"Ambrones: People of the Water"---An Epic Ligurian AAR

[Ghaust the Moor]

Well, let them in, Mandubracious stated suspiciously. Yes, My lord, Meriadoc replied as he stepped nervously out of the large ornate doorway and went to retrieve the three boys. It shuddered ominously as he left. The shuffling of his feet lingered in the air for a moment. Mandubracious was beginning to worry. Such an experienced warrior, like Meriadoc, should not have acted so fearfully. It just was not like him to act so scared. This was definitely of the utmost importance.

The king fingered the gold ornate trim on his royal crimson tunic. The nervousness of the situation was beginning to get to him. He reached his shaking hand into his pocket and pulled out his kerchief. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he chuckled at himself. No need to get scared, he muttered to himself. Mandubracious stood weakly, and began to pace. What can this possible be, he mused quietly. The pacing continued for about seven minutes before Meriadoc returned with the boys.

Here are the children, My liege, Meriadoc bowed graciously. Be aware, as they are exhausted and scared, The guard added. Thank you, You have my leave. Take the other guards with you, He added, Come, he said as he motioned for the boys. They stepped closer submissively, and with their heads down. Now, now. No need to be shy, Sighed the king. The kids looked up slowly and gave the king a good overview.

The three boys varied in height. The tallest was approximately five foot ten inches while the shortest was four feet four inches. The two taller ones were almost men, for their height and build. Large muscles showed that they worked hard on a farm, or as blacksmiths maybe. The tallest boy wore a dark brown tunic fixed with buttons, and light gray trousers that were obviously too small. He had a light mustache and brown. The nest tallest was attired in an off-white shirt with the sleeves rolled up too his elbows. This boy had a blond mop of hair on his head. He wore brown pants that were cut off ant the shins. The smallest, no more than ten winters, was wearing a deep blue coat and black trousers that were way too big for him. His red hair offset the normality of the others. They all appeared as if they had been crying.

Come, Now don’t be scared, Said Mandubracious impatiently. The boys stepped closer to the throne and bowed. Well, what is it you children need to tell me? The king questioned. The eldest boy glanced at his brothers and stepped forward.

Some one attacked us, The boy said shakily. He began to quiver. Well, I’ll have him executed, who was it? The king said impatiently. Umm, No…Sir. I mean, an army…from the north attacked our village. There were a lot of them. The came with fire and weapons, and they burned our village towards the ground. They killed our father in the process. We barely escaped. Others seemed to have run, but they got caught by more of the barbarians…There were a lot of them… The eldest elaborated. The youngest had begun to cry and his brother was comforting him.

The king ran his fingers through his limed hair and sighed. This is bad, very, very bad. The king mused aloud. Alright, You boys have been very brave. I will ensure you get taken care for now. You’ll be safe here. No army of barbarians will get to you here. Mandubracious promised. What are your names? He asked as he stood and took the boys by the arms. I’m Laris, My younger is Arte, and the boy is Arnthur. He is our half brother, but we love him just as much. The eldest replied, pointing to each brother individually. Alright then, Why don’t you three go with Meriadoc and got get something to eat? You all look hungry. The king offered as they walked out of the main door to meet the guard.

Thank you, replied the boys as they left with the guard. As they left, he called aside another guard. Lugotorix, I need you to go to the town center and call for all able men to join the military. We will need all the men we can get for this next war. Also, I want our spies to go and find what sort of army we will be fighting. You got that? The guard responded quickly, Yes, My lord.

Mandubracious left the coolness of the great hall and stepped into the summer heat. He took a moment to look at the beauty of his place. It may be the last time he can…