Eyes of a Warrior: chapter 1-2

[sirith_knight]

Chapter 1:

 

 

 

The Shadow Dragons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Fight me, Jamie, if you dare!" I screamed and drew my sword from it's sheath. I pointed my shining mithral blade towards him and gripped the handle tightly. Sweat was trickling down my forehead and anger pulsed through my body. My heart was racing, I was both exited and scared as Jamie reached back and grasped his battle axe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"If you wish to fight me, then so be it." Jamie yelled pulling his his axe out in front of him. It was well crafted, made of steel, but was also used. Knicks and [racist term]s in the edges could be seen clearly, not a dull blade, but not at full potential. I looked down at my own shining blade, new and of a stronger metal, light and powerful. I had the advantage, but Jamie is more powerful and skilled then myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took a fighting stance, blade outward, my feet planted into the rough ground. The thick forest allowed little patches of light to shine through, but it was bright enough to see clearly. A perfect battleground,mid-Autumn, in the midde of no where. I was still breathing heavily and sweating, but I held my sword tight and charged forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anger surged through my veins, adrinaline level rising. My own friend, enemy in a fight, no longer training together, but a fight to the death. Time seemed to stand nearly motionless, like a was watching my own body heading towards Jamie, sword now swinging to the side to prepare for a blow. I can still remember when we were only children, pretending to be fighters, using branches as swords. Another step.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie, motionless for the moment, like waiting to endure the blow. A mere ten feet away now, and approaching. Jamie, how could he, my friend, his friend. I tightened my grip on the blade, a gust of wind rushing past, blowing dead leaves arcross our forest set arena. Another step, less then nine feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regret, I could sence it, illuminating from Jamie, remorse, I tried to pay no attention, and Jamie moved. His eyes, to the ground, staring with no attention to the outside world, deep thought, transitive. Another step. With a breath I began to swing my sword, now picturing myself, a branch in hand, Jamie with one as well, smiling, true happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life, so simple, our biggest worries were what chores would be adressed to us as we returned home from a day of fun in the forest, the fields, the lakes, or where ever our imaginations could take us. Regret with every hour that passed for the sunlight was closer to its end for that day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of us, not just Jamie and myself; Marc, smart and funny, an optimist. Thomas, a little troubled, but a big heart and cheerful spirit and willing. Another step, sword now beginning to swing, Jamie's eyes raise up, as does his axe. Shadow, smart, tall, and strong. Jessie, anger issues, but a great guy at heart. Ben, short and not very strong, but smart with a great sence of humor, always fun to be with. Another step, Jamie's axe still rising, my sword still swinging, ready to clash. Sean, short and comedic, not the brightest but with good intentions. The final step.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A strong wind, a clash of metal ringing through out the forest. Birds scatter from the trees in shock. I look at Jamie axe held tight in his hands, my sword, against its blade. I struggle to push forward, but to no avail. Jamie, the stronger between us two was able to withhold. Suprisingly, no emotions could be seen within his eyes, blank, lifeless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I jumped away from Jamie, sword at a defensive position. He made no attempt to strike, only stare.... I began to lower my sword, but denied my arms the privelage. Jamie on the other hand did lower his weapon. I was not one to be fooled though, and charged in for a second attack. Sword, branch of an old tree, high over head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie pulled his axe to a defencesive stance and my sword struck the edge of his blade. Sparks flew and Jamie quickly leapt away from me. I jumped to the side tried quick attack. Jamie's axe was too heavy to fully resist the blow and he was knocked off balance and on to the forest floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun was cast in shadow by the trees, darkness poured over Jamie's body, and my own. Leaves crunched beneath my feet and I walked towards him, sword pointed to the ground. I quickly lifted my blade to the sky and brought it down with a poweful swing towards my opponent's chest. Jamie grasped his axe tightly and pulled it in front of him. I hit the steel handle and strained as I tried to force his own axe down upon him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, Jamie is more powerful and easily threw off my attack. I drew my sword back and stared into his eyes. No fear or remorse anymore, you could feel his power just by looking into his eyes. I have an uncanny ability, to read eyes, know what a person feels. Eyes don't lie, you could see death in his pupils, blood stains in his conscious. My own friend, Jamie, but after what he did, I wanted him dead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Only