The Forgotten

By Patrick C. Pagnano

About the Book
The Forgotten is a thrilling story of a boy thrust into the cruel reality of the world. This world is full of monsters and magic. It is also where the gods play with the lives of mortals for their own entertainment and satisfaction. The young boy stumbles through his life, desperate to find a way home. With each unfathomable turn of event comes another wave of chaos unyielding in its efforts to uproot what little he has left.

About the Author
Patrick C. Pagnano was born in Auburn, Nebraska. He currently resides in Citrus Heights, California. He worked multiple jobs throughout college while maintaining his relationships with his family and friends. He is happily married and has a career in the engineering field. He enjoys writing as a way to express his creative side and escape the stress of everyday life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Aug 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887295701

Book preview

| Chapter One

It was mid-morning; the sun was up. The nighttime air was still chilled, and the dew on the grass sparkled in the twilight. The five boys were all gathered at the village’s edge. They could see the fields. The small orchard that lay between the fields and the southern tip of the village was easily visible. They stood still, and quiet as a chilling breeze blew over the village. They watched the village wake from its slumber. They waiting to see if it had known what they had done.

The five boys, now thieves, stole weapons, and hunting gear from their fathers’. They would need it more than their fathers’ now. They were young, the oldest only sixteen, and the youngest fourteen. Together, they stood, and despite their age they stood at the edge of the large looming forest that lay behind the village. Regardless of this, they would still brave the forbidden Blood Rooted Forest.

Steven turned and entered the forest first, as was agreed. They needed to hunt here where prey was still plentiful. If they didn’t find enough meat for the village, they risked starving or worse, cannibalizing. The winter was too long, and their supplies far too low to make it through the winter, let alone plant enough crops for the next harvest. Steven looked over his shoulder, reassuring himself he had pick the right people for this task. He mentally went over everyone and their skills. He didn’t have much choose in who to bring, but he had to reassure himself somehow.

David followed second, being the oldest at sixteen. He looked to Chris with a slight nod motioning for him to follow. He knew that he needed to protect the runt. They were the best of friend, and they always did everything together. Chris skill with the bow kept him from being useless. He always looked to David for help and protection. David always helped him since he was little. David having an abusive dad liked the feeling of being important. Chris was a single child whose father died in a small landslide. Chris looked up to David like a father, even though he acted more like a big brother.

The twins Roland and Richard followed behind them. Roland was the tallest of the group and Richard was the most energetic. The twins were as different as day and night. While Roland was what every father wanted: strong, loyal, upstanding, Richard was the opposite. Richard was troublesome and always disrespectful. Roland would inevitably cover for him, while Richard coasted off of Roland’s skills and work. They were brothers nevertheless and they looked out for each other.

Together, they entered the forest barely armed. Steven looked back over them silently taking inventory of their gear. David, and Steven welded swords. Roland carried a boar’s spear and a sword. Richard and Chris fiddled with their bows and daggers. Steven kept a close eye on who had what. Roland was the biggest, it only made sense for him to have the boar’s spear. David was strong and had some sword training already. Chris and Richard were far better with the bow than Steven. Even if Steven was slightly smaller than Richard, Steven did not want to risk hitting someone with an arrow.

It was quiet as they entered the forest, slowly following the trails inward. They didn’t speak a word. They were all pondering if they did the right thing. They wondered if the messenger the elders sent was going to make it. He had been sent out on foot to an outpost controlled by the Sliver Knight’s order after all. The trail was a week’s ride on horseback. Even if he made it there, they wouldn’t have time to bring the provisions to the village before the pass was snowed over.

All of them knew it was true but now in the forest, they started to doubt if they were right. Steven had convinced them to come. He was persuasive, but what convinced them most was the drought. The village was in bad shape, and they all knew it. They would have never come into the forest if they thought there was any other way.

They were the best ones for the job, or so Steven convinced them. If the adults did it, they risked being whipped as punishment despite what they brought back. Anyone younger than them would not have the strength or skill to go hunting. Chris was the best shoot with the bow of all the youngsters. Roland was strong enough to hold his own against some of the adults. While David was a natural tracker, and Richard was swift footed for his age. He could outrun any of them and had the stamina to keep running long after they all were exhausted.

Steven remembered talking to everyone and was deep in thought when David finally said he found some clear tracks. They were deer tracks, but they needed all the food they could get. Steven thought they could get a small boar if they were lucky. They knew even a small boar would be close to a thousand pounds in this forest. Steven followed David now, as they tracked the deer, it would be some time before they found anything.

It was past noon before they saw signs, they were getting close to the herd. They followed the tracks for several more hours before David requested a break. We can’t stop now you said we were getting close. Richard snapped. He was getting more energetic the farther inward they went. Everyone knew it was his nerves.

Exactly, we are tired. If we get too close and we make a mistake we could lose them. So, best we only get close when we are at our best. David’s voice was horse. His mouth dry, his courage was running out.

