Count the Stars (163 hits)
Category: UberMadness! EntryRating: 2 on 1 review (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Davros (View user info) at 2006-10-10 06:37:45 EDT
This post was an official UberMadness! entry. Click here to view the original matchup.
Long ago, in a land far away was the Kingdom of Akran. It was governed by twin brothers, Abbus and Darin, who had ruled the Kingdom for many years, since the death of their father. Their Mother had died while giving birth and the twin Princes had been taken from her stomach in her death throes. This had caused the court many problems as tradition dictated that the eldest son of the King would gain the throne. The brothers were put through many tests, none of which could separate them and it was decided that they would rule together.
That, however, is a tale for another dawn.
Suffice to say, the twin princes ruled well and fairly and the Kingdom of Akran, despite their lack of a "King", had experienced a long period of peace and prosperity combined with good relationships with the people of the Kingdom's that surrounded them.
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It was nightfall in Akran and the gates to the city were about to be locked down when a rider approached from the West.
"A visitor from the Mortagh court approaches. He is alone and seeks an audience with the Princes."
The message was conveyed to the Princes and by the time of the arrival of the visitor, food and ale had been prepared.
The people of Mortagh were good friends of Akran despite their obvious differences. They were of a dark skin and lived on the edges of the Great Western Desert, a very barren area. They rode upon hump backed horses, which were capable of travelling long distances without having to stop for water. They were expert craftsmen and often traded with Akran.
The messenger entered the court, clad in the traditional emerald green robes of Mortagh. He bowed low before the Princes and held out a scroll, which was taken by Darin. He read it aloud to his brother and the assembled court.
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"My friends of Akran, I approach you looking for help in a most serious matter.
For many years our people have grazed our cattle over the Black Mountains to the north of our land. An area much different to our land. We have always enjoyed a good friendship with our northern neighbours, but this has changed some seven moons ago.
At that time the King died leaving no heir. The man who seized power is a violent man with no consideration for treaties of the past. He refuses to allow us over the mountains to graze our cattle unless we pay a high price.
We sent our warriors to him and he summoned the grey wolves to stand in their path. We have tried to negotiate and come away with one option.
He tells us that if there is a challenge he cannot overcome, then he will grant us safe passage through the mountains.
We sent our fiercest gladiator and he defeated him in combat. Our greatest minds have not been able to arrive at a challenge that outwits him. We have arrived at an impasse.
Our cattle are becoming weak from lack of food and if they do not survive, then my people will go hungry.
If there is anything you can do to aid us, we would be forever in your debt.
Your ally, Farooq of Mortagh."
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The Princes sent the messenger to rest and retired to their chambers with their closest advisors. The night was spent in discussion about a solution. Many ideas were brought up and quickly discarded and as dawn approached the Princes were beginning to despair of finding an answer.
"I may have an idea that could succeed", Li Chang spoke for the first time.
The Princes instantly paid attention to one of their Father's most trusted advisors. He had travelled many miles over the great oceans and seen many things. Despite his advanced age, he was still one of the most intelligent men in the Kingdom.
"It will rely upon the vanity of the new ruler", he continued "and, of course, that he can be trusted to honour his word."
"Tell us your idea and we will decide what can be done" , said Darin.
As Li Chang explained his theory, the court listened intently, the appeal of the plan growing as they heard the details.
"Very well", said Darin, "We shall try your method. I shall ride back with the messenger to Mortagh to deliver the plans to King Farooq. If it fails or if he goes back on his word, Abbus will bring our armies and we will unite to defeat this evil ruler."
"Now we must rest".
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The following evening, after a feast to sustain them on the journey, the Prince Darin, his bodyguards and the messenger left for the long ride west to Mortagh. It had been decided to travel by night to avoid the heat of the day.
"We will send word back by the new moon", said Darin, "whatever the result."
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The journey took five nights, with the travellers resting as best they could in the burning heat of the day. They were welcomed by King Farooq and sent to rest in the cool confines of his dwelling. It was agreed that Darin would issue the challenge and a messenger was despatched to organise a meeting.
He returned the following morning and the date was set for two nights hence at sundown.
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At the appointed hour, Darin approached the mountain passage for his meeting.
He was greeted by a man with long dark hair and very pale skin, who spoke with a very strong accent.
"I am Verdek, ruler of the Northern territories. I understand you have a challenge for me."
"I do."
"You have not yet succeeded and you shall not. Challenge me and be gone from my sight."
"I will trust that you are a man of your word and that, should you fail, you will grant the people safe passage through these mountains."
Verdeck nodded.
"I challenge you to number the lights in the night sky."
Verdeck laughed, "You wish me to count? Why do you not challenge me? Go and my answer will be with you shortly."
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He sat in a cave in the mountains, a fire burning in front of him, a wolf skin wrapped around his shoulders. He began to count only to find that they appeared and vanished as the clouds drifted across the night sky.
Again and again he began, only to lose count as his view was obscured. As the dawn approached he retreated to the back of the cave and slept.
For five nights he continued to try and every time dawn came before he had accomplished his task.
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At dusk on the sixth night Darin and Farooq rode back to the pass, where they were dismissed by Verdeck.
"I will succeed. Leave me."
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The following day, the cattle were taken through the mountains and passed without challenge.
Darin explained to Farooq, what was to be done.
"He shall never be able to defeat this challenge. Yet I believe that he will never concede defeat. While he is trying he will be unable to stop your passage through the mountains. If he tries to stop you again we will send our armies to assist you in his defeat."
With that Darin took his leave and began the long journey back to his home.
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Now it is almost time to take our leave of Akran and the Twin Princess. Before we do there are some things that need to be cleared up.
King Farooq and the people of Mortagh continued to drive their cattle through the mountains without any confrontation with Verdeck. It was reported for many years, that he could be heard by people travelling through the mountains by night, screaming and cursing at the night sky.
The people of Akran continued to enjoy their peaceful and prosperous lives and for many years when someone was given a job to do that had no end in sight, it was said that they were being made to "Count the Stars".
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Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-06-05 12:30:15 EDT (#)
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