The Lost Crown
Chapter 1:
I was on the boat making another of my notes, the sea was calm and the wind was blowing to the north ...
- Captain !!!, island in sight! Shouted one of the sailors on the boat.
I kept one more of my parchments to re-write, then I got up from my chair and opened the door of my cabin, the sound of the door slamming against the wall made the boat be silent, only the sound of the waves running through my ears , after a while breaking the silence that stretched across the boat, I shouted:
- What's going on here!? Asked the captain of the boat, and he had realized that something was wrong.
"Captain, we saw an island," said the sailor again.
- Then change the route and head towards the island! - The captain wanted to stop at the supposed island, but something was approaching.
- But captain, it is surrounded by a very dense fog is very risky ... - refuted the sailor afraid of the fog that was on the island, for a moment he was left behind.
- The sky is beautiful today, right? - After this question from the captain, the sailor did not understand very well why he asked this, then the sailor asked.
- Captain, what does this have to do with the island? - the sailor refuted - totally confused.
- The sky seems to scream and the stars are even brighter ... - thought the captain -, totally ignoring the sailor.
- I feel at home ... - I spoke to myself, and a feeling of nostalgia came to me.
The completely confused sailor walks on his back with light and calm steps, a few steps later he turns and shouts:
- Change the route and take us to the island !! - Said the sailor - who was afraid of the fog.
All the crew were frightened by the decision ...
- Are you crazy !? Probably that island is surrounded by corals and pointed rocks, not to mention that we do not know what may be after the fog - says another sailor who, by the way, was also afraid.
- The captain's orders obey! - Said the sailor that he will never disobey the captain's orders.
I went back to my room to finish the maps and continue the message that needed to be returned to the castle, but as the boat was going towards the island, I thought it better to rest and prepare a little more for possible events, but this place… I say this The island seems to be unique, something tells me that I'm at home, it's like they were my roots.
The boat changed its course and headed towards the island following the course of the sea ... A few minutes later the boat was surrounded by a dark fog.
- Captain! Shouted one of the crew in terror.
- Frankly ... - said the captain, who was getting sick of being called.
I thought this kind of thing was quite common, but it is more frustrating than I thought.
I get up from my chair again and head towards the door ... very hard I kick the cabin door so hard that it instantly opened, but to my surprise I came across a-.
- Well, this is where the story goes, the rest of that book was burned or torn, I don't know very well ..., but I know that this book comes from a long way and has been in my family for a long time - I said .
- Aaah !, man ... Why does the book end there? - Asked Evon intrigued by the story - but sad to have ended this way.
Evon was very excited about just a piece of torn book.
- What a bag! How are we going to know the rest of the story with the torn book? - asked the girl annoyed with me - then she asked me - Raynard, don't your parents know where the rest is? - At that moment you notice that I changed my expression.
For some reason, this question impacted me in a way.
- They do not go into much detail and I did not have much interest in what lies ahead ... But I would love to know about the end of this story, but then have you thought about what you will do from now on when we are older? We are the same age and I don't know very well - I said with a sad expression.
- I'm 16, and I'm thinking of becoming a great blacksmith just like my father was - says Evon excited about the profession.
Evon has always been very inspired by his father, but is it a good idea?
"My mother is a knight by name, I want to become as good as she is," Celestia explained, "and you Raynard what do you plan on doing in the future?" She asked shortly thereafter.
Ah ... Celestia caught me at a point where I couldn't answer you right away, why was it so raw?
- I still have nothing in mind, as long as I can live together with my friends and be able to protect them is enough - I replied with a half-smile.
For a few moments everything went in strangely sinister silence and then my village's warning echoed throughout the village, I saw most of the guards go towards the village gate, I knew we should get out of there as soon as possible.
- Come on, we shouldn't stay here, there is something going on - I said worried about the situation.
- I have to find my parents and let them know - Evon said, worried about his parents - I will help the children, go ahead - then said Celestia.
Evon and Celestia are very efficient and smart people, I don't think I should worry about them.
- Okay, let's meet in the center of the village when everything is settled - I said worried about what is happening ...
I went towards my house as quickly as possible, but on the way I heard the sounds of swords and screams coming from behind me from where the city gate was… I don't know what was happening, but it wasn't a good thing… I was running out of time , after running and finally arriving at my house, I opened the door quickly and with all my strength possible, I screamed for my parents.
- We don't have time, we need to escape as soon as possible! - I shouted as soon as I got home worried.
- Mom? - I shouted with a tired tone of having to run to your house.