I … I think we should stay here and rest. Chris’s timid voice was barely above a whisper. He would have likely run back to the village by now, if not for David. He didn’t want to leave David’s side. It was for the best, they needed to stay in a group. Steven had convinced them of that much.

You only say that because David said he wants a break. Richard didn’t sound aggressive he merely said it out of nervous habit. He always spat out the first thing that crossed his mind. He was rather straight-forward about his thoughts and options.

I think it’s a good idea. There is no reason we should be tired when we get there right? Roland’s voice was rather flat. He was hiding his emotions, but Steven knew Roland. They were best friends since they were toddlers. He knew Roland was scared.

Steven, don’t you think it is best we rest? There he goes asking Steven to back him up again. Steven found it unnecessary. Steven smirked slightly annoyed, Roland only asked for Steven’s help when he knew he would get it. Probably would be best we rest. David how close are we?

I would say if they were spooked and keep this pace I could find them within three hours. If they stop to graze, nest or drink then sooner. Seven trusted his judgment. He wouldn’t bring him here just to second guess him or his skill.

We have about five hours of light left. We can take a break now and follow the trail for three hours. Whether we find them or not we won’t have the time to hunt them. So we will rest now and get as close as we can. Are your sure you can find the trail the again in the morning? David nodded his head with confidence, fake confidence, but that was all Steven needed.

Looks like I was out voted! A quick roll of his eyes showing his frustrations before moving on. Well if we are going to rest, I guess I better enjoy it. Richard found a small tree to lean against and quickly fell into a fake light sleep. Roland laughed a little at him, but it helped to break the tension that had started rooted in them all. They all enjoyed the rest and admired the forest. Taking a few drinks of water they rested their legs. It was surprisingly peaceful. There were even several songbirds singing for them.

Steven couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. He let out a dry laugh as he tried to shake the imaginary eyes off his back. It was a forest everything was watching them. Watching his friends relax in a mute silence was strange. It only took twenty minutes before Steven couldn’t handle it anymore. Standing he looked to David, who took a deep breath and got up. Reluctantly the rest followed suit.

True to his word David found the deer almost exactly three hours later. They were laying down to rest in a fairly small grove. There were several bucks and many more does. Only a few could be considered large. Steven look over the grove. There were dense bushes on their right side. The trees around it formed an almost perfect pentagon with the brush as its base. Backing up Steven saw everyone looking at him; seeing if he would lead them or stop them. It unnerved him.

We should rest for the night and attack them first thing in the morning. If we attack now the smell could attract larger predators. In the dark they will have the advantage, so best wait till morning. That way at least we can see if anything is coming. Steven spoke in a soft whisper for fear of startling the deer. Everyone just bobbed their heads, taking the whispers as a sign to be quiet. Slowly, they snuck back several paces. Finding a spot close by, they settled down for bed.

Someone will need to take first watch. If they sit right there, they can see the deer, and… anything else approaching us. Chris stepped up without a word and walked over to the spot Steven indicated. With that they got out two large blankets. Steven thought it would be best for them to share large blankets instead of several small ones. This way they would be closer together in case of an animal attack. Their shared body warmth would help too. The last reason was it was lighter than everyone carrying their own. That way it would be easier to carry more meat back. With their head alternating sides they looked a little silly, but they could climb out without waking anyone.

The night was longer than normal. They slept but very little. The engulfing darkness was suffocating. The moon was high. It was nearly full most the night, but under the trees, sinister shadows played. They feared every moment of it but showed no sign of it. They were together and armed, that would be enough to ensure their sanity, and safety.

The sun snuck up in utter silence. They were already up. Steven roused them before the sun came up. They slowly moved into their positions, a few of them smelling their pits. They nervously felt the wind blowing over stiff arms, hoping it wouldn’t alert their prey. Chris and Richard stood on either side of Roland. Roland stood at the point of the pentagon, opposite the brush. Steven and David stood at the edge of the brush. Chris and Richard are supposed to shoot together at the first deer to stand up. They could see each other but David and Steven couldn’t see them. David and Steven weren’t supposed to move until the herd moves.

If they move too early, they risk getting shoot by Chris or Richard. Once the herd moved, they were to charge them forcing them, or more accurately startling them, towards Roland’s position. There Roland would use the boar spear to kill one. It was the best they could come up with that even gave them a chance of getting something. Steven out lined the plan as clearly as he could. They all understood that if this went well, they could get two or three deer. The next challenge would be carving the meat, but they needed to get it first.

Having extra would only work to help the boys. They could even eat some of it freshly cut, something they all looked forward too. If they had extra, they could simply scatter it for scavengers so they wouldn’t follow them back, or at least they wouldn’t have a clear trial to follow. Steven reminded them that this trip wasn’t about getting enough food for the village all at once, but to show the village it was safe to hunt here.

