Free Kingdom of Lies by Cato Zachrisen Page B

soul. Sahar was looked upon as a leader and never called their group by a name. They were together and that was all that mattered. But bonds were made to be broken and after a particularly brutal attack by Quatz soldiers hunting for escapees only half the group survived.
    Most cried for revenge but Sahar refused. She had been raised by a peaceful people and despite their deceit which led to her fleeing, she truly believed in peace. As leader she threatened to leave them unprotected and the members fell back in line. All except Tarr who secretly led a small group after the soldiers and killed them all. She returned and told Sahar of her actions expecting congratulations. Horrified their leader sent her away. A tearful Tarr fled but was followed by the majority of the former slaves who encouraged her to become their leader. Hardened by Sahar’s rejection and years of slavery she decided it was time to take their freedom back and punish all those who harmed them along with those who stood by and did nothing. She declared that were not just wanderers but a community which she named Blood Knot because they were united by the blood of slavery, pain and unity. Since then they journeyed from place to place exacting vengeance on anyone who they felt wished or caused them harm. Villages grew to fear them and most never questioned their presence. Those who did ended up paying a steep price. With their growing numbers Tarr had to use her ability less and less. But the threat of Tarr’s touch was usually enough.
    Right now Tarr and her community were headed for Sluvic. It would be a long journey but since most were born there it was agreed of the four kingdoms Sluvic should be punished first. The people were willing to hand over their children in exchange for not being punished severely by King Dakk who only cared about his legacy and kingship. Some would pity these people but Tarr didn’t. She remembered how willingly her family handed her over. Yet her neighbor, a heavy set woman fought for her young sons and was beaten unconscious for her efforts. If more people rose up maybe the king would have reconsidered his actions and tried a new negotiating tactic with the Quatz Kingdom. But they didn’t and Tarr was going to see to it that they paid dearly for their cowardice.
    “Mistress Tarr,” a male spoke, “we are ready to assist you in anyway necessary to reap revenge against those who wronged us. Thank you for your guidance and leadership. We are all forever grateful to you. Our former masters will perish a thousand fold and the cowards ten thousand fold,” he at last recited the oath Tarr had given them to say every morning and night.
    “They will and thank you dear follower for your allegiance. We are only as united as the strength of our blood and the unity of the community. Any stragglers will be removed and all doubt will be punished. Leave now if you still feel fear and no harm will come to you,” Tarr declared.
    No one stepped out of all. All were united and ready to reap their vengeance. Even those not from Sluvic were ready to bring down the kingdom that sought protection on the backs of their own children.
    “Then we march on. Once we reach the rocky lands you will be allowed to put on your shoes. Remember that pain is our friend and luxury is the enemy. Sahar believed in the luxury peace gave her former kingdom and betrayed our safety for her own ideals. The Sluvic Kingdom wanted an easy life and sold many of you in exchange. Quatz Kingdom almost destroyed us to be lazy warring vagabonds while labored in the jobs no one else wanted. The other two kingdoms focused on themselves which afforded the luxury of not having their own sent to slavery while we suffered without aid. Every last one of those cowards will suffer terribly.” Tarr said and all her followers cheered and chanted ‘Our former masters will perish a thousand fold and the cowards ten thousand fold.’
 

Traditions
    King Dakk finished with his