Chapter Sixteen

Since he had escaped, Tristan's men had been patrolling the surrounding lands looking for Symon. It was only a matter of time before they found him and one morning they did. Storming into the house the soldiers dragged him out. "Symon!" Emelia shouted as she ran out of the house after him. He was struggling with the soldier until he head Emelia. "Go back!" he shouted at her. Thomas came out right behind her and tried to lead her back inside, but it was no use. As the manacles locked around his wrists, he looked to his wife. With the slighted nod of her head she steeled her emotions and watched as they led him away.

"Emelia, it's time to leave."  "Just one more moment father." Emelia said leaving the home she had grown up in. "I had hoped to raise our child here." "I know dear. Perhaps one day  it will be safe to return." Emelia and Thomas started out for Tigo, the last safe haven from Tristan. Symon had told them long ago if the soldiers came for him to leave and head for Tigo. Locking the door to their home for what would probably be the last time Thomas asked, "Symon doesn't know about the baby, does he?" "No, he doesn't."

When the soldiers stopped for the night, they removed the manacles and tied Symon to a tree keeping him under guard. Symon waited until all the other soldiers had fallen asleep, very quietly he removed the dagger he kept in his boot and cut through the ropes holding him. Once free he turned his blade to the guard, Slowly lowering his body to the ground as not to alert the others. Fading into the dark forest, Symon circled the camp and stole one of the horses that were tied there. As soon as he was on the horse he took off full speed, hoping to put some distance between the guards and himself.

When morning came Symon dismounted his horse and sent it off the opposite direction he intended to travel. He returned home to Arda. deciding to set up camp in the woods beyond the ruins of his home. As he neared his former home he was overcome with memories. This was the only home he ever known, his father had built it with his own hands. Kneeling down in the overgrown grass surrounding his parents graves he began to cry, sob after sob racked his body, he cried till he could no longer.

When he had regained composure, he walked over to the charred ruins of the house. Picking his way through the debris, looking for anything that might be salvageable. The food had long since rotted, and scavengers had taken anything of value. He came to where the kitchen used to stand, the old stove still stood. He went to light a fire figuring he could at least have a hot meal, but the stove pipe was clogged, reaching up into the pipe he couldn't believe what he pulled out, it was a small silver box containing mother's ring and folded up inside was the letter the messenger had sent. Mother must have hidden these items, just before the soldiers arrived. Symon could feel his eyes tearing up. He wanted to stay longer, but knew it was not safe for he was a wanted man, so he headed off to the woods.

After he had eaten, he sat down to read the letter, he couldn't believe what he was reading, there was no way this could be true. Symon was the son of the king and Tristan was his brother. He was instantly filled with anger, Tristan would pay. He would pay dearly. Not only had he killed Symon's parents, but worse he had stolen his life, his family, his destiny. Reading this letter just added fuel to his desire for revenge. He would start with Marius, and work his way up to Tristan. Symon knew the art of the sword, yet how does one kill the darkness? He vowed to find a way.

Once he had read the letter Symon tossed it into the fire, making sure every last word burned, no one need know the truth, not yet anyway. Maybe one day, but not today. Once the letter had burned into the ground he rolled over and got some sleep, it was late into the night and he planned to be on his way before dawn.

Symon wanted nothing more than to rush to Marius' home and kill him where he stood, knowing now that Marius' wife was his sister. He wondered if she knew the truth this whole time or if she was just as much in the dark as Symon was. Putting his plan into action, he purchased some dye from the local seamstress and went down to the river where he dyed both his hair and his beard, hoping this combined with the jagged scar across his face that he would bear the rest of his life would serve as a sufficient disguise. Once finished he headed to Marius' house to put his plan into action. Symon had heard through the villagers that Marius had an opening in his house as a servant, this would be the perfect way to get close enough to study his kind for weakness.

