A Cup of Fiction,

A Cup of Fiction, Historical Fiction

Good morning, my good friends, followers, and fellow Mediumers. LOL. Thank you for coming back and partaking in my words. I hope they enhance the Cup-O-Joe.

Have you ever attempted to write historical fiction? Historical fiction is a genre where imaginative storytelling intersects with real historical settings, events, and sometimes even characters. Historical fiction is grounded in a specific time period, giving readers an immersive view of history through the lens of characters' lives, decisions, and struggles. This genre requires a delicate balance of historical accuracy and narrative creativity; authors should research to authentically represent the era's customs, social norms, language, and events. Historical fiction also invites imaginative elaboration, allowing authors to fill gaps in history or create fictional scenarios within real events, thereby making the past feel both tangible and resonant for contemporary audiences.

A current and trending title in this Fiction Genre is Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar.

"In a shabby house on a shabby street in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to improve the family's social position."

If this title interests you, Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate link below to purchase it. It is available in digital, audio, and paperback formats from Amazon.

In the past, I have written several Flash Fiction Tales in this genre. They are under the general title "An Uncommon Tale," so check them out if you have the time.

Now for the best part of this blog, in my humble opinion. A new Flash Fiction Tale. Yes, in historical fiction, take a sip, sit back, and read.

This tale is not only historical fiction, it falls into the sub-genre of alternative Fiction where a key event in history is actually changed.

A Fresh Cup of Fiction

Enjoy!

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The Legend of the Dragon of Yansere

The legend of Liastran-vroog, the Dragon of Yansere, had been whispered throughout the kingdom since time immemorial. His power and strength were feared by all; none who faced him in battle had ever emerged victorious. Its scales were grey, like a reptilian creature, and shone with an unnatural light. It stood bipedally, towering over anyone who challenged it with its massive wings attached to its arms and upper torso. It had beefy clawed hands that could easily rend armor and flesh alike, as well as a snubbed-nosed face that seemed to grin menacingly, but it had a human appearance and smiled often when engaged in witty conversation. Its thick neck and shoulders gave it strength beyond compare, allowing it to fly above any arrow or spear launched against it.

Rumors spoke of his immense appetite for power, as well as his unrivaled intellect - it was said that the dragon could even talk! Stories of those bold enough to engage him in conversation would terrify even the bravest of hearts.

The Gods were determined to protect their people from this beast and thus set out to devise a way to imprison him and keep his powers under control. Their answer came in the form of an ancient magical relic known as the Preestin Stone. It was believed that whoever possessed this stone would have complete control over Liastran-vroog, being able to command him at will like a puppet on strings. However, some knew that this would come with a price; anyone foolish enough to attempt such a feat would have to contend with the dragon's formidable intellect and wit ; not to mention its powers of persuasion.

With no other option available, the Gods called upon powerful mages and alchemists from across the land and tasked them with finding a way to subdue Liastran-vroog without putting their own lives at risk. This began a quest for knowledge and power, one that would shape Yansere's future forevermore.

Liastran-vroog soon became aware of this plan and seeing how it threatened his freedom he waged war against man and God alike to protect himself. He attacked villages with ferocity never seen before, intending each assault as a challenge directly at the Gods themselves. His attacks upon man he knew would incite the Gods and entice them to battle with him. In this way Liastran-vroog killed three Gods. The dragon unleashed blasts of fire from above while arrows flew through air like shooting stars, but in the end God with man, prevailed, entrapping Liastran-vroog within the Preestin Stone.

Yee, Goddess of Wisdom then entered an intellectual battle with Liastran-vroog engaging him head on in an intense debate which lasted many days.

The conversation between Yee and Liastran-Vroog was heated. The goddess argued that, as the Gods were all-knowing and omnipotent, they should have the right to wield the greatest power in Yansere.

"Goddess Yee, surely you must see that I and other creatures of my nature possess wisdom, strength and power equal to that of the Gods. Should not we then be given status and authority equal to that of the Gods? Do you not recall the fall of Doeen, God of Stone and Rock? Surely, I should be counted amongst the Gods for his defeat alone."

"Wise Liastan-vroog, men, creations of the Gods fear you. Why should this be.

"Goddess, do not men fear the Gods? I recall the story of Varquee, God of lightning and thunder. Men were meant to fear him. Do I not recall his tale correctly? Surely as I feasted upon the mighty Varquee should I not be feared by men, as men were meant to fear Varquee?"

Yee argued, "Men revere the Gods, they idolize us and wish to be like us. The Gods do not seek out for sport or gain. They do not destroy men without just cause."

Liastran-vroog then spoke of how his kind had lived peacefully alongside humans for centuries. "It was the folly of great men who wished to be as Gods that brought our two kinds into conflict. They sought battle with us and displayed their defeated foes for all to see. We only turned against them when provoked by their own foolishness. Should not I be granted the status of God for the justice I dispense upon those who seek battle with my kind. After all I did throw down Clements, Goddess of Justice in the battle beyond the green sea."

Yee sighed in agreement before continuing her argument.

"This my dear friend Liastran is the difference between beast and God. We do not destroy many due to the ills of a few. We see beyond what mortals perceive as reality. All creatures who wish to protect their kind from harm must submit to the Gods. The Gods accordingly do not seek station higher than that which is natural for them. Greater station is your desire. God you cannot be because God you are not. Do you not realize where you are now and how you got there."

In this manner did the two speak for days. Often the dragon would lash out in rage testing the restraints of the Preestin Stone. Seeing that hope was gone he fell into despair and slept.

With this victory came peace throughout Yansere once more. No longer did men fear for their lives, knowing the great beast Liastan-vroog contained by the Gods. Instead they praised the Gods for their mercy and power.

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I hope you enjoyed this Originol bit of Flash Fiction From T. Mark mangum. I hope you enjoy my blog and the book recomendation. Remember that the links are Amazon affiliate links if you use them I will benefit.

© 2024, T. Mark Mangum

I am T. Mark Mangum. From an early age, I was hooked on the imagined, unfathomable worlds of Star Wars, Star Trek, Conan, the Lord of the Rings, and many others. I love writing fiction tales. I love writing in multiple genres, but my favorites are Sci-fi and Fantasy fiction. I am a father of six; we have two cats and two dogs. Tabletop gaming is a passion of mine.