The Sword and the Shadows_The First Chronicle Read online

  The merchant walked away but the boy said finally, “Sir, at least tell me where I am.” The merchant turned around.

  “You are in the city of the rich: Feurindal. Good luck there, poor boy.” He finally walked away, disappearing from Yuri’s distant view.

  He walked toward the city, still wondering how he got near there. As he found the entrance to the huge stone walls surrounding the inner sector of the city, he neared it and found the gate that opened up to the marketplace. Five guards stood at the gate of the entrance; they had blades at their side and were heavily armored, with light-green clothing.

  “What is your business here, boy?” One of the guards stood out came to the boy. They surrounded him on each side. “I ask you again, boy. What are doing here? What is your business?”

  Yuri could not respond and was really confused of past events. “I... I am lost.”

  “What is that in your pocket, in your left one? Pull it out slowly.” Yuri looked down after the guard said this and felt something heavy in his pocket. He slowly reached down as he saw blades pointing to him by three of the guards. Yuri felt around his pocket and felt a long steel bar. He pulled it out and it appeared to be gold and silver merged into one stone.

  “The Gemstone of Kruge!” The guard walked up and shoved Yuri down. “You little thief!”

  “I... please, sir, I did not have this before, I...” Many people were around this area, and Yuri was bumped by another civilian. He looked carefully past the guards into the entrance, seeing a red-hooded man staring at him directly.

  The guard kicked the boy to the chest, and picked him up with one arm.

  “You are under arrest, dirty scoundrel.” The guard talked to the others as Yuri waited right by them. The trouble he was in now could even result in death. The guard walked back to Yuri. He covered his head with his hands but the guard slapped him across the face and dragged him into the outskirts of the city. Two guards followed behind him and Yuri.

  Yuri then wept blood off his nose and lips. He looked up to the guard and the guard grabbed him by the shoulders and threw him down a hill, just so they would safely walk down. It was a grassy hill. As Yuri landed to the bottom, he saw nearby prison cells. The guard kept the Gemstone in his supply bag to return it to Feurindal’s mayor, a noble of Savenur Octavium’s Council.

  “You don’t understand, I was set up! A man may have put it in my pocket on purpose but...” The guard knocked the boy down again and kicked him repeatedly.

  “You are under arrest, you lying cur!” The guard threw the boy in a nearby cell. The prison camp consisted of three towers and in each were cells. Yuri was put in one of the cells on the lowest level of the tower.

  A huge iron gate surrounded the area and many guards were at posts around this place. It was behind the city of Feurindal.

  Yuri sat in the dark cell. It was quiet and the odor was raw and dank. He saw two guards at the other side of the cell. He sat in a corner and felt extremely tired, but the pain in his stomach could not let him sleep.

  An hour passed by as Yuri lay back against a wall and was resting. A word never came out of the two guards that were in front of the cell. Yuri got up and went closer, as he looked out left and right of the cell. Most of the other cells were empty and a few had multiple prisoners in each. A guard threatened Yuri with a sword to move back at the cell’s wall.

  He jumped back and thought it best to sleep it out. He was thinking of how this happened. Someone had framed him for stealing the Gemstone, belonging to the mayor of Feurindal. He knew this would result in the death penalty or worse, starvation in this cell. Suddenly the door of the entrance to the prison cells opened. It was kicked open by one of the guards.

  “Here, I found another one!” The three guards were carrying a man who was robed in the same red Yuri recognized earlier. The man was resisting and tried to knock out one of them for more of an advantage. “Resist any more, and we will use the sword.”

  The man quickly calmed down. The guards beat the man down with the flat-edge of their sword. The man bled out terribly. They carried him to the cell Yuri was in.

  ”Put him in this one, where all the thieves have their place.”

  One guard came up to the man and tried pulling off his hood. The man was resisting the guards’ arms.

  “Leave him be, let him die in his own secrecy.” The guard left the mysterious man alone and walked out. The cell gate closed and Yuri moved to the right of the cell room away from the stranger.

  For minutes the man stared at the boy, but nothing was said. Four guards stood in front of the cell blocking it but the man began detailing the enforcement of the iron bar’s strength.

