Prince of Malgar Part One: Twin Sword Prophecy, #1

By Rosie Lynch

On the evening of his 21st birthday party, Kainan's world is shattered.
Attacked by dark elves and humanoid creatures known as Gorzar, they take him from Earth, and all that he has known.
Forced to do their bidding, they send him through a portal to the world of Malgar, where he steals for them, the magical Ardor Crystal.

Left beaten and near to death, he is rescued by Lady Arweyn from the City of Malgar.
She tells him the Ardor Crystal is the life force of their world, and without it their city will die.
Destiny has brought them together, and now they must embark on an epic quest to save their world.

Together, they discover magic, friendship, power and love as they fight to stop the return of the Gorzar Empire.
Time is running out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rosemary Lynch
• Release date: Apr 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224620708

Book preview

This book is dedicated to my father,

James H Turnham

25 August 1938 - 26 November 2000

Acknowledgments

A big thank you to my husband Paul, you are my biggest inspiration.

My three children

Charlotte, Melissa, and Jake for believing in me.

I Love you all so very much. 

With special thanks to my mum, Jennifer Swanston, and stepdad Jack Thorpe for your support and for always being there for me. 

One – Kainan

C ome on, Kainan yelled, banging his hand on the back window of the cab impatiently. The sun was starting to drop, and in another hour or so, it would be dark.

You’re mad, do you know that? yelled his older brother, Michael, as he put his foot on the jeep’s accelerator and drove nearer the edge of the cliff.

Kainan grinned back at his brother as he moved to the rear of the open back jeep. He knew he was mad, not because of what he was about to do, as he’d done it a dozen times, but because he knew if his mum caught him, he was going to be in a world of trouble. One hand resting on the cool metal of the roll cage frame., he could feel his heart racing as he lowered his goggles over his eyes with the other, readying himself.

His brother lifted the handbrake, spun the steering wheel hard right, and slid the jeep sideways. Stones and gravel flew over the edge of the cliff, scattering them to the depths below. Michael spun around catching his brother, just as he launched himself into the air.

See you at home, Mikey! Kainan yelled, as the bat-like wings of his flying suit caught the updraft, and he soared over the edge. 

Idiot, I hope you kill yourself, Michael yelled, but too late as Kainan was already out of earshot. He shook his head, grabbed the wheel tight and accelerated hard, spinning the rear wheels of the jeep so the dust and gravel shot up behind him as he sped away.

The velocity of the wind on Kainan’s face sent the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he soared through the air. He peered through his goggles down at the valley below, and his heart lifted with the sense of freedom. The vastness of the forest and the deep blue of the lake was a sight his eyes never grew tired of, especially at this time of year, when the leaves on the trees were turning deep oranges and reds with the onset of autumn.

As he banked right and flew downwards towards their farm, a sudden intense blinding light illuminated from within the trees, and it was so bright it caused him to squint. It was there for about two minutes, and then it was gone.

What the hell was that? he thought, having no idea what it could have been. This was their land, and he knew there was nothing in the forest that could cause that kind of light. He thought for a moment perhaps his youngest brother, Ryall, had taken out one of the bikes to do a little off-roading, but the more he thought about it, the more he was certain the light was far too bright to be a headlight.

Nearing his farm, he pulled his chute, and as he came down to land, Kainan saw his mother standing in the field waiting for him. 

Oh, shit, he muttered, with her arms crossed over her chest, she didn’t look impressed.

What in god’s name do you think you’re doing, Kainan? she scolded, as he approached her.  I thought I bloody told you no more crazy stunts!

Mum, come on, you know I love to fly, he said, and unbuckling his chute he began to gather it.

Yes, fly in a damned aeroplane like normal people, not jumping off a cliff and careering through the air in some kind of bat suit! You could have fallen to your death, she reprimanded.  He gave her an indifferent shrug.

Mum, it’s not a bat suit, it’s an aerodynamic....

