POV Benjamin
9125 days before present day.
Benjamin loved to work.
Benjamin was a workaholic and his wife Betty always said he was married to his job.
Benjamin was always busy. As soon as he inherited the town of Riverberry from his father he was making it the best town in the Everlasting Diamond Kingdom.
The Town of Riverberry was a farming community with the primary exports being peaches, with Escape Orbs coming in second, and the town is named after blueberries as the third notable fact.
As the Baron of the region he had managed many problems. Such as dealing with rowdy Adventures to the dangerous Horned Dogs and Magic Beasts. He carried the administration tasks of the town,such as Land Ownership, marriage documents, taxes and giving out loans to people that needed it.
He could already hear Betty nagging him to give the work to someone else. Benjamin was no fool and would never entrust these important tasks to another person.
He would do all of it himself.
Benjamin was sitting in his pushy chair as a hot cup of tea was on his desk. A report of the recent kidnapping was in front of him.
Benjamin concentrated and read the report. “Twelve kidnappings in the town?” Benjamin felt something missing. “Did I forget something?”
The feeling nagged at him.
Betty, his beautiful wife. His love of his life. She was looking at him with a cross expression. “Ben. Your still working? Have you forgotten today is Mark’s birthday?”
“Aha,” Benjamin exclaimed, finally recalling what he was forgetting. He forgot his son's birthday. “I was busy and I nearly forgot.”
“Do you remember buying a present for Mark?” Betty asked.
"Of course I have Mark’s present," Benjamin stated calmly while lying.
In a strong marriage, there may be some deception.
Benjamin made his top priority to get his son a gift.
----
Mark's birthday party was going splendidly.
It was a small gathering with him and his wife Betty and the old maid Maridith.
Betty was petite, having dark hair and dark eyes. She was the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom.
Betty would say that Mark was a clone of him and their son didn’t inherit anything but his nose from his wife.
Mark, who was celebrating his eighth birthday with his blue eyes and blond hair, and had a smile that could illuminate the entire room as he unwrapped his gifts.
In his excitement, Mark rushed to his father and proudly displayed his new toy. "Daddy! Daddy! Look, it's a dragon!"
The toy was a beautifully crafted wooden dragon.
Benjamin smiled. "That's a wonderful dragon," he exclaimed, lifting his son into his arms. "Do you want to soar like a dragon?"
Betty, who often played the role of the party pooper, chimed in, "Ben, no!"
But it was too late. Benjamin had already thrown Mark into the air, skillfully catching him every time.
Mark's laughter filled the room as he enjoyed this playful moment.
Betty slapped Benjamin’s back and grabbed her son from him. “Be more careful! He is a delicate boy.”
Mark was reaching toward his father with a grabby motion with his hand. “Daddy again! Again! Again!”
Benjamin smiled and reached for his son.
“What am I supposed to do with you two?” Betty moved away from Benjamin. “Where is your gift, Ben?”
Benjamin had a twinkle in his eye. “Let me show you the best present a father can give to a son!”
----
Neigh!
Benjamin picked a true stallion.
The horse stands tall and proud, its posture exuding confidence and vitality. Its coat shimmers in the sunlight, glistening like polished mahogany. The rich, chestnut color is deep and lustrous, accentuated by a silky texture that invites touch.
In the presence of a beautiful horse. All are enthralled.
Mark was beyond excited. “Horsey! Horsey! Horsey! Horsey! Horsey!”
Betty, the love of Benjamin's life, looked at her husband like he was insane. “You bought a horse for our eight year old son,” She shrieked.
“Horsey!” Mark screamed trying to leave his mother's arms.
Benjamin smiled. “All nobles love horses.”
Benjamin moved to the horse. “Come on Mark. Let’s take the horse for a ride.”
“Let me go mom!” Mark tries to leave the arms of his mother.
Betty shot an irritated look at her imprudent husband. “If he gets hurt, I’m killing you.”
