Cool evening, Rakmir, a 15-year-old boy standing on the outer defensive wall. The wall was 50 meters high and provided protection for the whole outer layer of the city of Sil. From the wall he could see the second wall and the city buildings. Sil was the capital of Eri it had approximately 6 million habitats. It was divided in three layers each with its own protective structures. The first and the smallest was designated for nobles and wealthy merchants, the second had stores and big squares which during the day where full of people. Less wealthy merchants and townsmen lived there. Buildings like barracks and granaries all city offices were located here as well. The third layer was for the poorest. Being the biggest one of the three layers it had people with the lowest status. Rakmir couldn't see his home from where he was standing, the slums where the place for all unwanted citizens as well as the location of his house. Looking around he could see a lot of big archer, and smaller alarm towers it gave the majestic feeling for merchants and travelers that saw it first time. There were four gates on each side of the city. Rakmir was assigned to the East gate outer defensive wall. His beautiful blue eyes fixed on the landscape, on his left hand a round big shield, in the right hand spear, on his chest he has a lightweight metal armor, but that most distinguished him from other guards were two short steel swords on both sides of the hips. Both look identical, with one exception, black handle, gently rounded edges, both bore different inscriptions: the right "amor patriae nostra lex" on the left "audaces fortune iuvat". Rakmir know what these inscriptions mean, that fateful day, his parents gave these two extraordinary swords to him as a present, hoping that they will be guardians of life of their son.
As 15 year old boy Rakmir showed a remarkable physique, 178 cm tall, short dark hair, beautiful blue eyes that would capture the hearts of any woman, rarely appearing smile on his face that he showed only to his relatives, had the power to melt the ice in every heart. Athletic muscular body, if not signs of malnutrition could be seen as reincarnations of the god of war.
That day there where less travelers passing through the gate in the wall. The few who have turned to look on Rakmir, saw marks on his body demonstrating the hard life of a boy, those who knew him did not pay attention or pretending that they are blind.
“How is it possible that such a young boy began working as a guard in this troubled times in which power and money were the determinants of existence.”- some of them thought
Wars between cities, wars between principalities, and finally wars between empires, on every step death, pain, suffering. Such a young guard was an exception, the only reason he got this job as a 15-year-old was the greed of his captain. Brum the captain of west wall guards at the first informal meeting said that 60 percent of Rakmir's earnings are expected to come to Brum's pocket. The boy did not protest but not because he did not want to, his whole body wanted to tear the captain of the guards apart, not even afraid of stout construction of the above, but because he had no other option, as a 15 year old and "traitor's son" he had to obey.
Everyone in town knew that, despite the fact that military service can take only the young men upon reaching 18 years of age, no one paid attention thinking, "well, maybe finally this scum will disappear from our city."
Rakmir did not care about those taunts, he was used to them, but he remembered, remembered, every hurt, every insult, not so much at him as at his family. Already as a young man he suffered harm from residents of Sil city.
Although he and his family had little, somehow they managed to make ends meet. Looking at it from the side you could see fists clenched on the handle of the shield and spear which he was holding. This event when he was 8 years old and was playing at home with his 4 months old sister Kira, even today, his memories, made his blood lust increased enormously.
The image of a weeping young blond hair, beautiful little girl who he loved above all made his heart pain. On this day the doors to their modest little two room house opened with a bang, in their eyes a little boy and very young girls saw their mother face covered in bruises with signs of wiped blood, on her body tattered clothes.
The boy for his age, was very intelligent, he loved to hear stories about his father's great battles, massive armies, and things that happened in the war which to his father surprise he understood and frequently asked rational questions, so he knew the situation was not good.
He tried to remain calm. Looking at his mother, he could see places which still had small traces of blood left on them, on her beautiful face that she tried to hide from her children one could see the reflection of pain that she experienced.