I don’t care what the hell it is, stop bloody doing it! she yelled cutting him off mid-sentence. I don’t want to have to tell you again or pick up your dead and splattered body from the bottom of the valley! Now hurry up, I need some help in the barn. She turned around abruptly. The generator’s playing up, and this party is not going to get ready by itself, she added, walking away.

Kainan rolled his eyes at her behind her back, like he was going to listen to her, flying was far too important to him.  He didn’t know what it was, but he felt alive when he was soaring through the clouds, with the wind in his face, and it gave him time alone, to clear his mind.

His goggles were pushed back on top of his head, pulling his long black hair off his face, showing off his dark eyes, and his strong, handsome features. With his parachute tucked under his arm, he walked towards the gate leading out of the field.

You’re not dead then, Michael said mockingly, as he leaned with both arms on top of the gate.

No, sorry about that, Kainan replied just as sarcastically. Did you tell Mum I’d gone flying? Kainan then complained.

No, he retorted, "she saw you coming down, and went mental about her ‘precious prince’ risking his life for a stupid thrill."

Michael lit up a joint. Want one? he offered.

Kainan shook his head.

No, and you shouldn’t smoke that shit either, he condoned.

Whatever, Michael muttered, and he inhaled.

Was Ryall out in the woods on the bike? Kainan asked.

No, why? he replied.

I saw this bright light when I was coming down. It lasted for a couple of minutes and then it vanished. I thought perhaps it was him, he said.

Michael glanced at him.

No, he’s in the shed with the goats.  A bright light you say?

Kainan nodded.

Yeah, it was just a bit weird, that’s all.

Michael twitched his nose, in thought.

Do you want to take a look? he asked, taking in a long drag, and then blowing out the smoke.

No, I’m in enough shit with mum as it is, Kainan replied, wafting the smoke away from his face.

Come on, it won’t take long, Michael insisted, and he pushed off the gate.

No, Michael, it’s nearly dark, and if I don’t sort out the generator mum will kill me.  Anyway, you know I told you I was looking into that medieval combat school? Kainan said, as they walked.

Yeah, he replied, a with a little annoyance in his voice that Kainan wouldn’t go with him to the forest, and he took in another drag of his joint.

They offered me a place.

But that’s in Scotland, she’ll never let you go, he replied.

It’s only for six weeks initially, you can manage without me for that long. Michael, they do full armour body combat, and jousting. You know how much I’ve wanted to learn to do that.

There’s not much you can’t do with a sword; I doubt they could teach you much.

Maybe not, but I’ve never ridden in a full suit of armour before.

No, but you have without armour. It can’t be that much of a difference.

Of course, it is, you would have to adjust your skills because of the weight of the armour. If they think I’m good enough I have a chance of becoming an instructor.

She still won’t let you go, he maintained.

Michael, I’m twenty-one today for god’s sake, she can’t keep me here forever.

Marianna will try, you know you’re her favourite, Michael said, and there was bitterness in his voice.

Kainan frowned at him.

No, I’m not, and why do you call her that all the time, she’s your mum, you shouldn’t call her Marianna, you know it upsets her.

We’ve never got on Kainan, and it’s no secret that you and Ryall are all she cares about.

Bull shit, you two are so alike that’s the problem, Kainan retorted.  Michael shrugged, walking off towards the barn.

You love this farm, Michael, why don’t you have it, he called after him. You’re twenty in a couple of weeks, there’s no reason why you couldn’t run it, I don’t want to be a bloody farmer, he said following him.  I hate farming.

Farming’s in our blood Kainan, you know dad would have wanted you to take it over, Michael replied, flicking his stub away. Besides, she wouldn’t give it to me.

Yes, she would, you’re too harsh on her. She loves you just the same as us.

Michael screwed his nose up at him.

Michael, it’s only because you’re always in bloody trouble. You’ve had so many fights, that she’s given up on you. Why don’t you try harder and show her you’re not really like that?

Maybe I am. Maybe I like getting into fights, he retorted.

