LOMAM by P.F Valer
Chapter 1
Everything went up in smoke. Fires as tall as trees encompassed houses. Horses squealed in fear as folk sprinted to collect water from the troughs. Mud splashed underfoot followed by the clanking of armor as soldiers ran through fields. Rain poured heavily like a storm in spring. Lightning struck the ground, sending even the bravest into a state of fear and shock. Everything he had built, everything he had fought to protect was at risk. Everyone who helped him was dead.All who fought were like animals to the slaughter. They stood no chance against their foes. Yet the bravery in mind and heart was enough to march into battle. A battle who could have foresaw? Folk were gnawed into pieces, left alone and abandoned. Wildlife, riddled with fear, helpless in people's perpetual pursuit of predominance. Everyone was left wanting. Destruction was irreversible. Just as many had wanted.Brother against sister, son against father, daughter against mother, spouses against each other. Heirs against spares.Must’ve been something in the air.War was long lived in days such as these. People from all corners of the earth, consumed by greed. Others wonder ‘why bother with good deeds’ if good things happen to those who seize and seek to destroy. A division caused by one who isn’t part of the ploy. A game that was made for those who can play, not for the faint of heart who say ‘peace is what we need’ then proceed to have their needs remain pleas.More than one thing can be true at once. One who means well can do all they can but in the end the decision is not in their hand. Who has the power to say what is right and what is wrong? If all have done so, then all are wrong.“Your highness?” A knock on the door woke him from the frightening yet confounding dream. The prince had been napping on his old wooden desk. His cheek red from being pressed against his arm. He snorted awake and stretched his arms to receive the maid who came to bring him his letters. “These are for you my lord.” She smiled as she placed them into his hand, the other remained rubbing his left eye.“Thank you.” He spoke in a deep, sleepy voice.“Adresses from Nielon and Haelbridge.” She said amused.“Must be about your potential suitors.” Her giggles were almost contagious.“Yes… I suppose it is.” He threw the letters before him and leaned back into his chair. Covering his face, breathing deeply.Agnes could see the prince uncomfortable and attempted to relieve him. “Is there anything I could get you, your royal highness? Are you having trouble sleeping?”“No no, I'm fine. Bad dream is all.” He said blankly. Out of sorts. Tapping his thumbs together in front of him, his left leg shook, heel lifted off the floor beneath the wooden desk.“Well, I have a good ear for listening!” She sat leaning on the edge of his desk and readied herself to listen but he wouldn’t budge.He shook his head and looked away. Odd and not like his usual self.The day had marked 22 years since the kingdoms of the east were at peace.....