Red Hood: the Lost King

By Tyson K. Hopkins

Twin sisters, Rose and Sun were spending a lovely day along Sapphire City’s shore line. When Rose spots a beautiful brown horse rushing through Sapphire City’s gates, she spots a wounded young man wrapped in a red cloak on its back. When they discover that the man in red known as Flint is destined to stop the destruction of their world, the twins join him on his journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796080261

Tyson K. Hopkins

Ever since I was in high school, I’ve always wanted to draw and create my own characters and stories. I was inspired and influenced by the shows I watched growing up. While I did have a few ups and downs about it overtime, a few years after I graduated I looked back over some of the stuff I’ve wrote and drawn for fun. My family and friends told me I should do something about with my work and so here’s my attempt. I hope you enjoy my first ever book. Red Hood: The Lost King.

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Copyright © 2020 by Tyson K. Hopkins.

ISBN:                Softcover                978-1-7960-8021-6

                          eBook                     978-1-7960-8026-1

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 Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 12/26/2019

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Contents

The Boy in the Red Hood

Names Flint, Nice to Meet Ya

The Kings Crystal

Back on The Road

You Both Need Training!

The King Revealed

Blossom Joins the Party!

Rude Awakening

The Delta Princess

A Dance with Rose?

Rescue the Princess

Lisbeth is Coming Too?!

Attack at Bleakthorne

To Mount Automa!

Separated by Snowstorm

Alone in the Mountains…

Search for the Blacksmiths

Baldur at the Summit

A Blacksmith of Their Own

If By Sea…

The Hydra

The Elves Gateway

The World of Elves

A Much Needed Break

To the Grand Elf’s City!

The Grand Elf, Vikas…

The Malice Core

Return to Overworld

Changes Inside

The City in the Sky, Woldolph

Woldolph Stories: The Twins Performance

Woldolph Stories: A Puppy and Alice’s Gentle Side

Woldolph Stories: Leon’s Training

Woldolph Stories: Battle for Flints Affection

The Library of Kings

King Cinderfall

Showdown at Woldolph Castle

Stolen Body, Soul In Malice

The Final Battle

Aftermath

The Boy in the Red Hood

Huff…huff… Come on sis! Hurry up!

The ocean waves hitting the beach of Sapphire City crashed brilliantly, yet calmly, as a crimson-haired girl and her orange-haired sister raced along the ocean walkway.

I… I don’t think we’ll be able to get near him, Rose. Huff… the guards seemed to swarm him pretty fast after he collapsed from his horse. The orange-haired girl said through heavy breaths. All we have to do is sneak our way into the hospital, Sun. Huff ...shouldn’t be too hard. The crimson-haired girl, named Rose, said back.

A few moments ago…

The twins Rose and Sun were enjoying a typical day in their hometown, Sapphire City. Til Rose, the younger twin, noticed a brown horse rushing through the city gates.

When she took a closer look at the beautiful horse through the telescope that sat along the walkway, she noticed what looked like red cloth sitting on the horses back… Zooming in, Rose realized the red cloth was covering a young man, and he looked injured. Ah! There’s a wounded guy on that horse! Rose shouted. Huh? This catches Sun, Rose’s older twin off guard as Rose speeds down the shoreline. H-hey! Wait up!

As the twins maneuvered their way through the crowd in the shopping district, they watched as the king’s guards tried to keep the crowd at bay while the people of Sapphire City were frantically trying to figure out all the commotion. Suddenly the kind king, Abraham, reached the center of the crowd where the horse stood, protecting the unconscious young man in red. The king stood before the horse, showing her he meant no harm. It worked, for the horse calmed down and move to the side so that the king could check on her rider and make sure he was okay.

As King Abraham picked up the boy in red, he seemed to come to but only for a moment. Young man, what ails you? With a cough and wheeze, the boy tried to speak but was in too much pain. Upon closer inspection, the boy seemed to have suffered deep cuts and bite wounds. His clothes were in tatters as well as the red cloak he wore. Take him to the castle healer, Abraham spoke with authority, but in a kind tone, as he handed the boy in red off to one of the guards. Right away my king. And just like that, King Abraham left with the whole guard behind him.

