The Legend Keeper

Twelve year old Albert watched with tears in his eyes as the boat carrying his grandfather’s body floated out of the channel and into the open ocean. He continued staring as the waves took the small vessel out of sight. He still could barely wrap his mind around the fact that just a few weeks ago his grandfather was happy and boisterous. How quickly sickness could claim a life.

“Come,” his father, Felix, said. “Let’s go home.”

Albert slowly turned away, and his eyes met those of his older brother, Marcus, the same sorrow mirrored in his gaze. Their mother, Anna, gently took his hand as they began ascending the steps carved into the cliff’s face. Normally, Albert would resist his mother’s hand, but today, he gratefully accepted it. The gentle touch offered comfort and safety.

As they reached the highlands, Albert turned to look out at the ocean one more time. The salty breeze caught his thick black hair, and his thoughts turned once again to his grandfather, the Great Admiral of the Shattered Isle. A slight smile surfaced as he pictured his grandfather sailing his small boat masterfully around the island and through the numerous deep channels created by an earthquake long ago. Albert and Marcus would listen intently as he would spin a grand tale of adventure. The smile quickly disappeared when Albert realized that would never happen again.

The family crossed a wooden suspension bridge spanning one of the channels, and Albert watched a fisherman’s boat sail far below. He observed the man carefully navigate through the water, keeping his boat away from the steep cliffs on either side. Albert recalled his grandfather telling stories of being a fisherman himself as a young boy.

“Father, how did Grandfather go from being a fisherman to an admiral?” He found himself suddenly curious.

Felix ran his hand through his thick black beard. “I am not sure. By the time I was born, your grandfather was already part of the fleet.”

Albert frowned. “That’s sad.”

“What is?” questioned Marcus.

“Well, Grandfather was a great man, helping keep us safe from pirates and mercenaries. I’m sure people will remember that for a long time. But the rest of his story is gone. I wish he had written it down.”

Anna smiled at her son. “It will be alright. The most important things will be remembered.”

Albert wanted to disagree, but struggled to put his thoughts into words. The islanders would honor the Great Admiral for the battles he fought. But Albert would rather they remember his grandfather the way he did: a man who was kind and fun. A man who never was too busy for his grandchildren. A man who loved to fish but didn’t care for the taste of them. That was who his grandfather truly was.

They soon reached the main village, located around the single source of freshwater: a lake fed by a deep underground spring. A solitary river ran from the east side, cascading over a cliff into one of the channels. Inside their house, Albert glanced sadly at the room that was once his grandfather’s. It felt as empty as his heart.

“Children, come sit at the table,” Felix said. “We need to talk.”

Albert and Marcus each took a seat at the circular table, wondering where this would lead. Their parents were merchants who traveled frequently north to the mainland of Carcia to barter and sell. During their absences, the boys were watched by their grandfather. Now that he was gone, Albert wondered what would happen to them.

“Your mother and I will be going on another trip in about a week.”

“Can we come with you this time?” Marcus asked hopefully.

Anna shook her head at him. “You are still too young. The trips can be arduous and even dangerous at times. No, you will be staying with my brother.”

“Uncle Geoffry? At the fishing village?” Marcus’s eyes lit up.

Felix smiled. “Yes. He is willing to teach you the trade, though you already know quite a bit.”

“I would love that!” Marcus declared.

“I guess it will be alright,” murmured Albert. Fishing was not something he liked very much. He enjoyed the times he did it with his grandfather, but what he loved the most were the times he sat on his grandfather’s lap as the man told some tale or legend.

“Uncle Geoffry was more than willing to take both of you, but I know you wouldn’t enjoy it as much as Marcus will,” Felix told him. “So I talked to an old friend of mine who is a scholar at The Archive, and he is willing to take you as an apprentice.”

An apprentice at the Archive! The vast dome-shaped building stored countless maps, books, and scrolls within the lower floors carved deep into the stone ground. The Archive quickly became a major stop for traders, explorers, and scholars to learn and gather information. The Shattered Isle, once a fragmented island of poor fisherman, was now a major hub between the islands in the southern ocean and the continent of Carcia.

It was like a dream come true for Albert. So many stories were buried deep within the walls, yearning to be read. He jumped off his chair, eyes alight.

“When do I start?”

His mother laughed. “In two days, if you wish. Though if you want more time to heal from your grandfather’s passing, that is fine.”

Albert shook his head. “I want to keep busy. I don’t want to forget about Grandfather, but I think it will be better if I have something to focus on.”

“Of course,” Felix said in an understanding tone. “Be sure to pack what you need. My friend, Michael, will have you stay at his place. He lives less than a mile away from The Archive.”

“You had better pack as well, Marcus,” Anna told him. “Geoffry will be ready for you in a couple of days as well.”

“We’ll start right away,” Marcus stated, moving toward the room the boys shared.

Their father shook his head. “It’s been a hard day today. Let’s rest. You two will have plenty of time tomorrow.”

