Rise of the Dragon King

[LadyHestia]

So I'm working on a piece I'm going to try and get published. I wanted to put up the first chapter because I'm very self concious and would like some helpful critism. Also that would help my nerves as well.

Rise of the Dragon King

Book one: Faith

Chapter one) The offer

In ancient times, the land known as Tiva was united and protected by thirty warriors. These warriors were chosen by the gods and other powerful immortal creatures and were given powers like the being whom the warrior served. The warriors were also granted immortality off the battle field so illness and age would never slow them down. They were heroes, praised by Alekori, the god of the sun, and guided by Masule, the goddess of victory. Each challenge and trail they face the warriors conquered in the name of the gods. Long lasted their life under the watchful eyes of the gods, yet one by one the warriors began to disappear, taken from the realm of the living while their gods turned their gaze elsewhere. A seer among the warriors, confused by the disappearing warriors barred himself away and asked for the voice of fate to deliver the answers, the news of the lost warriors. Fate did just that. With horrifying images and screams that pierced even the farthest corners of the world.

By day, by night, on land or in flight, your brother and sister fall from grace, as the blacken blood of greedy power fills their space. Should the last of the mighty fall, then darkness and death will claim all.

Fate had laughed while each word was whispered. The seer knew if nothing was done the last of the warriors would be hunted down and die at the hands of a demon thus Tiva’s golden age would end. With hasten steps the seer told the trees, the seas, and the wind to carry the call and bring the warriors together. The call flew across the lands, leaf to leaf, over the white foam of the sea, and around the clouds faster than anything before. To the fear of all only five warriors answered the seers call and gathered in the ancient temple of the dragon king. Many ideas were thrown about before the seer hushed them all. He lifted his voice and proclaimed they had one chance, one road to take. They had to stop the demon, brought here by a jealous and power hungry woman by force. Grabbing bow, spear, sword, axe, knife, and book, the warriors set out to face the demon and carve their names forever into history’s pages. The warriors and the demon clashed in the northern frigid plains of Pangoria. They fought long and hard but no matter what the warriors tried the demon matched it with just as much strength. As the gruesome battle raged on the warriors realized the only way to win was to force a stalemate. They would have to give their lives and seal the demon so its rampage would stop. With the hope of saving the world they loved the warriors combined their powers and gave their souls over to death to se4al the demon away from the mortal realm. These battles that destroyed so many lives became known as ‘Haruin Ona’ or Demon’s War. Let the truth be known the last sight of the seer, the chosen warriors will rise again when they are needed and they will bring peace back to Tiva.

~So the legend goes.~ The boy sighed closing the book. He fell back onto the dusty and torn mat that was his bed, holding the book to his chest. His creamy white skin stood out against the yellow stains of the mat. His skin bore the occasional scar of his past defiance as well as scratches and bruises from recent acts. The most recent bruises were just turning a sick yellow with dots of brown and purple trailing down his left side where he’d been kicked repeatedly the other day. His head was adorned with brown fluffy feathers. His eyes were a deep but soft shade of blue like the sea, or so he’d been told by the cook. His build was scrawny but he had enough muscle to do the work required of him, and the others who were deemed below the races. The room the owner of the inn had shoved him into was a small prison with bare walls. The only color to the walls was the black and yellow mold and mildew growing up around the bottom corners. The mat that was on his floor still smelled of piss and sour milk just like it had when they gave it to him. He’d also received a small wooden chest that was cracking and barely able to open anymore.

The book he held was the only thing in the room of value, and was something he would never let go. He had received the book as a reward for finding and handing over a lost ring from a patron of the inn. The patron told him that even the lowest of creatures deserved to look upon the elegant word of those who were of worth. Though the patron’s words angered him, he got the book and now treasured it. The book’s brown leather binding was very old and smelled of dust and wet leather. The pages were stiff and tore easily now, and they were stained with sweat, ink, and dirt. The binding cracked and groaned in protest anytime the book was opened. Yet the boy paid no heed to the moans of the binding and read the same passage every night.

The boy glared at the book feeling a small bit of rage towards the words he’d just read. He placed the book down on the mat and crawled across the wooden floor till the boards creaked and changed color. It was there he lifted up the second floorboard from the wall. Under the board was a small tag. The boy lifted the tag and read the words trying to ease his anger.

‘To Mamoru’ was all the tag said. It didn’t need to say more for those simple words had saved him from truly becoming nothing. He had lost his memories of his home and for a moment his name when he first came here, but the tag had been in his hand as it was now. A reminder that he wasn’t always treated like this, that he had had a home. Closing his hand over the tag he let his hand drop to his side.

“Where are you now? Oh mighty warriors?” Mamoru scoffed. His life has been taken from him and the famed warriors from that legend were nowhere. “I thought you were supposed to protect the helpless! So where are you?” Mamoru spat hatefully. He had been forced into servitude along with so many others in Pangoria. So where were the great warriors who were supposed to punish these horrible people? No where, that was where. They didn’t exist not now not ever, that’s why they didn’t help. Mamoru knew it was childish blaming something or one that didn’t exist for his woes and the actions of others. The reason for it, it helped ease the pain and misery he endured.