yesterday I had witnessed Jamie slaughtering his and my own friend Sean. I knew, but hadn't told Jamie, and now I wished to avenge Sean's death. Jamie, a killer, I never would have thought, or knew if my own eyes had not seen the masacre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I shook off the sickening feeling and swung down at Jamie once again. He rolled to the left and my sword struck the ground with a tremendous force. "Why Jamie?" I yelled pulling my sword up out of the ground. "Why would you kill him, he was your friend!" Tears of anger were forming at the brims of my eyes, blurring my vision and thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"You don't understand Steven, I had a reason!" Jamie said as he leapt up to his feet, leaving his axe on the ground. "You must understand, Sean betrayed me, and my family, he killed my brother!" Jamie grabbed me by the shoulders, "you must believe me, he was in a corrupted clan, Steven."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Why should I believe you?" I asked, putting my sword upon Jamie's throat. "He's dead, I can't ask for the truth!" I could see blood forming on the blade of my sword. My heart was pounding harder then ever now, I couldn't contain my confusion, disorientation was filling my body as mixed emotions processed in my mind, which to believe? I saw Jamie with my own eyes, but he may be telling the truth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Steven, please, I swear I had to do it. It hurt me as much as you, but Sean wasn't himself anymore. He was like a zombie, he would have slottered me if I hadn't killed him first!" I stared into Jamie's dark blue eyes. They were wide with despair, truthful eyes, not those of a murderer. Tears were now beginning to roll down his face, it had been many years since I had seen him cry, and he has a high tolerance for pain, emotional tears. I pulled my sword away from him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I stared into his eyes. "Jamie, you know how to prove it to me! You know what you need to do!" I yelled putting my sword to his throat. He knew what he needed to do and he did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He lowered his eyelids a bit, thinking hard. I began to see an image. Jamie, and his brother Joey. They are walking down the back alleys of town. There was Sean, he stepped from around the side of a building, no not Sean. That was not the Sean I know, he was very pale ghost white, his eyes glossy as well. He had a twisted smile and his mace down to his side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He looked mad, at Jamie? Why? Jamie took a step toward Sean, but Sean just stood there, staring at....not Jamie, Joey. "What is wrong Sean, you look sick." Jamie said, concern in his voice. Sean was shaking violently and began to raise his mace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Jamie, he has to die, he has to, and you too!" Sean screeched, but no one around to here him, alley abandoned. Sean shifted his gaze to Jamie, "the lord Hyrocyte says you must die Jamie, you are a threat!" Sean took a step forward, mace now raised to battle stance. He was still shaking violently, possesed it seemed. His eyes now rolling around his head, like he was losing his mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Sean, I have to get you to the hospital, your not well." Jamie said now taking a step back, hand on his axe handle. "Joey looked very frieghtened, still inexperienced and being trained by Jamie. A rather strong monk, Joey was, everyone knew he would take after his brother; looked just like him. "Joey, get going, now! Run home, I'll handle it!" Jamie turned and screamed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sean had the had the first strike though, pulling out a rusty poisoned dagger and tossing it powerfully at Joey as he turned to run. The blade hit him square in the back, possibly striking his spine. He gave a gasp for breath and fell to the ground, not yet dead, but unconcious; poison seeping through his blood stream now. Jamie turned, eyes wide with fear and pain, and stared at his dying brother. "Your next Jamie." Sean said in a hoarse whisper, just loud enough for him to hear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie looked back towards Sean who was now a mere ten feet away. Jamie pulled the dagger from Joey's back and tossed it towards Sean, but it was blocked by his shield. Jamie tore off Joey's shirt and wrapped it around the wound, Sean still approaching. "Jaaaaamie.... I'm coming." Sean said, a voice not of this world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie quickly scooped up his brother and began running down the alley, away from this possesed "Sean." He exited the alleyway and looked to the left, the hospital. The dream faded away momentarily, and when it came back to view Joey was lying on a medical cot, dead. Jamie was knealed down beside the cot, crying, "I will kill you Sean, you will die!" He screamed out in pain. "I swear I will for you joey, I love you; reast easy." Jamie leaned forward and kissed Joey on the forehead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The vision was over, I was looking at Jamie, with tears forming in his eyes. I pulled my sword away immediately. "Jamie, I....I didn't know, I'm so sorry." I truely was, now that I had seen what Jamie had, his motives were clear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I feel the pain too Steven, I will miss him dearly, and on a daily basis. He was a great man, a true friend ; corrupted at his prime, so unfair, life." I could tell he was devestated as much as I was, and I felt regret for attacking him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Jamie, I truely am sorry, I misjudged your reasoning. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions, pain fogged my thought process. Sean... gone forever." I wiped tears away from my eyes and stood straight, trying to contain my emotions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It's okay Steven, I know it hurts, but we have a problem. This clan is becoming more powerful by the day, a religion of its own inside it. We have to take action before they are too powerful. A fullscale raid won't work." I looked at Jamie a bit confused, his eyes were to the ground though. "Their fortress in the west is very powerful, guard numbers excede four hundred."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Four hundered warriors is not enough to resist the forces of Sirith, four thousand isn't. Our armies numbers are in the low-thousands in the town alone. Others scattered across the land, a great naval and land force."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Not enough." Jamie replied confidently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"You said four hundred guards, our skilled knights, archers, and mages can handle those forces with most ease." I said, actually wanting to laugh at the remark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"They have a type of sorcery that is at the level of gods. These guards are summoned creatures of a very powerful necromancer assassin. Special though, they need no one to control them, act as their master tells them. He goes by the name of Hyrocyte. The human defences are within the castle and scattered about the towns, numbers in the low thousands as well. Our target is souly Hyrocyte though."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"How powerful are these summoned creatures if they can hold off an entire army?" I said in amazement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"They have the power of a dragon, and many of their features. Thus the name of the clan is Shadow Dragons. These warrior beasts stand at about ten feet tall, teeth of a dragon, strength of a dragon, wings of a dragon, and the intellectual level of a dragon, or perhaps surpassing. Able to see in the dark as well as in the day, eyes, cold as steel. Children are powerful, but their strength nearly quadruples as an adult, and they gain the ability to breath fire. A flaw though... A single dragon warrior is nearly ten times as powerful as myself. They have bad hearing though, which is why I suggest a smallscale stealth invasion."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie looked a bit frightened now. "The members......the lure of the clan is greatly powerful. They become obsessed with ultimate power, domination, immolation. They stop acting themselves, some kill themselves, driven to insanity in the presence of loved ones. Even the most powerful of minds can be drawn over, with your gift you are not even safe."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie dropped the rag from his neck and continued. "They are planning a raid soon. Starting with the villages immediately outside the fortress. Sirith would be reached within a few weeks. Our spy claims the raids will begin in ten days, we must act before then."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I know the perfect team to take on the job. The top warriors of the land." I said smiling and sheathing my sword.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"You dont mean....." Jamie said putting away his axe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Yes I do, the Holy Dragon Allegiance! We can get the old team back together, we were the best around after all. Together, with our variety of skills and tactics, we may be able to take down Hyrocyte."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Yeah, that sounds great. Me, you, Marc, Shadow, Thomas, Jessie, and Ben." Jamie said very excited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I never did ask, how did you get all this information?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The high council of Sirith suggested a spy. He retrieved the information I have relayed to you and was then converted to the Shadow Dragons. He was a brave and powerful soldier, but the pull of the Shadow Dragons is stronger."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I know the location of Thomas, he is my cousin after all, and Shadow is just a few miles west of Thomas's residence."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Marc and Ben live in town, and Jessie is a few miles to the north of town." Jamie said pointing in the direction he was speaking of.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We will plan our journey for three days from now, that should be suffiecient. You inform Thomas and Shadow. I will inform Jessie, Ben, and Marc. We can meet in the town square at noon after the week has passed."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Okay, best of luck Jamie. I will have to be off to find Thomas, it's been a few days since my last visit, he is a very powerful summoner, his dad trained him well.....He died recently though." I said mounting my horse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Best of luck to you as well, until we meet again, God's speed." Jamie said and took off sprinting to the

