The Return: What Was Lost Shall Be Reborn

By Angus McMillan

A great power has awoken; one that will change the face of The Crescent forever. A prophecy foretold a thousand years ago will soon come to pass. Max Akurai watched his entire life get destroyed when he was ten years old. Since then, all he wants to do is live long enough to become a member of a deadly group of assassins called the Ajnin. But he has to survive their training first, and try to unravel the mysteries of a strange creature that haunts his dreams. Will he ever learn the truth for himself? Or will fate be denied for another generation?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503542754

Book preview

cover.jpg

Copyright © 2015 by Angus McMillan.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5035-4274-7

                eBook         978-1-5035-4275-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 02/23/2015

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

626938

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One The Coming Darkness

Chapter Two The Gift

Chapter Three Suspicious Safety

Chapter Four Docktown

Chapter Five Lost and Unknown Friends

Chapter Six Prove Your Worth

Chapter Seven Only the Strong

Chapter Eight Training

Chapter Nine Netra

Chapter Ten What I’ve Become

Chapter Eleven Repercussions

Chapter Twelve Winter Fires

Chapter Thirteen Snow and Metal

Chapter Fourteen Retaliation

Chapter Fifteen Revival

Chapter Sixteen The Specialist

Chapter Seventeen Preparations

Chapter Eighteen Judgment by the Blade

Chapter Nineteen Unfinished Business

Chapter Twenty New Paths of Knowledge

Chapter Twenty-One Revolution

Chapter Twenty-Two The Fires of Change

Chapter Twenty-Three New Allies

Chapter Twenty-Four New Training

Chapter Twenty-Five The Importance of Silence

Chapter Twenty-Six Survival of the Fittest

Chapter Twenty-Seven Morality’s Weakness

Chapter Twenty-Eight The Price

Chapter Twenty-Nine Enemy of my Enemy

Chapter Thirty Judgment

Chapter Thirty-One Breaking Away

Chapter Thirty-Two The Test

Chapter Thirty-Three The Wayward Journey

Chapter Thirty-Four The Challenge of the Spirit Warrior

Chapter Thirty-Five Another

Chapter Thirty-Six Acceptance

Chapter Thirty-Seven To Become a Student

Chapter Thirty-Eight So it was Foretold

Chapter Thirty-Nine An Unexpected Detour

Chapter Forty The Old Farmer

Chapter Forty-One Deception

Chapter Forty-Two A Lord Revealed

Chapter Forty-Three Guardians of the Spirit

Chapter Forty-Four To Stay Alive

Chapter Forty-Five The Key

Chapter Forty-Six Gods, Lords, and Men

Chapter Forty-Seven Homecoming

Chapter Forty-Eight Reclamation

Chapter Forty-Nine Troubles to Come

Epilogue

Prologue

The winds of change were growing, yet this land held no wind at all. It held little of anything except sand. Things long forgotten were beginning to return. Yet the new things that had dawned in their place were less than accepting of the old. A feeling well reflected by the land.

This land was nothing but desert; lifeless and void of light. Only darkness consumed this world. The shadows were all the land remembered. But one thing remembered more. It was the only thing here. It was neither living nor dead. It simply existed.

Many legends told of the creature that stood in this dark land. Most were wrong, but all could remember what it looked like. It stood like a man, body wrapped in a black robe with a hood covering its face from sight. Many called it a goliath, but it only stood more than six feet tall. The robe hid it well. From head to toe, all that could be seen was a black robe and two black boots.

For over a thousand years this creature had lingered in this land of darkness. It had seen the land become full of life and die again. Yet the creature survived, as it always did. The darkness though, had remained for many years now. And the creature was beginning to wonder if light would ever return.

There was still much to do, so much planning to be done. If it stayed like this forever, all its work would be for nothing. The creature was not about to let that happen.

Time passed on. There was nothing to do but wait. The creature had no idea whether it had been a hundred years or a minute. All it knew was that the darkness remained.

Then, as the creature expected, something changed. On the horizon of the desert, far away from the creature, a light rose up from the darkness, dawning the life of a new sun. Light had once again come back to the great desert.

It was time to go to work.

Once again the windless desert was filled with light, and the shadows of night were pushed away. There was much to do. Even from barren rock and sand, miracles could be done. And this time, the creature was certain its time had come.

The land as barren after the harvest had all been brought in. This was farmland. This area had been split up between eight different farms. On one of these farms, there was a homestead that had been in a family for seven generations. Now, the eighth generation had been born.

Ragynan, a simple farmer, walked down his farm carrying a bucket of milk from the barn. He walked happily as he made his way to his house where his wife and his week old son was. He entered the main room to see his wife Marian and his son. His daughter Meera was taking care of morning chores that a seven year old could handle.

If it is not two of my favourite people, Ragynan said, putting the bucket down as he looked at Marian as she smiled at him lovingly. Their son was wrapped in a blanket as she cradled him in her arms. And how is Max today?

He is fine, Ragynan. The way you’re always making sure, it’s no wonder, Marian replied. She wore a bright blue dress with her long blonde hair in a single braid.

How could I not worry about him the way you are always taking care of all of us? Someone needs to share your worry, he said bending down to kiss her.

That is very kind of you, husband, She said looking down at the child in her arms. Men always need plenty of taking care of. Or else they’ll be nothing but trouble.