Letting go her son Mark who dashed to the horse.
Benjamin lifted his son and placed him on the horse, then, with a single bound, mounted the horse himself.
"Hold on tightly, Mark!" he advised.
Benjamin galloped away.
Mark screeched in excitement.
Betty had a warm smile on her face.
----
Benjamin maintained his daily routine, working during the morning, evening, and night, a pattern that persisted for several weeks.
One day, Betty burst into his office in a state of distress. "Ben, I can't find Mark anywhere!"
Her expression was one of sheer terror.
Benjamin's instincts kicked in, and he had a sinking feeling. "Have you checked the kitchen? Where was the last place you saw Mark?"
Betty shook her head, her voice trembling. "I've combed through the kitchen, the entire mansion, and the garden. There's no sign of him. The last time I saw him, he was in his room."
Benjamin rose from his seat. "I'll help you search."
Despite their best efforts, Benjamin and Betty couldn't locate their son, Mark.
Desperate, they organized search parties, distributed flyers, and even sought the assistance of skilled mages experienced in tracking down missing individuals.
Then, on a bleak and overcast day, a private investigator delivered the heart-wrenching news about their son's fate.
He could only stare at the button with the Riverberry symbol on it. The blood on that button would continue to hunt him for the rest of his life.
----
Benjamin learned the fate of his son.
Mark was kidnapped. Mark was then thrown into the Pit. Where his son was brutally killed.
Benjamin traveled to the Northern Dutchery.
With the truth coming to light. Benjamin needed to see with his own eyes.
Benjamin did his own investigation.
The Pit was a death trap. It was illegal and morally wrong. A place supported by the Dutchery and gained support by other Nobles.
The Pit was where nobles watch commoners fight for their life against the Magic Beast.
They would even force the poor and orphans to fight against the Magic Beast. A truly vile place.
Benjamin laid eyes on the imposing structure that housed the Pit, prominently situated at the heart of the Dutchery for all to see.
With proof of his noble status, he gained access to the establishment.
The flooring, decor, and art surpassed the value of his own mansion.
In the midst of the building, noble patrons were assembled in clusters, enthusiastically cheering on the gruesome spectacles from their elevated seats.
As he edged closer to the center of the arena, his heart raced, overwhelmed by the sheer horror of the scene. He witnessed a desperate man locked in a life-or-death struggle against a bear.
Benjamin sank to his knees amidst the noble’s cheers and the blinding glare of the lights.
Mark, his sweet son that hasn’t hurt anyone in this world, died in such a cruel place.
"It should have been me," he whispered as tears fell from his eyes and as he screamed a gut wrenching scream.
----
Benjamin went to the leader of the Pit and confronted him.
The Northern Duke Gideon.
“You monster! You killed my son!” Benjamin screamed.
Entire platoon of knights and mages stood before Benjamin and the Duke.
The knights were holding him back.
The Northern Duke Gideon spared him one glance and said. “How much compensation do you want,” Taking out a pouch of coins. “You can always make another son.”
Benjamin's fury erupted, "I will exact vengeance on you! I swear it! You will pay for killing my boy!"
Gideon simply shook his head in disappointment. "I expected better from a noble like you. If you cannot engage in civil discourse with decorum, there's no basis for discussion. Remove him."
The knights forcefully dragged Benjamin kicking and screaming away.
Benjamin tried everything to gain justice for his son.
He went to the King who denied him any help.
He went to the press, who failed to publish the story of the pit.
The Northern Duke Gideon was too powerful. Benjamin was powerless against him.
----
Benjamin's wife Betty was withering away.
As a small mercy, she succumbed to a fever, bringing her life to a close.
With tears welling in his eyes, Benjamin whispered to his departed wife, "You will forever remain the most beautiful woman in the world."
In the very room, he kindled a flame.
Benjamin burned his mansion down.
He walked away, never to return to the home that was filled with his cherished memories.