“Everyone get out here,” a voice screeched down the hall and through the closed doors. Mamoru scrambled to shove the tag back into the hole and slide the floorboard over it. He nearly fell down as he lunged to his feet and for the door all at once. The door swung open wide to reveal most of the servants already lined up with a few still moving. Mamoru slammed into a couple of the other servants in his haste as he tried to make his way to his spot in the line. He winced and mouthed sorry to the two other servants as he squeezed next to the woodcutter. Mamoru hoped that the owner of the inn wouldn’t notice that he’d been just a little late.

“Late as always. Can’t you do anything right?” the owner yelled in Mamoru’s face. Mamoru cringed as the foul breath and spit of the owner landed on his face. ‘He noticed’ Mamoru thought with an internal groan. He knew he was already on the owner’s bad side because of his rebellious actions the other night.

“Sorry my lord,” Mamoru mumbled through gritted teeth. His eyes had shut tight and he held his breath trying to keep his temper in check. Mamoru could still feel the hot glare of the owner and the cold stone of the floor. He could feel the skin around his eye twitching as he tilted his head down. Opening his eyes again Mamoru glared at the man’s feet and ground his teeth. How long was the owner going to stare at him? It was absolutely infuriating the way he treated them.

“I’ll deal with you later,” the owner said finally as though to answer his question. There was a soft tapping of the heels of the owner’s boots over the wood paneling. “Now all of you get upstairs and get to work,” he yelled flaring his wings to frighten many of the servants. “Pathetic no good Cantir,” the owner sneered as Mamoru walked by to go up the stairs.

Mamoru bite down on the inside of his check so hard that the coppery taste of blood rushed over his tongue. He wanted to turn and deck the winged man to beat him till he was unrecognizable. He hated being what everyone called a wingless, a person of the Arevian clans who had their wings cut off do to a crime or lack of social standing or born without wings. It made it easier for the two Arevian clans, Avian and Morenloes, to identify criminals and find free laboers. Without wings you couldn’t reach the sky cities on your own, thus you lost all personal rights. For the Avians most of their lower class was now wingless, and it was killing the country…. Or that’s what Mamoru overheard a guest who stayed two nights ago say. Yet more then he hated being wingless he hated when proper Arevians called him a Cantir. He wasn’t a godless scum, someone whose only purpose was to lick the slime off their boots.

Heading up the oak wood stairs Mamoru went straight to the back entrance and outside to begin his work. There were already piles of freshly chopped wood due to his tardiness. Even with being late Mamoru cast a lazy sweep over the edge of the land. The inn itself sat on the ground and was on one of the highest mountain points of the Frozen Iron mountain range. Surrounded by mountains, clouds, small rivers and plant life, it was an ideal place to live if you were free. The evergreen trees provided little wood that would be easy to get to, but the Redbell trees were prefect for quick access to wood. They didn’t have the needles that the pines had, and in the summer they bore a bittersweet fruit that was very popular with the locals. The name Redbell came from the fruit since it looked like a red bell with the middle filled in. Also the wood was a deep red color when split, almost like it was covered in harden blood.

“Hey kid you better get going if you want to eat,” the woodcutter told him. The man was old but strong and been one of the few servants to actually talk with Mamoru. Mamoru was quite well known for his temper and disobedience which meant most of the servants stayed away. Mamoru couldn’t help but smile at the gray feathered and wrinkled man.

“I know, I know,” he sighed heavily and walked towards the piles of wood. It wouldn’t take him that long to pile the wood. It was his other chores; most of which were being assigned after he stacked and delivered the wood, which would take him the rest of the day. Mamoru took his time stacking the wood, enjoying the calm cool breeze that ruffled his feathers every now and then. He knew it was going to be a rough day, so why not enjoy what little pleasures he had left in life. It was a nice day not to cold even though deaths breath would soon take siege on the land, yet there was one thing off about it. It was the same thing he noticed every day. Silence. Not a single bird cried, not a single bug buzzed, even the steady chopping of the wood had stopped. With the woodcutter gone, Mamoru turned to look out over the land again. He could see every peak vanishing into the white mist of the clouds and he could see the closest sky city. Well he couldn’t see the buildings but he could see the orange and yellow tinted clouds which held the city. Clouds that never moved for they were held in place by strong magics. The feeling of someone watching him pulled Mamoru’s nerves to a heightened state. If the owner caught him lally-gagging he would be in even more trouble. With his senses feeling more alive he searched for the source of the sensation. There in the distance near the valley of the mountain stood a figure to small to make out any details. Mamoru was sure though that it was looking at him. With his nerves calming down to a dull roar he turned his back on the stranger in the distance and went back to stacking the last four pieces of wood.