Sun looked nervously to Rose. It looks like they’re taking him to the castle. Rose chuckled Hah! Looks like that’s where we’re heading. She then turned heel and went down an ally away from the crowd with Sun right behind her. I’m not sure it’s a good idea to go that way. As kind as the king is, his guards typically don’t like people snooping around. Sun said. Oh come on Sun, aren’t you the least bit curious where that guy came from? He definitely didn’t look like he was from around here. Rose spoke in a curious tone. True… but he might be dangerous, Sun said more worried.

Oh please, even if he is dangerous, he’s out cold now, Rose spoke confidently.

The twins continued on through the city streets until they made it just outside the castle gate. From there the two of them hunkered down near a bush, out of sight of the two guards keeping watch. Well now what, genius? Sun huffed. Sun, being the older twin, was ever so slightly wiser than Rose, but not by much. In addition to this, she was also more cautious and careful. Though this was more of a natural thing than an age thing. Whereas Rose was more adventurous, yet very careless. The fire in her heart for adventure was as bright as the crimson locks of her own head. Because of this recklessness, her mother had given her the nickname: Wild Rose. Hmm, give me a second. I’ll come up with something. Rose said. She looked at her surroundings and noticed some vines that they could climb, they appeared to reach the top of the wall of the gate. Looking around a little more, Rose also noticed a nest of birds sitting atop of a tree near the gate. Hmm… we can climb the vines to get on top of this wall, make our way over to the top of the gate and jump down from there… but the guards will hear us. If I can cause the birds in that nest to caw and panic, the noise might be enough to drown us out. Rose thought to herself. Come on, follow me, Rose spoke to Sun as she climbed the vines.

A few moments later the twins managed to sneak into the castle from a secret passageway near the gate. I can’t believe that worked. Rose and Sun said simultaneously. They crawled through the passageway which led them to a clearing in the castle garden. Shoot! We’re exposed out here! Rose panicked. Calm down, I don’t see any guards, Sun reassured. She then caught a glimpse of what looked to be a map of the castle on a nearby wall. They can’t figure out their way around their own home? Rose said in a mocking tone. Sun pointed out: Look, the garden leads to the castle barracks and infirmary. If we keep going this way we should be able to find that boy.

As they approached the infirmary, with the luck that no guards were about in the hall, Rose and Sun stopped in the shadows and Rose said quietly but full of frustration. There’s just one problem, how are we gonna get inside without being spotted? Rose huffed. The two of them looked around. Up there. Rose pointed to an opening in the ceiling. Looks like that might be a way in, Sun said. Rose being more athletic, ran and pushed herself off the wall up towards the opening. Sun looked up at her baffled.

What? Rose questioned. How am I supposed to do that? Sun barked angrily. Rose hung her feet from the lip of the opening and hung upside down. Grab my hands.

The two crawled once more through the opening and sure enough, it led them right above the infirmary. Over there. Rose pointed to a bed-sitting a ways back from the door. The boy was laying there. Next to him was what they guessed was his equipment and a guard that looked different from your typical one. Not as much armor, not even a helmet. Just in regular clothes with a shoulder guard and bracers. He had dirty blonde hair and admittedly looked attractive to the girls. A moment later the king walked into the room. You called for me Samuel? Abraham said. Yes my king, take a look at this guys gear. The guard named Samuel spoke. Hmm, nothing too out of the ordinary. A shoulder guard, gauntlet, The only strange thing here is the red cloak he wore. Abraham spoke in a hushed tone as to not wake the boy. Samuel picked up a red metallic case that held what appeared to be two swords. Take a look at these. He said. Abraham drew and looked closely at the first sword. Hmm, just your average greatsword, though a unique design since it’s slightly curved. Yes, but look at this one. Samuel drew the second sword. Though it wasn’t a sword it was a mighty cleaver. Strange, it’s not normal for a typical adventurer to carry such a weapon. A weapon like this is normally wielded by giants… So either this young man slew a giant or a dwarf blacksmith, friends of the giants, crafted one for him, which is equally unlikely. Abraham said in a curious tone. Huh?! He gasped as he looked closer at the hilt of the cleaver. This crest… he mumbled. Yes my king, your eyes do not deceive you, it’s the fused crest of Damas, The Mighty and Reid The Brave, Samuel spoke. That’s impossible, nobody has heard of those men in ages. Damas The Mighty and Baldur The Brave… A giant and dwarf smithing team. Though able to fight, they spent more time making gear than battling with it. The two of them built weapons for the many Kings and their knights long before us. Yet one day they suddenly packed up their shop and disappeared. Again, long before I came about. Strange… Abraham finished his sentence. That’s not all my king. Samuel showed Abraham a bright blue crystal chained to a choker. This crystal was sitting around his neck. According to our alchemists, this crystal once belonged to a king thought long lost and forgotten from our world ages ago. They also say that the crystal holds all kinds of spiritual energy as if the supposed king was still alive inside the crystal. Though you know how crazy those girls can be. Samuel said. Nevertheless, this boy is quite an interesting fellow to have such equipment on him. Let’s let him rest here for a while longer, once he awakens we’ll see who he is and where he’s from. Abraham said as he turned and left the room with Samuel close behind.

