The Fall Of Imbria (The Fendara Series. Book One)

Chapter Six: Simon

"I don't want you to go. I forbid it." Ephraim spouts at Cassius.

Having just eaten breakfast we began packing the small wagon one of the horses would pull behind when his father approached us. His demeanor shifted significantly since last night.

"Father, I must go. Everyone is counting on us." Cassius says as he sits a bundle of weapons down on the floor of the wagon. Turning to his father he seems to note the expression of concern on Ephraim's face.

Ephraim closes his eyes, inhaling deep before releasing a breath and opening his eyes to meet his eldest sons. "Cassius. You are now my only son . . . I can't lose another one." I can hear the pain in his voice. How hard it is for him to speak those words aloud.

Cassius tries not to frown but his lips tug down slightly showing his true emotions. He places a hand on our leader's shoulder. A sign of empathy. "I know. I know. I miss his presence every day Father. But . . . We need to do this, to make sure nothing like this happens to anyone else."

Ephraim gives him a squeeze on the shoulder in return as Cassius continues to speak. " Mother and Beatrice need you here. Bee still won't come out of the tent, she needs your reassurance. We will be fine, I'll send word once we make camp in the Realm of Beast three days from now."

Ephraim pulls his son into a hug, fear rolling off his crows feet. I don't say a word, I know my place. I know that Ephraim will never be my father no matter the kindness he's shown me throughout the years. That's something I might even be jealous of, if I ever let myself.

They let go of each other and with a nod of his head in my direction I do the same. A silent understanding to watch over his son. Another oath. This one to never be broken.

*

The path to the Beast Realm will take three days time. We start our trek with twelve men, me and Cassius included.

The sun was still shining brightly above, autumn leaves that have fallen from the trees rustling beneath our feet.

Only three hours in we reach the tree line. That invisible line separating us from the Dark Forest. I can feel the hair on my neck standing up just looking between the dark oak wood, what lingers deep within we can only hope to not encounter but the odds of that were grim and me and Cassius both know it.

Our 8 men and two women standing vigilant behind and beside us. Some uneasy, others stoic and broad, they know what they've come here for and are prepared to save their families, no matter if the cost is their lives.

Raynar, the eldest mortal amongst us, stands beside me. Fifty-eight years of age. He had even fought in the war with Cassius's father and now we all stare at what our day holds.

Death and evil lay ahead, waiting to come face to face with us. With me again.

"This lot doesn't seem as seasoned as some of us. Might do some good to explain what we're up against mates." Raynars British accent covers his words as he speaks motioning to me and Cassius.

I nod to Cassius. "After you brother."

"Is everyone aware of the monsters that lurk in the dark woods?" Cassius asks turning to the group. "What to do if a Shadow Wrath approaches you?"

Stillness coats the air as everyone stares at him, some unsure and others shaking their heads no. "Do not. I repeat. Do not under any circumstances look into it's black soulless eyes. It will spell you into your worst nightmare, paralysis taking over your body as it drags you to it's cave and devours you from the inside out. It will save your brain for last as it takes your memories with it."