Children of War

Prologue

The depressing winter rain drizzled down from the inky-black sky. A funeral had taken place earlier that day, and ever since then, moods in the Gerhardt family were low. The rain was, in fact, very fitting. This was pathetic fallacy at its finest.

It showed no signs of stopping, continuing to pour down as young Denby Gerhardt made his way down the long, winding road that connected his family's compound with the rivalling family's own. He wasn't exactly in high spirits after recent events, so whatever Samson Emberton wanted had better be worth his time.

Denby walked slowly with his hands in his coat pockets. He didn't care about the rain or the fact that his clothes were soaked right through; it washed away all the negative thoughts and feelings he had. The sound of the droplets splashing onto the ground was relaxing and made him recollect his childhood.

His daemon, Bismarck, a tawny eagle, flew overhead, and it was only when they arrived at the Embertons that she landed on the ground. She stood next to Denby as they were greeted by the middle Emberton brother, Lincoln, who was the same age as Denby, so the pair had similar experiences in life.

"You should have brought an umbrella, you know," he said to Denby. "This rain ain't gonna stop, not at least for a few days, anyway."

Denby shrugged in return, then swept away the hair that was stuck to his forehead. "I don't mind it. I'm here to speak with Samson and I have a funny feeling I know what it's about."

"Hmm, yeah," Lincoln paused for a brief moment. "But because Samson's a heartless git, I'll be brave enough to give you my condolences."

"Thank you," replied Denby, sincerely. "And likewise. I'm sure you and your parents are devastated."

"Beyond words... Do you want to come inside, or not?"

"I'll pass, thanks. I don't want to overstay my welcome."

"Fair enough," and with that, Lincoln went inside the house leaving Denby and Bismarck to dry off slightly under the porch.

"They couldn't have picked a better day to invite us over," Bismarck uttered sarcastically.

"I know, but some things just have to be done, no matter what."

A few minutes later, Samson Emberton appeared with his daemon, a Leonberger dog, closely by his side. He wasn't wearing his usual smirk that Denby was so used to seeing. Instead, he expression was flat, but he seemed to know something. Something of great value, and it made Denby extremely apprehensive.

"Evening," Samson greeted bluntly.

"What do you want with me?" He demanded. "I didn't trek all the way over here in this weather just to have you tell me some utter nonsense."

"Don't think of it like that. Think of this as a warning. You should be grateful that I'm telling you, but after the last couple of days I can understand your grumpiness. The rest of us are grieving just as much as you are."

"Of course," Denby responded, almost sarcastically. He was always so skeptical around the Embertons; trust wasn't something you could have with them. "So, what is this ominous warning of yours, then?"

"Total liquidation of the Gerhardt family, that's what," answered Samson, his mouth curling into a dark smile. Denby didn't think he should be too pleased yet. "We've figured out how to send you lot packing, so us Embertons can take the throne of the Midwest; the throne that rightfully belongs to us."

Denby sighed. He felt worried, but not as much as he had anticipated, which was a sign that he was confident. "We're tougher than you, and you know it. Don't act like you are. You hide your fear with intimidation."

"Well, one has to be stronger than the other," Samson then gestured to himself. Of course, he meant his family as a whole, yet Samson was a very selfish man, so Denby wasn't surprised by this action. "There's only one throne, like I said, and it's ours."

"We will not yield to your threats. That isn't how we do things around here. Surely you know that."

"Maybe another little fire is in order to get your blood burning? That's a good way to start a fight, especially by those who were bred for this kind of stuff."

Denby scoffed and confidently began, "We are the children of war. We were born of blood, steel, and fire. And we will not surrender..."

(Published Friday 2nd September 2016)