The Seventh Virtue: Legends of Dawn Gate, #1

By C.R.F. Algarín

Duero, King of Dawn Gate, is willing to fight to the death with his mortal enemy, the great Mrs. Guadaíra, known everywhere as "untamed queen". But this great war that could be the end, is only the beginning. What can man do to gain power? How far can betrayal go? How to decide between duty and love? This epic fantasy focuses on wars, adventures and leadership. The loss of honor, military strategies, risk, magic and love, are present in this volume

• Language: English
• Publisher: BadPress
• Release date: Apr 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781071539392

Book preview

Introduction

That early morning

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He sighed, still staring at him. Horizon waiting for the dawn. I'd have to to have rested and slept, but it was not possible. I was afraid, very afraid, and I was invaded by the feeling that that day would be the Last to see the sun rise.

King Duero I of Dawn Gate could not allow his captains to see him nervous and unsafe. I knew they trusted him and couldn't to be seen wobble. That's why I had decided move away from your shop, far Away, mounted on your steed, getting lost in the darkness and silence of the night.

I didn't know how long there was rode, anger and fear invaded him and he found some calm in his fury when he felt the violence of his horse's footsteps on the ground, while the wind whipped his face. He finally reached the beach, to his old friend the sea, was freezing and too serene, it seemed that death too It silenced him. That black cloak that had so much whispered in the past now was silent, He hardly seemed to be there. Just the contrast with the earth, strangely white by the remains of ice, warned of his presence.

―How can anyone live like this, in this place barren and inhuman and suffering this glacial cold No winter or summer. There are no flowers here that open to daylight, or trees that come off of its dry leaves in autumn, covering a ground of earth and grass to green again in Spring, ―said the monarch talking with him same―. I may understand the little concept of beauty and faith in existence that can be reached have, being so far away from her. Maybe this extreme absence of life make them unable value more sound than the wielding of the swords and The scream of pain from the enemy. What other sounds they can perceive those indomits other than their own voices or the roar of some wild animal? It must be terrible to live in a place where the earth stop being white to turn gray and equally sterile than when the ice covered it. Now I understand your disdain for life, Guadaira, I don't know You can appreciate something you don't have.

He cursed her in his thoughts, that woman, known by the untamed queen, sovereign of northern barren glacier called Ice Desert, He had put an end to his happiness in a few months. Was the moment to solve it, in a few hours you he would face her, that day the war would come to an end.

As the sky began to light up, in its Mind remembered his country. I saw with his mind those green meadows extending to the horizon, those immense forests full of life and magic, where death is just one more step in the cycle of existence, for he who dies returns to the soil, to where life comes from. He remembered the beauty of his capital. Almost believed be able to hear the sound of the bustle of the port and the noisy that made the ends hitting the Bare masts of ships. I imagined Clearly the comings and goings of the colossal ships. I heard the music of the bards in the streets, and almost I felt the sound of the waves as it lashed the earth in Its breaking on the beach. Above all, he longed for his beloved sea, impassive over the years and overflowing with life.

He turned his eyes to the south and could see, in the distance, the mountains whose summits were still covered

of snow.

«It's the border, the beginning of this hell so close to the paradise that is my nation», he thought.

Without even noticing his hands because of the cold or the wind cutting his face, without know if you feel fear or relief, saw as a bright orange line began to appear over water. The spring sun rose brightly and blinding to reflect its rays in the silver sea ​​surface.

Shy tears slid down her face.

He knew that the time had come to deliver his lifetime.

«I don't want to die, let alone here, far from home, away from home ».

THE BEGINNING

THE BLOOD IN THE ICE

Only death seemed to reign there. Paradoxically, as the king himself said, no land had ever made him feel so alive

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War Diary of the Battle of the

Ice

— By General Nervión

Prelude

King Duero I rushed back to his camp before anyone noticed his fault. He began to be aware of how tired he was. At the bottom of her soul she feared she would not give up her efforts to destroy her country and destroy him, even if fortune smiled at her that day and the conflict seemed to be resolved.

That war of attrition had also begun to make a dent in his health. The bad rest and the ill —fated diet were attentive, with excellent results, to their physical and psychic integrity. He could not concentrate and the lack of sleep had him distracted and exhausted. He finally arrived at the camp where his general, Nervion, discovered him by dismantling his steed almost by stealth.

—Good morning, majesty —he made a brief bow. I see that you have risen quite early. —He continued without answer—. As your general and friend I confess that I have not had easy to fall asleep.