Ragynan sat down in a wooden chair on the opposite side of the table. There, a mug and a plate of food still warm waited for him after all his work for the morning on the farm, a simple platter of bacon and fresh eggs from the chickens in the morning. Meera had long since eaten as her plate was already empty and been taken away.

It is said Sucardian soldiers are nearby. They may be coming in our direction, Ragynan said, reciting what he had heard from a worker who had brought supplies today.

Soldiers are always moving when there is a war going on. The king has to do something about the uprising in the west. They need to restore order to Suranon. That is a simple fact, Marian said looking at her husband seriously. But we’re loyal citizens. They have no reason to bother us.

They don’t, but that is not what bothers me. It is also said that they are escorting mages with them. I thought they’d refused to join in the war. The Lords knew that there was enough chaos all across the Crescent. It was a dangerous world out there.

You know the Hall of the Ten is in Sucardia, Ragynan. It is only right that they assist those in their country.

That is true, all too true. I didn’t marry you just because of your beauty, he finishing his meal. You are the smartest woman in all the lands.

Marian laughed as she began walking toward the room the baby was kept in placing the child in the cradle. When she came back, she was no longer laughing. It is odd, though. Did they mention how many they’re sending from the order?

Ragynan shook his head as his drank the water in his mug before scratching his beard. No, but from what you’ve told me I would have to guess at least six. They want to make sure people know they mean business.

She smiled at him as she brushed his hair in between her fingers. So you do listen to me sometimes. You are not as foolish as the other men who watched me before I married you. That is a fair guess. But it has little to do with us. Have you seen Meera today?

I saw her in the barn doing her chores. Why? Has she done something again?

No, I’m just worried about her. I think she feels neglected now that Max is here.

Getting up from his seat Ragynan drew his wife closer to him putting his arms around her. She will adjust to things.

I hope so, Marian said putting her arms around him as they kissed.

As the afternoon wore on Ragynan walked to the barn where his cows were shaded from the burning summer sun. He poured fresh water into the bowls for them before putting away his bucket and getting ready for lunch. His head turned suddenly when there was a sudden snap behind him, like the snap of a twig. Had one of the horses in the pasture managed to get out again? Wandering out the door, he looked around for the source of the sound. But the horses were still out in the pasture behind the fence. Straining his eyes to look around the distance, his hearts caught for a second. A metallic shine caught his eye, and he could make out a human shape. Finally he realized what I was. His legs carrying him as quickly as possible, he ran for his house at full speed, only daring to look behind him for a second. No, he hadn’t imagined it. It was a man holding a long sword in one hand. Bandits!? This close to the city!? It couldn’t be possible, but he wasn’t imagining things.

Reaching the house he opened the door stumbled in and slammed the door behind him. Outside came the cries of many different voices, and the sound of heavy feet crossing the yard of the farm.

What’s going on!? She asked as he ran into their room toward the closet.

He grabbed an old sword from the back hidden from sight. Bandits! He heard a body slam into their door only to be stopped as the old door withstood the force.

Meera ran into the kitchen from her room screaming as there was the sound of breaking wood. Someone’s trying to break through my window, she screamed as tears began to appear on her face.

It’s alright Meera, Marian said as she hugged her daughter. No one is going to get you.

Get Max and hide. I’ll try to hold them off,

No, not without you, Marian screamed as he heard another body hit the door.

Now! Do it for me! He heard his wife begin crying, as they ran into the kitchen. Hurrying into his room, he found the old sword in his closet, and pulled the edged blade free from its sheath.

The blade was worn from its years of use, but it would serve its purpose. If only Ragynan could say the same thing. It had been years since he held a sword. When he returned the door to the room’s small closet was closed and barred shut. That was good. If he was lucky, maybe he could hold off the bandits… Maybe those soldiers would come by and see they were under attack. Yes! That’s exactly what would happen! Ragynan just had to hold them off until then.

The yelling stopped, and the battering against the door came to a halt. Ragynan hesitated, sweat beading down his face. Was it over? Maybe they’d begun searching for another way into the house. After a moment of silence, he heard the patter of footsteps approaching the doorway.

At first there was a bright light, followed by a huge boom! Ragynan flew back as the door swung open, breaking off its hinges and shattering into splinters. As he hit the ground, the remains of the door flew past him hitting the far wall.

A man in a grey robe walked into the room alone. He was no soldier, and he carried no weapon. Despite the man’s outward simplicity, he had the composure of someone of high command. Give us the child, his iron hard voice ordered.

Ragynan rose to his feet and charged forward. But he was halted by what felt like a wall. He didn’t just stop though, he was thrown back, hitting the back wall with a heavy cracking sound. Ragynan’s heart raced as the reality of the situation hit him. This was no ordinary man. He was a mage. Of all the things Ragynan had feared, this was the worst possible thing. Struggling to get up, he felt the sting of his broken left leg. He needed to protect his family, but he couldn’t even get up right now. Even if he could, how could he fight someone like this?

The mage lifted up one hand and Ragynan’s body raised into the air and slammed against the wall, pinning him there helplessly.

Where is the child? The mage yelled again, glaring at Ragynan with a fiery gaze.

Words left Ragynan as he felt the pressure of the air moving in on him. There was no way for him to talk. His body felt like it was being crushed under some unnatural weight. All he could do was stare at the mage defiantly. The soldiers would be here! They would save his family!

The mage waved his arm, and Ragynan flew across the room, slamming into the opposite wall. All the fight that Ragynan had left evaporated. His vision began to blur as he fought just to stay awake.

