Legend of the Gladiator: Prologue
Another story I've been working on for some time. I just have to type it up on my computer. I don't know when I'll get more down (Semester finals and all that). I hope you enjoy the story once I have it written, and again. If you have any commentary or critic, please go ahead and put it in the comments. Anything said can only help. For now though, enjoy this short prologue to a long story.
In the center of the busy renaissance age market, surrounded by marvelous, century old buildings from a time long ago, walked a cloaked figure. An ancient lion, well into his 80's, his greying fur and white hair a clear sign under his hood. The market was unusually busy today. Vendors selling their good, groups of all species talking with one another on this beautiful and sunny day. A light breeze blew through the air, rustling leaves and clothing of the inhabitants. The cloaked lion approached the steps the large commerce building that stood over the marketplace. He perched himself over the crowd and cleared his throat. He pulled down his hood and gazed out at the people below. Soon his voice was carried over the large group, sounding clear and crisp, even at his age.
"Fellow being of the land! Friends! Come now and hear my words, of a legend, a history our people have long forgotten!"
The crowds fell silent, and turned their attention to the elderly man calling out. The vendors stopped speaking, the groups stopped conversing, hearing the powerful words of the man who stood atop the steps of the commerce building. As he continued, they grew more interested and began to swell their numbers below his small perch.
"Our people, our neighbors, our history tomes have forgotten about an important chapter in our lands history! And it is a chapter that should never be forgotten!"
A young adult, a wolf, spoke up as the elder paused. "And what tale have you to tell us. One that is not in our texts and not in our minds old one? Surly, if it was so great, it would not be skipped?"
The lion merely smiled, "Ah, but those are usually the best, and often, most truthful tales are they not? For this is a tale lost to the many generations and the long centuries that have passed us by! It is a tale of a corrupt government, and a brave warrior! A warrior who led the lands to greatness, as well as its people! Both directly and indirectly!"
By now, children had gathered themselves in front of the large crowd of adults. They sat in front of the steps, with wide eyes and smiles, all eager for a story such as this. Many of the people surrounding were also desiring to hear the story, true or not, many in this age could not resist a good tale now and then. The young wolf spoke again, "Then tell us of this legend! Give us a story we shall never forget!"
"And so I shall!" said the lion, happy to tell this old history. "Hear my story. Hear the story of the warrior. His beginning in the pits of the arena, in this very city. Raised there for the sins of a father. Hear his rise to power, and his time as an emperor. And hear his tragic decline, his overthrowing. And finally his death, at the hands of his own pupil. Hear now, the legend of the warrior. The legend of the Gladiator!