POV Benjamin
9125 days before present day.
Benjamin loved to work.
Benjamin was a workaholic and his wife Betty always said he was married to his job.
Benjamin was always busy. As soon as he inherited the town of Riverberry from his father he was making it the best town in the Everlasting Diamond Kingdom.
The Town of Riverberry was a farming community with the primary exports being peaches, with Escape Orbs coming in second, and the town is named after blueberries as the third notable fact.
As the Baron of the region he had managed many problems. Such as dealing with rowdy Adventures to the dangerous Horned Dogs and Magic Beasts. He carried the administration tasks of the town,such as Land Ownership, marriage documents, taxes and giving out loans to people that needed it.
He could already hear Betty nagging him to give the work to someone else. Benjamin was no fool and would never entrust these important tasks to another person.
He would do all of it himself.
Benjamin was sitting in his pushy chair as a hot cup of tea was on his desk. A report of the recent kidnapping was in front of him.
Benjamin concentrated and read the report. “Twelve kidnappings in the town?” Benjamin felt something missing. “Did I forget something?”
The feeling nagged at him.
Betty, his beautiful wife. His love of his life. She was looking at him with a cross expression. “Ben. Your still working? Have you forgotten today is Mark’s birthday?”
“Aha,” Benjamin exclaimed, finally recalling what he was forgetting. He forgot his son's birthday. “I was busy and I nearly forgot.”
“Do you remember buying a present for Mark?” Betty asked.
"Of course I have Mark’s present," Benjamin stated calmly while lying.
In a strong marriage, there may be some deception.
Benjamin made his top priority to get his son a gift.
----
Mark's birthday party was going splendidly.
It was a small gathering with him and his wife Betty and the old maid Maridith.
Betty was petite, having dark hair and dark eyes. She was the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom.
Betty would say that Mark was a clone of him and their son didn’t inherit anything but his nose from his wife.
Mark, who was celebrating his eighth birthday with his blue eyes and blond hair, and had a smile that could illuminate the entire room as he unwrapped his gifts.
In his excitement, Mark rushed to his father and proudly displayed his new toy. "Daddy! Daddy! Look, it's a dragon!"
The toy was a beautifully crafted wooden dragon.
Benjamin smiled. "That's a wonderful dragon," he exclaimed, lifting his son into his arms. "Do you want to soar like a dragon?"
Betty, who often played the role of the party pooper, chimed in, "Ben, no!"
But it was too late. Benjamin had already thrown Mark into the air, skillfully catching him every time.
Mark's laughter filled the room as he enjoyed this playful moment.
Betty slapped Benjamin’s back and grabbed her son from him. “Be more careful! He is a delicate boy.”
Mark was reaching toward his father with a grabby motion with his hand. “Daddy again! Again! Again!”
Benjamin smiled and reached for his son.
“What am I supposed to do with you two?” Betty moved away from Benjamin. “Where is your gift, Ben?”
Benjamin had a twinkle in his eye. “Let me show you the best present a father can give to a son!”
----
Neigh!
Benjamin picked a true stallion.
The horse stands tall and proud, its posture exuding confidence and vitality. Its coat shimmers in the sunlight, glistening like polished mahogany. The rich, chestnut color is deep and lustrous, accentuated by a silky texture that invites touch.
In the presence of a beautiful horse. All are enthralled.
Mark was beyond excited. “Horsey! Horsey! Horsey! Horsey! Horsey!”
Betty, the love of Benjamin's life, looked at her husband like he was insane. “You bought a horse for our eight year old son,” She shrieked.
“Horsey!” Mark screamed trying to leave his mother's arms.
Benjamin smiled. “All nobles love horses.”
Benjamin moved to the horse. “Come on Mark. Let’s take the horse for a ride.”
“Let me go mom!” Mark tries to leave the arms of his mother.
Betty shot an irritated look at her imprudent husband. “If he gets hurt, I’m killing you.”