Kainan rubbed his hand over his face. Sometimes he found it so hard to believe Michael was his brother these days. There was a year and two weeks difference in their age, and the last couple of years Michael had become so bitter, it was as if everyone owed him something. Most of the time Michael preferred fighting with him, and their younger brother Ryall.

Kainan adored his younger brother, and he spent as much time with him as he could, being the father figure Ryall had never known. In fact, the only thing that bothered him about the whole Scotland trip was leaving Ryall. That was going to be so hard, as he knew Ryall would be so unhappy about it, especially leaving him with Michael, who did nothing but pick on him most of the time.

Occasionally, like today, on his birthday, they all got on reasonably well, and he wished so much it could be like this always.

Michael, please, he begged, grabbing at his arm. Michael spun around scowling at him. Stop fighting me, Michael. I know you love this farm, and if you didn’t keep disappearing for days on end, you could run it much better than I could. I need you to be here to look after Ryall while I’m gone at the least.

What’s the point, he replied, turning sharply at him.

Seriously, you won’t even do it for your own brother, Kainan retorted angrily.

He looked at Kainan, his eyes narrowing in thought, and he shrugged.

Are you though! he growled.

Am I what? Kainan snapped.

My brother.

What the hell Michael, of course I am. What’s got into you these last few months. Are you on drugs or something?

Michael glared at him.

No, I’m not, but you’re nothing like dad, you’re nothing like any of us. 

There was a silence between them for a minute.

Are you fucking serious, you’re starting this shit again, today, on my birthday Kainan growled stepping up to him. Has someone said something to you to set all this off. I’ve told you, you can have the farm, the house, whatever, I don’t want none of it, if that’s your problem.

I don’t want the fucking farm, Michael yelled.

Then what the hell do you want from me Michael? I’ve never done anything to you, I just don’t understand where all this hatred is coming from these last couple of years.

I don’t want nothing from you, Michael said bitterly.

Is it mum? Kainan asked. Michael looked away. For God’s sake Michael, I’ve told you mum loves you, she’s just pissed off with you at the moment. You disappeared with no word for nearly three weeks again.  How is that my fault?

Michael shrugged.

Kainan’s fury faltered as he looked at Michael.

Michael, please can we just get through tonight and I will talk with her, can’t you just tell us where you’ve been, and I’m sure she’ll be fine.

There’s no point, it doesn’t matter after today.

Why not? Kainan asked.

It just doesn’t, he replied, and turning Michael walked towards the barn.

Kainan looked on after him. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Taking a deep breath and sighing loudly, he headed off.

He dumped his chute on the floor inside the goat house, having decided he would sort it out tomorrow.

Hey squirt, Kainan called, leaning on the gate to the goat pen, and looking at Ryall he smiled. Sat on the straw he was chatting away and stroking a baby goat. Ryall did love his animals; it was just a shame he was only 12, otherwise Kainan new he would have been quite capable of running the family farm.

Kainan, Ryall replied gleefully, and jumping to his feet he rushed over to him. I saw you fly, he said excitedly.  I can’t wait to do that, he added.

Kainan opened the gate to the pen and pulled an arm around his little brother giving him a hug.

Yeah, well I don’t suppose mum’s going to let you for quite a while yet Squirt.

It’s not fair! he moaned.

Ryall, she doesn’t even want me up there flying.

But you still do it Kainan, Ryall said.

Yeah, I know, but I am 21 now, so you’ve still got a few years yet before you risk the wrath of mum.

I know, he groaned in resignation.

Hey, we start on sword practice next week though, Kainan said as they walked towards the main barn.

Holy shit, for real? he questioned stopping and looking up at his brother.

Kainan chuckled. Yes, for real. It’s only two months till your birthday then you can join the medieval club and start your training, if you still want too of course?

Ryall nudged his brother hard. Hell yeah, of course, I do!

Kainan looked down at him, he grinned and grabbing his head he pulled him into a rough hug and began to drag him towards the main barn.

