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Book I
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Book I: Chapter I
Chapter I: Dreadful Origins:
Long ago, three brothers, sons of the great Pannonian king Pan, ventured out on a hunt.
They encountered three different prey, and thus ventured off in three different directions.
One went east to vast plains and rivers.
One went south beyond the mountains.
The last one, Lech, the eldest brother, went west, where he encountered a great white eagle.
The eagle was perched with the red setting sun outlining it.
Lech saw this as a good omen from the Gods, and settled in the land, naming it Gniezno.
This is how the Polish people came to be…
Yet, the world has changed in the years since the brothers left Pannonian.
Their descendents fight and raid each other without end.
Where there was once unity, there is only war and strife.
And while the brothers’ kin fight amongst themselves, the nailed God’s followers consume the western lands.
Men from frozen wastelands invade from the north and enslave Rus’s sons in their conquest.
The Gods know that if the sons of Lech, Czech, and Rus, do not unite together, they will wither away into the dustbin of history.
And so, they hatched a scheme…
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The pains of childbirth echoed through the village. Snow fell in light heaps. Fires roared inside the huts. In one though, a small cadre of people gathered around the bed. The woman inside was in the middle of birth, and her screams echoed through the village. Soon though, the baby emerged. A son! The boy was cleaned and placed in his exhausted mother’s arms. As this was happening, a man pushed his way through the crowd.
“Dobrawa…” he said in shocked excitement. The child was his, and the mother was his wife. “A boy Dobrawa…” he exclaimed.
“Snowid…” said the mother in exhausted tones. The bed was a mess of blood. The birth had been painful.
“Rest now my wife, for today is a happy day for us!” said the father. He picked up his son, and held him. “What should we name him Dobrawa?”
“Dan… Daniel…” said the wife in a shill tone. “Daniel… should be his name…”
“Daniel… yes… a perfect name.” said Snowid, placing the boy back with his mother.
“I see your son doing great things, Snowid.” said the local shaman in attendance. “Let this be the start…”
“RAIDERS!!” shouted a man as he busted into the tent. “Two dozen of them, riding this way from the hillside! They will be here in seconds!”
At this call, the men in the hut scurried out. Snowid grabbed his sword. Before he ran out though, he turned to his wife. “I will return to our new family.” he said as he charged out. Soon, the sound of battle echoed through the night.
Dobrawa’s breath became heavy. The baby in her arms required more energy to lift. She felt weak and cold. Then, she looked at her son one last time, and her soul slipped. Her arms slumped, and the baby would have fallen. Yet, something caught it. A hand grabbed the baby, and cradled it. A woman in ornate hunter clothing and a radiance held the baby, looking on it with shining eyes.
“This isn't right, my Lord…” said the woman. “The father is going to die, and the mother is already dead. It would be cruel to keep it alive for our sake…”
“It is what is necessary to save ourselves, Devanna.” Said a man in full armor standing behind the woman. “That child has been chosen by Deivos to ensure our survival and their’s. If the child is to accomplish this, it must persist in this cruel world.”
“Then why are you giving such a task to a peasant child?” said a third voice, this one from a man in noble clothes shining as white as the moon itself. “Surely this is a job for one of the great lords of the land, one with the power to see such a task accomplished.”
“Jutrobog, the biggest changes must come from those of the humblest of origins.” said the man in armor. “As stated by Deivos himself.”
“And what about Chernobog? Surely he has some machinations in this whole ordeal? If Deivos has blessed this child, then he has also painted a target on his back.” said Devanna.
“All that will happen has been foreseen by Deivos…”
“Lord Perun you must understand our concerns…”
“ENOUGH!!” shouted a deafening voice. The three deities turned around to a sphere of pure light. “The will of my father is absolute. He is all knowing and wise, and will not be questioned. If this child is to prevent our destruction then he will be molded into a legend.” it stated as slivers of its light streamed into the baby’s body. “This will be a gift to the child. The light of myself and of Deivos will protect the child from my brother’s plans to split us asunder. But we must ensure the child grows up and does what he is destined to do. Am I clear?”
“Yes… Lord Belobog…” said the three deities in unison. Daniel’s eyes began to glow brightly as Belobog’s light entered his body. Soon, the four deities would vanish from the hut, leaving behind a mother who died before knowing what plans the Gods had for her child, and a village that will be destroyed with no idea what legend has come from it.
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16 Years Later
“Oi, Kazimierz, remind me again why I am shivering my ass off in the middle of nowhere?” asked Fabian. A dozen men were marching through the forests in northern Polski lands. They were warriors, cladded in armor and wielding powerful weapons of war.
“By the Gods Fabian, are you gonna bitch some more about a little chill?” shouted a voice from the back.
“Hey f--- off why don’t you! We have been wandering for the past two weeks and our dear leader hasn’t mentioned where we are going. Forgive me for being a little damn curious and frustrated!” bit Fabian back.
“Just give him another Vendi whore, that will shut him up for a week!” jeered another of the party members. At this joke, the party chuckled. Fabian shook his head and kept walking.
At the head of the pack, a large man with a large ax moved silently as the men behind continued to chatter and jeer. The path was covered in snow as the January sun beamed down upon the group. Then, a rustle from the trees. The man at the front bid his party to hold. Some pulled out swords. Then, a smallish and skinny man with a bow jumped down from the tree in front of the lead man, kneeling before him.
“Master Swanda, I have returned.” he said in a solemn tone.
“Bout damn time Idzi.” said the lead man, beckoning his party and the skinny man named Idzi to continue marching. “Did you tell Chief Piast that we are coming?”
“Yes Master, the Chief awaits you and the band with open arms. He awaits your tales from the conquests of the southern tribes for his clan.” said Idzi.
“Good… good… let’s hope that he pays us well for what we have done.” said the lead man. The party continued to trek through the snow until at last they reached a clearing. In the clearing was a large village with dirt roads leading into and out of it. The white eagle on a red shield was flapping on small banners on the roads. The whole village itself was shadowed by a hill fort.
“Alright lads! Welcome to Poznań!” shouted the lead man.
