Ok, folks. This was my first story ever. In this post, I tell in depth how it came to be. I remember I wrote this short piece of fiction in just one take so I could meet my teacher’s deadline, so it does not follow the good writing and storytelling practices. So go easy with me, please. But if you’re curious about what the first story of an author who later wrote a 90K-word book looks like, that’s how it is in my case.

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Honor and Valor

This story tells the tale of Gaius Traian Guterhand, the greatest general Rome—and the world—had ever seen. Gaius lived in a city called Meknès, one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. The people of Meknès were kind and hospitable, and crime was rare, as punishments for such acts were extremely severe.

General Gaius was renowned for his courage and bravery, as well as for his countless victories over enemy nations—victories that left many scars on his body.

Guterhand was married to Alicia, one of the most beautiful and kind-hearted women in the kingdom, and he was the father of two sons, Geiser and Cetus, who were not only his children but also his devoted apprentices.

To Guterhand, his family was his most precious and valuable treasure, and he loved his wife so deeply that he would have willingly given his life for hers if necessary.

Gaius was a man of noble heart and an unwavering sense of honor—qualities that made him stand out and earned him admiration and prestige among all who knew him.

Throughout his life, Gaius was guided by courage and honor, which he believed were the most essential qualities a noble warrior could possess. To him, winning a war was not only a matter of honor but a duty he owed to his nation.

At one point, Rome was under threat from an enemy nation—the Macedonians, a people known for their cruelty and military might. The Roman population was gripped with fear, as they had never faced such a formidable threat before. The only reason panic had not completely overtaken them was Guterhand, whose brave words reassured and comforted the people.

Guterhand had never known fear, for he trusted in his army and in the power of his sword—a weapon of deadly precision in his hands.

After several days, word arrived that Rome was soon to be attacked by the Macedonians.

The decision was made—at dawn, Gaius and his grand army would set out for war, ready to do whatever it took to defend the sovereignty of Rome.

On the night before the battle, Gaius, as was his custom, bid farewell to his wife Alicia with a long night of love.

Morning came. Guterhand and his soldiers prepared for war, donning their armor and mounting their horses. The face of every soldier reflected a spirit of courage and determination, but on Guterhand’s face, there was something more—a sense of hope and peace for Rome’s future.

At last, the army set out to meet the Macedonians. After two long days of travel, Guterhand spotted the enemy forces. He halted his troops when the Macedonians were just over a mile away. Then, with a commanding voice, he shouted:

“Forward, warriors!”

At that moment, his army charged toward the Macedonians, who also advanced with great fury.

The battle had begun, and blood was already spilling. The air was filled with the sounds of battle cries and the clashing of swords.

Gaius’s army was at a clear disadvantage. Everything indicated that this would be Rome’s first defeat, as the Macedonian army was vast and powerful.

But Gaius and his men fought for honor, not just patriotic pride, as the Macedonians did.

Though Gaius was vastly outnumbered, destiny always favors those who live by honor and valor—something the Macedonians lacked but that Gaius and his army embodied fully.

After hours of fierce combat, Rome had won the war. Guterhand bore a few new scars, and his army was exhausted, but their spirits were high. They had once again defended the sovereignty of Rome, proving that what truly matters in battle is not the number of warriors nor the strength of their weapons—but their honor and valor!

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