《The Last Descendant Of The Dragon Clan》


 The Downfall Of The Dragon Clan

    The morning sun ascends from behind a jagged mountain that stands defiantly amidst the scenery. Summer had enveloped the world and the gentle heat caressed the crevices that lay bare upon the mountainside. Sparse foliage decorates the enormous gargantuan, the gorgeous shrubbery that is scattered upon the mountain shines a beautiful shade of emerald.


    Upon viewing the mountainside from the ground the greenery looks insignificantly small, however if one was to observe a single tree among the vast of ocean of foliage they would find that not a single tree was under the height of 200 hundred metres.


    This mountain was the beginning of a vast mountain range that spanned the breadth of the entire continent, however even still compared to the other mountains in the range this mountain was a legendary landmark. This was because sitting atop the peak of this goliath being was the home of the legendary dragon clan, the undeniable aerial experts that ruled over the Agrueo kingdoms military forces.


    The absolute peak of the mountain resides at a height of 200 kilometres up in the sky. In the air around the apex of the mountain were writhing creatures that flew around antagonising one another. Appearing to actually be in the mountain itself glimpses of immense slumbering beasts could be caught.


    As you descended to a more comfortable height of 50 kilometres the second peak of the mountain had been levelled entirely leaving a roughly circular area with a diameter of a kilometre entirely flattened out. Upon this secondary peak the scenery was extraordinarily rugged with pitch black rocks completely covering the area apart from one space in the center where there were beautiful marble white structures that sat atop the peaks surface. In between these white structures many figures rushed around carrying about their, anything but mundane, tasks.


    Towards the outer area of the peak, amidst a jagged outcrop of rubble, a group of figures, lit by the red rays of the morning star, moved in synchronisation performing flowing movements, completely in tune with one another. Their movements were incredibly strange and profound, sometimes appearing as passionate and blazing as flame whilst at other times seeming as solid and firm as the very earth itself.


    The group was made up of 15 moving figures that seemed to be performing the movements slightly slower than a larger figure, who stood in front of the gathering, as if they were copying his actions. The group was dressed uniformly in a silk training garb that was endowed with a spiralling dragon wrapped around the torso. Among the outskirts of the group was a figure who was disjointed and awkward in his movements, and as the tempo of the dance increased the figures awkward failing limbs tangled amongst themselves causing the figure to fall down hard.


    The instructor didn''t bother paying attention to the frail boy who collapsed to the ground as the earths heavenly flame dance tempo began to pick up. The young individual who had fallen over had done so many times already in this training session, the instructor had begun to stop caring, labelling the boy as a waste of time and resources already. The physical requirement to complete the earths heavenly flame dance was unbelievably low, yet somehow the boy hadn''t even been able to keep up for half the dance, this in itself was an amazement to the instructor.


    The boy was part of the violet ruby generation, a generation that showed great military talent. However even in this talented generation there were bound to be failures, it was only expected and so for these reasons the instructor had left the boy on the ground as he continued showing the boys who showed promise the correct way to execute the movements.


    The young boy lay still upon the dull black rocks. His breathing slowly returned to a normal state and his heart stopped pounding in his chest. Once again for the umpteenth time the boy began to pick himself up and readied himself to begin the dance once the group started over.


    Among the group of 6 year olds this boy was the only one who struggled to perform this basic dance, all the others could complete it with ease. The earths heavenly flame dance was a training method that allowed the body to slowly begin gathering natural energy from the surrounding atmosphere. It was an essential dance that any young boy must be able to perform to become a man of the dragon clan, a man that couldn''t perform the earths heavenly flame dance was as useful as a young child.


    So for this reason the boy picked himself up off of the rocky floor of the mountain and started the dance over again with the other children. The slow movements slowly became more intense as the dance neared the midpoint. The boy could feel an unquantifiable amount of natural energy surrounding him, he could feel it''s slow ebb as the plants and wildlife unconsciously absorbed that energy into themselves, and he could feel the dance slowly increasing his intake of the energy, entering his body from every single pore of his body, it was then slowly drawn towards the centre of his chest.


    As the dances tempo increased more energy started being drawn into his chest, however just before the half way point of the dance the natural energy that he''d already absorbed suddenly began to leak out from his chest spreading throughout his body seeking an exit.


    At first it only mildly affected his dancing but as he began absorbing more energy, more energy began leaking out, until just like a dam bursting the energy he had painstakingly collected exploded forth and uncontrollably travelled through every muscle in his body in its frantic search for a exit, causing the boy to spasm and once again fall to the floor in dejection. But once again the boy picked himself up. In the youths eyes a glint of steel flashed.


    The sun has begun it''s grudging descent behind the other side of the indomitable mountain. The same boy sits where the suns rays had fallen upon the group in the morning, dressed in the same silken training garb. A single glistening tear rolls down the boys cheek. The boy is no fool he realises the worth of someone who cannot even practice in the most basic of all the dances and sutras.


    As the stars cheerfully appear in the sky the boy remains on the outskirts of the peak, purposely avoiding going home, where he must face the terrifying prospect of telling his mother that he, the clans future and their only son, has absolutely no talent in martial art techniques. His mother had paid a price to allow the boy to participate in that training session, so when they find out the boy has zero talent they will be utterly disappointed.


    His dragon clan was comparatively a small clan in the Agrueo kingdom, possessing around 5000 members from both the main branch and the side branches. his father was a simple military officer in the clans forces before his death, his mother had also served as a military officer. However after the fathers passing she quit the service and focused on looking after her child permanently. But the boy knew that when he underwent the ceremony of naming in 4 years time his mother would cast him aside, leaving him to fend for himself, whilst she returned to the dragon corps she had once served in.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.Staring up at the night sky the boy thought to himself "The elders and my mother don''t love me as I am now at all, they only love the idea of the power I may posses in the future, that was the only thing that had kept me safe in this world, once they realise I''m talentless I''ll be cast out, there''s no way the clan will waste resources on looking after someone who cannot repay them"


    As the boy began to sink into a well of self pity he vehemently blamed the gods for cursing him with such poor ability in martial arts, even the common folks can practice in the basic Earths heavenly flame dance. It was the most common of dances taught to peasants to keep them alive during war and yet somehow, the boy, a scion of the dragon clan couldn''t practice in it. How was he supposed to ride the mightiest of dragons above even the highest of clouds and mountains when that required a certain level of skill in martial arts, a level of skill he will never be able to reach.


    The stars became more numerous in the voracious void called the sky, and the boy continued to ponder upon his lack of talent and curse his tragic luck.Time continued to flow and the summer nights heat lured the boy to slowly lull into a disturbed sleep.


    A rush of hot wind overhead awakened the boy. A moment passed before light exploded forth into being directly behind him. The impact of the explosion tossed the boy a few metres away. His ears ringing, the boy unsteadily got to his feet.


    A sight of pure chaos met his eyes. The beautiful marble white village that created such contrast with the black rocky ground was engulfed in a sea of red and scarlet. Titanic amounts of heat were rolling towards him as it was emanated from the village. It was only upon hearing the soul rendering screeches did the child understand that the village was on fire.


    The boy collapsed to the ground as if his very soul had been dragged out of his body, leaving an empty carapace. His village was on fire. However this realisation alone did not shock the boy, what petrified the boy so tremendously was the sight in the sky. Framed by the hanging moon a black monster could be seen.


    It''s wings that were flapping majestically to keep the gargantuan body afloat, seemed as if they could enfold the very world itself, a tail that flicked back and forth dropped down from below the beast, it was comparable to deaths insatiable scythe. The beast slowly reared it''s monstrous reptilian head. The only thing the boy could make out from this distance were the cackling embers surrounding the creatures mouth and it''s red eyes. Those malicious red eyes glint with a terrifyingly cunning intelligence. As the boy looked into the beasts eyes he felt as though his very soul could be rendered by a glance from this draconian.


    The boy had seen dragons before, the clans warriors all valiantly ride upon their backs, however he doubted that there was another dragon in the world that could compare to this divine entity.The noise of the dragon growling viciously snapped the boy back to reality, the growl sounded as if the earth itself was about to crack open. The boy flinched in fright from such a hideous noise, and when he opened his eyes all he saw was a black blur that was rapidly streaking away into the distance. And just like that the beast had left.


    The low hanging moon that the creature had been silhouetted by cast a faint light upon the devastated boys tear-streaked face. The only proof of the dragons existence was the sea of flames that the beast had left behind, the boy couldn''t bring himself to face this sight.


    The agonising screams had stopped a long time ago, the boy was no fool he fully knew what this meant. He knew his clan had just been entirely exterminated by that mysterious dragon in the same amount of time as it took to drink a cup of tea.


    The roar of the flames was only getting louder and louder in the boys ears. He himself did not know this but the fire the dragon had exhaled wasn''t just ordinary fire, it was Hells flame. Hells flames could burn anything to ashes while it had energy, including rock , which is why the entire rocky plateau of the peak was currently ablaze with those scarlet flames. But even if the boy was aware of this he wouldn''t act on it. He had completely surrendered to despair, casting away the will to live.


    To lose a family member is a tragic occurrence that can have massive negative effects on a young child, so for a young boy to lose his entire family at such a tender age, one can easily imagine how detrimentally devastated the boy must be.


    The flames continued to burn through the rock plateau and had now burned through 15 metres in the centre of the peak where the village once stood. However as the flames began to lick towards the boy a resounding crack could be heard over the roar of the flames. Cracks began to ripple outwards from the centre of the plateau whilst some of the rock in the centre of the peak fell inwards revealing a boundlessly deep hole running through the secondary peak of the mountain.


    With a terrifying noise the center of the plateau completely caved in and disappeared into the hole below, the outer ares of the peak began to sag dangerously. Before the flames could reach the youth the outer areas of the peak where the boy was situated suddenly collapsed and fell away.


    The youth fell rapidly, rushing downwards into the inky darkness below, the only sound that could be heard was the whistling of the wind. The boy didn''t have time to comprehend what was happening and was still in a state of shock whilst being suspended in free fall as he spiralled downwards.Seconds passed and the boy continued falling, upon desperately looking about he saw many pieces of rock that had fallen with him, all kinds of shapes and sizes, some the size of him whilst others were many times larger, a few above, some below him and many to all sides of the boy.


    Before long the boy heard splashes from somewhere below him as the pieces of rock that fell foremost landed in what seemed like water, he unconsciously braced for an impact.


    The last thing he saw was an enormous plume of water rushing up towards him as the stone below him smashed into the water. He crashed awkwardly into the water with a juddering impact that jarred the entirety of the boys body before his consciousness slowly slipped away.

 Chapter 2: The Guardian

    The cold awoke the boy, a frigid cold that had seeped deep into his bones. His lower body was completely numb, being submerged in murky water whilst his torso lay upon a jagged rock that jutted out of the waters surface. The brazen rock that stood proudly out of the water was only large enough for the boy to sit upon it''s rugged surface, however as soon as the boy realised his situation he frantically pulled himself up out of the freezing water and onto the rocks uneven surface. His silken training garb was entirely drenched through, the soaked fabric unpleasantly clung tightly to the youths skinny frame. With trembling hands the frozen boy removed the clothes to wring them out. The cold had permeated throughout the entirety of his being causing such simple actions to prove infinitely challenging. Once the garments were relatively dry he donned them again, the little protection they offered against the icy atmosphere he was eternally grateful for.


    Violently shivering whilst perched atop of his solitary island, the boy evaluated his situation. Once having closely observed what was in his nearest vicinity, the boy found himself to be in a underground lake. Tranquil moonlight shone down onto the still waters surface and gently alighted upon the boys face. Looking heavenwards the youth could tell that this light was being filtered down through a tunnel high above him. The boy wasn''t directly under the tunnel, in fact he was far from the center, appearing to be on the very outskirts of the wide opening in the ceiling of the cavern, which made sense seeing as he was on the outskirts of the plateau when it collapsed. The end of the tunnel looked to be a circular opening into the night sky that framed the solemn moon whom passively stared downwards. As the tunnel descended towards him it slowly opened outwards eventually leading into this vast cavern, the opening into this hidden lake was at least 5 kilometres in diameter. The door that linked the outside world to this secluded environment appeared as large as a fist from the youths current location even though it was the entirety of the plateau that had a diameter of a kilometre, which had just caved in.


    The rough walls of the hole leading to the surface were covered in what appeared to be a fluorescent type of lichen that gave off a dim light. Various places on the roof of the cavern, away from the tunnel, were illuminated by this lichen appearing to be vibrant stars in the infinite void of space. The combination of this lichens light and the lunar rays enabled the youth to make out that he was currently sitting atop a rock that was completely isolated in a giant body of water. Various other rocks could distantly be seen protruding out of the lakes surface, visible only because of the luminous lichen that grew upon them.


    Under the boys eagle like gaze a strange sight came to the attention of the dishevelled youth perched upon his miniature island. The caverns boundaries couldn''t be established as a malicious darkness had claimed the outer edges where even the lunar light couldn''t cast it''s rays. However there was another place that same moonlight couldn''t penetrate. Directly under the centre of the hole in the roof, nearly 2 kilometres away from the boys solitary island, the lunar light that should of illuminated the area appeared to distort and warp into non-existence. This created a spherical dome of darkness that crowned the centre of the area underneath the hole. The width of the base of the dome appeared to be at least a kilometre in diameter, it was by in no means a small area that was affected by this phenomenon.


    After some silent deliberation, the boy decided that his situation was terribly dire anyway, further action was better than doing nothing and waiting for deaths silent embrace to steal away with his soul. That arcane area may hold some clues as to what this lake that hid underneath a mountains true purpose was. Without further ado the youth plunged into the murky waters not allowing himself any second thoughts.


