Legend,based on the artwork of Justin Ransburg
People from nations far and wide heard about the challenge. Anyone who could remove the sword from the stone would become the next ruler. No matter their rank,class,social status,or gender. Royalty and commoner alike were at equal standing. Who would become the next legend to ascend?
From the lands to the north,or ridges of the southern sea,no distance was too vast for those who sought to be great. The chance only came every six moons,or so they said. Upon the renewal of the cycle , it was said one could prove themselves to the Riare ,or King Maker for the chance to occupy the empty throne of the Valley of the Sun. Many accomplished great feats in hopes of rising to the gilded seat.
Gormath was perhaps the most fearsome beast slayer of the wooded areas. Throughout the years,he slaughtered every rogue creature which might do harm to the livestock of agrarians, or worse, the children of the area. Nothing of horn or hoof that bared its teeth in his domain escaped his blade. Surely one such as he would be seen worthy to lift the Riare. Many came when word spread that he would take his chance to pull the handle from the ground.
As he stepped forward to the potential prize,the crowd parted and hushed. If Gormath was to be the new king, it was not a moment to be missed. With one hand,and then with both, Gormath gave the hilt a more vigorous effort than anything his considerable strength has had to expend before. Yet still, the Riare was not his to have.
“Please allow me words to speak,most respected one, “ said one of the crowd. He spoke alone,but spoke for many. “Your exploits have enthralled us all. We are skilled with the blade,but no master such as you. May we be party to your efforts?” And with that ,Gormath took a portion of the throng to his cause.
In the middle villages ,a great wave of prosperity washed over its citizens. From the depths of poverty,in a generation’s time, conditions of want and need were overturned. The roads were paved with new stones, children were fed, and homes of mud and straw were fortified with stone and mortar. The responsible party was a man named Lemley.
Studious in his youth,he dreamed of visiting the distant leads that came into his awareness. Upon becoming of age,he ventured into these far fields and discovered many treasures ,making himself a man of great fortune. Not content to squander the amassed wealth on himself,he returned to his home and rebuilt the society there. Where many went without work,he erected markets where their labor could be repaid.
Praised for his reconstruction, he was thought most likely to be destined for a crown,as he was already lord of his birthplace. His ego desired no glory,but his heart enjoyed adventure,and so he made his way to the Riare,if only to appease his counsel’s aspirations for him. He gave the sword a fair pull,and in good spirits turned from it,having satisfied all curiosities. Before he could depart,Lemley was bombarded by requests . Others in dire need sought him as an advisor, and others of greater standing wanted to do even better. Lemley and his circle of advisors left the Riare having made connections to raise the profile of many other villages,creating a network of prosperity.
The western ends had become a safe haven of sorts. No rouges dared to indulge their misgivings in this land,where Lorbeth the fearsome reigned supreme. She was one of great strength,and fierce skill ,but the lady was overlooked by all who found her unassuming,not knowing this deception was her design. She alone drove marauders and from her homeland. To say her name was like a blow to all who mused on misdeeds .
To the Lady of the Law,as she is sometimes nomered, some bowed as she stalked past. She was a slight woman, her hair pulled back,and she carried little. It was easy to see that she was always prepared for battle. Lorbeth took her stand in front of the handle of destiny. With one sharp upward pull,she accomplished nothing. However,her travels were not in vain.
“ Your legend is one most awesome. How can we be as fierce as yourself?” asked a brave gentleman who approached her. “ We have followed your example,but none among us approach your acuity. Will you lead us in the salvation of others?” asked one of his companions. And with that,like her predecessors , Lorbeth became a general of her own band of warriors.
As they watched, three figures discussed the proceedings from beneath their cloaks. “Do you ever think it unfair that we give them false hope? Is it not a waste for them to pull a handle fixed to no blade?” the prince asked his father. “ Falsehoods yes,but still hope, my dear son,” the king replied. “ But would it not galvanize our people more to know we rule from the shadows? Why not step forward and make our presiding roles known?” queried the prince.
” Good boy,look at the outcome” chuckled the King. “ With but a trinket affixed to the ground, we have drawn out the leaders amongst them. Just today two warriors and a philanthropist have gained numbers to their cause. Would they have risen to face the challenges of the kingdom without our symbol to drive them? Would their followers seek them out if we were made ready to solve every issue. The people lead themselves,for better or worse,and all it took from us was the idea.”
https://www.justinransburg.art/
Awesome Wonder 