The Tempi Princess

By Henry Martell

Mara is a young girl living on the world of Belfort, a very ancient world near the center of the universe. She challenges tradition and tries to gain membership into an ancient warrior brotherhood of men called the Tempi Brotherhood. There is something special in Mara, something different than others and that thing opens the doors for her. But just as she is on the threshold of her goal, tragedy strikes and her world is torn apart and she winds up captured by an evil king and sold into slavery. But she doesn't give up and endures ten years of slavery and all the horrible things that come with it. She can achieve her dream but the road is longer and harder than she could ever imaging. This special thing inside her keeps her going and in the end, if she can achieve her goal, she will be part of the changing of history on Belfort.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Henry Martell
• Release date: Dec 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301615858

Henry Martell

Greetings, welcome to my author page. I have written just about everything you can imagine since I was the ripe old age of fourteen. Now, some forty or more years later, I retired and needed to decide what on Earth to do. Can't golf all year here in Canada so I spend my time writing for publication. I write fiction, science fiction, fantasy and even some suspense. I never considered myself a poet but I wrote some when younger. A lot of the stories I wrote may grow into longer works or even series. It depends on whether they are popular or not. That's my writing and what consumes my winters. In summer it's golf season so I don't write much. I am a member of the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County in Sherwood Park Alberta, Canada. We promote writing and reading all kinds locally. One thing that is important for everyone nowadays is that no one is reading anymore. People say they don't have time or the desire to read but I thing they are missing so much and we need to bring back the pleasure of what reading brings to the reader.

Book preview

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The Tempi Princess

Part of the Belfortian Chronicles

A novel by Henry Martell

Published by Henry Martell at Smashwords

Copyright 2012 Henry Martell

Smashwords edition

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Table of Contents

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter 1

Mara stuck her head out from the doorway and searched for the sound she heard. Across a four-foot stone wall in front of her, she spotted a group of warriors on a field squaring off against each other with swords. Nothing was ordinary here. They used two swords and wielded them with fantastic skill the result of years of practice of ancient techniques formulated hundreds of years ago. The smooth flow mesmerized Mara and something stirred inside her, something strange that drew her closer to the wall.

Hey you there, came a voice close by. What are you doing?

Mara snapped out of her trance. A man stood right next to her and she panicked. Somehow she had come out of hiding and was now standing next to the wall in full view. She turned to run and the man jumped the wall and chased her. She was a fast runner but this man was faster and soon caught her and held her with two strong hands.

Let me go, she shouted in fear as she struggled against the strong grip. I didn't do anything. Then she stopped struggling when she realized the man she holding her had a handsome face with kind, friendly eyes instead of one of a vicious killer.

The man released her and she shivered in fear. Her eyes focussed on the famed crest emblazoned on his chest of a flaming sun with two crossed swords imbedded in it and underneath four smaller suns. She had seen these emblems before from school and remembered what they signified. These men were members of the Brotherhood of Tempi, the most feared and ferocious band of warriors on Belfort.

This is a restricted area, the man said. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to be here?

What? she stammered. No I didn’t. I only wanted to watch.

Ah, you like sword fights do you?

It looks amazing, beautiful actually. I can tell you’re not ordinary swordsmen.

Bandar, what’s going on? an older, distinguished man said. He had appeared unbeknownst to Mara. He wore the same clothes but with a fine silver tunic with five smaller suns under the main one. His hair was grey, and he sported a long, well-kept beard, but his eyes, like Bandar's, betrayed no cruelty.

Father, Bandar said, this young lady likes what we do here.

She does? the father replied as he stared intently at Mara. Or perhaps you find our collection of fine young men appealing? The two of them laughed.

Disappointment washed over Mara. She thought these men might be different, but they had the same stupid attitudes as her father. Yes they were fine specimens but that wasn't what drew her to them. ‘How can they treat me with such contempt?’ she thought. Her temper started to boil to the surface. I’m not interested in your men, she said in defiance. I’m interested in what you’re doing here.

