The Lost Crown
Chapter 2: The end and the beginning.
Year 120x (Spring)
- Let's do it! It's almost there.
The nurse was helping my wife deliver my son, this is so terrifying ...
"That darling is doing well," said Raynard III.
Today is the day that my son will be born, the prophets said that this child would be a gift to the world. Not that I don't believe them, but that world doesn't deserve my son.
- I won't make it ... We have to do what we agreed.
My wife is unable to resist childbirth, but we had a plan for that, and it will cost her life, because everything costs so much, God.
"I can't lose you, there must be another way," said Raynard III, concerned for his wife.
- She's losing a lot of blood. Let's prepare for surgery! - indicated the nurse.
"If I could be more useful," thought Raynard III.
- Love ... - Beretrix convinced to do what they planned.
- No need! we don't have time ... I, I love you my love. - Refuted Raynard III to the nurse.
I agreed to do what we planned, someday I will be punished for putting this on your head, and with open arms I will accept my punishment, I will never forgive myself, I'm sorry my son.
When you come to this world, my son, your mother will no longer be among the living. But I want you to know that I will always be with you, regardless of everything. I love you.
"Sir, we have to go, they've already invaded the hall," said the commander.
"Prepare for evacuation and evacuate as many civilians ... I just need a few more minutes here," commanded Raynard III.
The woman whom I promised to defend with all vows of loyalty and marriage, died in front of me without being able to do anything. All that was left of our love was you, my son Raynard.
- They're coming my lord! - warned the commander - then he replied - Take my son to the boat and prepare to set sail!
- But sir ...
- Just do it! I'm already accompanying you.
- First lion shape, release!
Our lineage has the power of the beasts so that we can take advantage of them, our agility, strength, endurance, vision, and smell are all improved, in addition to having features of an animal similar to a lion in the body.
That fateful night I defeated 4752 enemy soldiers alone and on the same day my son Raynard Lionheart IV was born, my son sailed on a boat, I stayed behind to protect them, and at that moment I made the tough decision not to go with them , you can call me an irresponsible father I became aware of this, but I did it to protect him, as long as I am close to my son they will not stop until they kill us, the years passed and soon I disappeared.
Year of 136x (Winter)
- I'm falling? - I said to myself.
I've never been as close to heaven as I am now, the stars are so beautiful ... Did I die?
- Hey! wake up, are you okay? can you hear me !? Asked the unknown woman.
A female voice? ...
- Who should it be? mother? ... - lost in my vague thoughts.
- Don't worry, I'll help you!
I can barely open my eyes and I can't move any part of my body, I still don't know why I'm alive.
- Stay awake, you'll be fine!
Where am I? How comfortable ... I can hear the sound of the fireplace and the sound of ... From a violin, the notes are very melodic and sound like magic, this song really is very comforting.
- I can hear your thoughts! It's time to wake up! - said the woman.
Okay, that was certainly weird and maybe too much of a coincidence, I'm feeling weird.
- No, it's not! let's wake up soon, I already prepared the food!
Wait a minute, where am I? and how can I be listening to music lying on a bed by a fireplace?
- Who are you? and where am i? - asked the beautiful woman.
- Um, come on. First, that's not how you talk to a lady and second, I saved you so I should start with the questions!
This girl ... She seems to be very boring, look at her clothes, she even seems to belong to those wealthy families in the kingdom of Anvigard, I hate those bourgeois, but as it is law, we need to behave around a lady, am I not sure?
- O-ok ... Okay, I'm sorry ... - I said.
- Much better, but answering your question, my name is Louise and I take care of this temple in the mountains.
- By the way, how did you fall like a meteorite and still live? To be honest that was very beautiful to see.
Falls? Meteorite? What?.
- Wait, what are you talking about? - confused I asked.
- I thought you wouldn't remember ..., but you are certainly not an ordinary person. Get dressed and eat some ... I'll wait for you in the hall.
- Here. Take and eat some.
- Right...
My life totally changed from one hour to the next, it's like I forgot a lot, and everyone knew me, but I don't know anything about myself and much less have control over the situation ... I just want to get over it soon my memory.
- Hm ..., but this stew is very good - I said delighted with the food.
I finished eating and decided to get ready, but it is really strange that I am alive and well, considering everything that happened this is too strange. After putting on the new, clean clothes, I turned to head towards the corridor ..., but I feel like something is missing.