Heading to the far side of the stacked wood Mamoru piled five pieces into his arms and carefully made his way back to the back entrance which he had used to get outside. He set the logs by the door and knocked three times to signal the cook. She was a sweet woman who had insisted on making his life easier by having him just set the wood outside the back door and knock. Though it only saved him a few seconds it was the thought Mamoru appreciated. Walking back to the stacked wood Mamoru grabbed another arm load and headed to the side entrance of the inn. He made his way to the hearth in the restroom for travelers who weren’t staying the night or who were waiting to be helped.

The room wasn’t the best looking room in the inn but it was by far the comfiest. There were fur rugs, fine leather wrapped chairs and couches. There was a massive hearth in the center of the room with a crystal covering that had an enchantment to filter the smoke back to clean air. It also was nice to look at with the warm fire dancing underneath it. On the wooden walls hung pictures of nobles, gods, and heroes that no one knew the names too. Thankfully the owner was standing under one of the pictures whispering to the bookkeeper. Mamoru was sure by the look on the book keep’s face that the owner was threatening him with a beating or worse. Mamoru approached them but stayed back on the bear fur rug giving them their space while he waited for the owner to turn to him. The soft was no longer soft, it was more gritty and clumpy from the mud and dirt left on it.

“The wood is stacked, sir. What do I do now?” Mamoru said wasting no time when the owner turned around. He also quickly bowed momentarily forgetting that he was supposed to bow before speaking. There was a dull distraction of pain from him biting his own tongue. This had become a daily practiced to keep him self from saying anything or glaring at the owner.

“Go to the cellar and grab some new fire magon. I need at least five and fast,” the owner ordered. “They need to be taken to each bath house and once you’ve done that you can go collect the supoi from the forest. I want it as a rare treat for some guest tonight,” the owner grinned evilly. His eyes were alight with the cruelest of looks Mamoru had ever seen. Oh yes he truly had done it this time.

“Of course,” Mamoru gulped. He was terrified but kept his body from shaking by burning holes into the bear rug with his gaze. Mamoru wasn’t sure if the sever task was cause of his tardiness or because of what he did the other night.

Supoi was a very sweet root that came from the supoir bushes. That plant was also used a lot in medicines and some part of the plant were used for psychic visions. The bushes had very sharp thorns on every inch of its exposure. On top of that it was the favorite nesting place for supore snakes and sometimes kinju bugs. Mamoru wasn’t terrified of the thorns but of the snakes and bugs. The last servant who had to go collect supoi was swarmed by the kinju bugs. He had been stung by the kinju bugs and paralyzed by their poison. By the time anyone found him the bugs had completely removed the flesh from his arms and legs and were still feasting on his torso. The paralysis of their sting rendered their prey helpless while they stripped the flesh from it. The stripped flesh was taken into the hive where every one of those bugs could enjoy it. It wasn’t a nice fate, and a rather painful experience or so Mamoru had been told.

 

[LadyHestia]

(Chapter 1 part 2 since chapter one is really long.)

Now the supore snakes Mamoru feared for different reasons. The teeth in the snake’s mouth were like daggers, and it would chase and repeatedly bite anyone who came to close to its home. The worst part was that the snake was a venomous one. Repeated biting of the snake made it deadly though the vemon wasn’t very strong. Pushing the thoughts of the danger to the back of his mind Mamoru headed for the cellar.

As he opened the cellar door, the cold air trapped within its confines raced out. With each step down into the cellar the path became darker, colder and wetter. Mamoru smile as he smelled the scent of dank wet stones. It was a smell that calmed him slightly. If the worst happened at least he would be out of this hell house. Yeah that was a reason not to fear his fate, Mamoru decided as his toes curled into a puddle on one of the stones. Mamoru didn’t know why but he always felt refreshed and rested whenever he touched or came near water. He had read about the mages of other clans but none ever mentioned anything close to what he felt. He wasn’t foolish enough to think that he could be a mage. If he was one he would have had a seal placed on him or he would be working as a healer, blacksmith servant or something else.

A small splash echoed through the cellar as Mamoru hit the bottom of the stairs and landed in a puddle. Mamoru could see the faint glow of the magon, each one giving off a slightly different color. They lit up the dark cellar with a peaceful rainbow of color yet the puddles around them only reflected the blue light.

Magon was one of the things around the inn that actually interested Mamoru. It was an interesting item of the world, a stone that harbored the elemental power of mages. He didn’t know where these stones came from, but the stones always shone so brightly and never got dirty as long as magic was in them. Picking up a couple of the red ones he closed his hands around them. This was the only way to tell a Fire magon from a Sun magon. With Fire it would warm your hands where the Sun would also shine through your hands. Once Mamoru had tracked down five of the Fire magon he bolted back up the stairs. Holding the magon in his arms, being careful not to drop them, Mamoru weaved through the hallways down to the three bathhouses. The first two bathhouses, which were for the wealthy guests, each got two Fire magon. The magon was used to heat the water and keep it constantly warm. Mamoru placed the Fire magon in each of the center pillars removing the old cracked lifeless pieces of magon. They were to be discarded now that they looked like any other stone and the magic was tapped out. The last magon went to the bathhouse which was used by the less fortunate guests and the servants. Taking out the old dell crystal, he placed the new one in the pillar in the servant’s bathhouse. Well that’s what everyone called it at least. Mamoru stopped as his eyes fell on the water of the bathhouse. Tonight was going to be a rare treat for him; after all, it was his turn finally to bathe. Putting the happy thought of relaxing in the warm water aside he quickly placed the new stone in the pillar and watched as the carved lines in the pillar lit up with a red light.