They were all nervous. The sleep helped them stay conscious, but that’s all it did. They were not sore but nether were they ready for this. It was the craziest thing they ever did, entering the forest. Now it was time for them to make this trip worth it. They all tensed their hand on their weapons, squeezing them then relaxing them. It did little to help calm their nerves. Waiting only a few minutes felt like hours to them. Time seemed slower waiting for the herd to wake.

The herd was accustomed to the predators of the forest. They were used to watching the trees and the sky. So when the first buck awoke it stretched out it’s intimidating frame and started to scan the trees. It was fairly large, maybe four hundred pounds. The buck was still drowsy when Chris looked to Richard. Together they drew arrows and counted slowly. Five, they picked an arrow from there quivers. Four, they notched the arrows. Three, they stood, taking a deep breath to steady their hands. Two, they drew back the strings, holding their breath. One, they released their arrows.

Only a fraction of a second apart, the arrows raced toward the buck, which stood only ten yards away. Even with that distance both hit their mark; one arrow piercing the buck’s neck and the second landing in his shoulder blade. Startled, the buck jumped into the air, and started bucking at the stinging pain. Chris and Richard were slow to aim and couldn’t get another shot off until several other deer had jump up in shock. Still they let loose another arrow each to land solidly into the buck’s chest piercing his heart or lung they weren’t sure. The buck dropped to the ground as the rest of the deer started to scatter.

David screamed and ran out into the herd in hopes of getting one or at the very least getting them to run toward Roland. Jumping too soon the deer easily evaded him and ran toward Roland. Steven, hearing David scream turned around the tree and echoed the call. The deer were closer to him, and he managed to scrape one on its side as it turned to run. It wasn’t fatal but it would bleed. Luckily, they did manage to herd them toward Roland.

Roland waited mire seconds after he heard the screams to step out. Planting his spear butt into the ground as he came around the tree, he braced himself. His lack of noise may have helped him, or it may have been the luck of his first hunt. Regardless of that the first deer to come at him was speared clean through its chest, and deep into its internal organs. It dropped to the ground jerking and twitching. Thinking quickly he drew his sword and spun around the tree, to his right side. Swinging the sword in a large arch as he spun. With his hopes high he aimed for a large doe, but he over swung. The doe halve slammed into his arm.

Halve landing the blow on its lower neck, the sword was ripped from his hands. The force of the blow dislocated his shoulder. Slamming him into the ground. Roland rolled behind the tree as he tried to catch his breath. The herd stampeded by inches from his head. Laying there waiting, he rested his arm. Richard was the first to reach him.

How bad are you hurt? Richard said it with the adrenaline still in his voice. Roland could still hear the fear in his brother’s voice, even when he tried to hide it behind his excitement. Not bad. I think my arm is just dislocated, not broken. Chris and David were there by his side now. Steven stood with his back to them sword still drawn, ready to defend his friend to the death, if needed. Fear and self-hated swelled in Steven, tears were already starting to bloom in the youths’ eyes, as David looked at it.

How do you know it isn’t broken? David asked as he helped him up.

Well it’s more my shoulder that hurts, not my arm. I can feel my arm and it doesn’t feels in place. I can’t move it. David examined it as Chris sat mutely next to them. David probed the arm, as Roland winced. David had seem a broken arm before, and this wasn’t the same.

I hope you’re right. From what I see it isn’t broken but you can’t use it. Not for anything, until we put it back into place, at least. David sounded relieved it wasn’t too bad.

You are one crazy idiot, how you are going to help us carry the meat back now? Steven faced them, already wiping the would-be tears from his eyes. Roland stood and looked at him. He knew it was partly because of his injury and partly the excitement of the hunt that had Steven so easily flustered.

Well I can’t do all the work now, can I? Smiling to reassure everyone he was ok was the only thing he could really do.

Now, where is dad’s sword? Richard laughed and pointed into the wood in the direction that the deer ran.

You got it stuck in the deer. The deer ran off with it still impaled in it. Roland looked pale at the words, realizing the truth to them.

Dad’s going to kill me if I don’t get that back. They all laughed at him. He simply looked into the forest worried, but slightly amused. Richard pulled the spear from the deer and handed it to Roland for support. Roland turned to the deer and stabbed it though the heart to ensure it was dead. Then he started to follow the trail of blood into the forest, using the spear as a walking stick. Richard followed quickly behind.

Do you mind cleaning up these while I help them? Steven asked Chris, but David answered for him. It will be fine it won’t make it far with a wound like that. You can track it easily. Chris and I will start to tend to the meat and make a fire so we can eat what will spoil. Steven smiled and Chris nodded in agreement.

Running after them, Steven felt happy. It was going well despite Roland’s injury, and everyone was in good spirits. David and Chris set to work on the deer as Steven disappeared into the brush. Starting a fire and gathering wood was what Chris was good at. They would need something to carry the meat but first they wanted to sample it. Their mouths already starting to water at the idea.