Chapter Fifteen

Symon awoke to the sound of footsteps, afraid to open his eyes for fear that he would find himself back in the cell, or worse be greeted by his executioner, he squeezed his eyes shut as tight as he could, when a woman's gentle voice spoke to him telling me he was safe here. Where was here? he opened my eyes slowly and looked around, having not seen sunlight in so long he was momentarily blinded by the brightness. Quickly he shut his eyes once again, turning his head away from the light. The woman who spoke earlier asked if he was alright, he told her it was too bright. Through closed eyes he could see the room get darker, the woman had pulled the curtains closed, and lit candles instead. Symon very slowly opened his eyes once more, this time he was able to see that he was in a small cottage. The woman who had spoken before came over to him and asked it the light was better now, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. The light was much better. She introduced herself as Emelia, she and her father Thomas lived here in this cottage. She told Symon that he had had been here for nearly two weeks, and was unconscious for most of that time. She brought him a bowl of broth saying he must be hungry, which the growling of his stomach answered before he could say yes. After helping him sit up, she gave Symon the bowl. He was so weak he could barely lift the spoon, after just a few bites he was exhausted. He could tell Emelia wanted to ask me something, so he told her to go ahead and ask. Just as she was about to say something the front door opened and he could hear a man's voice call out. Emelia left Symon telling him to rest and went out to greet her father. As He listened to their muffled voiced he dozed off, soon falling into a deep sleep.

When next Symon awoke two days had passed, he could hear Emelia and Thomas talking. Though he was weak, he could no longer stay abed. Very slowly he made my way out of the room and into the kitchen where Thomas and Emelia were. Symon must have looked horrid since Thomas gasped and nearly dropped the bowl of porridge he was holding. Symon made a joke about how bad he looked as Emelia came over and helped him to a chair scolding him the whole way for being out of bed. Once Thomas composed himself symon apologized for frightening him. Thomas told him it was not the wounds that shocked him, but that for a moment he thought he was looking at Julius, King Merek's father. Symon ate the food that Emelia placed in front of him, and as he was eating they asked how he came to be in the woods. Symon told them of his parents death and his escape from the dungeon, leaving out the Queen's assistance. They told Symon how they had found him in the woods beyond the castle and brought him back to their farm. 

Once his strength returned Symon helped Thomas around his farm. This land was safe for now, Thomas' farm was all but forgotten, though Tristan's reign of terror spread across the land.
Tristan had to be stopped. Discussing this with Thomas one day Symon discovered that he used to be the weapon master at the castle under the reign of Julius. Thomas agree to teach him to fight, and his time was spent training and farming,

"Symon, may I ask something?" Emelia asked one morning. "Yes, you may ask anything of me." "I understand wanting revenge for the death of your parents, but what will that accomplish? Revenge will not bring them back."  "Emelia, I must avenge their deaths, they cannot go unanswered."  "Is that what they would have wanted, forgive me if I am too bold, but perhaps there's another option."  "What else is there?" Symon asked. "Honor their memory, but live your life." Emelia answered
"What life? I have no home, I'm wanted by Tristan, all those who cared for me are dead." Not all, I care for you Symon. You could stay here if you wish."  "Truly? I have cared for you since I woke up here, though I knew it was foolish to act upon my feelings. You deserve better." Symon answered pulling Emelia close. "Let me decide what I deserve." Emelia answered as they kissed.

Chapter Fourteen

The following morning Symon was awakened by a boot to the ribs. The guards were here. They shackled and him led from the dungeon. He was led through the waiting crowd stopping in the center of town. He was chained to a post and the flogging began.

When it was over Symon was dragged back to my cell and dumped inside. As he lay there, unable to move he heard the door to the dungeon open. Assuming it was one of the guards, he called out to him "leave me be". It did not matter at this point if he was fed or not. Footsteps advanced towards the cell, and Symon yelled at them "didn't you hear me? Leave me be" as he rolled over to face the door to his cell.

To his surprise it was not a guard, it was a woman. "Is that how you speak to your Queen?" She scolded. "My apologies your highness. Forgive me for not bowing, but I'm afraid I am unable to do so." Symon said as he dragged himself to the door so she could see him. To Symon's surprise she joined him on the cold, dirty ground. Never in his life had he imagined that he would be face to face with the queen, let alone have a conversation with her. When she saw him, there was a strange look that passed over her face, it was almost a look of recognition. She did not ask what his crime was, nor did she ask Symon's name. "I apologize for your current predicament, though I would help if you would allow me to." She said. "How will you help? Herbs to dull my senses so I will not feel my death?" Symon said harshly. "I Wish to help you escape."

