Rebelmind Rising

Rebelmind

It is nearing the end of the third mortal age. The sunset of Elven magic lingers in the sky, and only shreds of ancient curses lie hidden in the land. Past power remains only as legend, buried in antiquity. But one prophecy remains to be fulfilled, the retribution for one curse still to be exacted, and an ancient memory brought to light.

On the southern coast of the Armornicaen peninsula lies a city dressed in white marble, red and pink petunias. This sun kissed collection of stone architecture is known as Dragonmire, the capital of Armornicae. Colonnaded streets lead from the wharves and marketplaces right along the sea front to the lower city and its arenas, schools, and government buildings. The last are purely for historical purposes because all political or governmental business is taken care of at Nevermore Castle, the imposing structure atop the monolith bounding the city from the southern sea. Under the winds and storms, the ruins of democracy decay to nourish the rise of a dynasty.

Jesse of Rebelmind shook the salt water from his eyes in a glittering shower and looked around. Aurelius, his older brother, flashed him a cocky grin and plunged off the rocky cliff into the surf. Atop their diving cliff stood a little tan castle flying the Rebelmind coat of arms proudly from its turrets. Green meadows scattered with flowers spread around it and teased the sandy beach's bounds. They danced together to the foot of a towering willow tree shading the curving strand. Beyond the lagoon, lines of waves marched toward the shore, carrying their wealth of seashells and fishing baubles from far off countries. Strands of seaweed draped lazily across the sand, the dusky green oily in the sunlight. Churned from the depths by the power of southwesterly storms, the seaweed fetched a high price at Armornicaen markets. And the trade market sought it for its healing properties as a cosmetic ingredient.

Jesse and his two brothers, Aurelius and Sam, spent long summer evenings here, diving, fishing, and swimming in their cozy lagoon.

Jesse slicked back his blond hair and stood up, feeling the pull of the surf against the backs of his knees. Something grabbed his foot, and he jerked back, landing in the foam. Sam popped out of the water, tackling him. "Got you!"

"But I'm still stronger than you, bro!" Jesse shoved the younger boy into the water beside him.

"And I'm stronger than both of you!" Aurelius tackled them into the sea foam. They fell together, laughing as the sunlight turned droplets to gold and silver.

"Where's Livi?" Aurelius loosened his choke hold on Jesse, dropping him back into the waves. "Did you tell Androdameia to keep an eye on her, Sam?"

"Yes, last I knew she was sleeping under the lilac tree in the courtyard."

"Okay. Do you want to go over to the city this evening? I heard from Regulus that there was an Aerosurf competition tonight in the marina. Shall we go?"

Jesse sputtered, wiping sand from his face. "Sure! After I dunk you good too." He lunged for Aurelius, the sword pendant at his throat slapping cold against his bare chest.

*****

Torch light flared at intervals along the streets and sparkled gold in the calm marina waters. The Rebelmind brothers pressed through the crowd, tunics clinging to their still damp bodies. Throngs of townspeople pressed along the breakwater, wharves, and shore.

On the water, lined up by colored dragon flags, rows of competitors waited for the gong to start the race.

"Do you think Erelieva will be here tonight?" Sam looked smugly at his older brother. Aurelius ignored him.

"I think Aurelius developed a sudden fascination in Aerosurf just because he knew she likes it. But then again, my assumption might be entirely wrong, because it's not like he likes her or anything." Sarcasm laced Jesse's laughter.