Roland, Richard, and Steven followed the trail hoping to find it bleeding out. Richard was leading. Roland was in the middle, due to his arm. While Steven followed up the back. It didn’t take long for them to find it, and Richard stepped back to speak in a whisper to them. I think it’s dead but I am not sure. Can I borrow that? Richard pointed to Steven’s sword. Steven put his hand over the sword, instinctively guarding it.

Just to be safe? Steven handed over the sword without any objections. Roland glared at him. Richard was impulsive and just realized he had forgot the bow and quiver where Roland fell. Thanks. Roland next time you want to show off and take them down where we can find them more easily. I don’t like the extra work.

If there is a next time. It was kind of cool though. He killed that one clean though. This one still has the sword in it. So, it must have been one hell of a hit. Steven didn’t sound overly surprised. He had faith in Roland abilities, but they could easily hear to sarcasm in his voice. It must have got stuck in bone to have stayed in it this long. I am impressed, it was a nice hit.

Well it more just ran into me. I don’t think that counts. Richard and Steven simply looked at him. He knew that look all too well. What? They laughed at him, after exchanging glances. Richard stepped out of the bushes they hide behind, sneaking up on the deer. He did not really try to sneak up on it, it was wounded, and he could kill it without too much trouble. Once he reached it, he stabbed it in the chest and twisted the blade, it lay still. Now they had to focus on carry it back.

Roland sat resting, looking at his brother. He was waving them out. He had a smile on his face. The light seemed to shine on him. It made him look at peace. Richard watched Roland’s and Steven’s smiling faces. It was likely the happiest moment in his life. Roland and Steven could only watched as this dream turned into a nightmare. Richard’s chest exploded out at them. Blood sprayed their faces, the bushes and the tree trunk.

Rib bones protruded out of his chest; his face forever frozen in a moment of joyful bliss. The killer flung its head upward nearly ripping him in half. Some intestines flew out and into a nearby tree, dangling like some hellish decoration. As the body landed not far from the deer. The killer stood tall and fearsome.

Its face covered in Richard’s blood, slowly rolling through the rows of spikes on its bone helmet. Its wolf like snout snarled glaring dagger sized teeth at the world. Its powerful raptor like legs, wings folded into its side, X shaped hands on the elbow of the wings. The fingers were lathery tipped with blade like talons. The unmistakable dual spine tail, each spine ending with an elongated blade like bone protruding from its skin. It was a drac, standing at least seven and a halve feet tall, and it was the angered master of this forest.

| Chapter Two

In a mute silence they watch the drac move as if slowed down by some strange spell. Taking one step closer and let lose a deep roar the drac shattered the boys’ resolve. Roland and Steven didn’t even breath until it took a second step toward them. Roland stood stunned as Steven covered Roland’s mouth and pulled him back, away from the drac.

We have to go. There is no way he survived that. We can’t stay here. Pulling Roland’s face to his as he tried to keep his voice down, staring into his eyes, as he whispered, "If we don’t go now, we are dead." Roland was paralyzed, still in shock from his brother’s blood being splattered all over his face.

Thinking of nothing else, Steven smacked him. It landed harder than he meant. Roland took only a split second to shake off the shock and bolt, running mindlessly, leaving his spear on the ground. Steven, thankful he hadn’t died of shock, grabbed the spear and followed him, never looking back for a second.

They ran through the forest as their lives depended on it. They didn’t stop running or slow down till they reached David and Chris. Roland dove behind a tree, too out of breath to say anything, Steven turned and placed the spear butt into the ground, bracing. David after a few moments of confusion drew his sword and Chris ran for his bow a few feet away.

What’s happening? David asked as he stood between Roland and the trail they emerged from. Are you guys ok? Where is Richard? Roland and Steven didn’t move. They just took deep breaths to try and calm themselves, it didn’t help. Tears already started to cloud their eyes. David stood ready unsure of what happened or what to expect.

Steven didn’t move again until he heard Roland puking, tears streaming from his face. Steven just stood up and walked over to the fire Chris started. Taking several minutes to calm down, David waiting for what was clearly terrible news. Steven looked at him and confirmed his worse fear.

Richard is dead. Steven’s voice was hollow as if his body moved without his permission. David just looked in horror. Chris patted and rubbed Roland’s back trying his best to help Roland relax. David stepped closer to him so Roland would not have to hear.

What happened? David’s mouth dry and voice scratchy at the news. He didn’t think anyone would die in here. Someone was bound to get hurt, and they were prepared for that. Never did he even once think someone would die. Steven’s voice broke, and his mind blurred with his vision.

I don’t know. It just happened… one minute he was there…. It just killed him on the spot… We found the deer. It . . . it. . . just killed. . . Him… just like that… gone. . . Are we safe here? Will it come here? What is it? Steven didn’t think, he just spoke.

We are safe, it has food, and no reason to chase us. Even if it comes it will only come for the deer. Steven mumbled it through his sobs, questioning why he ever entered the forest. David turned to the forest and looked at the forest fearful, and doubtful. No one dare say it. If it wanted to kill them, it would. There was no point in running.