Late into the night the queen returned as promised, she had in her possession the key to the cell. Symon looked at her in amazement. Who was this woman, that she would risk her own life to save mine? They both knew that if she was found out, her life was forfeit. Once the door was unlocked, she led Symon through the dark corridors of the dungeon to a small opening. She told him that this led out of the castle, it was an old servants entrance from years past that had been all but forgotten. As Symon pushed the door open, he thanked her for her kindness, and begged her to be safe. Unsure as to why, he felt a connection with her, and knew that if his escape brought her any harm he would never forgive himself. Symon left the castle as quickly as possible, which in his state was not very quick at all. having no plan, no idea where to go. He no longer had a home. Symon was in such a sorry state, due to his many wounds, and hunger that he did not make it far at all, just a few miles away from the castle He collapsed.


"Go my son. My Symon. Be safe, one day you will return and we will be together at last." Allinor said as she stood in the door way and watched until symon was out of sight. Closing the door and quietly making her way back up stairs. Waiting at the top of the stairs for her was Tristan. When she saw him all the color drained from her face. "What were you doing mother?" Allinor had no answer. "Check on the prisoner" Tristan told his guard. "He's gone." The guard said. "Find him!" Tristan hollered. Grabbing Allinor by the arm he growled "You'll pay for this" as he led her away.

Chapter Thirteen

Symon awoke to the most horrid smell he had ever smelled. He groaned as he staggered to his feet with a pounding head, an eye that was swollen shut, and a shirt that  was stiff with dried blood.  He attempted to take in my surroundings, but as he realized where he was his heart sank. Symon was locked in a cell in the dungeon. He was the only prisoner,having been witness the execution of the former occupants.

 After some time, a guard brought a plate of food down to him, it was little more than he was used to receiving back home, having not eaten in who knows how long he gladly took the plate and ate it as fast as he could. The guard did not say a word as he turned and left. Days without food, mixed with hitting his head made for a volatile combination. No sooner had his food hit my stomach, when it came back. Symon retched until he had nothing left. Using some of the water he was given, he tore off a part of his shirt that was relatively clean and attempted to clean his wounds before fever set in. The pain was more than he could bear, and once again everything went dark. Once a day the guard brought Symon a plate, this is what he used to judge time. After many days the swelling in his eye went down, and to his relief he was able to see. He continued to clean his wounds as best as he could, and after that first time he did not pass out again, being able to bear the pain. Being locked up gave him plenty of time to think, Symon thought back to his encounter with Tristan.Why had he left him alive?

He got the answer to his question when Tristan himself payed a visit, the guards unlocked the door and drug Symon out of his cell. Though he was weak he refused to let Tristan see, barely managing to stay standing. Tristan informed him that the attempt on his life was to be made an example of. The
following day, he would flogged, and on the 16th anniversary of his ascent to the throne, Symon would be publicly executed so no one else would dare to challenge him. "Any last words for your king?" Tristan asked. Symon stared at him for a long minute before spitting in his face. As the guards shoved him back into his cell, Tristan laughed and wiped off his face. Symon fell back into his cell as the door clanged shut. He stumbled back to his makeshift bed, the stagnant hay piled up in the corner. While some may have been revolted by the smell of old hay, Symon was comforted by it as it reminded him of home. He lay there for a while contemplating what awaited him come morning. Symon knew his death would not be quick, he would suffer. Tristan would see to that.

Chapter Twelve

Symon had dreamed of seeing Lanos since he was a child, now that he was here though, it held no appeal. he made his way through the bustling streets towards the castle. Knowing he would not be granted admittance, he found a group of servants heading to work and followed them into the castle.

Once inside Symon had no idea which way he was to go, he wandered around for what seemed like hours, till he finally found the throne room. Outside of the room two guards stood watch. He stood around the corner and watched, trying to decide how he was going to get inside. As he was deciding his next move a guard was ushering a group of prisoners into the throne room, Symon joined the group and tried his best to blend in as they walked past the guards and into the throne room. Nothing could have prepared him for what happened next, once they were all inside, the doors closed behind them and the king and his men surrounded them, in one quick move they attacked. Each of the kings men taking a prisoner and feasting upon him.

