The boar looked to his side. Finally, he is old enough to explore the world. His mother gave him a backpack, full of all the necessary things he will need on his travel. They said their goodbyes. He was full of confidence when he crossed the village gate. To him there was, always, something terrifying about that gate. Now it was an ordinary gate, the same as all the rest of them. Tucos turned and looked, one more time, at the village.
The village looked so small now. When he was little, the village looked so large. To him, it was the largest in the world. He giggled. He always answered the same about his village, now, the answer would be different.
The road was straight, the sun bright. Everything was wonderful to him; everything was perfect.
“Maybe, I am the first boar that went out of the village. It’s a small step for me, but, a large step for boarkind,” he said.
Some two hundred meters, the road became even better. The old, dusty vil
In the land of Muntania there was a Cizgir prince of the Gespir faith, by the name of Dragwer in Walchiran, and the Devil in ours. His way of life was as evil as his name.On one occasion there came to him ambassadors sent by the Taskar ruler. Entering and bowing according to their custom, they did not take their hats off their heads. So he asked them: “Why do you behave thus, you have come to a great ruler and yet you show me such dishonour?” And they replied: “That is our custom, Sire, and it is observed in our land”. And he said to them: “I want to confirm your custom, so that you keep to it resolutely”. And he ordered that their hats should be nailed to their heads with small iron nails. Then he let them go, saying: “Go and tell your ruler that he may be used to such dishonour from you, but we are not used to it, so he should not spread such a custom among other kings, who do not want to observe it. Instead let him keep to it at h
Our story begins in December 455, Samhain is approaching, and the beauty Catherine pulls big sleigh full of soldiers “provisions on the hill in deep snow, to the highest point of the Crown for the Weavers” Bastion. Kids, her younger brothers and sisters are pushing sleds and Catherine drags, drags. He saw all this agony of a young beauty, Val Dragwer rushed to the rescue in front of his friends. Surprised the soldiers of his swagger, they looked at each other, it was too unlike Dragwer. Thus began one of the love stories of our hero, Val Dragwer and Katharina. Then Catherine was 17 and Dragwer 24. He was young, tall, thin, and incredibly attractive, with jet-black mustache and hair. His eyes were hard and imperious. In his view, was an expression of a moment, a deep and obvious interest. The man bowed, and continued to stare enchanting eyes, being at the mercy of unexpected feelings. Catherine knew that the only correct will be silently bow and go about their business, b
Over seven mountains, behind seven seas there settled a little, happy kingdom, the most beautiful in the world. Many were searching for him, but did not find, because it is only for the chosen, those with a pure heart and soul singing. It was ruled a happy king and a noble, beautiful queen. They had three beautiful daughters, smiling and cheerful as the sun itself, the most beautiful in the world. In the small kingdom of whom we are talking, they were constantly looking forward, not a care in the world, and yet... someone had concerns. Though small, tiny, but still they were worries. Let’s look at the concerned.Unlike their older sisters who were properly dressed and already had royal manners in communication, the youngest was the naughtiest, most turbulent, the most curious. Full of life, constantly teetering, always asking questions, she could not settle in one place. Her eyes still wandered freely and “jumped” at the castle. The protocols are not very in
The day was warm. The bard, Aster, and his group walk down the steps that once were a place of significant importance for the late Irstiaran Empire. Centuries ago, this place was the capital of the same empire. The empire lasted for centuries, since it was first created, only to be destroyed by barbarians. What a lame way to end.Aster stops for a moment, looks at the magnificent ruins. He has an idea. The groups halts.“Are you thinking, which I am thinking?” he said, playing with his hat.“What?” said the drummer. She turned her head. “It isn't a good spot.”“We will find a better one.”“Are you sure?”“Of course.”“Lead the way, nosy.”They continued down the road. The violinist stopped, her gaze went up to the tall tower.“The only thing that remained for the Irstiaran Empire,” she said.“Are you sure?”