    When life was static and normal, which seemed like an age ago but in reality was only yesterday, their was a beautiful hot spring only a few kilometres away from the colonised plateau. In the winter nights when their was a sharp bite in the air the youth would enjoy nothing more than to sink into this hot spring, lazily swimming about letting the intense heat purify and relax his body. The water wasn''t deep however there was always a bottom that the boy could stand atop when he was overwhelmed. This minor difference and the trauma the boy had just suffered had an immense effect upon his swimming ability. Cold water lapped over the boys face further fanning the flames of panic that were growing inside the youths chest. The youth didn''t want to think about how deep this lake was, because once he started pondering about such things he knew his imagination would start placing treacherous thoughts in his consciousness. Thoughts of beasts dwelling below the boys thrashing body, scaly beasts with a hunger for flesh and ravenous, insatiable appetites.


    Thrashing forwards in the water, the boy ploughed onwards towards his destination. The youth had it fixated in his mind that his survival entirely depended on him reaching that arcane area, because of such a strong mentality even when his body was fatigued and terrified he continued forwards, pushing himself to swim faster and harder. The dark hounds of his nightmares plagued his mind every metre of the arduous journey.


    After hours of terrifying swimming the boy found himself in front of the dome of darkness that seemed to voraciously suck in light. He was floating 20 metres away from the edge of the dome, inspecting it with a degree of suspicion and caution. The youth had never encountered such a strange form of magic, however the boy was no fool he knew that approaching such a unorthodox looking barrier rashly without knowing it''s effects was simply asking for danger.


    Upon the boys silken training garments a silver dragon pin adorned the collar. This pin was given to every single direct descendant of the main family line, it''s only purpose was to segregate the side family''s members, highlighting their inferiority compared to the main branch. Such a vile item the boy could only feel contempt for, but the clans regulations required him to don it, of course the clans rules and stipulations could no longer chain the free youth. When their spirits burned bright and they walked in this mortal plane many of his late friends had been members of the side clan, so the youth had no hesitation in his actions as he ripped the detestable item from his garb and threw it roughly towards that unnerving barrier. The pin soared through the air cutting an arc as it sailed forwards, the pin passed through the barrier without a problem. A resonating sound could be heard from the other side of the barrier, it was the sound of metal striking against stone.


    Taking a deep, steadying breath the boy ungraciously swam the last few metres of water separating him from this mysterious barrier. As the boy neared the barrier he suddenly exhaled a ragged gasp as the temperature sharply dropped, considering the already icy atmosphere this sharp decrease sparked off the boys vigorous shivering again. Earlier whilst he was swimming rapidly the exercise had warmed his muscles keeping the frozen cold from invading his body, however the cold soon harshly attacked the boy again. The boy observed that the clandestine barrier was sucking in certain forms of energy, such as heat and light, he himself actually feeling his body heat being sucked into this infallible barrier. This didn''t stop the boy however, he only spurred himself onwards to get out of the frigidly cold zone he currently occupied. Upon arriving at the barrier the temperature was it''s coldest, by all means the water should''ve frozen over long ago. Throwing himself headfirst the boy crashed through the arcane barrier that was so out of place in this hostile environment.


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    A bright light blinded the boy, completely hindering the youths vision. The next thing the boy noticed was the warmth, then the feeling of grass under his shivering body, finally the soft caress of a breeze that danced through the youths soggy hair which dangled upon his brow. Completely bewildered the boys confusion only increased as his vision was restored to him. Surrounding him was a beautiful grass plain that spread as far as the eye could see. Amongst the plain were strange stone tablets that were scattered haphazardly around the curious scenery, the silver dragon pin lay close to one of these enigmatic tablets. Without thinking the youth bent down and scooped the pin up placing it back onto his wet collar.


    A lonely dry wind floated throughout this vast expanse of land, flowing through the tablets towards him, telling the boy this was real. Turing around in puzzlement he saw a barrier behind him,  but this barrier was different. It was iridescent in nature giving off a light so bright it hurt the boys eyes to even look at it. This barrier stretched as far as he could see to his left and right, looking upwards he could see the barrier reach upwards giving off that same pure light. Upon closer inspection the boy realised that what he thought was the sky was in actual fact this barrier, stretched far above him, the light given off by the ceiling of the dome reached the boy and he could feel it''s tender warmth. The fatigue, both mental and physical, from swimming across the lake were washed away instantly by this gentle light that warmed his very soul.


    The boys knees started trembling as he realised what he had stumbled upon. He had a basic knowledge about magic. He knew that to create a formidable defence barrier one had to be at a great level of potency. A barrier that manipulated dimensions once entered could only be woven by an ascended being, a being who''s power had become so great that this dimensional plane had ejected them to another level of existence. Beings who had achieved ascension on this plane could be counted upon the fingers of a single hand, and because of this they were legendary figures that had statuses superior to gods incarnate. So of course the humble boys knees trembled when he realised that this barrier must of been created by an ascended being.


    The terrified boy was queasy with fright. However exiting the barrier didn''t even enter his mind, the desolate cavern awaiting his return was far more deadly than this strange place, he would definitely perish in the cavern however in here survival was a possibility that drew the boy forwards. A strange sensation in the youths chest, exactly where energy is cultivated, told the boy to rush forwards towards a area that would roughly be in the center of this great barrier. With nothing else to go on the boy followed this curious feeling and started walking further into the vast expanse of plain that sprawled before him.


    The boy had travelled a massive distance. Within the first hour his soaking clothes had dried in the warm environment and the boy was relatively comfortable. At first the boy had went out of his way to look at the tablets, certain they must contain cryptic clues as to who made this place. They towered over the young boy, scripted with strange engravings that bore no relevance to the child, so the youth had quickly lost interest in them, the tablets quickly becoming part of the strange environment. After 5 hours of walking the boy still hadn''t seen a living creature and this epic scenery still spanned immeasurably into the distance so he decided to take a rest underneath one of these strange tablets, his back propped against the tablets rugged surface. Before he knew it the boy had slipt into a deep slumber that even the apocalypse wouldn''t of woken him from. Upon awakening the boy had gotten up and carried on, walking for another 7 hours. Fatigue had set in long ago, however that strange feeling in his chest had become stronger and was still tugging the boy onwards not allowing him rest of any kind.


    A distant structure appeared on the horizon, a Goliath of a building that was beginning to take shape. The building was a massive structure, slender stone columns supported a smooth stone dome, suspending the masonry in space. Grandiose arches adorned the spaces between the columns, the dome itself had those strange engravings upon its top, that spoke of an unfathomable power. As the boy grew nearer the great structure it became clearer to see that in these incise archways were double doors that were of such a size they could accommodate dragons. The entire building screamed of the power that the being who made this had.


    As the the boy arrived at the base of this artwork, he could see a gargantuan set of stairs that led to the doors in the arch nearest to him. The child sprinted up these stairs, the sensation in his chest had been amplified and it felt like he was being shocked by tiny sparks of electricity constantly. Upon arriving at a platform between the doors and the stairs the boy rested for a moment, catching his escaping breath. Ominously the grand doors swung open like mist encroaching towards a harbour, revealing a black shroud within that concealed the contents of the structure. With some hesitation the boy entered this rancid void.


    Just as silently as they had opened the doors closed, engulfing the boy into darkness. Panic quickly took root in the boy as he stumbled around looking for light of any kind. As the youth blindly stumbled about he hit something hard and warm, sending him sprawling onto the cold floor. Light illuminated the area as a great orb appeared in the air above the boy. The orb was in fact slightly ovular in shape, red in colour with a black dot marking the centre. A terrifying comprehension dawned upon the youth as that black dot moved and focused on the boy and a gravelly voice thundered "who dare disturbs my sleep?"

 Chapter 3: Fyreon

    The moon hung low in the sky, stars vividly shone their light Onto a small village house, inside a woman gathers her 4 children round. The children had begged her the entire day to tell the tale of Gale and so she relented, caving in to their demands. And so she began telling the  epic saga of a man named Gale, who had achieved the peak of power. 15000 years ago boredom sunk it''s claws into his heart and so he set out seeking a challenge in this mortal realm. On his many journeys he came across the god of all dragons, Tioron. Tioron was a draconic being who had descended from another plane, going on to oppress the proud and valiant dragon race making them submit before him, truly a tyrant god. Gale engaged with Tioron in a battle of epic proportions. The fight lasted 7 full days, the two were so equally matched. The story tells of how mountains were turned to rubble from the shockwave of Gales great sword meeting Tiorons claws whilst oceans boiled from the heat of the flames Tioron spewed forth. However at the end of the 7 days Gale stood over Tiorons bloody body. In his last few moments of life Tioron gave Gale 2 eggs and requested Gale take care of them. One egg hatched and a Crimson red dragon, which he christened Fyreon came into existence however the second egg never hatched. Fyreon and Gale travelled far and wide as partners and friends, they were unmatched underneath the heavens. A group of followers gathered under the man named Gale and his dragon Fyreon, riding dragons of their own in honour of Gale and Fyreon. Gales first son headed this band of followers whilst his many other children all joined this same band. A group of dragons who hated Gale for killing Tioron ambushed the pair whilst they rested on a mountain. Fyreon suffered a mortal wound in combat, an enraged Gale quickly slaughtered the enemies. Despite Gales upmost efforts his partner and friend Fyreon passed on to the void. Gale buried his friend deep in the mountain he had been slain on, alongside the egg that never hatched, telling his son to make his followers stay on this mountain forever guarding Fyreons tomb. Gale soon achieved ascension after this tragic event. and according to legend that''s how the dragon clan was first formed, the direct descendants of Gale became the main branch, whilst the other followers descendants became the much relied upon side branches. The mother finished telling this tale to her children a smile blossoming upon all of the children''s tender faces.


    Flames sprung into existence around the perimeter of the den he had entered, captured in cold black torch holders that were suspended off the walls. He was in a perfectly spherical room that had a diameter of at least 500 metres. The rustic torch holders surrounded the outer layers of the building casting their morbid light upon the 13 doors that were equally placed around the outside of this gargantuan hall. In the middle of this hall a great stone tablet stood proudly staring with contempt at all underneath it. This tablet was at least 20 metres high, spiralling engravings adorned the tablets surface glistening with an infallible energy. The being that coiled around this tablet was even more awe inspiring than such a great work of architecture.The sudden light cast by the flame illuminated this curious tablet and the indomitable existence the boy had awoken.


    A blood red dragon had coiled it''s head around this tablet and was staring down at the boy like he was minuscule ant that had annoyed him. A muscular neck disappeared behind the tablet before reappearing the other side then metamorphosing into a callous scaled body. Spikes so crimson they looked as if they had recently been dyed in the fresh blood of kings graced the powerful back of this beast. Dark wings that spoke of enormous proportions lay folded upon the creatures sides hiding most of the dragons glorious body.


    It was clear to see that the child had hit a muscular tail that snaked away from the dragons body. The tail was 50 metres from the main body, those ferocious spikes ran all the way down the great limb. With a flick the tail wrapped around the startled boy who lay upon the floor, lifting him in front of the tablet. The aura of this almighty creature alone was enough to strike the boy speechless. Lying prone upon the floor  in front of this god like existence the child felt hapless. When the black dragon had appeared before him only a few hours ago he thought that never again would he see such a powerful creature, however the crushing aura that this crimson dragon was emitting could easily rival that black dragons maybe even being superior.


    Without the beasts mouth opening a voice sounded, that sounded like the voice of the planet itself "Youngling I shall ask again, who dare disturbs my slumber?"


    The boy could only lie upon the floor his mouth hanging gawp, fright having seized his heart. "Don''t make me ask thrice Youngling"


    This thinly veiled threat quickly shook the boy out of his frightened stupor "I...I have yet to undergo my naming initiation....I''m a scion of the noble dragon clan, I stumbled upon your mighty self as I sought an exit" His reply was hastened in panic and laced with humbleness.


    "The dragon clan? The guardians of this mountain?" The dragon pondered aloud to himself. Silence greeted the gargantuan beings musings. The dragon turned to the boy inquisitively and questioned "Youngling explain to me how you found yourself here?"


    The boy was beginning to relax, the lack of ill intent towards him was making him feel more confident about the situation. So the boy told his story. He told of how a great black dragon flew down and obliterated the plateau his clan resided upon, and that there was not a single survivor apart from him. He told of how the plateau collapsed and he fell with it into the cavernous lake. He told of how he had discovered the infinitely dark barrier that sucked in energy and of how after entering it he felt a strange pulling in his chest that led him here through that vast grass plain to this building. Whilst telling his story tears rolled down the boys cheeks as he thought of all the souls that would never wander this earth again. His mother despite her flaws had still been his mother and the thought that she was gone for all eternity was only beginning to sink into the youths mind.


    Throughout the boys telling of his deeds the crimson dragon only stared down upon him impassively seeming entirely unaffected by the tragic developments. Once the boy finished silenced enveloped the hall, the flames vigorous spitting was the only noise to be heard. After an age of silence the crimson dragon spoke "Youngling you are most certainly very lucky, if what you claim is true then I have no obligation to silence you here"


    Relief flooded the youths heart as he realised he may make it out of this hall alive. "However I have need of you first, tell me Youngling if I am stronger than this black dragon?"  Bewilderment was stark on the boys faces. He didn''t know how to reply to such a question. If he said no he may incur the dragons wrath and his life would be forfeit, however he couldn''t say yes for sure as he was only judging on the two beings auras.


    "Judge well Youngling" saying so the crimson dragon bared his glinting fangs furiously, letting off a vast amount of bloodlust. Some primal ancient instinct told the boy to turn and run.The aura of this bloodlust was so oppressive that it had a physical weight to it, the youth could feel himself being suffocated by this great weight. The world seemed to crack and dissipate around him, devoured by roaring flames as he felt himself being uprooted from this world, his soul itself threatening to leave his body.


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    "Youngling calm down" the weight lifted and the boy could breathe again, having been rooted back to reality by that voice.


    "Without a doubt you are many times stronger, if that black dragon were to ever meet you then he would be lucky to walk away alive" the youth instantly told the crimson dragon his first impressions. After just feeling such an oppressive aura, the youth had no doubts it was the truth, the black dragon had been powerful there was no questioning that. However the soul crushing aura he had just been engulfed in was a whole level above the black dragons.


