Lightward

By David Cleofas Avila

Lightward is a hero's journey dragon fantasy quest novella. Startus Maximus, defender of Gladen, armed with the Spear of Reivl, must defeat the latest winged threat. The dragon has retreated far over the horizon of the rising light. Startus must journey lightward to complete his quest.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Cleofas Avila
• Release date: Sep 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005372934

David Cleofas Avila

David Cleofas Avila is an artist, musician, and author.

Book preview

LIGHTWARD

BY

DAVID CLEOFAS AVILA

Published by David Cleofas Avila

Smashwords Editon

Copyright 2021 David Cleofas Avila

With Thanks To Family.

&

Jeff.

Chapter 1

Rain fell, greying sky and the world it contained, collecting, puddling in the mud surrounding the road to the Keep and the random, abhorrent pothole alike. It was the season past the thaw, but no being occupied the road; most people sheltered. Two raggedy, muddy, children braved the wet and could be seen repeatedly running from puddle to puddle, stooping down, standing up, and coming together in what should only be described as worm collection.

Hilsod, look at this one!

Hanco held up a long, wriggling night crawler for his younger brother to inspect.

Wow! That one’ll do, for sure!

A pocket of worms can land you and your family a fish, along with everybody else, perchance!

Hilsod giggled at Hanco’s portrayal of their mother. As it would be, the boys’ mother ambled home; slogging through the muck. Her bartering and handiwork had earned her the freshly caught and killed gopher she carried.

Making out the shapes of her sons squatting at the edge of puddles, she smiled and paused, thinking of her dear departed love, whom had so recently befallen bad water. Taking in the satisfaction of her sons’ labor, she silently gave thanks to her god. Worms held value that would parlay into what her husband’s final gift would need; she reflected at the child that grew in her womb, this much was true.

As if in response to her thoughts, her back ached and she felt wetness. Amniotic fluid flooded down her legs, onto her feet, and into a puddle. She called out for her boys.

Hilsod! Hanco!

With each fist a grip of worms, they ran to their mother’s call to present what they had thus far. She caught her breath as they approached, prepared her speech, and spoke with urgency upon their arrival.

Both of you, listen up! Put away the worms. Hilsod, run and fetch Aunt Jennene. Hanco, go to the bar, tell Phessence that I need her. Hurry, now, boys! The baby’s coming! Make haste!

The boys let out a yelp together, exchanging a glance. A bounding step carried their legs, and their messages, onward. Hilsod ran down the way and back up into the leaf litter shelters near the forest to his aunt’s. Hanco to the only person trustworthy and reliable in times such as these, Phessence.

His message naturally, by way of the rhythm of word of mouth and by drumming alike, reached Phessence before he arrived. Folks called out to him as he passed by causing an uproar that could be heard at the edge of the forest furthest from the city. She told her partner at the bar she was leaving and met Hanco in the pathway.

The baby is coming, Phessence!

So, I hear, Hanco, and it is wonderful news!

Phessence midwifed, healed, and tended bar. To her, this day felt no different from any other as she knelt, welcoming Hanco and listening to him tell her what she already knew. His embrace created in her an overwhelming sense of love and compassion with the promise of more to come.

Let’s hurry!

She took Hanco’s hand. Together they walked as quickly as possible through the pathways leading to the edge of the road, where they followed its curve toward the city, within eyesight of Hilsod’s, Hanco’s, and Henrietta’s semi-permanent dwelling.

As they approached, Hilsod ran outside only to lock eyes with Hanco before crying out to him, Aunt Jennene says ‘hurry!’ Momma’s fell asleep all of a sudden, but the baby hasn’t come yet!

Phessence and Hanco broke into a full sprint; Phessence arrived at the hut’s entrance well before Hanco, silently mouthed a prayer asking for guidance, and entered. Jennene knelt at her sister’s side weeping as Hilsod, looking worried, gently patted her shoulder, tears and snot streaking down his face.

Phessence knew what had to be done. She went to Jennene and whispered in her ear for a moment.

Jennene nodded and spoke, Hilsod, come! We must let Phessence work.

Jennene ushered him out, preventing the entrance of arriving Hanco. She stopped in the doorway, turned toward Phessence, but only nodded, numb but aware, and stepped outside, embraced by Hilsod and Hanco.

Phessence had to save the baby. She did what she had to do.

So was born an orphan. Dirt and mud were as much a first home as any.

His mother had made her sister promise to help her boys if all should go wrong. Jennene kept her word too. It was she who saw to it he was cared for the first couple thaws of his life.

After, she led him back to Hilsod and Hanco’s to live with them off the vermin they caught and killed. She felt it best the boys lived together, and in order to create a better bond, she decided they would name their new brother for whom they would be in charge.

Hanco and Hilsod were cooking a rodent on a stick over a fire outside the doorway of their shack when she and their new brother walked up.

Hello, boys. I brought you your brother. Give him a name and keep him alive.

She turned, knelt, and gave the toddler a hug. He hugged her back around the neck. He was big and tall for his age. Though she would miss him, she was glad he was going. He ate lots.

Go, little one. Go, live, and be safe with your brothers. They will help you. Listen to them. They are your guides.

Jennene stood, turned around, and walked away, ignoring the baby’s whine. Hilsod reached out to the child the bit of meat from the mouse he and his brother had already cooked and partially ate. Hanco cooed at his baby brother while Hilsod spoke encouragement.

Hey, liddle guy! Here! Have sum tasty rodent!

The toddler’s whine whimpered down to a sniffle and then to a sniff. The sight and smell of meat caught him, and he went for the meal. Hilsod gave him the meat with a smile ending with a laugh, enjoying in the delight his new brother was finding in their rodent meat.

Hanco, his own laughter of bemusement, entertainment, and joy, echoed Hilsod.

Li’l brother is hungry! . . .

His speech trailed off as he and Hanco watched their baby brother eat with satisfaction. A gobble of delight was heard around the small fire. Hanco reminisced.

Mother sewed her fingers raw ta get enough to feed us without Father. We spend da last copper. Remember? We would aide mother. But now . . .

The youngest yawned and plopped down to sit where he once stood. Hilsod shared his