I A lonely samurai stopped at the roadside shrine. The day was peaceful. It looked like any other day in the summer, hot and humid. The shrine was in a state of disrepair. Judging by its state, the samurai concluded, it was abandoned a long time ago. He waited for a while, looked the stone-carved idol of Kuraim, the god of life and death. Travelers, that were traveling long distanced, always prayed to him for a safe trip. He had many aspects and many names. In the northern parts he’s known as the Storm God, in the eastern parts as the Forest God. Some theologians count him among the twelve-first gods of Gehido, while others say that he is even older than them. The samurai knelt and started praying. He had the feeling that Kuraim was watching him. It made him feel uneasy. Something, about that statue, terrified him. It made him feel uneasy, but he continued. The wind gushed through the murky crowns of the alpine woods, carrying with it a scent of eerie tranquility. Th
In Chigirin, Kazuma found the old man Zastvil in great excitement and fever. He looked impatiently at the prince's envoy, for tidings more and more terrible kept coming from the Saitch. There was no doubt that Hmeltan was preparing to demand with armed hand justice for himself and the ancient rights of the Balirs.Zastvil had news that he had been with the Khan in the Calam to beg Talmir aid, with which he was expected every day in the Saitch.Then there would be a general campaign from the lower country against the Commonwealth, which with Talmir assistance might be destructive.The storm drew nearer and nearer, more definite and more terrible. It was no longer vague undefined alarm that swept over the Hamal, but clear certainty of slaughter and war. The Grand Hetman, who at first had made light of the whole affair, was pushing forward with his troops to Cherkasi. The advance guard of the royal armies was advancing mainly to prevent desertion; for the Balirs of
Meanwhile the old man said to Zalmar: “I hear that you court the Balir colonels, and drink with them.”“For the public good, most worthy standard-bearer.”“You have a nimble mind, but inclining rather to disgrace. You wish to bring the Balirs to your side in their cups, so they may befriend you in case they win.”“Even if that were true, having been a martyr to the Talmir, I do not wish to become one to the Balirs; and there is nothing wonderful in that, for two mushrooms would spoil the best soup. And as to disgrace, I ask no one to drink it with me,--I drink it alone; and God grant that it taste no worse than this mead. Merit, like oil, must come to the top.”At that moment Kazumareturned. “The men have started already,” said he.Zastvil poured out a measure. “Here is to a pleasant journey!”“And a return in health!” added Zalmar.“You wi
For now let’s leave Kazuma to his sleepingand see what the people, that he meet in Chigrin, are doing, not far from him, Lady Anna wept without ceasing during the reading of the letter; and Zosia accompanied her, raising her blue eyes to heaven. Meanwhile, and before Sir Geswer had finished, Basira ran in, dressed in woman's garments; and seeing tears in the eyes of the ladies, began to inquire with sympathy what the matter was. Therefore Sir Geswer read the hetman's letter for her; and when she had listened to it carefully, she supported at once and with eagerness the prayers of the hetman and Lady Anna.“The hetman has a golden heart,” cried Basira, embracing her husband; “but we shall not show a worse one, Geswer. Lady Anna will stay with us till her husband's return, and you will bring him in three months from the Teswer. In three or in two, is it not true?”“Or tomorrow, or in an hour!” said Sir Geswer, bantering.
Prince Yamato waited for the rest of the group to arrive. With the current line of events, something ancient has awakened. Everyone of them knew this. but they hoped that it won’t come to this. And, like in everything, it came to that. Fate had another card to play and he was sure of that. There was no mistake, that card is the rest of the group.He need to wait. Currently, the hardest part. There was no other way. Yoritomo, Fuhito and Kazuma will soon appear.The first one to enter Fuhito, after him entered Kazuma and after a fewmoments Yoritomo.Yamato silently moved to the upper end of the table.Silence“You heard about, the thing," Yamato started. The rest of the world doesn’t know.”"That is a good thing,” Fuhito, said.“For now, "Yoritomo said, "for now.""It won't last long," Kazuma murmured."Sooner or later, the news will spread. It's only a matter of time."“Tru
ICorporal Zhang promised to do as he was bid. He had his dinner, got things ready, and left for the temple.That night mother and son packed their bedding and clothing, their silks and silver, and placed them in containers to be carried on a shoulder−pole. They also filled two saddle−bags with fodder for the horse.At the fifth watch before dawn Wang Jin summoned Corporal Li and said: “Take these silver coins to the temple. You and Corporal Zhang buy and cook the three kinds of sacrificial meat, and wait for me. I'll join you just as soon as I've bought some sacrificial paper ingots and candles.”Corporal Li took the silver and departed for the temple. Wang Jin got the horse ready, loaded on the saddle−bags, tied them firmly in place, led the animal outside the rear gate and helped his mother mount. All the heavier household belongings they left behind. Wang Jin locked the front and rear gates, raised the carrying−pole