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“Kazimierz Swanda…” said Chief Piast, Chief of the Polans. He sat on a wooden throne in a wooden and stone hall, with the shields of his clan lining the room. A fire roared nearby. Standing before him were four men; Kazimierz the leader, Idzi, Fabian, and Marian, the second in command. After a brief moment, Piast stood up, and walked forward to meet Kazimierz. “Old friend…” said the forty-nine year old chieftain. He and Kazimierz embraced each other. “I am glad to see that you have returned safely from your adventures to the south-east. I have heard great tales of how the mighty Kazimierz slew twenty Vistulans with his bare hands, and another twenty with a broken stick!”
“Exaggerations, Chieftain, but blood did flow wherever I went. The Warriors of Polan were successful in bringing the Vistulan dogs to heel.” said Kazimierz.
“I had no doubts from a Champion of Perun himself. Your legend grows with each waking moment Kazimierz.” said Piast. “As is the legend of the band you lead into battle” he said, gesturing to the other three men in the room.
“I killed forty Vistulans myself if I may add.” said Fabian. Marian elbowed him in the side after this comment.
“Regardless, I hired you to help fight and subjugate the Vistulans, and you were successful in this endeavor. A reward shall be provided for you in the coming days. Please, stay in Poznań, we would be delighted to have you here.” said Piast.
The four men bowed, and began to walk out.
“Kazimierz…” said the Polan Chief before they got to the door. “Did you encounter any Moravians in your journey?”
“No Chieftain, the Moravians are falling apart at the seams. Their lands were lost quite easily to our incursions.” said Kazimierz.
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“A few strips of dried meat and a damn new coat doesn’t constitute a reward in my opinion Marian.” said Fabian as the two men walked through the market. “I would think that we could get some new weapons or at least some bloody coins for once.”
“Do you do nothing but complain Fabian?” growled Marian.
“Hey, have you heard the tales of the lands lying far to the south? Those fancy bastards apparently build structures out of gold and gems! I tell you Marian, we could be set for life if he fought for one of those southern Kingdoms. They do apparently need men in their endless wars.” said Fabian, biting at a piece of dried meat.
“We are needed here, its where our homes are. If you want to trek out on your own to go f--- some German girl, I am sure Kazimierz and the rest of the lads won’t think anything more of it.” replied Marien.
“For a right-hand man you sure are cold to the touch.” said Fabian. The two continued their trek through the market, until they came across a vendor selling salted pork. The party was in need of some rations, so Marien and Fabian were dispatched to retrieve such delicacies.
“Twenty coins for a barrel of salted pork? In Wroclaw the same amount goes for five!” shouted Fabien. “What kind of bullshit are you trying to pull here?”
“Calm yourself Fabien.” say Marien, handing over twenty iron disks to the merchant. He took a barrel, and hoisted it over his shoulder. “Just be thankful that man wasn’t a Christian. I hear those guys charge an arm and a leg or conversion to any starving Polan.” said Marien
As the two man continued on their shopping spree, a sudden uneasiness fell over Fabien. He had felt it ever since leaving the food venue. “Marien…” he whispered, “we are being followed…” The two men turned around to see a rather tallish and lean teenager right behind them. He had the thinnest of facial hair across his face, and he wore the attire of a hunter.
“The f--- do you want boy?” asked Fabien.
“You men are Warriors of Perun, correct?” said the boy in a solemn and quiet voice.
Fabien and Marien turned to each other, and then turned back. “Aye you bet we are son! We are the most feared group of warriors from here to Kiev!” said Fabien, walking over to the boy. “Now what does a little shit like you want from us?”
“Good enough for me. I want to join you.” said the boy.
Fabien looked back at Marien, and then burst out laughing. “You!?! You look like you would snap at the single punch boy! You are quite funny indeed!” said Fabien. He pushed the boy. “Run along hunter boy, go back to firing arrows at rabbits or some puny animal.” He turned around and began walking away.
“And you called me cold…” muttered Marien.
“You are Fabien, the one they called “Horseface”, correct?” shouted the boy.
At this, Fabien stopped. No one had called him that in years. Marien saw the anger growing on Fabien’s face. “Fabien…”
“F---er talks a big game Marien…” said Fabien, turning to the boy. “Last man who called me that, I slit his throat!” shouted Fabien
“They say you are so unbearable that you have to pay whores to even get them to look at ya!” shouted the boy. “One story I heard is that when a Rus prostitute lit a candle and saw your face, she almost cut your cock off!”
At that quote, Fabien screamed, pulled a sword, ignored all of Marien’s attempts to stop him, and charged the boy. The boy effortlessly dodged the strike, and with one move, cracked Fabien’s sword arm, and slammed his fist into the back of Fabien’s neck. In five seconds, Fabien was face first into the dirt. Marien only stood there, stunned at what happened.
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“You are fortunate that I have the patience to hear you out instead of slitting your throat, boy.” stated Kazimierz. The young boy was standing in a room, surrounded by five warriors, facing Kazimierz who was sitting on a wooden stool. “No one attacks my men and gets away with it.”
“To be fair to myself, he charged me. I was merely defending myself…” said the boy.
“Cut his damn head off!” shouted Fabien, laying down on a bed nearby, arm in a splint. “Little shit might as well have taken my money for the next half a year!”
“You do have spunk though boy. I respect that.” said Kazimierz. “Where are you from?”
“South…” says the boy.
“Well that doesn’t really help me.” said Kazimierz.
“I am from the Vistula lands then.” said the boy.
“We just came back from those lands. Have you been following us?”
“No sir. Tracked some game up this way and heard some mighty warriors were in town.”
“If so, you still wounded one of these warriors, pretty bad. Yet, I will offer you a deal.” said Kazimierz. He pointed over to Marien. “Marien here is the best fighter second to myself. If you can take him in a one on one fight, not only will I forgive you for breaking Fabian’s arm and to sweeten the deal, I will allow you to join our ranks.”
“And if I refuse the fight?” asked the boy.
“Then we slit your throat and sell your clothes to comfort Fabien while he recovers.” said Kazimierz.