[sirith_knight]

Chapter 2:

 

 

 

Encounters with Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took off in a northeast direction, riding my horse Drake. I was excited, and a bit nervous. The sun seemed to be setting faster then usual. I reached home soon enough though. It seemed lonely with the sun setting in the distance, placid, almost abandoned. The house was rather old, my father had build it. The shadows poured down upon me, setting an eclipse in the front yard, though not much light shone over the horizon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Home at last, Drake." I sat patting him on the side once I had jumped down from his back. "I'll put you in your stable and grab your blanket, getting rather cold tonight." I smiled and walked Drake around the house to his home, the stables. Coasting him along by holding his reigns I got him to go inside. I put some fresh hay down for him and tossed the heavy woolen blanket sitting on the railing over his back. "There you go Drake, good night."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I started for the front of the house, but stopped, the sunset catching my eyes. I turned and gazed into the dazzling aray of colors. Pink and gold fading into the horizon, orange skys edging that. Clouds scattered about the sky, not rain hazzards yet, just scenery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I sat down on the ground, regretting it upon impact. The ground was cold, I suspected a frost overnight. An icey coating covering the plants, houses, roads, forests, the power of nature. A harsh yet beautiful mistress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forgetting the cold, I placed my hands behind my head and lay back on the ground. Icey, but soft, the sun sinking fast before my eyes. It had been a rough few days, I need to relax more, or so everyone tells me. I just go about my life the way I wish, sometimes that is not a wise trait either.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Steven, is that you?" I could hear a woman's voice, familiar, heavenly and sweet. I tilted my headback, Sarah, but what was she doing here?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Yes?" I said just smiling at the irony. This must be important, I didn't mind though. She doesn't know I'm head over heels for her, I plan to tell her someday, but not until the correct moment. She is radient: long brown hair, a nice figure, luscious dark red lips, athletic, with great legs. She had a sweet voice, soothing, harmonous. A great personality, a good sence of humor and rather comedic herself, an intelligent mind, and a very giving and caring heart. She was wearing a light blue dress, and a shawl to keep her a bit warmer. Hair let down, reaching to about the center of her back. Still she looked cold.She was, perfect, in my eyes atleast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her eyes, her most mezmorizing attribute. Brown but fading to green towards her pupil, changing with the degree of light from dark to light. Large eyes, I can't take my own eyes off them when I speak to her. Giving off a glow or, or so it seems, which I only see in people I truely care for. So full of life, white fires burning, eyes of the one I love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Steven, I....I need to talk to you please. I'm sorry if I'm intruding but I really need someone." She said with great sorrow, eyes to the ground. No longer projecting that ever luminous glow, shadowing my heart. I figured it must be serious and rose to my feet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Quite all right, I was just gazing, pondering.... It's getting cold though, shall we go inside?" I brushed off my body, trying to remove any grass that may have become stuck to me while lying. She forced a smile, still saddened by something. She waled down the stone path and towards my home, I waited for her to arrive at the door, then opened it and stepped inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strong oak wood for walls, a fireplace to the right, kitchen on the left, myself standing in the den. Wooden table and chairs in the kitchen, and a few cushions and chairs around the fireplace. Shelves and decorations about the den, not many though. My bedroom though a door by the fireplace, close, so it stays warm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fireplace still had a few flames, dying quickly. The house was warmer then outside, but not quite cozy. "One moment." I said and walked over to the fireplace, tossing a few logs on the fire. "Hopefully it will warm up a bit soon."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took a seat in front of the fire and signalled her to come sit across from me. She took a seat next to me instead, laying her head on my shoulder. My heart began to pulse a bit faster, her presence was nice, her body heat warmer than the fire. "So what do you need to talk about Sarah?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"My father, he joined a clan, I'm worried. I've heard bad things about them. He is never home anymore, and when he is, he's not himself." She was beginning to cry and I knew exactly what clan she was speaking of.