The Disciples: Book 1: The Birth of Valor

Chapter 1: The Calm before the Storm

A blinding light shined from somewhere in the dark, cutting through the tendrils of the unknown. Another morning.
Deus' eyes flicked open, and he shot straight up in bed. He panted, eyes darting, covered in cold sweat.
"Just another nightmare." He told himself.
He stood and opened the blinds of his window, letting light flood the room. He changed and was out the door within minutes.
"Another beautiful morning in Valence." He smiled to himself before breaking into a short hike.
He headed toward Mason's house, his best friend for as long as he could remember. He knocked on the door, rapping his knuckles three times against the solid wood.
He was greeted by a blonde male, a bit shorter than himself, with ocean blue eyes. Deus himself having jet black hair and amber eyes.
"Morning Deuce," Mason said jokingly.
"You know I hate that," The taller boy stated.
They both laughed and they started walking.
Deus looked at the shining sun. Stunning.
"I wonder when the war will stop," Deus spoke.
Mason just shrugged. The war between their home country, Xanadu, and a bordering country, by the name of Vulcan. Vulcainians insist on taking over.
"I mean our military is pretty strong. I don't think they'll get here. Valence is the capital after all," Mason stated.
He thought about it. "Yeah, there isn't a chance they'll get this far." He smiled.
Mason broke into a sprint, Deus trailing behind him. They ran their hearts out. Not a worry in the world.

They got back to Mason's after it got dark out. They parted ways and Deus headed back to his own home.
Once he got back, he looked at the flag hanging on his wall. A crimson banner, with a golden phoenix and black wreaths surrounding it. The motto embroidered in gold underneath.
"Xanadu, the strong, the unmatched," Deus read from the banner. With that he climbed into the bed and drifted to sleep.