Saturday Excerpt, "Quest" @Solsticepublish @Solsticeshadows

The field differed from the grassland in two respects. Nearly the entire crescent was covered in loose-quarried stones. Wild grass grew between the rocks. There was also a white limestone obelisk in the middle of the field. Anvar ushered his horse toward the marker with his nephews in tow. The monument grew ever taller as they approached. It was a masterful piece of work with reliefs depicting battles chiseled into the east, south and west sides of the stone. The north side bore an inscription written in the common tongue.

Anvar stopped before the north side and dismounted. His eyes filled with tears as he turned and observed the landscape. The trees at the back of the field had finally come into view. After turning entirely around, Anvar fell to one knee and hung his head in prayer.

Linvin and the twins were dumbfounded. They took to the ground and joined their uncle. At last they could read the inscription.

You stand upon a field of mutual defeat.

In the last great battle for this land, the armies

Of the Mandrean Empire and the Kingdom of Sartan

Spent nearly every soul in their command in a single day.

The ruin of that day is buried in the soil beneath your feet.

Respect the fallen and plant no seed in this land,

For it is stained for all time by the blood of those who would claim

Lordship over its fields.

Only the dead may dwell in this place. Those who disturb them

Shall share in their fate.

May all men remember that the living may control the lands for a time,

But the dead forever hold the soil.

In a world of greed, brave men paid for this soil with their lives.

Leave them to their prize…in peace.