Luminary

Episode 10 - All the things you are

Transylvania, a small country in the heart of Europe, known as a place of spookiness and mysteries, until 2010, the year Saisem took over...

Beside a volcano, in a forested area, there was a small village, in the corners of the forgotten country, it was humble, poor and home of honest people. They survived mainly with farms and land services, such as wood, animal meat, plantation and agriculture, living their life in the simplest ways.

But what made the people from this place different was the fact that children born with powers always had the same kind of powers, due to ages of inbreeding as they barely left their territory.

Their unique power was Physical Enhancement. Both men and women were naturally stronger and tougher, there wasn't one single person there without powers.

One day, a young Paris and his best friend Dryadalis, Dry for short, were hunting in the forest, racing on horses to see who gets dinner first.

Paris: You know, Dry, I'm A bit disappointed.

Dry: How come?

Paris: I went out of my way to call you to hunt with me, taking you from your guarding duties, and you don't even give me a challenge!

Dry: Say what you want. your horsing skill might be better than mine, but I have some tricks up my sleeve!

Paris: Then you better try something quick!

A giant wild boar was ahead, desperate to outrun them, but Dry jumped from his horse, pulled out his sword and landed on the animal, then pierced the boar's skull. Paris stopped his horse, holding the other one and looked at the mess of smelly blood his friend is in.

Paris: Well, at least you're rich in iron now.

Dry looked at his friend and both started laughing at that horrible joke.

Dry: Tell me, you think I'll get into trouble for leaving my position because of you again?

Paris: Relax, we did this so fast that I doubt they even noticed you were gone.

But it was the exact opposite. The moment they arrived on the front gate, the guards immediately escorted them to the Village Leader's room.

They were both seated on the "chair of shame" in front of a huge, very bulky and very angry man, looking down as they were very used to that type of situation.

Karth: Tell me, young Dry, how come the best swordsman of the next generation, favorite on becoming the next leader of our village's guardians, can't follow a simple order of protecting his position for two simple hours?

Paris: Karth, it was my fault, I called...

Karth interrupted Paris with his index finger.

Karth: First, this is a disciplinary audience, so it's not "Karth", it's "Chief Karth". Second, I am dealing with Dry now, you wait your turn.

Paris lowered his head.

Karth: Did you know that leaving your position of guard duty can be a serious crime after you become 18 years old? You may be 15 now, but when you are an adult, this is seen as defection, and do you know what is the punishment for defection?

Dry: I know...

The chief ran his hand through his hair and sighed in frustration.

Karth: Your punishment will be 2 extra hours of guarding duty tomorrow, taking the place of the man who had to cover for you while you two kids were playing around. You can go now.

Dry got up from his chair and left, smiling back at Paris to not worry him.

Karth: Now, Paris. I must ask, I really need to, how can you call yourself a friend, when all you do, is get your comrades into trouble?!