The Awakening

Chapter 10

A loud twang echoed as a large crossbolt was let loose. The bolt flew at a dangerous velocity, burying itself in a cat-like creature who was facing the group of soldiers. The creature lay silent in a pool of crimson as the soldiers marched on, leather boots stampeding the floral life beneath them. There were 50 of them, each with a set of expensive steel armor. Gold trim laced the edges of the layered plates, and between the notches of armor were fine silk garments. On the breastplate of each soldier was an embossed roaring lion, the emperor's crest. These soldiers were the emperor's personal platoon. Anything that moved in front of the elite unit was eliminated before it could even attack.

The woman in the front spoke as they marched. "We are looking for the youngest prince of Kievia, his hair may not be pure silver. We are ordered to attack on site and drag back his corpse after. Do you understand?"

"Yes Captain Char!" The group responded in unison

"Do not get careless with the beasts. As we go further in, their resistance and strength will increase. I expect to lose some of you, but don't make fools of yourselves."

"Yes Captain Char!"

"We are out of time boys. There will be no more training. From here on out, I can not guarantee your safety." Stratar motioned towards Kiel. "Come here Kiel. I must give you something." Kiel followed Stratar to the hut.

"Your grandfather left this here. I was instructed to give it to the heir I thought most in need of it. Your father was talented and never faced peril he could not overcome. I feel however, you will be needing it." Stratar walked to the far corner of the room and opened a trunk. He leaned over and pulled out a bundle of fine cloth. Setting the bundle down on the table, Stratar motioned for Kiel to unwrap it.

Kiel hesitantly stepped forwards and laid his hands on the cloth. He grabbed the corner of the cool cloth and folded it back. Inside was a sheathed sword, the sheath had a polished red finish that gleamed in the lantern light. Kiel gazed at the sword with an open mouth.

"This is, for me? My grandfather left it?" Stratar watched silently as Kiel picked up the sword reverently and pulled the blade out by the ornate crimson handle. The blade glittered as it slid out of the sheath without a hitch. The blade was about 2 feet long and white, with a perfectly straight groove running down its center. "It's amazing. What's its name?"

"Fraendallr. This blade is one of the 7 weapons of the world, the Andro. Have you heard of them Kiel?"

"No, I haven't. What exactly is a weapon of the world?" Kiel asked.

"The Andro have been around longer than we have. They were created along with this world and have no maker. The ancients unearthed and used them to build the world into what it is. One of the ancients, Zolock, cut the land and created the Red Mountains with this sword, splitting this land from the rest. Our continent is named after the sword that created it." Stratar turned to Kiel and saw his dumbstruck expression. "Forgive me, you are not ready for some knowledge yet. There will be a time when you are, but it is in the future."

Kiel gaped at the sword. It's lustrous beauty had already enraptured him before, but now that he knew it's history he was even more awestruck. "I'm to carry the sword that created the Red Mountains? Are you mad, I'm gonna drop the thing at some point!"

Stratar smiled, "Relax boy, there is no need to be frightened. Andro cannot be damaged nor destroyed. You do not need to fear it's power either, it is strong yes, but it responds to its wielder. Knowing you Kiel, you would want to create mountains, but I am afraid you do not have the ability, we are nothing like Zolock or the other ancients."

"I have one more gift for you." Stratar pulled a shimmering black ring off his knobby finger and put it gently in Kiel's palm. "It will help you when your need is great." Kiel slid the ring onto his left index finger. There was a howling wolf head embossed in red on the ring, the fur seeming to move as Kiel gazed at it.

"Consider it a farewell gift." Kiel shifted uncomfortably and frowned. "You will see me again. My duty to the line has not been fulfilled yet, there is much more for you to learn." Stratar gave Kiel a meaningful smile.

"Thank you, Stratar. I can't tell you what a help you've been. Up until now, I've been guideless and ignorant."

"You are still ignorant," Stratar said.

"That may be so, but I'm better equipped to fulfill my ambition thanks to you. I won't forget the debt I owe."

Stratar waved a hand at Kiel and turned his head. "It is my duty. Now, let us fetch Lycel."

Lycel had been stretching only a few feet from the door when Kiel and Stratar opened it. "Oh yes hello there, just getting ready for action." He paused his stretching and looked down at Fraendallr on Kiel's waist. "Do you have anything to help keep me from dying?" Lycel said half-seriously.

Stratar nodded his head gently and smiled "In fact I do." He fished around in his side pocket for a moment and pulled out an ornate cloth the color of a stormy sky. With a bend of the wrist, Stratar offered it to Lycel.

Gently taking hold of it in his cupped hands, Lycel beamed. "This is an enchant sheet isn't it!" A wide grin broke on his boyish face and he looked at Kiel as he waved the cloth. "Enchant sheet!"

"Indeed. It is a lightning enchantment. I thought you would need more firepower in your coming journeys."

"I'm happy for you Lycel, but what exactly is it?" Kiel said, eyebrows raised.

"Are you kidding Kiel? You can apply an enchantment to a weapon or armor piece with enchant sheets. There are cheaper temporary sheets as well as powerful permanent ones. From the looks of it, this is one of the second kinds! A lightning enchantment would give my daggers an extra zing! I might even be able to do some other things with it! I'll do some testing when I have time." Lycel was positively bouncing with excitement and grinning at the enchant sheet.

"I am glad you like it Lycel, but it is time for you to go." Stratar said, looking up at the canopy of leaves. "There are others getting close. Come with me."

Stratar led Kiel and Lycel to a spot near the back of the hut on the base of the giant tree trunk. A small etching was carved into the tree near one of the enormous roots. Stratar laid the palm of his hand on the carving and spoke a few words Kiel didn't understand. A large hole opened up in the trunk revealing a tunnel that sloped down. Metal brackets held ore candles, dimly illuminating the rocky corridor.

"This tunnel heads north, coming out in a rock formation well beyond Yortin. I believe you are heading to the academy next, this should get you closer." Stratar took a final look at them. "Be safe boys, and do not worry about me."

Kiel and Lycel nodded their heads and took a deep breath together before heading into the tunnel.

"Where is the boy?" Char demanded. Her longsword resting on her lion embossed shoulder guard. "I know he was here, you old dodder, tell me where he's gone."

Stratar gave a light chuckle with his hands resting calmly behind his back. "You know I will not tell you, so why do you ask?"

"Manners," Char said gruffly. She raised her voice "Seize him. We're going to take him with us." Lowering her voice again, Char met Stratar's gaze. "Don't fight us old man, it won't be pretty."