Son of Damien

Chapter 4

It has been two weeks since Jaison had told Rai he was the son of Damien. He had been told there was some kind of "scent" or aura that attracted different types of dark creatures. There was still no sign of Molly; Rai got the sickening feeling that she could be dead, or so far out of reach, he might not find her  in this unknown world.

He also has learned their are three other clans throughout Arcadia. One to the North, where those who have the ability to harness ice; Cyroin. The Clan to the East, where most of the fire users are; The Clan Haul yn Codi. Finally, to the South, is the largest city in Arcadia, Zlephia; Dark elves, demons and devils live there, mixed in with what little population of Lightning wielders there are. Zlephia was first ruled over by a powerful clan, however it was taken over by Damien and his followers after the assassination of the clan's Lord.

In the passed two weeks, Rai has been helping hunt for food for the Meilyr Clan he has been staying with; their clan was a mix of both healers and water wielders. Alaric is the Lord of the clan, and was generous enough to let him stay, regarding Jaison's protests, and a portion of the clan's members.

Venessa was kind enough to teach Rai the basics on how to wield a sword, as well as how to use a bow.

It was just after sunset whenever Rai had returned from a hunting trip. He was able to snare and catch four rabbits and three strange looking two toned squirrels with small pointy horns protruding from their foreheads; other than that, nothing that impressive. Children played in the center of the clearing, running after each other around a large bone fire. Rai could just make out faces of disgust from them, some warily avoiding him as he made his way to where the butcher's shop was. I guess I will always be an outsider no matter where I go..

A bulky brown haired elf with a bloodied apron looked up from what he was skinning as Rai stopped in front of him. He huffed. "Seems like you did better with your snaring this time boy," the butcher commented. He did not like Rai that much, but he had the decency to have a neutral conversation without saying anything directly rude to him. "Yes, I'm trying at least. I never had to do anything like this from where I lived before.."

"Hmph I'm sure your hard work will be repaid with something larger than these snare caught animals," the butcher said, before returning to his work. Rai sat the game down beside the butcher, then headed to where his temporary living chambers were.

He entered the large log cabin, which reminded Rai of some type of hotel; there was about a dozen rooms on the first and second floor; six rooms were on each side. The doors had hand carved symbols or some type of story engraved into the ancient wood.

He headed up the wooden staircase, heading for the last door at the end of the hallway.

Whenever he was inside the small room, Rai went and sat by the window, looking out at the dark blue night sky, which was littered with hundreds upon thousands of brightly shining stars.

Nothing was ever this beautiful in the city.. Whenever he thought of his old life, his thoughts just went back to that night. I still can't believe that anyone ever had a grudge against my mother, she was always so kind.. He looked down at the insignia on his wrist. Anger welled up inside of Rai.This insignia, this power has fucked up my life so much!

A knock came from the other side of the door. No one really comes to see me, especially at this time of night.. Rai got up from where he was sitting and went to answer the door. Jaison stood there, looking impatient; he was carrying folded up clothing.

"Can I help you?" Rai asked reluctantly. Jaison entered the room without answering, putting the clothes onto the bed. He faced Rai, his light blue eyes not fully looking at Rai's dark red eyes, as if he'd catch some incurable disease if he looks at them directly.

"You will be coming along to the frontlines; there has been word that Damien's forces are going to attack the town northeast from here, near the border of Haul yn Codi. Not that I have any say on why you're coming, I couldn't care any less," Jaison explained, crossing his arms.

Rai rolled his eyes. "I'm not what you think I am," Rai said bluntly. "Whatever you say, Rai, but you won't be able to change my mind with a few little words that mean nothing to me," Jaison replied, throwing his hands up. "Be up before the sun begins to show itself," Jaison said before exiting the room without another word.

Rai closed the door, going over to see what Jaison had brought him. It was similar to the uniforms that the Meilyr warriors wear, only it was a darker blue with a black trim and had a similar pattern of a light blue bolt of Lightning on the right arm sleeve. The uniform also had black gauntlets to go with them.

Rai looked over at the long sword resting in its sheath near the door. Tomorrow.. I will finally be able to face the enemy without hiding behind others.. I vow to take my father's place at the throne and free Arcadia from this hell...