Vendetta's Rise (The Dragon Realms Saga: Book 1)

Chapter 34

Thirty years ago Ryjin Leafsong failed at his attempt to assassinate Jaelyn Dawnedge. Ryjin was spared, but was exiled from Long Whisper, never to be heard from again.

Ten years passed before Ryjin formed an alliance from three elves from the renowned warrior clans who had refused to join Jaelyn's new kingdom. They were Kilid Windspear, Ronos Pathrunner, and Leandra Nighthunter. Together with the newly named Silent Master, these four elves created the shadowy Black Rabbit Clan. These assassins would wreak havoc on Long Whisper and slowly grew in number.

Kilid, Ronos, and Leandra admired Ryjin for his ideals and boldness. Over time, Leandra fell madly in love with him. Her passion for him flourished, and although Ryjin returned no emotion, he still sired a child with her all the same. Malady was born.

Years passed and Kilid and Ronos left the clan to pursue their own ambitions elsewhere in the world. Ryjin saw this as an unforgivable betrayal. With the loss of two of his most trusted friends and advisers, Ryjin grew paranoid of who he could trust. He created two new ranks for him to oversee that would serve to enforce his laws. High Blade and First Blade.

***

A young Malady, about the age of thirteen, sweated profusely as his raw knuckles beat into the tree. He knew he needed to train hard to impress his mother and even harder to impress his father. His skill as a fighter came naturally, but it was the praise of his parents he really worked for.

A familiar voice called from the woods. "Malady, where are you? I have excellent news for you!"

Malady smirked. His mother had the news he had been waiting to hear since he had been told of the Silent Master's new ranks. Finally his mother would bestow upon him his birthright and he would finally sit at his father's side, lording over the clan.

"I'm here Mother. You wish to see me?"

Leandra was a toned elf. She wore a black leather tunic with violet belt straps crossing her chest. On her back were two claymores. She had the strength and skill to wield both in each hand, a feat that most men would only dream of.

By her side was a small child, a bit younger than Malady. His frame was small for his age, even for a new recruit. He was an elf like himself. He had light silver hair that had been cut short and his eyes were a deep red.

"Mother, who is this recruit with you?" Malady asked, confusion plastered on his face.

"Malady, this is Legion. He is to be your sparring partner," Leandra said, pushing forth the small Legion.

"Sparring partner? I don't need a sparring partner. My skill is nearly perfect!" Malady scoffed.

"Well, I think it could use some work. Also, Legion could learn a thing or two from you. Being able to teach is an aspect of leadership you'll need to have if you plan on being High Blade." Leandra placed a sheathed sword into the arms of Legion before stepping away.

Legion held a blank stare on his face, not knowing what he was in for.

"Well, what's your story kid? Where do you come from?" Malady asked, trying to make the best out of his situation.

Legion stared at his sword, hesitant to speak at first. "My father, gave me up to pay off his gambling debt."

"Your Father sounds like a bastard," Malady said with a disgusted smile. "But you'll be missing him once we get started. Draw your blade, kid."

"My name is Legion," the young boy sneered.

Malady rushed at his sparring partner, swinging his blade, disarming Legion and leg sweeping under his feet. Legion crashed to the ground and Malady pointed his sword under Legion's chin. "Learn to hold your blade right, then we'll see about you earning your name."