The Warrior's Journey.

Chapter 1

He paced through the forests with vigilance, his concentration was as sharp as his blade that he held steadily in front of him. Although his father had been taken from him, his teachings remained finely etched into his soul - he was always ready to defend himself. It seemed that the hunt was far from over, but Jayedan soon dismissed his assumption when something caught his eye. He briefly saw it's black coat as it moved through the tall, obscuring grass. Adrenaline surged through his body, he was hunting an animal with the power to easily kill him. To any other being of his strength and size, hunting such a creature would be contrary to reason, but Jayedan was no ordinary individual. He had will inaccessible to most. His exceptional ability to fight coupled with his unbreakable mentality proved to be a rare and powerful weapon. The creature's breathing and salivation combined with the rustling of the long grass heightened Jayedan's senses. It paused, as if beckoning him towards it. His aims were now clear, the target's pause implied it knew where Jayedan was and it knew what it was doing. Jayedan lunged at the beast with his sword ready to be thrust like a spear. It avoided him easily. It looked like a panther, only larger and more muscular. He needed to confront it head on. They now faced each other, staring like gladiators of the forest. A chill ran down Jayedan's spine as it's piercing stare caught his, but he didn't show it. Only a few moments passed before his presence provoked the beast to attack. It stood up on it's hind legs, towering above him, then pounced. He rolled out of the way of it's decent and immediately swung his sword at it, rending the flesh on it's side and forcing a howl of agony from it's gaping jaws. It countered his efforts with a swift swipe, just catching him with it's claws across his face. His eyes remained untouched, however a large gash was left across his forehead and cheek. The beastly figure stood up once again in a frenzy, scratching the side of his head. He screamed in pain. His vision began to blur and he felt dizzy. Blood filled his mouth. To his surprise, his final sight before he lost consciousness was a brown-skinned Orc grasping the creature by it's throat and granting it a quick and painless death. He laid it's corpse onto the ground; went down onto one knee and whispered a few words Jayedan could not understand. Strangely, the Orc appeared to be distressed at the death of the creature. The Orc lifted him from the ground and called over his wolf-like companion. By now, Jayedan had blacked out.

Jayedan regained consciousness and looked around, taking in his surroundings. He was lying in a large makeshift tent with thick black fur beneath his body. It was warm and soft. His head hurt and was bandaged with blood-soaked linen. Beside him there was a bowl of hot water and a collection of blue and purple herbs of which he had never seen before. He questioned in his mind; where he was, and why he was there, triggering memories of what had happened the previous evening. The tense brawl with the panther-like creature, the Orc with the unusual complexion, it all came back to him. He found the exit of the tent. It was guarded by a wolf, the same wolf he had seen with the Orc. He stood up and felt a little light-headed. He was not sure whether to approach the wolf and see what was outside or stay where he was, he was hardly in the state to fight if it came to it. Before he could decide on his plan action, the Orc that saved him walked into the tent, startling him.  

''Do not be afraid, Dreanei. I know what my kind has did to your's, but I assure you I bring no harm.'' Declared the Orc. ''Might I introduce myself?'' 

Although the Orc had saved his life, Jayedan's instincts flared, telling him to avoid the Orc at all costs. He walked backwards and searched for a weapon. The enormous brown figure walked towards him as he did so and placed a hand on his shoulder. Jayedan turned to face him, alarmed. He feared for his life. 

''Please, relax. I am Nokrah. What is your name, brother?'' 

''Jayedan.'' he replied, a stern look on his face.  

Nokrah whistled and signaled over his wolf. ''This is Drenan.'' he exclaimed with a warming smile.  

''I found him as a pup alone in the woods, it was only right of me to take him under. I love him like a child''