—I don't think we're prepared for this, we're not people of war, I never thought something like this would happen to us. —The king confessed with lost eyes reflections he could not have with another person.

Duero tied his horse and headed for his shop inviting him to accompany him. He was relieved to see that the camp was still silent.

Nervión was a tall man, not much more burly than the king and, despite having entered the quarantine, he remained in perfect physical form as the good soldier he was. Of eyes and hair brown, he had a sober haircut where a good number of gray hairs began to appear over his ears.

He was a very cautious man, perhaps too much, he was better known for his literary works composed of military chronicles and passages of history, than for his warlike merits.

―All are motivated, you know that many of the volunteers have seen friends and brothers perish, and have suffered witnessing how the untamed people reduced their homes to ashes

—Nervion entered the tent after the king—. Majesty, this may not be the idea of ​​life that we all had in mind, but we cannot cross our arms in the face of this unreasonable avalanche that harasses us.

Duero took off his fur robe and released it on the chair. He was less tall than his general and a few years younger. He was thinner than this, although his muscles were well defined by the intense training he had received in recent months. He wore what was once a well trimmed black beard and had a shaved head.

He was a good king, very dear to his people. I tried to always find the best solution for everyone. His military feats were more than exalted in the naval camp, the same thing not happening in wars over land, where he had no great feats. He was clever and condescending, and also an inveterate dreamer, so there were tints of reality that he had trouble fitting.

—I know we can't cross our arms.

—He served his companion a glass of wine to warm up and invited him to sit in front of him. He glanced at the map on the table and, with a swipe, threw it on the floor—. We are better equipped and trained than them, they can hardly do anything to us, their number is smaller and they have a nefarious organization, even if they are very strong and let's fight in their territories, it is not a good end that I predict those untamed.

»It is the future of peace that our children deserve—Duero I continued after taking a drink, making a grimace of distaste for the strong taste at that early hour—. I do not wish this suffering to anyone, or this feeling of helplessness. It is worth expiring if it is necessary to have a future as it was our past.

—Majesty, consider it as another proof that life is subjecting us to. We must keep in mind that we are all doing the possible and the impossible to overcome it. I know that you have tried to reach an understanding with that woman and all your calls to peace have been in vain. If the indomitable people only hear the voice of the sword, it is the only way we have to answer them, in their own language, so that they understand us. If they have decided to wage an endless war, calling for their extermination, that their will be done, we are here willing to execute them.

—And so it will be, my friend —said, extending his glass and toasting with the general, encouraged by his words—. We will win, don't doubt it. We will lead the army to victory and soon we will rejoice in the reception that will await us when we return home.

After a few moments the silence of the camp broke to the sound of a cornet. It was the signal at the dawn of the new day, the day everyone had expected and feared in recent months, the day of the final battle. The day when the conflict between Dawn Gate and the free lands of the Ice Desert would be resolved, one way or another.

King and General peeked at the entrance of the store checking the great organized disorder in a few moments, showing that it had not been a peaceful night for anyone. The soldiers were piling up in the toilet area, more nervous than ever.

―They have an hour to be ready and train

―said the porteno general.

—I better do the same, or I won't be able to demand a neatness of which I don't set an example. ―smiled bitterly trying to hide his discouragement.

He prepared to enter the store and the general followed him once more.

—Majesty, I insist that the people need you alive. Your enchanted guard will be escorting you back to Armitrel. Although we win, without you the country will be in chaos.

It was not the first time his general made such a suggestion.

—This war is my responsibility, I'm not leaving. I will face the destiny that the goddess Cinca has reserved for me. —I was quite upset about Nervion's repeated suggestion—. I thank you for your concern, my general, but it is I who will remain at the head of the troops for better or worse.

—My lord, I have heard horrible things about the tortures that these savages can practice, it is not about losing your life, but about the possibility that you will be captured. If you fall into the hands of the untamed queen, she will avenge all of your fallen ones and you know it...

The king gave him a look of reproach and the general was silent.

—You can retire, Nervión, call the formation within an hour as planned. The indomits await us on the plains ten kilometers away —He looked him straight in the eye. We will march all together.

Invested for battle with a leather trousers, a white overcoat, on whose chest he wore the shield of his country, a chainmail and leather gauntlets, he was placed with the help of a servant, in front of the mirror, the crown on the almofar Thus, King Duero I of Dawn Gate had just dressed trying to stay in the present. Finished, but not ready, he left his shop, where the general waited dismantled and the chamberlain held the reins of his horse. While the chamberlain made the relevant bow, he climbed on the back of the animal followed by the general, who did the same, and the servant himself extended to the king his shield and the sword of the kingdom.

