Awakening Book 1: Rebirth [Editing]

Part 17: William

The sword fell to the ground, smouldering at the tip. William fell to his knees, his arms at his sides. He felt exhausted for the words had sapped all of his strength. He wasn't exactly sure what he had said or why he said it, the urge had just come over him and the words had flowed.

The wind picked up around him and the tall grass blew around violently, seeming to only face away from him, as if the winds were originating from his body. 

The dark clouds in the sky began to move as well, the winds blowing them apart and scattering their wisps. There was no sign of the lightning bolt but it seemed apparent to Will that his words had caused this sudden shift in weather.

He noticed Lyssa standing behind him, looking shocked and afraid, her face a pure blank stare. He would have comforted her but his focus had already turned back to the sky, where he could see two shapes fighting around one of the jagged mountain peaks.

The figures were far off but he was able to make them out when he squinted. One of the things had to be a dragon, nothing else had such a distinctive profile and wing shape. The other looked like a giant bird but William could not be certain, for he had never seen anything like it.

The two creatures slashed at each other and twisted in the air. It was quite a marvel to look at but Will could not just stand and watch. He felt like he had to do something, he had to help the bird-thing defeat the dragon.

He had to hurry too, for even from that distance he could tell the bird was losing. 

Taking a deep breath he rose to his feet, and planted them firmly in the ground. He balled his fists, summoning up the power he had left. He stuck his hands up into the air, as if that could bridge the distance between him and the beasts. Concentrating hard he extended his power, stretching as far as he could go.

Arms held out he made a motion as if he was grabbing the dragon and wrenched downwards, as if he was dashing it against the hard stone of the mountain. To his astonishment, it worked. The dragon let out a shriek that could be heard for miles as it was plucked from the air and smashed against the side of the peak.

Will watched as the bird swooped low and tore out the dragon's neck with its talons. He breathed a sigh of relief at this small victory. He continued to stare as the bird swung around and began to fly towards him, getting larger as it grew near. All the while it was letting out long calls, high and powerful.

Will had not moved an inch before the giant bird touched down on the training field beneath him, folding it's wings against its back. The bird was a giant eagle, with golden feathers streaked with flecks of black and white. It was at least the size of a small cottage, with broadswords for talons. Its great golden eyes focused on Will, staring him down.

The boy stood there, in disbelief and shock, his entire world was slowly getting turned upside down.

The eagle lowered its head, mimicking a bow. It opened its beak and chirped but William heard words in place of tones.

Thank you Angel, you truly are a guardian of the realm. I am Gladivos, Lord of the westerly winds and I am humbled by your kind gesture. If there is anything I may do to repay this kindness . . .

Will stood there staring, still trying to comprehend what he was seeing. He should be used to this, he thought. He had already seen goblins and dragons and wild beasts that he never thought had existed and he was still in awe when he saw something new.

A few seconds later something clicked, his thoughts were cleared and he was able to speak. 

"I only did what I deemed to be right, and much of it was instinct," He said, sounding confident.

You are strong to admit that Angel, Gladivos said, bowing his head once again.

After those words Will was caught on angel. He hadn't quite picked it up when the bird had first spoken, for he had still been in shock. Now it resonated clearly in his head and he wished to know its meaning.

"You called me . . . Angel. What is your meaning?"

There is no meaning. It is what you are. I can sense your soul burning bright within you, carrying the strength of the old world. I can feel it coming back to me too, for my slumber has caused me to forget much. It seems the dragons are as strong as ever though. Be wary of them, they are old and powerful. The one you helped me slay was but a youngling out to prove himself. A mature dragon is a true force that can shake the world, and you must use more than strength to defeat one,

"Hmm . . ." Will pondered if the dragon he had fought was only a youngling as well. It had not been very big, he thought, for it was smaller than the one Gladivos was fighting.

Now Angel, how may I be of service?

Will thought hard about the eagle's words. Service, a tough word to decipher. He did not want to ask too much and anger the creature but he could not pass up such a useful offer, especially with the odds stacked against him. Shadow Lords and monsters, two edges of a very sharp sword. He would definitely need more allies then the Sentinels alone.

"Gladivos, your offer is generous and I do happen to have something to ask of you. No doubt you know that my presence here will lead to war. I will be in need of allies to aid me in the fight for the realm's freedom. Will you and your brethren fight with me?"

Gladly, my lord. I pledge to you my allegiance, from here on I am bound to your service. Now I must take my leave. Your presence calls for a meeting of the Lords of the Wind. We will return when you require aid,

With that the eagle was gone, flying off high over the horizon. Will turned back to see Lyssa lying on the ground unconscious. She appeared to have fainted. He chuckled softly and ran over to try and wake her up.