Steven sat down finally dropping the spear. One by one tears began to fall, four boys lost in the woods, and now they knew their friend would never be going home. They didn’t try to hide the tears. They cried till their eyes dried. It was silent until David moved to tend to the meat. Chris got up to help, while Steven just watched the fire burn. Roland seemed dead now, no emotions, no noise. Steven even questioned if he was breathing.

Roland was lost in a deep darkness. His mind was in happier times when they were all together. He didn’t have any tears left by the time food was ready. Roland did not eat much despite being hungry. He ate only a bite every few minutes, time was sickening to him. He felt like he was on a ship in a terrible storm. If he ate too much too fast he would get sick again he knew that.

They treated the meat best they could and left the hides on, in an attempt to keep the meat fresh. They weren’t sure if it would work but in their state of mind it seemed reasonable. David was always watchful of the forest, as they worked. They put together sticks to see if they could make a sled. It took several tries and even one of their spare blankets to get the sled to hold together. Hopefully it would slide easily over the thick grass.

Even though it took most of the day, they had several hours of day light left. They didn’t even speak of going back to the village that night. They didn’t say much of anything. They didn’t say what they should do or where to go. They simple ate, rested, and smoked the meat. Once the sun set they took turns watching the fire and sleeping dangerously close to it.

It was in the morning that they started to speak again. David mentioned getting berries for breakfast, and Steven offered to help him. They were not out of sight of Chris or Roland. They refused to be far apart from Roland, or the group. What are we going to tell his parents? Steven spoke in a low voice.

I don’t know. How much trouble do you think we will be in? David asked already having an idea. They were in deep trouble.

I think they might be happy to see us home safe. I just hope they don’t whip us, like they would the adults.

"They shouldn’t whip us, but they will whip you!" David directed his anger toward Steven.

Why would they whip only me? Steven knew the answer; he just didn’t want to believe it. He certainly didn’t want to hear David say it.

You are the reason we are here. He died because you brought us here. We aren’t all going home. You got him killed. His voice was full of emotions, but it wasn’t all anger. Fear, and sorrow echoed in his throat, but Steven knew he meant what he said.

Calming himself a little before speaking again he said, That is how they will see it anyways. Steven didn’t argue. They needed to get home first, and then they can worry about who is to blame. Steven collected the berries in silence and David keep to himself. Once they ate breakfast, Steven was the first to talk. We need to get back to the village.

How are we going to bring the deer back? They are too heavy to bring them both. David said it with an attitude. We will leave one or Roland will have to help pull the other. Roland looked up at his name, but he didn’t speak.

Why can’t you help? He is injured. Chris can help too. David pointed to Chris as if Steven didn’t know where he is. Because he will have to cover you as you go back.

I can cover you with the bow but only in the more open areas. This dense forest is impossible to shoot in. Chris was quiet voiced, making them have to hold their breath to hear him.

It will be fine it’s just a precaution. You won’t likely get attacked. Steven’s voice showed confidence, reassuring them. David still scoffed at the remark, but he didn’t want to make it worse. Dracs were extremely territorial, they would not allow any other predators inside their territory. They were prey to it not competition.

Why do you keep saying ‘you’? Roland’s voice was sore and ridged from being sick so much. He still noticed what David and Chris didn’t.

Because I am not going back with you. They all looked at him with deep confusion. I am going after Richard. He had my family sword and his. I know it’s risky, and I will bring back his body for burial if I can. If nothing else, I could at least get the swords back.

They looked at him, mouths gapping. But I thought that you said the drac killed him? It would have eaten him by now if it was hungry, Right? David stood as he talked, his nerves making him fidgety.

Even if it did we need to bring his sword back. They were quiet. Then Roland stood ready to yell at him. Even for farmers, no, even more so for farmers the family sword was very valuable, because it was much more like a family honor, and is commonly the most expensive thing a farmer would own if it was to be inherited. Roland didn’t care about that and was more than willing to share his disapproval. Steven beat him to it.

Don’t try to stop me! I brought you all here. I need to do this. It is something I have to do. How can I ever face the village again if I can’t at the very least bring back the family swords? Roland, please don’t try to stop me. Roland stood speechless before his friend. Minutes passed, and Roland looked him over. He was right in so many ways, but Roland was still scared. Leaning in Roland hugged him, hoping he was making the right choose.

On the verge of crying Roland whispered into his ear, Come home safely or I will burn this forest to the ground looking for you. Steven was a little surprised by the seriousness in his voice. It was good to know he could still come home after this. That is if he made it back.

We will wait for you at the edge of the village. Whether they whip us or not we will wait. Chris was always true to his word even if it took him a while to give it. Steven smiled at his words; they brought a bit of comfort to him.

That means don’t take too long; we have chores to do when we get back. David was surprisingly hostile, but Steven felt the joke in it. They all said their goodbyes and Roland grunted at the pain as he helped pulled the sled. Steven watched them go slowly disappearing into the shadow of the trees. Once they had gone he didn’t look back. He walked into the forest armed with only a dagger borrowed from Chris.