Rakmir understood why she was trying so hard to hide it, she was doing it for them, trying to calm her children and not to show any weakness, but he knew, he heard the taunts of neighbors, he saw every day the new bruises on the body of his mother. Even if she tried to hide this behind wonderful smile, smile that was just for them ... He knew it.
Sara, their mother was walking image of perfection, with the face of an angel, beautiful blonde hair which were falling on her back, blue eyes, perfect feminine physique and the smile that aroused envy in women and desire in men ...
Sarah briskly walked over to the children and with all the strength hugged them together. Rakmir heard her beautiful voice whispering to them:
Sarah: "For all the time will come."
Rakmir to this day repeated these words in his mind a million times. You could say that they were his mantra, a talisman that blocked outbursts of anger and blood lust.
That evening after feeling something was wrong young Kira was crying, even four month old child could feel the tension without yet understanding what was happening, seeing this she was quickly calm dawn and put to bed. After crying her hart out in the arms of her mother she went to sleep.
A few hours later, Wolf, Rakmir's father returned home. Wolf was once commanding officer serving in the best army in the country. Eri cavalry was the most elite force across the continent. Wolf repeatedly told stories of battles to Rakmir, but not as you normally tell bedtime stories.Seeing his son sparkling eyes and hearing the questions that where logical and deserved to be answered Wolf was discussing tactics, formations, numbers, armament, logistics, terrain and all aspects of the military in these battles and many other campaigns.
One of Rakmir's favorite stories was when Wolf with 200 of his cavalry subordinates defended the gates of the city for 7 hours in front of 30 000 joined forces from two principalities. It was one of the reasons why in the the young man bore the picture of Wolf as a hero and role model, the fact that his father not only defended the city, but after these 7 hours when he received reinforcements in the number of 300 cavalry riders, he was able to continue battle forcing the joined armies to withdraw from the siege.
Wolf saw his wife, who even after cleaning herself still had traces of attack, he could not stop himself from falling on his knees and with tears in his eyes several times whisper "I'm sorry".
Sarah slowly walked over to her husband and hugged his head to her bosom, stroking his hair, and saying that nothing has happened, that everything will be fine. Rakmir also approached them, with sad eyes watching the situation. He did not understand why they are treated like this, why the whole Sil seeing members of their families spits under their feet.
Hearing the gentle quiet weeping of their son, Wolf and Sarah looked at the young man that with all of his strength tried to hold back the tears clutching his hands on the legs of his trousers.
Wolf recovering, signaled Sarah to leave them alone, and taking Rakmir on his hand he sat down at the wooden chair next to the table putting him on his lap. Sarah upon seeing the whole situation gave them her warmest smiled as she could, knowing the day came where the young learn the truth, and moved to a smaller room. When Wolf heard the sound of Sarah laying down beside Kira, he looked at his son and said with heavy voice.
Wolf: "Rakmir what I'm about to say to you must stay between us, your mother knows this, but never, I repeat never tell anyone about it, especially people outside the family"
Said his father with seriousness on his face.
Wolf: "The reason why we are in such a situation occurred when I was the commanding officer of the Cavalry. My elite troops where under supervision of the king. Only he could give us his orders no one else. I was then charged with treason by noble families, knowing me well know that I would never betrayed my country, that's how i was brought up by my parents and grandparents. You should know from my stories, that my cavalry received only the best and most promising and loyal fighters. It was an honor for all those elites to join my unit."
Rakmir hearing these words showed surprise on his face, looking questioningly at his father.
Rakmir: "Betraying !?"
He could not believe that someone as honorable as his father would have done such a shameful act.
Wolf: "This situation occurred 10 years before your birth when I was under the command of 100,000 elites, not only cavalry, we had masters in every military branch”
He stopped for a second thinking how to put it in words.
