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An untitled fable. Author - Modest


‘This is a tale I bring you from the kingdom of Heimdall. I brought together with information from witnesses, and lore keepers from the fair kingdom. ‘The lands of Heimdall have beauty beyond compare, forested and lush. There’s chill in the air and the women are buxom and friendly. The men from the cold land are lithe and powerful.’

‘Never have I heard of a more powerful man than the Heiman Essen. He was exalted amongst his own people, The Heiman respect valour in a person more than any other quality. Essen was brave, he had fought the massive monster the stone buffallo with nothing more than his hands and had come out on top.’

‘Now Essen may have been strong, agile and brave above all others alas there was but one weakness in the giant’s resolve and that was his childhood friend the maiden Rohain. He had loved her more than his own life since he had grasped the concept. It was the one aspect of his life in which he was not brave, he could never tell the fair maiden how he truly felt. All knew of his feelings for Rohain, except for Rohain herself.’

‘Some say Essen’s bravery came from his desire to impress the girl, I’m inclined to agree knowing that love affects people like that. Every day he would test his strength against those in the village, and the few who wandered the wilds and even the beasts who called Heimdall their home.’ ‘It was this that was perhaps his downfall.’

‘It was a cold morning which is characteristic of the fair kingdom and Essen went about his morning exercises when the visitor came. This mysterious stranger said nothing for five days. He watched Essen go about his exercises, his bouts and his hunting. Most ignored the silent stranger, those who did not were ignored themselves.’

‘On the fifth day Essen had finally tired of the strange man watching him. “What is it that you do stranger? Why is it that you watch me, and ignore me?” He shouted at the man.

‘ “I’ve come to watch you Essen. Stories of your valour has been spread through this world. I’ve watched long enough, and I’ve learned. Learned of your love for the maiden Rohain, I’ve learned of your prowess in battle, and it is on this note that I issue you a challenge,” The snide strangers voice was harsh, his lips formed and mangled the words turning them into a cruel affront to the creator of the language. “I will best you in combat,” He said “But if I fail to do this then the fair lady Rohain will surely love you, I promise you,” He let out a cackle that pained Essen to hear. “However, however if I best you then I will take Rohain to do as I please!” A twisted smile let up the travellers face.’

‘ The offer was too good to refuse, because a man who never looses often thinks of himself immortal. To win the love of Rohain with something as easy as combat with this strange man. “Very well, you son of a whore, I will best you in combat for surely you know I have never lost, this battle will be won quickly.” With those foolish words he cast aside his cloak and assumed stance.’

‘ “You are a fool Essen.” Once again the strange traveller assumed his mask of silence. A mightier duel has never been fought. For five further days they traded blows, not stooping for food, nor water, nor sleep. Evenly matched they appeared to be, when one was beaten back, he would find a new well of strength and return the blows. It is said that the blows could be heard across the entire kingdom, I fancy I heard a couple of the choicer ones myself.’

‘Essen bellowed insults at the silent man who brushed them away with seemingly no concern. On the fifth hour of the fifth day Essen was defeated in just combat. It appeared the heavens themselves exclaimed for as the final blow was struck rain poured from a previously clear sky. “I have bested you Essen, and I will now take my prize!” The hideous stranger exclaimed in glee as he ran to her cottage and took the fair girl with him.’

‘It took Essen months to recover from his injuries. He was shunned amongst his people for the foolish bet that had lost him the girl of his dreams. He left abruptly without a word to anyone, for he had taken to silence. It is said he wanders the lands searching for the stranger who took away his Rohain and challenge him for the rites to her hand once again. Neither he, nor Rohain have been heard of since, although the cruel man who struck down Essen has been seen amongst the land, challenging good men and taking things precious. One can only imagine what he does with them.