Warriors of Light book 1: The Gilded sword

Chapter one: Venture Forth

His feet carried him along as his eyes drank in the tall, elven wood trees reached up to the clear blazend skies, the sun crouching behind the horizon. Taking in the sight, a strange smell wafted up his nose. He couldn't place where he had smelt it before, so he continued walking. The smell became stronger as the distant roar of fighting arose, and his pace began to quicken, his heart racing, his palms sweating.
 
The half-elf was trembling; excited for his first real fight, he started to veer off towards the now apparent column of smoke. His nerves began to shake, and his walk began to slow. What am I thinking? he asked himself. I'm completely insane! I'll die out here...
 
The thoughts of doubt filled his mind, but his body was still moving. Suddenly, all sounds stopped—all but the crackling of fire. His body ran without thought, coming upon a clearing with four bodies in front of the burning tree which lit the area.
 
Bark... Burning bark. He realized that was the sickly sweet smell.
 
Walking towards the closest body, checking for any signs of life. Gashes and bruises covered the man's body, taking a quick glance at the others showing the same degree of damage, all dead... What should I do, what did Arcon say about stuff like this. Come on think, think!  "Don't be afraid to loot, bud. That's where most of an adventurer's gear and money come from" the slurred words echoed throughout his mind.
 
He whispered a breath of words that could only be heard and forgotten as the dead man's clothes gave off a faint golden glow. He proceeded to strip the man.
 
The dirt beside him was stuck with something fast, Damion jumped up and turned towards the burning tree loosening his swords but seeing nothing.
 
"Who's there" shouting into the smoke filled night. He walked around the tree looking into the dark woods. seeing no one, he returned to the half naked body and continued his looting only to be interrupted by something hitting his back. His arm snapped behind him to grab whatever it was, burning his hand on the smoldering branch, breaking it off.
 
Standing up pulling a blade in each hand, he faced the burning tree as its limbs were now whipping towards him. Connecting with his armor breaking against it, as he charged toward the blackened trunk.
 
His arm swung to cut through the torched branches, growing closer and closer to his target.
 
Then one of the freshly cut branches jabbed, as if it were a spear, straight into his left shoulder breaking through his armor, stopping him in his tracks. He let out a blood curdling scream as it began to lift him up just inches above the ground.
 
He lifted his right arm to swing at the branch suspending him as another branch disarmed him. Shit! Now what do I d- the branch now was starting to grow into him.
 
Without another thought he grabbed onto the branch holding himself up and quickly proceeded to rip himself off of it. Now lying on the damp groundwork the unbearable pain and loss of blood almost forcing him pass out, only staying awake via adrenaline.
 
Picking himself up by using the recently disarmed sword to get to his feet. Then with all his might he lifted his left arm and pointed at the black tree.
 
Letting the pressure of one of his spells come to the forefront of his mind he pointed a finger at the burning husk of what was once a tree, his mouth started working forcing the words that you can only forget out, forcing a small yellow orb shot from his finger landing dead center of the trunk. Without a sound the tree stopped moving all form of life leaving it.
 
Damion forced himself to stay standing shanking off his damaged armor. "That was too close," taking off his tunic and looked at the whole in his shoulder which had already slowed its bleeding, and the remaining wood seemed to have fallen out on its own.
 
As he tended to his wound, the sound of rustling leaves attacked his ears. Whipping around to the sound readying his blade, his eyes widened. An infant version of the tree creature was peering out from the bushes, violently shaking. It took only seconds for it to turn and run.
 
He shot up in a cold sweat the morning light streaming in from his bearly parted curtains. He paddes his way over to his door on the cold hardwood floor, hoping some water was already warmed feeling too lazy to heat his own bath knowing he’d have to. Turning the faucet letting the tub fill, laying his hand on the cold metal pipe letting his mouth work syllables that once heard couldn’t be remembered. Pulling his hand away to his satisfaction that the pipe was now glowing a dull red and his water is now accompanied by steam. 
 
While waiting for the bath to fill he walked over to the mirror to see his round face with a few days of growth that would equate to a full humans 5 O’clock shadow. Maybe I should cut it before we head off who knows when I'll get a chance to shave it clean again. He stared at his own reflection his azure staring back at him. He had always wondered where he inherited his eyes from, certainly not his human father he had normal eyes for a human and his mother had similar so why were his different. His didn’t have the pupil or the whites of normal people, his were only the same azure blue through out. Though he did think they paired well with his longer unkempt dark blond hair and his lightly tanned skin though he could lose a few pounds and maybe grow a few more inches or a foot even. By the time he was done with his daily inspection and debate on shaving his water was ready.
 
Coming down the stairs he sees a familiar half orc standing there. “Jeez, kid, about damned time you got up we were supposed to hit the road an hour ago come’n get ready” he said in his soft southern draw, while tossing a full rucksack at the younger man.
 