Wolf: "All loyal and devoted to their king. As a warrior I was never interested in politics and I had never taken part in all these disgusting games. "
He said with clear distaste on his face
Wolf: "I have always faithfully served Eri, first putting the good of his nation, king, and lastly our clan, and each of my subordinates was a great soldier, they were skilled, faithful and courageous. You need to know that for to step into our ranks one had to go through the mass of deadly tests and trials, sometimes the price was ones life, in some cases the loss of limbs. The battles in which we have participated tempered us and combined us with bond of brotherhood that I can not describe in words. "
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With a clear fondness said his father reaching for a jug of water. After a few sips continued
Wolf: "At that time then ruler of our country was disposed of by the nobility, which put his son on the throne, thinking that he will be a puppet. Fearing our intervention, they organized a conspiracy aimed at depriving me of command, knowing that we are loyal only to the king. You're too young to know all the details, for now I just want you to know and never forget the dedication of soldiers, my brothers, who defended our country with honor and pride not once paying the ultimate price. Since that day my hundred thousandth army ceased to exist. "
Huge pain could be felt in his voice.
Wolf: "Most of my commanding officers were executed, soldiers scattered around the country, and I with the stigma of traitor was deprived of rank, condemned to eternal ridicule, but that was not enough for them, our whole clan including your grandparents were all wiped out. What I;m about to tell might be a shock to you but at that time by my side served your older brother Slav ... My biggest punishment in life was to look when in front of the eyes of all our soldiers and your mother he was murdered for something he did not do. We could not do anything because before we were disarmed and enemy forces where escorting us and made us watch this bestiality. Before your brother died he looked at us with a smile on his face, smiling in a situation like this just before his throat was cut he managed to shout to his privet guard and all our men our family creed"Amor Patriae Nostra Lex!”. He died in the company of 100 000 throats responding him with the same, and saluting for the last time. The name of our family who for thousands of years bravely fought alongside the king was erased from the history and branded as traitors of the nation. "
At this moment in disbelief Rakmir interrupted his father
Rakmir: "Brother? Clan? How can this be? You never even said anything "
Wolf: "Let me finish, I'll explain every detail when you're strong enough, and you alone can decide what to do next”
His son, clutching his hands to his mouth had shock in his eyes, now he understood why his father had not mentioned to him about it at all. It was just too overwhelming. As a 8 year old boy Rakmir was no longer able to gasp all these sensations, his brother's death, dethronement of the king, his noble clan destroyed.
Wolf: "That day a part of me died, your mother despite the pain in the heart decided that after all, this is our country and here is where we'll live our end's. Fortunately, as a teenager, everyone in our lineage had to learn everything needed to be elite fighter, such as horse riding, sword, spear, axe or bow, our clan even invented our own martial arts for fighting with all those types of weapons or barehanded combat. It didn't matter if you use stealth tactics. shield or if you're fighting while riding on a horse all those skills where taught to us, and now i will teach them to you. Remember that the warrior's don't always need to be skilled and talented, they need to also depend on their equipment that they need to care for and supervise, because of this I will also teach you blacksmiths art. For now, however, you have to be strong, persevering despite all spit in our face I want you to continued the tradition of our great clan! The Warg clan."
To hear that Rakmir could not control all the thoughts that emerged in his head, all the sensations spoke by his father where the proof that his youthful childhood years came to an end.
Although he was only eight years old in his heart lighted a flame, a flame fueled by hatred of criminals who harmed his family, loss of a brother whom he had never met. At this time, a young boy decided that one day he will restore his father and Warg clan to favor.
Rakmir: "Everyone must be accounted for their actions," - he said in a whisper
Rakmir After the confessions of his father being aware that he was too young, had decided to exercise his body and mind. Knowing more techniques which his ancestors had perfected thousands of years will help him to achieve his goal.
Lying in bed he could not sleep a wink. After talking with Wolf he entered the room where were his mother and sister where sleeping. In the room he looked at his mother and sister.
"How strong must be this woman," he thought.
His eyes bore the admiration and respect of the same grade he showed to his father. For he knew that it was his mother who suffered the most. From day to day she lost everything, her son and prosperous life in a family environment, but most he was worried about his sister.
