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Chapter 1.1
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Igarian Calendar, Year 10008
“Grandpa, grandpa! What’cha have for me today?”’
“Oh only the finest for you Cael, a forgotten tale of two heroes deadlocked in a war who end up challenging the gods themselves.”
“Ooooh, that sounds really cool! Tell it to me now, grandpa!”
“Ahhh, well I’ll have to make a small trip today to get some medication first so I’ll have someone take you out to play in the meantime.”
“What about the story?!”
“Ah, right. Heh,I guess we’ll just have to listen to it after I return. Ohoho, how unfortunate.”
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“Pfft. Where’s the uncle that’s suppose to be taking me out to play? Ugggggh, he’s taking so long! Sol, I guess I’ll just go play on my own then.
(Authors Note: ‘Sol’ is a word within this world intended to be all-purpose. It can be interpreted as a sigh, a pause within a conversation, or as an reactionary word to represent shock just to name a few. It doesn’t have any actual impact on the meaning of the sentence, so don’t worry about not understanding.)
“Ladadee… and in we go!”
Entering through the shrubbery at the bottom of the hill I find my way along a path that I slowly created over the years. Hmph, if grandpa saw this he’d definitely praise me for being so smart, hehehe. Hopefully I’ll be able to map out the entire forest one day.
Anyhow, the perky chirping from the birds and the mellow wind always helps me relax. I wouldn’t give up this tranquility for anything in the world…
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Elsewhere…
“Huh, where’s Cael? I thought I told Echrit to have him back before sunset.”
I hurriedly pace myself towards the house of Echrit, our village blacksmith.
“Echrit, where is Cael?!”
I was met with silence as I continued knocking on his door.
“Echrit, where in the gods is Cael?!”
A small whisper escapes from behind through the door.
“Mine…”
“What?! What in Sol are you talking about, Echrit?!”
The door swings open as a haggard Echrit begins shouting.
“It was supposed to be mine, goddamnit! I was next in line to take over the head position! Now you’re gonna give it over to some fuckin’ disabled kid! After all these years, this is how you’re gonna repay me?!
“Echrit, you goddamn moron! You’re gonna let some petty rumours impair your rationality?! Are you sick in the head?!
Grabbing him by the shoulders I shake him until he falls to the floor.
“Where is Cael?!”
The fucking idiot has gone unresponsive. Wait, why is he frothing at the mouth? It looks like poison, but why would anyone need to do such a thing? Fuck it, I’ll deal with it later, Cael comes first.
Running back to my house, I grab a crossbow and a shortsword and head towards the forest. It’s the only place where Cael ever goes besides my house.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
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Within the forest...
Huh this place seems very quiet, maybe a little too quiet. It’s a bit uncomfortable… Maybe I should just head back.
I begin walking back along the path I came from only to find that my previous markings have all but disappeared.
“Wuaah, what do I do now?! Grandpa!” I call out to the silent forest, yet nothing but the echo of my voice resounds back.
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Its been at least a couple hours. I'm scared. Someone please come...
My mind soon begins to wander... followed by my body.
I’m tired…
As I gradually sink into the restless darkness of my consciousness, one flickering thought remains.
Save me grandpa…
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I’m scared. Why is it so dark here...?
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I’m all alone… again. Why doesn’t anyone talk to me... ?
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Have I so greatly sinned to deserve this? Has god forsaken me...?
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I’m sorry.
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Please forgive me.
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Sor...ry
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“Cael?! Where are you Cael?!”
I eventually found a path hidden within some bushes. I carefully tread along as I suddenly hear a howl off in the distance. A dangerous scent suddenly envelops me. Blood.
My thoughts begin to dissipate as the bloody scent stimulates my instincts into overdrive. I run towards the origin of the howl, pushing my heart and lungs with every step. I gradually approach a small meadow, shadowed by two large wolves.
In the corner of my sight, I spot a small figure lying amongst the grass.
“CAEL!”
At my sudden outcry the wolves slowly approach me. It seems they’re both injured from fighting each other. I brandish my shortsword as I walk in a circle, making sure they are a sizeable distance away from Cael.
Grrrrr….!
At the sudden growl, one of the wolves lunges towards me. I leap backwards whilst quickly firing my crossbow.
Rrrarahhhhh!
The bolt impales itself into the wolf’s hind leg. The wolf falls down out of pain and exhaustion as the second wolf begins approaching.
Graaaahhh…!
A lamenting wail assaults my ears as the second wolf dashes towards me. The wolf speeds towards my neck and I don’t have enough time to dodge away. I block the incoming bite with my left wrist guard, but its fangs still manage to sink through.
“Ahhhhhh! Fuck me!”
I prepare to swing my sword against its neck as the wolf tries to dodge away. With adrenaline pumping through me, I push through the pain and grab the side of its jaw with my left hand and slash downwards with my sword.
A fountain of blood spurts out as I feel the pressure on my left arm gradually release. Blood begins to seep out my arm as I bask in the pain.
“Goddamnit!” I shout out in frustration.
I gradually approach the fallen Cael and pick him up with my right arm.
“Cael?!”
“Grandpa…?”
“Sol, thank gods you’re fine. Do you know how much you worried me, Cael?!”
“Sorry… grandpa.”
“Hah… at least you’re fine. You’re not hurt anywhere are you Cael?”
“Yeah… I think so. Just tired…”
“Thank goodness, I swear my heart was about to burst when I saw you lying down motionlessly.”
“Hehehe, you really care about me don’t you grandpa…?”
“What are you talking about Cael? Of course I do!”
“Thank… you.”
“You’re welcome Cael, you’re welcome.”
I slowly start walking back to village, with Cael in hand. The rush of battle gradually recedes as the stinging pain of running and fighting begin to assault me again. Fuck, I really am getting too old for this.
“But… I’m worried about just one more thing … grandpa.”
“What is it Cael?”
“When… will we finish that… story you promised me…?”
“Hmmph, that’s what you’re worried about? If you have energy to make jokes like that, you’ll be fine.”
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