Frozen in Time

(Due to many unfortunate events of the past year, the story will be going through some changes to fit the guide lines of Starry and to add more content/detail of each chapter. I ask that you please be patient with me and the story updates as I will be attempting to release one chapter a month . Thank you) I highly encourage positive feedback.) ****Chapter Updated**** Pigsley’s Tavern roared with life every night. Tonight, however, bursted far beyond its seems like never before. There had been a rumor floating around for the past few weeks that our quaint little village would have an unusual guest, a Storyteller. Since the reign of the new king, storytellers were silenced, forcing their existence to fall as a myth. It was no surprise that the whole village showed up. The village was small enough that those traveling never took notice and those that did would sneer and snicker at us. Easily gliding myself between the busy bodies rapidly compacting into the small tavern, I found a seat close enough to hear and see. In the center of the tavern a small stage had been set, covered in blankets and pillows of vibrant colors that dance with the shifting lights. The air started to become thick and heavy with heat and moisture as people competed for the little space available. The noise grew louder as voices fought for dominance to be heard, guessing what stories would be told or if there really would be a Storyteller. Through all the noise, a faint ring echoed through the crowd. At first, only a few noticed the sound, but with each rhythmic tap more and more noticed the faint ringing till the room filled with silence. The hypnotic sound drew all eyes to the center of the room where sat a man covered in intricate patterns and colors. He smoked his pipe packed with unknown spices, filling the room with a surreal sense of mysticism. When he was sure that all eyes were on him, he set the instrument on the ground next to him. With a slow turning of his head, he met each and every eye that faced him. When he was satisfied, he began his tale by taking a deep breath of his spice and exhaling a thick cloud of smoke that began to shift and take form. His voice was deep and thick with an exotic accent. “Tonight is a special night, for many years ago on this very same night a tragedy occured. The fall of Faveria.” The smoke swirled in the shape of a familiar continent, then to a grand kingdom long forgotten. “Legend says that this kingdom was the largest stronghold anyone had ever seen, even stronger than the Blood King’s kingdom. Sadly, this legend has been almost completely eradicated from history despite the fact it was thriving over two decades ago. Fortunately for all you lovely folk, our tale does not begin here. It begins at the mighty walls of Faveria. The kingdom had been prosperous and peaceful for many generations, making many jealous. The place was alive with wonder, advancements beyond one imagination, and pure simple joy. Over the course of a few months prior to its fall, the kingdom would become flooded with refugees coming from every direction and every known kingdom at the time. “Faveria had become the last safe place. Ruled by King Lucas and Queen Cathy, who sought to find ways to help the refugees and kept the peace between them and the citizens. They were loved by all their people, benevolent and fair to all who came to them and lived under their rule. They did not flaunt their status and would be seen many times with the people, helping those around with their own hands and strength. Though their rule was strange, it never ceased to amaze the world that they would grow to be such a powerful kingdom. The Storyteller took another long deep breath, exhaling another cloud of smoke that shifted to a scene of fighting. “The final battle lasted a long and grueling week. The first day of the battle began in the morning to the sound of thundering feet. The kind and queen were woken up abruptly from the sudden intrusion of their trusted advisors talking over one another frantically. There had been rumors of a blood thirsty dark threat that was sweeping its way across the continent, destroying everything in its path. The king said “They are here sooner than we had anticipated.” The king and queen scuttled the people from their chambers, dressed themselves head to toe in armor skillfully made and called a meeting to discuss how to address the situation brewing outside their walls. “After hours of discussion, a letter arrived. The scent of smoke wafted from the letter splotched with blood. To the King and Queen. Your presence is demanded by the Blood King. Failure to show up before the sun has set will result in the slaughter of all who attempt to enter your gate and will be strung up by their feet for the crows to feast on their rotting corpses’. “Without saying another word, the king marches to the front gate. In his hast and clang of metal from his armor, it attracted many to follow. Dread hanging in the air as the king was muttering under his breath deciphering what to say to this supposed Blood King. Upon his arrival, the king was met with thousands of bows aimed at the gate. Standing in front of the enemy troop stood a lone figure. Covered in a dark aura that seemed to seep into the ground around him as if it drained life from everything in its path." The smoke cleared from the room. After blinking my eyes from the smoke’s sting, I noticed that the storyteller was staring at me. The expression of his face saddened deeper before turning his gaze back to the crowd. “Before I continue, I am in need of a drink and I’m sure a few fine butts and some not so fine need a good shifting.” The crowd chuckled a bit as the room began to fill with the sound of shuffling and chatter.