Are you now? the Father said, Why would you be interested? This is the brotherhood of Tempi. We are the finest band of warriors on this world, and we are a band of men. There is no place for a woman here, except in our beds.

Mara gasped in shock with this insult. Her temper boiled over and she shouted, How can you be so stupid and narrow-minded? Everyone in the arena stopped and stared. No-one would ever dare speak like this to Samol, master of the Tempi brotherhood.

I challenge you, she shouted again. Teach me your ways, show me the proper path and I will show you I can become one of the brotherhood.

Samol appeared surprised. With the trace of a smile on his lips, he went over to her and grabbed her by the arm. Come here, you, he said as he dragged her into the arena. He went over to a barrel, extracted two pairs of wooden swords and threw one set at her feet.

Pick them up, he shouted.

Mara stared at the swords lying before her. Her mouth had gotten her into trouble many times and now it happened again. Samol had trapped her into a corner and now she had a decision to make, turn and run or go forward. Mara knew if she went forward now she would never come back the same.

Come at me, girl. Samol said, as he stood at the ready.

Mara made her choice. She held her breath, picked up the swords and rushed at Samol. Needless to say her swords only found air. Samol parried her thrusts with ease and in turn delivered many blows to her arms and hands and even to her thighs and legs, most likely to reinforce his superiority. She kept on and battled valiantly but soon her two swords flew out of her hands. A well-aimed blow at her knees brought her down to the ground, and she kneeled in dejection and defeat.

Samol came near and loomed over her like a giant, still holding his two swords. He spoke some words, words only spoken to a chosen few.

When the time comes that I cannot take the swords from your hands, it is then you shall be a member of the brotherhood. Samol paused as he stood over her but with no malice in his eyes. Training starts at dawn. Don’t be late. He turned and walked away, shouting at the men to return to work.

Mara gazed around in confusion, rubbing her arms. Bandar reached down, grasped her hand and helped her to her feet. What happened? she asked of Bandar.

He smiled at her. What happened is you are now an apprentice and the first woman.

But I failed, Mara said.

Failed? laughed Bandar. What did you expect for the first time picking up a sword?

I don't know, Bandar. I lost my temper and shouted insults what I always do when someone, usually my father, criticizes me and I lose my cool.

Ah, well your life is changed now for sure. Tell me your name.

I’m Mara Solon and I’m here with my father Betor and mother Luid. We come every week to the market outside the gates to sell vegetables. Can’t you tell? Mara indicated her simple clothes, a maiden's dress over top pants and boots. Suitable attire for one who spent time working in farm fields. Despite her peasant attire and no attention spent on her face or hair, Mara was a beautiful young woman with brown, tanned skin, green eyes, dark brown hair worn in a single braid and a pretty face with smooth nose and full mouth.

Suddenly another face was in front of her, the face of the most handsome young man she had ever seen, with the kindest smile. A pleasing but foreign sensation came over her.

Allow me to introduce myself, the young man said as he offered his hand out to Mara, I am Sekis and I would like to be the first to welcome you to the brotherhood.

Sekis’ had a strong but warm grip. Something passed between them and Mara realized this young man would be someone important in her life from now on.

Thank you Sekis, she finally got out, I hope I’m not making a fool of myself.

You’re an apprentice of the Tempi Brotherhood, Sekis said, a monumental achievement in itself. No one will ever think of you as a fool. We will see you at dinner then?

Of course, Mara said as Sekis walked back to the other men in the arena. She turned to Bandar.

Is all this real, Bandar? Or is this a dream?

Bandar laughed. No everything’s real, Mara. You are an apprentice now and your standing is elevated considerably. However, I detect we still have some misgivings, do we not?

Mara brought her hands up in exasperation. Of course I do, Bandar. I have no idea what to do now. I told you we are farmers and we live far away. And we are poor and my father will forbid me to do this.

Ah, Bandar said with understanding, perhaps I can help you solve those problems. Take me to him; I will speak with your father.

