Elisia Emerson: Goddess of the Damned

Prologue

There I was, in the midst of battle when I heard a great wail of a newborn babe. The sound of the wailing pierced my ears as I plunged my sword in the creature's neck. Many of my comrades had fallen before this mighty beast, making it's death bitter sweet. As I stood before the dead creature, I was wrecked with both guilt and pride. To kill a dragon is the highest of honors, but my efforts would be for naught had I been alone. My fallen brothers paved the path to victory, and I shall never forget them.

It was an arduous task to reach the dragon's nest, traps filled the cave in almost every step. Our hunter led the expedition inside this cold dark cave, acid and fire spat from the walls and ceiling. I thanked the Gods for allowing us to reach our destination unscathed.

Upon reaching the nest, many of the men ran after the dragon's hoard. My duty lied with rescuing the crying child, concentrating on the noise, it led me inside the nest. Covered in some peculiar liquid and egg shells, I came to the conclusion that the hatchling had fled, leaving its meal behind.

"Oy, what in the nine hells are ya doin'? Help us load the damn cart with gold!"

Revnar was getting anxious to return to the keep and split the riches. His long red beard covered in dried blood, armor dented and nicked from repeated strikes from the dragon.

"Not all of us are motivated by greed, some of us Knights adhere to duty and honor."

He was offended that I had questioned his honor, which of course there was little to none. The man only became a Knight, because of his battle prowess in the war. The king was forced to acknowledge his skill, and bestow a reward equal to his service. Revnar's actions are repugnant, but his axe is invaluable on the battlefield.

"Go spew your nonsense elsewhere ya stinkin' boot licker, all that matters in life is gold and women!"

I lifted the babe off the nest and pressed her close to my person, ignoring the wetness from the slime. Suddenly, an axe flew past us, missing by an inch.

"Where do ya think yar goin'? ya might have killed the beast, but yar role ain't over yet!"

I threw my knife at him while I held the child, I don't miss. Of course I'm no murderer and it was lodged in his armor, between his left arm and chest. His face became pale, as I walked closer, glaring at him with palpable rage.

"If you bring danger to this innocent child once more, I will invoke a trial by combat. I killed a dragon, and I can kill you too."

Revnar scoffed, breaking eye contact and backing away while pretending to not to be intimidated. Revnar picked up the weapon and rejoined the two surviving Knights. Our hunter had no need of gold, his payment was in the form of dragon hide and venom.

I peered into the little girl's eyes, green like miniature emeralds glistening from the light of the men's torches. The little strands of hair were white as snow, her dainty little nose covered with dirt from the nest. I disengaged my red cape to wrap the infant for warmth, protecting her from the dry and frigid winds.

She snuggled inside of it, cradled in my arms and sucking on her fingers. Her little fingers were still slimy, but she was content. Attempting to coax them out, I tickled her until she giggled uncontrollably. I realized that if I was going to travel with a little one, she was going to need a name.

"I suppose you need a name... How about... Elisia."

Named after my late wife, may her soul rest in the heavens above. Her illness always prevented us from bearing children, or adopting a youngling. The baby fell asleep in my arm, while I walked towards the cold embrace of the outside. My horse had been tied to a nearby tree in case of a tactical retreat, his demeanor uneasy with the howling of the wolves.

After mounting him safely with the babe at hand, I cut the rope with my sword. The men weren't surprised when I joined them, can't be too careful with a defenseless child. Elisia showed no discomfort during our travels in the dirt roads, unlike the rest of the men. The rain befriended this horrid temperature, creating mudslides left and right.

"It's time to ride or die, men! Quickly before this mountain becomes our graves!"

There was no time to waste and our horses followed suit, apathetic to the treacherous terrain down below. Our survival depended on the will of our mounts, their determination admirably unyielding. However, that was not enough, for none can stand against nature. My horse had given all it could, but was swept and I clenched Elisia in fear of losing her.

The next thing that I could remember is waking up in a nearby village, our lives indebted to this agricultural town. A child entered into the room, covered in tattered clothes and dirt, bearing food.

"What is your name, boy?"

The boy laid the food on the table beside the hay bedding where my person rested. He smiled weakly and bowed, "William Pattel, my lord."

"Stand up, boy. There are questions that I need answered, and I am no lord."

The boy stood proudly with a piece of my cape, bearing the crest of the Knights Seven.

"Me father says ar' lands are yours to gov... govereign?"

William's expression became sheepish; his lack of education was indeed evident. If his words hold true, then I have failed as knight. My land holdings have never failed to pay their tithes; therefore, I never gave it a second thought regarding their quality of life.

"Where is the girl? I demand to know if she is safe."

My concern only lied with Elisia, because the others were tempered men. They survived a dragon, there was no conceivable way they would be killed this way.

"She be with ar' women, yar armor protected'er. I can take ya to'er if ya please." William replied.

Eagerly, I said "Thank you, we leave at once."

The next few days were spent on learning about the village within my jurisdiction, and how to take care of children from the local women. My comrades had been scarfing down food and drowning themselves in mead, as we were hailed as heroes, Dragon Slayers. Our departure followed within the week, gathering resources for our travels and building carriages to carry our equipment and treasure.

Hours of a lackluster journey led us to be overjoyed with the sight of the Knight's Keep. A central command for knights in the kingdom, headed by the Knight of one, Augustus. My old friend, and companion in the Great War. Upon arrival, Augustus summoned me to his office, exchanging heated words, but our history led him to understand my decision to adopt this child.

I raised her in both the keep and the Estates that I built with my share of the dragon's hoard. Elisia proved to be somewhat troublesome, but I loved her regardless of her mischief. She grew up to be just like myself, good natured and righteous. I could not be more proud, but sadly I fell ill... On the day of my death, I revealed to her the same story and told her that I would watch over her even in death.