Heart of Elaria

Chapter 1

I was eight when a group of men came tearing through my village in The Ashen Mountains looking for the precious gems that come from our mines. Malik had convinced Jace and I to climb into the mountains with him to look for new critters, there were never any new critters — just the same scurrying rock rats and fire lizards that have always been there.

We heard them before we saw them, before we saw them terrorize our homes, before I saw them kill my parents in one sweeping blow. The cry that loosed from my throat felt like it shook the very precipice on which I stood. They left just as swiftly as they arrived and my world fell apart.

That was ten years ago. I'm eighteen now.

My parents died trying to protect the community and defend the mines from the men looking for the scattered pieces of the Heart of Elaria. It was at that moment I vowed that I would never be defenseless, that I'd always be able to protect myself and my friends. Jace's family took me in and loved me as if I were their own child, I practically was since the day I was born. Jace and I were inseparable as kids, we still are. He's my best friend, my brother in all but blood.

Weapons like swords and daggers aren't common in Ashen Kin, the closest thing we have to weapons are the shovels and backhoes we use for farming and the pickaxes used for mining. With the lack of weapons comes the lack of combat and weapon experience needed so I've been training myself.

Once a month, Jace's dad would take us to the market in Eldoria, the capital city of Elaria, to sell grain and buy other goods we might need. While he's busy, Jace and I would slip away to a hidden clearing we discovered years ago. It's where students from the Dragon Rider Academy fight for money. We watch their every movement—every punch, every kick—and then go home to practice what we've learned.We've taught our friends, Malik, Fiora, and Gideon, our makeshift combat techniques. We get creative with weapons, using old discarded pieces of wood as bow staffs, old trowels as daggers, tree branches, and string for bows and arrows. Our one shared dream? To become Dragon Riders.

On a cool morning in July, the five of us packed our belongings into rucksacks, our hearts racing with excitement and trepidation. The journey to Eldoria would take about a day and a half, and with it came the promise of adventure, danger, and maybe—just maybe—the chance to change our destinies.

The sun climbed higher in the sky casting warm rays over the rugged terrain as we made our way along the narrow mountain pass. Liora's glinted in the sunlight stood the firey red looking like the magma that flows down the side of the mountains. As we get further away from the mountain range the air seems cooler, maybe because we're so used to the warmth that comes from the volcanic activity around the mountain. The Ashen Kin are often forgotten about and looked over as they're tucked away in the mountain range, our community has adapted to the terrain. Farmers plant root vegetables and grain that thrive in the volcanic rich soil and the geothermal nature allows for a longer farming season. The mountains are filled with gems and minerals coveted by the other factions. Homes are carved into the mountain side, kept warm by the geothermal heat that the volcanic activity provides.

The journey took about a day and a half. As we rode through the towering gates we stared in awe at the bustling city around us. Jace and I have seen it countless times but the sight never loses its magic. Gideon, Fiora and Malik however, were seeing it for the first time ever. They stood speechless, jaws dropped in wonder at the stunning architecture, the vendors shouting their wares, and the mouth watering aromas of spices and freshly baked goods wafting through the air.

Jace's father paused to barter with a shopkeeper, his voice mingling with the lively chatter of the marketplace. Gideon tilted his head, his soft blue eyes wide, as he spotted another set of towering gates. This time, intricate dragons snaked up the archway, their scales shimmering in the sunlight along the top of the wall. "Look, there it is!" he exclaimed, pointing. "It's bigger than you described!"

"It really is," Malik chimed in, running his hand through his dark curls, his pale green eyes reflecting the awe we all felt.

The five of us began to wander in different directions, getting drawn in by all of the different stalls and vendors scattered around. Jace and Malik went to a stall filled with a myriad of baked goods, fruits, and spices. Fiora stood in front of a stall filled with vibrantly colored fabrics, her eyes flickering between brown and green in the sunlight and her blond hair catching in the breeze, Gideon found himself at the blacksmith, his short dirty blonde hair stayed neatly in place as he examined the shiny swords and daggers glinting in the sunlight. He had a nagging feeling that they may become useful in the coming months... so he bought five. One for each of his friends — and one for himself. I found myself standing in awe in front of a stall decorated with an awning of deep indigo and silver pendants shimmering and clinking in the slight breeze. The vendor had her back turned and seemed to sense my presence before I approached, turning around slowly. She was an elderly woman with piercing green eyes, slightly hunched over leaning on a cane.

"Hello, young one" she said, her voice did not match her withered appearance, it was sweet and melodic. "Step forward and gaze upon my treasures."

Curiosity piqued, I hesitantly approached, glancing at the trinkets glimmering in the summer sun. The items on the table consisted of intricately carved stones and pendants along with vials of potions. One item stood out, seemingly calling to me. A ruby red pendant set in an ornate silver frame. It seemed to glow, but not from the sun, from something within. I felt a strange connection that I couldn't shake.

I picked it up and held it to the light, further examining as if to find secrets hidden within.

" The Pendant of Echos," she said in a voice seemingly meant to be mysterious, with a glint in her eyes only affirmed her answer. "Some say it carries the whispers of forgotten stories, remnants of power from a time long since forgotten. Wear it, and it may awaken what lies dormant within you."

"So it's just a pretty necklace?" I scoffed at the absurdity of her implications..

The woman leaned in and in a low tone, just above a whisper. "Ah, but beauty often conceals deeper truths. Beware — what calls to you might awaken something long hidden, something that could change your fate."

The others soon join me, "Well you guys seem to have made out pretty well" I said with a laugh as I see Jace and Malik standing with their arms full of an assortment of baked goods. Fiora bought what seems to be a bolt of leather, and Gideon proudly displayed five sheaths holding daggers.

"A magical necklace" I said in a sarcastic tone.

"It's beautiful" Fiora says with an intrigued look on her face. "You should get it."

I rolled my eyes and handed two silver coins to the vendor, as I wrapped the necklace around my neck, the pendant settling on my chest with a slight warmth to it, a shiver went down my spine. As we walked away, Gideon began distributing the daggers while explaining his reasoning. I stopped listening, absentmindedly strapping the dagger to my waist, as the old woman's cryptic warning echoed in my mind. The pendant felt like it was meant for me.

I snapped back to reality as we approached the gates to the Dragon Rider Academy, excitement and nerves bubbling within me. We all looked at each other and smiled. I took a deep breath and gripped Jaces' hand and looked up at him, his soft tousled brown hair fluttering slightly in the light breeze as we walked through the gates, either to glory or death.

Any feedback would be much appreciated! Always trying to improve my work!