I walk in and notice that the weather is cold and strange, the house was turned over as if they were fighting something, I notice claw marks and blood trails all over the place… for a few moments I heard footsteps coming from their room, but it was like if a big thing was walking over my head. Whispering and shaking I tell myself that I need to see what's going on.
- It can't be, something happened to her? - I asked myself sadly.
I swallowed my saliva and headed towards the stairs, I need to finish this at once, after a few steps I realize that I'm stepping on something cold and slippery, I didn't want to be seeing this, but it wasn't water ...
- Blood! Mom !? - Euphoric I shouted them again - his heart was racing, he was terrified and sweat was running down his face, it looked like he had seen a ghost.
I climb the stairs with all my strength, with a lot of imbalance I stumble and I run into the walls, but when I reach the corridor facing her room, I am paralyzed with a fetid odor of something I never felt before, it looked like corpses in decomposition… I hold my breath and slowly move towards the bedroom when I hear my mother's voice.
- Raynard, please! - My mother screamed with severe pain -, Mother! - Then I answered.
I ran towards her room and pushed the door with as much force as I had, I entered the room and the smell didn't seem to come from there, it was dark but I could see my mother's body, my eyes filled with tears, I wanted to scream at that moment ... "Take a deep breath, keep calm," I said to myself.
I wipe the tears that were streaming down my face, sobbing I try to call out to her.
- Mom? - I called again for my mother ...
Looking deeper I saw my mother impaled by a spear, I run towards her and realize that she is seriously injured and with claw marks all over her, I realize that she is still alive, she is trying to tell me something .
- F-son, Run away please ... - said my mother breathlessly, then she says: - He's still in the house.
She whispered in my ears: - F-son, please survive ... - with her cold hands on my face, and my tears falling on her.
I screamed in despair, vowing to look for who killed my mother.
She takes her last breath of life ... closed her eyes and I feel her body temperature dropping slowly, I take a deep breath and kiss my hand on her forehead ... then I wonder. What would he be? If it were a person I could feel its vital aura, perhaps it is someone cursed.
After she said that I ran towards the cupboard where my father kept a very old sword, but that certainly could cut someone, I hear a splintering noise followed by a clawing noise dragging through the wood that comes towards bedroom door… The smell of rotting meat from before was getting closer and closer, for the first time I was using a sword and for the first time my life was depending on one.
An evil aura and a light gray fog surrounds me.
In my mind, all the moments of my family and friends were broken, one by one, I don't believe my mother is dead "how can this happen?"
The smell got stronger every moment, I felt like a mouse trapped… my heart beat faster and faster as the creature approached, in the middle of the darkness I saw this monster's eyes getting bigger… The being was leaning on the edges of the door with its huge claws, the creature looked at me as if it were laughing, I kept my position and screamed.
- Come monster, I will put you in your right place! - I spoke with hatred of the Ghoul.
The creature jumped in my direction, I quickly ducked down towards the door, the creature with the strength of the jump hit the cupboard very hard, which ended up falling below the wreckage and bewildered, I took advantage of the situation to hit the creature with all my strength. My blade reflected the little bit of light that entered the gaps in the window, I deposited my life on the sword that in its first blow shattered into several measly pieces leaving only the scabbard and some remains of the blade ... I see the whole scene very slowly passing before my eyes, scared and shaking - It can't be ... But how? - Said in my thoughts.
The creature quickly got up and turned towards me, it shows its big claws and strikes my belly ... with the impact I hit the wall of the corridor, my vision becomes dull at the same moment, I feel a taste of blood in my my mouth and my vision was blurry and dark ... my body got heavy, I ended up being forced to kneel and put my hands on the icy floor.
"Get up and fight, I still believe in you," came a voice in the back of my head.
The voice gradually increased in my consciousness, saying - Don't give up! And fight!
I used the rest of my strength to get up and stay upright, my vision was shaky like a wave and the creature licked its claws and approached slowly, I was on the verge of death but I made the most sensible decision to make ... towards the stairs stumbling and sliding, while I leaned against the wall to keep myself upright, I went down the stairs listening to the sound of the creature grunting right behind me, I went towards the door with no idea what could be happening outside… before that I could touch the doorknob, the creature pulled me by my leg, I hit the ground very hard which only worsened my physical condition, I turned around without hope and looked again into the eyes of the creature that exhaled a rotten smell through its mouth. With the rest of my strength I ended up punching the creature in the face,
Lost in my thoughts and euphoric I soon saw a light.
- Stopped! - A city guard interrupted me.