    A deep chuckle seemed to resound around the hall "I presumed so but to have such verification is still" a slight pause as the crimson dragon mulled over his words. "Never mind. Youngling bare your brow, I must make sure of your usefulness"


    With trepidation the boy steps closer to the enormous dragon. The dragons whipping tail came towards him. The end of this limb was crowned by a vicious spike that had rugged serrated edges. The tip of this tail brushed upon the child''s forehead. A blinding flash of light then the child was standing on air. The crimson dragon was seated in the same position as before, his tail still touching upon the youths brow.


    All around the pair were vivid colours that looked viscous in nature, these colours flew around one another dancing in-between each other''s grips. There were flickers of stormy grey drifting about occasionally bursting with a yellow flash shinning through the patches of grey, a deep blue colour floated around moving freely like water in a ocean and numerous solid chunks of brown were rooted in place appearing as steadfast as the earth itself. The patches of storm grey had the greatest concentration in the area by far, nearly entirely eclipsing the other patches of colour.


    "Where are we" the bewildered boy queried, panic and fear were evident in the boys face and voice.


    "We are where we were Youngling" a cryptic answer that further confused the boy, however the dragons calming tone settled the boys sporadic nerves. Without hesitating the dragon launched into a lecture"What currently surrounds you is the universes energy, this energy makes up the universe that we know, I have allowed you to visually see this energy in its natural state. It''s this very same energy that your warriors take in with dances and sutras to use in fights. Such a powerful substance will strengthen the body of whoever absorbs it, increasing their power many fold. Some talented individuals can even weave this energy in certain ways to create miraculous effects, which you know as magic. However the weak techniques you mortals use to absorb this omnipotent energy are pathetic, you can only absorb a fist size worth of energy in a year, and even this energy that you absorb is in the very same state as you currently see it, muddied and dirtied. There are actually three types of energy making up this universe, earth energy, sky energy, and water energy. So when you humans use your weak sutras you absorb all three kinds of energy and consequently the power you get is drastically diluted. Youngling I posses ancient techniques that will allow the user to absorb only a single subtype of energy. The type of energy absorbed depends on the user, however the user must be suited to these techniques otherwise there will negative effects."


    The youth was overwhelmed having received so much information in such little time, he had known about the powerful substance that was ever present around him, however he wasn''t aware of the further three types of sub energy that it could be classified into. Processing all of this the boy grew only more confused. "I don''t understand why are you telling me all this?"


    The great dragon chuckled throatily before replying "Youngling I''m offering you power, more power than you ever dreamt of achieving"


    This revelation was astounding to the boy who had thought the flame of his life would be snuffed out as he was sent to join his family and friends in the after life but mere minutes ago. "Why? Why me?"


    "Do you know where this universal energy is stored in the human body Youngling?" A quick shake of the boys head informed the dragon of his answer "Universal energy is stored in the soul Youngling which is located right here" a quick flicker of movement and the dragons tail tip rested upon his sternum. "This barrier was made by a practitioner of the sky style and so contains a abundant amount of sky energy as you can see" the crimson dragon the gestured with his head to the great amount of stormy grey colours "If you truly felt such a resonance as you came here Youngling then your soul must be suited to sky style energy"


    "Even still why would you go so far as to train me? what benefit is there for you" the boy insisted lusting to know the truth of the matter.


    Silence greeted the youths question, the great dragon peered quietly at the boy deliberating the best course of action. Eventfully the dragons gravelly voice sounded "Youngling in answer I must tell a tale from an age long past. Long ago my master was close to achieving ascension, however he possessed an invaluable treasure that he couldn''t take with him so he instructed that I personally guard this treasure. At that the time I wasn''t quite as formidable as I currently am, so my master in fear of a dangerous foe overwhelming me, spread the word that I had fallen in combat, constructed this powerful barrier deep inside of this mountain for me to shelter in and set up the dragon clan to keep a vigil over this mountain protecting me from my masters numerous enemies. Now the time for me to pass on the vigil has come, I must create a worthy guardian to take care of this treasure when I achieve ascension"


    The boy didn''t know how to respond to such information. Ascension was something that only a few had achieved, and they had all been legendary figures that possessed enough power to shake the world itself. To hear someone, even if it was a prestigious warrior such as the crimson dragon, so easily talk of ascension was blasphemous to the youth.


    Seeing the boy closely ponder his offer the crimson dragon further prompted  him "what purpose do you have have in life Youngling"


    Without hesitation the boy boldly looked straight into the crimson dragons eyes and said with no qualms "revenge" The grief of loss had buried all other feelings since his entire clans destruction. Now a boiling sea of rage was beginning to take shape inside the boy as the grief dulled. He thought of that callous black dragon who had taken his past life from him and his hatred began to form.


    The crimson dragon chuckled at the youths audacious answer "from what you''ve told me that dragon is of considerable power Youngling? How do you expect to take revenge with such a lack of power? I''ll give you the means to take revenge however in return you must take over my vigil once I ascend" The dragon reasoned with the boy fuelling the flames of his hatred and the possibility of his revenge.


    The boy needed no further deliberation "so be it"


    "Well then Youngling, let me introduce myself, I was once know as Fyreon in the wider world"


    Like pieces of a puzzle clicking together the final piece fell into place. The realisation made the boy fall down onto the cold marble floor and truly look at Fyreon. His glittering Crimson scales, his powerful muscles that lay coiled under those very scales and his incise eyes that glistened with intelligence and a wisdom that only came with great age. Living, breathing before this child was a figure right out of the story''s of his youth.

 Chapter 4: Storm Soul

    A legend passed down from generation to generation, inspiring countless children to pursue the path of martial arts to become like that radiant existence, Gale. Without a doubt Gale and Fyreon were figures who''s names would resound throughout the hearts of millions of people around the world. The dream like story''s had been true though, a legend come to life.


    The dramatic experiences that the boy had undergone over the past day had all been taxing on both his metal and physical strength. And now with this ginormous revelation the boy couldn''t cope any longer. Like a spray of water dousing a flickering candle his remaining strength gave out. A sea of darkness engulfed the boys vision and the last thing he heard was a wet thud as his head fell onto the cold stone floor.


    A rushing breeze danced across the boys face as his conciseness returned to him. Groggily lifting his head he found himself back in that vast expanse of grassland.  The grass was swaying along with the gentle breeze. The boy lay around 100 metres from the great building he had found Fyreon in. All of a sudden a giant gust of wind buffeted the boy. Looking heavenwards the youth could see a giant black blot blocking a portion of the light given off by the great barrier in the sky. A great pair of jagged wings unfolded enabled Fyreon to dance in mid air like a leaf. The youth could see the immense proportions of those wings of Fyreons. With a shuddering motion Fyreon disappeared from the sky. The wide eyed boy blinked twice believing his eyes were playing tricks on him. "Good sleep Youngling?" The recognisable voice that sounded like the planet quaking announced Fyreons presence behind him.


    Startled the boy quickly turned around to see Fyreon sunning himself on the grass. The bright light glittered upon his crimson scales making him appear to be a blazing pyre in this green ocean of grass. "How did you just move so fast, such movement shouldn''t be physically possible?" The boy queried, his curiosity voicing itself.


    "What I just did was utilise a formidable manoeuvring technique that I created myself Youngling" Fyreon paused before continuing "but you must understand Youngling possibility is a realm that doesn''t exist where I''m taking you" Fyreon answered cryptically as he further explained.


    The youths disrespectful question had been given voice, as the boy realised who the legendary figure he was talking to was he quickly tried to make amends. After all he had addressed the past leaders of the clan as elders, so how could he address his clans founders closest friend any less respectfully "please let me address you as master from now on, I cannot talk to one of your status without honourifics" this sudden request earned a strange look from Fyreon.


    "So be it if those are you customs Youngling" Fyreon replied before looking the youth once over. "It appears your well rested Youngling after your rest I see no reason to delay your training"


    The youths heavy heart immediately perked up at hearing this, however a thought entered the boys mind. "Master, before when I tried to execute the Earths Heavenly Flame dance as the dance progressed all the energy I had collected escaped from my body, will this hinder me from practicing further?"


    "Youngling this only further proves your well of talent, the energy you collected was rejected by your soul because of the earth and water energy that you had collected along with the sky energy, proving the strong affinity your soul has for sky energy" Fyreon laughed at the boys unfounded worries. "Now then on to the matter of your training, you see the stone tablets that are scattered around the area?" A nod of confirmation from the boy and Fyreon continued "my master imparted his expansive martial knowledge to me on these stone tablets, among these tablets are some of my masters greatest techniques" The young boy was entirely awed , to think that he had access to the legendary Gales techniques was a ecstatic feeling for the boy. Fyreon continued "However Youngling you won''t hinder yourself learning such techniques, most of them are techniques that only my master could use effectively. You shall only learn his greatest technique"


    The boy took all of this information in before questioning Fyreon "What was your masters greatest technique?" Awe filled the boys voice as he thought of the great power this technique must have.


    "Youngling my master was known across the world because of the dance he developed to absorb only sky energy, this was his most formidable weapon. Comparing a common practitioner whom practiced the Earths Heavenly Flames technique, who had taken in as much energy as my master, to my master the difference in power between the two would be as great as heaven and earth" Fyreon explained to the boy highlighting the power of this great technique.


    "Youngling I took the liberty of retrieving this tablet, containing the secrets to practice my masters technique" with a slight movement Fyreon revealed a stone tablet much like the others scattered around this vast plain. However unlike the other tablets this one had an aura of power surrounding it, as if it held the secret to unlocking Hells gates. A shiver ran down the boys spine as he was raptured by the beautiful power of this tablet. Fyreon gently manoeuvred the stone tablet onto the ground so it was facing upwards. Upon the stones surface those strange engravings glared with contempt at the boy. However unlike all the other tablets the boy had seen there were 50 frames depicting a human figure pulling various poses in all 50 frames.


    "Youngling these are the various stages of the dance, there''s no need to read the engravings upon this tablet, it just announces the name of this technique as Heavens Tempest and how only a select few may have success in practicing Heavens Tempest. The important part of this tablet are these pictures. Begin whenever your ready Youngling" Fyreon looked expectantly at the boy.


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    Under the pressure of Fyreons heavy gaze the young boy took the first stance. With awkward movements the boy transitioned into the second stance and so on clumsily transitioning into the other 48 stances one by one. As he neared the end of the dance an electric feeling bolted through his body as a thin trickle of energy seeped into his body. He could feel the concentration of energy traversing through the valleys and mountains that was his body and as it neared the centre of his chest he could feel something shake violently in anticipation of their fated meeting. The boy could only presume this quivering existence inside his body was his soul. The boy carried on performing the dance having completed the dance once and starting it from the beginning again. As the youth began to make the dance flow faster and smoother the speed the energy travelled through his body at increased exponentially. The first of that strange energy began to fuse with the area he assumed was his soul.


    "Youngling be prepared, the first time such pure concentrated energy meets your soul will be an important time. The energy will be formless like all aspects of the sky, however to stabilise the energy you must choose a certain aspect for the energy to take on, this decision will strongly affect your development later on. I can only suggest you take what form your heart beckons you to chose" Fyreon warned the boy giving him a chilling forecast of what the youth was about to undergo.


    Lightning seemed to strike the youth as he went rigid. All of a sudden he could feel everything Inside of his body. He could feel the fibres making up his muscles that clung to his bones, he could feel the blood pumping through his veins and arteries. He could feel his soul. It was a small sphere with intangible edges, it was impossible to define where his soul began and his flesh ended. He could feel the sky energy he had absorbed coursing though his body towards his soul, upon arriving it plunged straight inside of the core of the boy. Inside of his soul he could feel that energy undergo a change. It became like the gentle breeze of the desert plains, and at the same time it became like a ravenous hurricane however it was continually changing. The boy felt he could will the energy into any form he wanted, he could make it gentle like a warm summers wind or he could make it like the clouds, formless and ever changing.


    "This is an important period Youngling, ponder carefully upon what your heart wants and let the form of your energy match that" The boy listened to Fyreons voice externally however he''s conciseness still resided within his soul. Musing upon what to do the boy wandered  upon his purpose in life. Renege. It was quite simple the boy existed solely to destroy the creature that destroyed his ancient clan. Thinking about the black dragon that took everything away from him rage bubbled inside of his heart. Tempests came into creation inside of his soul, insidious lighting continuously flashed through dark clouds and thunder rolled around roaring in rage. The boy didn''t bother trying to quell this raging tempest, he knew even if he tried he couldn''t.


    Upon making his decision the boys focus drifted away from his soul returning to the external world. Fyreon peered down at the young boy who was standing rigid, every single muscle in the boys body appeared taut. He had been like this for nearly 30 minutes. With an exhalation the boy relaxed and sagged to the ground. "Well Youngling what aspect of the sky did you form?"


    Silently looking upwards the boy replied "inside of my soul a storm rages"


    "Youngling you have yet to conform to my expectations" Fyreon showed no reaction to the youths revelation, just closely watched the young boy who now say solemnly on the floor. "How do you feel Youngling?"


    The young boy looked down at his hands. He could feel electricity running though his body. This electricity stemmed from his soul and wherever it went and whatever it touched became stronger. It was a strange sensation. Looking up into Fyreons eyes the youth replied "I feel strong" saying so the boy slowly got up.


    "Your soul and body have just undergone a massive transformation Youngling, spend a few minutes learning your new limits" Fyreon looked down at the body, what appears to be a smile graced the dragons lips. With a spring the boy leapt up 5 feet into the air. Landing upon the balls of his feet he appeared to be as light as a autumn leaf falling from a tree. The electricity had stopped running rampant through his body returning to the inner depths of his soul.