With one hand placed forward, the mage turned from one door to the next, the effort of whatever he was doing painted on his face. Ragynan could do nothing but close his eyes as the mage’s hand stopped at the door to the closet. With a flick of his wrist, the door blasted off its hinges. He walked into the small space, and immediately saw whom he was looking for. Ragynan’s eyes shot open when he heard the scream. All he saw was Marian charging at the man with a knife in her hands. A scream bellowed from her mouth, filling the entire house, but it didn’t change anything.

With a wave of his hand, the knife came free of Marian’s hand, and with uncanny agility it turned in the air, and the blade plunged into her chest.

She stopped in her tracks as her body toppled to the ground, her breathing deep and heavy. The mage casually stepped over her. She tried desperately to grab the man’s legs, but she could only watch as he stood over Meera and Max.

Meera sat huddled in the corner while she cradled Max in her arms. She stared widely up at the mage, her eyes full of fear, tears glazed the side of her face. Yet Meera held onto Max tightly.

Give me the child, girl, the mage ordered, looking down at the two. He waited a moment, but Meera did nothing. She just sat there holding Max. Letting out of a huff of air, the mage’s face went even darker than before. Fine, he said, waving his arm upward.

Meera flew into the air. Her arms opened, releasing the child, and all she could do was watch. There was nothing she could do but stare as Max fell toward the ground.

The mage grabbed the child from the air with no care at all, making the child erupt into tears. Then, he waved his arm again, and Meera fell to the ground in a crumpled heap. She lay there crying as she looked up at the mage.

Ragynan had managed to return to his feet, and he tried to get into the room to help his family. His efforts were in vain, as he was thrown back to the ground again as the mage walked past him with the child. He didn’t even look at the man on the ground as he left. All Ragynan could hear was the scuffle of feet, and the yell of orders being shouted out as the footsteps grew more and more distant. Orders? Why would bandits be shouting orders? What was a mage doing with bandits? None of this made any sense at all! A dark thought crossed his mind. What if they hadn’t been bandits…

Crawling over to his wife’s body, he tried to speak to her, but after a moment he realized that it was too late. Marian was gone. In the silence of his home, Ragynan wept as he held her body in his arms, unable to bring himself to let go. His daughter ran crying to him, and he held both of them in his arms. He didn’t know how much time passed, whether it was an hour, maybe two? He didn’t know. His voice failed him. He couldn’t think of any words worth speaking. What was he supposed to say to his daughter after something like this?

Looking up at the door, Ragynan saw a shadowy silhouette of a man. He was old, with a short beard that only reached down to his mid-neck area. He moved deeper into the house. His face was set with a grim sadness. But there was no surprise.

Whoever this man was, it didn’t matter to the farmer. His rage overcame him. He tried to get up, his bloody hand reaching for his fallen weapon. He fell before he got two steps. To his surprise, the old man caught him before he hit the ground.

It’s all right, it’s all right. I mean you no harm, the old man’s calm, serene voice explained. I am here to help you. I am so sorry, Ragynan Morvana. Your son was just taken from you, and you do not know why.

How did this old man know who he was? It didn’t matter now Leave me, old man! Ragynan shouted viciously, pulling away from his grasp. You can’t help me.

But I can, the old man replied, lifting Ragynan off the floor and into a chair. I can help you understand. You need to know the truth about your son, Ragynan Morvana, and what he is to become. You are not to go after him, for I will keep him safe. I will protect him.

But he is my son! Ragynan yelled back nearly falling out of the chair. He’s my blood. It is my duty to protect him. He was not ready to abandon his child, not after losing his wife. No, I will find my son. I will not abandon him!

The old man took a seat opposite him. Believe me when I tell you this, Ragynan. If you go after your son, you will die. The best thing you can do is stay alive. If you do that, you may see your son again. And he may need you to tell him who he is.

What are you talking about? Ragynan asked, looking up at the old man quizzically. He didn’t know what to make of this. His wife was dead, and his son had been taken. Now an old man was telling him things that made no sense.

He will return to you in twenty years, Ragynan, that I will promise you. Now listen to me. With that said, the old man began speaking of things Ragynan would not believe. Yet, the old man was completely serious.

For hours he talked as Meera clung to Ragynan, not wanting to let go for a moment. What he was told scared Ragynan like nothing he had ever heard before. And this was all about his son’s future. If he survived. It couldn’t be true. But the old man explained that he just had to trust him.

When the old man finished, it left Ragynan feeling no more at ease. He leaned against the back of the chair, his mind full of stories the old man had told him. Many, he didn’t want to believe.

What about my son? Will you bring him back to me? Ragynan asked him, already knowing the answer.

The old man shook his head. I am afraid not. It would be too obvious a place to take him after they realized he is gone. I will have to take the child for now. But remember, in twenty years your son will return to you on his own. Remember that, and remember what I have told you. If I die, then you may be the only one able to tell him of what he is.

This was not what Ragynan wanted. But if what the old man said was true, then he had no chance of getting his son back on his own. He would have to trust this stranger. I understand. Thank you, old man. I will never forget what you have told me. Just, please save my son.

Do not worry, your son will be saved. With that, the old man got up from his seat and began walking out the door, leaving the two inside. There were many things to do.

