100 Theme Challenge #22

22. Fairy Tale

Life in Bagpath was calm and prosper, where people was born a farmer and died a farmer, working day after day on the fields to give half of the fruits of their labor to the King. It wasn't the life Bran would have chosen for himself, but it was the best life offered to him, so he was following after his parents. He was the most hardworking young man of the village, and ladies had taken a great interest in him – his golden skin and sculpted body. Except he wasn't interested in flirtations and wooing, he had to feed his whole family after his father hurt his back. 

One day news came from the castle. Barbarians had invaded another village not far, taking the royal siblings in visit as prisoners and would approach soon if nobody stood in their path. They were asking the bravest man to stop them. In Bagpath, few where brave, the weight of the sickle in their hand a more comfortable one than the sword's. The villagers turned to Bran, who was reluctant to leave his family even if gold and fame and the hand of the royal heir were promised to the one defeating Garlus the Conqueror. In the end, his father convinced him there would be no one left if he didn't go, and he accepted. He brought with him his family sword, used before by his grand-grand-grandfather in great battles. It held an immense power and so Bran was confident with it. 

He knew the territory better than the barbarians, setting traps and eliminating them one by one. In the end, Garlus threatened to kill the prisoners, and Bran showed himself. How Garlus was big and menacing, but the farmer's courage made his grip firmer, his glare steady.

"Such an inferior man, killing my troop. You shall have no mercy."

Bran smirked. He didn't need any mercy to defeat him. The battle ended with the giant's heart pierced by his sword, and he wasted no time freeing the prisoners. Bran returned the royal twins safely to their castle, where the King was waiting for them.

"I thank you for your bravery, Bran the Giant Slayer. As promised, your reward shall be a chest of gold and the hand of my daughter."

"My King, if I may," gently interrupted Bran, his gaze shifting to the beautiful twins. "I'd rather have your son's hand."

The King hesitated, but with the prince's agreement, he accepted. Peace returned to the kingdom and Bran married Hamund. Together, they ruled and lived happily ever after.

(What is 100TC?)

Note: I have no clue why the font changes at some places, I tried to fix it but it didn't work. Also, Bagpath is real place! Look it up, it's got a population of 100!