“You drive a hard bargain…” said the boy in a sarcastic quip. “Sure, I will play along…”
“Two days from now, in a clearing on the eastern road. Make sure you are ready to fight.” said Kazimierz. The boy bowed, and walked out of the room. “By the way,” asked Kazimierz, “what is your name?”
The boy turned around. “Daniel” he said, and walked out of the room.
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Well this is a very interesting start - myth and legend the human realities of blood
Wow. Really bold opener. I don't often find myself following true historical AARs, but hey you've got me subbed. I'm a sucker for narrative AAR's 
Book I: Chapter II
Chapter II: The First Step
The snow fell in heavier and heavier sheets as the sun dipped down below the horizon. In Poznań, the people scurry back into their homes, back to their fires. In a large house, Kazimierz Swanda and his warriors drink and feast the night away. But, outside the village, in the forest, and in one of the caves where the threat of being snowed in proved to be a credible one, a young man sits, eating meat that he hunted around a fire he made. The cold bit at his hands as he ate.
“You know, when we told you that there were great warriors in Poznań, we certainly didn't expect you to pick a bloody fight with them.” said a voice. The young man dropped his meat, and turned quickly to face the voice, dagger in hand. Sitting near the fire, was a man in a black coat with a beard, donning a helmet and a spear. “Hello again young Daniel…”
“Go figure the old man would send you out here…” said Daniel, as he went back to eating his meal. “What do you want Radegast?”
“Perun heard that you got yourself mixed in with some warriors serving him and sent me to make sure you didn't get your head cut off.” Replied Radegast, picking at his spear. “I suppose the mighty child warrior has a plan to defeat the great warrior that now stands in his path?”
“Use the skills that you and the old man taught me.” Said Daniel in reply.
“My oh my, that is it?” Chuckled Radegast. “So simple for the man Deivos wishes to see be King…” at these words Daniel stood up and pointed his knife at Radegast.
“Do I have to keep repeating myself Radegast? I am no King and I will never be a King.” Said Daniel. “Yet it seems that you, the old man, and the rest of your kind insist that this will happen”
“And must I keep repeating myself in saying destiny isn't something you can just control?” Replied Radegast. “It will happen somehow and in someway. You cannot change that.”
Daniel sat down and threw another log onto the fire. “You immortals seem to forget that I never asked to be made your chosen one, and that humanity's greatest skill is that we have choices in everything we do. You choose to believe in prophecy, I choose to call them horseshit.” Daniel stared into the fire. “I refuse to believe that I am going to be anything more than some warrior in this big world. I came from nobody, and when I die I will become nobody. Call me a pessimist all you want, that's just how the world you lot made works. All I want is to just be the best at what I know is possible for someone of my status.” Said Daniel.
Radegast chuckled, “I can't wait to see your face when you are shown how wrong you are…” He stood up, and grabbed his spear. “Good luck then in your fight lad. May Deivos bless you with speed and strength.” And with that, the fire flickered, and the deity was gone.
Daniel continued to sit by the fire. All his life these “Gods” have told him that he was some destined ruler, but he knew the truth. The world would never let a nobody be it's King. “I will prove myself to be the best warrior in the world, for that is a task that I know I can accomplish…” he said to himself, flicking his knife.
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Poznań was alive with the sound of feasting and drinking. In honor of the victory over the Vistulans, Chief Piast had ordained three days of celebration. His warriors celebrated such an event in the halls of the great Chieftain. Yet, to one warrior, it was a rather unsettling night. To Marien, he would be going to battle the next morning. He stood on a balcony looking over the forests of Poznań. Tomorrow, he would fight.
“Master Marien, you don’t want to catch a cold before your big day tomorrow.” said a voice from the back. Marien turned to see Idzi, the skinny and agile soldier in Kazimierz’s band. “I suppose you are not worried about tomorrow? The opponent is but a kid after all.”
“Tell me something Idzi, you Silesians ever tell the story of Perun’s eyes?” asked Marien.
“No… this is the first I heard of it…” said Idzi, scratching his head.
“They say those given the powers of the Gods inherit eyes of great warriors. That if you look into them long enough you might see lightning in them.” said Marien. “These men go on to be great warriors and conquerors, men who reshape the very world they live in.”
“It’s just a legend the shamans talk about to inspire warriors before battle probably…” said Idzi. “Don’t think too much about it.”
“The boy had those eyes…” said Marien. “They flashed when he took down Fabian, they flashed when he talked with Kazimierz.” He pulled out his hatchet and began spinning it in his hand. “He had Perun’s eyes, I swear it true.”
“You probably were just seeing things Marien.” said Idzi. “He’s a kid who got a lucky hit, nothing more.” said Idzi.
“You weren’t there to see it though…” said Marien.
“Try not to stay out too late my friend.” said Idzi as he turned and re-entered the hall.
Marien continued to stand overlooking the forest. “What am I dealing with here, Gods?”
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“We come here today in the sight of the Gods to resolve a dispute between two parties!” shouted the shaman. A crowd had gathered in an open field. On one side of the field, was Daniel, sitting on a stool, waiting patiently. On the other was Marien, surrounded by his comrades, stretching his arms by swinging his hatchet around. “Let us pray that this resolution is not a deadly one!” The shaman continued to shout.
“If you lose Marien but somehow manage to stay alive, you are taking care of me until my arm heals!” shouted Fabian from the back. Marien continued to practice his swings and thrusts.
“Don’t make it too painful…” said Kazimierz, “he is just a kid after all.”
“It would be humiliating for us both if I were to be soft on him…” said Marien. The shaman continued to incante prayers. It was at this time that Marien noticed his opponent didn’t have a weapon on him. “Hey boy, you don’t have a weapon?” shouted Marien.
“I can’t really afford one, figured I could just use a hunting knife!” shouted Daniel, flicking his knife.
“Oh for the love of the Gods…” muttered Marien. “I at least will grant you a fair fight in terms of weaponry.” He shouted as he waved his hand to one of the warriors.
“You honestly don’t need to do…” The thud of a spear piercing the snowy ground near Daniel interrupted him. Daniel looked at the spear, shrugged, and picked it up, twirling it around. “If you insist…” At this, the shaman beckoned both men forward.