The dim torchlight in the stone hallway made threatening shadows all around it. Servants watched guards, and guards searched servants for any sign of a threat. The tension was thick in the air. No one had felt comfortable since the package arrived early in the day, and ever since then more guests had been arriving by the hour.

Very few people ever got to see the small fortress at the far eastern corner of the Crescent, and even fewer wished for the knowledge. Most days this place was just an empty, lackluster relic of another age, but tonight it was full of life, and many people had come from all sides of the Crescent to be here tonight.

Now that everyone had arrived, the council had barricaded themselves in their room, and no one was to interrupt them. All the servants could do was wait, uncertain of what was happening inside that room. As far as they knew, their worst fears would be unleashed upon them, and there was nothing they could do to stop it. All they could do was hope the answer was different than what they expected.

Behind the large metal doors was a massive, circular room. There were twenty chairs forming a smaller circle with only enough room to get to the door. In each chair sat a man in a cloak, the only visible part of their body was their faces.

At the back of the room was a man in a larger chair, its back reaching higher than the man’s head. All the other chairs were the same height. Each man’s stern face was filled with fatigue from the hours spent debating the matter at hand.

In the centre of the room was a small pedestal that reached a grown man’s chest. Everyone in the room stared at what lay upon it. It was the cause of all their problems. A newborn boy lay atop it, wrapped in a white blanket. The week old child was asleep, absentminded to what went on around him. But the looks that the men gave the child were either filled with anger or concern. And depending on how this went, he may never know why.

When the man in the larger chair straightened his back, all heads in the room turned to look at him. It is time, my friends, he announced in a clear, commanding voice. We have all had time to think on this decision, and now we must decide. The boy is a threat to all of us, there is no mistaking that fact. He has the mark of the fallen one. The Great Lords of the Afterworld have told us this themselves. We have been chosen to decide what must be done. Remember, this is our one chance to do what is right. So choose, life or death. He said, his fortuitous words resounding across the room.

No one enjoyed those words. None of them wished to make such a decision for a child. But they had been chosen. It was up to them to decide.

He is just a child. The seal has been placed upon him, and he is no longer a threat to us, stated a man with a thin brown beard, his eyes brimming with tears. How do we even know he is the one? There have been others. We tested them, and we killed them, but they were not the one we sought! I won’t make that mistake again. Show some mercy! Do not harm the boy.

That’s enough! It’s not what you believe, it’s what we have been told Drune! The Lords have declared the boy a threat, the man said in a loud booming voice that stilled the room. This is not about what we think is right, but what the Lords know is right!

I agree with Drune, this is not right, called another man. How many others must we murder in the name of the Great Lords before we stop? I am tired of ending innocent lives. The man beside Drune said putting a hand on his shoulder as he finally broke into tears. Many others looked to be in the same state.

Silence! This is not a matter of murder. This is justice. This is the will of the Great Lords. Do not speak unless if it is your vote, the man leaned back letting his back touch his chair. Death, he said calmly as if he enjoyed it.

Death, the man beside him continued.

One by one, the group sounded off, giving their votes. As the votes continued to come in, the mood of the room only grew grimmer as the outcome became clear. The last final answered, ending back at the man in the high chair, and a heavy silence took hold of the room. The few men that had voted life broke into quiet tears. Those who voted death carried on with a frigid demeanour.

Very well, by a vote of twelve to eight, the child is sentenced to death, the man stated rising from his chair. By our laws, the judgment will be carried out tomorrow at dawn. Take the child away. Someone fetch a servant.

There will be no need for that, Erious. I will take the boy, an old man with a short beard announced getting up from his seat quickly.

Erious grinned. Thank you, Shen, but there is no need. A servant, he looked angry about being interrupted, but allowed it. He liked Shen.

I insist. It is the least I can do, the man had voted death to the boy. He always knew the right path.

Very well. Do as you wish. With that Erious began to leave the room, the eighteen others following quickly after him.

Shen picked the child up delicately so he didn’t wake the boy. Soft footedly, he proceeded out of the room into the quiet hall. Ten guards stood ready, all of them uneasy at the sight of the child. Aside from those ten, there were three servants still there, they watching nervously.

They asked to take the child from Shen, but he dismissed them all. He stood there looking at the child. Despite the situation, as he looked down at the boy, a smile managed to cross his face.

What is the boy’s fate, Master Akurai? One guard asked looking at the boy.

Death, he said coolly, not looking at the one who asked. But things could still change.

I doubt it. None have escaped that sentence. I pity the child, but it will be painless.

Before anyone could say another word, a blur passed through the hall. It stopped suddenly beside the ten soldiers. As it stopped, three guards fell to the ground as cuts appeared as if from air. Guards yelled, charging at the intruder.

The attacker was masked and no skin was visible. But his identity wasn’t the problem. The sword he carried was much worse. A green line ran up the centre of the sword, and a strange green liquid covered the blade. With one strike it cut through another guard’s sword, slicing into the neck. The six remaining guards charged forward, only to find their target already gone. The attacker danced his way through the guards, his body giving off a green glow. He moved like lightning, appearing on the other side of the room opposite of where he had been seconds ago.

Behind him the guards fell limply to the ground, unaware of what just happen. They were dead before they hit the floor.

The assailant stood beside Shen, sheathing his sword as the green liquid vanished. Is the boy safe? He asked removing his mask to reveal a bearded face with long brown hair.