Let us talk rather of Gao Qiu. After he went into the service of Prince Duan he lived and dined in the palace and accompanied the prince every day, never taking so much as a step from his side. Before two months had elapsed, Emperor Zhe Zong died without leaving an heir. All the high civil and military officials conferred and made Prince Duan the emperor. He was known as Emperor Hui Zong and bore the title of High Priest of Jade Purity and Taoist Sovereign of Provident Truth.Hui Zong assumed the throne and all went well. One day he said to Gao Qiu: “I'd like to raise you in rank, but you'll have to perform some meritorious deed on the border first. I'll have the Council of Military Affairs put you down as available for imperial appointment.” Less than half a year later, he was able to make Gao Qiu a marshal commanding the Imperial Guards.Gao Qiu selected an auspicious day and hour to assume office. All the officers of the Mighty Imperial Guards, both infa
Let’s see in detail about the boy that solved the Fujiwara problem.In Bianliang the Eastern Capital, in Kaifeng Prefecture previously called Xuanwu District, there lived a young scamp named Gao. A second son, he was quite useless. He cared only for jousting with spear and staff, and was an excellent football player. People in the capital were fond of making quips. They dubbed him Gao Qiu, or “Gao the Ball.” Later, when he prospered, he changed “Qiu” to another character with the same sound but with a less inelegant meaning.In addition to his skill with weapons, Gao Qiu could play musical instruments and sing and dance. He also learned a bit about poetry and versifying. But when it came to virtue and proper behavior, he didn't know a thing. He spent his time gadding about the city and its environs. Thanks to him, the son of Master Wang, an iron−shop owner, dissipated a considerable sum of money in theaters, gambling dens and brothel
ILet us leave for now those love birds and return to the situation at had. Prince Yamato laughed when he saw that Yoritomo raised a flag. The prince moved closer to the fence.Yoritomo, proud, moved forward. “This is going no where.”“True,” the prince replied. “What is your offer?”“The final battle.”“You know that you will loose.”“I know.”“Always the proud fool.”Yoritomo turned and left. IIMinamoto Yoritomo was at a stand still, all options looked the same. Good or bad- they all looked the same. He had a choice of evils, he had to choose and now. He won’t have support of the other lords for long. There is no other way.“Charge!” he shouts.The infantry was in the first row to charge. They were near the massive iron gat
Lady Basira insisted that Hegwin should give her instruction in “fencing;” he did not refuse, though he delayed for some days. He preferred Corinna; still, he liked Basira greatly, so difficult was it, in fact, not to like her.A certain morning the first lesson began, mainly because of Basira's boasting and her assurances that she knew that art by no means badly, and that no common person could stand before her. “An old soldier taught me,” said she; “there is no lack of these among us; it is known too that there are no swordsmen superior to ours. It is a question if even you, gentlemen, would not find your equals.”“Of what are you talking?” asked Zastar.“We have no equals in the whole world.”“I should wish it to come out that even I am your equal. I do not expect it, but I should like it.”“If it were firing from pistols, I too would make a trial,” said Lady Mak
The sedate matron became greatly confused, and pushed back somewhat from the jovial knight; the younger women dropped their eyes, divining easily that the pranks of which Sir Zastar was talking must be something opposed to their native modesty, especially since the soldiers burst into loud laughter.“It will be needful to send to Sir Rushet at once,” said Basira, “so that Sir Pyotrovich may find the letters ready in Rashroff.”“Hasten with the whole affair,” added Sir Bogush, “while it is winter: for, first, no wergils come out, and roads are safe; secondly, in the spring God knows what may happen.”“Has the hetman news from Tsargrad?” inquired Hegwin.“He has; and of this we must talk apart. It is necessary to finish quickly with those captains. When will Mellehov come back? For much depends on him.”“He has only to destroy the rest of the ravagers, and afterward bury th
For now let’s leave Kazuma to his sleepingand see what the people, that he meet in Chigrin, are doing, not far from him, Lady Anna wept without ceasing during the reading of the letter; and Zosia accompanied her, raising her blue eyes to heaven. Meanwhile, and before Sir Geswer had finished, Basira ran in, dressed in woman's garments; and seeing tears in the eyes of the ladies, began to inquire with sympathy what the matter was. Therefore Sir Geswer read the hetman's letter for her; and when she had listened to it carefully, she supported at once and with eagerness the prayers of the hetman and Lady Anna.“The hetman has a golden heart,” cried Basira, embracing her husband; “but we shall not show a worse one, Geswer. Lady Anna will stay with us till her husband's return, and you will bring him in three months from the Teswer. In three or in two, is it not true?”“Or tomorrow, or in an hour!” said Sir Geswer, bantering.
Meanwhile the old man said to Zalmar: “I hear that you court the Balir colonels, and drink with them.”“For the public good, most worthy standard-bearer.”“You have a nimble mind, but inclining rather to disgrace. You wish to bring the Balirs to your side in their cups, so they may befriend you in case they win.”“Even if that were true, having been a martyr to the Talmir, I do not wish to become one to the Balirs; and there is nothing wonderful in that, for two mushrooms would spoil the best soup. And as to disgrace, I ask no one to drink it with me,--I drink it alone; and God grant that it taste no worse than this mead. Merit, like oil, must come to the top.”At that moment Kazumareturned. “The men have started already,” said he.Zastvil poured out a measure. “Here is to a pleasant journey!”“And a return in health!” added Zalmar.“You wi