allister need only slip it into his food at lunch or dinner before they depart, and Tjorbï¿½rn will be no threat at all. Of course I think it suiting that Allister kills him." "Well only if the man wishes to do so," the king stated. Just then Allister spoke up, "I will. I could likely take him even at full strength. Hes trained me well and I've learned a few tricks of my own." "Very well then," King Melvar responded, "Mirva make sure this plan happens, you have my approcaval. If it should fail I will defend myself as best I can." "Thank you your majesty," Mirva gratefully replied, "this will not fail, I assure you." With that Mirva and Allister walked out of the Throne Room. _________________________________ Thank you TUF for making this so much fun! Good luck! ____________________________