    "I feel as if I could run to the ends of the earth" the boy said in shock and awe. The changes that he had just undergone had been so drastic however he had never heard of such an experience where when one first absorbed energy their body underwent such transformations. "Master how come I underwent such drastic changes immediately? Never before have I heard or seen of such circumstances" the youth turned to an entity greater than him, whom he was beginning to view as omnipotent and omniscient, in his search for answers.


    "Youngling the changes that you''ve perceived in yourself are so radical because you only absorbed sky energy, when others absorb energy they will take in all three types hence the effects are dulled, the body will still be strengthened however no where near as quickly or to such an extent as when one absorbs only one type of energy" Fyreon answered the questioning youth. "You may be stronger Youngling however your still a tadpole swimming in a sea of sharks"


    "Fear not I intend to get much stronger master" the young boy said whilst staring intently at his own two hands. The feeling of getting stronger was intoxicating, and the boy desired more than anything else to have the power to take revenge with theses two hands of his. The dark path of revenge had sunk it''s teeth into the boy fuelling his desire for power.

 Chapter 5: 12 Thundering Steps

    The boys new life began, overseen by his master Fyreon. Day and night were not concepts that existed within the barrier that gave off a iridescent light continuously, this sped the passing of time drastically. A week passed in the blink of an eye since the youths first performance of the The Heavens Tempest. The boy performed The Heavens Tempest continuously for this whole week, engraving the dances poses and positions deep into his conciseness. The nourishing sky energy he absorbed from this dance completely sustained him, the boy had no need for food, water or sleep and even mental and physical fatigue were completely countered by this powerful energy.


    Throughout this week the youth had felt an electric like spark burst forth from his soul, before quickly traversing his entire body, as before wherever this curious spark went the boy felt his body become stronger. This strange phenomenon happened thrice during the week of training. He would immediately get up and test out the new limits of his young supple body after the small spark had returned to his soul. Although the reinforcement of his body had been significant these 3 times, it wasn''t as drastic or as changing as the first time.


    After spending a week continuously dancing the Heavens Tempest the boy realised he had reached a bottleneck. Any more energy he took in instead of leaking into his soul would just slowly dissipate throughout his body pouring into the atmosphere through the pores of his skin. Upon conferring with Fyreon he found out that this was because his soul wasn''t powerful enough to contain all the energy he was absorbing. Fyreon gave the example of a wine glass, no matter how much wine you have accessible to pour into the glass the glass will only hold as much as it is capable of holding. Fyreon then told the youth there were two ways of increasing the strength of his soul. The first method was to wait. The soul would strengthen with age, as the youth was only of the tender age of 6 his soul was incomparably weak compared to an ancient beings soul like Fyreons. The second method was a type of meditation. By looking into ones own soul and creating a astral body the souls capacity would exponentially increase.


    And hence the boy began anew type of training. Sitting upon the open grass plain letting the gentle breeze dance across his pitch black hair that rested preciously upon his brow. The boys legs were crossed and his palms were resting upon his knees upwards facing. The boy appeared the very picture of serenity and zen. Inside of the youths soul the boy had his concentration stretched to its limits. Fyreon had explained the basics of this technique to him and he understood the principle behind it. Inside of his soul a storm raged, violent winds buffeted great rain clouds that were ripe with water, thunder rolled around these clouds reverberating inside of his soul. But the most majestic sight was the lightning that struck unpredictably like an untameable serpent, this lightning flashed sporadically and lit the inside of the boys soul up with a malicious light. Inside a great rain cloud the boys conciseness resided. His conciseness was an orb floating in this hostile environment. Of course the boy felt no fear, he could control this storm however he pleased. Feeling the rain clouds that were formed out of sky energy the child''s conciseness tried to suck them towards the orb changing the energies form. A difficult task indeed. Fyreon warned the boy that the first step to success was to gather energy around his conciseness. The final form of this technique was of course constructing a body around his conciseness orb. Under the boys extreme concentration a part of the cloud began to dissipate into a mist like substance that slowly surrounded the youths conciseness. A audible peng sound was heard and the energy snapped back into position in the cloud. A vein began throbbing on the boys physical body''s forehead. Gritting his teeth he began changing the form of the energy again.


    A month passed and the boy still sat on the grass not having moved at all. The boy physically hadn''t changed at all apart from his jet black hair grew longer so that it now dangled in his eyes. Fyreon lay away from the boy seemingly asleep. A single lazy eye opened as he took a glance at the boy. With a satisfied grunt the eye slowly closed "Youngling apart from your strong affinity for the sky I didn''t think you possessed much talent, however it seems that your perseverance has proven me wrong" Fyreon thought to himself, a hint of a smile played on his mouth.


    Currently inside of the youths soul a miniature boy had been formed. Standing one metre twenty the boy was a good height for his age. His skin had been weathered by the barriers iridescent light and looked a tanned brown, puppy fat was still visible on the boys face, concealing a strong jaw line, however it was well on the way to being worked off. Jet black hair of an equal length to his physical body''s dangled into aged hazel eyes that stared out of the youths face. Closing his eyes a look of concentration graced his face before his hair receded into his head, shortening to a length of 3 inches. "What a miraculous thing, to have a body inside my body" the youth laughed to himself. Fyreon had told him that Gale had spent a massive period of time in his astral body. This is how Gale devolved his own manoeuvring technique and unique sword style. Fyreon himself had instructed the youth to develop his own techniques while he was in his astral body form.


    "Youngling observe the environment that your soul hosts. Look at the aspect of sky you have summoned Youngling stem your techniques from the behaviour and movements that you observe inside of this environment" recalling Fyreons words the boy began wandering throughout the dense rain cloud he was in. Emerging from the rain cloud he found himself being battered by sharp knives of wind. Thunder crashed all around and he was surrounded by ripe rain clouds on all sides. Insidious lighting flashed all around threatening to obliterate everything in it''s path. Looking for inspiration on either his manoeuvring technique or his sword style the boy closely observed this primal aspect of nature. Thunder kept roaring all around. Concentrating very hard upon the clouds and the wind the child''s concentration was constantly being tested by such loud thunder. Patiently sitting down In mid air the boy began pondering upon the mysteries of the storm. 4 days the child remained in his astral body just observing and feeling the power of the tempest. Thunder roared with rage and spontaneously inspiration descended to the boy.


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    With a twisting movement the boys physical body suddenly jumped up. The boy twisted about and threw a spinning kick. "Hmm not quite powerful enough" once again the boy threw a kick, however this time a sonic boom burst forth that sounded like thunder. This loud noise immediately awoke Fyreon who looked up at the youth in surprise. Fyreon himself was taken aback at the power the boy yielded, he didn''t realise what an effect The Heavens Tempest actually had upon the young boy.


    "Youngling has inspiration struck?" Fyreon questioned the youth who was throwing kicks everywhere causing a myriad of sonic booms to sound, each one sounding drastically different.


    Turning around to face Fyreon a smile had blossomed upon the youths face "master I''ve created my manoeuvring technique, listening to the thunder I was reminded of a sonic boom, by kicking fast enough I myself can create a sonic boom. I believe that if i kick fast enough I should be able to create a sky walking technique although I have yet to work out the finer details" upon saying so the boy continually kicked outwards at different angles and with different strengths.


    After 3 days of such experimentation the youth found success. Kicking outwards once then quickly throwing another kick with the same leg the boy was propelled rapidly in the opposite direction to where he kicked, flying backwards 20 metres the boy came to a stumbling stop. A laugh bubbled inside the boys throat as the joy of success made the youth giddy. With a giant jump the boy catapulted himself 5 metres into the air, repeating the kicking motion, this time kicking downwards the boy flew a further 10 metres into the air. With a shout of glee the youth carried on kicking downwards further elevating him to height of 100 metres.


    Making to continue kicking himself upwards the boy found that the strenuous exercise was to much for his legs to handle and with a cry he plummeted back down to the ground. Falling head first the whistling wind bite the boys eyes as he fell downwards making them tear up. Through his blurry vision the youth could quickly see the grassy plain coming to meet him. With a shout the child turned himself upright and straining himself to his limits kicked outwards again, thunder sounded and the boys speed dropped drastically. With a thud the child hit the ground hard. Feeling the soft grass tickling his face the youth rolled over and looked heavenwards. A laugh tore out of the boys throat as he thought of how free he had been flying in the sky with no one to restrain him or shackle him. Perhaps that was how a bird felt thought the boy, completely free with no ties to the wet earth to burden their majestic wings.


    "Youngling that was most impressive, your manoeuvring technique is rather formidable, I''ve never seen such a technique that allows a human to take to the skies, have you christened such a awe inspiring technique?" Fyreon asked having been awoken by the great thundering noises overhead.


    Looking towards the great crimson dragon the youth said with some deliberation "for now master my body can only withstand 12 kicks before the stress becomes to great and my body gives out. So I''ll name it 12 Thundering Steps" the youth told Fyreon. A grunt of approval sounded before Fyreon closed his eyelids again sinking back into a deep slumber.


    Currently what limits my Thundering Steps is the weakness of my body the boy thought to himself. To temper his body he only had to absorb more sky energy so without further ado he began dancing The Heavens Tempest. Because of overdoing the Thundering Steps the boys body was drastically fatigued and so he performed the dance considerably slower than he could perform it to rest his body.


    The boys hazel eyes opened wide with surprise as mid dance the amount of sky energy he was absorbing exceptionally increased. The boy immediately sped up and the amount of energy he was absorbing decreased back to a normal level. The child completed the dance and stated from the beginning again, as he neared the part of the dance that the anomaly was detected last time the boy slowed down again and once again the phenomenon was seen as the energy he was absorbing increased.


    A flash of understanding and the boy realised that this was a dance to absorb the sky energy. Of course the sky''s energy had different aspects, such as the aspect of the storm that raged inside of the youths soul. But that wasn''t the only aspect of the sky of course, there was the gentle breeze of the savannah, the frigid winds of the Arctic or the terrifying winds of a hurricane. There were many different aspects of the sky and as the boy moved in the dance he should show them in his movements. This was the true way to perform The Heavens Tempest.


    With this enlightenment the boys new training schedule was formed. The boy would experiment whilst dancing The Heavens Tempest, sometimes moving as silently and as lightly as the nights breeze, other times moving as viciously and harshly as the winds of a hurricane and sometimes drifting like a formless cloud. Success was judged by the amount of sky energy the boy absorbed. When the boy felt that he couldn''t absorb any more energy he would enter his astral body and observe the storm that existed within him, looking for inspiration on his sword style and any way to improve his 12 Thundering Steps.


    After a whole year of this training the boy gained insight into the correct path for his sword play.

 Chapter 6: The Lightning Gods Wrath

    In the past year the child''s progress was astronomical. The child had grown another 10 cm putting him at one metre thirty. His silken training garb had long ago become to small for the boy. Fyreon fortunately had some spare garments stored inside of the great hall that dominated the plain. The youth performed The Heavens Tempest upon the plain with Fyreon lying a few feet away. Baggy crimson red shorts, that clung to ones knees, adorned the boys bottom half his top half was bare showing a sweating chest and developing muscles. Any puppy fat that had been visible last year had been quickly worked off leaving the child''s face lean, making the youth appear a lot older than he actually was. His physical strength had also been improved radically. A year ago the child''s 12 Thundering Steps were capable of propelling him 100 metres into the air. The youth had far outstripped that and was now capable of 60 Thundering steps before his body could withstand no more, in continuation each step propelled the boy twice as far than before. The boy could easily ascend to a height of a kilometre vertically into the air then safely descend. The sound the boy made when performing this technique was awe inspiring, every step sounded like thunder roaring in the sky. This extreme progress was all thanks to the sky energy the child had absorbed. That was all the child''s time consisted of, performing The Heavens Tempest and meditation. With no rest or leisure time such radical progress wasn''t that miraculous after all.


    When performing The Heavens Tempest the boys form looked rather strange and unique compared to a year ago. At some points the boy moved like a leaf slowly falling to the ground, where at other times the boy appeared to be a roaring wind that could uproot tress. Such massive contrast gave the boy a regal appearance whilst performing. However the boy knew that the dance was far from completion and was still experimenting on the correct movements at certain points in the dance.


    Inside of the boys soul the raging storms ferocity had picked up a level. The higher concentration of sky energy incensed the storm. The winds blew harder, the thunder was louder and the lightning was thicker and struck faster and more often. Such a chaotic environment one would think that no one would be able to concentrate there. A young boy sat upon a gargantuan thundercloud his face was calm and serene showing no signs of annoyance at the roaring thunder or the bolts of lighting that erupted around him. After a year the boy had found this stormy environment to be calming. He could truly relax in this place, allowing his mind to think about the style of swordsmanship he should follow.


    The boy had thought he had stumbled upon success a few times. The first time he believed he should mimic the cutting edge of the wind. Transforming sky energy into a thin rapier the boy had held the instrument of death in his hands for the first time. He had seen swords before, in fact the one he had formed in his hands was a replica of one his mother had. Upon thinking about her and her killer, rage erupted forth and the boys soul had become so hostile that he had to return to his physical body and calm himself before carrying on. Stabbing forth with the rapier the boy tried to mimic the cutting wind however the youth didn''t feel comfortable with the thin rapier in his hands and had quickly given up on that style of swordplay. The second time the boy thought he had found success was when he observed how the clouds moved. They were carried by the buffeting wind, going where they were beckoned. Creating a short sword that the dragon clan warriors had carried the boy tried to mimic the style of the cloud. Such a style was centred around parrying and using the strength of the enemy against them. Practicing such a form singly was a arduous task and the boy felt he couldn''t become proficient enough in it so he gave it up and returned to observing his environment.


    And there he was sitting upon the thundercloud. The child focused on all aspects of the storm and analysed each of them. A lighting bolt flashed past the boy and his hazel eyes flew open in shock. With some concentration the boy made dozens upon dozens of lighting bolts to flash around him. Surrounded by such insidious bolts of lighting the boy let out a laugh and belittled himself for not having recognised such a powerful aspect of the sky to observe earlier. Raising off of the thundercloud the boy pondered carefully upon the sword that would best compliment this aspect of the sky. The boy had chosen a rapier for the wind because of its weightlessness and the sweeping chops he cold utilise. A short sword had been chosen for the cloud style because of the ease of parrying with such a wide edge and short reach.