At the center of the field, the shaman uttered some more blessings and prayers, and then ordered the clashing of arms as a sign of respect. From there, the two men went back and squared off. Marien got into a combat position while Daniel simply kept inspecting his spear.
Keep calm and be collective. The moment you let yourself be consumed by rage is the moment you lose the fight. The words of his mentor echoed through Daniel’s head. It is best to be defensive until the best opportunity to strike presents itself.
“Kick his ass Marien!!” shouted one of the warriors.
“Cut his cock off!” shouted another.
At last, after a few brief and tense moments, the shaman raised his hand, and dropped it, beginning the fight. As soon as it began, Marien twirled his hatchet and charged Daniel. Yet, when his hatchet fell, Daniel simply dodged and rolled away from Marien. Marien swung his hatchet again, but Daniel simply deflected it with the spear. The fight continued on like this for a few minutes, with Marien striking, and Daniel simply dodging with ease or deflecting it.
“Come on Marien the boy isn’t even trying!!” shouted one of the warriors.
“He’s good at avoiding fights, I want to see how good he is at fighting!” shouted another.
Finally, in a shout of anger, Marien swung his hatchet with all his might down on Daniel’s spear. Daniel blocked it, but the power of the blow sent him backwards rolling on the ground. When he got too, his spear had been broken in half.
“He broke his weapon! The boy is done for now!” shouted a warrior.
Marien got into a charging stance. “Don’t worry kid, its nothing personal…” he said as he charged Daniel with force.
Everything though began moving in slow motion for Daniel. He saw Marien charging him, the warriors cheering him on. He closed his eyes, and thought of his mentor’s words. In the face of strength, be like lightening…
He flicked the part of the spear with the point in his hand, and jabbed as Marien got close. The spear went through Marien’s lower right leg. Marien yelped in pain and stumbled, Daniel sidestepping him and letting go of that half. With the other half, he proceeded to crack Marien over the head with all his strength, shattering the piece of wood into splinters. With that, Marien collapsed in a groan, leg bleeding, and went out.
When time resumed as normal for Daniel, the whole crowd was silent. Everyone seemed stunned and in awe. Daniel simply trotted over to Marien, yanked the spear out of his leg, and held it up in the air as the shaman proclaimed him the winner by knockout. Soon, the warriors began slowly banging their chests as a sign of respect to the boy. Some even began cheering for Daniel a bit.
“Well I’ll be damned…” said Kazimierz. “There seems to be something special about this boy…” Kazimierz walked over and bent down next to Marien, as he began to once again regain consciousness.
“What just happened?” asked Marien in a groggy tone.
“We just recruited a new member to our band…” said Kazimierz, as he walked over to Daniel, still holding his spear in the air.
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Two Years Later
“Rus!!!” shouted the scout as he ran toward the encampment. The camp of warriors rose upon the scout’s yells, seeing what was the matter. “Rus warriors bearing down from the--” he was cut off as an arrow pierced his throat, sending him tumbling in a cloud of dust and blood. The warriors then heard the cry of a band, as enemy warriors began pouring out of the forest, charging the enemy encampment. The warriors in the camp scrambled to get shields and weapons. Soon the air was filled with the sounds of battle.
It was a summer’s day near the village of Polstk, and the encamped warriors were Lettigalian raiders retreating from a failed raid of the land.
“Get your asses up and armed quickly!” shouted the Lettigalian commander. He knew what the Rus were here for, they wanted back the gold and materials the Lettigalians had taken from them. It would be a fight for their lives.
A Lettigalian man grabbed a sword and ran into battle, taking out three Rus warriors in one go. As he stood over their corpses, he shouted “Go back north you inbreds!” only to be silenced by a quick swing of a great axe. His head toppled onto the ground and his body crumpled in a spout of blood.
“Damn Baltic bastards always have to go crazy…” said Kazimierz, lifting his great axe over his shoulders. “Alright lads, we got our work cut out for us today!” He shouted. “The man who brings me the most heads gets a pay raise once we are done!” As he pointed his axe toward the enemy camp, and a horde of Polan warriors charged. It was pure fate that the Rus Prince hired them to aide in taking down these Baltic raiders, and they would be paid good money to assist in the matter.
As the tide of battle ebbed, and the Rus-Polan forces pushed the Lettigalians back. Their commander, knowing that his forces were outnumbered and out-equipped, ordered a retreat. “Fall back to the river! We can lose them there!” He shouted.
As the raiders began to flee, Kazimierz spotted the commander fleeing with them. “Gods sake… the Prince put a damn high bounty on his head…” He muttered, as he turned around towards his army. “Grzmot!!!” he bellowed. “I have a task for you!”
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The forest was dark. The sun had not risen yet over the forest. Perfect time to make an escape. As the Lettigalians fell back, their commander began counting troops. Ten still remained with him, not good at all. At least they could regroup back in friendly territory.
“Keep quiet and keep moving.” The commander said to his warriors. The Lettigalians traversed the woods avoiding open roads and paths. Yet, a sinister force plagued their moves. “It’s too quiet…” the commander thought. Just then, a sudden scream was heard, and then silenced. The commander looked around, nine raiders left. What happened?
Then, another scream and silence. Eight warriors. Another one. Seven. Another, and another, and another. Four warriors. What in the name of the Gods was happening? Two more screams, two warriors left. The commander could not see the man killing his troops.
“Captain we gotta get out of here!” Yelled the last raider.
“Stand your ground! We just need to keep moving!”
“We are getting picked off! We gotta--” A thunk silenced the last soldier. He gasped and then fell over, with a spear lodged in his back.
“One…” said a voice from the trees.
“F---ing devil, show yourself!” Shouted the commander as he pulled out his sword. The sun rose over the forest, and the commander could see the bodies of his fallen warriors. Soon, it shined on another man in front of him. A tall and lean teenager with a much darker beard than before. The young man strolled over, and plucked the spear out from the corpse. He held the spear in one hand and a sword in another. The commander stood still and was horrified.
“Let’s make my client very happy…” the young man said, charging the commander with spear and sword.
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I can quite imagine Daniel being a bit pissed off having deities constantly nagging him about his destiny.