Great, come on, we’d better go get this barn ready for my party.

MUM, THIS PLACE LOOKS amazing, Kainan remarked, as he walked inside their huge vaulted medieval barn. At the rear of the barn was a bar and hanging from the ceiling medieval style lanterns. Marianna had hired some long oak tables and benches ready for the impending feast, and she had scattered straw all over the floor. It was fair to say his mother had created the look of a medieval tavern, right down to the very last detail.

Yeah, well some help wouldn’t have gone amiss, she complained, rearranging the position of a candlestick on one of the tables.  Can you go and see if you can get that old generator going, we will need some power for the disco. Michael, you can give me a hand with the beer barrels, she requested.

I’m on it, Kainan replied, and as he lifted his hand to scratch his nose, his mother spotted his bandage.

What have you done now? she asked, pointing to it.  Kainan looked at his hand.

I haven’t done anything. It was burning this morning and really itchy.

Let me have a look, she said, walking over to him. Kainan unravelled the bandage, and he offered his mum his hand.

What’s that? Michael asked, peering over his shoulder, and looking at the strange mark embossed into his brother’s flesh.

I don’t know, Kainan mumbled in reply. It wasn’t like that this morning. It was just red and sore. Mum? he asked, glancing to her to see if she had any idea what it might be.

Marianna’s eyes widened as she stared at the mark on her son’s hand, and a sickening feeling turned her stomach over.

I don’t know, she lied, running her trembling fingers over it. Does it hurt? She asked, lifting her eyes to his.

No, it’s just itchy, Kainan replied, frowning at the guarded expression covering his mother’s face.

What’s up Kainan? Ryall asked drawing alongside him. He showed his younger brother his palm.

Shit, he said.

Don’t swear Ryall, his mother scolded, slapping his arm.

Sorry, Ryall replied. Hey, I know what that is, he said. It’s a pentagram.

Shut up, idiot, Michael said, shoving his little brother out of the way.  Ryall scowled at him and moved in closer to Kainan.

No, he’s right, Kainan agreed studying it.  Why the hell do I have a pentagram engraved into my flesh? he questioned, looking at each member of his family in turn.

Perhaps you’re a wizard, Ryall said with a grin.

You, read too much Harry Potter, Kainan replied with a chuckle.

Let me see, Michael demanded, grabbing his brother’s hand roughly.

Hey, let go! Kainan demanded, as Michael gripped his hand so tightly it sent a searing pain up his arm. Michael released him and took a step back, his brow furrowing in thought.

Well, his mother said, twiddling with her wedding ring.  As long as it doesn’t hurt, it can wait until tomorrow. We’d best get on with sorting out this party before our guests start arriving.

Kainan ran his thumb over the mark, watching as his mother walked away towards the bar. Something about the way she looked at the mark concerned him; it was as if she knew what it was.

His phone bleeped, and he pulled it out the back pocket of his jeans.

Who’s that? Michael asked, rolling in another barrow of beer.

No-one, he replied, sticking it back in his pocket. Michael walked behind him, and darting nimbly, he swiped the phone out of Kainan’s pocket. 

Hey, give it back! Kainan demanded. Michael dodged him as he went for him, and he began to flick through the phone.

How do you know my password? Kainan yelled. Give it back, Michael, I mean it!

You joined a dating agency? he tormented with a laugh in his voice.

Fuck off Michael, give it back now or I’ll beat the shit out of you, Kainan growled, he’d just about had enough of Michael for one day.

I’d like to see you try, he retorted. So, are you seeing any of them? Michael asked, casually searching through the pages.

No, he replied. Now give it back. Kainan flicked his hand at his brother’s head, but Michael moved swiftly to his right.

She’s not bad, I wouldn’t mind giving her one, he said, spinning his phone around so Kainan could see the photo.

No, none of them are her, he replied.

Her, who are you looking for? Michael asked.