On his way out Mamoru spotted the guards who loved to harass the servants. It was the only thing that these guards seemed to do when they should be making sure the quest were protected. One of the guards was coming down the same hall Mamoru was going to use to get to the kitchen. He would have gone another way but this hall was the only one to take to get to the kitchen from the servants bathhouse. ‘Great this is the last thing I need.’ Mamoru sighed but kept walking. Maybe today the guard would be busy with something and leave him alone. The hope of being left alone was dwindling fast as Mamoru recognized the guard as Kinther. Kinther was a relatively lean man except for the beer gut he had. He also smelled like piss in Mamoru’s opinion. Kinther was a young guardsman and his achievement of getting promoted so quickly went to his already oversized bulbous head. Then there was the fact that Kinther was almost always drunk and his mood became fouler with each sip of wine.

“Well, well if it isn’t a dead servant walking. I hear you get to go collect supoi root,” Kinther slurred with a twisted smile on his thin face. “I knew it was only a matter of time before you were given you death sentence.” Kinther gulped down another swig from his water skin and breathed heavily in Mamoru’s face. The strength of the alcohol on Kinther’s breath made his eyes water. With little warning a dull ache radiated through Mamoru’s back. Kinther had pinned him against the wall digging his elbow into Mamoru’s collarbone. “You’ve been a pain since you came here acting like you’re better then everyone else. Well personally I’m hoping it’s the Kinju bugs that catch you. The snakes are far too nice, and far too quick,” Kinther laughed and his comment raised a few chuckles from the two other guards with him.

Mamoru bit his tongue and fought the urge to say something or shove the guard, for all it would achieve would be a long beating for him. He was glad when the pressure let up and the laughter began to move away from him. Mamoru glared down the hall where the guards had traveled. They all could die right now and the only thing Mamoru would fell would be happiness that his tormentors finally got what they deserved. He spat out the blood filled saliva and continued his journey to the kitchen. At least it would be nice to see the cook.

Far before he could see the door Mamoru could smell the scent of sweet breads, roasting meats, and stewing fruits. The kitchen was alight with a rosy glow thanks to the fires in the room. There were many counters and shelves. Knifes and pots hung on the opened wall space and the sound of bubbling water filled the empty space. At one of the pots stirring whatever was in it was a fat woman with graying hair. She was the cook and had always been kind to Mamoru.

“My, Mamoru, aren’t ya treading by a smite bit earlier then other days for a taste?” The cook Jenila, or as most called her Ila, laughed at him. Her hair curled around her chubby cheeks. On the left half or her face starting at her hairline and traveling along her nose down to her cheek cone then over back underneath her hair was a strange harden patch of bone like material. It was also colored orange, close to the color of her teeth. It was like she had swallowed orange paint and her teeth by the gums had kept the color. Ila was a Sarian woman as marked by the odd patch and her colored teeth. She had to have left her country many years ago. She never talked of the Sarians or her old home, it seemed almost like she was ashamed of something when people asked about it. Mamoru heard from another older servant that Ila even changed her name on arriving at the inn and then took the job of the cook. Sarians had no wings and were heavier set then Avians. Then there was that odd patch on their faces, like the skin had been stripped away and that was the underlying bone.

“I’m not here for a treat, Jenila. I need a basket and the root knife,” Mamoru said with a polite bow. Mamoru smiled as her warm guttural chuckle matched the boiling water.

“Oh, now boy none of that and what have I told ya it’s Ila. ‘Right?” she smiled to him; some of her bottom teeth were crooked but no one cared. Ila moved away from her stove and over to the lower cabinets on the left. Mamoru swore he heard her mutter something like where is that basket but she could also have been complaining about her back. She placed a hand on her lower back as she squatted down and began looking for a basket. “Now tell me boy why would ya need the root knife?” Ila asked grabbing a and standing back up with a groan. “Oh I’m getting far too old for this some days.”

“The owner wants me to go collect the supoi root from the forest,” Mamoru said walking over to the other side of the counter. Mamoru could see the shock on her face and figured he better leave quickly in fear Ila would actually confront the owner. “Ila where is the knife? I’ll get it so you don’t have to,” Mamoru smiled to the old woman.