He walked until he found the grove where Richard died. Giving a moment to pray for him, Steven followed the trail of blood into the forest. It was quiet and slow going. He stuck to the shadows best he could. He really didn’t want to risk being seen. He followed it for several hours. He didn’t take a break. He simply walked farther and farther into the forest following the blood of his dear friend.

It was almost dark by the time he finally took a break. He hadn’t meant to, but he lost the trail near a massive tree. It was a blood root tree, what the forest was infamous for. They were massive in size, large enough to be able to fit a mid-sized house in its trunk. The base of the tree was covered in spikes, thinker than his arm, and they went up about thirty feet up the base of the tree. The blood trail ended some fifty feet from the tree.

Steven didn’t know what to do but he was tired, so he went to the tree and climbed into a space between the some of the thorns. He covered himself in his cloak as his only protection from the cold. It would get colder as the sun went down but a fire risked giving him away to the drac. He didn’t know where it was, and it was certain death if it saw him first.

Cold and scared Steven snacked on what little jerky he had. He waited for any sign of the drac. He waited for several hours before he started to doze off. It was getting dark and he felt safe in his little hiding spot. It was nice and warm compared to being out in the open air too. Even if it was cramped he was comfortable and sleep beckoned to him.

Steven jolted awake from a large cracking noise, like dozens of branches braking at once. The ground even shook slightly at the noise. Steven, after hitting his head looked around confused. Maybe something had fallen out of the tree? With his neck getting stiff he took a deep breath. He had to relieve himself anyways so might as well look into what made the noise.

Grudgingly he crawled from his hiding place. Quietly starching his legs and arms as he stood up. The moon was out but it was dark, he must have slept for several more hours than he wanted. There was cold dew on the grass. Looking around Steven saw something protruding from the ground, only ten feet from him.

As he approached it he noticed that it was a sword. He was sure it wasn’t there before he went to sleep. Looking it over, Steven thought it could have been a grave of some poor lost soldier. He didn’t think anyone would come to visit this grave, and he needed a sword. He asked for forgiveness just in case he was upsetting some unknown soul. He tried to pull it out but it took a lot of effort. He almost fell over from the jolt of getting it out. He examined it in the dim moonlight, turning it over in his hand. Steven was shocked to find that it was his family sword. It was still in good shape. It wasn’t damaged from being moved after the drac attack.

Taking a step back to look around he stepped on something that felt strange. Looking down into a bloody mush. In shock, Steven saw the mostly eaten remains of Richard. It took several seconds for it to seek in. He took a few steps away, several deep breaths, and vomited. He didn’t want to look at it nor did he want to defile the body more.

After a few minutes he regained his composure and tried to stand tall. He looked around trying to find any hint of attack. He didn’t feel alone in these woods. He knew he was not alone, but was he safe? Slowly circling around what remained of Richard looking for anything, something to assure him he was safe, or something that was going kill him.

After ten minutes of this he finally started to settle down. Taking several deep breaths to slow his heart rate down to its normal pace, he heard wings. Without thinking, he looked up to see a large shadow fly over him and land on a large branch of the blood root tree. Its tail lingering over the edge just a moment too long. Steven knew the tail. From this angle he could more easily see the smooth L-shaped bones that protruded from either side of its tail. It was the drac’s tail. Steven had not only found Richard but the drac’s den.

Steven debated climbing the tree for almost an hour. He was terrified of it, but he could bring back the family sword. When he finally decided to climb it. He started to debating when, Should he climb it right away? He finally decided it best to wait until it fell asleep. In the meantime, he would gather Richard’s remains into the sack that he carried.

It would take some time anyways. He had to be careful not to cut himself on all the bone fragments. Steven tried not to throw up as he picked it up and thought that if he fell from that high this is it what would happen to him. Almost every bone in Richard’s body was shattered; most of him was unrecognizable. If Steven didn’t find his sword so close to the body, he might not have known it was Richard.

Once Richard was tucked away in his bag Steven hid Richard where he slept over an hour earlier. Then he turned his head upward. The tree was so big it seemed to be a ladder to the heavens. Thankfully, he didn’t have to climb it all. He just needed to climb about sixty feet. The first thirty would be easy, that is where all the large spikes were, but the last thirty would be much harder. It was open tree, he would have to use the dagger as a climbing pick.

Setting his hands on the first spike he started to ascend. The tips of the spikes were prickly and could easily cut him if he wasn’t carful. Still he climbed easily thinking of his friends as he rose through the spikes. He got caught a few times, the sword would wedge itself between spikes. The higher he climbed the larger they seemed to get, some were almost twice the size of the ones at the bottom.