Mara led him through the city streets and out the gate. The Dwarves built Crepe long before man ever set foot on Belfort and did a magnificent job. Even today little wear showed on the huge, walled fortress nestled at the base of a huge, steep-walled mountain, built to withstand the greatest of all sieges but ironically had never been sieged.

Now Crepe was home to the Tempi, an ancient warrior brotherhood formed after the devastating wars between the Elves and Indol. The war hastened the end of Elves, Dwarves and most of the Semeans, leaving the land free for the taking by the Belebs or men as we call them.

The brotherhood flourished and developed a certain philosophy of life, a philosophy to govern their everyday living, something most warrior groups would never do. They killed many men but without cruelty. They did not condone the practice of torture or slavery. A battle ended with either the death of one combatant or their surrender. The code they lived by defined how they interacted with other people before and after battle. This is why the Brotherhood, even though feared far and wide, was also honored and revered.

Most of the men had wives and families, unlike the king's army that consisted of all single men. These wives and families of the brotherhood lived together with the men, took meals together in the dining hall. The children attended a school sponsored by the Brotherhood, located inside the palace.

As they walked along, she watched how he carried himself proudly and how he graciously accepted the greetings and respect of those he met. She felt small under his presence, unworthy to walk with him. She thought people also deferred to her as someone important to be accompanying an honored and revered person.

Bandar, said Mara as they walked along, why did your father choose me? I’m not much of a swordsman. He could send me away and save the brotherhood a lot of work.

I can't speak for my father, but he sees things different than most of us. He is exceptional at judging people, and he recognized something in you that was different.

What could he recognize in me?

You would have to ask him. What caused you to come over to the fence?

Mara shrugged. Something stirred inside me and made me want to go there.

Whatever the something is we have lots of time to determine.

Yes, if my father lets me.

You think he won't?

We had a fight and I ran off. He was angry and threatened to beat me.

What did you fight about?

Something stupid.

Can't be too stupid if he threatened to beat you.

I suppose. The apprentices came out on their horses. Suddenly all these dreams stirred up in my head. I have these dreams, dreams of doing wonderful things, living in different worlds, worlds where women are equal to men and not subject to their father's orders.

I don't see how telling him of your dreams would make him want to beat you?

No, my father is old fashioned about how my life should go. I said some derogatory things, like expressing my disdain for becoming a wife to some old, fat pig of a man, keeping his house, bearing and raising his children. Or maybe it was when I called him stupid for his attitude.

Bandar nodded his head. Kind of like what you did with my father?

Yes that's me, speak without thinking. But why can't things be different?

Of course they can, Mara. It will be different now for you. You've already taken a huge step.

The walk seemed to take longer than she remembered. When they reached the gate and approached the market, she spied her parents busy at work in their stall, dressed in their simple peasant garments. Her father looked up as they approached and was about to chastise Mara when he realized who she was with.

Please, please, my lord, he said bowing to Bandar, let me apologize for whatever my daughter did. Be assured she will be properly disciplined when we return home.

Just a moment, Bandar said, surprised but not surprised by this reaction after what Mara had told him, what makes you think she has done something wrong?

Because she always does. She is disrespectful, impertinent and headstrong and does things that cause trouble.

Father please, Mara said in protest.

Bandar turned to Mara and said, Yes, that’s about how she is alright. But despite those impulsive outbursts, she made a fine impression on my father, and he accepted her as an apprentice to the Brotherhood.

Mara detected a distinct change in her father when he heard those words. Now he suddenly regarded her with respect and wonder in his eyes. She was a commoner, a peasant, the lowest down on the social scale and to be accepted as an apprentice was one of the highest goals any commoner could aspire to.

But she’s a girl, Betor said in dismissal of the whole situation.

Oh yes, Bandar said, and the first one to be given the chance I might add.

We live hours away, Betor said, and I am poor. There will surely be charges for all these things and where will she live?