Shen turned to face the man, barely looking at the bodies that littered the ground. He is fine, Vern. Remember, get as far away from here as possible. I will meet you at Terces if it is possible. If I am not there in three days, board the first ship you can, and sail somewhere safe.

Vern nodded as he took the boy in his arms, cradling the child firmly. I must leave, men are probably already on their way here to see what the screaming was about.

Shen agreed, looking down the hall. Make it look real. he said, readying himself.

I’m sorry, he said as he punched Shen in the face, sending him crumpling to the ground. Before the old man hit the ground, Vern had covered the child’s face with the blanket and was running down the hall with that green glow around him. Soldiers drew him to the side as they passed. Amazingly the boy was still asleep. As soon as the soldiers were gone, he was moving again, going down the torch lit halls. Shouting filled the entire base. They knew the boy was gone. But he would escape. What he held was more important than his own life.

A bell rang through the air, and the keep was quickly being locked down. No one was getting out the base without a fight. Vern ran into soldiers twice, but it barely took him a second to make a path through them.

Finally he made it onto the roof of a castle. He jumped into the air, sailing fifty feet in one jump, and landed on the castle wall. Already soldiers had gathered outside, ready to stop anyone that was trying to escape. Vern looked at the bundle he carried. He would get the child out, or die trying. Vern drew his sword and jumped into the open field into view of the soldiers. A yell went out, and the gates of the castle opened. A dozen horsemen came out of the gate, galloping straight for the lone swordsman.

Vern’s sword glowed a dark emerald colour at first, but began elevating to a greater level until it was neon green. The blade became so bright that many of the oncoming soldiers had to shield their eyes as they charged forward. Raising his sword high, Vern brought it down furiously, only hitting air, but that was all it took. The air changed direction, and the ground broke as the strange energy came in contact with it, taking the dirt with it in a direct collision with the soldiers.

Soldiers screamed and horses whinnied as they broke away trying to get out of the way of the blast. There was no escaping the wave as it continued to spread, taking everything in its path with it. When the dust finally settled, all that was left was upturned ground and pieces of bodies littered the ground. As soon as his blade was sheathed, Vern was running. He had a mission, and until that mission was done he would not think of anything else. What he carried with him was too important to make a mistake.

More men pursued Vern on horses, trying to catch up. It was an useless effort though. He was on a completely different level from all of them. Nothing could stop a Spirit Warrior. It was a fool’s errand to try.

Vern was out of sight, lost in the darkness, unable to be seen by any trying to follow him. But they would have to stop eventually. By then it would already be too late.

Three days passed, and Vern waited in Terces with the child. If Shen did not arrive today, he would take the next ship out of here. Hopefully it would not come to that. He waited at an inn at the far side of the town. It had a knight holding his sword in a heroic pose painted to the wall beside the door.

He’d barely left the room. All he did was wait with the child, his sword was ready to use at any moment. The only time he left was either for food or for scouting out the area to see if there was any movement beyond the town. He would wait until sunset to decide whether to continue on. Sadly, the day was already growing short. The child was too important to wait that long. Eventually, he would have to decide.

The boy was still wrapped in the blanket from the night he had been taken. He was sleeping as silently as ever, unaware of the danger he was in. Even if he could understand, the full extent of it would be beyond him. For now, the boy could live in ignorance.

Looking out the window, he saw the sun dipping into the sea. It was time to leave. Vern couldn’t wait any longer for Shen to arrive. Soldiers would be here soon, and he didn’t want to be here when they came. Lifting the child from the bed, he made his way to the door, leaving as casually as possible. He was just another face passing by. It was only when he heard hooves speeding through that he found the need to hurry. Vern was about to run when he heard a familiar voice.

Vern, stop it’s me, Shen said as he swung off the panting horse to the ground. For an old man he did it quite easily. He is safe I see.

Vern sighed at the sight of the old man. Are they following you? He asked as they walked hastily through the street.

The nod was all the recognition he needed to understand their situation. They spotted me as I left, but I lost them, nearly killed my horse in the process.

You’re here, that’s all that matters. I checked the ports already and there will be a ship leaving in less than an hour. I already arranged passage for you and the boy. I’ll stay behind and try to lead them away.

You’re a brave man, Vern. Are you sure you will not come with me? The boy needs someone to train him, and you could certainly do that.

I cannot. Not yet anyway. Not until he is ready for it himself. I would say ten years at least. Then I could train him, and only then. But only if he had been training before that.

In ten years then, my friend, I will hold you to that, he said as they entered the docking yard. You know I will not live much longer. Unlike you, I will die far before I come near to being one hundred and ten. If anything happens to me in that time, I want you to look after him as best you can. He will need someone to watch him.

I’ll do what I can. But if you die, how will I know who the boy is? What’s his name?

Shen wore an unsure look as he thought looking at the child. I spoke to his father before returning to join the council. I told him I would save his son, but it would be impossible to return the boy. He understood, knowing what would happen. He told me the boy’s name, though. He said it was Max. So it is only best that remains his name. But I will give him my name as well. Max Akurai. Remember that name, and remember your promise.

They walked in silence after that, moving toward the ship that would take Shen and the boy across the sea. There, Vern handed Shen the child and the old man walked up the plank.

I will remember. Just make sure the boy is ready, Vern yelled to him.

I will not forget as long as you do not. Ten years, my friend. With that he vanished onto the ship deck.

