Children of the Gods

Oren

Oren was a somewhat plain man. Brown hair and eyes and while handsome he could blend in with a crowd without drawing much attention.  He was the youngest of seven brothers, and well was a bit odd.  His family had always followed the teachings of the Dark Lord, Samael, ruler of the underworld.  Oren, however, was not so sure he was cut out to be a sorcerer. As his mind wandered once more, there was a large explosion as the potion he was working on failed.  Miserably. 

"You're an absolutely hopeless boy!" Simeon screamed at him once more. It seemed to Oren that was the only thing his father ever said to him. Oren ducked as a bowl flew over his head, crashing to the floor, with a loud clatter.  The potion he had been working on soaking his clothes in a pungent sticky liquid.  His father was rounding the work table quickly approaching him.  Simeon grabbed him by the shirt collar dragging him to his feet roughly.

"When will you learn to do exactly as I say? Maybe you should start studying the Gods of your mother! Mayhap they will accept your half-hearted attempts!" Simeon shouted pushing Oren into the hall. Oren lost his footing, falling to the carpeted floor, a furious blush covering his face in anger and shame.  His breath coming in great angry pants, he quickly got to his feet. He met his father's glaring gaze, not considering his words, "Maybe I should! Hopefully, they'll make more sense to me than yours do!" he shouted.

His father's already angry glare turned murderous in an instant.  "How dare you! You shall study and practice the ways of the Dark Lord, Samael in this house! If you dare begin down the path of your mother's Gods in this house... well you're no son of mine!" he bellowed, spit flying with every word. A large vein throbbed on his forehead as he stepped closer to Oren.  

Oren quickly realized that he had angered his father beyond reason.  He swallowed hard, thinking about his next words in the blink of an eye.  What if he was right?  Would the teachings of the Gods of Trinity be the answer? The Dark Lord of the Underworld simply didn't resonate within him.  His teachings dark and without direction, it seemed that all they did was to empower Samael even more.  Oren simply wanted to help people.  He didn't like the curses and evil that his father's teachings spread.

At that moment, Simeon realized that many of the staff had gathered, witnessing this argument between them.  He hissed at them ordering them loudly to "Get back to work else you find yourself unemployed!" He turned to his son once more his eyes almost black in his rage. Oren gathered his courage his eyes narrowing with contempt. He stepped forward meeting his father's approach.  He met his stare with one of his own courage and will,  began surfacing for the first time in his life. "Did it ever occur to you that perhaps I'm my mother's son and not yours? Her blood fills my veins as well as yours, maybe I should turn to her Gods, as yours have obviously abandoned me!" he stated with a quiet angry hiss. 

Simeon could hardly believe the words his son had just uttered. He stood staring blankly at the boy. Never in all the generations of his family had anyone turned their back on Samael's teachings.  They were born dark souls taught to do his bidding. They ensured the corruption of the souls of mankind to feed the Dark Lord's power. This would never be questioned in his home! 

"If that is truly how you feel then leave!" he shouted his fury echoing through the halls. "The teachings of those simpering fools will never be in this house.  You are no longer my son, may you wander this earth never knowing peace!" he finished. Oren simply nodded his assent, turning sharply on his heel, he walked toward his rooms.

His brother's hearing the argument had rushed to the hallway.  Oren met their bulging stares as he passed, nodding to each of them. His eldest brother reaching for his arm, "Are you mad?" Callen hissed into his ear. Oren turned to him almost serenely, "No. For the first time in my life, I actually feel relieved." he informed with a smile. He chuckled at this realization pulling his arm free. He mounted the stairs, happy spring to his step, he entered his room to begin packing.

He looked to his many, books and tomes, knowing he would have no use for them now.  Grabbing a large satchel, he packed his clothes and such.  Gathering his tools and equipment he wrapped them gently storing them in a box. Smiling he left the room, knowing he would never return.  

Reaching the front steps, his brothers were there waiting to see him off.  Reggie had even readied his small buggy and horse. They had included some provisions and other supplies for his journey. They took his bags and his small trunk packing them with the rest.  He thanked them all before mounting the rig and proceeded to turn his life on the only home he had ever known.

Simeon stood watching out the window of his workroom.  He glared at the scene before him. Of all his children Oren had been the most powerful of them all. He'd had such hopes and dreams for the boy, only to find out he was the worst sorcerer of the lot.  Turning his back on his son for the last time, he meant what he said he truly hoped the boy never found a moment's peace.

Passing the large wrought iron gates, Oren urged the horse faster.  The further from his father's imposing home he got the lighter his spirit grew.  Finally, after many hours, Oren had found the one thing missing from his life.  Peace. He had always been surrounded by dark and gloomy things. Like a shadow had been cast over his world and all in it. Now he began to notice the little things missing in his life.  The soft green grass. The way the wind whispered quietly through the budding leaves of spring.  Birds of every color imaginable, fluttering here and there, chirping a happy tune.

Oren knew that there were many different types of magic in the world. Fairies with their beautiful butterfly wings. And the pixies flittering about causing mischief in their wake. The elves had always intrigued him. They led a peaceful life following the teachings of the Goddess Mira.  Cherishing the natural bounties she provided and protecting them from harm.  He began to think hard about where he would go.  He knew one thing for sure, his mother's Gods were making more sense than ever to him.  It was time he found them.

A/N this is the beginning of a rewrite to my book Children of the Gods: Trinity. After feedback from other authors and reading some very informative guides, I decided that a full rewrite was in order. So let me know what you think and don't forget to vote if you like it.  I'd appreciate any feedback! :) I hope to post updates at least twice a week sometimes more as a busy housewife and mom, well time will tell. The photos I use are for inspiration only and are royalty-free found on google images.