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Shadow Dragons..... this will not stand." I whispered, rather to myself than to Sarah. I clenched my fists in anger, closed my eyes. I could still see the fire's light shining, with my eyes closed my other senses get much sharper, instantly though. I could feel Sarah's heart pulsing, as well as my own. I don't want to see her hurt, something must be done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Steven, are you all right?" Sarah said, shaking me, with a bit of worry in her voice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I snapped my eyes open and glanced over at her. "Fine, Sarah, the clan your father has joined, is it called the Shadow Dragons?" I knew the answer but needed to ask anyway. Hear it from her, just so my heart would believe what my mind already knew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Yes, how did you know that?" She asked, sounding even more worried now, eyes growing larger, beautiful eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I....well the truth is....." I took a breath, it was hard to tell her the truth. "The clan, is corrupt. They are growing larger, more members joining, becoming entranced be the lure of the power. Your father, if it is too late, may not ever be himself again, or atleast not while the clan is still together." I took a breath and looked away from her eyes tighty closed, I didn't want to see her expression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"No....please, no." Her crying, as painful to me as herself, though she does not know it. "Not my father." She said through a sob. Her cries were muffled as she put her face into her hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I clenched my fist tighter, "it will be okay Sarah. My friends and I are going to stop them, a week from today we march for their stronghold in the west. We will kill their leader, bring peace back to the land, I swear I will, for you."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I felt her hand take hold of my own. I opened my eyes, looked down and saw our fingers intwined. I then shifted my gaze to her face, tears at the brims of her eyes, but a smile. I looked into her pretty eyes and began to see her memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She was at home, reading a book, though I'm not sure which. The door swung open and slammed outside wall with a loud thud. It was Sarah's father, he looked..... almost like Sean. The possesed stare, not really looking at anything, but through it. He was shaking as well, not as badly as Sean, but shaking none-the-less.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah closed the book and sat it on the table, smiling, but worried. "Father your finally back from your journey!" Sarah said standing and then spread her arms to embrace him in a hug. Her father didn't even move though, just stared. "Father..." Sarah said now dropping her arms down to her sides, stepping forward. She sounded worried, and hurt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah walked up to him, "father, are you okay?" Sarah said and put a hand on his forehead to see if his head felt warm. He finally shifted his gaze to Sarah, anger, much like Sean. He grabbed Sarah's wrist and pulled it away from him. "Dad, your hurting me!" Sarah cried out trying to struggle free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Don't you ever touch me!" He screemed and shoved her back, she stumbled and fell to the floor. Her fater just stood staring, and an idea came to me. I had never attmpted something of this level, but it was worth a try, for Sarah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tried to get a fix on her father's eyes, maybe I could read his thoughts through a memory. It seemed crazy, but I had to atleast try. Sarah looked around, not really focusing on anything, then finally a hurt look at her father, my one chance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An odd sensation came over my body and all went black. This was not midnight or pitch black, but a level of dark intensity no words could describe. Cold swept over me, it felt as if small ice cicles were prodding into my flesh from all sides. There was nothing here though, his mind was dark, cold. Then a flash of thought, less then a second I could see the image, a corpse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I shuttered and felt as if more ice was stabbing into me, running through my blood. Painfully cold, the dark was enough to drive one mad. Utter silence, how could a person's thoughts consist of nothing but darkness. Is this clan truely as terrible as Jamie claims, worse? Another flash of memory, what I assumed was a shadow dragon. All I could really remember afterward was, those eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dark steely cold, worse then the intense freezing taking hold of my body now. Pain was written as clear as day in their eyes, but a desire to kill with it. A creature that has the want and need to kill, but a guilt and regret of doing so? Perhaps the creature is not perfect, a conscience mind to give it a freedom of emotion from the actions performed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After this vision, colder still. I could feel myself getting dizzy, I knew I was near fainting. The darkness, somehow, seemed to grow even darker still, not of this or any world. The pain was so intense, I tried to focus on Sarah, hold out just a bit longer. The worst and final vision came at this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A man with a staff held high above his head in both hands. Laughing as a village lat slaughtered before him. Happiness consumed his thoughts, overjoyed at his show of power to the innocents. Robes with many symbols unknown to me, corssed his arms, chest, and legs. A shadow dragon like shape in black on his chest was somehow intimidating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

