Author's Note:
This fanfic is set in the distant past, Tortall. Some content belongs to Tamora Pierce, and other content I have taken liberties with. If you are concerned with what belongs to me and what belongs to Tamora Pierce, please email me at cyclepinsetter@yahoo.com
~Hundreds of years before present day
Bloody battles for control of the land
Stubbornly divided, without a king
Only united could the people stand~
Yoric's Tale
I. The Gathering...
II. The Glorious Reign
III. A Fall From Grace
IV. Epilogue
ONE
Hey, wait for me you clots! You can't get rid of me that easily!
Yoric Swiftfoot lessoned his stride to allow his shorter cousin to catch up. In a way he felt responsible for the other lad's safety. Ethan's father was Headsman of Clan Conte, and Ethan would be Headsman himself some day. However, that day stood far in the distance. Headsman Conte was a still young man, and he had many years ahead of him.
Why would we want to get rid of you? Ellisyn questioned. She kept her eyes on the path, a sly smile across her face. She was Yoric's best friend. They had been raised together since Ellisyn's mother had died of sweating sickness early in Ellisyn's life.
So you two could be alone. That's why you've been trying to leave me behind the whole trip. Ethan remarked dangerously. Everyone was constantly teasing the two about their friendship.
Yoric called to Ellisyn. Son of Headsman suffers a fall from mountain top. They'd never expect a thing, with so much rain lately. He teased Ethan.
Ellisyn grinned. And with Yorrie being next in line as heir, he would do it to be alone with me? A likely story. I'll believe it as soon as Yoric here gives up his writing and becomes a soldier.
Course it could also be because you're slow. Yoric grinned.
The steep mountain path had become slick from the previous night's rain. Mud clung to their heavy boots as they made their way up the path. The laborious journey up the mountain seemed hardly worthwhile until you reached the summit. The view was spectacular.
The three walked in silence; the only noise was that of their boots in the mud and an occasional bird off in the distance. Yoric was buried in his thoughts when Ethan interrupted him.
Shouldn't we be heading back now?
Yoric glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. He said nothing and continued to trudge up the steep mountain path.
We haven't even reached the summit yet. Yoric replied crossly.
But we have to get back before sunset. Don't you remember?
Of course I remember. But Yoric didn't turn around to look at his cousin, he continued up the well-worn path steadily.
The warriors are coming home from the battles. It's our duty to be there. The wars have brought so much for us. Ethan tried desperately to keep up with Yoric's pace.
Yoric stopped in the middle of the path. You're wrong about two things and right about one, Cos.
Ethan looked at Yoric questioningly, and Yoric continued.
Some of the warriors are coming home from the battles, and it's your duty to be there. And you're right; they have brought so much for us.
Ellisyn interrupted calmly. You can't be looking for evil in everything, Yorrie. It's no life to live in fear.
Yoric shrugged. What you call fear is what I call accepting the truth. I'm not going to risk my life for a—
His words were interrupted by the first three notes of the mourning dirge echoing off the rocky cliffs from the mountains below. The teens both looked at each other and started to run down the path to the village.
When they reached the village Yoric's mother met the boys with a mournful grimace.
Who are they this time mother? Yoric asked softly.
She shook her head. Hush Yorrie. But as he gazed around the village, he already knew. Ethan pushed through the crowds impatiently. Where's father? I want to congratulate him on his he trailed off. He paused to take a ragged breath. This is not happening.
Save one crippled man, Ellisyn's father, the warriors never returned from the wars. Yoric and his mother returned to their tent to mourn.
A few guards came to escort Ethan to his family tent, where his mother dwelled, grief-stricken.
Ethan was named headsman the following day at sunset, and Yoric became a soldier in place of his father.