Vern walked back the way he came ready to do what he had to. Everything depended on it. If that boy did not survive, then it could very well mean the destruction of everything he had worked so long to achieve.

Chapter One

The Coming Darkness

Time is a mysterious creature. Ever flowing, and secretive in its plan, the vast wave of existence continues on without interruption. People can fight it, and there have been many that have tried, but no one has ever been able to stop something that is meant to happen from coming to fruition. Some things cannot be stopped, no matter how horrible or catastrophic they might be.

The only thing that people can hope is that there will be blue skies past the dark storms that lie ahead.

For thirty years a war has been waged across the face of the world. On one side of the conflict is a union of cities that call themselves the Seven Kingdoms. They are not a country, simply liberated people that seek freedom from the clutches of overlords. Their goal is to free all of the people of the world from the clutches of anyone that would force them to bow to a ruler. After months of battles on the fields of war, the army of the Seven Kingdoms now marches on the walls of the kingdom called Suranon. And their commander has vowed to take the city in a single night. A vow that the kingdom has not taken seriously.

After a bloody civil war to become an independent nation, free from the control of Sucardia, the city has no allies to turn to in their hour of need. The city has long been a home to a powerful group of mages, one of the greatest in the Crescent. With their help, they could easily push back the invaders. But no help was going to come, not after the battles that had been fought. Suranon was alone, and they stand against an army that can see into the future.

The war rages on, and the Seven Kingdoms will not stop until someone destroys them. But the Crescent had been divided for hundreds of years, and no army would stand against them until it is too late. And so, as the eve of Suranon’s fall draws closer, all the eyes of the Crescent have turned away, pretending that the kingdom never existed.

The forest sounded with the thunder of marching feet. The air smelled of dust and sweat as thousands of soldiers in armour marched through the small path toward Suranon. The kingdom’s scouts had only realized how close they were to their city a day ago. And less than a quarter of those men had lived to alarm their commanders. The soldiers could only imagine the fear that overtook the city now.

With them was a small party of carriages pulled by horses. Through the gaps in the curtains on the carriage, soldiers could see the shrouded figures of the people inside. All the men guarding the carriages knew better than to talk out of turn around the oracles. It wasn’t their place to speak around the mystics.

At the centre of the line was a group of mounted soldiers. Two dozen armoured men wearing matching green capes, with seven crowns on their chest plate surrounded one man. It was their duty to protect Commander Drane. With their shields ready in one hand, their other hand was propped readily on the hilts of their swords. The man was a titan, standing more than six feet tall, with every bit of his body cover in muscle. His long dark hair and matching beard framed his heavy set brown eyes and stern mouth. He wore a crimson cloak and simple metal plate battle armour with a symbol of seven crowns over the heart on the chest plate.

All two dozen men tensed at the sight of a man on horseback, but they relaxed when it became clear that it was just a messenger.

Commander Drane, the High Oracle wishes to see you immediately. She says it is urgent. Without even waiting for a response, the young man was already on the move again.

Drane and men galloped out of rank toward the carriages. Soldiers stopped to let them through and then quickly picked up speed to catch back up with the ever moving lines. Reaching the third carriage in line surrounded by an elite group of men, Drane swung off of his horse. One of his guards the collected the reins as he moved to the curtained carriage.

The carriage stopped for only a moment as Drane rushed into the carriage. When the High Oracle wishes to see someone, it truly is an order to come immediately. As the carriage started up again Drane sat down in the finely cushioned seat, he looked over at the old woman who sat alone in the carriage. She appeared to be asleep, wrapped tightly in a dark green silk robe. With her long and heavy wrinkles, she really did look ancient. The army moves well today, Drane, she said suddenly, her eyes still closed. We will reach the outer walls as the sun sets. Ready your soldiers. It will not be an easy battle.

What must I do? Drane asked his voice calm and serene.

Her eyes opened, revealing her misty, pale blue eyes. Move with silence and take solace in the shadows. The guards shall fall before they know their doom. Once you have control of the wall, it will be a simple task of moving your soldiers through the gates into their lands. She went on, explaining how the element of surprise was their best advantage. Once their armies were inside, they needed to overrun the city, and obliterate everything in their path. They would face casualties, but they would be victorious, and that was all that mattered.

Drane nodded his head. Thank you, High Oracle. We are grateful for your assistance, he went to leave when she put a firm hand on his arm.

There is more, she explained. I have seen a powerful being somewhere in this kingdom. He would be a great asset to our war if he were trained. If not… Well, let us say he could be an obstacle for us that would be much harder to overcome than any mage.

Who is this child? What is his name?

The oracle looked at him as her eyes closed and her breathing slowed. He is… He has many names. His future will bring chaos and destruction. Great powers will be gained through age, and he will have the strength of an army unnatural to this world. He will bring back a once forgotten people out of the darkness and back into the light. He has too many names, her eyes opened again and she looked at her own hand as it released Drane. I am sorry I could not be more helpful, but there is something I can tell you. He is guarded by an enemy. And if you find this man then you will find the boy. You know who this man is, the murderer of your father, Shen Akurai.

Drane’s fist tightened until it turned white. Where is he?

You will find him in the hills at the edge of the woods.

Captain, you must listen to me! Brother Gilbert shouted as he trailed hastily behind Captain Philip, his short legs carrying him as quickly as they possibly would. The Lords have foretold our doom. The only thing we can do now is try to appease them before it’s too late!