His staff was like none I had ever seen. Nearly six feet in length, jewels embedded all throughout its handle. Topaz, emerald, ruby, diamond, jade, sapphire, garnet, amythest, and one I could not identify, darker then a rubies red, blood red. Many unique designs and symbols laced throughout, up to the tip where three heads curved out at perpendicular angles, and a large [bleep]e out the back on the remaining side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the heads was a dragon, mouth open for attack. Many staffs are made with a dragon essence, but never with three. The second creature was a snake, large fangs showing clearly, tongue lightly protruding from its mouth. The snake, also common, very powerful wizards can combine both snake and dragon essences into a single staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third was a shadow dragon. Though much like the dragon it was different in many small details. Snout a bit longer, with smaller but more numerous teeth, the two main fangs longer then those of a dragon though. The was an odd flap of skin folded down from the roof of the shadow dragons mouth. Two slits in the skins, nothing a dragon had. The eyes were larger then a dragons, horns a top the head smaller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hyrocyte himself seemed more like a fighter then a mage. He had large biseps, and chest stuck out due to muscle. His legs were covered completely by robes but I'm sure he didn't lack in that department either. He also wore a helmet that covered all but his eyes, a shadow dragon head crafted upon it as well. He seemed very fearful, his maniacal laugh, and from the death of others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did not recognize the village, small, but atleast twenty people dead in the catastrophe. Homes on fire and smoke rising from burning fields in the background. Children, men, and women all dead, he spared none. It was a bloody masacre that would bring torment to anyone laying eyes on it. Some of the men had weapons at their sides or feet, it apparently did them no good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their was one thing I couldn't understand. Sarah's father was there to be seeing this, so he may have helped Hyrocyte do his bidding. I know Sarah's father, he is a good, hard working man. Though there was no denying it, he had to have been there. To not try to stop it is an insult to courage, manhood, and life in general.... even the children dead.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When this rather long vision passed I could no longer accept the pain. I don't think any man could. I closed my eyes, reopened them. I could see the fireplace, now burning strong. I turned and saw Sarah, she looked frieghtened and disoriented. I heard my own teeth chatter, my arms felt like weights, and breathing was painful. The worse pain was in my eyes, I fell forward and passed out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I looked up, not yet realizing what had happened. I saw the ceiling of my bedroom, a blanket tossed over my body, pillow under my head. My head hurt badly. "Sarah...." I muttered without even realizing it. My eyes, stung like sand had been poured into them. I rubbed them but the feeling remained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I rubbed them again, like I could wipe off pain, instinct. I looked at my hands, blood covered them. I began to panic. I wiped my eyes with the clean back of my hand, blood afterward, smeared across. I stood and stumbled out of the room, legs like rubber. I could see clearly, but the blood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I saw Sarah lying on the floor, blanket covering her, in front of the fire. I must have woke her for she began to move. I didn't want her to see me like this, and headed for the door.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"How are your eyes?" I heard her heavenly voice ask. I turned to face her in shame. "Still the same. You've been bleeding from your eyes in your sleep, whispering my name. You looked at me last night and I almost passed out, then you did before I could. I was thinking of my father, it's like you took in my pain. Now it doesn't hurt as much, to think about him."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"My eyes, they have always seen further than they should, into people's thoughts. That has never happened before though. I'm so confused." My eyes still stung, my mind ached, heart burning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Come sit with me, please." Sarah said, and waved to me, much like I had the preceding night. Without thinking I found my way over to her and sat down. "Does it hurt, your eyes were a pretty blue before, now blood red."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It hurts me emotionally more then pysically, if you understand that, I feel pain in my heart." She took my hand again and I made it a point not to make eye contact. I thought back to what I had seen, the masacre. I knew I had to stop him at all costs, or that would be my town burning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I'm sorry, it feels like it's my fault. Here." She held up a damp cloth, some blood on it already, she must have been wiping my eyes while I slept. "Keep them open if you can." She pressed the cloth to my eyes, it felt soothing. She pressed down lightly and pulled back, like she might have hurt me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It's okay, it doesn't hurt any." I was looking into her eyes and quickly turned my attention away. I didn't want to see more of that chaos, or hurt Sarah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"You're not going to hurt me by looking at me. You can't hurt someone you care about can you?" I was afraid to glance over but I could tell she was smiling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"How do you know that I have feelings for you?" I said a bit embarrassed. Still not daring to