Once he reached the top of the spikes he looked at the bark to find an endless row of complex canals. They were like a vertical river to the stars themselves. He rested at the top of the spikes looking at the bark and wondering what lay asleep some thirty feet above his head. The more he thought about it the scarier it seemed to be. A drac was scary enough in stories, but now he was about to chase it into the very depth of its den, of its home. To kill it while it slept?

The thought crossed his mind so strangely. Thinking more on it, and about how it would make him a hero in his village. He always knew the truth in the back of his mind. He could not do it, could he? He tried to think it through. What if it woke up? If he failed he would surely die. Would it even go so far as to attack the village to kill his family if he failed? Would it even know where his village is?

His mind raced with thoughts and doubts. He was almost sick from the thought of failing and risking his village. He felt dizzy, sitting down he tried to rest his head. He was physically fine, a little cold yes, but it was his mind that was a mess. The shock of Richard’s death was draining him like a black lake leech. He sat there for over an hour just sitting there, his mind slowly emptying like a bucket with a small hole.

Once his mind finally cleared, he thought of his friends. The good times they had together. David and Chris always were together in his mind. He couldn’t even count how many times David got in a fight because someone was picking on Chris. Or the times Chris talked David out of doing something stupid.

They would always be together till the day they died. They should have been born brothers, it would have been nice that way. David always said it was nice they weren’t because Chris would have to see more of David’s father if they were, and he was a notorious drunk. The village knew it and David hated it. Chris wouldn’t care, as long as David was there he would always feel safe.

Then there was Roland. Roland was the popular one. Everyone in the village knew him as the good child. He was strong armed, respectful, and honest. He would help anyone in need and never for a second think about what he would get out of it. His personality gave him an advantage with the girls too.

Although it was only this year that they seemed to be interested in him. They still came out in droves to speak with him. He was always kind to them. His elder sister had always taught him to be kind. She died the year before last after a cut got infected. Roland was quiet for a solid month, but even then, in the time when he was most depressed he never failed to help someone.

He helped his brother more than anyone else, and Richard needed it. Richard was in trouble all the time. He was the prankster always messing with people coming up with some new sly way of getting under people’s skin. He would always outrun the younger victims of his shenanigans, but when the adults came Roland would defend him. By saying that no one was hurt and it didn’t cause any real damage to anything. It would work almost every time. Richard was very proud of Roland and would always brag that he was the twin of the great and noble Roland. They were two sides to the same coin. Richard was fast and cleaver while Roland was strong and straight-forward.

They were some of the best friends in the world to Steven. He, who had always been shadowed from their actions, never good enough for praise, nor bad enough for a scolding. He never really stuck out but he was happy with his friends. They were the best thing he could ever ask for, and more fun than anything in his village. The village that was his world, and now a large part of his world was missing. Richard was dead because of his plan. He was responsible for Richard’s death just as much as if he stabbed Richard himself.

Steven would at the very least ensure Richard’s sword returned to his family. He would try to kill the drac if he could. He would not let his friend’s killer just walk free, able to kill again. Steven turned to the tree and started climbing with his friends driving him up. He would not let them down; he would kill that beast even if it cost him his life.

As he climbed his fingers got colder, the wind threatened to blow him off the tree, but he didn’t fall or slow down. He worked up a light sweat. He could not afford to stop and rest, or he risked freezing in the chilling breeze or falling as his fingers numbed. It was late and he was thankful the moon was full overhead. Without it he would have fallen into an endless shadow. Steven clung to the tree as the wind blew ever so lightly against his back, chilling him to the bone. He would not give up, not yet. He took almost half-an-hour to climb to the branch. Thankfully the thick bark on the branch formed a natural ladder, making it far easier to climb.

Heaving himself upon to the branch he relaxed, it was about seven feet across. In the middle of the branch was a foot and a halve deep gash. It was only about a foot wide, but it ran rather far out the branch away from the tree. It was full of water and seemed to flow toward the tree trunk. It had a thin layer of ice over it. Steven thought about filling up his water but feared it wasn’t as clean as the stream water, it was still water after all.

It only took him a minute to quiet his breathing and slow his heart rate. Looking into the tree trunk he examined the den. It had a nine-foot-high opening as wide as the tree branch. As he got closer, he waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark. Walking into the tree he saw it was surprisingly large. The room had to be at least nine feet across with a domed roof. The ground was surprisingly smooth, the roof and walls were clearly scratched out with claws or something similar.

Steven could hear the breathing of the drac; after a moment he could see it laying down on the other side of the dome. Its head faced left and its body curved against the wall. As it lay it could have been mistaken for a small dragon. That is until it stood and showed it only had two legs not four. The deer was on the right side near the tail, mostly eaten. Steven crawled only moving with the louder exhalation of the sleeping beast.

Once he finally got there, he pulled the at the sword with ever increasing force until it finally came out. It made more noise that he wanted it to but the drac didn’t seem to notice. Once he had it, he turned for the exit. He felt like there were many eyes watching him now. Every move he made being judged, as he again crawled to the sound of the rushing air escaping the beast’s nostrils.