  “Reinforced alloy steels, with iron hinges to make extra support. Smart...” The man spoke to himself. Yuri saw the man had knowledge of the prison’s defense. He felt it was not right to speak to him, but did anyways.

  “Um, what is your name?” Dark shadows covered the stranger’s face; he had a grin as blood seeped down his recently shaved chin. Yuri knew he shouldn’t have spoken. “My name is Yuri; I believe I should know you from somewhere. I recognize your face and clothing.”

  The man got up slowly and walked to Yuri, as he moved away. But the man also had bread in his hand.

  “Food... here, eat; you are hungry, no?”

  Yuri looked to the man. “Yes sir, I am, thank you.” Yuri chewed on the stale bread and was satisfied with the taste.

  “I see you were put here for stealing; believe me, all these things happen for a purpose.” Yuri looked up and dropped the bread.

  “You are the one who framed me?” The man nodded to Yuri. “What was your intention of imprisoning me and how did you get away with that?”

  The man became quiet and took out a book with strange symbols on its cover. Somehow, Yuri recognized this book.

  “I... I thought the guards confiscated everything from you before putting you in here.” The man smiled again.

  “Boy, I fought them. This is how I got in the order, and without my book, I would not gain acceptance.” After the stranger said this, he saw Yuri had many questions.

  “What order? What is this all about?” The man remained silent and Yuri sighed heavily. “Look, if you are not ready to tell me, at least give me your name.”

  The man looked up and revealed himself. He had a clean-shaved chin and dark eyes that Yuri remembered. He had a scar on his neck running down to his chest. “The name’s Dalkreen.”

  Yuri looked at the man. “I remember now.”

  Dalkreen then spoke, “Come, we will plan to get out of here, and later admit you into our order.” Yuri felt this was right, but still wanted to know more before going anywhere with Dalkreen.

  Chapter Eight: The Shieldvanes

  B erek trudged through the cold, snowy ground as he followed the man named Jarem and the two other guards. The temple was indeed a military outpost, for all around, it seemed strong defenses took hold at every corner. At the top of the temple, was a large pole, with a red flag flapping against the cold wind. Berek looked to the north and saw the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon. He knew his parents were getting up soon, and would discover that he had left. Berek knew what lay in store for him: a harsh whipping from his father and tears from his mother.

  Jarem led Berek inside the temple, passing the large, stone doors. Stairs stood in front of them. The stairs looked to be around twenty, for they were very high-elevated. Berek slowly climbed up the stairs and reached the top. He looked around the temple. In the middle of it was a courtyard. Two guards, who looked like soldiers or assassins of some sort, were fighting each other. They were clashing their swords, which looked to be very long blades. All of the guards or soldiers were dressed in the matching armor they wore, which was the blue, silver, and yellow plated armor with designs of arcane symbols on the breastplate. When the fighting soldiers noticed Berek, they stopped fighting and stared at him.

  Berek did not like to be stared at, but he knew he had
to endure. In the back of the courtyard stood a small building, which looked like a shack of some sort. Jarem led Berek into this building. The interior seemed to be like lodgings for a cabin, for wooden foundations were all around. Jarem found a table and sat Berek down. He ordered his men to bring Berek warm bread and a hot cup of ale. Jarem joined Berek at the table, placed his hands together and pointed at Berek.

  “Now, you say you saw a golden light shining up here?” asked Jarem, his eyes gleaming with interest.

  “Yes, sir,” replied Berek. “I had a dream in which some kind of creature, clad in gold, told me to wake up and follow the light. Well, I woke up, and when I looked to the east, I saw it. It was shining as bright as the sun, although sometimes it would flicker as a candle might do.”

  ”I see,” said Jarem. “Go on.”

  “Well, I climbed up here to take a look. Along the way, I crossed paths with a strange creature. It looked to be a bird of some sorts, but it was bigger than any bird I’ve ever seen. I tried running, but-“

  “A bird?” asked Jarem suddenly. “You saw a black bird on the mountain?”

  ”Yes, sir,” said Berek, tired of repeating himself. “Why?”