Captain Philip paid the man no heed as he continued to march through the central city of Suranon. I don’t have time to worry about your godly omens, Brother Gilbert. My orders are to protect the city, and that’s exactly what I’ll do. We don’t have time to waste slaughtering goats based on your superstitions.

The priest would hear nothing of it though. I know that you’re sworn to serve the king, but you must persuade him to see reason. There can be no victory without the help of the Lords.

Not if I have anything to say about it, the captain muttered under his breath as he walked down the blue carpet toward the large doorway. The king has more important things to worry about right now. This annoying little man had done nothing but bother him ever since he heard that he had a meeting with the king.

It still wasn’t good enough, and it was impressive that the balding old man managed to keep such a steadfast pace with him. There is no time! The king must repent for his sins against the Lords before it is too late! Only then can he save his people.

The old fools always did like to go on about the king’s sins. Ever since he had banished mages from the kingdom, the priests of the Lords had done nothing but prattle on about how he was trying to bring destruction down on them. It was like they thought they owned the whole Crescent. And now, only five years later, it seemed that they were getting their wish. I will make sure that the king knows about your request, Philip replied as a guard opened the door, allowing him into the king’s chambers, and curtly shutting it before the stout man could follow him through.

Inside, Philip found his king standing at the balcony of his room, looking out at his kingdom. My lord, Philip began as he knelt behind the man. I am Captain Philip, reporting as ordered.

Very good, the king said in a glum voice. Thank you for coming, captain. These are dark times, and I know that you’re busy getting your men ready. The man didn’t even turn to look at him.

How may I serve you? Philip asked, uncertain whether he should rise or not.

After a moment the king finally turned around, looking down at Philip. I’ve heard many tales about you, captain. Your battlefield heroics have not gone unnoticed. I wish to thank you for your many years of service protecting the people.

Cautiously rising to his feet, Philip was uncertain what he was supposed to say. He had spoken with the king, but he had always been more formal than this. I do what I must. And I will fight until my dying breath to defend this kingdom from the Seven Kingdoms, he said proudly.

The aged king offered him a small smile. Word of your bravery has not been exaggerated. But I have to ask you not to die tonight.

That caught the captain off guard. Sir, we will not lose the city. The Seven Kingdoms will be pushed back. They won’t even breach the walls.

I admire your spirit, but you don’t need to pretend around me. We have both seen the reports. Despite the harsh topic, the king’s face remained as serene as ever. I haven’t given up hope, and I know that our soldiers will do everything they can to stop the Seven Kingdoms, but we must be prepared for the worst.

Rather than arguing with a man who had already set his mind in place, Philip accepted the reality of the situation. What would you have me do?

The king turned back to the balcony, his gaze reaching out to the far off outer wall shielded by the cliff faces of the nearby cliffs. If the kingdom falls, and everyone thing looks dark. You must promise me that you will get my son to safety. He will one day be the ruler of this land, even though that day might be far off.

What good is a king without a kingdom? If the Seven Kingdoms takes Suranon, there will be nothing left for him to rule.

The king shook his head. It’s not about today. Yes, we may lose the battle for the city. But it’s one thing to capture a city, and another thing altogether to rule it. The people of the city won’t accept this Commander Drane as their ruler. Not as long as the true heir is still alive. Give them hope, and not even the greatest of armies will topple them.

It still was too much for Philip to take in. But what about you, my lord? Won’t you come with us?

My place is here with my people. I will not abandon them in their darkest hour. But neither will I let them suffer when I am gone. There are tough times ahead, captain. And I need you to make sure that we’re ready for whatever comes next.

As much as Philip wanted to make the king see that he was wrong, there was no fighting with him. He was set in his ideals, and nothing would change his mind. All he could do was follow his orders. As you wish, my king.

The sound of horns could be heard far off in the distance as the armies of the Seven Kingdoms drew closer by the minute. Suranon soldiers quickly ran to their posts, fortifying their walls and supplying their stations with much needed ammunition. The battle would soon be upon them, and there would be no second chances for anyone. The soldiers knew that, and so did the people of the city.

Already hundreds of villagers living outside the walls of the great round kingdom were marshalling themselves and the little that they could carry within the safety of the city walls. But if the defences could not hold, then they would be trapped inside with nowhere to run. The lucky ones were at the docks, leaving on ships to escape to safety.

Most of the people were trying to be as civilized as possible, but there were plenty of others that were more than willing to take advantage of the situation. Rumours said that the defences would not last to see the morning light. Pillaging and ransacking had already begun. And guards were too busy preparing for the coming invasion to worry about thieves and brigands. No, the people were left to fend for themselves.

An exceptionally brave group of boys had decided that they would break into an innkeeper’s tavern on the hillside. It had already been abandoned, and whatever was left inside was theirs for the taking. The only thing that stood in their way was a locked door. And they figured that with enough motivation, it could easily be removed from its hinges.

Three boys watched as the forth put all of his weight into accomplishing that task, ramming his shoulder into the sturdy wood of the front door. Hurry up, Geoff! One of them shouted, tapping his foot impatiently. The guards are busy, not blind!

Geoff slammed into the door again, this time the wood budging slightly more inward, but it did not go. Shut yer mouth! If you’re in such a hurry how about you do it!

The lanky boy did not appreciate the comment, but he allowed his larger friend to continue. Just hurry it up already.