Sarah saw that Wolf had finished conversation with Rakmir after slowly standing up from bed she kissed her son and giving him time to think all thru without saying a word went back to the living room where his father was waiting for her.
That night, Rakmir vowed that it would never allow his sister to go thru what they had.
Time passed slowly taking into account all the sensations of the evening Rakmir was rolling in his bed from side to side. Some might think that is a big burden for a eight-years old boy, but for him who from early age was brought up by his father's words that honor and strength are things that can protect the family it was just something he had to deal with either way, or as he saw as something to motivate him and gave a purpose to his existence in this cruel word.
Hearing the gentle cry of his mother in the living room, his heart could not calm down
Wolf: "Sarah tell me what happened? Who did this to you? "
Sarah bowed her head, trying to calm tears in her eyes, but looking at Wolf she knew that whatever she did, she will not be able to hide it from her husband, the love of her life that's why she decided to tell him everything that happened that night.
Sarah: "You know very well that it is difficult for us to live, that's why I let them treat me like this, when I finished work"
Sarah looking at her husband and continued.
Sarah: “Despite all the difficulties that I meet, I need to take up work from people like this, even if I am exploited, even if some do not pay as much as promised, or at all. You know we still need to do this. Rakmir and Kara are just children they didn't do anything wrong. Even if it means being like this, for them I am willing”
Wolf knew that was the case but still what could he do? With first signs of his protest he would be out in jail or killed leaving his family alone, and this he could not bear. That is why he had to bite his tang and calm his nerves, as a warrior he needed to be his children protector. Sarah didn't tell him everything knowing the temperament of old general if he knew that others tried to touch her during her work, and when she protested threatened her with words that they will not pay her at all he would already go and tear them to pieces. But Sarah never allowed to touch another man than her husband. For her keeping her and her family's dignity was more important, besides if she would let them do it one there would be no turning back. That's why she was always physically abused by men frustrated by her response, or by women jealous of her. That was as well why that night they made their move.
Sarah: "Returning the work I was pulled into an alley, but please don't worry, nothing happened. Someone scared them off, they wanted ... They wanted to... "
She could not articulate what happened. No longer holding in her tears this strong woman who smiled at the children, could relay only on her husband, and only to him she could open her heart.
She snuggled into her husband's arms, where she felt safe. Nobody can describe the pain that an old warrior felt, in spite of many years of hard living, continuous humiliation and discrimination against he had to endure.
The spark in his eye never faded. He knew that his family suffers often, his wife and son abused to this degree, he himself as well. The only happiness he could feel was that they managed to protect their little daughter Kira from this. But that is now. What will happen later he thought?
At least once a month, someone tried to raise a brawl in which Wolf would get hurt. Wolf knew that this cases are not coincident, he knew that someone must be behind this.
That's why he was trying not to give anyone a reason to attack. From previous years, and with his career in the army, his body was still enough athletic, living in privation did not improve his situation. Wolf as head of the family worked from dawn to dusk but he could not be a soldier, noble families did everything that they could to make his life miserable so he could not even be hired as a mercenary. What he had left was to work as a blacksmith, on what went rest of their savings.
He became a blacksmith. His wife filled with grief over the loss of her son needed his support. Normally Wolf honor would not allow him to continue living, but he knew that he must be strong, know that the time will come when everything will change, and may it sound like a cliché, that “justice will come”.
Hearing the story of Sarah's anger reached its zenith. But Sarah calmed him
Sarah: "Dear it's all going to change, it will all pass away, calm down, if not for me then for children"
She spoke quietly.
Rakmir hear everything he said to himself "I will get revenge for every time my family cries? How is it life if you do not have anything to eat? If my mother is treated like dirt and, if my father after all these years when he gave all his years to his country is treated like a criminal and a traitor. You just wait... I will make you more miserable than that!"- he thought as he drifted into land of dreams.