  Jarem sighed. He stood up and walked over to a soldier, whispering something in his ear. The soldier nodded and yelled for several others to follow him. They left, but not before unsheathing their swords. Jarem walked back to Berek.

  “What is going on?” asked Berek angrily, confused of the matter.

  “Son, listen and listen well. Eons ago, around the time of Alundiel’s creation, four guardian gods were placed in charge of the land to keep it well. Their names were Avrendur, Bael Drahk, Raphah, and Melageth. Avrendur was the Guardian of Light and Justice. Drahk was the Guardian of War and Power. Raphah, the Guardian of Love and Peace, and Melageth...the Guardian of Trickery and Deceit.”

  “Why would a Guardian like that be placed to rule Alundiel?” asked Berek.

  “In order to defeat the enemies of Alundiel, they must be tricked and deceived, as Melageth specialized in,” replied Jarem. “Anyway, one day the gods gathered on the Temple of the Wise Ones. Each god ruled a separate race and each race worshiped their respective god. The northern Northgards, their hair of blonde and eyes of azure; the southern Dwa’iin, their simple culture and will of men; the dark skinned Crimgurds, ebony and strong; and the Midonians, the high-class race of men destined to rule; worshipped Avrendur and Raphah. The creature races, consisting of Orcs, skin of green, eyes of fury and strength of body; and finally, the Reptikars, reptile-like features in the form of a man with tails as long as a sword, worshipped Drahk. The Elven races however worship a god of their own creation, Zara Mura.”

  Jarem wiped his hand in the air with disgust. “They know not. Finally, the remainder of the races worshipped Melageth. It was then that a new race had been created, called the Ancients. The Guardians argued and bickered over who should rule this race. For you see, the Ancients were very special and possessed powers no other race could ever have. Whomever ruled the Ancients was granted the ultimate rule over Alundiel. Melageth wanted the Ancients more than any other, so he tricked all the gods and killed two of them.”

  “You said there were four. What about the one he left alive?” asked Berek.

  “The one he left alive was Drahk. Melageth saw promise and favored him, so he allowed Drahk to live, though without freedom. Melageth trapped Drahk into the hellish realm of Furyion and it is within this realm Drahk rules, forever denied access to the outside world. Melageth then took his Ancients and ruled Alundiel.”

  Berek sighed. “But, I still don’t know-“

  “I’m not done!” said Jarem suddenly. “There were brave men who opposed the rule of the tricky god. Savenur Octavium’s ancestor, Eretus Octavium, led a revolt and succeeded. He locked Melageth in a golden crystal and defeated the last of the Ancients. But you see, the Ancients received some power from Melageth to take any form they wish, whether it be an animal or a human.”

  ”So,” wondered Berek, “you’re saying, the bird was an...Ancient?”

  “Most likely, son,” replied Jarem. “For you see, the reason the Ancient attacked you on this mountain...was because Melageth himself is buried under this mountain, locked in the golden crystal.”

  Berek gasped. “So the light I saw, the dream I had...that was from him?”

  “Yes, my boy!” shouted Jarem standing up. “The rebels who revolted against Melageth created an order called the Shieldvanes. We are the Shieldvanes. This is Skyhallow Temple, home and headquarters to us. And I am Jarem, leader and grandmaster of the Shieldvanes, and keeper of the Tomb of Melageth.”

  “Wait, if I saw the light shining,” Berek wondered again, “does that mean he has returned?”

  “I know not, my boy,” replied Jarem with a grim expression.

  Suddenly, a soldier burst into the cabin. “Sir, a mass number of Ancients have spawned at the foot of the Spine. It looks as though they are attacking a residence or something.”

  “A residence?” asked Berek, standing up quickly. “As in a house?”

  ”Yes,” replied the soldier.

  “My parents!” cried Berek. He took out his dagger and walked out of the cabin, running to the entrance.

  “No, my boy!” shouted Jarem, running after him. “It’s too dangerous! You’ll be killed!”

  “I have to save them!” cried Berek, rushing along the summit. Jarem sighed and ordered several guards to accompany him as they pursued Berek. Berek looked toward the bottom of the mountain.

