The Tale of the Bastard Lord...

Was a long one.

A Tale that was filled with Shock and Awe.

A Tale that brought out smiles, both Joyful and Sad.

A Tale that I was a part of, and spread to my heart's content.

And now... I will sing it to you.

Starting with the beginning.

When a Young Bastard is born to a disgraced Second Son and grows under the arms of his Grandfather.

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Rolfe I

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Sat in a dark room illuminated with but the light of the lamp in my grasp, my face was etched with horror as I heard the Physician's words...

"A-are you certain?"

"It would seem so, Ser Rolfe... Lady Maylese is with Child. By three months, I would wager."

The Physician, Convergua, spoke with utmost certainty as he sorted through the parchment in his hands, all filled with notes of his Diagnosis. He seemed to notice my brief look of distress as he sighed.

This could not be... We were careful! She had even partaken in Ginger's dew. I had witnessed it.

With a shaky breath, I shook my head in mild frustration. Dwelling on the past will do me no good. I need to find a solution. Quickly. A Vial of-

But.. What would Father say?

My eyes suddenly narrowed in worry. Father would not approve of his Son siring a Bastard, his Honor would be besmirched. But killing the Babe would only anger him. It was his Grand Child still. Bastard or Trueborn. I looked at the window beside me. A Thunderstorm was wreaking havoc in the Lands outside of the Castle, with bolts of lightning cascading the Apoan Mountains in the distance. This truly was not the best of nights to hear of such news. I hoped it was not a sign for the days to come.

"Ser Rolfe?"

I snap out of my thoughts, my eyes looking at the Physician in front of me, who was gripping the parchment in his hand as he tapped his foot. He seemed troubled.

"You are planning on marrying the Lady Maylese, yes?"

"Why do you ask, Convergua?"

Convergua looked conflicted before he spoke.

"I think it would be best to do so, Ser Rolfe. To prevent the Child from being marked as a Bastard and all... While, of course, making sure both you and your House's honour would not be put under question."

Convergua spoke cautiously. He was careful not to sound intrusive. A gentle and kind soul who did not wish for a babe to be raised under the shame of Bastardry. A good man.

Face turning pensive, I held my chin in thought. It was a suggestion worth thinking over. Maylese was a pretty Lady, strong and willful, and her Hand would bring an Alliance with House Parsenya, Landed Knights that ruled the Hills of Tiburna to the West. A powerful House that held influence. The Lady could also manage a Household well, from how she had been ruling her Father's lands for the past few years. The aged Ser Dogan Parsenya had been struck by a Heart disease and was immobile for years.

No... It could not be done. Maylese would not thrive here. She knows it as much as I.

"Unfortunately, no... I fear the Lady Maylese would not thrive under the shadow of my Harpy of a mother. She would be trapped here and reduced to nothing more than a Puppet."

I need only look at Tetra to know this... The poor woman I called my Good Sister suffers my Lady Mother more than most should. A proud Hawk of Orebro, now trapped in a gilded cage.

"Ah... I see."

Convergua did not seem happy with my decision, as he seemed to sag in worry. But he was quick to mask his emotion with that look most Physicians had, a Passive expression that bore little feeling. I hated that look, but I could never understand why. Maybe it was that undertone sense of superiority that Physicians proudly bore on their faces.

"If you think it is what should be done, Ser- Then I shall pry no further."

Posture straight, Convergua bowed politely.

Standing up with a silent groan, a sign of the man's age, Convergua turned to the table beside him and packed up his belongings. Placings the organized stack of Parchment in his hands into his leather luggage, where I could spot a few vials and tools.

"I just hope that you don't come to regret it."

Convergua commented as I stood up, straightening my Tunic and clearing the dust that settled on it. I looked to the window once again, my expression thoughtful as lightning illuminated the room with a boom of thunder.

I hope so as well...

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Thunder still boomed in the distance as I looked out at the Balcony of my Chambers. Red Curtains swayed side to side as the wind howled softly. It had been hours since Convergua left the Keep to his Village outside the Castle Walls. And yet I still could not be free from my thoughts, my mind a whirlwind of emotions as I continued to process what I had learned.

What do I do now?

The thought irritated me. I knew what I must do. A vial of Devil Drop sat idly on a table right beside me, the Crimson liquid shining under the light of the Storm. I had requested the liquid from the Castle Scholis, and my request had admittedly confused the man before he had given the vial reluctantly.

It would be enough to kill the babe within Maylese.

I could not help but doubt the decision as I took the vial into my hands, looking at the nefarious thing with a look of slow regret. This would not do.

I can't kill the Babe... 'Tis my Child. My Blood. I am many things, but a Kin slayer is not one of them.