As the door shut, Rose hopped down from the ceiling. What are you doing?! Sun said in a hushed shout. "We gotta check this guy out, you heard all of that didn’t you?

This guy is definitely not from around here. Rose quietly said as she tiptoed over to the boy’s side. Sundrops from the ceiling and walks over beside her sister. This is crazy, if we get caught we’ll be in so much trouble." She huffed. Rose seemed to just ignore her as she looked at the metal case of the boy’s swords. Without her realizing it, the metal case leaned against a spear and as Rose pulled the case away the spear fell down with a clang. Rose dropped the case as she jerked up in fear, only making more noise. To their luck, no one seemed to enter the room. But someone was wide awake now…

Ahem! The Twins jolt as a pair of sky blue eyes were staring at them. Rose’s careless actions had woken the mysterious boy up and he didn’t look very happy about it… Would you two mind telling me…

"Where the hell am I?!

Names Flint, Nice to Meet Ya

The blue-eyed boy hopped up out of the bed, stretched for a moment and looked around the infirmary. I’ll ask again, where am I? He said a little nicer this time. The twins just stared at him. Uh, could you at least tell me your names? He asked, trying to get something out of the girls standing before him. Sun shook her head then spoke first. My name is Sun, this is my twin, Rose. Rose nodded in agreement. The boy smiled then. Names Flint, nice to meet ya! Rose spoke this time. Flint, you’re in Sapphire City. Sapphire City Huh? Flint then grabbed his gear from the side of the bed, all the while noticing his torso was all wrapped up, for his shirt was removed.

Huh, I guess that beast really did a number on me, Flint said as he scratched the back of his head. He then threw on his torn up black shirt, his shoulder guard and gauntlet, along with the tattered red cloak. I guess I better go take a look around. He said as he began to leave the infirmary. Wait! Rose shouted. Both Flint and Sun looked at her. You need something? Flint asked. Well… you don’t know where you are right? Rose asked. Flint shook his head. Then allow us to show you around. Sun chimed in. Flint smiled again. Alright, show me this Sapphire City.

With ease, the twins managed to sneak into the castle and come back out with the mysterious boy named Flint. Who happens to be older than them, by no more than a year. He’s twenty-three while Rose and Sun are both twenty-two. As they walked around the city the twins showed Flint their favorite places to go. From the beach to the city’s best yet cheapest restaurants, in their opinion. All the way to the town square where, while it’s not often, festivals are held as well as music is played to the people to dance to. As Flint explored the city with the girls it dawned on him that he was missing something. Ah! The horse! M-my horse is missing! Flint yelled. The twins looked at him questioningly. Your horse is missing? Sun said. Yeah… she’s been with me since I started traveling. Though we didn’t get along at first, over time we grew closer. She’s gotten me out of trouble more times than I can count. Flint huffed. Well, you were taken to the castle when you fell off of her in the center of the shopping district. I’d say the city stables has her. Rose pointed out. And where might that be? Flint said in a sort of hateful tone. Don’t be mean, Sun mumbled. Come on, we’ll take you there, Rose said as she grabbed Flint’s hand and pulled him along.

The group finally reached the stable and as soon as Flint entered the door the whinnies and whines from a brown horse with a white crescent moon mark on its head could be heard. There you are! Flint shouted as he ran from the twins to the back of the stables. Argo, He said. What a lovely name, Sun spoke as she walked up to the two of them. Huh? Where’s her saddle? Flint looked frantically around the horse but her saddle was gone. It wasn’t in the stall either. If yer lookin’ for her saddle I’ve got it. The stables owner came out from the back. You must be the boy that came in with this one. Come with me. Her saddles in the back.