I don’t know, but I will when I see her. Now give it back, Kainan ordered. As Michael threw him the phone, Kainan lifted a hand and caught it.

Spill, his brother demanded.

I dream of her, okay, and she’s quite clear in my mind. Kainan closed his eyes for a second bringing her image to his mind. She’s beautiful, with long, dark hair...

And what might you two be doing in this dream? Michael interrupted, giving his brother a wide eye look.

Not that, he replied sarcastically. If you must know we’re in a battle, she’s wearing armour and rides a white horse.

Ah how romantic, Michael teased, whilst clutching at his heart.

Oh, drop dead, Kainan said, turning his back on him and walking out the back door.

Idiot, Michael laughed to himself as he moved the barrel behind the bar.

Kainan, Ryall called.

Yes squirt? he replied whilst tinkering with the generator.

Are you going to wear your real sword tonight?

Yep, full regalia on tonight. Pass me that spanner, will you? he asked pointing to an open bright-red toolbox. Ryall grabbed it and gave it to him. Kainan bashed the generator with it, and it fired up. He grinned.

Kainan.

Yes, Squirt, Kainan replied, putting his tools away.

Michael says your leaving.

Kainan stopped what he was doing. That bastard, he knew he wanted to speak to Ryall first.

Are you, going to leave?

Kainan gave a sigh and he turned to his brother.

It’s just for six weeks Ryall, that’s all.

Michael said you weren’t coming back.

Well Michael’s full of bull shit, of course I’ll come back. Who promised to teach you how to use a sword? Kainan asked.

You did, Ryall replied.

Exactly, and I can’t do that from Scotland can I.

Ryall shook his head. 

Come here, Kainan said, and he held out his arms. Ryall fell into them, and Kainan gave him a hug. I won’t leave you Squirt, okay, it’s just a few weeks’ training.

Ryall pulled back and nodded.

Okay, his little brother said with a smile.

Right, now come on, you can give me a hand to put up the piñata.

Going back inside the barn, Kainan opened a large Amazon box and inside lay the piñata. Ryall took it out, and it was in the shape of a dragon.

Wow, that’s wicked, Ryall said.  What’s in it?

You’ll have to wait until tonight to see what’s in it.

Kainan threw a rope over one of the roof beams and after attaching it to the piñata, he hoisted it up and secured it, so it dangled just out of reach.

Right, that’s about it, his mother announced. The caterers will start setting up the banquet at six thirty, so best we all go back to the house and get ready.

Two - Birthday

The crowd roared with laughter as Kainan swung his sword yet again. This time missing his target all together, he fell flat on his face and lay for a moment stunned on the cold hard floor.

Come on, brother! a young voice piped up with encouragement. Blindfolded, Kainan raised one hand in response.

Ryall, brother, point me in the right direction.

That’s cheating, a voice yelled from the crowd, followed by groans of agreement.

Kainan, you don’t need your brother’s help, you can do this, his mother said, her hands on her hips, clearly annoyed by his lack of concentration.

He’s too drunk. She turned to her middle son who stood by her side.

Michael, drunk or not, he should be able to hit his target, doesn’t he train enough? she said, referring to the countless hours he spent down at the medieval martial arts centre in town. He gave her an indifferent look.

Come on, my Prince, get up! she ordered at the top of her voice.  You’re embarrassing yourself.

Mum, please! the young man implored as the crowd around him roared with laughter at his mother’s pet name for him.

Yes, come on, your highness, an old man jibed, his voice raising several octaves and sending the drunken crowd into another fit of laughter.

Kainan shook his head. He loved his mother, but how many times had he asked her not to call him that in front of his friends.

Steven, will you quit teasing my boy, she growled back at him.

Alright, Marianna, I’m just having some fun that’s all, the old man replied, raising his tankard in resignation, not wishing to incite her further.

In one swift movement, Kainan leapt to his feet; the crowd hushed and moved backwards out of his way.  For a minute, he stood in silence.  Someone’s mobile phone went off, and Kainan turned to its direction.