Of course, that kind of unresolved frustration could be important in ensuring that destiny will happen
Of course, that kind of unresolved frustration could be important in ensuring that destiny will happen
Book I: Chapter III
Chapter III: Battle-Hardened
Six Years Ago
Clang, clang, clang! The sound of sword and shield rang out across the field. In the center of it were four individuals. Three of them were men of the same face and of the same body, triplets. The other was a boy, two years older than a decade. The three men were fighting the boy with wooden swords and shields, and the boy was miraculously holding his own against the increasing onslaught of three-man swords. The boy grew tired as the men continued their attack. Finally, they all charged at once. The boy, panting heavily, sidestepped all three and swung his sword with ferocity. All three men soon were down. The boy continued panting.
“Lesson number 43…” said a voice from behind. The boy turned around, and was met with a spear pointed at his throat. “The stealthy warrior can overcome even the greatest of champions.” The man with the spear was of the same face and body of the other three men. “Besides that you have done a great job today Daniel…”
The three men got up and walked over to the fourth man. One by one they put their backs against the fourth man’s and fused their bodies into his. Soon, the man was one body with four heads, all looking in different directions. “I thought you said sneak attacks were dishonorable and cowardly master?” asked Daniel.
“Lesson number 44, expect your opponents to fight dishonorably and cowardly.” said the four-headed man. “Come along now boy, I smell supper.” The boy and the four-headed man walked along a dirt path leading out of the field.
“Master Svetovid…” asked young Daniel.
“What is it my boy?”
“What am I training for?”
Two of Svetovid’s heads sighed. “I thought I made it clear to you a million times over.” replied Svetovid. “We are training you to rule.”
“Rule the people…” said Daniel.
“Yes! The people! You mortals and your tribes!” shouted Svetovid. “You will be a great ruler one day, and I, Svetovid, the lord of battle, will see it--”
“What if I don’t want to rule the people?” asked Daniel. “What if I choose to simply not rule?”
Svetovid again sighed. “I am afraid that choice is out of your hands…” he said.
“But if I do not want to rule, no one can force me…” said Daniel. “I won’t be forced to do anything, no I won’t!”
“It’s not that people will force you…” said Svetovid. “It’s that your life will flow naturally to that position.” he said as he gestured with his hands the flow of a river.
“Then isn’t that life just forcing me to do this?” asked Daniel.
Svetovid sighed again. “Perun your prodigy is driving all four of my minds insane…” he muttered. “It’s different…” said Svetovid in reply. “You are indeed asking a lot of questions.”
“Kricco told me about some old people who asked a lot of questions in a far away land…” said Daniel.
“Of course she did…” muttered Svetovid. “Well that moon lady knows a lot since she can see through time.” he replied.
“So does she know if life will force me to do something I may not want to do?” asked Daniel.
“Alright, no more questions!” shouted Svetovid. “I hear the sizzle of the fire, and it smells like meat is on the table!” he said, rushing ahead. “That boy isnt mentally prepared to be a King…” he thought as he ran ahead.
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The Present
“Grzmot!!!” shouted Kazimierz. “Where in the hell is that lad?” he said. The Polans and Rus had been scouring the camp of the Letigallians for almost an hour. They found weapons and treasure stolen from the Rus.
“Something wrong Polan?” asked the Rus commander in a very weak attempt to speak Polish
“I sent my best warrior ahead to kill someone and he hasn’t returned.” replied Kazimierz.
“Then he is slow warrior…” replied the Rus commander.
Just then, a young man emerged out of the trees, spear and bloody sword in hand. He walked towards the camp, with blood dotting his armor.
“There he is…” saif Kazimierz.
“Boy is best warrior?” asked the commander, very confused.
“Yes, he can kill any man in this vicinity except me…” Kazimierz replied.
The young man approached the camp and Kazimierz. “The commander is dead, captain.” he said.
“Do you have any proof of this claim, Daniel?” asked Kazimierz.
Daniel reached into his bag, and threw the commander’s severed head onto the ground at Kazimierz’s feet.
“Excellent work Daniel.” replied Kazimierz. “As promised you will receive half his bounty.”
“60%, 1% for each of the raiders I had to kill to get to him.” said Daniel in reply.
Kazimierz shrugged, “Reasonable enough I guess.”
“Boy has spirit…”said the Rus commander.
“Indeed he does…” replied Kazimierz.
“Я уверен, что вы можете согласиться, командир, что наша группа заслуживает полной оплаты за это?” said Daniel in perfect Rus tongue to the commander.
Kazimierz stood stunned. “You speak Rus?” he said in a shocked tone.
“And Czech, Moravian, Vendi, and a bit of Mordvinian as well…” said Daniel.
“All the neighboring languages of Polan…” said Kazimierz.
The Rus commander gave a reply to Daniel. “He says he will make sure our band receives full payment for our services.” said Daniel to Kazimierz.
“Excellent.” said Kazimierz. “Let’s wrap this shit up and get moving!” Kazimierz shouted. The Rus commander said the same in his own tongue. Soon, the warriors were on the move back to Polstock
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A month later in Poznań
“I congratulate you on another excellent incursion Kazimierz!” said Chief Piast. He wheezed as he finished. The cancer was spreading to his lungs. Men around him say he only has a year at most to live. He walked over to his wooden chair, cane in hand, and sat down, facing the group of warriors. “I have heard your new warrior, excelled quite vividly in the north… tell me, where is young Daniel?” asked the Chief.
“Here sir…” said Daniel, edging his way toward the front of the group.
“Ah! The boy with the speed of Perun himself, or so the enemies of Polan will say!” said the Chief, chuckling then hacking afterwords.
“All exaggerations sir.” replied Daniel.
“So it may seem…” said the Chief. “My son Choscisko has been praising you ever since you two first met. He has seem to taking a liking to you lad.”
“Myself, Choscisko, and Siemowit have all gotten along quite well.” replied Daniel.
“Indeed… tell me lad, have you heard the rumors of Choscisko?” asked Chief Piast.
“No sir, I do not pay much attention to talk of that type.”
“They say he is a lover of men and boys alike, that when the Polans raid, he orders good looking men for himself and leaves the women to the rest.” stated Chief Piast.
