ILLION

Memories

                                                                                         Chapter I

It was over. After all that time, the dark days had come to an end. Everyone was happy for they would get to finally have the life they wanted. Without the strings of Vanyar and his army controlling every move they made. The knights were coming back that day. Coming back to the people they protected. They were greeted with cheers, music and a grand banquet. Illion was 10 years old. Skinny from all that time without enough food to sustain him and his family. They were eventually taken away by Vanyar guards and Illion never heard of them again. His mother made him hide under the floor of their house, in a secret compartment they had. Since he was very small, he could fit in there. He heard everything and stayed in the same place for two days. When he got out, his house was empty. No signs of his parents. He had been fending for himself since that day.

The banquet was open to everyone that day. Illion was there, gathering food, because he wanted to take enough so it would last for a few days. One of the knights, Elendil, saw him and was chocked by the boys appearance. He was very small and thin. His pale skin was covered in dirt, his dark brown hair had turned black. His clothes were disheveled and he had no shoes. The knight came closer to the boy and introduced himself "Hello boy, my name is Elendil".

Illion looked up to this very tall man and he recognized him. He was the strongest and wisest knight in the whole kingdom. Everyone praised him. He was a hero. The small boy answered "I know who you are". They stared at each other in silence for a moment before he continued "I am Illion". "Well Illion, it is very nice to meet you. Where are your parents ?". It had been a long time since Illion had talked about his parents. It had been such a long time. He was always so worried about surviving that he hadn't thought about them until Elendil asked. All those memories came flowing in his mind and tears soon came pouring out of his eyes. "I-I don't know... The cards... The floor...". Elendil's heart broke at the sight of the boy in front of him. He couldn't even begin to imagine what the boy had to go through. All alone at such a young age.

In an attempt to confort the small boy he asked "Hey ! Do you want to see something really cool ?" The boy, being curious by nature didn't hesitate and nodded his head. So Elendil took him in the garden that surrounded the banquet and told him "look". He took a metallic object that was attached to his belt. It was the weapon used only by the Akian knights. It looked like the grip of a blade. It was black with blue lights. Illion didn't really understand what was the appeal in that object and how it could be considered a weapon. Then Elendil pressed a button and the object suddenly built itself into a beautiful sword. It was all black and blue lights decorated the grip and the center of the blade. Illion's mouth was wide open and his eyes shined with admiration. The knight explained "It's a multifunctional weapon made from ressources that exist only in Akia. It works with digital touch, advanced technology and can form itself into several different weapons." "Can you show me ?" Asked the boy who was eager to find what it could form. With that they spent most of the night with Elendil showing him all the weapons that he had access to and the basis on how to use them. There was the sword, a bo, an arc that could generate arrows. He also had another grip, however that one could only make a shield.

After showing him everything, Elendil kneeled in front of the boy and told him "Illion, having access to this weapon requires being responsable and only ever using it for defense purposes. You understand that right ?" Illion nodded understandingly. "I would like to give my grips to you. I know you are alone and I want you to be able to protect yourself." Illion was shocked. He never thought Elendil would give something so important to him. Especially after only knowing him for a few hours. "But ... why ? You don't know me" "Honestly, when I saw you. It reminded me of myself when I was your age. I never knew my family and had to defend myself in every way I could. If it wasn't for a knight that took me under his wings. I don't think I would be here to tell you this story." Elendil handed him the two objects. "But you can't show this to anyone and only use them if it is really necessary. Can I trust you ?" Illion nodded his head again. "No. This is really important. I need to hear you say it." "Yes. You can trust me. I won't use it unless it is necessary". Elendil smiled warmly towards the boy. "Good."

And after that, everything went black.