I opened the door and found Louise leaning against the wall using a toothpick.
- Oh you're finally ready, these clothes look good on you. I hope you like it, it took me a long time to sew them - she said bragging.
Haha, who would have thought that the lady knows how to do anything, surprised me now, in fact these bourgeois never learn anything, they always ask people to do things for them and never for themselves.
- Ah ... Thank you - I said gratefully.
- So ... How about telling me your name? I need to know who I'm taking care of, by the way, this sword on your back needs some care.
- My name is Raynard and I thank you very much for what you are doing.
But what sword is she talking about? The only one I got was when I was still at home ... I still remember when it shattered. It must not be the same sword, but to my surprise. When I draw the sword I notice that it is the same sword that my father kept. This is very strange, the sword is completely new and even better than before, when I turned 16, my parents told me that I was adopted by them, but I didn't care much about it, because they were the ones who kept me alive today and I'm very grateful for that.
- But what face is that? It looks like you saw a ghost, in fact we have to go soon, I have to introduce someone - Louise said puzzled.
She speaks with a beautiful smile on her face, but she will not deceive me, I am sure she is the type of person I would not want as a friend.
- It's ok...
After some time walking down stairs and passing other halls and corridors, we finally arrived at what seemed to be our destination, it was like a training room and it had some scriptures on the walls, in addition of course training dolls. Strangely, this room had magical energy and rune marks were scattered throughout the room.
- Should I ask for that? - I thought.
- Louise, can we duel? and where is the person you would introduce me to?
- That's right Raynard! Now draw your sword and show me what you are capable of! You're not going to keep me waiting are you? Besides, we have time left, "she replied excitedly at my request.
I was sincerely hoping that something like this would happen, but now that she is clearly visible in front of me, I can see how powerful her aura is.
- I just want you to know that this is my second time holding a sword! - I warned her.
- Don't expect me to feel sorry for you, do you ?!
Hey ... Does she think she'll be able to do something against my body?
- You don't have to hold on, I can see ... - I said, but soon I was interrupted.
Before I could finish speaking, she flashed across the room, I could only see the materialized energy that accompanied her speed. The pounding of our swords made the sound echo across the room. Just with a stroke of it on my sword, my body was paralyzed.
- I'm surprised that you defended this, maybe I underestimated you!
- Attacking while I'm thinking is a dirty blow! - I said indignantly.
What an incredible skill beyond that speed, your strength won't let me move, I'll use everything I have ... Maybe that way I can change the situation. Damn it! my arm is boiling, these marks again? it came at a good time, right! I will use this.
- What kind of energy is that? What does this boy have? Louise asked, puzzled and concerned.
Shit, this is hurting more than I imagined, the last time this happened was when I was fighting a beast.
- Aaaah !! I shouted.
I use my left arm to punch with all my strength. Just by raising my arm, it disappears, a blast of light crosses the room dematerializing everything on the way leaving only a hole in the wall of the room.
- Shit! if I didn't get out of there ... I probably wouldn't be alive. - Louise thought for a brief moment.
- You can be surprising in every way! first you fall from the sky like a meteorite, and now this?
Here she comes again with this meteorite story.
- I don't know how it happened, I'm sorry ... And can I stop this story? - I said a little annoyed.
- That was a duel, in a duel you should use everything you have available even more if you are going to save your life or someone you love, AND I AM SPEAKING THE TRUTH YOUR ALIENIGINE! - Louise mocked me.
- HAM !?, ALIEN? YOUR WITCH WHO DRESSES LIKE A BURGUESE! - I refuted right away.
- WHO ARE YOU CALLING WITCHY YOUR WIRING, COME HERE I WILL ROCK YOU!
While we are in a brief couple argument, an old man interrupted us by saying:
- I see you're having fun, hahaha ... - said an old stranger in the back.
After these words she immediately appears beside me, leaning on me and whispering.
"This is the person I was talking about, my master and mentor," said Louise, convinced.
When I look towards the voice, I see an apparently very old man, but still his aura was so strong and he passed a pure and balanced energy.
- I'm sorry for the mess, my name is Raynard.
- I know who you are! I heard a lot about you, it's been so long that I can't remember the details - said Louise's master.
- Master! What you mean? She asked shortly.