“I do not know much about Choscisko’s preference between cunts and cocks sir.” replied Daniel.
“My friend I fail to see what you are getting at here…” said Kazimierz.
“Hush, hush, let me speak to your lad…” said Chief Piast. “There are many in these halls who believe that the reason why my feminine son praises you so often is because you two are lovers…” he said as he got up and got in Daniel’s face. “Myself being one of them…”
“I do not know why you would assume that sir…” replied Daniel, much more sterner.
“Tell me, have you ever laid with a woman?” asked the Chief.
“Why is that relevant to the conversation…”
“Answer the question boy!” shouted the Chief before he began coughing.
“No.” said Daniel, with a straight face, eyes fixed on the Piast.
“Then it may be obvious that my son and you may be more than just friends…” said Chief Piast.
“And it may be obvious that you are wrong… sir…” said Daniel.
“My friend, please, what is--”
“Silence Kazimierz!” said Chief Piast.
“The Chieftain should not listen to false rumors.” said Daniel.
“You dare command me?” asked Chief Piast.
“I advise you… sir…” said Daniel.
The two men squared each other off. Daniel, with a stern face, looking the Chief right in the eyes. “You may leave.” said the Chief, backing away to his table. “All of you may leave, except you Kazimierz.”
The men left the hall, and Kazimierz rushed forward. “What was the meaning of that?”
“A simple test for the lad, and he passed…” said Chief Piast. “I wanted to see how he handled accusations and rumors. He did very well…”
“I don’t see what the point is still…”
“To be a warrior, you must be stern against all opposition, even ones that are not physical.” said the Chief. “You picked very well with Daniel.”
“Thank… you…?” said Kazimierz.
“You may leave now, my friend…” said the Chief. With that, Kazimierz bowed, and walked out of the hall.
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“That bastard is trying to make a fool out of me!” shouted Kazimierz, kicking a table against the corner.
“Calm down master, I doubt he had ill-intent.” said Idzi.
“The f--- do you mean doubt? He had every reason!!!” shouted Kazimierz. “If it wasn’t too early, I would break his damn neck and take command already!”
“But you won’t, until he lies dead…” said Idzi.
“That cancer was a blessing from the Gods themselves. Nature will handle the dirty work for me…” said Kazimierz. “Once Piast is seven feet under, I can march on that hall, and take command of this tribe.”
“His sons will protest.” replied Idzi.
“His sons will join him if they do!” shouted Kazimierz. “It is my destiny to lead this tribe in conquest and glory…” said Kazimierz. “I have been blessed by Deivos himself to lead the Polans into the future! I won’t let that snide cock hinder that!”
“Blessed by Deivos, or by shamans who tell you this?” asked Idzi. As he said this, an axe was pulled and put against his neck.
“Why do you help me?” asked Kazimierz. “I took you as a slave, and you have had every right and reason to sell me out to Piast, collect your reward, and live a life of freedom. Why have you not done it yet?”
Idzi stood up, and pushed the axe away. “Because living as a warrior under you has fulfilled everything I ever wished for in life. Slave or not, I will follow you into the guts of the abyss. I owe you my existence, and I will repay that in my life if need be.”
“That is why I am blessed…” said Kazimierz. “Men like you with every reason to betray remain loyal to me. Soon, all the tribes of these lands will act the same way.”
“What about the boy though?” asked Idzi. “What are you going to do with him?”
“He is loyal to me as well. If he does not aide me, I will bend him to.” said Kazimierz. “Nothing will stop my destiny from moving forward, not even that little shit…”
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“My old man sure can be a cock…” said Choscisko, second son of Piast. He and Daniel were strolling the streets of the village. “He has always been a hard ass on me and my brother. Now he is a hard ass on you too…”
“I have handled much worse than some old man believing in rumors about me.” said Daniel, smirking in the process. “Don’t worry about it my friend.”
“See, it’s shit like that that makes me worry…” said Choscisko.
“You just don’t know me fully.”
“Well according to my father I know you fully inside and out, literally.” said Choscisko, chuckling in the process.
“Well I will say--”
“Hey Daniel, there seems to be a warrior bout in the square…” said Choscisko suddenly. The two turned, and a large crowd was gathered in the market square, cheering on. The two young men walked through the crowd to get a better look.
In the middle were two warriors. One was wearing a helmet that mask his entire face and thick clothes, swinging a sword, the other was a man wildly swinging an axe. The helmet warrior was effortlessly dodging the attacks, and soon, the warrior had the man on the ground with a broken shin. “Kunack wins again!” shouted a voice.
“Damnit, lost twenty gold on that bastard!” shouted a warrior.
“He’s beaten at least five of the best warriors so far.”
“Where did he come from?”
After collecting some money, the referee pressed towards the crowd. “Can anyone topple the great Kunack, the man who beat man warriors of Polan in single combat?” he shouted. The crowd remained silent. “No one is brave enough?!?” he shouted.
“I’ll take a shot…” said Daniel. Everyone turned to see who spoke.
“That’s Kazimierz’s best warrior…”
“Grzmot, the lightning man…”
“He’s sure to win…”
“Very well…” said the referee. “Get to a starting position.”
The two warriors squared off in the market square. “Don’t get yourself killed you lunatic! shouted Choscisko to Daniel. Daniel pulled his sword as the helmet warrior did the same.
“Fight!!!”
Well that was rather restrained, butI begin to sense a path to a future where Daniel's destiny catches up with him.
Book I: Chapter IV
Chapter IV: Bump in the Road
Six Years Ago
The cold winter wind echoed through the forest. In the middle of it was a small hut, with smoke emulating from the top. Inside, a meal was being prepared and served by the inhabitants. Outside though, a man cladded with armor stood on a ridge overlooking the house. He watched the house with uncertainty and stress in his eyes.
“Enjoying the view, Lord Perun?” asked a voice. Perun, the God of Thunder, turned to face a woman in a thick white cloak staring stoically at him, with cold white eyes.
“Lady Marzanna, I did not expect you to be out here.” said Perun, turning back to the hut.
Marzanna stepped forward, the wind whipping up around her as she did, snow falling heavily where she stood. “That boy sure is important to you, isn’t he?” she asked Perun.