«Be good, old friend», he thought, patting the fur covered animal's neck to protect him from the cold: «Don't stop at anything».

Taking a haughty gesture, the king began the quiet passage accompanied by the general and in the direction of the outskirts of the camp, where the troops waited in formation. For a moment, while scanning the horizon, it seemed to her that at that moment she was doing the same, she was addressing her troops mocking him and his people once more. He wanted to tear this thought out of his mind and focus on what he was doing, but the lack of sleep dragged him into wandering.

He kept moving until he reached the place of formation. There the soldiers waited serene, in complete silence, under the jealous vigilance of the rest of the generals and captains. The white banners with the emblem of the silver door (an arc embroidered in silver crossed by a large golden sun on three wavy lines that symbolized the sea) and the hallmark of each division, waved in the wind, being their dance the only sound that it sounded.

Portenos troops awaited their king waiting for his words and to be led in battle. It was not the first time many of them fought, but it was the first time that Duero I would go to the front. For many it represented an honor, for others it was a simple example of the seriousness of the situation they were holding. And for all it was a pride to serve his country and his crown.

Infantry in front lines and cavalry behind, maintained a strictly defined formation. Many trembled more fear than cold. They didn't seem to be in the spring awakenings.

Most were veterans and there were also new recruits. As was logical, the latter were the ones who feared the battle most. The king had given a recruitment order throughout the country. Every corner was scanned to find anyone capable of wielding a sword or carrying a quiver and a bow. Was necessary.

Although it had been a well —endowed army, the untamed had managed to decimate their number of troops to such an extent that, adding to the new ones, they were little more than double that of them.

Turning around the legions, as was the custom, and standing in front of them, he looked at the soldiers with pride:

―Portenos, today, as another day, we are forced to shed untamed blood, and today it will be in this place that is your home. I know that destruction does not count among our exploits for life, but our people and our homes must be protected, and the deaths of our brothers at their hands must be avenged. I proudly see your courage, in both veterans and those who don't. I am pleased to see that together we form a great army, which will return the splendor to our days and calm to our lands. I encourage you as a father to a son, today we will have a great victory and it will be final, achieving the perpetual peace we so long for.

»There, forward, the hordes of the great Guadaira await, let us give the lesson they deserve to those who have desecrated our homes, destroyed our homes and killed in cold blood. We will show you how much superior we are.

― He raised his very high hand and began to shout―:

For our victory and the future of Dawn Gate! A great cheer was heard, followed by the sound of cornets and drums that indicated the beginning of the march. The general joined the king to lead the March.

—I congratulate you, majesty, for your right words.

—Congratulate me better when we return home. — A few moments after starting the march, a strong hurricane began to shake the white banners abruptly and the sky began to close in black clouds.

Stone men

«Everything will be fine», the great lady thought as she twisted a strand of her long dark hair: «The time has come to take revenge, today I will bring my people to glory. The ice will drink his blood, that of those who have done us so much harm. They will never want to take over this sanctuary that is our home. We deserve the victory».

That night, not even her presence in the rimues after the rite of the —call to the gods— could help her calm her soul. She was restless and a fear began to flood her, breaking her strength. He could only ask questions, had caused his suffering, had desecrated and razed part of his territory, but, at what price? Was it really worth it?

—Yes. —The self —confidence seemed to return to her. It has had to be worth it and it will be worth it. I will continue with my purpose, nobody has the right to mock or enslave my people and I will lead them to the glory we deserve so much, even if it costs me my life.

Far away was his camp. I saw the reflections of the fires in the skins of the stores that would end up extinguishing before sunrise. She dreamed awake with the years to come when she had left her sword, in which she could see her children grow up, and cease fighting to be able to throw herself into a quiet life. I just wanted that. He wanted to see his people happy, free from all threats, to continue with their meditations on the rimues and their competitions of songs and stunts between tribes that were already so far away. He wanted to return harmony to the land he had inherited.

«Any price is fair if this is what we achieve. Their weapons will be better and their men will be better organized, but we are stronger», he reflected.

«No one will guard these lands for us. No one will impose their will on ours. We are a strong town where there are them and their bravado will not affect us. I will give my children and my people the future of peace they deserve».