“Oh my….” Ila placed a hand on the counter to steady herself. “Ya always were such a sweet one, no matter what has been thrown at ya.” Ila said walking over to the hanging knifes. “It’s that one,” she pointed to a thick bladed knife with a leather wrapped handle. “I can’t believe that he’d be daft enough to send someone who’s never collected any root out there. Sometimes I think this one has the sickest mind I’ve ever seen.” Ila ranted. She was angry for sure but her voice didn’t get any louder if anything it dropped back into her throat as her muscles tensed beneath the fat. “Well he may be daft but I’m not. Silare!” Ila called out the kitchen window to a young girl. “Oh I wish that girl would be more like ya and hasten to her chores,” Ila shook her head.

“If I may, Ila, but if I was free like you and her, I would be taken my sweet time with my job, too.” Mamoru said as he placed the knife in the basket. The wicker basket creaked in his hands and felt very odd. He’d never had to do any jobs with baskets before so he didn’t know how much noise wicker baskets made.

“Oh boy, ya don’t have to talk like I’ll give you a licken’.” Ila shook her head at Mamoru. There was a small smirk on her thin lips, which were the only thin thing on her body. “I like to hear ya talk, yar one of the few here who has a ticker up in the head.” Ila tapped her head to emphasize her point. The hiss of water hitting the fire warned both that the stew was boiling over. “Vicner!” Ila cursed as she raced over to the pot.

“I know Ila… I guess I’m just a bit jumpy since I pissed the owner off the other day.”

“What ya do now Mamo?” danced the higher pitched tone of Silare. Silare was tying her hair up as she walked into the kitchen. “Mornin Mama,” she smiled to her mother. Like her mother Silare’s face was slightly chubby, and she wasn’t a stick like the noble avian girls but looked like a healthy farm girl. The odd patch on her face was a bright yellow that was darker at the top and bottom. The patch had a single thick brownish line going through the middle of it.

“I kinda dumped the owner’s soup on him when he was calling me a Cantir in front of his guests. I lost my temper,” Mamoru shrugged but couldn’t hide the smile on his face. Mamoru looked down at his side at the large yellow and purple bruises that covered it. This was part of the punishment he’d received for the act. Mamoru looked up at the woman as he heard a strange very harsh language fall from their lips.

“What? Mamo is doing that job?” it was Silare who broke back into the common tongue first. Her hand touched Mamoru’s shoulder and her eyes were filled with concern. “Giving that job out stead of dirtying his’ own hand! Won’t he be angry when you come unharmed.” Silare giggled like a child.

“Hopefully not to angry,” Mamoru grumbled trying to fake a smile. He failed to share Silare’s sense of humor. She may have been a sweet girl but she laughed at the worst points in time. “Well we should get going I’d like to be back in time for the late meal tonight.” Mamoru told Silare as his stomach growled a little. Mamoru felt his cheeks flush a little at the gurgling of his stomach.

“Oh hold on dear,” Ila said. Turning her back on the stove again she shuffled over to a bowl covered by a cream towel. She pulled back the towel to reveal a couple loafs of sweet bread. “Here, take this to nibble on. You both will need it.” Ila smiled handing a single loaf to her daughter. “It’s baked with honey your favorite.”

“Thanks Ila. I’ll see you tonight,” Mamoru smiled and led Silare out the door. The cooler air of the outside was refreshing after being in the kitchen. Mamoru had no clue how Ila could stand it. “So I guess you’ve collected supoi before?” Mamoru asked Silare as they walked side by side down to the forest.

 

[LadyHestia]

(Chapter 1 part 3)

“Yep! Mama taught me how so she could send me to fetch it when needed.” Silare nodded and pushed a low branch out of her way. For a girl she was very strong it was a trait all Sarians supposable had. “You see a supio bush that has the dirt pushed away from the roots, kinda like a little trench is inhabited by the kinju bugs. One where most of the briars are missing most likely as a supore snake near it,” Silare explained. The light around them was becoming dimmer the deeper into the forest they went. Pine cones littered the ground along with brown needles and brown leafs from the Redbell trees. “Most newbie pickers go for the uncovered roots and are surprised when they get swarmed by the Kinju.”

Mamoru nodded and followed Silare as she led him to a clearing. It was a bit brighter here, with the sun peaking through the leaves of the Redbell. Mamoru was still disturbed by the lack of sound. It was like the wildlife had up and left the forest. Maybe if the wildlife had left then there would be no Kinju or Supore to run into.

“There that’s a good one,” Silare said pulling Mamoru back to the task at hand. Her finger was aimed at a bush clinging to the base of a pine tree. It was a small bush but Mamoru could still see the thin long thorns. “Okay, now your going to need to uncover the roots, and but them as close to the stem, or trunk of the bush okay?” she smiled as she told him gesturing with her hands. Mamoru frowned realizing she wasn’t going to help dig or anything. The thorns would definitely tear his skin far easier then hers. Sighing Mamoru knelt down on the ground and began to dig around the bush with his bare hands. He winced every time the thorns caught and tore at his skin, but he kept digging.