look up, these cursed blood eyes. I had never told Sarah about my gift, only my family and the Holy Dragon members. I was afraid people would judge me, fear me, not want to even know me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"You said it in your sleep. I just happened to be around to hear it." She was giggling, but stopped abruptly. I could feel her growing closer. "Look at me, please." Her voice, luring, I gave in and gazed into her eyes; happiness, a bit of worry, and another unmistakable emotion, love. We kissed, the pain in me drained away with the touch of her lips to my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was overcome with my own emotions, my love for Sarah. Emotions that you want to, and may, last forever. I had never had a feeling like it before. The kiss ended and we embraced one another. I held her close, I wanted to hold her forever, just to be with her. "Sarah...."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I blinked, pain gone. I reached a hand up and rubbed my right eye, but no blood to be seen. I was amazed, how could something like that just go away. "Your eyes, they're back to the way they were." Sarah said excited. I wiped my eyes again, still no blood. I smiled involuntaraly her beautiful eyes looking into mine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Thank you Sarah, I feel much better now." I rose to my feet, "I would love to stay with you, more than anything else, but I have a mission to fulfill. I need to save your father and countless others. I need to seek out my cousin Thomas, the summoner, and Shadow, the archer. Our combined strengthes may be able to stop this evil."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I see, could you walk me home please?" Sarah said rising to her feet as well. She took hold of my hand. She smiled, that sweet smile of hers, how could I say no.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I would like that Sarah." I opened the door and walked out into the morning sun, still rather cold. It would be a nice day though, you could tell. If there was a frost it was gone, but dew droplets were still present. The sun was straight ahead of me, blinding, but beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I never really appreciate things like the morning sun, I'm lucky to live where I do. I live on the out skirts of the greatest town known to this planet, Sirith. Only two houses could be seen from where I stood, and you would have to block the sun to do so. A dirt path led from the gate of my home into town, just under a mile. Trees scattered lightly about the relatively flat land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On backside of the house was a steep slope that led to mile upon mile of valleys, hills, steams, and even a few mountains. Most areas dense with coniferous trees. Some entirely clear, save a few bushes and shrubs. Animals were abundant and a good source of food out here. The streams are full of fish as well, mainly trout, but some other species as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie used to live in the house closest to mine, then Thomas at the next house. Those were the only two I could see, but the rest of my friends had lived on this side of town and it was worth the walk to be together. We would run down to the forest and build forts, find our "weapons" and duke it out. We could even catch some fish with some patience and a sharp stick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember one time we tried to roll down the slope behind my house. It was one of the funnest moments of my childhood, up until we hit the trees. We still kid about that. Somehow Shadow had ended up in a tree.... we were only children and he was stuck there for quite a while.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My best memories were in the hidden valley though, where I found my ability to "read" eyes. Trees formed almost a perfect circle around it. You would just expect it to be a patch of trees, but as soon as you entered it sloped down into a valley. A small pond in the corner where my father and I would catch bullfrogs. That is where he told me all his stories from his childhood, and from his day at work as a palace soldier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My father was a brave and proud man. He was always my hero, I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. He was always creating something new with my uncle; whether it was a sword or, on one failed occasion, a catapult. I would always be right there with him, watching, helping, or playing with Thomas. My dad taught me all my fighting skills, Thomas and I both have an attack commemerating our fathers. He died fighting, a warrior, as I want to, my hero.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My older sister, Kayla, went with us sometimes; she seemed to like the frogs more then myself. We weren't afraid to get a bit dirty if it meant a good time was to be had. Kayla, Thomas, Thomas's two sisters, and I would play hide-and-seek down there a lot. Then all of a sudden Kayla began growing further from us and closer to her friends, until finally she moved to another town, that was three years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then one day at the valley I was talking to Thomas and found I was answering questions before he asked them. He began to get scared, and I knew. It just happened one day, and everyone says my eyes changed color afterward. I found I could read strong emotions currently felt, and current thoughts, very strong memories sometimes shown through, but most things could be supressed from my visions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mother was always very fun, aproving and encouraging all the time. My friends and I may have a comepletely insane idea, but she would just tell us to try our best, and not to be dissapointed if we fail. We would work twice as hard just to show her we could, most of the time our plans failed anyway; you cannot train a fish to talk, we learned the hard way, they can't breath on land either, poor Jeferey.