“Shit, what time is it? I couldn’t have overslept that long” turning to the display case his mother bought for his adventuring supplies to grab and throw on: his set of banded armor, his sword belt adorn with his two wire wrapped handled bastard swords and the black tomb suspended on a metal chain, and his coin purse.
 
“Easy kid there's no actual rush we're just going on the road for a few weeks. Don’t get all bent out of shape.”
 
“Right, says the guy who broke into my house and was about to wake me up, real classy Arcon.” he quirked a smile at the bigger man tightening his belt around him.
 
“I didn’t break in, your mom let me in” his face broke into a smile revealing his small tusk slightly protruding from his bottom lip. Damion always suspected that life wanted Arcon to be human. His skin was just a touch green, his phasic compared to a normal orc was extremely slim, his tusks were only visible when he smiled, even his shorter black hair was more human like. Though with his ageing showing in only the greying of his sideburns.
 
“Where is she anyways?” throwing the rucksack over his shoulder and walking over to grab some bread and honey butter for his breakfast.
 
“She said she had to go and do some localized rain making out in Harven’s new field” taking some of the bread for himself.
 
“Damn, I wanted to say bye to her before I left. Oh well, I got you with me so I'm not too worried this time.” scratching at where the old wound, that was all but gone, reminded him of his first time out, his first failure.
 
“Well you going to say goodbye to your sister at least?”
 
“Nah, I think she’s still at the temple for her training, she says I'll need the help to not get myself killed.” Damion let out a small chuckle trying to not show his nervousness. 
 
“Don’t worry I've got your back, kid. If we get in over our heads we’ll just run like hell.” he leaned back letting out a deep laugh.
 
“Sound like a plan.” Damion got up out of his chair and began to walk towards the door letting his arms fall and hit against the pommels. “We’re just heading north out of town right?”
 
“Well yeah, let's take a few short jaunt out of town till you’re used to those things being there” he gestured to the twards at the short man’s waist as he opens the door for the smaller man.
 
“That noticeable huh? Damn, yeah I guess you’re right but hopefully that wouldn’t take too long. One would think after the training you made me do I'd be used to it by now.” Stepping out onto the street damion looked up to see the sun high in the sky noting it was already past noon. “Shit, is there you didn't happen to pack me any food in here did you?” looking up at the big man, tugging at the sack.
 
“Nope I figured you’d want to go down and see your favorite shop keeper” a self-satisfied smile crept onto Acorn’s face.
 
“Well, gee thanks buddy. You’re just so thoughtful” his eyes roll up to the sky as he turned and started down the street.
 
The bell over the door dinged as the young man walked into the quaint shop  filled with weapons, armor, books, and other provisions one might need while traveling. “Hello welcome to Garfields , I am Garfield how can- oh its you. What do you want now” the old greying human behind the counter asked with an expression of sheer and utter annoyance.
 
“Well hello to you too, Garfield, look I’ll just make this short I need about two weeks of rations and water, so please just sell me that and I’ll get out of whatever hair you have left.” The man had been running this shop as long as damion could remember and he’s never look any different. Damion always chalked it up to a longevity potion or spell but Garfield denied any involvement in that “wicked magic nonsense”.
 
The man glared at the short man for what felt like an eternity before saying “your lucky your George's kid you little punk.” before turning and walking into the back. Damion let out a sigh and approached the counter with the only real reason he ever game into the store, on a big puffy cushion laid an orange striped cat, asleep. 
 
“Hey there George sleeping well little friend?” running his hand across its sleeping head and body, The cat quietly purred and pressed into his hand they way cats often do. “Just another lazy day for you huh old boy?” Damion smiled at the cat and turned to browse while waiting for the old coot to get his order ready. Examining the different swords and weapons, Damion had always adored swords especially the bastard sword, though most did prefer the long sword or an axe, both fine weapons, there was just something about the heft, balance and reach the bastard sword provided just felt good to the young elf. 
 
The bell over the door rang again as a tall heavily tanned elf with shaggy brown hair stepped into the shop. He was wearing a necklace with the symbol of Paladine, a shield with a long sword on the front as it livery. “I thought I saw you come in here I thought you learned your lesson last time,” the tall wood elf laughed out in his deep baritone approaching Damion. 
 
“Oh well you know how much I love chatting with Garfield” he stuck his hand out to the other man. “Shit you grew up like a damned elven pine, Korif. How old are you now anyways?”
 
Taking the hand in a firm handshake “well it's not hard to get taller than you, and I'm seventeen now, I just sent off my letter of request to the sanctum for my rite of training” he said breaking into a full hearty grin.
 
“Oh, your really going to try to become a cleric huh? Well good for you kid!” slapping the others arm.
 
“Actually I sent in the request to be a paladin figured I could do better with a sword than a maul” he looked over at a tall broad bladed two handed sword with a pristine white leather wrapped handle. 
 
“Well shit maybe once your finished with your training you could come on the road with Arcon and I, the more the merrier right?”
 
He smiled at that “Hell you’ll need me not to get your fool asses killed!”
 