- Don't you remember the stories I told you when you came to me? They were about his father, the man who changed the continent - Louise's master spoke happily.
- YOU CAN ONLY BE PLAYING! ARE YOU THE SON OF THE GOLDEN LION ?! She said excitedly when she heard about the name.
Shit ... why is this witch so loud, my ears hurt with her screams.
- What are you talking about? And what is this story about my father?
She was completely ignored.
- Ah ... So you don't know.
- You look a lot like him - thought the old man and then he says: - Follow me! I have a lot to show.
Where is this guy taking me? And what the hell is this place? in fact this girl is very surprising, she fights very well, I bet this gentleman can teach me a lot of amazing things.
- Here we are, that's what I wanted to show you boy.
The temple master hasn't even told me his name yet, he must be trying to make some mystery just like the adventure books, he is very strange to tell the truth, but what I want to know is.
- What huge map is this on the wall? and what are these creatures that are in it? I asked, intrigued by such a sculpture.
- Listen boy, I will tell you how are the times today and how will your walk, see this map? So in the corner on the right are the race of elves, they think they are a pure race and they must not mix with others, in the corner on the left are all the other races in our world, the elves waged a war to try to exterminate the other races so that only they could live, but we are resisting and you can put an end to it all, wars are slower, but until today there are concentrated battles, but ... you have a destiny, you came here to bring us to peace and free the world from this war, but boy, be careful not to stray from your path, you carry the full meaning of peace I know it's a burden that cannot be left on one person's shoulders, so we have people and beings destined to help you. There are good people and ... very bad people in this war.
- And what black creature is that behind the elves? - I asked soon.
I don't understand anything anymore.
"A fairy," said the master in a somewhat somber tone.
He said this with a serious and perhaps traumatic face. At first I didn't want to believe it, so much has happened to me, but those words weighed on my mind and soul, the sooner I accept and deal with it, the better it will be, by the way, as I already said, he doesn't seem like a bad person, this for it was quite a shock.
- Master! if he is the child of prophecy we must train him as soon as possible!
- Patience Louise ... um, we still have time.
- Prophecy? But what the fuck is this prophecy? - I asked myself in my thoughts.
- By the way, boy, I'm sorry ... I haven't told you my name yet, it's great to meet you, my name is Raash, I'm going to teach you everything he's been through, it's an honor to be able to teach you what I learned from him. "
Raash, interesting name ... but he keeps talking about him, he who? Anyway, it looks like he's going to teach me some tricks, this will definitely be fun, will he teach me how to throw fireballs? or things like that? making snakes dance with a flute would be too much ... I think I thought too loudly.
- I really imagined myself playing a flute, and a snake coming out of a jar, will I still be retarded when I'm 50? - I wondered.
- I will teach you how to wield a sword, you will learn how to fight well on a real battlefield, do not think that I will take it easy with you, come and see how you will do.
"I won't hold back, you better protect yourself well, your spine may end up breaking, be careful, old man," I said to Raash sarcastically.
Before he said he could start, I soon went after him with everything, amazingly that old man defended my attack without even moving, I was never so fast but still, it was not enough, he smiles while holding my attack with just one hand. "Don't laugh at me, here I go again," I said. I hit back in a row and went all out on him, but again he defended my attack without even moving, he didn't even draw his sword and put me on the ground with my hands.
- Have you given up boy?
Raash was very sarcastic, is he thinking he can beat me?
This old man pays me, I will make him regret my next move, then I concentrate immense energy on my sword, Raash immediately thought:
"His blow seems incredible, if I underestimate him I could end up hurting myself," Raash said, intrigued by the next attack.
I went over to him with my incredible movement, while I was running towards him he immediately drew his sword and our swords crossed blows, a beam of light and sparks started to come out of the swords and soon stopped, furious raynard asked himself: - What the fuck? , I thought I was going to win with my strongest movement, but it seems that this old man is very strong.
- He fainted? as well as expected ... struggling like that, but he's surprising. - Raash thought surprised then he says to himself - Look what he did with my sword, it's in pieces.
I woke up in a very comfortable bed, it's really soft and warm, what? As soon as I opened my eyes, Louise was looking at me and then she said to me: - Have you woken up, you softie? you passed out for a long time.
I was perplexed, I got up really fast, I don't know why I was lying on her thighs, which by the way is very good, is she really that kind?
- When the two lovebirds finish there, we should start your training Raynard.
