On the opening events in Longpool

On the opening events in Longpool is the opening of the story seen through the viewpoints of Aron Fletcher (4 chapters) and Princess Alora Bellgard (1 chapter). Across the first two chapters, the setting is introduced with small conflicts and arcs that would typically occur in daily life, whilst still following in suit of major life goals, which in Aron Fletcher's case, is to become a knight. The next two chapters introduce conflict and a potential resolution, but the final chapter holds the 'Inciting Incident' which launches Aron Fletcher out of his comfortable life, and sets him up for the rest of the story.

## Summary

Aron Fletcher trains to be a knight under the watchful eye of Sir Conner Longbolt; a shocking discovery panics Stonedale Castle and brings King Elden Bellgard before them. ￼

## Plot

### The Eve of Millenia (I: Aron Fletcher)

Aron Fletcher is training to be a knight, and is squire to Sir Conner Longbolt, born to the noble house that rules Longpool. It is the last day of a year, and the last day of a millennia, in fact. Aron fights some of the knights and the fellow squire Makeo, before returning home to his mother, buying some bread from a poor boy with a sick mother, and then donating him some coin out of sympathy. After doing many chores for her, he heads to the market with the intent of buying her a gift, and he purchases a card, when Sir Conner approaches him and takes him up into the castle. There, Conner asks his father, Lord Landon if Aron could come to the New-Year's-Eve party, to which Landon agrees, albeit reluctantly. Conner then decides to show Aron his chambers, where they meet the irritating, one-handed servant, Russel "Stump" Warrin. Aron then returns home to seek consent to going to the party, to which his mother agrees.

### Stonedale (II: Aron Fletcher)

Aron leaves his home at nightfall and heads towards Stonedale Castle, where he enters the Great Hall with Conner. He is introduced to a number of the Longbolts, and he instantly becomes attracted to Conner's cousin, Lensey. Soon, a feast begins and Aron eats to his hearts desire: as a peasant, he had never eaten so much before. After that, Bright Elves are brought to entertain the audience, and they play many songs. After a while, a party of courtesans known only as "The Ladies Fair" join the party and dance with the knights, while Aron works up the courage to ask Lensey. She agrees and they dance, but then the new-year countdown begins. It is a merry occasion, and once the bell is *rung* and the year becomes 1000 CA, Aron finds himself kissing Lady Lensey.

### Blood's Bane (III: Aron Fletcher)

Sir Conner is hurt by Aron kissing his cousin, but soon offers him a duel, in which Aron must win forgiveness, and also a sword named Blood's Bane. But when the fight takes place, Conner lets Aron win, which Aron is glad about, for it means that Conner wants to forgive him, deep down. Conner then promises Aron a knighthood. At the public trials on Lighthelm 15, Aron prepares to be knighted, but before Lord Landon can do such a thing, an envoy appears and tells the Longbolts something. Landon, panicking, clears the castle and Conner explains what has happened - The Thunder Throne, a magical object that can turn people into gods, has been found. The Noble House of Bellgard arrive the next day for a council to decide what will happen.

### The Thunder Council (IV: Alora Bellgard)

After waking beside her husband, Landon, Alora discusses the day to come and the great council that will take place. She briefly visits the training yard and speaks with her brother, Andor, and his son, before she breaks her fast and then goes to the council chambers. During the council it is decided that a Secret Score of men should be sent to retrieve the Thunder Throne and secure it until an army can arrive, for it is not safe for a great many men to be sent at once. With the input of Elis Redrane, they learn that there are supposedly Mages in the outpost of Stonebite which could offer counsel and explain how to destroy the Throne. At dinner she gives Conner permission to knight his squire, and after speaking with her brother and returning to her chambers, she finds her husband abed with Elis Redrane.

### Midnight Betrayal (V: Aron Fletcher)

Aron Fletcher is preparing to be knighted and he accepts the risk that he would likely be sent as part of the Secret Score to retrieve the Throne as he would be partnered to Conner. However, before he can be knighted a scream sounds￼ from an upper floor in the castle: they hurry to the landing and discover chaos among Alora Bellgard, Andor Bellgard, Elis Redrane and Landon Longbolt. They slowly begin to learn that Landon and Elis commited adultery together, and a fight breaks out. Landon is stabbed by Andor, deeply hurting Conner Longbolt. Then he realises that his mother is gone and he suspects that Andor has taken her hostage. Conner begins to hunt his uncle (Andor) down.

Very quickly a fight breaks out in Stonedale castle between the knights of House Bellgard and House Longbolt. Conner and Aron manage to bar themselves in the library before dashing across the battle grounds of the Great Hall, where Aron makes his first kill. They finally find Alora in the corner of the room, and she has a knife at Andor's throat. She urges them to leave, telling them she will be safe while she has a hostage. Eventually Conner agrees and they leave Stonedale with the servant Stump, and are shortly joined by Leon Bellgard. The four decide to go after the Throne, but Conner refuses to tell Leon what has happened and that his father is a hostage, for it would put Alora in danger.

## Major Events

**Icerule 40, 999 CA -** The Eve of Millenia, the End of an Age

**Lighthelm 1, 1000 CA -** The Day of the World, a tradition and custom holiday in The God's Faith

**Lighthelm 16, 1000 CA -** The Bellgard's arrival

**Lighthelm 17, 1000 CA -** The Thunder Council; the Betrayal of Elis Redrane; the Slaying of Landon Longbolt; the Imprisonment of Andor Bellgard; and the Escape of Conner and his party