A while later, Flint came back with Argo’s saddle. Here you go, girl. Flint tossed the saddle over Argo’s back as she whines with glee. And now I can store these on you again. He then took the two swords from his metal case and sheathed them in holsters on the saddle. Let’s go. Flint grabbed the reins dangling from Argo and led her out of the stables. Stick close okay? Flint said to Argo as he let go of the reins. Argo nodded and stuck with the group.

After hitting some of the shops in the shopping district the twins came walking out of one, while Flint and Argo were waiting for them. Here Flint, we got you some new clothing since your current ones are all torn, Sun said as she handed him some new black clothes. Though we couldn’t find a new red cloak, Rose said in a somber tone. Flint placed a hand on each of their heads as if he were praising them. Hey don’t worry about it, thanks so much for helping me out you two. However, I need to grab some stuff too. Watch Argo for me please. Flint left the girls and horse as he took a look around various shops such as the armory shop, weapon shop, and items shop. Soon enough, Flint came back with some new stuff. A bag full of healing drinks, a new gauntlet and shoulder guard, and a one-hand sword to add to his collection. Whoa! Nice stuff! Rose shouted. I think I’m almost ready to head out. If I don’t leave soon… Flint mumbled. What was that? Sun asked, she heard what he said but only barley. Huh? Oh nothing, nothing. He said. Sun took a brave step towards Flint, close enough to be in his face. Hmm… she seemed to ponder something. Before Flint realized it, Sun had pulled his red cloak off him. H-hey! You’ll get this back soon, I… I just want to patch it back up. Mother taught me how to sew when I was young. So I can put it back in good condition at least. Flint wasn’t sure if he saw it right but for a moment it looked as though Sun was blushing. Alright… it’s starting to get dark. I need to find an inn. Flint huffed. Don’t be silly, silly. You can stay at our place, we have a spare room you can stay in. As well as a barn for Argo. Rose chimed. You sure? Flint Said. The twins nodded together in agreement.

Alright then.

Whoa… Flint gazed in awe, as before him was a quaint little cabin a ways away from the city but still close enough to be in the city’s boundaries. Sure enough, there was also a barn seen from the front of the cabin. Welcome home, Sun said cheerfully. C’mon Argo, I’ll get that saddle off ya. Rose took Argo off to the barn. While I’m at it, you look like you could use a scrub too. She smiled. Are you sure you two are okay with us staying? Flint asked Sun. Of course we’re okay with it. It’s not often we get many visitors. The only people that really knew us were friends of our parents and well, none of them are around anymore. T-they haven’t died. They just left the city, including our parents. Though they left us this cabin, so we can’t complain, and it’s not like they don’t visit. Sun smiled. Flint nodded in understanding. He and Sun heard a gurgling noise and with it an embarrassing chuckle from Flint. Haha… I guess I’m hungry… he said. Sun giggled. Let’s go get Rose. While I know how to sew, she knows how to cook.

Eat up guys! I put my all into this! Rose said as she sat a pot of delicious food on the table. Ah sweet! Thanks rose! Flint had a look of hunger on his face as he dug right in. The twins turned to each other and just giggled. Later in the night, the three of them sat down in the main room. They were talking about Flint as Sun worked on his red cloak. So you come from a town called Cellistine? Rose asked. Yep, it’s not a great place, but I did come from there so I guess I can’t hate it too much. Flint chuckled. Where did you get all of that equipment? If you don’t mind me asking. Sun spoke. It’s just items I’ve collected in my travels. Some in battles, some from friends. One I found. Flint said as he reached for nothing around his neck. Huh? He said. W-where’s my choker? Flint said. Uh… before we woke you up, we saw the king and some guard walk off with it somewhere in the castle, Rose said. No, no, no. I have to get that back. He needs my help! Flint stood up and began to head for the door. Wait! The twins both shout simultaneously. Flint gave a questioning glance. You can’t just go storming the castle, especially at night. The guards don’t like people snooping around the place as it is during the day. If they were to catch you now, you’d end up in a worse condition than when you arrived. Sun said in a panicked tone. Besides! I don’t think you’re in any condition to do any fighting as it is, there’s no way your wounds have fully healed. Rose said frantically. The two of them together took a breath. Erk, But… Flint looked at the door then back to the twins who wore worried expressions. Fighting back his frustration, he quickly sat back down. Fine… I guess it can wait ’til tomorrow.