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mother and Kayla had a bond as close as mine and my father's. I guess it's just an "us men gotta stick together" thing. She worked as an alchlemist, showed Kayla her arts with potions, and how to cook. I would go with her to the market place sometimes, when she sold remedies for just about anything you could think of. She had one that was supposed to stop you from getting the plague, one for falling in love, even one for cleaning clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my teen age years I still spent a lot of my time with my friends. I worked as an apprentice to my father for a while, learning the arts of swordsmanship. Thomas trained the art of summoning under his father. Kayla grew further apart from the family at these times, I missed spending time with her, but I had a very strong bond with my friends. Ben and Jamie also recieved training from their fathers, but Marc, Jessie, and Shadow had to go into town and find a master.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before we knew it our childhood dreams were becoming a reality. Life passed too fast for us. We could now fight, not with branches, but with real swords and axes. Jamie and myself always excelled above the others, but they were very powerful. Now, Thomas could kill anyone of us with Quezacoatl. We trained everyday, with our fathers or with each other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our friendship became very strong and we decided to give ourselves a name. We finally settled on the Holy Dragon Allegiance. We were proud to say we were a Holy Dragon and had symbols crafted on to our armor, my father and uncle did the job nicely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Though we were best friends we all chose seperate skills. I am a swordsmen, Jamie a barbarian, Shadow an archer, Thomas a summoner, Ben a ninja, Jessie a guantlet-wielding brute, and Marc a mage. Sean was a paladin..... These varieties of skills made us stronger though. Whatever someones weakness was, it was someone elses strength. A balanced system of checks and balances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was fourteen years old when I met Sarah. I was selling a few potions in town for my mother while she was sick. Suprisingly, she didn't have a potion to cure it. Sarah asked me for a laziness remedy, yes, my mother made those. She was very nervous when she spoke but gave me eight gold coins, the price my mother sold them for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah was about to leave when her father came up and introduced us. I was wearing my Holy Dragon chain mail. He came up beside Sarah and said, "look sweetie, it's one of those Holy Dragon boys you like so much." She became a tomato red, and I was probobly blushing as well. He introduced his daughter as Sarah, and I introduced myself as Steven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He left Sarah to talk with me as he went to buy some new fishing equipment. She was incredibly tense at first but she loosened up as we got to talking. Before I knew it an hour had gone by, I hadn't sold a single potion. I was already growing close to Sarah, I liked her personality and she was very pretty, I was always too imbarassed to tell her how I felt though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I kept in touch with Sarah and we became very good friends. She never really got to aquainted with my other Holy Dragon comrades though, just me. She was very handy with a needle and could create amazing garments. We always traded ideas about what we would do with our lives. She would open the greatest clothes shop in town, and I would be the greatest swordsmen in al the land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been just over five years since that day in the market when I met Sarah. Five years to tell her how I felt, and I didn't even do it on purpose. Now I think, what if I had said something earlier, how would my life be different. I can't turn back time, so make due with what we have. If I could turn back time I would save Sean and my father from death.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tightened my grip around Sarah's hand. "I waited too long for this day to come. Now that it's here I regret not saying something earlier." I smiled at her and she smiled back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I've liked you for a long time Steven, I fell in love with you just a few weeks after we met. I was always just too shy to tell you." She was blushing a bit, I guess she was in the same situation as myself. Life can be tricky like that, not sure what's what, even what your own emotions are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I walked forward, Sarah at my side. She lived rather close to Thomas, so after walking her home I could visit my cousin and explain the situation. The walk back to her house was too fast though. We exchanged conversation as usual, but also told some deeper more secret feelings. We were in love, why not, I planned to spend the rest of my days with her, as I had since age fourteen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had never been inside her house, and today would not be the day I would enter. I gave her a goodbye kiss at her doorstep, told her I loved her and had to depart. I had less then two days to get fully prepared for the most important stealth assualt of our age.....it's a lot to deal with. She walked inside and closed the door, "I love you." I said again, and turned away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2, the boring plot line chapter we all know and lov....HATE! Had to be written tho.

[barfbag]

Wow, that's amazing! Good plot and storyline too. BTW, my name is Sean... :)

[freelancer3k]

nice story keep writing i wanna see what happens :D

 

 

 

(yay first post)

 

 

 

EDIT(second post actually no idea where first is)