Letting go her son Mark who dashed to the horse.
Benjamin lifted his son and placed him on the horse, then, with a single bound, mounted the horse himself.
"Hold on tightly, Mark!" he advised.
Benjamin galloped away.
Mark screeched in excitement.
Betty had a warm smile on her face.
----
Benjamin maintained his daily routine, working during the morning, evening, and night, a pattern that persisted for several weeks.
One day, Betty burst into his office in a state of distress. "Ben, I can't find Mark anywhere!"
Her expression was one of sheer terror.
Benjamin's instincts kicked in, and he had a sinking feeling. "Have you checked the kitchen? Where was the last place you saw Mark?"
Betty shook her head, her voice trembling. "I've combed through the kitchen, the entire mansion, and the garden. There's no sign of him. The last time I saw him, he was in his room."
Benjamin rose from his seat. "I'll help you search."
Despite their best efforts, Benjamin and Betty couldn't locate their son, Mark.
Desperate, they organized search parties, distributed flyers, and even sought the assistance of skilled mages experienced in tracking down missing individuals.
Then, on a bleak and overcast day, a private investigator delivered the heart-wrenching news about their son's fate.
He could only stare at the button with the Riverberry symbol on it. The blood on that button would continue to hunt him for the rest of his life.
----
Benjamin learned the fate of his son.
Mark was kidnapped. Mark was then thrown into the Pit. Where his son was brutally killed.
Benjamin traveled to the Northern Dutchery.
With the truth coming to light. Benjamin needed to see with his own eyes.
Benjamin did his own investigation.
The Pit was a death trap. It was illegal and morally wrong. A place supported by the Dutchery and gained support by other Nobles.
The Pit was where nobles watch commoners fight for their life against the Magic Beast.
They would even force the poor and orphans to fight against the Magic Beast. A truly vile place.
Benjamin laid eyes on the imposing structure that housed the Pit, prominently situated at the heart of the Dutchery for all to see.
With proof of his noble status, he gained access to the establishment.
The flooring, decor, and art surpassed the value of his own mansion.
In the midst of the building, noble patrons were assembled in clusters, enthusiastically cheering on the gruesome spectacles from their elevated seats.
As he edged closer to the center of the arena, his heart raced, overwhelmed by the sheer horror of the scene. He witnessed a desperate man locked in a life-or-death struggle against a bear.
Benjamin sank to his knees amidst the noble’s cheers and the blinding glare of the lights.
Mark, his sweet son that hasn’t hurt anyone in this world, died in such a cruel place.
"It should have been me," he whispered as tears fell from his eyes and as he screamed a gut wrenching scream.
----
Benjamin went to the leader of the Pit and confronted him.
The Northern Duke Gideon.
“You monster! You killed my son!” Benjamin screamed.
Entire platoon of knights and mages stood before Benjamin and the Duke.
The knights were holding him back.
The Northern Duke Gideon spared him one glance and said. “How much compensation do you want,” Taking out a pouch of coins. “You can always make another son.”
Benjamin's fury erupted, "I will exact vengeance on you! I swear it! You will pay for killing my boy!"
Gideon simply shook his head in disappointment. "I expected better from a noble like you. If you cannot engage in civil discourse with decorum, there's no basis for discussion. Remove him."
The knights forcefully dragged Benjamin kicking and screaming away.
Benjamin tried everything to gain justice for his son.
He went to the King who denied him any help.
He went to the press, who failed to publish the story of the pit.
The Northern Duke Gideon was too powerful. Benjamin was powerless against him.
----
Benjamin's wife Betty was withering away.
As a small mercy, she succumbed to a fever, bringing her life to a close.
With tears welling in his eyes, Benjamin whispered to his departed wife, "You will forever remain the most beautiful woman in the world."
In the very room, he kindled a flame.
Benjamin burned his mansion down.
He walked away, never to return to the home that was filled with his cherished memories.