I don't think he would help me in any way, these guys are the city pigs who only live enjoying the weak and judging women.
"Don't move, surrender before you die," said the guard.
Honestly, I was in no mood to waste time with them, but I was very tired and weak.
I was trapped, I can see at least eight guards, no matter what I did I would not escape from there alive, not in my current state, I better surrender and try to escape later, but although I could use the monster to my advantage .
- There's a monster behind me! - I shouted to try to distract them.
- Did you find one of our ghouls [1]? - Said the guard laughing in a bad way.
1 - [Author's notes: We prefer to keep the name in English, it will not impact anything in the story, but I think it is much more modest to leave the name ghoul than ghoul. Ghoul is a type of zombie that is controlled by a higher level force, Ghoul - Vampire, among other stronger species.]
My mind at that time was completely confused.
- What are you talking about? Did you tame that thing ?! - I asked the guards.
- Look guys, this one doesn't even know who we are - said the guard with his friends, then they started laughing at me.
These sons of bitches, they were laughing at me, I am not for no fun.
I didn't stop to notice but they didn't have a coat of arms that I would recognize, I don't think they belong to any royal family on this continent, the kingdoms are currently at peace, there would be no reason for them to invade a village like ours, these guys wanted me take it to any of their commanders.
- Get closer, we should take you to our commander. - Said one of the guards.
I approached going towards the guards, getting close to them I hear behind me.
- Now!! - I heard it in the back.
My vision goes dark and I feel my body heavy… going towards the ground.
- Raynard wake up, wake up Raynard !! - From behind a female voice was calling me.
After recognizing the voice, I wake up awake and frightened ... I realize I have a bandage covering my eyes, my hands are tied right behind my back ... I put myself on my knees, to get my face out of the mud ... There was Celestia, but there was someone unknown with her.
- Finally woke up, huh ?! I came a long way to find you - said the silhouette of someone I knew.
The guy next to Celestia, looks like I've seen him somewhere, he doesn't seem like a good person.
- What are you doing?! Who are you? - I asked suspiciously of the unknown.
- Sorry for my indecency, I didn't introduce myself to you, did I? They call me Tulites, but I prefer you to call me Tulius - Tulius introduced himself.
- You look hurt Ray, are you okay? - Evon asked me worried.
I'm sorry Evon, a lot of things are going through my head, everything is confused, I'm broken inside with a lot of anguish, my mother died ... Before I know it, tears come down my face again, I'll need to lie to you my friend, then wiped my face.
- Yes, I'm fine, don't worry, I'm happy to hear your voice - I lied.
"Ray do as he asks, we are not in a position to make choices," Celestia said confidently.
Celestia seemed to trust this guy a lot ...
- Better to follow what she says, we don't want regrets, do we? - Tulius pressed me.
Again with his sarcastic tone ...
We really can't risk it, even though I'm gritting my teeth to punch this guy, I'm not going to be able, for the sake of people.
- But let's get down to business, your name is Raynard Lionhearth IV am I right? - Tulius asked me.
- I don't know what you're talking about ... - I said confused about my last name.
- What's he talking about, Ray? - Celestia asked me.
- How is this possible? - Evon asked himself.
Why are my friends astonished by my name too?
I'm starting to get scared, does he know anything about me and why am I so important to him? As I understand it all happened because of me.
"Now that the drama and suspense is in the air ... let's get straight to business," said Tulius, convinced that he was going to plot something.
The guards lifted me up and took off the blindfold that covered my eyes, I finally could see his demonic face, he was pale grayish, bald and had a scar that came from his left eyebrow to near his mouth. Not to mention the black eyes that I could almost see your soul.
"You already have me, now let them go and let them escape," I said.
Shit, one more problem, the attack that happened at home is enough, I knew he was not a good thing.
- You're right ... no, no, I had a better idea, kill them both! - Tulius commanded mercilessly
- What do you think you are doing?! - I asked myself feeling betrayed.
- No, please! Ray! - Celestia says terrified.
I couldn't put my friends at risk, but it was inevitable, Celestia was too scared.
I kick the knee of the soldier who was holding me and run towards her ...
- Don't touch it - - I said, soon being interrupted.
I couldn't even see him hitting me with a blade, his movements were faster than the wind ... Who the hell is he?
- Ray, you know I didn't want to be doing this, but the order always comes from above - quoted Tulius sarcastically - You need to know your place! Kill her very slowly so that he can see well - Tulius commanded then, having no mercy.
- Ray… I'm sorry-, - she said -, however she couldn't finish the word.
