Crowned of the Woodland- Writers Block. This is the beginning.

I was going to start with the war, but I wondered if the campaign descriptions over months and years could get boring. Then I was going to start at the end, go to bed at the end of the chapter, and have hi

Crowned of the Woodland

Chapter 1

Foster, newly crowned Thane Aiden, King of Aidah, stared over the weed-choked courtyard. Only a week ago, his armies had finally freed Aidah from two hundred years of Golt oppression. The shrill dance of pipe and violin music came from behind him. The laughter of children and lilting song of the grown mixed in with the music to create an air of exuberance. Yet Foster could not join. He had tried. During the common dinner of roast ox, domestic partridge, radishes, bread and hard cheese, he had eaten and conversed with the other revelers. But when the dancing and music started, Foster had removed himself. He had always enjoyed music, even during the long campaigns, especially during the campaigns. An Aiden folk song could lift his spirits, as well as being in defiance of Golt laws. And he wasn’t remiss to a dance or two, although only with a select few that really knew him.

A light touch on the elbow woke him from his musing, “My son, why are you not at the party? Golt is gone, our mountains and forests are safe now. No longer do our children have to fear work in the orchard and field. No longer will our cities and harbors fall in crumbling ruin. Dandy men may sing to their ladies, lovers stroll beneath the trees.”

But he suppressed the uptight feelings and allowed the trim, dark haired woman to lead him back to the happy crowd. The middle tempo dance was, admittedly, one of Foster’s favorites. He took the opportunity and led his mother on to the polished wood makeshift dance floor. The syncopated short beats thronged through him. He looked into his mothers pine eyes. They had always enthralled him, as if they held the wisdom of the ages. He knew he could not hide things from her, but he kept up a steady stream of businesslike conversation in order to keep the deeper questioning at bay.  

“Mother, you know that you could be the queen. The people of Aidah love you, and although I’m grateful to be king, well, you know more about administration and keeping order than I do. I would transfer the power to you. Take it from me! Keep me advised, but please Mother, take the reins!”

“No, my son. It is I who will be kept advised, while you are in your place as Thane. I will be there, as will your friends and countrymen. But you have led us in the war to free our country. You are not alone, but it is your responsibility to rule. Be the Thane we need now that we are free! You know what to do! Lead by example what it means to be Aiden, and then leave the people to live honest lives! Administer mercy at every turn, justice when needed. You can be a good king, Foster, it is in your blood.”