Amidst the chaos Symon was able to steal a sword and make his advance on Tristan. He had no real plan,  just saw the opportunity to attack and  took it. As soon as he lunged towards Tristan, he felt like he hit a wall and was thrown back slamming into the wall. Tristan and his men had finished with their kill, and they advanced on Symon. He got to my feet and stood his ground, With a motion of his hand Tristan's men stopped, and he alone came to face Symon.  Symon held his sword between himself and Tristan, realizing that it was a futile move when Tristan drew his sword. In one quick move, Symon's sword lay at his feet, and Tristan's sword was pointed at his chest."Who are you, how did you get in here?" Tristan demanded. "I came here to kill you. To avenge my parents"  "I've killed quite a few peasants. You'll have to be a bit more specific"  "My parents owned the farm you had burned to the ground" before Symon could react, Tristan swung his sword intent on killing him where he stood. Symon moved just in time, so instead of killing him, the sword slashed across his face. He hit the ground as pain blossomed across his face, holding the side of his face as blood streamed through his fingers, Symon scrambled to his feet, but with just a flick of his hand Tristan sent him flying out of the room, slamming into the stone wall outside. The last thing Symon saw as his vision faded was the evil smile on Tristan's face.

Chapter Eleven

Symon was taken to the once prosperous land of Arda where he was raised as a farmer as his father before him.

When he was just a child Tristan became king. He had sent one of his nobles, Marius, and his wife Cecily to rule over Arda. Marius announced that they would still be permitted to farm their land, and would be given a part of the harvest to keep, The rest would be sent to Lanos.   They farmed, the soldiers came at the end of the harvest to escort father to the town center, where the harvest was prepared to be sent on to Lanos, he was then given their portion of the harvest, which was inadequate to say the least.

And so life went on, for Symon the same as he'd always known, hunger and hard work.
His Mother made sure that he knew the history of Arda, how they used to be free. Father did not approve of her telling him such things, saying that this is how it was now, forget about the past, it would just get them in trouble.

Days before his sixteenth birthday, everything changed. A messenger arrived at their door one morning as they sat eating their morning meal, bearing a letter. Mother brought the man inside and asked if he had been followed, to which he replied no. He handed mother a letter, which she quickly scanned the looked towards Symon. Just as she was about to say something the messenger saw the soldiers,as he had been watching out the window,  he turned back to Symon and his parents white as a sheet, and told them that he had been followed after all. Mother quickly took the letter into the kitchen where she threw it into the stove fire. Symon was concerned, trying to ask what was going on. Father had gotten up and went outside to meet the soldiers. Mother grabbed a bag and shoved some of his clothes into it, along with some food. She shoved the bag at Symon and said "Run, go as fast as you can, and no matter what you hear, don't come back." Symon ran out into the field, hiding a ways from the house, he peeked out to see what was happening. He saw the soldiers enter the house, then heard his mother scream. Symon wanted nothing more than to run to her, but knew his mother had a reason for him to leave. Some of the soldiers came near to his  hiding place, so Symon quietly snuck away, into the woods where he ran as fast as he could, not stopping for anything. He ran far enough that he was sure he hadn't been followed. Symon hid in the woods till the sun started to set, then made his way back home.



Nothing could prepare him for what he saw, his home was nothing but rubble, they had burned it to the ground. Hisparents lay in the yard, neither one moving. Symon knew before he got to them that they were already gone. He wanted nothing more than to stay and grieve for them, but I knew that I had to leave, He would not let my parents death be in vain. Symon spent the night burying his parents and the messenger that had led to their death.



Once he had said his goodbyes, he headed to Lanos intent on getting revenge on the King.

Chapter Ten

Tristan became a ruthless king, punishing people for the smallest infraction, those that once hailed him as a savior, now feared him. Just as Cecily had been forced into marriage, Tristan forced Emma and Juliana to marry as well, marrying them off to others of his kind, all three of my girls had been taken to different lands. Lands that Tristan had conquered and given to the most loyal among his kind.

I tried to do what I could to help my people, using what influence I still had to free those who had committed minor infractions from the jail, all in a effort to undermine Tristan.

My efforts were in vain, as Tristan found out. I was forced to watch as he publicly killed the man I had freed. Announcing to all who were made to gather there that he was king, and I had no more authority, upon his decree, everyone bowed acknowledging his authority. My power was gone, I had to find a way to stop Tristan.

For many years now, Tristan has sat on the throne. The kingdom is in ruins, the people need their TRUE king. I fear you are the only one who can save us. Your time has come...