The boys nodded and returned to the table while their mother prepared a light meal. They looked at each other, emotions of excitement and sadness swirling within. This new chapter would separate their family. Albert determined to record every memory he had of his family when they were still altogether. That way, they would never forget. And maybe someday, if one of them became something of a legend, someone would find his writings and know that they were once simple boys like anyone else.

Eight years later.

“And now you have seen the entire Archive,” Albert told the five new students trailing behind him.

He reached the top of the spiral staircase and led them back into the main room. He grinned at their expressions of awe. Eight underground floors, each with over a dozen rooms housing thousands of books, scrolls, and documents. For the past three springs, it had been Albert’s job to show the new year’s apprentices around The Archive, and he loved it.

“This place is massive,” one of the girls breathed.

“Indeed, and there is talk of expanding it even further. Our merchants and traders are continually bringing books back from the mainland…though not as many of late,” Albert added as an afterthought.

“Is it really necessary to keep all those books?” one of the boys asked. “Wouldn’t it be better just to keep the most important ones?”

Albert faced the boy. “All history is important. Even the smallest stories.”

“What do you mean?”

“The accounts of heroes inspire and invigorate us. We deem those as most important. But every other account leading up to the great act of heroism is just as crucial, though we may not see it. Sometimes, they teach us even bigger lessons.”

“How so?” a girl questioned.

“How many of you know about my grandfather, The Great Admiral?”

Every hand immediately shot up.

He pointed to one of the two girls. “Tell me what you know.”

“Well, he was a great hero,” she said. “When pirates and slave traders attacked our island, he led the sailors to war and fought great battles. He was very brave and a great fighter. They even made a statue of him after he died.”

Albert nodded. “Very true. He spent his life protecting those that couldn’t protect themselves. How many of you honestly think you could be just like him? A hero like that?”

Except for one enthusiastic boy, no one raised their hand.

“Why not?” Albert pushed.

“How could we?” one boy answered. “We are just poor children of fishermen. None of us even know how to use a real weapon.”

Albert smiled. “And this is where the importance of recording the entire story, not just the exciting parts, comes in. My grandfather started out as a fisherman.”

The students’ eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yes, in fact, I recently learned that when the first pirates attacked, he used a fishing spear to fight them off. That was his weapon for many years while he learned how to use a sword. Now, how many of you know how to use a fishing spear?”

Everyone raised their hands, which didn’t surprise Albert in the slightest.

“See, my grandfather wasn’t much different than you all. It wouldn’t be unlikely at all that many of you grow up to do great things like him if you set your minds to it. And that is where the importance of the little stories comes in. They give us hope to aspire to the heroism declared in these legends. My grandfather isn’t an isolated example. Almost every great hero or villain you know of came from humble roots. But their decisions and those of others are what pushed them on a route greater than most even dream of accomplishing. That is why it is so important to keep those records intact. A person’s entire story deserves to be told, and we can learn from every piece of it.”

The students were quiet, and Albert realized he had given them quite a bit to think on.

“You may return to your mentors now. I’m sure they will question you on what you have learned.”

The apprentices ran off to find their mentors, Albert watching them go.

“That was a pretty good speech,” a voice came from behind.

Albert turned to see his old mentor, Michael. He smiled. “Thank you. I hope they understand what I was trying to tell them.”

Michael shrugged. “Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. You have a special passion, Albert. One that few have. When you try to share it, don’t be discouraged if what seems so obvious to you is hidden from them.”

Albert nodded. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

“Good,” Michael replied, rubbing his white beard. “Now, I came over to tell you something…what was it? Oh, yes. On my walk here, I saw your parents’ ship sailing into the channel. They should be docked about now.”

Albert’s eyes lit up as he went to retrieve his cloak. “I must go see them right away. They may have more books.”

Michael laughed as he watched the young man run off. “Be careful on the rocks, boy! They’re slick today.”

Albert raced outside, a slight drizzle hitting his face. Donning the hood of his cloak, he descended the steps despite the rain, and it wasn’t long before he was on the wooden platform that snaked along the edge of the channel. After ten minutes of brisk walking, Albert rounded a bend and the port came into view. His parents’ ship was docked, and sailors were unloading the contents.

Albert found his parents overseeing the task. Their eyes lit up when they saw him, and Albert moved quickly to give them each a hug.

“How are you, my son?” Felix asked.

“Doing well!” Albert answered.

“And Marcus?” Anna asked.

“He’s on a whaling ship right now,” Albert said. “Won’t return for a few days. How did your trip go?”

“Decent.” Felix paused to give instructions to a sailor. “We sold everything we brought to the mainland, but didn’t bring back as much as we’d like.”

“Why is that?” questioned Albert.

“Things are happening,” Anna said, a flash of worry in her eyes.

“Indeed,” Felix agreed. “The north is being taken over by a cult who declares their goddess has charged them with ruling the world. The far west has walled themselves off. The southern kingdoms and clans are trying to form alliances and gather resources to defend themselves. War is imminent on the continent, and as such, food and materials are in demand and harder to obtain. We bought what we could.”

“And books?” Albert asked hopefully.

But his mother shook her head. “Even less. Only a crate full.”

