Drakan (The Chronicles of Eli) [#Wattys2015]

Terra - Prologue

        I should’ve told him when he was younger. I should’ve given him the option to leave a long time ago. Maybe then he would’ve stayed. Maybe then it wouldn’t have stung the depths of my heart and penetrated the crevices of my soul with such force.

            Valen blinked hard and felt the process of oxygenated blood beginning to dry. His normally slow beating heart thumped in his chest. The people around him mattered none and the words they spat kindled his growing agitation. He stood in front of his suitcase and starred at the empty space where the portal had been. More tears lubricated the dry stains as his mind replayed the thoughts of his son and the visual of his departure.

            I’ve broken my promise. Instead of teaching him love I’ve only taught deceit. I’ve been nothing but dishonest to the one person that’s kept my light burning for all these years. Eli, you will never know how you’ve saved me. Even so, look how I’ve repaid you.

                        “It was his fault! We should’ve never let him here in the first place.” An old woman said.

                        “Humans are disastrous and bring nothing but chaos with them!” A burly man spat.

            Your heart and mind was innocent, plagued by nothing more than curiosity and intelligence. Now I’ve corrupted your innocence and soiled it with dishonesty.

                        “Peter was right. We should’ve killed the boy when we had the chance”

            Valens fingers itched and burned in their balled position. I was supposed to show you a better life. Give you a promising future.

                        “That wretched boy was nothing more than a nuisance.”

                        “I will not stand idly and allow you to bad mouth my boy”

            Valens jaw was tight and his canines quickly grew in, stretching to his lower gums. His palms bled and his posture proved serious. His eyes were set on a heavy set woman who stood somewhat in the middle of the dispersing crowd. Most paid Valens statement no mind but the ones who did slowly began to back away.

                        “That monstrosity is not your boy and you will never…..”

            Gasps erupted from the onlookers. Screams and shouts followed as a few of the crowds members ran to the womans side. Valens hand was steady. His eyes were drained of life.

                        “I dare the next to try and take his title away from me” he said, as he slowly turned to face the shocked looks staring back at him.

            He stared into the hefty womans eyes with nothing more than mere hatred as he watched her clutch her throat in a weak attempt to stop the rapid blood flow. His eyes traveled to his side and caught the sight of a perfect stance. Arm at a ninety degree angle directly from his side with his blade in parallel alignment.

            The blood that dripped off the tip of his silver sickened him but gave reminder to the disrespectful lashings she had given. He wanted to cut straight through but his body would not allow it. He wanted to rip her limb from limb but inside he knew he couldn’t bare the memory.

            Valen looked around and found all eyes on him. His teeth were bared and his breathing was ragged. He lowered his arm and with both hands he held his sword in front of him. Come if you will and regret the road you travel upon. The remaining shattered pieces of his heart begged for a nonviolent solution but the emptiness within his soul overruled the tranquil pleads.

'           He inched his foot forward and assumed a warriors stance. A bearded man rose from his crouched position, near the dead woman, and charged at Valen with a sorrowful roar. Valen readied himself and pointed the blade at the incoming man.

            A massive force blew past Valen and onwards to the spotted crowd, knocking the man off his feet. Valen held his pose even after the gusty wind settled. He was set on a battle and refused his heart of any retreat. He took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled a different scent. Valen blinked quickly and inhaled again. He held the airs aroma within his lungs and deciphered its sandalwood/jasmine combination.

                        “Still quicker than light can travel I see” said a soothing voice.

            Valen turned and met understanding eyes. Claire? The sun’s rays denied him the full view and his power was unable to read the approaching individuals intentions but the smell was undoubtedly tied to only one person. The length between the two was more strides than he had fingers but the individual closed in with one.

            Her curly autumn hair answered his question. In an instant warmth consumed his torso, seeping through his veins and into his bloodstream. Her love traveled through her arms and found the broken pieces to his heart. He felt her hug tighter as her love began its new project. Valen wanted to return the much needed hug but couldn’t.

The hatred that quickly spread within him was slowly being put at ease. The fists that tightly held its place softened while life returned to his eyes. He dug his chin in her shoulder as his exterior trembled. A pair of soft hands made its way in route to his hair and brought the warmth with them. Inside was a dire need a scream but it was not satisfied. His arms abruptly fell to his sides, instantly releasing the sword from his clutches. Valens shoulders slumped as he sniffled the tears away.

            “We’ll get him back, I promise my love.” Claire whispered. She loosened herself from him and stared Valen in his eyes. “But, there’s something I need your help with first.”