    Looking at the lightning and observing it he saw how the lightning struck through anything that tried to stop it until it hit it''s target. The youth knew that he needed a heavy weapon that was hard to block and would land heavily on the opponent. A battle-axe or a war-hammer were the boys first two thoughts, however neither seemed quite right. A memory flashed through the boys mind. A giant of a man silhouetted by a doorway. The man bent down and tenderly tousled the young boys hair, a proud smile was beaming on the mans face. The man stood up and turned around walking out of the doorway. The last thing that disappeared was a great sword strapped to the mans back.


    A warm feeling blossomed in the boys heart. He knew what weapon he would create to perform this lightning style. Pulling sky energy towards him the boy sculpted it into a 2 metre great sword. The blade that the child formed was identical to the one he remembered his father carrying. 2 metres long and ginormous the blade was a beast that radiated a killing aura. The edge was chipped and rugged showing it was no stranger to action. A sinuous tiger engraving flowed down the side of the blade as if stalking an unseen prey. The hilt was wrapped in a worn piece of white cloth.


    Wielding the great blade with one hand the youth swung the giant blade a few times experimentally. The boy looked completely disproportional next to the giant blade in his hands. The boy then firmly grasped the hilt with both hands and raised the sword above his head. With a grunt the child swung the sword downwards like an executioner. The sword didn''t descend straight instead it was a jagged descent very much like lightnings path. A frown appeared on the boys brow as he repeated the action. The glinting steel of the blade was transformed into a miniature streak of grey lightning. A frown was still present on the boys brow as the blade refused to behave in the way the child wanted it to.


    An entire year the child remained in his astral body practicing his swordplay. Progress was rapid and within the first six months the boy developed the first 4 forms of his sword style. However the last six months the youths progress was stemmed and only by closely observing the lightning within his soul could the boy finish developing the last 2 forms of his swordplay. The youth knew that to advance his skill further he would need to engage in actual combat. And just like that an entire year passed. To the youth it seemed as if maybe a few months had passed since he first enveloped himself in his sword play. The boy left his astral body making to go and inform Fyreon of his progress.


    Upon returning to his physical body the youth found out how wrong he was about the passing of time. The grass of the plains had grown around him and had rooted him to the ground. The boys jet black hair cascaded down his face like a waterfall, his toenails and finger nails had grown to ridiculous lengths at least 3 inches long. The youths crimson red shorts had entirely deteriorated, they were but rags hanging in shreds off of the youths legs. Smiling at his hermit like appearance the boy slowly got up, stretching his static muscles. With a flick the boy broke off his ridiculously long nails that impeded his movement. Slicking his tangled neck length hair back behind his head the boy looked around for his master. Fyreon lay a few feet away seemingly asleep. The glittering crimson scales that adorned his back sparkled radiantly creating a beautiful contrast to the rich green of the grassy plain.


    "Master" the boy moved towards Fyreon and bowed making his presence known.


    Blinking his eyes open, Fyreon raised his head before opening his great maw in a tremendous yawn. "Youngling I was beginning to believe you would never return from you astral body. I assume Youngling you have either made some advances to your 60 Thundering Steps or gained insight into the style of swordplay you will pursue?" Fyreon questioned the boy.


    "Master I have not only gained insight into the sword I have created the first 6 forms, however I have reached a bottleneck master. I feel that I can''t improve any more by myself" the boy explained to Fyreon his current situation.


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    "Well then Youngling looks like combat experience is the only thing that can further your swordplay" Fyreon casually said.


    With a shock the boy looked up at his master and quickly said "master do you mean that I should venture forth and pursue the destroyers of my clan" the excitement in his heart was uncontrollable and the boys joy made he''s voice quiver slightly.


    "Youngling your thirsty for death it seems, let me explain to you your opponents level of power" Fyreon chastised the boy "Youngling do you have any idea of crystallisation?" Fyreon questioned the boy. A shake of the boys head showed his ignorance and Fyreon continued "Youngling when one has collected a certain amount of universal energy ones soul shall undergo crystallisation, this is where the infallible becomes fallible and the soul manifests itself physically inside of the body. Youngling when ones soul undergoes crystallisation they''re  power will easily quadrupole. However Youngling crystallisation is only the first step on the road to ascension, upon first crystallising, ones soul will have the physical dimensions of a sphere only a single cm in diameter, as one absorbs more of the universes energy they''re soul shall become larger, until reaching the size of a sphere 10 cm in diameter. At this point one is ready for ascension" Fyreon further explained the workings of the soul to the boy, passing on his wisdom to the young lad. "Youngling that black dragon that you told me of must at least have a soul 5 cm in diameter if he can produce flames destructive enough to destroy the mountains plateau. In continuation Youngling he must of had an agenda or an organisation ordering him, such wanton destruction is rarely done for the sake of it by the dragon race" Fyreon told the boy "Youngling you wish to engage such an enemy with your level of skill? If your so eager for death I myself will do the deed" Fyreon''s steely eyes bore thought the boy, flattening his hopes of revenge.


    "I''m sorry master my excitement at further gaining strength clouded my judgement. May I question how I shall engage in combat though?" The boys apologetic tone quelled Fyreons fierce gaze.


    "You appear to be underestimating your master Youngling" Fyreon said with a snort. Exhaling from his nose great billows of flame burst forth. However instead of spluttering and dying out on the ground they took on a humanoid shape. Six flaming figures brandishing swords stood before the youth who gaped with wonder at his masters display of power. "These elementals are just about to achieve crystallisation power wise Youngling, they should make for a nice warm up" Fyreon laughed at the boys bewildered expression.


    "Master I have no sword to fight with" the boy informed his master.


    "There a few swords in yonder hall Youngling let me retrieve them for you to chose one" stretching his great body Fyreon rose off the ground onto his legs. With a flicker he disappeared. "Youngling theses are all the blades I can offer you" Fyreons great voice sounded behind the youth. Turning around the boy looked at his master with wide eyes, on the floor there were fifty high quality swords. The hall was at least thousand metres away in the distance and yet Fyreon had gone there collected this vast assortment of blades and then returned before the boy could react. Truly no one could rival Fyreon under these heavens thought the boy staring at his master in awe.


    Looking down at the swords the boy quickly looked for the biggest blade he could find. And there it was. Lying amidst rappers and bastard swords. Picking it up he felt the blades weight in his hands, the blade was two metres in length and must of weighed at least hundred kilograms. The great sword thickened as you followed the edge, the base being the thinnest point of the blade. The edge of the blade was a golden yellow colour that was comparable to lightning. The great swords tip curved upwards slightly, resembling a butchers knife. Upon the blades surface a rampant dragon engraving rioted. The hilt was nonexistent, the blade transformed into a handle that was wrapped in gold and red silk.


    "Well Youngling your choice has certainly made me curious to see your blade play now, I hope your ready" Fyreon said before turning to his fire elementals and giving a invisible signal. The six figures immediately circled the young boy before closing in on him. Charging towards the nearest fire figure the boy executed the first form of his sword style, Lightnings Descent. Blade wielded by a single hand the child raised it overhead ad swung it downwards. Like lightning descending the blade followed a jagged path as it came towards the elementals head. The yellow lacing on the swords edge was the only thing visible making the blade appear to look like a miniature bolt of lightning. The fire elemental tried to raise his sword in time however the youths attack had been to sudden and with a crack the elementals head caved in. The fire elemental dissipated quickly into the surrounding environment.


    The remaining five elementals burst forth and came at the boy blocking all routes of escape. Just as he was about to be pierced the youth used a Thundering Step to ascend into the air. Four elementals eerily rose into the air with him whilst the last one remained on the ground to prevent the youth from descending. Gripping the great blade with both hands the youth pointed it at the nearest elemental that was rushing him. The boy bought the sword backwards before piercing it forwards, as he did this he spun the handle within his hands. The elemental instantly bought his sword up to chest height to guard. The boys spinning blade struck the fire elementals sword with a resounding crash. The elementals sword shattered, the revolving power of the blade was to much for the weak sword to cope with and the second elementals chest was pierced through. This was the second form of the boys sword style, Piercing Lighting.


    The 3 elementals in the air tired to surround the boy however with another Thunder Step the boy escaped through the gap where the fourth elemental had been. Floating in midair the three elementals regrouped before once again coming at the boy. Keeping his calm the boy began fleeing. The elementals followed, rapidly catching up to the boy who was intentionally fleeing slowly. Suddenly the boy kicked out in the opposite direction taking him in close to the three elementals. With a roar the child came in close to the three elementals. Positioning the blade so one of his feet was crouched on the flat surface of his blade he caught the blows of all three elementals on the other flat side of the blade. Pushing with his foot he drove all of the elementals twenty metres away. The was the third form Lightnings Shield. Before the elementals could close the distance again the boy wrapped his hand in the red and gold silk and let of of the blade. Swinging the blade in an arc the blade flew outwards, being controlled by the boy. The rapid movement caught all three fire figures of guard, slicing all three of them in half. This was the fourth form Sparking Arc.


    "Well Youngling seems your rather adept, this last elemental has achieved crystallisation now" so saying Fyreon exhaled more flames that infused with the last elemental on the ground. Without saying a word the youth moved overhead of the elemental on the ground. The elemental burst upwards flying towards the boy, the speed of this elemental was far greater than the five other opponents. The boy pointed his sword downwards then stood upon the hilt. The rapidly falling boys blade clashed head on with the rising elementals sword. This was the fifth form, Impaling Lighnting.


    The youth was sent flying away from this worthy adversary, falling to the earth. The elementals sword was broken and he to landed on the ground. Lowering his blade so that it pointed towards the last elemental the boy stated running just above the ground with Thundering Steps. He ran in a jagged path quickly picking up an terrifying amount of speed. The path the boy took towards the elemental was just like a bolt of lightnings path towards the ground. The youth turned into a blur before colliding with the stationary elemental. A great deal of fire spewed forth when the two met. As the fire cleared the youth knelt in the center of the explosion, the elemental had been disintegrated by that great collision. That was the final form of the boy sword style The Lightning Dragons Tounge.


    "Youngling it looks as if that''s a most fitting style of fighting for your stormy soul, have you named such a style of swordplay" Fyreon inquired.


    Rising from his knees with embers falling around, the boys eyes glinted with a hint of rage, then he spoke confidently and assuredly his voice silky and confident beyond his years "the name of my blade technique is The Lightning Gods Wrath"

 Chapter 7: Venturing Forth

    "Hmm a most fitting name Youngling" the great crimson dragon looked down upon the boy. A hint of pride glistened in the legendary beings eyes. "Well I assume that your ready for another round Youngling?" So saying Fyreon breathed out more of that mysterious flame, creating another batch of those fiery warriors.


    Times passing was barely noticeable and rapidly two more years vanished. Throughout the first year the youth had spent equal amounts of time fighting those fiery elementals, meditating on ways to improve either his Lightning Gods Wrath or his Thundering Steps and dancing The Heavens Tempest. Whilst fighting losses were often sustained, it was only to be expected when fighting far superior opponents like the boy was, victory couldn''t always be seized. The most serious wound that the boy had sustained while fighting was a deep gash that ran the length of the boys back. The wound healed within four days however it had scarred slightly showing where the cut had been. To record the boy could defeat three elementals who had power on par with an expert with a soul of two centimetres in diameter


    Currently the boy dances The Heavens Tempest upon the great grass plain. A pair of tight black trousers covered the youths sturdy legs. His chest was bare and his defined muscles created a streamlined appearance making the boy appear lean and powerful. Over the past two years the boy had grown another thirty centimetres putting him at one metre sixty, a goliath for his age. A few feet away the boys great sword lay in the grass. An ancient aura was give off by the boy as he moved like a willow bending in the breeze, both supple yet strong. A year ago the youth had finished developing The Heavens Tempest. Every movement the boy made was controlled and elegant. Compared to the awkward clumsy child who had appeared a fool whilst dancing four years ago the boy now looked like a prince basking in elegance. A timeless ancient aura was given off by the child as he danced as if he was the embodiment of the sky''s themselves. If the amount of sky energy the boy had absorbed when he first started performing The Heavens Tempest was but a drop, then now he could absorb a lake with ease. Such a vast difference meant the youth had only to spend a little amount of time absorbing sky energy the rest of his time could be spent fighting and meditating.


    After the two years of further training his body was many times stronger than it had been before, the boy could use 365 Thundering Steps now, each step propelling him at least a hundred metres. His Lightning Gods Wrath could be used efficiently in battle at the right moments to overwhelm the enemy. The past two years had been spent constantly breaking through limits and gaining invaluable combat experience.


    "Youngling come here" Fyreon who had been watching the boys dance from afar beckoned him over.


    Stopping instantly the boy gracefully trotted over to the ancient being. Stopping short of Fyreon the young boy gracefully knelt upon one knee with his head bowed "master"


    "How long have you been with me here Youngling?" Fyreon questioned the youth.


    The question took aback the young boy who looked up as he stumbled, trying to count the years "I believe I''ve been with you for three years master, why?"


    With a grunt Fyreon shook his great head "Youngling four years have passed us, I believe you should be ten years of age now Youngling?" Doing some quick calculation the youth nodded his head in confirmation "Youngling I tire of having no name to call you by and you thirst to venture outside, is that not so?"


    Shock appeared in the boys eyes as he realised what his master was suggesting "master you can''t mean for me to venture outside the barrier?!" The boy was practically shouting, excitement had gripped the boys heart.