As he looked through the entrance he thought of Richard and a rage rapidly swelled up in him. How could this beast sleep so easily after killing him? The rage ignited by the thought grew, nearly impossible to control. The rage was justified but felt unnatural. He wanted to kill it but feared it just as much. He wanted to avenge his friend and return a hero. He knew it was a killer, it was fine to kill it in its sleep, no one would think it dishonorable. It was a monster and had no sense of morality. Yes, it was fine-he should kill it now in its sleep.

Turning back to it he stood and ever so slowly drew his swords. Taking steps in pace with the drac’s breathing, his footsteps were nearly silent. He walked to the head of the beast and ever so carefully placed his feet on either side of its snout. He could feel the fur rub slightly against his leg, carefully he readjusted his feet so the rigged helmet like bone wouldn’t catch his pants. It was fine to kill it in its sleep it would be painless like Richard’s death. He just had to kill it. The blood lust overwhelmed him so much that in this moment he didn’t even fear. This was his chance he should kill it. He could not explain it he felt like it was as peaceful as a puppy in its slumber, easily smothered.

Placing the swords over its closed eyes he tried to slow his racing heart. It is crazy how powerful he felt it was as if some hidden power was pushing him forward and assuring his victory. He was in control over its life now. He would kill it just as it killed Richard. Bringing the swords up above his head, he was reading himself to kill it. He only had one chance or else it would surely wake to kill him.

Kill him. Yes, it was going to kill him if he didn’t kill it first. He had to kill it. He should kill it now. -Kill it. Kill it. - He could hear the voice pushing for it, Richard wanted this, Steven could hear his voice. -Kill it she is a murderer. Kill her or she will kill everyone. - His voice was dark and full of anger. He could feel the overpowering desire to kill, but he could not help but feel its helplessness. It didn’t seem like a killer, he felt the bloodlust that wasn’t his own. Death was here but it was not in front of him.

-KILL HER! - The voice was powerful and loud it wasn’t in his head it made him jump. It wasn’t Richard’s voice it was too dark, too angry, too monstrous. Quickly looking around for the voice he couldn’t see anything. It was definitely a male voice but he was not Richard. Steven thought he should go. It wasn’t right. He didn’t like voices in his head, and it was always a bad sign. If his mind wasn’t safe, he certainly wasn’t. Looking down at the drac, his heart froze.

There staring at him was the drac’s large open eyes. Time seemed to freeze as he looked into the eyes that were unmistakably capable of killing but he didn’t feel any fear. The eyes were strange, a light blue color filling them. The dark onyx pupils were like an exotic curved x with circle at the tips of each line. Everyone moved together but strangely independent. It was weirdly peaceful in this moment. These eyes only breed to kill and hunt. They were the apex of perfection to Steven, unmatched in beauty or skill. Then, the moment ended and time continued.

The drac flung its head out, catching Steven’s leg and sending him to the floor. Rolling quickly he put the exit and moonlight to his back. The drac roared loudly only a foot from his face. Resisting the urge to urinate or cover his ears, Steven stepped forward swinging with both swords in unison from right to left. He was dead if he didn’t fight back now, he knew that. He was in too deep. Swinging wildly he tried to harm it enough to leave. He caught it lightly on the side of the face. Furious with its home being intruded and Steven’s perceived arrogance, the drac quickly stepped forward, slamming its head into Steven’s chest, breaking several ribs, and leaving a splatter of cuts.

Steven fell to the ground gasping for air, bleeding from the gashes. Before he could move the drac speared its tail into him pining him. Steven thought he would die but the light didn’t fade. As Steven felt the drac breathe heavily on his face he looked into her eyes, content. He was content, not happy or sad, simply content with dying like this. He had tried to be a hero and failed, but at least he didn’t run.

He could feel the bladed tail scraping the side of his ribs on both sides, neither cuts were fatal or even that painful for now. When the adrenalin wears off, he might collapse. His arms were pinned by the secondary curved blade that protruded from the larger ones. They curved upward toward his head just enough to miss his arms as his arm laid by his side. He could not reach the swords ether.

He was pinned, a death sentence in any fight. Looking into the light blue eyes of the victor was all he could do. Bracing himself, he imagined his blood splattering the dark grey fur around its maw. The blood falling in streaks of crimson red dripping down its thick neck into the matted lighter grey fur that would give way to the cold scales of its underbelly.

He waited, watching the drac’s eyes. It was quiet, he wasn’t sure if it was quiet because he was about to die or because it was actually quiet. He wondered what death would feel like. The drac held his stare in a timeless feeling; his mind wondering to the afterlife and its wonders. He was still mesmerized by these eyes and felt safe looking at them. Then, the drac opened its mouth and Steven closed his eye unable to hold the gaze anymore. He held his breath bracing himself for the pain to come. He didn’t feel anything, his body going numb, but he couldn’t relax.

Why don’t you kill him? Steven heard a woman’s voice this time but felt as if she