—I will finish with you, Duero —shouted, jumping up. I will make sure that it is my sword that puts an end to your days.

Renewed with strength in her spirit, and once again being sure of herself and the possibilities of her army, she headed towards the tent for her much deserved rest in the little that remained at night.

—About seven kilometers from here is the place ―said Odiel, the captain of the glacier cavalry, a tall, large man with long, curly hair and a bushy black beard. Follow everything as we had planned. Our infantry has been thoroughly trained, if it weren't for their armor, the Portenos would hardly stand before us. Our cavalry is much superior, although we are less in number.

The great Guadaira looked proudly at her captain from the other side of the table. He had slept little, but well, enough to know that he would live up to it.

—We must recognize —said —that they are quite skilled in the art of war, but, although more numerous, we cannot allow them to leave these lands alive.

The brown man smiled and added:

—I tried to put myself in his place. Seeing how they have acted so far, I think that the strategy most likely to follow is this.

―He began to draw on the map on the table while she nodded. By doubling ourselves, it will be logical for them to try to divide us and possibly try in this way.

For a while they were reviewing the possible strategies between the two on the map, depending on the footsteps of the enemy.

—Weigh your victories —said the captain finally—, discouragement has not taken over our spirit. They are numerous, but not in sufficient proportion to be a problem. We have been in worse situations and we have been successful.

—So be it, my captain. —stood up sharply and staring into his eyes, said—: I don't want failures this time, just one mistake and we'll be damned.

—Take it for granted, Guadaira, there will be no failures, we all know well what our mission is, our function and what we risk. They will make the same mistake again, as they always do. Today we will come viciously to the fallen by their hands.

—I want to point out something else. —set aside the chair and walked through the store. Let me know my orders after the battle. If fortune smiles at us, there will be nothing to worry about. If not, you will not return to the tribes until after three months, when it is summer. These will follow their course according to the instructions given to the patriarchs.

»If the enemy persecutes us and attacks the tribes, it will be our end. We will disperse during that time. And I'm going to tell you the most important thing. —He stopped dead. If I die or I am imprisoned, I want the old Jándula to invite my eldest daughter, Guadiamar, as a successor.

Its so much prepared to take that position, and you will be invincible to the side. Also you must promise, my dear friend, that defeat was avenged when our forces have recovered.

—So it will be, my lady, your will will be done, but I tell you that nothing will happen to you or any of us.

Realistic know, my dear friend, is the risk we have to run our lives for our future. Today the ice will be stained with our blood, and it is an honor to die if we give a future of peace to our children.

At that time the infantry captain, Tinto, a tall and strong, somewhat less bulky than Odiel of red hair and curly, with coiffed beard two small braids, entered the tent of the great lady and, bowing he addressed her.

—The troops are ready to form. Your horse and sacrifice kettle are also prepared; When you want you can give the order.

He glanced at Odiel before answering.

—Gather them, I'm coming right now.

The captain turned obeying his orders. She went to her chair and suddenly grabbed her blue skin layer.

His skin was pale and her soft features. She wore her long brown hair and her war attire, consisting of a thick brown leather bodice and leather pants. The great lady of the Desert Ice Cream, Guadaira, was at the least twenty centimeters lower than any of his men, which greatly surprised his enemies who had given him the nickname —Queen untamed—. Up for his low rise with a strong character and superhuman agility. Sometimes it exceeded arrogance. It was almost impossible to keep staring at her brown eyes, but he is trying to be a friend of every man and woman who composed his army.

―We have never been as prepared as today ―Odiel said before leaving the store.

She smiled at him.

That's right, dear friend, that's right.

The great Guadaira left his shop ready to take the reins of his horse when the strong wind waving his blue skin layer stopped noticing. She smiled proudly, she knew that time was in her favor.

It was there that the troops gathered waiting for him. The cheering of everyone when he saw his great lady arrive once again to put himself at the forefront of the so —called  —hordes of the stone men—, showed, without a doubt, the difference of self —confidence with the  Portenos.

The untamed people of the north trained for war from an early age. Without thinking, they followed the call to the fight of their mistress, satisfied to fulfill their mission in that way. Carrying a gun and use it were honors for a town like this that, accustomed to the ice and develop their life in extremely adverse temperatures, was characterized by an exceptional fitness and endurance.

Made of ice and the scourge of the wind on their skin, they barely needed a coat, and their clothes, although made of leather and leather, were quite light. Not wearing chainmail and breastplates, skill and fierceness in fighting these garments became a hindrance rather than a protection when the fight. They were not accustomed to them, did not need them to feel protected, nor did they have the necessary means to build them, nor did they want to.

