Immortal Flames [On Hold]

Immortal Flames: Prologue

Okay, so the other day, I was watching the history channel (I know, geek, right? lol) and there was this documentary type thing about the Greek Gods. I have always been interested in the Gods and Olympus and stuff like that. Little did I know, my brother had the same fascination. We got to talking and suddenly, we had this whole storyline made out. We have the same general idea, but mine was on the romantic side, whereas his was more on the killing/gore side. He wants to be a game designer when he grows up and his storyline was more based on fights and blood and killing, need I say more? Anyway, the story that I couped up has those things, just on a smaller scale.

Now, this is the Prologue (duh! lol) and it's telling you about how the Hero became what he is in the story. I hope you guys read this and tell me what you think.

[Synopsis:

Maddox is a Reaper. He has been for almost a thousand years, when he was recruited by the Goddess Nemesis after his death. She offered him a way out of his fate as a Spirit. Now, he is sent to Seattle, where a string of demon attacks have become an epidemic, and discovers his destiny.

Because of the curiosity of the one and only Pandora, Cassie, has now inherited the gift of the fire element. It is both a gift and a death sentence. Since the first of her family, demons have tried to kill and take the element for themselves. Cassie has yet to understand the full capabilities of her power when a lone warrior saves her life.]

So, does it sound okay? I'm not very good at writing short little tidbits about a story.

Okay, I've rambled long enough. I hope you enjoy this.

Thanks and Happy Readings! (:

********************

Prologue:

1280, Wales, Rule of Edward I

"Great job, my brother."

Maddox lowered his great sword to his side, looking over at his brother, Julian. Then, Maddox looked down at the fallen enemy, bloodied, eyes opened, dead. He never got used to killing others, no matter the reason. Even in battle, he was disinclined to kill, but he did so anyway. It was his life, or theirs. And, he had his wife, Dera, and their unborn child to think of. Looking around him, Maddox could see fellow men-in-arms, along with their enemies. Fathers, brothers, sons... Everything was a blur.

Maddox returned his gaze to Julian and nodded. "It is never great when I take a man's life."

Julian huffed. "Do not be blinded by self-hatred. It was your life or his."

Maddox, thinking the exact same thing just moments before, could only agree. "Still. It is never good to take a life."

Maddox noticed a certain emotion pass over his brothers face, but just like that, it was gone. "You have to be thinking of Dera. She is with child."

Maddox's face instantly lit up. He was ecstatic to be a father. "Yes, I know." He smiled at his brother, though Julian didn't return his warmth.

Maddox looked away and saw a few of his men being outnumbered. He turned his back, and lifted his sword, prepared to strike out at an enemy, when he felt a sudden pain coarse through his chest. His sword, still up and prepared to strike, halted, and Maddox looked down. The point of a sword, bloodied, was sticking through him. His sword fell, and Maddox dropped to his knees. And just like in a dream, he saw a bright light, only within it's warmth was not an angel coming to take him to the afterlife. Instead, he looked into the eyes of... his brother?

"Julian..." Maddox tried, but could get no more words out.

"This is your end Maddox. Dera is with my child, and now she will be mine."

Maddox was seething. How could he be so betrayed by his... brother. Julian was always there, always around. After everyone found out he had inherited the fire element, Julian was the only one who stood by him. Julian was the one who encouraged Maddox to use his power to help aid Wales in the war. So why...?

Apparently Maddox had spoken out loud, for he heard Julian answer his thought. "Dera and I are in love, and have been since she was given to you. She has never loved you."

Julian smiled down at Maddox. "This was her idea, you know. Dera wanted you out of the picture." Pause. "She said she was sickened every time you touched her." Pause. "She never wanted you."

With each pause, Maddox could feel his chest tighten. Never in his life did he believe his end would come like this.

Maddox couldn't hold himself up any longer; he fell down onto his hands. Julian walked around him and pulled out his sword. "A fallen hero. It's almost pitiful."

Maddox heard Julian walk away. He couldn't believe that he was betrayed by the two people who he loved most in the world. He could feel his energy drain, his life depleting. After a moment, his eyes closed and a maelstrom of darkness overcame him.

**********

"Awaken."

Maddox opened his eyes. He was confused. He was dead, wasn't he? Slain by the sword of his own brother. He shouldn't be alive.

"You aren't." It was the same voice. "You are a Spirit."

Maddox stood, but instead of his body coming with him, he was looking down at it. He lifted his hand, and was shocked to be able to see right through it. "What is wrong with me?"

He turned to look at the figure beside him. It was a woman. She was tall, maybe a few inches shy of his six-three, and she was beautiful. Dark raven hair, long enough to reach her waist, a nice curvy figure. The only thing that scream something was amiss was the fact that her eyes were a dull red. Maddox had never known someone to have her eyes, and yet, he knew she was no threat.

"You are a fire holder, right?" the woman asked.

A fire holder? Did she mean my ability to control the fire element, Maddox thought to himself.

He noticed the woman smiling. "Yes. That's what I meant."

"You read minds too?" Maddox asked, none too polite.

"You do not have to be rude," she said. Her eyes started to brighten and the dull grey took on the color of a blood red.

Maddox winced. "My sincerest apologies. I did not mean to be."

Her eyes returned to the dull red. "You are forgiven."

Maddox nodded. "Who are you?"

She seemed surprised to hear his question. "You do not know of me?"

"No," Maddox said, shaking his head.

"Well, you are not Greek. I understand."

"What is wrong with me?" Maddox asked again.

"It is a long story. One that should not be told on a battlefield." She extended her hand. "Come with me."

Maddox thought about it, but he came to conclusion that he had nothing left. No wife. No brother. No... child. What did he have to lose?

He took her hand and in an instant, he was no longer standing on Welsh soil. He was now in a dark chamber, lit by what seemed to be floating candles. "Where are we?"

"We are now in Olympus. My home." Maddox saw her smile. "I am the goddess Nemesis, and I have an offer for you."