I thought to myself as I then held the vial tightly. A crack could be heard from the glass before I stopped. Scholis Mangwin would be upset if I destroyed such a 'precious' vial. Rain reached beyond the Balcony as droplets landed on my shoe. I placed the vial back on the table, placing my hands behind the small of my back after.

The Babe will be raised under our roof. Father would not deny himself the possibility of another Grandchild. Even if it was a Bastard, he would love them all the same.

Thunder boomed once more as I stood in silent contemplation.

The thought of having a Child bothered me. Would I even be able to care for them? Would they thrive under my care? Will I even amount to the task?

I then heard the doors to my room creak behind me. She has arrived. The doors closed with a click, and for a moment, only the sound of the storm outside was all I could hear- The tapping of rain against stone, the boom of thunder, and the howl of the wind.

The click of heels against the wood floor sounded out as she made her approach in silence. The clicking came to a halt as I felt her warmth behind me. She did not make any move of affection as she stayed quiet for but a moment.

"What will we do now, Rolfe?"

Her voice sounded concerned, and I could feel her body tense with worry. She had noticed the Devil Drop on the table. I could hear her breath hitch.

"We will not kill the Babe."

The answer was simple and not filled with Honeyed words. But that was all it took for the tension to cease as Maylese sighed, wrapping her arms around me as she rested her head on my shoulder. Her beautiful Hazel brown eyes looked toward the storm in the dark skies above the Castle.

"But you know I could never settle here..."

"That is fine."

Maylese's lips frowned in worry as her hold around me tightened.

"You would have them be raised a Bastard? Your Father will not respond kindly to you siring one."

"He will not deny himself the pleasure of having another Grandchild, Bastard or not."

The Proud Lord Mahitrios sees value in everything. Our Child will have a part in his House.

The thought never came out of my mouth, yet Maylese seemed to hear it despite that. She always knew my thoughts. That was why I both enjoyed and dreaded her company. Although the former vastly outweighed the latter. Our talks and nights of passion always brought me Joy and Pleasure, and those moments were aplenty.

It truly is a shame that she could never be mine...

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Thunder roared once again as I turned around to face her, my hands cupping her cheek as she leaned into the touch. My eyes locked onto hers as I smiled.

"For now, let us free ourselves from worry. For this night may very well be the last we enjoy in peace..."

A kiss was shared that night. And it was the last we did so for the sake of Love.

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Diosdorian I

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The curtains of a window at the side of my Solar swayed to the Western Wind. Some pieces of Parchment on my desk flicked at the gust that blew through the window, but I did not mind it. So focused was I toward etching down words on the letter beneath my Hand. The stroking of my quill being the only sound in my Solar. But I was not alone, no.

Glancing to the side, Scholis Mangwin read through the ledger in his grasp. Seeing to the stocks of the Larder and Treasury, as usual. I returned my focus to the letter. This was far more important than checking on Mangwin, of all things.

Lord Aposlion has once again forgotten to pay his Tithes... But I will have my due.

As I was about to finish the letter with my signature, Mangwin spoke up with a clearing of his throat. He then looked up from his Ledger, his river blue eyes harboring a look of suspicion.

"It seems a bit of our Venison was taken from the Larder, My Lord."

I raised my brow at that, pushing up my spectacles as I looked at Mangwin.

"How much?"

"Just a piece of Loin and a few Aromatics, My Lord. Most unusual."

Mangwin spoke with a tone of suspicion, stroking the long goatee that winded down to his neck.

I frowned at the Scholis' words. It was a small amount. Not something worth noting, and can be easily replaced with the abundance of Elk in the Goldwood. But Mangwin was not one to mention such things for no reason at all.

No, he is trying to imply the same thing as always...

"My Lord, I suspect the Bastard has-"

"For the last time, Scholis. My Grandson has a name. You will refer to him by that name. A Bastard he may be, but he is still my Blood."

A pointed look from my eyes, Golden Brown and with a glint that promised Murder, was all the Scholis needed to know that I did not take his blatant disrespect of my Grandson lightly.

Mangwin seemed to grit his teeth at that before releasing a breath, he begrudgingly complied with my order.

"The Boy, Rafale, has taken from our stocks once again, My Lord. I'm sure of it."

With a harrumph, I quickly made to finish the letter in my hands. Signing my signature over my name and Seal before putting the parchment inside an envelope that was readily placed on my desk.

"I'm sure he has, Scholis. However, need I remind you that Rafale is a Member of House Mahitrios. He will make use of the Larder's stocks however he wishes. Be it for reasons Selfish or otherwise."