  His house was in flames, surrounded by four very large, black birds.

  Chapter Nine: Escape to Benaibel Basin

  Y uri got up from resting, for it seemed he no longer had the strength to break out that day. Dalkreen didn’t have much patience; he was devising a plan as the guards to the front were eating their daily meal.

  “Dalkreen,” Yuri spoke, “come and eat, it is not often the guards will give us meals.” Dalkreen waved his hand to Yuri to come over. “Yes, what’s that?”

  “It is our way out...” He pointed to the lower part of one of the cell bars. “This hinge is connected to a chain underground, and if we cut through one, we can easily pull out other bars with proper leverage. Come, we need a sharp tool.”

  Yuri looked around thinking the man was crazy. “How about this fork?”

  Yuri was having a nature of sarcasm, but Dalkreen replied, “Perfect, thank you my friend.” Yuri watched Dalkreen as he took the fork. “Now I will dig through the mud near the left bar until I get deep enough. After this we will have to use some kind of resistance, some kind of... heat.” Yuri knew the plan was going falling apart when a prisoner from the cell ahead overheard them.

  “Hey! You there! Hello?” A man from the shadows of another cell appeared. “I overheard your plan...brilliant, and it seems you know much more than I, so I have this torch with no oil lit. Though it does contain enough aluminum substance on the top, so a bit of oil should do.”

  “Yes, sir that is the plan.” Dalkreen looked to Yuri, and whispered, “Keep it down boy, the guards will be back any second, and we cannot let them overhear us too.” Dalkreen turned to the prisoner on the other side. “Pass us the torch, and if we get out, then we will set you free as well.”

  The man accepted and slid the torch through the slimy and muddy ground. Dalkreen caught it from the ground and made a quick nod of accomplishment to the other man.

  ”Wait, my food, there is some oil on the plate, some... olive oil.”

  “Perfect, boy, give it here.” Yuri handed Dalkreen the plate and he smudged the tip of the torch wood all over the plate. “That is enough, well done... now I dug deep enough from here. I see a chain, but now to light this torch.”

  Dalkreen walked over to a small stone near the cell and bashed the stone hard against the wood repeatedly. Yuri waited in the corner.

  Finally a spark struck which lead to a little fire. He moved the fired torch near the weak bar which wa
s dug up. He waved it close, near the bottom of the cell bar.

  “Nothing is happening.” Yuri was filled with distrust but Dalkreen responded.

  ”This does take time boy, give it time.”

  The other prisoner then spoke up quickly after that. “No more time, they come back.”

  Dalkreen stepped back quickly, “Put the fire out, boy!” Yuri took the torch and stepped on it hard. The fire kept growing.

  One of the guards stepped up to the cell. “What the blazes is this... fire!” The guards then opened up the cell.

  “Now boy... run through!” Dalkreen ordered. Yuri went first and pushed through one guard, being strengthened from the previous meal.

  Dalkreen had the fork and stabbed a guard in the neck, blood splattering on the other guard as he was frightened and wept it off on the ground.

  ”Wait, sir help me!” The other prisoner that helped them shouted out.

  Yuri stepped back. “We have to help him!” Dalkreen grabbed Yuri by the arm and pulled him hard.

  “The man has done his deed, and now we have the glory... leave him behind, follow me! The place burns quick.”

  Fire spread throughout the hall, and the fire burned through the thatched roof from the first floor. Sparks flew past Yuri and Dalkreen as they sprinted down the hall. Guards from the interior cell were burning alive. The smell of freshly burned flesh filled Yuri’s nose. He felt no senses rather than the ached muscles and the horrific odor. His eyes became dim and his sight was dark.

  Dalkreen picked Yuri up over his shoulder and carried him through the left wing, where the exit was found.

  Three guards blocked the way. They unsheathed their swords and two other guards appeared behind Dalkreen, cutting them off.

  Suddenly a sword stabbed through the chest of one of the guards, leaving gory results. The guard was pushed down and a group of red-hooded men were shown, behind the one who stabbed the guard.