“Oh Mamo you are so slow.” Silare said kneeling next to him. She began shoving the dirt out of the way ignoring the thorns altogether.

“Sorry, but I’ve never done this before,” Mamoru argued trying weakly to defend himself against her truthful accusation. Finally the roots came into view in a tangled mess like pasta that was dropped on the floor. He picked up the knife and cut the first root with Silare breathing down his neck with encouragement. The plant began to bleed thick sticky clear ooze where the root used to be. The smell of the ooze was like over sugared molasses. Mamoru tried to rub the substance onto the ground next to him, but it just stuck to his skin and picked up some of the dirt.

“Good Mamo that was a good one. Just remember to rub it in the dirt the second it comes free from the plant or the plant blood will stick to everything.” Silare instructed with a nod of approval. She placed the first root into the wicker basket after rubbing the cut root in the dirt. “Okay now cut two more then we move on to the next bush,” Silare smiled as Mamoru set a second root into the basket.

“What? But there are plenty of roots here. Why can’t we just collect them all from here?” Mamoru asked feeling slightly annoyed. He didn’t want to move he wanted to finish this job as soon as possible. Searching for another bush would take time and luck and they would postpone his bathe and meal.

“Cause if you take to many the bush will die, so you got to go to many bushes, in order to finish the job.” Silare said. She was holding up one finger as she talked like she was giving a lecture just like her mother would.

“Oh gods….” Mamoru sighed letting his shoulders sink under the weight of this job. Here he was beginning to think that this job would be a quick and easy one, and he’d get a hot meal. Well tonight was going to be another cold meal night and he’d probably be the last one to the bathhouse which meant the water would be dirty and they would clean it after him. Mamoru looked around the forest and this time took in what he saw. The trees were far taller then he thought but many of them were dead at the top. He also noticed that the small river that was supposed to be around here was nowhere in sight. “Hey Silare? Isn’t there a river near the inn?” Mamoru asked looking over to the Sarian girl who had stood up to led the way to the next plant.

“It dried up. It hasn’t been flowing since the rebirth season. In fact the trees never even fully bloomed. There was a man in the inn today, he just got there before mama sent us to do this. Anyways he said I was the fault of the people.” Silare paused and pointed to another bush. This time she just set the basket down and stared up to the canopy. “He said if we listened to the gods, and actually watched what our magic did when we use it for convince then the forest wouldn’t be dying. That out land wouldn’t be dying.” Silare had a mind like a steal trap so Mamoru believed that was exactly what the guy had said. It was scary how Silare could remember anything anyone said word for word. “He was a strange one… I think mama said he was a Tevotic, you know the lizard like people. He was taller than the doorway. Oh and he was all scaly and had giant dragon wings.” Silare said stretching her arms out to give Mamoru a clue to the size. Mamoru didn’t even bother to look as he cut another root away from the bush.

“I wonder if he’s who I saw approaching the inn today,” Mamoru mused out loud as he tried to picture the foreign image that Silare wanted him to. Nope he couldn’t do it. Granted Mamoru had always thought everyone had feathered wings till he met Ila and Silare.

“He’s the only guest that has arrived today. He’s soooo tall,” Silare said once more clearly hung up on how tall the guy was. There was the dull creak of the wicker basket as Mamoru dropped another root into the basket. He stood up and dusted the dirt off his knees revealing red skin.

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By the time Mamoru had finished gathering enough supio roots the sun had already fallen and the forest turn to a dark blue. Mamoru frowned as he hauled the basket of roots back to the inn. He had sent Silare back once he had gotten the hang of the job. It wasn’t fair to keep her from her chores or make her do his job. As Mamoru approached the inn he could see that the lights were on in the servants dinning hall.

“Damn I am going to miss dinner,” Mamoru grumbled as he walked into the kitchen. There was still a couple light magon lighting the kitchen even though Ila wasn’t in it. Mamoru set the basket down on the ground and looked around for one of the tubs of water that had to be here. Spotting one he dragged it over to the table in the kitchen and set it up so he could sit as he washed the roots. The next thing he was going to need was the glass jar that the roots were kept in, resting in a liquid that kept them fresh. Said jar was in one of the cabinets and had been found after a couple second of aimlessly opening cabinets. Carrying the jar to the table Mamoru uncapped it and got ready for a long night.

Lifting the first root he submerged it in the water and began pulling at the dirt. It wasn’t working at all so he began rubbing the root against his knuckles and thankfully the dirt began to lift away from the root. Each clean root was placed in the jar before the next one was cleaned. It was a grueling process and his knuckles hated him every time he picked up a new root. He’d finished fourteen of the roots and now just one remained. Once the last root was finished and in the jar Mamoru forced the lid back on it. It was much heavier then before but he was still able to lift it and put it away. With a yawn he looked out the window. The two moons had risen and were standing proud in the middle of the night sky. Trudging back to the table he grabbed the edges of the water tub and dragged it outside. Lifting up the edges he began to dump out the filth soaked water. The water traveled like a bug sized river down the rocks.

