A Warden's Tale

Chapter 2 - Beginnings

Caellum Pontus Vettore

"Cyrus is dead."

Everyone's mouth gaped open and I saw my dad's jaw tighten with rage as he said those words. It took me the whole minute before I regained my composure.

"Dad, what do you mean he's dead? This is Cyrus we're talking about. He's THE Cyrus. Is this a joke?"

I was waiting for the "I am just joking" line and his usual fits of laughter but only silence came. It was more tham enough.

Gunther still couldn't believe it and Aleksander was still lost in thought.

"How did Cyrus die?" Stella tried to hide the sobs in between those sentences. To her, Cyrus was like an older brother she never had.

"They said he died protecting people from ghouls."

Ghouls are undead beings that prey on dead carcasses. They are classified as one of the weakest undead.

"Ghouls? Dad, do you seriously believe that bull crap?" I was already brimming with rage. My brother would never fall at the hands of lowly ghouls. "He even has a nickname for his skills on the bow!"

"I know Cael, I know and believe me. I'll find out everything and trace it back to the people responsible for his death."

Three days have passed and when we were finally able to see my brother's remains, he was already beyond recognition. The only proof that he is my brother is our family insignia tatooed behind his neck.

We mourned for him for five days and then set him to rest in the mausoleum of our family with our forefathers.

When we got home, my father summoned me and my friends to his study.

It feels like the colors in this place died along with my brother. He was always the center of the attention. He was the golden boy.

When I reached my father's study, my friends were already standing there. They looked like they were waiting for me.

Aleksander just greeted me with a nod. Gunther just patted me in the back. Stella looked lost and Luciana just gave me a small smile.

I knocked at the door thrice and then proceeded to open it. My father was there sitting in his swivel chair. He turned it to our direction and motioned us to come close. He looked at me with an apologetic smile.

"Cael, I know you don't like politics but with the death of your brother, the burden of our family falls to you as you are now my new heir."

I was already expecting this ever since my brother died. I knew that the life I lived before now was impossible for me now.

"As such, I will send you to Avalon and have you study in
Embermark, the most well known warden institution."

Avalon is an island covered in fog thus hiding it from normal people's view. A perfect place for all things that are out of the ordinary.

"When will I leave dad?" was all that I could say, besides its no use fighting the wave. The only option is to ride it and use it for the better.

"Tomorrow morning, don't worry Cael. They will also study in embermark with you." Dad pointed to my four friends standing behind me.

"Whatever happens Cael, I will always be proud of you."

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"Don't you just love the sea breeze?" Stella was stretching her arms out like she was reliving the movie titanic.

"Sure blondie, you should also shout that you're the queen of the world while you're at it." That earned Aleksander a death glare from Stella while Luciana and I chuckled.

"Sure, I'd love to but It would've been better if I drown you while I am at it"

"Stop shouting please, I'am at my limit here and you guys aren't helping" Gunther was holding on the rails and looked like he was holding all the problems in the world.

I looked at him with amusement. "Gunther, you look like shit."

"Fuck you Cael." Gunther raised his middle finger and sighed. "I just wish this trip will be worth it. I already imagine the girls in Embermark drooling at me."

Stella rolled her eyes and Aleksander smiled. "I didn't know you had that effect on girls, Rosenfeld." Luciana mused.

"Oh I do, you and Stella are just immune to it." Stella raised her eyebrow at his reply.

"Yeah, because I see you as a big gorilla."

At that moment the captain announced that in 30 mins, we would be making port at Avalon.
At that moment, a fog happened. Literally, the fog came out of nowhere and enveloped the ship.
No one was surprised and the ship's crew still went about their own business. He couldn't help to feel the excitement. They were travelling for two full weeks and finally they'll be able to see the fabled city of Avalon.

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"Wow, this is beyond the things I read in books." Stella was jumping up and down with excitement.

Avalon is a mystical island open to all sentient mystical creatures. It is mainly managed by wardens. It has a city in the center and the port is situated at the south. Three castles tower the city's skyline. To the west lies Embermark, the school for wardens and gifted humans. To the north lies Nightrend, the school for vampires and black magic attuned beings and to the east lies Longwood, the school for werewolves and element attuned beings.

"Don't get too excited yet, we're not here for a tour, Stella." Stella frowned at me.

"Don't worry Stel, we'll tour the city once we get settled in." Luciana always knew what to say to keep her in high spirits.

While going down the ship, I saw a group of armed wardens in full battle gear standing on guard. Their armor gleaming with the sunlight.

When we got closer, they stood in attention and the man who seems to be in charge moved to the front and immediately bowed his head.

"My lord, welcome to Avalon."

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Authors Note

I've posted in the media file on how I visualize Luciana and Stella.

But please don't force me on posting a picture of the three guys. I did try to search for one, but the endless supply of men with abs blinded my eyes.

I'll try updating as often as possible and I'll try to not bore you guys to death with my story.
Happy reading.