You said he needs your help, Sun spoke. Who’s he? Rose asked. Flint looked at them both with a somber smile then opened his mouth to speak. The Lost King…

The Kings Crystal

The Lost King? Rose and Sun repeated. The two of them turned their backs to Flint for a moment Hey, didn’t that guard Samuel say something about a Lost King? Rose whispered to Sun. He and the king both seemed to look really interested in that blue crystal that was hanging from Flints missing choker, Sun whispered back. They turned back to Flint again. I need to get that crystal back, Flint said calmly. What’s so important about it? Rose asked. That crystal belongs to a long lost and forgotten king. I found it in the ruins of a destroyed civilization near Celestine when I was younger, I was always told never to go there but I couldn’t restrain my curiosity. Flint said. So that was the first item you’ve ever found in your travels? Sun asked. With a nod, Flint said Yes, in fact, it’s what started my journey. I found the crystal sitting in the center of a ruined, yet grand hallway. I walked closer to where it sat and despite my better judgment, I grabbed the crystal. Except when I did, I became dizzy and the world around me began to bleed in and out. When everything finally went dark, in which I can only guess I had passed out, I saw a small light and a young man’s voice spoke to me. He asked me for his help, though when I asked the voice for a name he couldn’t tell me. Flint paused. How come? Sun asked him. Because the voice said he didn’t know his name. He couldn’t think of what it was nor could he recall anything about himself. However, the light became brighter and soon took the form of a young man who seemed older than I was. Flint paused again. So what’d he look like?! Rose said as she was beginning to get excited. Well, he looked like an older version of… me… It was strange, but as sudden as the moment happened, it passed just as quickly. I came to on the ground within the ruins with the crystal in my hand. After talking to my parents about the experience I had and the mysterious spirit I saw. Father told me that when I got older, if I wanted, I should go on a journey to discover who this spirit was. People in my town believe that events like these mean that specific people are tied to ancients who have already passed on, such as kings, That they’ve reincarnated and we are who they were, but in a modern age. Mom absolutely disapproved of the option at first, but as I got older she realized I wasn’t a kid anymore and that I needed to do this… I used to talk about wondering who the spirit was all the time. Flint finally finished his story and without realizing it, Rose and Sun both were well interested in the story behind the crystal. So I’ve been to all sorts of places and have faced all kinds of beasts. Though I have had moments when facing certain tasks, people or beasts, where I’d pass out suddenly and see that spirit once more. Over time, I’ve learned he’s a king and that his soul is trapped inside the crystal, he can’t move on ’til he finds who he is and what he failed to do. He and I both also discovered that as long as I have the crystal on me, the spirit and I can somehow switch places at any time. I learned that this was the cause of the blackouts. If it was a task I couldn’t handle, he’d take over. Though whenever I come back, I don’t remember much of what happens. Flint gave a stupid smile.

Sun looked at him as if he was crazy. I’m sorry Flint, I find your story kind of hard to believe. Not me! I think it’s awesome, you’ve been on a journey to discover who this spirit was. Yet it sounds like you haven’t learned a whole lot. Rose said cheerfully. Either way, I have to get that chocker. The king and I have no connection if the crystal isn’t on me. I can’t abandon him. Flint huffed. While I understand you’re panic Flint, I can’t let you go there to get hurt or locked away. Not tonight. Sun said. We’ll help you get the kings crystal back! On one condition. Rose spoke in confidence with a smirk across her face. Flint raised an eyebrow. Oh yeah? What might that condition be? He asked the cheerful redhead. It’s very simple, I want to go with you on your journey! Rose shouted. What, are you nuts!? You know how dangerous the world can be?! Sun yelled Oh come on sis, surly you want to go too. Aren’t you bored just sitting around Sapphire? Rose poked fun. If you two can help me get into the castle, find the choker and get back out before the third day from today… Flint sighed. …you can come with me. He said. Yay! Rose squealed and tackled Flint to the floor. H-hey, get a hold of yourself, Sun exclaimed as she pulled Rose off of him. Are you happy? Good, then tomorrow you two are gonna help me get that crystal back. Flint said in a shaky tone. We gotta hurry then leave the