Albert felt confusion. “But why? If things are happening, then there should be more stories, more accounts of events.”

“That’s not how it works,” Felix explained. “People are too busy and worried about more important matters than writing things down. We were able to purchase some scrolls and notes from one kingdom, but written information is scarce. It is all word of mouth.”

Albert shook his head sadly. “But if any time were critical to keep record of events, it is now! If war breaks out, only the tales of great kings and villains will be sung. There are so many stories now that will be just as important. The little people who do the little things…their stories will be lost forever.”

Anna smiled fondly at her son. “I know that is how you feel, but few others see life the same way.”

Albert sighed. Why was it so hard for the world to see the importance of remembering the past? To understand not just the great actions, but the little choices that led to them. To recall the heroes as they were: people with dreams and desires just like everyone else.

He took the small crate of books, promising to visit his parents that evening. Upon reaching the wooden steps, he instead moved onto a small wooden platform. A series of pulleys ran from it to a platform at the top of the cliff. He rang a bell positioned nearby, and two men on the highland began hoisting the platform up. These elevators were the only way to get goods from sea level to the highlands.

Upon reaching the top, he paid the men and took his crate toward The Archive. He moved slowly, the spring in his step long evaporated. He thought about what was happening on the mainland. There were people now making decisions that would ripple to greater ones. Heroes would emerge soon, and villains. But who were those people now? What were they doing that would affect them later? He would never know, because nobody would take the time to record anything less than the great.

“You look like you let the dreary weather get to you,” Michael quipped as he helped Albert with the crate. “Is this all?”

Albert nodded his head sadly, explaining what his parents had told him. Michael nodded understandingly.

“Do not worry. People will write things down. Not all will be lost to time.”

“Yes, but only the important stuff,” Albert answered.

“Well, do something about it, then,” Michael challenged.

Albert blinked in surprise. “Do what?”

“If you believe events taking place today are too important to be lost, then go to Carcia yourself and write about it yourself.”

“Go to Carcia?” Albert echoed in a whisper. “Leave the Shattered Isle? Leave The Archive?”

Michael rolled his eyes. “The Archive stood strong long before you showed up, and it will continue to do so. You have a passion. A passion that you were born with. And you cannot fulfill it here. So go out there and do the job that is important to you.”

Michael’s words stirred deep inside, stoking a motivation he had failed to see before. But now it was as if his eyes were illuminated for the first time.

“Of course!” Albert said. “That is what I must do! I will go to Carcia and travel the continent. I will write down the events taking place today to ensure they will not be completely overshadowed by what looms ahead. Then, when it is all over, people will look back and learn the stories behind the legends, and be inspired to become more!”

“Maybe so,” smiled Michael. “How soon are you going to leave?”

Albert thought. “I’ll go with my parents when they set sail again in a couple of weeks. That will give me time to gather what I need.”

Michael’s eyes moistened as he stared proudly at Albert. “I’ll miss you. Everyone here will miss you.”

“And I’ll dearly miss you,” Albert said. “Thank you for everything you have taught me. You have been a great mentor. But now it is time for me to do what I was born to do.”

      *

Albert’s heart raced as he stepped off the boat. Carcia. He was here. They were currently at Southtower Port, part of the kingdom of Pressong. He tightened his satchel’s strap, then turned to look at his parents, standing just a few feet behind him.

“I guess it is time,” Albert spoke, his voice breaking.

Tear’s ran freely down Anna’s face.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Felix asked. “You had a good life at The Archive.”

Albert smiled. “Yes, I did, but a good life is not always the best. Think of Grandfather. He could have been content as a fisherman, yet he spent his life protecting those he loved. And what about you, Father? You could have built a decent life on The Shattered Isle, raising your family beside your wife. But would you have been truly happy there?”

Felix laughed. “No. I’ve never been able to stay in one place for long.”

“See, I come from a family who wants adventure. It is my time now.”

“Stay safe,” Anna said, as she wrapped her son in a hug.

Albert returned the embrace, not knowing when he would feel it again. “I will.” He turned to give his father a hug. “Thank you for everything, Father.”

He stepped back, patting his satchel. “When these pages fill, I’ll be back to get more.”

He gave one final wave before disappearing into the crowded port. Suddenly, he felt overwhelmed. Where to start?

The taverns. They were always a good source of information, though it was sometimes hard to determine how much was true. He would start there. As he walked, he felt a skip in his step that was not there before. Excitement ran through his body. For years, he had read stories of men and women of old. Now, he would have the privilege of writing them down.

      *

This is my story, how I came to be the Legend Keeper. Throughout my years of travels, I have learned dozens of legends and met hundreds of people whose lives are worth remembering. But alas, even I, cannot record nor remember them all, though I have done my best. Over time, my journals and scrolls have become shuffled, so that they are no longer in the correct order. I hope you enjoy them all the same.

If you ever come across my volumes on the rise of the empires, you may recognize names. Names of people who, through little acts in their early lives, set themselves up for great feats during the war, whether for good or evil. And then maybe you’ll understand my vision. Everyone starts out ordinary, and everyone has a chance to become a legend.