    "Youngling don''t sound so shocked, you must receive a name at some point and I know your young heart longs for adventure" Fyreon chuckled at the boys bewildered reaction "further more Youngling you have the power to deal with any expert that has achieved crystallisation, experts that have achieved crystallisation will be top tier experts in any kingdom, you have the ability to remove yourself from any trouble you find yourself in" Fyreon gave his reasons for letting the boy out "Youngling are you aware of the details of the naming ceremony?" A shake of the boys head showed his ignorance "each year there will be a naming ceremony in every major town Youngling only children of the ages of ten may participate. The priest in each town will draw a summoning circle and one of the gods servants will descend. Youngling at that point in time you will receive your name. Your name is of great importance Youngling. It shows who you are and what you will become" Fyreon laced importance on this last bit.


    "Master I understand" the boy showed his comprehension, apprehension of the outside world tore at the boys throat making it hard for him to talk.


    "Youngling three more things. I know it is impossible to stop you digging for information about your clans destroyer however I forbid you to engage with the black dragon or any creature of equal power" Fyreon''s stipulations bore a heavy weight on the youth, revenge being the emotion that had driven him to train so hard these last four years. "Secondly Youngling I should inform you that my master constructed this barrier so that it was outside of the flow of time as we know it, therefore every month that passes inside this barrier translates to a year outside, fifty years have passed since you entered this barrier" such information only caused the boys veneration of Gale to increase. To think that Gale had the power to create a barrier outside of times flow made the boys jaw drop in amazement. Of course the boy didn''t have  any relatives that could of passed on whilst he was inside the barrier so this information didn''t faze him in the slightest "Finally Youngling you must take this pendant" saying so Fyreon flicked his tail towards the youth. Hanging upon the tail was what looked to be a flame frozen in time. The frozen flame was on a necklace. The youth accepted it and looped it over his head so that it rested upon his chest "Youngling this pendant serves two purposes, whenever this pendant makes direct contact with your body, our minds will be connected allowing us to talk over immeasurable distances. The second purpose is to protect you from danger. Youngling if you find yourself in a situation that you can''t resolve with your own power no matter what it is shatter this pendant" Fyreon talked gravely at this point as he discussed what to do in a worst case scenario.


    Clasping his hands together the boy bowed forward again "I understand master" his voice was filled with a deep respect towards the legendary being who had gone to such lengths for him.


    "Well then Youngling take this for the journey and make haste" saying so Fyreon presented the youth with a black shirt and a cloak as dark as the night itself giving them to the boy in his great claws. Donning the shirt and cloak the boy hefted his great sword onto his shoulder to carry it. The youths face was covered by the long flowing cloak, the only visible aspect of the boy was his elegant blade that rested upon his shoulder, it spoke of a primal raw power.


    "Master I''ll be back within a month" this gave the boy a year outside to undergo his ceremony of naming and gather reconnaissance on his enemy. With a nod of confirmation from Fyreon the boy turned around using Thundering Steps to head to the outskirts of the great barrier. Staring at the leaving boys back Fyreon felt a warmth he hadn''t felt for a long time.


    The youth was finally leaving for the outside world. An unspeakable excitement caused the boy to further speed up as if he were a captive animal seeing the light of freedom. The barrier soon loomed over head. Without any hesitation the boy plunged forward diving through the wall between this world and the outer world.


    A still night surrounded the underground cavern. Luminous moss lit the underground lakes surface, complimented by a sliver of moonlight. Stillness reigned supreme. The stagnant water was disturbed by a falling leaf that landed on the lakes surface creating tiny ripples. Thunder ripped the stillness to pieces. A fleeting shadow flew upwards through the air, blending in with the nights shadow. The sound of the thunder ascended up the chute which connected this underground lake to the outer world, along with that fleeting shadow. The underground lake hadn''t seen such noise and uproar since fifty years ago when the roof of that chute had caved in. The reverberating racket disturbed the cavern for a while before stillness once again claimed it''s kingdom.


    Ascending out the tunnel that connected the underground lake to the wider world the boy stood upon the mountainside next to the lisp of the hole. A lush forest met the boys eyes stretching down the side of the mountain. The first thing the boy noticed upon leaving the barrier was the noticeable absence of sky energy. Inside the barrier sky energy had made up almost nine tenths of all the energy. However out here the sky energy was only made up a third of the total energy. Such a difference was instantly picked up by the boy who had a strong affinity for sky energy.


    Looking around at the scenery the boy could recognise nothing from his childhood. Perhaps it was better that way. Sparing no more time for reminiscing about his child hood the boy took to the sky''s with his Thundering Steps. Flying across the sky in the first direction he chose the boy looked down upon the rolling hills below him. The great mountain that was once his home an age ago faded away until it was entirely swallowed by the darkness of the night. Upon the rough hilly ground below him countless lights shone in small concentrations. The boy could see small concentrations of lights scattered around. None of the concentrations of lights appeared to be big enough to be counted as a town so the boy continued soaring leisurely. Glistening on the horizon a large concentration of lights appeared. Speeding up the boy started to head towards that vast concentration of lights.


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    Inside of the barrier the boy had never found himself in a situation where he had to use his Thundering Steps 365 times, which was his limit. Therefore the boy had begun to view his Thundering Steps as having an unlimited amount of uses. This lead the boy into the situation he was currently in, a kilometre above the ground and his legs could only take one more Thundering Step before they gave out. Panic wormed it''s way into the boys heart as he worried about where to land. Looking below him a small forest stretched forth. From his vantage point in the air the boy could see a small clustering of five lights shining through the forests canopy.


    Fredrick was a respected knight. He had been assigned to guard a caravan by his garrison as they transported important goods to the town of Brickendale. The group consisted of him and four other portly merchants. Obviously word got out of the party''s valuable luggage as a pack of bandits had jumped them in a small forest. Although Fredrick had put up resistance he was subdued eventually and manhandled back to the bandits base, only a mile away, located in the same forest they had been jumped. The base was only a small clearing decorated with a few tables, barrels of ale, chests containing ill gotten goods and a couple of lanterns that threw ghastly light around the surrounding forest. Beds of straw were tucked to one side of the clearing, serving as the bandits places to sleep. And so Fredrick had found himself in his current position, his shining armour had been taken from him and given to the bandit leader, leaving him entirely disrobed apart from his undergarments. His valiant steed that had served him for many years had been killed and quartered for the bandits next meal. He was bound next to four merchants who''s well endowed guts quivered in fright as seven pieces of work went through there caravan. His hands had been tied behind his back by an incompetent bandit who had done a shoddy job. It had only taken the well trained Fredrick the work of a moment to free himself. And so Fredrick waited for his chance to strike.


    Thunder struck distantly, nobody thought anything of it. Thunder sounded again this time closer, however it was still far to distant for anybody to worry. Once again thunder struck, closer this time. The bandits looked upwards through the forests canopy to observe the clear skies. With a grunt they dismissed the thunder, returning to pillaging the merchants goods. Thunder struck again, but closer. The bandits paused once again looking over-head. Three more times thunder sounded each time getting successively closer. The bandits quickly began making preparations for a hard storm, putting up sheets over their straw bedding and placing all of the treasure they had taken out of the caravan underneath tables and in chests alongside other plunder. The bandits nestled together on their clusters of straw grumbling whilst waiting for rain to pour from the heavens. Fredrick grew even more miserable as he realised that he had no protection from the incoming elements.


    Thunder struck directly overhead causing the bandits to wince and hunker together in fright, waiting for the clouds they presumed were above them to unload there ripe burdens of rain upon them. Seconds passed and the rain still hadn''t started when all of a sudden thunder struck once again. This time it sounded as if it was just above the forest level and physically shook the ground and trees. The bandits and merchants all squealed in fright and even the well disciplined Fredrick let fear slip into his heart. With a crash a black object flew through the canopy before slamming into the clearing and vaulting away into the thicket around them.


    The shock had frozen everyone apart from Fredrick. All eyes were focused towards the thicket where the object had fallen from looking for any sign of it in the inky darkness of the night. Eyeing up his sword that lay on a table around two metres away from him he decided that this was the best time to act. Silently Fredrick got up and padded over to his weapon. Grasping his blade he quickly stole over to the bandits that were clustered together. Like a key entering a lock his blade slid into the bandit leaders neck. Before they had time to react Fredrick skewered another bandit like a pig and disembowelled a third. The four remaining bandits reacted then. Quickly scrambling away from Fredrick before they to met deaths embrace. One bandit was slower than the others and for that he lost his head to Fredrick''s flashing rapier. The three survivors picked up arms and brandishing them they came at Fredrick meaning to overwhelm him with numbers like they did last time. Facing the three bandits he engaged in a melee of blows.


    Falling rapidly the youth cursed himself for his idiocy. The boy was tumbling out of the sky heading towards that small clustering of lights that shone through the forests roof. Steely reserve shone in the boys eyes. He knew that even if he hit the earth at this speed he wouldn''t die, he would be grievously injured, however he knew that he wouldn''t die. The boy could still use one Thundering Step before his legs reached their limits. He would use this Thundering Step when he was as close to ground as possible. The upwards force of the Thundering Step should cancel out a lot of the speed the boy was falling at. Whether the boy walked away from this unscathed or sustained an injury entirely depended upon two factors. Luck and timing. Just as the boy was about to fall through the forest trees he took a Thundering Step.


    The boy still had a lot of speed and he carried on falling incredibly quickly. Bracing for impact the boy saw the leafy forest floor come rushing towards him. Taking the landing on his shoulder the boy tumbled forwards. As he tumbled he saw seven shocked faces that were grouped together go flashing past. Because he had converted the downward momentum into forward momentum the boy went flying out of the clearing and into the forest. As trees flashed past him he twisted his body upright, the boys feet touched upon the ground, however that alone wasn''t enough to stop him, momentum still carried him backwards, digging his blade into the earth and using it like a plough, the boy slowly came to a halt. Three twenty metre long lines had been made where the boy had used his feet and blade to slow his great speed.


    Wincing the boy reached a hand up to his left shoulder. The shoulder had dislocated and the upper arm was broken in several places leaving his left arm hanging pathetically limp. Blood matted the boys jet black hair. The youth had taken the heavy landing on his left shoulder so he knew there would be some damage there, where he injured his head he didn''t know. Looking over through the trees he could see a small clearing illuminated by a few lanterns. The lanterns cast light onto the glinting cold metal of swords that the boy could hear clashing. Staggering over to the outskirts of the clearing the boy looked at the situation. Four portly men clamoured amongst one another as they lay bound to one side. On the other side of the clearing a lone man who was dressed in only undergarments fought against three other men who appeared rather feral by nature. Four other bodies lay on a bed of straw next to the brawling men. The young man was overwhelmed by the opponents sheer numbers and was disarmed. With no hesitation the three men all went to kill the man. With a sigh the boy made his decision.


    Fredrick had lived a good life. He was far from content to meet his maker here in this backwater forest carrying out such a menial task as guarding a caravan. However he had lived a good life. Three swords came for his life. One would pierce his heart the second would slice his throat and the third would skewer his stomach. Fredrick could only watch as they came closer, his own sword lay upon the ground having been forced out of his hand. A cloaked figure flickered in between the bandits and Fredrick, wielding an elegant giant blade. Fredrick speculated if this was the reaper come to claim his soul. Maybe it was he thought as the figure swung at Fredrick. The sword connected with Fredrick''s stomach like an asteroid hitting him and blew Fredrick away across the clearing


    Having dashed in between the fighting figures the youth gently hit the half naked man with the blunt edge of his blade, hard enough to knock the man out of the melee he was engaged in. Quickly turning around the youth positioned the flat edge of his blade in front of all three feral looking men before placing one foot on the flat surface nearest him and kicking off. Third form of The Lightning Gods Wrath, Lightning Shield. The three men went flying away and hit separate trees in the forest crumpling to the ground with a thud. Turning around the boy staggered over the clearing to the half naked man who lay strewn on the floor. The excessive movement the boy had just made to break up that fight only worsened his wounds. Getting halfway there the boy could go no further and rested on his sword. A pounding had started in his head. Darkness surrounded the edge of the boys vision. Like a wave engulfing a flickering flame his remaining energy left him and his legs gave way. The last thing he heard before he''s conciseness slept away was someone saying "quickly grab everything you can and let''s make haste"

 Chapter 8: The Naming Of Vezeyle

    Fredrick awoke to throbbing pain. His side felt as if it had been ripped asunder. Groggily looking around he remembers the past events that had lead to this current situation. He remembered being mugged by bandits, he remembers the thunder overhead, he remembers the fight with the bandits. Then it gets hazy. The last memory Fredrick had was of a cloaked reaper coming for his life. After that he remembers nothing. Sitting up and looking around Fredrick found himself to be in the back of a jostling caravan, he was lying on some sheets atop of crates of goods. It was the bumping of the caravan that had awoken him. Getting up, tinges of pain ran through his body. Sunlight filtered through the flimsy canvas of the wagon. Looking to his left he saw a bare chested youngster laying next to him. This boy looked to be in his mid teens, a black cloak lay under his head. A wet rag lay upon his sweating brow, overlapping a bandage that wound it''s way round the boys head. His left arm was supported by a makeshift splint and his shoulder was completely wrapped in bandage just like the crown of his head. His armour that had been taken from him by the bandits lay on his other side, gleaming in the filtered sunlight. Donning his armour Fredrick allowed himself a smile, this armour had protected him through countless battles, and twice as many bad romances.


    A conversation drifted through the flimsy wagons walls. "I still can''t believe our luck, to think that not only did we escape from those bandits, our horses came back so we could load all of their ill gotten gains alongside our original load in the wagon"


    A jovial laugh was heard from the front of the wagon "truly my friend the patron god of merchants smiles upon us"


    Another laugh and a third voice replied "say whatever you will my dear friends if I hadn''t freed myself of those bindings first and cut you three loose you''d still be back there tussled up like pigs"


    A fourth merry voice chimed in "well brother you definitely saved us there but I think we can all agree that if it wasn''t for that knight and young man we have stowed away in the back we wouldn''t be merrily laughing like this at all"


    A chorus of agreement sounded as the other voices all voiced their approval. Slowly getting up Fredrick stretched his tired limbs before poking his head out of the front of the tarpaulin of the wagon. The four merchants merrily sat at the front of the wagon on top of a wooden bench, guiding a young white horse down a small forest path. Coughing to announce his presence the four merchants all turned around in shock. "Aha if it isn''t the hero of the hour" the first merchant proclaimed.


