News |
Tale of the Easterling Chapter 2 - Matrim's Bio
August 5, 2003
Submitted By Matrim
Comment on This
Email to a Friend
Digg This
At the age of 17 Mat's father put a choice upon him. He was either to enlist in the army to help fight the war or leave for the city to earn his own living. Mat could not bring himself to fight in a war he didn't believe in so he left for the city.
Mat entered the small city of Venn and went to the library to seek out his old friend, Chase. He sat with Chase and talked of the things that had happened and his current problems. Chase told him of a job opening at the government offices as a scribe. He also told him of a small room for rent close to his own. Mat thanked him and left for the house. It was late and he knew the government offices were closed for the day.
Mat found the building Chase had told him about. He knocked upon the door and a wiry old man answered it. After a heated discussion Mat assured the man he would be paid and was shown to his new room. It was small and musty but it had a window that overlooked the street. Mat set his pack and sword belt on the small desk and opened the window looking out upon the street. He was filled with mixed emotions. He missed his family but he was out in the world on his own, making his own way and doing as he willed. Mat left his lodgings for the day and explored the streets of his new home.
Mat awoke early the next morning and left for the government building. He waited in the courtyard until it opened. A clerk came out and inquired about his business. When he said he was here for the job the man smiled and brought him inside. He met with the local judge of the town and was hired. The job paid well for a young man and he made enough money to pay for his room and board with a little extra to save. Mat worked many hours, usually arriving in the mid morning and staying until after sundown. He awoke early in the morning to practice his with his sword and then would wash and go to work. This went on for many a month.
Mat had had a few days off from work due to a festival. He decided to go out and spend some of his hard earned money. While pushing his way through a mass of people he caught a glimpse of a weapons vendor. Mat thought he could use a new sword so he made his way over. Mat found pair of scimitars there that were the perfect weight and balance for him. He bought them and with a broad grin on his face he made his way home. For the next few months Mat trained in the morning and evening getting use to using two weapons at the same time. Soon he was a master at wielding the twin blades.
A few months later, Mat and Chase went out for a night on the town. Ending up in a rougher side of town, they thought it would be good fun to stop in a tavern. He entered the Lady Luck and moved to a corner. Mat spent a few hours drinking and gambling and won quite a nice sum of money. Chase nudged him and yawned, claiming he was tired he excused himself from the game.
Walking outside Mat was confronted by the group of men he had been gambling with. They accused him of cheating at cards and told him to surrender the money he had won from them and no harm would be forth coming. Mat refused and a fight broke out. Though Mat was outnumbered his skill with the blade saved his life and when it was all over two men lay at his feet dead.
The men Mat killed were rather well known businessmen who had powerful friends. The judge was left no choice but to sentence Mat to death for murder. In one last act of kindness the judge granted Mat a chance to escape. Mat left the city that night and rode out into the wilds. He rode for many days until he was sure he was outside the Easterling lands.
Comment on This
Email to a Friend
Digg This
Get more information on this article's topic here:
The Reading Room :
Stories :
Reader Comments
... 3 Comments
You've got a great story idea started here. I hope to see more soon. And a bit more detail, plus some dialogue would be great!
Comment by Lalaith-Elerrina - August 5, 2003 @ 3:58 PM
You've got a great story idea started here. I hope to see more soon. And a bit more detail, plus some dialogue would be great!
Comment by Lalaith-Elerrina - August 5, 2003 @ 3:58 PM
I like the ideas and names you came up for Easterling territory. You made life realistic for Matrim. I feel sorry for him.
Comment by fishy071 - January 21, 2004 @ 3:46 AM