CREATIVE WRITING: EP 1- STORY OF MY LIFE
Hey everyone,
This is Rae. I am super passionate about writing and have dreams of becoming an author. So I thought of sharing the first chapter of a story I am thinking of writing with you all. Hope you all like it!
Chapter 1 : THE PETROVS
Cold. Cold is the power of nature which makes you shiver, rattles your bones and makes your teeth chatter. It freezes you until you are nothing but a hollow shell on the outside. But of course, humans have invented a thousand and one ways to rid you of this bitter cold and make you cosy as a dormouse in a palatial house even if there are hundreds of people outside, freezing to death. This, my readers, is the story of a royal family- specifically about their son- the most powerful of his bloodline yet a prey to the shadows…
It all began in late October. It was the onset of winter and preparations for the prince’s birthday were in full swing. The Petrovs were an ancient bloodline, dating back hundreds of years who were still in complete control of the kingdom of Devon which is a pretty big deal, mind you. The present Petrov rulers were old but strong and determined to make their son the heir after their deaths and continue their dynasty. Prince Peter was going to turn seventeen in early November. Normally, a banquet was held where the king made a toast for the well-being of his son and kingdom but this year was special. Seventeen meant a great deal to Devon. It was like a lucky charm for them and they needed it badly. Recently, the kingdom had not been doing well economically. All their stored grains had mysteriously vanished and it was early winter so the rains were less frequent and they could not grow crops very easily. The people were full of hope that Prince Peter’s seventeenth birthday would do something good for their kingdom and save it from complete and utter destruction.
“I truly hope the Prince’s birthday will do something good for the kingdom. I am scared our children might starve”- said a worried woman. “Well, we should be scared. Even if we starve and die, the Royal Family will survive since they have all the granaries at their disposal. Bunch of knuckleheads”- retorted her husband. “Shh! The guards may hear us and we will be executed. Don’t comment on the Royal Family”- said the wife hurriedly. Well, the situation was this. Everyone seemed to hate the Royals and I think we all would agree with them. They seldom came out to check on the people or their well-being. The palace was like a heavily guarded fortress. No one except the royal guards and ministers went in or out of the palace. Once, old Kevin who was a bit tipsy had accidentally fallen over the royal wall and into the palace courtyard. That evening, the guards came to the town square and dumped his body on the ground- thrashed to death with a bludgeon for daring to trespass on royal property. Thus it was quite natural for the citizens to despise the royals.
So, it was rather a surprise to everyone when the old King Rupert came out to his balcony one day and addressed the people. “Good day to everyone of Devon. I have a rather important announcement to make so please pay utmost attention to my words.”- he said as the crowd gathered around curiously, wondering what was so important. “One week from now is my son’s seventeenth birthday. As you all know, it is a great deal to our bloodline for it denotes that he is ready to go on the Hunt”. Oh, and another thing. Every Petrov Prince goes on a hunt on his seventeenth birthday. He has to hunt the white wolf to prove his valour and if he succeeds, he is eligible for the throne. If he fails well, off with his head but that rarely ever happens. Anyway, back to our king. “I hope everyone will support the Prince and hope for his success in this. The Hunt will begin at exactly seven o clock so anyone who is seen wandering the forest around that time will be punished. That will be all”- the king finished and headed inside, ignoring the hushed whispers and chattering that had broken out among the people.
“Darned king. Constantly threatening us with this execution punishment. You know what, as a chance to spite the royals, I have a good mind to roam about the woods during the exact time of the Hunt”- the husband from earlier commented loudly. He was immediately shushed by his wife who looked rather uneasy. “Do not say such things, Finn. You know about old Kevin”- her voice became quieter as a royal guard passed by them. “The point is, you need to keep yourself safe and not do outrageous things that will get both of us killed. Now come on, let’s go home. I’m feeling rather feverish”- she turned to go back. The husband stayed for a little longer. “Don’t worry,” he seemed to say to himself, “I won’t go to the forest. Someone else might.” – a ghost of a smile played on his lips as he held in his hand a small envelope with a wax seal on it. The seal had a falcon engraved on it- mark of the Ivanovs.
Well, this was the first chapter. Hope it was interesting for more is to come. Stay safe and happy! More later…
Ciao,
~RAE
Musings of Rae 