Lost Fragments

Prologue

In the Eagle kingdom- located in the south, there was a peaceful town situated outside the kingdom's wall. The town was so small that it was hardly considered such. In the town, there lived a family, a small one, with only a father and his son. The father, a forty-year-old man named Michael, was a researcher but was labelled as a crazy man by many. Nonetheless, he remained dedicated to his craft.

Besides being a researcher he was a father, a very loving one. His son whom he named Austin, was only six-years-old and was his treasure and light. Austin was a reminder of his dear wife, Layla, who knew she would die if she gives birth but she was not afraid because of love and happiness for her child. Bringing Austin to life was his wife's wish and so he'll do everything to protect him from harm.

At midnight, Michael was seated on a wooden chair, with his body facing a long wooden table. His back crouched and his forehead wrinkled with dismay while his hands moved across the map at the table. He was analyzing the map for many hours, pinpointing almost everything. Then suddenly, a thought came to mind. His face lit up, eyes brightened, and he immediately stood up and pushed the chair to fall. Michael finally found the location of the artifact he had been searching for decades.

He ran immediately across the room, grabbing and packing all the things he needed for the journey. He was very happy and excited that he didn't notice the disturbance of the noise he was creating. Austin appeared at the door with his height only a quarter of the door's frame. He was scratching his eyes, holding his teddy, and he looked very weary.

Austin asked.

*yawn* "Papa? What are you doing?"

Michael flinched as he turned to answer his son.

"I'm sorry, have I bothered your sleep?"

"Yeah, quite."

Michael slowly walked toward Austin and kneeled on one knee.

"I'm sorry son, Papa was just excited. Now let me tuck you back into your bed."

He caressed his son's face and carried him gently. Austin's head rested on his shoulders as Michael hugged him tightly. As they reached their bedroom, Michael gradually lowered Austin and gave him a gentle kiss on his forehead. He slowly walked away outside the bedroom into his research room. He continued to prepare but quietly. After tucking Austin, his thoughts were flooded with confusion. He'd been looking for this artifact even before he was married but now that he had Layla and Austin, a clash of past and present dreams formed in his thoughts.

"Is it worth it? This artifact, I've longed for it ever since I was young. It's a dream come true now that I've found it. But Layla, she gave me a new dream to keep Austin safe and to give him a bright future."

He readied his things and walked back to kiss Austin goodbye. Then he walked out of the house and talked to one of their neighbors. "Could you please look over my son, just for a week?" The lady was his neighbor who was kind to him as she barely treated him as being crazy, unlike the others. After hearing his request, she looked confused but still, she agreed and answered in a sassy voice. "Just make sure to return sooner Micheal, your son might come looking for you." He answered gratefully "of course, thank you so much."

When the sun rose, Michael started his journey to find the artifact. During his absence, Austin kept looking for him. The neighbor was getting frustrated with his behavior.

"Papa, where is he? He's still not home?"

She answered, annoyed.

"NO, can't you see it, ugh!"

This setup continued for a week and on the last day. Michael has finally returned, He looked happy and enthusiastic to share the news with his son. Inside the house, the neighbor waited for his return. Austin smiled widely the moment Michael opened the door. Austin rushed towards him, jumping over him, making him lose his balance and fall. The neighbor snickered and left, Michael was very happy to see Austin well.

"So, have you been a good boy?"

Austin answered angrily, making a pouting face as he talked.

"No, cause you left without saying goodbye!"

"Haha, I never said it cause I will return, and besides you were asleep."

Michael hugged him tightly and carried him back inside. He shared stories about his journey to Austin while he was making dinner. At night, while they ate their dinner, Michael showed Austin the artifact. "This is what I came looking for." He slid a golden brace from his leather bag. It shimmered brightly from the candlelight. It twinkled in both of their eyes. Its brilliance was exceptional. "It's beautiful Papa." Michael smiled and whispered, "Yes, it's so very much." Then suddenly a flare lit from the brace causing both of them to stumble.

Their astonishment quickly changed to fear. The flame shifted into the candlelight and the flame grew bigger. Michael rushed towards Austin to protect him from the flame. The fire grew into a monstrous form. All candle sparks grew, devouring every inch of their house. Micheal grabbed the brace and carried Austin. He quickly ran towards the door.

Suddenly a wooden porch came falling in, causing Michael to fall. Both Austin and the brace were thrown away. Micheal struggled to get out but the porch broke his back. Micheal was unable to stand up, his legs were burned as the fire continued to grow. Meanwhile, Austin's whole body ached and stung. As he saw his Father struggling, he crawled back to him to help. Michael saw him and immediately prevented him from coming any closer.

Michael shouted.

"AUSTIN NO, TURN YOUR HEAD AND RUN TO THE DOOR!"

Austin answered in despair, tears were running down his cheeks. Forming a line among his dirtied and battered face. "Papa, no, don't leave me again. Please."

Michael was out of words as he saw his son crying. All his emotions came rushing through him. His pupils shook with fear and his face was filled with regret and despair. He couldn't bear to see his son in such a state but a choice must be made to keep him alive. Michael immediately looked around, then he saw the brace.

"Son, look at me. I will never leave you. Take the brace with you and I will be there wherever you are. Do you understand?"

Austin looked to his right and grabbed the brace. He looked back at his father and saw the sadness in Michael's eyes. He wished to hug him but a flicker of fire came in between them.

"Austin go. I'll always be with you."

Austin cried as he made his way outside. He didn't dare to look back as his Father was devoured by the raging flames. Michael died with a face no one can decipher. He was filled with regrets but seeing Austin safe was a relief for him. However, not being able to see him grow induced a big black hole in his heart. Austin ran outside and saw his whole town being raved by raging flames.

Kingdom soldiers threw buckets of water at the flames. Townspeople were horrified and all had lost everything. Austin walked in despair as he held tightly to the brace. The soldiers found him and escorted him into a carriage.

As Austin was seated in the carriage together with other victims, he looked back at the town and then lowered his head to the brace. He was feeling very tired combined with grief and slowly he fell asleep.