“The boy is important to Deivos, he is merely a means to an end.” said Perun stoically.
“That doesn’t mean you are forbidden to care about the boy.” replied Marzanna. “Svetovid sure seems to care a great deal about him. I haven’t seem him care this greatly since Veles took your wife…”
“The boy’s life has been laid out for him. Deivos has planned every part of it down to the seconds. We are merely here to ensure that the boy can achieve that destiny.” said Perun. “But… I would be lying if I said I was cold-hearted about the boy…” he spoke as he clenched his fists tightly.
“You actually believe the boy can accomplish these tasks? You believe that he can unite the people and build an Empire to span the test of time against all that would enslave the people?” asked Marzanna.
“He has to…” said Perun. “He is the last hope we have. If Deivos has planned for the boy to do these things, then who are we to doubt his wisdom?”
“We have been wrong before…” said Marzanna.
“We can’t be wrong now…” said Perun. The wind picked up again, and with that, Marzanna had disappeared. Perun continued his watch over the small hut, as the smoke from inside continued to rise into the air.
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Present Day
“They have been going at it for thirty f---ing minutes!” shouted a spectator in the crowd. In the center of a large crowd, two warriors fought a bitter and long fight. Daniel, one of the warriors, was facing against a man many bet would be his equal. So far, the men were being proven right.
“Bastard is the best fighter I have ever met…” thought Daniel. The two continued to exchange blows, the sound of swords cracking and bending echoed through the market. “Can’t get an opening…”
The two continued to fight on, both tiring of the even fight. “Comeon Daniel, kick his ass already!” shouted Choscisko, Daniel’s compatriot. The two warriors continued to glance blows.
Finally, Daniel saw his chance. His opponent stepped in a way that exposed his left side. A fatal mistake. Daniel stepped, and brought the blunt end of his sword right down on his enemy’s left side in a split second. The warrior reeled, and Daniel capitalized by smacking the warrior right in the helmet with his sword. The opponent fell back, helmet going flying, onto his stomach, exposing his head. Daniel stood over him, sword in hand, victorious. “I think you should yield now friend…” he said.
“I… yield…” the warrior said in a quiet voice. Daniel was confused at first, for the voice didn’t sound masculine… it actually sounded feminine. It was then the warrior stood up and turned that Daniel saw his, or rather, her face. The warrior was a female. She had medium dirtyish-blonde hair, she was Daniel’s age, and she looked beautiful.
“Uh…” said Daniel, struggling to collect his words. The female warrior then grabbed her sword, and ran through the crowd. “Hey, wait a second!” Daniel shouted, trying to chase after her. It was to no avail, the female warrior was soon lossed in the crowd. Daniel looked to try and find her, but to no avail either.
“I have never seen someone be close to your equal…” said Choscisko, walking up to Daniel. “Hard to believe the closest person to you in skill is actually a woman…”
“Do you know who that was?” asked Daniel.
“No.” replied Choscisko. “She did look familiar though, but I don’t have a name so she might as well be unknown to me.”
Daniel turned around back to the fighting ring. The crowd had all but dispersed. Yet, the woman’s helmet was left behind. Daniel reached down and picked it up. “This helmet is a Polanian warrior’s helmet…” he said.
“She probably kicked some poor bastard’s ass for it.” said Choscisko. Daniel ignored him, and studied the helmet further. “We should probably get moving regardless. Father is having a big feast celebrating the loot obtained by raids against the Moravians.”
Daniel held the helmet, and walked with Choscisko back to the keep. “I should find that girl and return this to her…” he thought.
![early-medieval-slavic-helmet-[2]-18323-p.jpg](https://www.thevikingstore.co.uk/ekmps/shops/thevikingstore1/images/early-medieval-slavic-helmet-[2]-18323-p.jpg)
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“Three cheers for the successful negotiations with the Silesians!” shouted Chief Piast. The hall erupted in the sounds of cheering and drinking at this. The Polanian Tribe had made a major alliance with the Silesians following years of talk. Some say that this partnership made the two the strongest entities Between the Danube and Volga. There was much cause for celebration at these statements.
Chief Piast sat down next to his sons and began to eat. At one of the tables, Daniel and his compatriots enjoyed lavish food.
“Who would have thunk…” said Fabien, chowing down a piece of pork, “that having peace with the rats who breeded Idzi would be something to celebrate?”
“Ah come on Fabien, peace isn’t so bad. Means we get some time off.” replied Daniel.
“That’s not what warriors are meant to do lad!” shouted Fabien. “We are meant to fight and kill and die in battle. It’s what we signed up for. With peace, we get none of the three!”
“Think about it for a second Fabian. With the Silesians, we can take on bigger and badder enemies, larger armies…” said Polork, one of the warriors in Kazimierz’s band.
“Like Holmgard?” asked Fabien, downing a whole pint of wheat beer in one gulp.
“Like Holmgard…” replied Polork.
Fabien bursted out laughing. “You think we scrappy little forest dweller turd-makers can stand a chance against the mighty Rurik and his crazy mushroom eaters from across the sea?!? You have drunk too much to be spouting such nonsense like that!”
“Didn’t you hear the rumors… they say old Rurik is dead.” said one of the warriors down the table.
“Rurik the legend is dead?” shouted Fabien. “The man who whipped the Rus into line died in his bed like some old nanny? I call farse on that!”
“I heard it from traders from Kiev who heard it from traders in Holmgard…”
“They say his sons are better respected by the Rus. They believe in the same Gods as the Rus apparently…”
“They are still bloody Normanii! They just waltzed in and took the place. Tells you about the Rus and their want to fight.”
Daniel heard the warriors talk on and on. He had heard the legends of the great warrior Rurik for some time now, as well as the people he originates from. The great warriors of the Normanii have struck fear and awe into the people of the lands west and east of Polanian territory. So much so, that many tribes are moving inland, away from the coast. Those who stay end up under subjugation by the Normanii themselves. Tales have swept from the north about how Vendi tribes were conquered by adventurous Normanii.