“Hey brat! Here’s the stuff ya asked for now pay and get out! This isn’t a damned hang out spot for you and you little sharp eared friends” the old man hallared from the counter, impatiently tapping his nails against the hardwood.
 
“Yeah yeah alright,” Damion walked over past Korif, pulling out his coin purse. “How much is it going to run me?”
 
“Seven gold,” he held out his aged hand expectantly. 
 
“You really just do not like me, huh?” he sighs as he pulls the seven gold from his purse and places them in the keeps hand.
 
“You’re right I don't like you, your lucky I let you do business here y’damned half breed” the keeper snatched his hand back and tosses the coin into a bucket on the floor filled with bubbly water, then turning back and shoves the supplies into Damion. “Now get the hell out of my shop!”
 
Damion, holding his supplies turned towards the door and seeing korif giving him a sad apologetic look. Flashing what he hoped to be a genuine looking smile “Good luck with the temple I'm sure you’ll do just fine buddy.”
 
“Yeah, and don't go getting yourself killed while im away!” Korif smiled back as he walked up to the keep.
 
Damn why does everyone keep saying I'm gonna get myself killed? I’ve got arcon with me, shit. He walked up the street to reunite with arcon at the northern gate of the town.
 
“All set, Damion? Time to hit the road” the big man said in a deep gruff voice. Damion never understood why he put on the appearance of being the “big dumb orc” when in public and yet in private he spoke smothly and confedently.
 
“Yeah, lets go” he walked up and whispered to the bigger man “are you going to keep up that voice while we are on the road too?”
 
“Nah, I don't know the creatures or humans on the road” winking a smile at him as they crossed the towns gate to the elven woods lined road. Damion had to force his hands not to clench up in remembrance.
 
By nightfall the two had managed to reach the edge of the elven forest and decided to go off the path and set up their camp, without a campfire for two reasons: one the fire would be a beacon to all those around that there's a camp and Arcon has been raided in the middle of the night more than once because of a fire, and two, it would hamper Damion's night sight that allows him to see into the infrared giving him two more colors than most races but it also allowed him to see the night better than most races as long as theres no heat source to tamper with his eyes. 
 
“Take first watch for me will you? I’ve been up longer than you and I could use the crash.”
 
“Yeah, I got it sleep well” He sat back on his bed roll looking up into the night sky as the three moons did their slow nightly walts around one another. Damion always liked to watch the moons Situs, Motrone, and seeker, all named after folktale heroes or legends. He never really bothered to learn those types of tales, except the ones about, Damon Kain Deity of Elves.
 
Damon should just an average runic, a being with significant control over the aspects of reality their rune is focused on. Every living being is born with two runes but it takes a third to 'activate' them giving the being control over the runes they have for example, Damon Kain's runes are discord, magic, mind, and time. Runics have 3 to 5 runes active in them making them stronger and stronger the more they have until they get strong enough to become a one rune, the deity rune. Most deities have the deity run like Paladine Deity of Paladins, Sunny the deity of sunshine, Cher Deity of Happiness, Ginger Deity of Compassion, and lotus Deity of Love are all one rune. Damon, is the only non-one rune deity due to lack of an elven deity.
 
Back before he was a deity the world was being invaded by beings of other worlds using strange time based magic. Most of the runics of the world went to fight back against these beings, but the creatures strange magic proved too much to overcome. Damon had been out and doing what he used to do, drink, party and make Mary. In the meantime many runics died until he joined the battle then simply turned off the strange beings time magic and allowing the runics to fight back, decimating the encroaching forces.
 
Laying on the hard cold stone floor Damion felt Arcon’s large hands shaking him, slowly he sat up, his body feeling incredibly sore and impossible cold, rubbing his eyes eventually becoming aware Arcon has been talking to him. “Damn kid finally, get up we’re in deep shit I think.”
 
“What do you mean?” Then he looked around to find others all passed out in basic tunics and trousers and all of them were in one big dungeon cell. Taking notice that all of Arcon’s and Damion’s supplies where still on them including their weapons. “Oh well shit, any idea how we got here?”
 
“Nope but the rest of these assholes won’t wake up so if you got something to pass the time with.”
 
“Yeah, I do actually. I haven't used the familiar spell yet maybe one can give me the lay of the land if there's one close enough” Damion smiled and started spewing words and sounds that are clearly defined but when trying to remember them they fade from the mind. Then nothing happened but the spell was gone from his head. “Did it fail? Damn.”
 
“Well it takes time for a familiar to get in range to form the contract and if they don't want to be your familiar they can just say no.”
 
“Yeah yeah I know I was just kinda hoping for a fast response if I get one at all” he let out a long sigh. “So shall we try and get out or wait and se-” he was cut off by the sound of guards walking down the stone stairs to the cell area.
 
“The king will see you now” the guard rapsed his halbird against the bars waking most of the commoners. He swung the unlocked cell door open. “Follow me.”