    "Excellent performance young man, absolutely marvelous" the second merchant added. A flood of compliments came from the four merchants all thanking him for his service.


    Cutting over the clamouring merchants Fredrick asked "fellows I appreciate the praise, but I must query what occurred in that clearing? All I remember is a fleeting shadow striking me before I blacked out"


    The fourth merchant guffawed loudly and answered "well young knight, after you so gallantly took up arms against those nefarious ruffians things took a turn for the worse in your scuffle. Out of nowhere a cloaked figure burst in and knocked you out of the way as you were about to be run through before wiping the floor with those nasty thieves" agreement sounded from the other merchants before the second merchant continued the tale "after so heroically rescuing us the young fellow just flopped over like a dead fish, my third brother here had thankfully slipped out of his bonds and quickly freed us" the third merchant carried on from this point "a stroke of good fortune befell us and our steed made his way back to our little caravan, we then made haste and loaded all of the loot we could before placing you and our rescuer who appeared to be in a bad way in the back, we then quickly got on our way and have travelled for a whole three days since then. In fact I think we''re nearly at Brickendale"


    "I thank you good sirs it appears as though you have saved my life" Fredrick humbly gave thanks to the merchants.


    "Oh it was nothing really, if you want to thank someone one thank the young man in the back there by changing his dressing" the second merchant responded. With a nod Fredrick returned to the interior of the wagon and once again looked at the young boy in the back. Jet black hair fell down the boys face in thick locks framing a strong jaw and tanned face. The youths body was sleek and powerful, however it looked as if his muscles were still devolving as though the teenager was still but a young child. Fredrick didn''t pay such a peculiarity mind for to long though and began to change the teenagers dressing. Removing the bandage that was wrapped around the youths shoulder Fredrick''s eyes met a strange sight. The shoulder had obviously been dislocated recently however it appeared as though the injury happened a few months ago, it had already healed up. Looking at the splint on the teenagers arm Fredrick found only some slight bruising as if there had been a serious injury there a while ago. Quickly unwinding the bandage around the boys head Fredrick only found hair matted with blood, no wound. Such a curious phenomena alongside the teens extraordinary fighting ability made the young knight curious about the boys identity.


    Bustling noises slowly slipped into the foreground as the wagon made it''s way towards Brickendales walls. Fredrick was forced to get out to explain to the wall guard the purpose of their mission showing them a few important documents the guard soon let the wagon inside of the city''s gates. Fredrick walked alongside the wagon upon a cobblestone road, inns, homes and taverns made up this part of the city. Everywhere life bustled, a woman carrying groceries home to use for supper, a guard patrolling the streets, a young pup playing with some children, yapping at their heels. Continuing walking along the cobblestone road the wagon ended up outside a little pawn shop. With  exclamations the four merchants got down from the wagon "home sweet home" one chimed. Jostling each other to the back of the wagon to unload the merchants opened the tarpaulin to find the youth sitting up, wide awake.


    Slowly the boy came round. Strange sounds could be heard from all around. He appeared to be in the back of a moving wagon, lying on sheets atop of many crates. Livestock occasionally lulled around him, and the noise of a town overwhelmed him. Looking around the boy found himself to be topless, his cloak and shirt lay scrunched up beneath his head. Retrieving them the youth pulled his black shirt over his head and clasped the cloak around his shoulders pulling the hood up. The wagon came to a stop. The back of the wagon was opened. Five faces met his eyes, four portly men with flowing beards that concealed half their faces, merry slits for eyes and laugh lines decorated these four men. The other man was taller and more athletic, he wore shining armour that glistened in the suns ray. Dents and scratches in the armour told the boy that this man was no stranger to combat. Cheers of happiness went up as the four portly men moved as one embracing the youth and thanking him profusely. Bewilderment was stark on the boys face, he clearly didn''t have a clue about what they were thanking him for. The man in armour showed a bit of reserve "give the poor boy a bit of breathing room" he said smiling at the merchants antics.


    Questions filled the youths head and so he gave voice to them "kind sirs I thank you but what happend, why am in the back of your wagon?"


    Immediately choruses of "come in" "come rest first, we''ll talk later" greeted the boys question. Getting out of the back of the wagon, the boy remembered his injuries. Moving his left arm the boy knew it was nearly all healed and would only need another day before he was completely recovered.


    "Kind sirs I inquire of you, did you pick up my sword as well as my sorry self?" The youth needed to know the whereabouts of his sword, it was after all gifted to him by his master.


    "Oh that pesky item? Honestly we four brothers nearly all threw our backs out lifting the hefty thing into the back there" with a motion the merchant nearest the wagon opened a long rectangular crate. Obscured by other items all packed around it, there was the youths great sword the red and gold silk handle only just visible. Smiling the youth wrapped his hand around the hilt of his sword removing it from the sheath of the crate. With the familiar weight in his hands the youth felt much more relaxed. The boy didn''t notice the gawping stares of the merchants who had to strain whilst lifting it with all four of them to get it into the wagon. Hefting his blade onto his shoulder the boy turned around and headed into the pawn shop the merchants were beckoning him into. As the boy turned around the man in armour turned to the other four and exchanged hushed words. The merchants seemed annoyed but they accepted whatever the armoured man was saying


    Walking inside of the pawn shop the buy was greeted by shelves upon shelves of assorted goods. The armoured man guided the way round these shelves and into a little back room that only had a square table and four chairs. Obviously a room for buisness. Pulling up a ramshackle chair at the wooden table the armoured man beckoned for the youth to sit. "Are those four others not going to join us?" The youth curiously asked.


    Smiling the armoured man replied "no they are but mere merchants, I hear that you saved myself, in answer to your earlier question it appears that you saved me then collapsed because of the severity of your injuries. The kind men out there looked after both myself and you, transporting us to where we currently are, Brickendale. Sorry where are my manners I didn''t introduce myself, I am sir Fredrick a knight of the Agrueo kingdom and I wish to know who you are?" The man rested his elbows on the table clasping his hands together in front of his face whilst staring intently at the youth.


    The boy saw no reason to hide the truth from this man, however there are some secrets he would keep. "Sir Fredrick I am a descendant of the Dragon Clan, I have come here to undergo the ritual of naming and to find out about the destruction of my clan" the boys answer was blunt and to the point.


    Fredrick despite all of his rigorous training let shock slip onto his face at this audacious statement "you have yet to undergo your naming ritual? and your a descendant of the Dragon Clan?! I swear there were no survivors of that incident" Fredrick mused aloud to himself.


    The boys head jerked up on hearing this, standing up and slamming his hands on the table "what do you mean by that Fredrick" all honourifics and graces were discarded as the boy glared intensely at the poor knight.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    A cold sweat broke out on Fredrick''s forehead as the temperature of the room drooped. There was no mistaking that this boy was formidable "steady on there, I''ll tell you everything I know regarding the incident" the killing aura that had been rolling off of the boy dropped in intensity "everyone that''s anyone knows that fifty years ago a new Dragon God appeared. No one has claimed that position since Tiorons rule, the new Dragon God took revenge on behalf of Tioron by personally destroying the only clan with any connection to Gale, the Dragon Clan. But how have your parents not told you all of this?" Fredrick explained the situation to the young boy.


    The youths emotions were in turmoil right now. To finally have the name of culprit who annihilated his clan was an ecstatic feeling. But for the culprit to be the strongest god there was, the boys hopes fell. To wage war on the Dragon God was to wage war on all of the gods. "My parents? They were killed by this new Dragon God it seems, pray tell me sir Fredrick what about the naming ceremony?"


    A frown appeared upon Fredrick''s brow at the youths uncouth answer and his question "hmm I still can''t believe you are only of ten years of age, however I believe you just missed the mass naming ceremony for commoners by a week" upon seeing the boys face fall Fredrick quickly added "however the nobles hold a separate naming ceremony for their own children today, it''s a private affair but I might be able put my family name to some use"


    Bowing deeply to Fredrick, all animosity forgotten, the boy responded "sir I would be most obliged if you were to go so far for myself"


    "Nonsense it''s the least I can do for my saviour, come lets make haste while the day is still young" Fredrick rose from his chair and made for the door. The youth quickly got up and followed suit hefting his great sword onto his shoulder. As they walked out of the shop the merchants flocked them wishing them luck and prosperity on their future travels. Wishing them well and saying farewell they made their way through the city. Briskly walking through the streets of Brickendale the strange pair soon arrived at a great building. Gothic in design the rectangular building had four ornate spires on each corner that reached towards the heavens themselves in the middle of the building a single tower rose upwards, at it''s peak a great golden bell could be seen. Sculpted over the arch away of the door was a hand holding coins. "This is the church of Brickendale, as you can see the patron god of this small town is the Merchant God" Fredrick gave some small information about the town. The boy just pulled his hood up and gripped his blade tighter as they entered the church. To think that he was now entering the dominion of the same gods who had just stood and watched as the new Dragon God slaughtered his entire clan. Rage bubbled inside of the boy.


    The doors led to a corridor that they followed before they came to another set of oaken double doors, guarded by a friendly looking friar "Sir Fredrick how may I assist you?" The bald friar asked whilst uneasily eyeing up the youth that stood next to Fredrick openly carrying such a giant blade.


    "Ah friar Michele how have you been? I''ve just bought this boy to be named, my cousin sent him over from a small hamlet" Fredrick friendly engaged in conversation with friar Michele.


    "Hmm that''s fine then, but I must ask that the boy leave such a barbaric weapon outside of the hall" the friar said once again uneasily looking at the youths great sword.


    "Preposterous friar, you don''t ask me, a trained professional who could pose a threat, to leave my armour and weapons at the door, but you have the audacity to demand that this untrained youth must leave his ornamental weapon at the door" Fredrick chastised the friar who bowed his head in apology before unlocking the great doors.


    "The ceremony has already begun so I must ask that you enter quietly" friar Michele said before silently swinging open the great oaken doors.


    Stepping inside of the great hall Fredrick and the youth came across a hall packed with colourful people. In front of them were seven chairs lined up in seven rows, facing away from the pair. The first five rows of these chairs were completely filled up with well dressed children all sitting quietly. The youth silently took a seat on the seventh row as the doors swung shut behind him. Around the edges of the hall were adults who looked upon the children with dotting eyes. In front of the rows of chairs was a priest standing in the middle of a formation. The priest wore purple robes, rosary beads were clasped tightly in his pudgy hands. Behind him was an ornate altar and bowl. Sunlight filtered through a majestic window onto this altar and bowl. The formation the priest chanted in was circular with twelve mysterious signs spread equally at separate points all around the circle. The priests arms were spread outwards, his head cast back, eyes closed, a strange language rapidly spewed forth from his mouth. Inhaling a breath the priests head came forwards and he opened his eyes. Stepping out of the formation the priest looked on with eager anticipation as the formation began glowing a myriad of colours.


    The area in the circle suddenly went a stark white. The circle appeared to be a hole leading into a white abyss. A head slowly emerged from this abyss floating upwards. Slowly the figures feet came clear of the abyss and everyone got a good look at him. His eyes were pitch black and were set in a dainty face, giving off a chilling aura. Blonde hair fell down his head, cascading to his waist. White robes hid his figure in their shapeless depths. He continued rising so that he hovered five feet off of the ground his white robes hung a foot below him. A deep voice boomed forth. "I am Melodias, one of the namers, representative of the gods themselves" looking around Melodias pointed at a quivering child sitting in the front row "come forth child" stepping up the child came to the edge of the white formation. Outstretching his hand towards the child''s head Melodias''s deep voice boomed again "name your clan child"


    A quivering voice squeaked out "t-t-he Gr-Grace family sir"


    Melodias paused for a moment before once again speaking "be known as Garrick Grace, leader of men and bane of evil" with a flourish Melodias produced a thick black book, opening the book up, he entered Garrick''s name and title. Two adults broke down into tears and Garrick quickly rushed over to embrace them. Hushed congratulations could be heard from the surrounding parents as they proudly held their son.


    This trend continued, Melodias gave each child a name and title before systemically recording it in his book and then the child would run back to their proud parents. Not a single bad name or title was given to any child as the ceremony went on. An hour passed and all but two children remained. One left on the seventh row enveloped in a black cloak and one being named. All of the previous participants stood to the side watching, the doors of the hall had been locked when Melodias had appeared, and would remain locked until he departed. "Be known as Ryreck Feller, the greatest warrior atop a steeds back in this age" Melodias concluded, loud cheers went up from the surrounding crowd as the bewildered Ryreck was hugged by his overwhelmed parents. Such a person would definitely bring much honour to the town of Brickendale, surely this was the greatest title and name today thought the crowd. Melodias recorded Ryreck''s name and title while the boy dressed all in black got up, sword slung over his shoulder and headed over to the white formation. Hushed murmurs surrounded the hall as curious parents inquired about the identity of this giant blade wielding youth. All went silent as he arrived before Melodias "name your clan child" Melodias''s deep voice questioned the youth.


    Taking down his hood the young boy looked up into Melodias black pupils. After a moment of silence the youth answered "the Dragon Clan" a pause as everyone absorbed just what this youth had said. Like one, all the people present gasped. A roar of noise engulfed the hall as every person present immediately started clamouring amongst one another.


    A frown appeared on Melodias''s brow "silence" this one word entirely froze the nearly hundred people present. A nasty sneer twisted it''s way onto Melodias''s face "you shall be known as Sergate of the Dragon Clan, the lowest of the low, cursed by even the gods"


    Silence ruled over the hall as every person present watched for Sergates reaction. He was motionless apart from his hand that seemed to be touching something in his chest.