Sorry! a voice shouted.

Kainan laughed and then drew a breath; he’d had his fun. Now it was time to finish it. Sword gripped firmly in his hand he spun around and leapt into the air, striking hard at the dragon piñata. This stroke of power sliced it cleanly in two. His friends cheered with excitement as a spray of sweets and money showered them. The children in the crowd surged forward, grabbing at the offerings littering the straw laden floor of their barn.

Not bad, Michael remarked, handing him a tankard of beer.

Thanks, Kainan replied, discarding the blindfold onto a table, and placing his sword back into a sheath on his belt. He watched with a happy heart, and somewhat drunken eyes, as the children scrambled and fought for the sweets and money.

Kainan swigged his overflowing beer and wiping the froth from his mouth with the back of his sleeve, he nudged his brother with his elbow.

Cheers, Michael, he said, too merry to be bothered with arguing with him anymore that evening. His brother gave him a nod back.

Kainan, that was wicked, Ryall said, appearing in front of him, his pockets stuffed full of sweets and coins.

Thanks, Kainan replied, rubbing his younger brother’s mop of blonde hair fondly.

Can you get me a beer? he asked. They won’t serve me.

That’s because you’re underage, squirt, Kainan replied.

But it’s your birthday, come on just one? Ryall begged.  I’m nearly thirteen.

Here, take mine, Michael offered.

Ryall’s blue eyes looked up in surprise. Really? He quickly snatched the flagon from Michael’s unresisting hand, not waiting for a reply, just in case he changed his mind.  Thanks.

Just don’t let Marianna catch you getting drunk, and if she does, I didn’t give it to you, alright? Michael warned.

Right, he agreed disappearing back into the crowd.

So, have you told her yet? Michael asked.

Kainan looked at him, unsure of what he meant.

About going to Scotland? he reminded.

No, he said shaking his head. Michael, why did you tell Ryall about Scotland? Kainan asked looking at him.

What about Scotland? Marianna asked from behind them before Michael had a chance to answer. Both boys whipped around.

Nothing, Kainan replied.

Her eyes looked between the two of them, before returning to her eldest son.

Well done, she congratulated. He smiled, leaned forward, and kissed her weathered cheek.

Thank you, but mum, please stop calling me your prince, it’s really embarrassing.

Marianna reached up and scuffed his hair. Michael rolled his eyes and walked off towards the bar.

Sorry, darling, but to me you will always be my little prince, but I promise I’ll try not to in front of your friends.

Thank you, he said.

So, having a good time? she asked.

Yes, thanks. Mum, there’s something I need to tell you, Kainan started.

Happy birthday, a deep voice boomed from behind interrupting him. Kainan turned, and his face lit up when he saw his best friend standing there.

Tell me later, his mother said, and she gave John a smile in greeting before walking away.

I didn’t think you were coming, Kainan said, sounding relieved. It wouldn’t have been much of a birthday without his best friend celebrating it with him. Where’s Emmie? he asked, referring to John’s wife.

I had to take Emmie and the nipper over to her mum’s, she’s been taken ill.

Oh, I’m sorry, nothing too serious I hope? he asked.

No, I don’t think so. Here, he said, offering Kainan a present.  Kainan put his tankard down on a nearby table and took it from him.  He tore off the wrapping paper, and inside was the most beautiful knife he had ever seen. As Kainan pulled it out of its leather sheath, he cast his eyes over it. Turning it in his hands, he saw John had engraved the bone handle with the initial ‘K’.  His eyes widened at the gift.

Bloody hell John, it’s beautiful. Thank you so much, he said pulling his best friend into a rough bear-like hug.

You’re welcome. You know it’s a genuine medieval reproduction, made with real steal and deer-bone. It’s not a fake so you can use it if you want when we go rabbiting.

Thanks John, it’s really stunning, I love it, Kainan said giving him another hug. He slipped his new knife into its sheath and secured it in his back pocket. 