Kneeling down Mamoru watched the water closer. Even in the moonlight the water seemed to glow and shine a soft but deep blue. It was weird and it was something only Mamoru seemed to notice. He continued to stare at the water as the blue color became brighter and began to shift its hue. Puzzlement took over Mamoru’s face and the water was now moving into a puddle rather then flowing down like it should. Gathering every drop that had just run down the rocks back and resting at Mamoru’s feet. The water began to bubble and churn in the small but deep puddle. A blue light came from the depth of the puddle beyond where the ground laid. Its endless depths intrigue Mamoru and so he leaned closer trying to see how or why the water was doing this. Mamoru narrowed his eyes as he saw something swimming up towards him. It was so small but it looked like a snake. As it grew larger the sharp white teeth came into view like a sudden nightmare. Mamoru stood up quickly and backed away from the water with frantic steps. The bubbling ceased and the water lost form and ran back down the rocks. Mamoru tried to figure out what had happened as he felt that feeling of eyes on him again.

Turning to his left he saw the tall man. The man had to be at least twice his size, and had shoulders wider than the door frame. Mamoru stepped back and swallowed the lump in his throat as the gold eyes fell on his face. Those eyes were glowing in the dark like the beast that hunted at night. In the pale light Mamoru could see the dragon like wings that were branching off of the man’s back.

“Were you moving the water?” the man asked. His voice so low that it sounded like he was growling. Mamoru stepped back again trying to gage how far he was to the door. Would he be able to make it inside if he ran? Doubtful by the muscular build of the man in front of him. The man cocked his head to the side and there was a sudden burst of laughter. Mamoru winced at the hearty laughter and watched the man sit down on the dirt.

“I see. I forget I’m a monster around the lands of Pangoria.” The man smiled as he placed his large hands on his knees. “I’m not going to eat you or kill you for fun, those are just false stories of my kin.” The man spoke and Mamoru winced. He hadn’t known that and now he was even wearier of the man. There were stories of these giants eating people? Now he really wanted to get away but he wasn’t going to turn his back on something that could easily rip his head off. “So how did you move the water, kid?”

“It’s Mamoru!” Mamoru spat. He quickly bit his tongue and cursed himself for speaking out. This was bad now this guy would surely rip him apart.

“Mamoru….. Hmmm, so you are an Arevian even though you have no wings. I was wondering if you were one, but you’re names Arevian enough.” The man said with a smile. “I’m Kish Dragonwing, member of the earth sect of the Tevo clan. Now I’m glad we have been introduced but you didn’t answer my question.”

“I don’t know. I’m just a servant, not a mage or anything else.” Mamoru hissed getting annoyed and very defensive at the others presence. This annoyance steamed from the fear of the other man.

“Hmm, so just a servant…. Well I think you’re a mage. Untrained but a mage all the same. I also wanted to know one more thing. If given the chance would you flee this place?” Kish asked. His smile had faded and a more serious look had fallen over his face.

Though fear wanted Mamoru to continue moving away from the giant in front of him, his desire for freedom held him still. Mamoru eyed him carefully as the offer was weighted in his mind. If the man, Kish, was lying he could be killed, or beaten again. If he was not lying then he would be free, he would live how he wanted too. It was a very tempting proposition but it was too good.

“Why? Why would you just offer me a chance to be free?” Mamoru asked. He straightened up and planted his feet firmly on the ground. Mamoru’s posture changing from someone unsure of what to make of this man to one ready for anything the world could throw at him.

“I dislike seeing others suffering when they’ve done nothing wrong. The way this land is run is based off cruelty and the suffering of others. A method I could never agree with, let alone do nothing to try to change it. Mercy is a gift if given it will spread through the lands like the bounty of the crops.” Kish said his voice held a conviction that Mamoru had never heard before. It was like this man believed he could change the world. ~That is a truly foolish notion.~ Mamoru thought to himself. “So what’s the answer ki-Mamoru?” Kish asked his gold eyes falling on Mamoru.

“I have nothing else to lose. Yes I would take any chance to flee this place.” Mamoru said in a hushed tone. It was so low that he wasn’t sure if Kish could hear him. Mamoru didn’t trust the giant man completely but it was enough to let him relax just a little. It was then Mamoru noticed the weird tattoo on Kish’s torso. It was a shield two mountains on it and a wheat thrasher under the mountains. This guy really was a freak, who in their right mind would purposely mar their body? Kish’s face held a slight confusion and he began looking over himself. The kid, Mamoru was staring and he was starting to wonder what he was staring at.

“Mamoru I believe you are staring.” Kish said clearing his throat. It wasn’t polite to point out when someone was staring but it also wasn’t polite to stare.

“What’s with the dumb tattoo?” Mamoru asked without hesitation. Mamoru lifted his gaze and met the Tevo’s eyes with curiosity and distrust. Before Kish could answer his question the sound of voices coming closer altered both that the conversation was over.