    Holding his flame pendant the boy mentally called out for his master. "Youngling I''ve been watching, that''s a name not even suitable for beggars, it''s a literal translation from the old language of the word scum, don''t let them record it" rage fanned into life inside the boy. The gods took everything from him, his family, his home and his future and now this representative has the audacity to call him scum?! Looking up at Melodias''s twisted sneer the youths vision went red.


    Everyone held their breaths as Melodias went to record Sergates name and title in his book. The sound of quill touching paper was heard before the cloaked Sergate sprung with a enraged roar. Thunder sounded in the hall as Sergate flew towards Melodias his great sword glinting menacingly. Dust flew up into the air as the foundations of the church quaked. A deep voice roared in rage and anguish terrifying the nobles present. They all frantically bolted for the door. Screams sounded as the nobles crushed each other up against the locked barrier. The dust began to settle and what the nobles saw drove them further into a frenzy.


    Standing atop the altar was the cloaked youth, black locks fell freely down his face that was twisted with hatred. Lying in the bowl was Melodias''s corpse. Blood poured from the decapitated body filling the bowl and staining the once white robes, looking like roses blossoming. The head lay at the base of the altar, a twisted look of agony was Melodias last expression. In one hand the youth held his great sword, crimson droplets were smeared down the edge of the blade. In the other the youth held Melodias''s book. Dipping a finger into the bowl of Melodias blood the youth scrawled the words that  Fyreon whispered in his ear. With a flick the youth threw the book at the weeping priest. "Give this to the gods" saying so the cloaked youth turned and burst through the window behind him.


    Amidst the pandemonium the shrieking nobles were causing the quivering priest looked down at the black book. Scrawled across two pages in Melodias''s crimson blood were the words "Vezeyle of the Dragon Clan, Usurper Of Gods And Harbinger Of Storms"

 Chapter 9: The Reaper

    The stained window rained glass upon the cloaked Vezeyle as he burst out of the church and into the surrounding alley. A few passers by pulled their hoods down lower and quickly made haste away from such a scene. Vezeyle''s mind was racing. He had just declared war on the gods and taken his first life. Melodias''s blood would forever stain his hands. Vezeyle quickly reprimanded himself, this was a world where the strong ruled. One who paled at the thought of taking a life wouldn''t get very far, especially one who had just disrespected the gods themselves.


    The churches bells started ringing. Thirteen times the bells rang. That was the signal that the town was under martial law, protocol called that every citizen must return to either their home or the nearest tavern within half an hour. Anyone seen on the streets after that time would immediately be cut down by the towns guard. Of course Vezeyle wasn''t aware of this.


    Frowning the boy thought of Fredrick who still remained in the church. He had to know what became of the man who had shown him kindness, Vezeyle wouldn''t allow the man who had helped him suffer for his sake. With a turn the cloaked youth jumped up fifteen metres onto the tiled roof of the building opposite the church. The slanted roof easily took his weight and the boy dashed onto the next roof over, leaping the four metre gap that separated the buildings gracefully. Stealthy making his way around the buildings he manoeuvred himself so that he was sitting upon the roof of the building that was opposite the courtyard that led to the churches main doors. Settling down against a chimney the youth nestled himself in for a long wait.


    The midday sun beat down upon Vezeyle who was wrapped in his black cloak. People were becoming more sparse as everyone disappeared off of the streets. Until after half an hour since he first settled down no one was to be seen. The only sign of life that was visible were the platoons of soldiers that occasionally marched past, coming in and out of the church. Hours passed and the solar star in the sky began to descend. Still no sign of Fredrick. Fear began to worry at Vezeyle. Suddenly a great crowd left the church, all the nobles and their children who had attended the naming ceremony. Weeping women held their husbands and many of the children held their parents hands tightly. The group was in a sorry state to say the least. Vezeyle quickly looked for any sign of the armoured Fredrick. However Fredrick was not in this crowd. The fear that had been lurching in his gut solidified.


    The sun set and still Vezeyle waited, hoping that any second now Fredrick would walk free out of the churches doors. Darkness laid claim to the courtyard. Torches were lit inside of the church casting their shining rays onto the cobblestone outside. Peace temporarily reigned over the town of Brickendale and with this peace Vezeyle grabbed hold of his fire pendant, mentally calling out for his master "Youngling I''m glad you still walk amongst us, what''s happened?" Fyreons voice sounded relived as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.


    "I killed the Namer master and wrote what you told me to in his book" the youths answer was blunt and to the point "but what does my name mean master?" Vezeyle questioned, understanding the importance of ones names true meaning.


    "Youngling your name in the old tongue means Great Warrior Who Wields Lighting. I thought it suited, no?" Fyreon answered.


    The young boy laughed "Of course master it was a fine choice"


    "Youngling I must tell you that this communication uses up a lot of my energy, your aware that inside my barrier time flows at a different rate to the outside. To communicate with you I must match the flow of time inside the barrier to the flow of time outside the barrier, which is no small feat even for myself, so please Vezeyle only contact me if it''s urgent" saying so Vezeyle felt Fyreons mind disconnect from his mind.


    And so Vezeyle went back to waiting. His watchful vigil lasted for the entire night. The lunar king relinquished his starry kingdom to the solar star. Shimmering rays cast their warming light upon Vezeyle''s haggard face. Since he had stepped onto the path of ascension Vezeyle had no longer felt the mortal feelings of tiredness or hunger. However now Vezeyle very much felt tired. Tired with worry.


    The streets of Brickendale began bustling, yesterday''s martial law forgotten, washed away by the warm suns rays. Word of the boy named Vezeyle, who had beheaded one of the gods namers quickly spread through the town. The courtyard became crowded as people came to gossip and look at the scene of the crime. Armoured soldiers came out and established a barrier around the courtyard. Some men who were carrying planks of wood were allowed through this barrier. Construction started in the courtyard, and a sneaking suspicion wormed it''s way into Vezeyle''s heart.


    Morning became midday and the men''s labour was finished. Standing ominously in the courtyard was a rectangular wooden platform. The platform stood five feet high and was made of ramshackle planks of wood. In the centre of the platform was a block of wood that had a semi circular indention upon it''s surface. Rusty red stains adorned this block of wood. Vezeyle''s position on the roof was perfect to view this morbid sight. He''s place behind the chimney allowed him to see everything that happened in this small courtyard, plus he was shielded from the onlookers eyes, he would only be visible to someone atop the roof.


    Vezeyle was filled with uncertainty. He had concluded long ago that someone was to be executed. However he hoped that Fredrick wouldn''t be bought up onto that stage of death. Guilt wrecked Vezeyle. A hush swept the gathered crowd as the churches doors swung open. Beaten and battered a bruised form was carried on to the wooden platform by four knights dressed in full ceremonial armour. The man was roughly forced to kneel beside the block of wood by the knights. He wore a ragged thread bare shirt and a ripped pair of shorts, a sack covered his head. The mans strong arms were bound behind his back. Blood was clearly splattered on the shirts material. Vezeyle''s heart was in his mouth. He recognised that athletic figure. A well dressed man stepped up beside the four knights on the platform and loudly proclaimed "This man here is Fredrick Thouwn-Guard, today he has been accused of assisting the one know as Vezeyle to murder one of the gods namers. He has been stripped of all his titles and now stands before you as a traitor. He is to be beheaded, his body and severed head will then hang from the parapets of the city''s walls to become crow carrion. So is the fate of those who rebel against the gods" saying so the pompous announcer stepped back off of the platform.


    Vezeyle was in shock. He don''t know what to do. He had gotten Fredrick in this situation, the man had shown him kindness and because of that he was to be killed and disgraced. The knights removed the sack from his head. Fredrick''s face was haggard and beaten. He was a young man of only twenty five years. His hazel hair that was cropped close to his head was now matted with clotted blood. His face was swollen hideously, cracked lips and a broken nose screamed of the tortures he had undergone. Such grievous injuries betrayed a rather handsome and regal face. Feeble eyes stared out at the jeering crowd that cried for his death. What little spirt and resolve held Fredrick together dissipated in front of this jeering crowd, whom bayed for blood. Fredrick''s head sagged and his eyes went dim in defeat.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    He was lugged to his feet and dragged over to the block of wood that was stained with blood. A sharp kick from one of the knights sent Fredrick sprawling forwards onto his knees. Placing a foot on his back the knight forced Fredrick''s head to sink into the indentation in the wood, his bare neck lay vulnerably exposed. Like a shadow creeping forth a small man clad in clothes like midnight emerged upon the platform, his face covered by a black hood. In the small mans hands was a disgusting axe. His fleshy fingers were clasped around the wooden handle of the axe as he vehemently stared down at Fredrick''s neck. With a nod from the man who had announced Fredrick''s death the small executioner lifted his axe above his head. Fredrick''s eyes were dull as if he was waiting for deaths cold embrace. With a grunt of effort the executioners axe swung downwards.


    After Vezeyle had shattered through the church''s windows everyone had been in a state of pandemonium. The priest clutched the book that Vezeyle had cast to him. When peace had been restored the priest immediately went to the bloody altar and prayed to the gods telling them of his situation. Never before had the priests prayers been acknowledged like they were this time. A burst of light came forth from the corners of the room illuminating the church brightly, off in the distance a figure, silhouetted by this radiant light walked towards them. All the officials who had gathered stopped and turned around in panic to look at this divine figure walking towards them from afar. The warm light calmed all of their hearts and it was like they were gazing upon their loved ones.


    The distant silhouette came closer, his figure became visible. Glorious golden armour that was skin tight adorned this magnificent man. His lean body was accentuated by the golden chest plate he wore. His powerful arms were bare, only a pair of braces covered his wrists, fabric woven from golden thread formed trousers that flowed down his long legs, glittering greaves transformed into glowing golden boots that looked as if they had never graced the floor. A flowing red cape stretched behind him. Upon his waist a smooth black sword created a stark contrast with his glittering appearance. A full golden helmet crowned the figures head. The helmet was in the shape of a devils face, holes where the eyes were supposed to be revealed nothing but an inky darkness. The devils mouth was twisted into a grimace of rage, jagged fangs filled the demons mouth.Two twisting horns jutted out of the helmet making all who saw them quake in fear.


    This was one of the gods elite soldiers. The Reapers, these soldiers were the right arm of the gods, serving to enforce the gods will upon this mortal plane.These were unparalleled experts of the mortal plane who had given up on achieving ascension, and so had been invited to guard the gods realm instead. It was well known that Gale himself had been offered a position as the leader of the Reapers. The Reaper entered the church''s hall and bent down low taking the book from the trembling priests hands. With a flick the Reaper opened the book to the page Vezeyle had desecrated.  A smooth voice flowed from the Reaper, it sounded as if he could charm nature herself "I a Reaper serving lord Ah-Geath ruler of the namers and the God Of Fate have been sent to rectify this disgrace you''ve suffered, now mortal explain how we were dishonoured so" this command was directed to the priest. The priest stammered out an answer explaining what had happened, throughout the mans explanation his eyes were brimming with veneration and awe towards this seemingly perfect being. After hearing what had happened the Reaper stood silently for a while. Breaking his silence the Reaper began speaking. He spoke of what the officials were to do and how they were to execute the plan he had thought of. The officials all complied immediately and preparations were made instantly for the Reapers plan.


    Vezeyle sat behind the chimney, every single muscle in his body was strained to the breaking point as he clenched his blade in frustration at the situation. The boys mind was in turmoil, he should save this man who had shown him kindness, but who knew what level of power those four knights had reached. His master words rang in his head, any expert who had a soul with the size of two centimetres in diameter was bound to be a great expert in any small kingdom. Working on this logic Vezeyle tensed as he readied himself to move to save Fredrick.


    The detestable executioner raised his deadly axe above his head and with a grunt swung it downwards. Every single pair of eyes in the area was entirely fixed upon this falling axe swooping downwards to claim Fredrick''s life, so of course no one saw a figure leap off the roof of a building at the back of the courtyard. All they heard was a peal of thunder before a black figure flew out of the skies and into the executioner. Vezeyle''s foot connected squarely with the executioners jaw, twisting his neck sharply round with a wrenching snap. His lifeless body went flying into the church''s walls with a wet crunch, before sliding to the floor leaving a bloody trail upon the wall. Before the dead executioner hit the floor Vezeyle had struck the four knights, surrounding the kneeling Fredrick, incapacitating blows. Like leafs they crumpled onto the floor their armour crashing loudly on the wooden platform. With ease Vezeyle hoisted the larger Fredrick onto his right shoulder whilst keeping his blade free, ready for use at any moment.


    The crowd was in a complete uproar. Cries of outrage and shock rung from the mob as Vezeyle stood facing them with Fredrick over his shoulder. Gasps of recognition sounded from those sparse few nobles who had been present at yesterday''s naming ceremony. The information that the youth who currently stood before them was Vezeyle quickly spread amongst the masses. Like a fire being doused the previous noise faded into silence as the crowd realised just who this audacious young man was. Wasting no time Vezeyle flew into the air with a clap of thunder, Fredrick still resting on his shoulder.


    The golden clad Reaper rested in the bell tower staring down at the current procedures. His plan had succeed beautifully. He had ordered that Vezeyle''s accomplice be executed as soon as possible, hoping this would lure Vezeyle himself out. And it had. As soon as Vezeyle had appeared and slain the executioner the Reaper had hid his prescience, after all he didn''t want to scare such important prey away. As Vezeyle made to escape into the skies with Fredrick the Reaper made his move. With a ripple of movement he disappeared from the bell tower. Twenty metres in the air directly in the path of the fast moving figure of Vezeyle the golden armour clad man appeared. Fear entered Vezeyle''s heart as he recognised the prescience of a far superior being "It''s a shame you didn''t act so foolishly. A talent like yours should be cultivated not culled" so saying so Vezeyle had already flown to close to him, getting him into the Reapers great range. The Reaper flicked his wrist, sending his sword, the colour of midnight, writhing towards Vezeyle''s chest. "Good night Vezeyle"