Hey John, something weird happened this morning, Kainan said looking at his friend.

Weird, what do you mean? John replied.

Kainan lifted his hand; no longer wearing the bandage he turned his palm facing upwards.

What the hell is that? John asked over the din of the music, which had now switched from a medieval lute to modern day disco. Kainan frowned at his question.

I don’t know John, when I woke up this morning it was red and itchy, and now it looks like a pentagram.

Oh, that’s seriously weird, he whispered staring at the strange mark embossed into Kainan’s flesh. Does it hurt? John asked as he poked it with his finger.

No, it’s a bit itchy, that’s all, Kainan replied rubbing it with his thumb, and the pentagram seems to be getting more prominent, he complained.

It looks like you’ve been branded, John said frowning at the mark.

I know, Kainan replied in a mumbled whisper, and he glanced over to his mother, who was chatting with some friends. Come on, let me get you a beer, Kainan offered closing his hand and not wanting to worry about it anymore tonight. Arianna, can I get a beer for John, please? The young fair-haired girl behind the bar nodded and proceeded to pour him a tankard.

Cheers Kainan, and happy birthday, John toasted, lifting his mug, and as he did his friends cheered happy birthday along with him.

Thank you all for coming, Kainan said, addressing his family and friends.  Now come on, drink up, the booze is free, and I expect you all to get totally wrecked! He raised his tankard back in response to the uproar that followed.

John, I got accepted into the combat school, Kainan announced. Leaning his elbow on the bar, and reaching into a bowl of crisps, he popped a handful into his mouth.

Oh my god, seriously, have you told Marianna? he asked.

No not yet, I was just about too when you turned up, he replied, munching.

Sorry, he replied.

No, it’s okay. I think I’ll wait until she’s completely plastered.

Coward, John laughed.

Too right, Kainan laughed back, and his eyes caught and followed his younger brother as he disappeared out the back with a group of older lads.

Hang on a sec John, he said. He put his tankard on the bar and followed the boys outside.

Ryall put the joint in his mouth and was just about to light it, when his brother’s hand swept down and yanked it from his mouth.

What the hell do you think you’re doing? Kainan exploded.

What?  Michael said it was okay, he smokes them, he complained.

He’s an adult, and you’re a squirt. Lighter, Kainan demanded holding his hand out expectantly. Ryall slammed it down into the palm of his hand.

Now get back inside, all of you, he said, scowling at the other three boys.

Come on, Ryall moaned. Kainan dropped the lighter into the inside pocket of his cloak, he crushed the joint, and threw it to the ground, before following the boys back inside the barn.

Is everything okay? John asked.

Yes, just Ryall trying to be grown up. He managed to get a joint out of Michael.

Everyone’s eyes turned to the barn doors as they unexpectedly flew open. Three, huge creatures stood there. They were easily over seven feet tall. Humanoid in appearance, their faces were contorted, their skulls misshapen, and they wore a red and black leather uniform. 

A few drunken members of the party started whooping and clapping, thinking it was part of the evening’s entertainment. These gigantic beings were joined and flanked either side and at the rear, by men dressed from head to toe in black, and carrying long silver swords. Their features were elf-like, their hair long and dark.

The laughter and cajoling stopped, and there were a few fits of nervous giggles as the atmosphere suddenly changed and was replaced with tense expectation and danger.

Shit, Kainan, they’re wicked, John remarked.  Seriously, they look so realistic.

John, I have no idea who they are, it’s nothing to do with me, mouthed Kainan.

John pulled his iPhone from his pocket and started taking a few shots. Man, these are going straight on Facebook, he said.

Kainan turned to look for his mum, but she was already making straight for him. Before he had the chance to speak, she grabbed his arm.

Move, now, she whispered while dragging him forcefully to the back of the room. Come on, hurry, she chimed in an agonised whisper hurrying him.

Mum, what the hell’s going on? he complained as she shoved him out