- Do not stop! - I begged you not to do that.
I was so hateful, but I didn't know what to do in such a situation, which could cost my friends' lives, but I hear someone back there.
- Take me in their place! - Evon said breathlessly.
- Hmm… is Evon? Take that boy! - Commanded Tulius without thinking twice.
If they took Evon what would happen to him? Surely they will torture you, no ... how did that happen, how did I let you get in this situation?
- Stop ... please! ... - Celestia pleaded.
Celestia begs to stop the fight, but it is inevitable.
He lifts my face against my will, while he forces the dagger against my abdomen ... I can't even breathe normally.
"Look, Ray, this is your fault and your family's," Tulius said, making me feel guilty.
Panting, I look in her direction ... The girl I love in this state, I can't do anything to make it stop, not even I said what I felt to her.
"I think that was enough, you can get this over with," Tulius ordered.
- Raynard ... - Celestia crying called my name.
Celestia was calling my name, but I was in so much pain that it hardly reaches my ears.
I could see the emptiness in her eyes, I could see and hear her last breaths as she slowly fell to the floor.
- I'll kill you no matter what! - I spoke furiously to Tulius.
He rotates the dagger in my abdomen and smiles as he looks at me, a cold, scary look, then he pulls the blade out and pushes me against the floor.
- Ray, stay on the floor in your last moments with your unfortunate "friend" - Tulius said sarcastically with me, then he commanded: - Come on guys! We have a lot to do, after all, we're done here.
They turned towards the main gate and left, I saw Evon being taken by them and I couldn't help anyone in the end.
Soon after their withdrawal it started to rain a light and light rain, small drops falling on her delicate face, I approach dragging my knees and pressing my hands against my stomach wounds, I am getting cold… I feel so weak, with a from my hands I place it on her face, which gradually loses heat and becomes as cold as rain.
- I'm sorry ... I was weak, I just wish I could say how much I love her - I said with a sad and frustrated tone with Celestia's death.
I lie down beside her, since I don't have the strength to support my body on my knees ... the rain starts to gain strength and soon I start to lose consciousness, maybe I have reached my end ... I close my eyes and breathe slowly.
- Do not wait! What sound is this? - I wondered.
When I open my eyes again, I am standing in front of an immense hall, it seems that I am walking in the skies, further on I see huge statues of warriors and creatures that are sculpted, they look very old with details that seem to be made by hand.
In the center of this room, I see a spectrum with a huge aura and vital energy, I don't know exactly ... I don't know if it's a good idea for me to get closer, but whatever!
- These books cannot stop here, I think it is better to archive them - soon said an unknown gentleman taking care of his books.
- Hi!? Who are you and where am I !? - I asked you a little shakily.
I'm not going to lie, I'm scared, I can't even take a step forward.
- How many years have passed? I've been waiting for the next one for longer than I should have - said the old man without listening to me.
Apparently he didn't hear me, I think I better get close ... I will take very short steps and slowly. I don't want to draw unnecessary attention.
Just a little closer.
- Stop where you are! - Said the unknown lord out of nowhere.
Ham? How did he feel at this distance?
- I don't know what's going on ... I was about to die and it wasn't in a salon, wait a minute ... I'm not hurt! I am completely alive and without any scratches - I asked myself without knowing anything.
- Who are you? - Asked a mysterious voice from the back of the room - without letting me answer he asked again - What are you doing here? Are you ... - He said.
"Oh, you arrived much sooner than I expected," said the unknown man.
- I arrived what? - I refuted.
My mind is very tangled now, I have no idea who this guy is.
- Get closer! - Asked the stranger.
At the same moment I appeared next to him, he was tall and had a mysterious, yet relaxing aura. His cloak and big beard stood out above all else.
- Hmm… That's right you finally arrived, it's been so long since the last era, welcome back, aspect of Peace! - Said the stranger to me.
After he says this, one of the statues begins to shine brightly, emitting sounds, energy and magic! The energy seems to take over me as if it were always part of me.
- What does that mean? And who are you? - I asked confused where I was.
I'm really confused, why is this guy calling me the peace aspect, what is this place?
- Sorry for my lack of length, I am Izigon bearer of the aspect of the mind, responsible for this temple and for guarding the treasures of the time of living creatures. You have been chosen to bring the peace that the world needs, embrace destiny and fulfill your mission in the balance of life Raynard Lionheart! - Izigon introduced himself to me, who was completely confused.
- Now transcend! Izigon shouted in a powerful voice.