No problem, Bandar said, that is what I want to talk to you about. I will take full responsibility. No cost to you. And she can live with me and my wife.

Betor's resolve weakened.

Well, if that’s the case, he said. But I worry about her being alone amongst all those young men though.

Of course, I understand. I assure you they would treat her with the proper decorum. My father would accept nothing less. And I promise you I personally insure this will happen.

Betor stared at his daughter. Are you sure of this Mara? Do you understand what is happening?

Of course not. She said. I don't know anything for sure but they are giving me this chance and I want to do this.

Mara, if this is about our fight, you are choosing this path for the wrong reasons.

Mara smiled. No, father, our fight has nothing to do with this decision. It was the reason I wound up there and maybe had something to do with me drawing the attention of Samol but I wasn't thinking much of that when everything went down. Excitement flowed over Mara. She was about to set out on a life changing adventure that scared her to death, and she would be leaving behind the only life she had ever known. Mom, dad, I guess this is goodbye but not forever. You have always been good to me. I'm not leaving in anger.

Of course we understand, Luid said as she grabbed her daughter and hugged her. We will miss you so much but this is something you should do. Our people are seldom offered the chance to do something like this so you must do it. You can come back home again with no disgrace.

I understand, Mara said. She hugged her patents back. I love you both so much. I will bring honor to our family.

You have already brought honour to our family, Luid said.

Mara and Bandar returned to the palace. She was numb with excitement and anticipation about her future. They entered through the door of the inner palace, the home of the Brotherhood. Inside and through a short foyer was a large dining hall with walls decorated with ancient carvings hung there by the Dwarves. They depicted magical beings, amazing warriors and other divine events unknown to Mara.

A table sat at one end of the room in front of a giant fireplace. In front, facing sideways, sat row upon row of more tables. They passed through this room and up a staircase at the far end leading to a long hall with many doors on each side. Bandar pointed to the doors.

These are my family’s quarters, he said. My father's is the first room here, with my brother Sarcophagus across the hall. Ah, here is Carmen.

A beautiful young woman appeared in the hall. She wore a fine gown, finer than anything Mara had worn or even seen before. Her hair was done up nicely around her head and her face contained a warm smile and piercing eyes. Mara liked her instantly and knew they would be friends.

Bandar, she said as she came over and embraced him, who is this?

Carmen, said Bandar This is Mara. Father just accepted her into the brotherhood and I agreed to sponsor her. Mara, my wife Carmen.

Oh my, Carmen said. She took Mara’s hands and gazed into her eyes, the first woman. I never thought I would see the day. Being accepted as an apprentice is a feat beyond anyone except the finest young men. You must have made quite an impression.

Well, Mara said, slightly embarrassed, not with my sword I can assure you.

Carmen smiled. Samol is a master at judging people. There must be something he detected.

Perhaps you can show Mara where she can stay, Bandar said. I thought one of the small rooms in the next hall where the sponsored apprentices live.

Of course, Carmen took Mara’s hand, come along.

She led her down to the end of the hall where it split off into other hallways. They followed one of them to an area of smaller rooms. She stopped at one of the doors.

Here is an empty one, she said.

You mean I have my own room? Mara said in amazement.

Yes, Carmen said, you're the only woman and we can't bunk you with the other men. Now you need proper garments to wear. Your current clothes won’t do. To tell you the truth I would love to be able to dress you up as a proper maiden in fine gowns as you are very beautiful, Mara.

Thank you, Mara said blushing at the compliment. I've never worn a gown; I've worn men’s clothes with a peasants dress over top all my life. You can’t work in the fields with a gown.

Don’t be embarrassed about your clothes, Carmen said, but you must promise me on your wedding day you will allow me to make you into the most beautiful maiden the world has ever seen.

Oh my, Mara said, I never think about a wedding. The way my father badgers me about finding some man makes me hate the whole idea.

What do you mean? Carmen said, Word spreads fast around here. The young men notice you already. They went into the room to inspect. There was a bed, chest for her clothes and other things and a