Stories From Roa

By Ian Primeaux

"Stories From Roa" is a series of short story tie ins connected to the "Emi" series. "Arlo's Journal" is the tale of a young man on his way to becoming a royal guard for the Kingdom of Vidalos. His journal is comprised of specific moments from his training as well as personal entries. Follow along as Arlo overcomes his own faults and faces off against a dangerous group of bandits threatening the kingdom. Then continue the story in "Emi"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Primeaux
• Release date: Jun 15, 2021

Ian Primeaux

I am an independent author just trying to get more people to read my stories. I self published my first book in September of 2020 and have been working on writing and promoting ever since. I am currently working on a large fantasy series but would like to branch out to other genres and see if I can base them in the world I have created. My books are available physically and digitally, I also have free digital short stories. I took inspiration from my first book and series from things like Alice in Wonderland and Final Fantasy. My goal is to always have something to write.

Book preview

Stories from Roa

Arlo’s Journal

First Entry

I’m not sure how to start this off. Captain Haggard handed us these journals when we arrived. He said it’s always good to keep a log of your training days. Apparently some knights and captains still hold onto their journals from when they were in training. I suppose it would be helpful to look back on all this in the future. I decided a long time ago that I would try my best to make it here, the castle of Vidalos. Coming from a small town far to the east of the kingdom, most people told me it would be impossible to reach the castle let alone become a guard. Yet here I am. Technically I’m in the barracks just outside the actual castle but in a few days I’ll begin my training. I owe the queen a debt for saving the lives of my parents. As far back as I can remember they would tell me stories of how a young queen rode in with her army to stomp out a nest of monsters that had invaded our region. My parents had wished only to thank her but never had the opportunity. About three years ago they both passed away. I swore that I would thank the queen for them by serving her. Tomorrow morning, I take the first step of fulfilling that promise.

Day 1

Arlo took his first steps out of the barracks and into the courtyard of the castle. Surrounded by other hopeful soon to be guards, he watched as knights, mages, and other members of staff paced back and forth across the busy courtyard. Leading them was Captain Haggard Ironwood. He was a tall puffier captain with a long red beard that covered the upper half of his breastplate. His second name Ironwood was given to him for his uncanny ability to withstand immense amounts of force. The others told stories of battles where enemies charged him by the dozens but were unable to knock him off his feet. Arlo stared at the crescent shaped axe slung across the captain’s back.

Listen up men, Haggard stopped just outside the entrance to the castle, When you cross this threshold you will be under the roof of Queen Vita of Vidalos. If you are accepted into our ranks you will be expected to protect the queen and this kingdom with your lives. This is your final warning, if you are not prepared to die for either, turn around.

Arlo and the others all looked around in silence before a few men stepped out of line and retreated to the exit.

I guess you’re prepared to die then? someone whispered to Arlo. Next to him stood a slim blonde man with an all too serious expression.

What? Arlo stuttered. The man’s serious face broke into a friendly smile as he laughed, Sorry, you just looked so spooked by those guys running. I’m Lucas, and don’t worry, I hear the guard training isn’t that bad. It’s when you get to be a knight that they try to kill you.

What? Arlo asked again not sure what to think of Lucas.

Calm down, we’re going in.

Captain Haggard continued through the doorway with the men following behind. They were amazed at the silver and white marble interior of the castle. Looking at the grey gloomy mountain wrapped around