Their only peculiarity is that they wore metallic avambrazos that covered them from the elbow to the wrist, placed on the fur sleeves. These served to stop enemy lunges when they could not carry a shield or lost it in combat. Although the cavalry was feared, the close combat against them caused fear of their enemies.

It was said that the wounds did not cause pain to the untamed. This statement was uncertain, of course. They felt pain like anyone else, but their resistance was prodigious. Coping with it was every day. And from here came the title of —stone men.—

Wearing his cape of a strange blue skin, which said that he made it invincible, a helmet with horns, which made it localizable during the battle, and carrying the staff of the Ice Desert, he stood before the formations to say his customary words of encouragement and Your instructions

He watched them smiling and proud, one by one, until he prepared to speak.

—Well, what can I tell you not to know anymore? This is the day when our victory will be written in history. Today is the day we have been waiting for so much. Today is the day when we are going to give our enemies the final lesson. Despite the metal, our steels can pass through their mesh dimensions and be satiated with their blood. ―He began to smile when he saw how thin snow began to reach his cloak intermittently―. There is no choice but victory! And we can predict that it is undoubtedly ours.

Big laughter from everyone heard each other on the plain, it was very logical: they were used to blizzards and snowfall, to live and live with this time, while his adversaries did not know life under the inclemency of extreme temperatures.

—One more thing —he went on to say, now much more serious—, I don't want survivors.

The men and women of the snow cheered these words with their weapons held high.

—My soul for the glacier! He finally shouted raising his sword, being chanted by the entire army that repeated the war cry. Before beginning the march, they paraded before the sacrifice pot. The indomitable people bled an animal and used the blood to paint their faces and their skins. Appearing before their enemies painted like this, made them look still more terrifying.

A few moments later, it could be seen how the hordes of the stone men ran back to war.

You couldn't tell who had started the war. The indomits of the Ice Desert had neither friends nor allies, although on certain occasions, and always for the convenience of their own, Guadaira threw his sympathy on some neighboring kingdom.

The great lady would explain that her territories were desecrated by the Portenos and that they deserved a punishment for it. For his part, the king of Dawn Gate would report that he only intended to expand his country to land without ownership.

Due to territorial needs, the king and the Council agreed to build a village in the north of the country. Trying not to have any setbacks, King Duero I wrote to the great lady to inform her that these lands belonged to her now.

A few weeks later, the village that was being built was reduced to ashes, and the builders appeared hanged in the same place. The royal mail had the same fate, his headless body appeared among the ashes and a letter from the great Guadaira had been attached where he swore revenge for desecrating his sacred lands. Shortly after the destruction of the village, the untamed people occupied one of their towns in the south of the country where a bloody battle took place in which the untamed were defeated. Despite this, they made clear their ability to appear anywhere in Dawn Gate, however away from it.

Although the indomits lost, the thing was not there.

The leaders of the Portenos army were confident before the victory, however, Duero I did not think the same. His instinct yelled at him that they could not underestimate the intelligence and ability of his enemy. It had been that way. Months of attacks and looting followed, coordinated in different populations and without apparent order.

The indomits had begun a war of attrition in which both sides had lost a lot. The wild troops seemed to recover easily. Little by little, the Portenos military swallowed their words and the king's nightmares began to come true. There was no truce, the elusive untamed people took and released the villages at will, before the impotence of the people and an army of troops tired of persecuting the enemy throughout the nation.

The king and General Nervion had observed that it was a fairly logical tactic. Although they outnumbered them, by fragmenting, the army lost potential, and by keeping the troops together, they could not reach every place: they risked the looting and devastation of all the villages.

For probably strategic reasons, only the capital, Armitrel, had remained unpunished to war, but not to horror.

One day, a car arrived at the same doors of the capital with the bodies of two spies captured inside the Ice Desert. They had been beheaded and their heads had been strung on two stakes that everyone could see. This gesture caused the panic to spread among the inhabitants of the capital who had not yet suffered war in their flesh.

And none of this had been enough to reach an agreement.

The war was already extended for more than two years, and the hatred was such that it had aroused that the real reason was barely remembered: there was only a grudge against each other for the damage that both kingdoms were causing.

Duero I, in his feeling of helplessness, made all kinds of proposals to reach an agreement, even offered to teach them to develop a more civilized way of life that would