A few more hits later, and it looked like the door was ready to give in at any moment. There was little time. The boys knew that they had to get in and out as quickly as possible. None of them wanted to get caught outside when the fighting started. Almost there! Geoff stammered, his breathing winded and haggard.

Before the final push could be accomplished though, they were interrupted. Stop! Shouted a voice from behind them. The three boys turned on their heels, their muscles tense from being discovered. Geoff simply tripped on his own feet, sending him colliding face first into the door. What they saw the last thing that they had expected to find. Instead of a guard here to bring their breaking and entering to a halt, it was a young boy, no more than ten years old. In his hands was a mere stick.

Get lost, kid, the lanky one shouted. Go find your mommy before the armies come and steal you away in the night.

Stealing is wrong, the boy replied, pointing his stick at the boys. I can’t allow you to break into another person’s home. Leave now or face the consequences.

This caused many of the boys to laugh. You just don’t get it. We’re all dead. Come the morning, anyone still here is going to be either killed or wish that they were lucky. If you’re smart, you won’t be here when the battle starts. How about you come with us into the mountains.

No! Even if things are looking grim, that doesn’t give you the right to steal from others! Leave now or face me!

The lanky boy let out a sigh, rubbing his grimy forehead with one hand. We don’t have time for this. Take care of him, Kieran.

With pleasure, the other boy replied, cracking his knuckles as he walked toward the boy. Get out of here kid, or you’re going to regret messing with us.

The small boy did not move, standing his ground with his wooden stick held firmly with both hands. As the assailant approached, he raised back one hand and brought it forward, aiming straight for the boy’s face. To his surprise, his target was not there, and his fist sailed harmlessly through the air.

The young boy had already moved away from where he’d been standing, and was now beside his attacker. Before anyone had time to react, the boy had swung his stick into his, face sending him careening into the ground with unexpected force in a crumpled up heap.

When their friend did not get off the ground, his two friends were quick to come to his aid, yelling at the top of their lungs, with their arms stretched out to attack. By the time they reached the boy, he had already taken action against them. He was small and fast, and before either of them knew what happened, the second boy had already joined his friend on the ground.

Panicking and flailing for his life, the last boy managed to get in a lucky strike, connecting his right arm with the boy’s face. For a moment, he thought that he might have taken the advantage. He was just a child after all. He’d probably start bawling after taking a hit. The thought brought a grin to his face. That was his first mistake.

The boy faltered for a moment, and a small bit of blood appeared at his lip, but in the next second he was already in motion again, and the grin turned to a look of horror as he felt a sudden twinging pain in his stomach, followed by an agonizing whack across his face. There was no way that this child could possess this kind of strength. But even as the thought went through the lanky boy’s head, he could simply stare up at his defeater with a look of awe and anxiety.

By the time Geoff finally managed to stumble back onto his feet, he turned around angrily to find that his three friends were lying on the ground in agony. His thoughts of revenge were soon overtaken, and his arms fell uselessly to his side. You… you…. you better watch yourself kid! You won’t be so lucky next time! With that. He helped his friends back onto their feet, and the boy watched as they hastily made their escape.

The boy stood there for a moment, catching his breath. The stick had broken after the final swing, but it had served its purpose. Thugs couldn’t be allowed to do whatever they wanted. Someone had to stand up to them. The guards were busy defending the city. The least he could do was try and help them out.

Are you having fun yet, Max? A voice asked behind the boy.

Max turned around to look at the old man who as approaching from behind him. Immediately his grim face turned into a brimming smile that went from ear to ear. Dropping the remains of his weapon, Max dashed over to the old man. Did I do good, Grandpa Shen?

The old man let out a slight chuckle. His white, furrowed eyebrows were fixed with worry. I’m not sure if pummelling a group of boys with a stick qualifies as ‘good’, but I suppose that you did the right thing. We can’t let thievery and bandits rule the land in these dark times, now can we?

Max shook his head, his smiling growing even larger. I couldn’t let them break into someone else’s home. That wouldn’t have been right at all.

No, it would not. But unfortunately we can’t solve all of the problems of the city today. We have to take care of ourselves as well. Never forget that you need to take care of yourself. We have places to be, and things to do. Now come along, Max. With that, that old man turned, and began to slowly work his way down the hill toward the small stable that he and Max lived in. As the two walked home, the sounds of the horns could be heard even more clearly than before. The armies of the Seven Kingdoms were drawing near.

That wasn’t enough to upset Max though. After all, tomorrow was his tenth birthday, and Shen had promised that something exciting was going to happen.

All his life Max had lived in Suranon on the hillside above the kingdom. It was there that he lived with his grandfather, Shen. He was an orphan Shen had taken in. The only thing his grandfather ever said about his parents was that he’d been abandoned. Max didn’t try and push the issue any further than that.

The two lived on the hillside in an abandoned stable, but they had turned it into their home. It was there that Shen had taught him about nature and the world. He learned how to find the way back home if he ever got lost, and how to defend himself, and more recently to read and write. He loved to read about the history of the world, especially about brave warriors.

No matter how much Max learned, there was always more. And the young boy was happy to learn.

Shen was always there for him. Though he had little money, his grandfather had always managed to feed and clothe Max. And he was very excited for tomorrow. As the old man had told him weeks in advance, he had something special his birthday this year.

After a late lunch, Shen collected his walking stick, and moved to the entrance of the stable. Max, I know it is a day early. But I feel that we should go into the city today.

"Do I get my present now? You