“Tonight, I will find my way to the servant hall as the moon hits her crest. If you want your freedom you’ll meet me in the hall.” Kish said as he turned away from Mamoru. As Kish began to walk around the corner of the building and out of sight Mamoru pondered the offer. Normally he would have thought it a trap and would not even debate the issue. Yet there was something in the way the other spoke about the treatment of most here in Pangoria that intrigued him. Mamoru let his feet lead him back into the kitchen. To lost to his thought to notice anything around him or realize that he left the tub outside. It wasn’t till he reached the table that Mamoru looked around the kitchen. The dim light of the only light magon caste eerie shadows over the room and made it seem haunted. Mamoru placed his hands on the wooden table and thought about freedom. No more answering to foul names, no more fear of speaking out of turn, no more foolish orders, just freedom. Working and actually making gold from it. Yeah it was a chance worth taking. ~What’s the worst that can happen? I die? Not like I have much to live for.~ Mamoru smirked at the solemn thought.

Mamoru stretched out his arms and walked out of the kitchen. He looked out the door that led to the dinner area for guest looking to see if the dragon man was there. He wanted to know the man was still at the inn and didn’t just leave. To his surprise the man was walking into the area and he was looking at Mamoru. Mamoru quickly bolted down the hall away from the room that Kish was in. He was not going to get in trouble for spying on the guests, even if he had been. As Mamoru reached the end of the straight hallway he slowed down so not to look suspicious to the guards who were just around the corner. After all they couldn’t have been louder. When Mamoru turned the corner his breath hitched as he prayed that Kinther wouldn’t be one of the guards. Much to his relief Kinther wasn’t there just a couple of older guards.

“Hey kid! I can’t believe you’re still alive.” The one guard exclaimed pulling out a few cions and dropping them in the other guard’s hand.

“Yeh you watch tho’ the owner will get him done tomorrow. Enjoy your last bath.” The other guard laughed clearly drunk. He stumbled to one side as the other guard stepped to the other side of the door.

Mamoru said nothing but did nodded his head a little as he walked through the doorway. He wondered what the guard meant by ‘the owner will get him done’. Was he being set up by Kish? Did that lizard man tell the owner what he was going to do? Or was it that the owner was so angry about the other day that he was trying to kill him? All the possibilities gave Mamoru a headache just thinking about them.

There were a couple other servants out in the hall talking but their voices stopped the moment they saw him. Mamoru glared at the gossiping servants even if it was very unlikely that they had been talking about him. It irritated him when people suddenly stopped talking when he entered the room. It was like they wanted to make him paranoid or wanted everyone to know they’d been gossiping. He could hear the two voices start up again as he passed them and was a bit away. Mamoru paused as he reached the door that lead out of the servant’s hallway and to the bath hall. The door was an oak door on rusted hinges so it creaked whenever it was opened.

The stairs to the bathhouse were made of white marble verse the wood in the rest of the inn. It was because the bathhouse was much older than the inn. Ila told Mamoru that the bathhouse was once part of a land castle that a king from the old ages used, King Sague Cresida. Sague was a famous Avian king, one hated by nobles and loved by servants. He was a just king from what Mamoru had heard from Ila, how she knew this Mamoru didn’t ask. Mamoru’s footsteps echoed through the bare hall that came after the twenty stairs. It was enough to make him smile as thoughts of dreams fluttered passed his eyes. Vivid images of gold drapes and white stoned halls. Of giant doors made of Redbell tree wood with silver handles. That just beyond those doors there would be a balcony with flowers of all kinds on the railing. Just below the balcony would be millions of people calling his name, happy for his existence, happy just to see him. To them he was one of those heroes from the old legends that he dreamed about at night. As Mamoru’s hand touched the dull oak door the image and the dream faded. Reality took its firm hold over the boy and made sure he remembered he was just daydreaming. A heavy sigh passed Mamoru’s lips as he pushed open the door and entered the bath house.

The steam from the water crawled along the stone floor and parted with each step Mamoru took. The water was tinted a soft yellow from the torch light, and from the yellowed colored stone lining the bath. The fragrant smell of soft oils and torches clung to the air as thickly as the water did. Mamoru walked over to the edge of the pool and tapped the water with his hand testing the temperature. It was warmer and clearer then Mamoru would have guess it would be. Undoing the cloth belt Mamoru stripped out of his breeches and stepped into the water. Not a single ripple crossed the surface of the water as he entered the bath. The scrapes on his knees and hands from the day’s work stun as the water cleaned off some of the dirt. Mamoru didn’t mind the sensation of the pain in his knees and hands it was almost soothing in an odd way. It let him know that he could work hard, and it let him know that this was real even if he wished it was a nightmare. Taking a deep breath through his nostrils Mamoru slipped under the surface of the water. He would have to hurry with cleaning himself if he wanted to meet with Kish and flee the inn.

The completion of Chapter one please let me know what you thought.