Mangwin seemed irritated at my words as he gripped the Ledger in his hands as if he were going to rip it in half. But the Scholis was not brave or bold enough to go against his Liege Lord directly. Especially when said Liege Lord was known far and wide for his Pride and Protective nature over his Family.

He would suffer through it like he always had, with his Head bowed low and a frown on his lips.

Good. Let the man suffer through his so-called 'Shame'. What does a Bear care for the opinion of Rats?

With a Seal of Wax, I closed the letter in my hand, the Great Bear of Mahitrios, proudly displayed upon it. I then handed the letter to Mangwin. The Scholis took it without a word as he still silently seethed in anger.

"Send that letter to Lord Aposlion with your fastest Carrier Pigeon. At once."

Immediately standing from his seat, Mangwin wordlessly left the Solar, gripping the letter in his hand with frustration as I watched him go. I shook my head in exhaustion, a sigh escaping my lips as I turned to the window at the side of my solar, the Sun had a beautiful bright shade of Red this day.

It is times like these that remind me that not all men are Good and True.

Especially those damned Scholi. Rats garbed in Scholar's robes, they truly are.

I closed my eyes as I felt the wind blow on my face. A calm feeling going through my soul. Eyes now open, I let out a tired breath before standing up. With tired steps, I made my way toward the open window as the Sun cast its warm glow upon me with each step I took. My hands placed on the windowsill, I looked out toward the Fields of Gold grass and leaves that were the lands I ruled.

Gaze looking toward the Courtyard below me, Knights and guards walked the cobble flooring as servants scurried around, performing duties with utmost diligence. My eyes turned to the training yard. There were men already hard at work on the sandy grounds, striking their weapons at each other in practised rhythm. Even from here, I could spot two boys, one taller and bulky and the other smaller and lean with hairs of raven Black, sparring against each other, although admittedly, the smaller one was winning. My Boys.

The only thing I did right was raising them, the sole thing I could never regret. No matter what may come.

I smiled contently, my eyes settling on the Flag of bright Crimson that flew upon one of the many squat Guard Towers that stood sentinel between the towering hundred-foot Curtain Walls of Docentya Castle. The Flag's centrepiece, the Great Bronze Bear of Mahitrios in fields of Red, shining in the light of Midday. The Bronze Bear's gaze seemed to glare threateningly toward an unseen foe.

As I enjoyed my moment of peace, the door to my Solar creaked open.

My expression twisting in annoyance, I glanced toward the door. My eyes would only narrow in silent anger as Rolfe entered. The sole piece of shame of my Proud Family. A disgrace of a Knight who would rather partake in whores and gamble his way to debt, than take up his duties as a Second Son.

Although some brave souls would argue, there were two pieces of shame. But those are the opinions of conniving Rats and shameless Sheep.

I thought with exhaustion as Rolfe closed the door behind him and made his way further into the Solar. It was only but a few paces away from the Doorway did he stopped and bowed in respect to me.

At least the boy had some semblance of dignity left in him.

"Lord Father."

"Rolfe."

I spoke with a strained smile that did not reach my eyes. Looking at him only reminded me how much I had failed in raising him into a Knight who was good and true.

Yet I must face him still.

I grimly thought. I then turned to him fully, hands behind my back as I approached my desk, the sun shining behind me. My boots clicked in a slow rhythm with each step I took.

"So, what has brought you to my Solar, Boy? Have you finally come to take up your responsibilities as the Knight of Mallabor?"

"Nay, Father. I came here for something else..."

With a raised brow, I sat down on the Oak throne behind my desk. An uncomfortable seat, but a Lord should not sit comfortably when performing his duties. Rolfe simply stood by the doorway with his hands in front of him, looking down at the floor like it was an interesting new thing.

Coward.

I thought with narrowed eyes as I rested my cheek on the palm of my left hand.

"Well? Speak, Boy. Do not tell me you have come here to just serve as a damned Statue for my Doorway."

The disgraced Knight seemed to find the courage to speak, looking up at me with nervous eyes.

"I came here to ask for another loan, Father..."

Silence. The silence was near deafening as my right hand gripped the Throne's armrest. Rolfe seemed to notice it as well, as he nervously tapped the pommel of his sheathed Longsword.

"A loan?"

Rolfe could only nod meekly, his hands now clasped together reflexively, and his face etched in worry. How can one of my own Sons be so meek...

"Why?"

Left hand covering his mouth as he cleared his throat, Rolfe then replied.

"I'm planning on starting an enterprise in Vicenton. I had met a Baker's Girl there who was interested in working with me for a Tavern. And if I just had a little more coin, I could finally start making a Tavern of my ow-"

I raised my hand to interrupt him. Rolfe obeyed, yet his eyes turned sad at the interruption.