Yet, something else had caught Daniel’s eye. It was Siemowit and his wife. As heir to the clan, Siemowit, Chief Piast’s oldest living son, had gotten married at a young age. They had not yet been able to produce any kids, and the clan was expecting them to at some point. But what caught Daniel’s eye was one of Siemowit’s wife’s servants. There were three of them, but one looked oddly familiar. She had a beautiful face and medium dirty blonde hair. “Wait… put some armor on her… give her a sword…” Daniel thought to himself. “You gotta be…” he whispered to himself.
The woman served Siemowit some beer, and then proceeded to the back where the kitchen was. “A servant girl almost beat me?” thought Daniel.
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The moon had risen high in the sky. It was a clear night, the stars all visible in the air. The town had closed for the night as the market remained silent. Peaceful and quiet. To the woman standing on the balcony, tired from serving drunken warriors all evening, it was a wonderful feeling. She could finally relax.
Just then, footsteps came from behind her. She quickly turned around and saw a man holding an iron helmet out in front of him. “I believe this is yours…” said Daniel. The woman starred, shocked, grabbed the helmet out of Daniel’s hands, and turned back away. Daniel looked over the balcony at the quiet town. “You know, you are the first person that I have ever met to ever give me a fight like that. It was awe-inspiring.” he said. The woman simply looked at her helmet, and said nothing. “Hard to believe a servant girl could fight that well.” said Daniel.
“I… want a rematch…” she said quietly.
“Rematch?” asked Daniel. He chuckled a bit. “Seems like someone is a bit sour that they lost.”
The woman turned towards Daniel, frustration in her eyes. “Fight me… again… in the future.” she said in a bit louder voice. Daniel stode amazed. No one had ever lost a fight to him and demanded a rematch, not even Marien.
“Are you sure you want to fight me again?” he asked. “You do know the last fight we did lasted for a pretty long while.”
“Are… you a coward?” she asked in a quieter tone.
“This girl is gonna get herself killed if she talks like that.” thought Daniel. “Excuse me?” asked Daniel.
“Are you… not one of them?” she asked, pointing into the room of drunken men, singing and drinking.
“Do you want a technical answer or a broad answer?” asked Daniel. He chuckled a bit. “Sure then… I’ll give you another go.” he said. “You seem a bit worked up about it, would you like some ale--” he turned with a pint to see the woman heading back into the room. “Crazy woman…” he thought. He drank his ale, and continued staring into the sky.
A few minutes passed, and Daniel proceeded back into the room. Just then, he saw the servant girl cleaning up some plates and cups. “Oi love!” shouted a drunken warrior, seated next to where the woman was. “When are you gonna let me hand you my cock for washing!” he shouted, followed by intense drunken laughter. The woman ignored him and kept washing. “OI LOVE!” shouted the same warrior, grabbing here in the process. “Perhaps I should help you out!”
The woman struggled a bit as the man grabbed her body and putting her on his lap, but he was too strong. “I am sure… Siemowit won’t mind me having a little fun with his ladies!” he shouted. The woman continued to struggle but to no avail. “Let me just grab my glass and we can get started…” he whispered into her ear. The woman closed her eyes trying to pull away, and all she heard was the sound of a knife going into flesh, and the man screaming. She opened her eyes, and saw Daniel, sitting at the table, drinking a glass of ale, and a knife sticking out of the man’s hand.
“Ello Tytus!” Daniel said. “Didn’t mean to actually stab you, how’s your hand feeling?”
“DANIEL YOU LITTLE CUNT! IT’S F---ING BLEEDING AND HURTING THANKS TO YOU!” screamed Tytus.
“Man you need to control your drinking Tytus, it makes you do and say rather unsavory things.” said Daniel. “Unfortunately I can’t really help with the bleeding since there seems to be a knife in the wound…” he said as he twisted it, causing Tytus to yelp louder. “I think there is one solution that can solve your problem in the short-term. How bout you release the poor girl?” said Daniel, calmly.
“F--- YOU DANIEL!” shouted Tytus.
“Fraid that was the wrong answer…” said Daniel, pulling a second knife and plunging it further up Tytus’s arm. Tytus yelped again in pain.
“ALRIGHT ALRIGHT!!!” shouted Tytus. He released the girl.
“Good boy…” said Daniel, very calmly, as he yanked both the knives out at once. Tytus collapsed on the ground, cradling his arm.
“Daniel what the f--- are you doing kid?!” shouted another drunken warrior, scrambling over to where they are. “You’ll die for hurting poor Tytus!” he said, as he pulled a sword, and charged Daniel.
Daniel braced for a short fight, but as the man charged, the woman got up and clocked the man right in the jaw, causing him to fall backwards over the table, and onto the ground on the other side, out cold. The woman then walked over to Tytus, still reeling on the ground, and kicked him square in the face, knocking him out as well. “Even while looking good, you still can give a good fight.” said Daniel, picking up his ale glass from the table.
The woman looked over to Daniel. “Thank… you…” she quietly stated, bowing her head.
“Daniel…” said Daniel, holding out his ale glass once again to the woman. “I suppose introductions are in order at this point.”
“Jolanta…” said the woman, taking the ale glass, and quietly drinking it.
“Well, I have a sinking feeling that more men will be trying to come after us, I feel that working together till the evening ends is in our best interest Jolanta.” said Daniel. “Mind if I accompany you to make sure no one else bothers you?”
“I should… ask that… of you.” replied Jolanta.
Daniel raised both of his knives. “I think I can take care of myself.”
“As can I…” replied Jolanta in a sterner voice. “Thank you… for the offer though.” she said.
“I think this may be the start of an interesting friendship…” said Daniel.
“You… still owe me… a fight.” said Jolanta.
“I would be more than willing to give you one.” said Daniel, with a smile on his face. Jolanta smiled back, and walked out of the room.
“Look at you… little turd…” said Tytus, regaining consciousness. “Fighting for the sake of a woman…” he said, coughing in the process. “Hope you lose your cock during the f---ing...”
Daniel walked over, kicked Tytus in the face again, knocking him out again, and proceeded to walk merrily out of the hall for the evening.
Good news! I survived midterms and the alcoholic ingestion that followed to forget all the pain it caused me! Next update will be forthcoming at the latest this weekend!