"A tavern? Of all the duties you should attend to and complete? You are trying to make a God damned Tavern?"

Rolfe was silent for but a moment, he then replied quietly.

"Yes. But you must understand, Father. I have always dreamed of being-"

I have grown tired of this...

"Your dreams are moot when faced with the fact you have not done your duty, Boy!"

Eyes closed, I yelled at Rolfe as I massaged my forehead. Dealing with him aches my mind more than it should. With open eyes, I then looked at him, my expression conveying my annoyance.

"You have been Bloodied, Knighted, and have already sired a Son. Yet you have not made one move to take charge of your duties and responsibilities."

Rolfe made to respond, but I quickly cut him off with a glare.

"And do not get me started on the fact that you would have ME, your own Father, raise YOUR Son whilst you whore and gamble your way into an early grave."

Head hung low, Rolfe stayed silent as I then stood, going around the desk and approaching him with a glare. Towering over him, I looked down at him, eyes filled with nothing but disappointment. Like an Old Bear putting its Cub in its place.

My hand reached out for his chin, forcing him to look me in the eye. His bark brown eyes had not but shame in them. The atmosphere around us seemed to darken as I growled out my next words with gritted teeth.

"Next time you enter my Solar, you best have a good reason with you, Boy. Or I'll have you thrown out of this Castle with not but the clothes on your back."

I let go of his chin, yanking it to the side as I then turned around, walking back to my desk. I stopped halfway and looked back at Rolfe. His head still hung low.

"Leave my presence. I grow tired of your sulking."

That was all he needed to move as he then quickly and silently left the Solar, his Pride surely bruised, with his back slouched and eyes looking to the floor. The Castle guards who stood sentinel outside were quick to make way for Rolfe as the grand oak doors closed with a click.

An unnerving quiet settled in the Solar as I stood there at the centre of it all. My hands opened and closed in frustration, eyes glaring at the bronze-coloured carpet that blanketed most of the floor. I then huffed, looking up at the chandelier that hung onto the domed ceiling. My mind swirled with a whirlwind of opposing emotions. Pain. Sadness. And Anger.

Yet, most of all... Regret.

Where did I go wrong with him...?

The thought kept repeating within my mind like a Minstrel who played the same song over and over again...

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Rafale I

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Those looks again... When will they ever cease?

With a tired look, I walked the halls of Vicentya Keep, weaving through scurrying servants and passing guards as the clamour of the midday rush annoyingly rang in my ears.

The looks and glances of the many servants and Castle guards that littered the Halls of the Keep were as uncomfortable as they had always been.

I swear to the Lord above if I catch another sneer on their faces-

I quickly banished the thought with a shake of my head, continuing my walk toward the Castle Library. This had been part of my life since I could ever remember. The constant looks of distrust and the occasional glare had been my norm. I have no good reason to lash out when I have endured it for so long.

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle as I walked. This was the life of the sole shame of the Proud House Mahitrios, where I am faced with not but suspicion and contempt by the folk around me. It was a tiring day-to-day life, I must admit. But I did not mind it too much.

Passing a pair of guards, their eyes lingered on me for a moment before they continued on their way.

"The Bastard is off to his tomes again..."

One guard whispered with a mocking grin before it was wiped off his lips when the other elbowed him with a glare of warning. I ignored them with a sigh, journeying on, with my head held high.

Grandfather always said that a Bear must not let the opinions of Sheep bring them low, lest the Bear finds itself in ruin.

Finally arriving at a set of great Oak doors with bronze engravings of rearing and galloping bears, an old guard stationed by the front of the door noticed my approach and gave me a welcoming smile.

"Ah, Young Lord. Come to browse the library again?"

I grinned at the aged man as I stepped up in front of the Library doors. He had always been so nice.

"Indeed, I am, Ser Japhon. Came to return a few books I borrowed as well."

I nodded toward the stacks of books I held in my hand. Ser Japhon's smile widened by a small bit and he gave a slight chuckle, placing a hand on the doors.

"I am no Knight, Young Lord. I am but an Old Guard who stands by a set of doors, nothing special."

Ser Japhon opened the doors with slight effort as he spoke, the great Oak doors groaning as they moved aside. I made to enter through the doors before I halted my step just beside the Old guard.

"You are more of a Knight than most, good Ser."

With a kind smile at Ser Japhon, who smiled back just as kindly, I then entered the Library before the doors closed with another groan. It shut with a deep click.

Off to my tomes indeed.

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It seems the Tale must end for now.

But fret not, it shall continue.

And we will see the Bastard Lord's rise

For now, a Mug of Ale will do well to stave off my thirst.

Till we meet again, Oh ye Traveler.

THE TALE WILL BE CONTINUED.