Turning to the master, I notice that he is a little happy, and maybe even a little excited about the whole situation. I am somewhat intrigued by how far I will evolve.
The next day.
- You better get faster! Your movements are very out of order!
What a boring old man, I'm stressing.
- You've been saying this for 3 days!
- Then fight harder!
I started my training a few days ago, I have shown some progress. Some of my skills have already manifested themselves, one of them was the keen nose ... I could smell Louise's stew even from very far away. I noticed that I can even see swords in motion.
- This boy has a lot of potential, he is a rare stone that must be polished, in a few days he is already feeling many things - thought Raash.
- That is enough for today, you even improved a lot compared to before. "
- Cut it out! you only know how to complain and never reveal anything to me!
In the middle of my rebellious speech, Louise says: - So, guys, how's training? I brought some food.
With a sarcastic tone I refuted: - Our "super powerful" master lord can speak to you ...
I walked towards the exit taking off my armor and taking a bowl that Louise brought, I am thinking about cooling my head.
- hummf ...
I was trying to rest, but, there's a lot on my mind and I can't concentrate on anything.
- What happened here? Asked Raash.
Louise, being a little merciful and understandable, said: - I don't know ... Maybe he is under a lot of pressure, added to the growth phase ... It's really difficult for him, he must have been through a lot and he still has to deal with a consequence in which he is not to blame.
- Really ... This must be very difficult for him - Raash said next - Maybe you should talk to him a little.
Raash seems to understand the situation and asked Louise to come and give me some advice, is this the moment?
- Yeah ... I should.
I can't depend on anyone! I want to be able to protect people ... I want to be strong, I can't allow that to happen again ... Ham ?, That ?, Who are these two ?.
I was lost in my memory and it seemed that I saw two people, Louise then asked me:
- Hey Raynard, how about hunting with me? The pantry is already getting a little empty ... I think we should start filling it. I'm going there tonight, if you want to come with me be prepared and meet me on the hill at dusk.
For some reason she seemed to be happy about it, that slight smile on her face almost imperceptible.
- Of course, I mean. I'll get ready before ... See you there - I agreed embarrassed.
I was embarrassed and I ended up stuttering, it is the first time that I go out alone with a girl.
I went unnoticed Louise said: - He went all red, how cute he looks.
She said goodbye and went towards the temple, I had never noticed it, but her hair is very beautiful ... Not to mention the smile. Maybe I should prepare for the hunt.
- What is this heat coming from my hand?
- Fire! Where did that fire come from?
I try to wave my hand so that the fire goes out. A flare of fire emerges as I sway.
- What the fuck is that ?! - I asked myself scared.
I just need to calm down a little bit, breathe ... Arrgh! It only made the situation worse. Damn it! In a desperate measure I put my hand in the direction of the snow. Around my hand in a matter of seconds it turned to boiling water. What a severe pain I am feeling in my whole arm, I have to control it!
I make a move as if I'm going to throw something with my hand, and an incredibly large ball of fire came out.
- HAAA! THIS IS AMAZING, I FINALLY GOT IT !! - I shouted excitedly.
I do it again and again stronger and stronger! Until a big headache interrupts all my movement and completely cancels my magic ... I close my eyes because of the pain and when I open it again, I am surrounded by a globe of pure energy. It is as if the weather is slow and calm inside the globe ... I feel peaceful and relaxed.
My magic side is a mess, I have to have a minimum of control if I am not going to hurt the people I like.
I think I better go back to the temple, I can't be late to help Louise. I said I would and I must be there.
For some reason, in the midst of my epiphany and happiness I unnoticed I felt that I was being observed.
- HEY YOUR ALIEN! YOU CAN'T LEAVE A LADY WAITING FOR THIS! DAMN IT! - Louise told me quite stressed by my delay.
This witch annoys me a lot ...
- I WAS MEDITATING! YOU CRAZY WITCH! - I refuted to her.
- CRAZY WITCH IS YOUR ASS! YOU ALIEN! AND GO SOON TO CHANGE! - Then she thought the following: - Damn, this boy can't do anything right.
While I was changing the old Raash noticed the mark on my hands, what a problem, now he will be interrogating me until tomorrow.
- Hey boy, how did you get her to ask you out? I've been trying this for years, but what are the burn marks? Raash asked me, intrigued by what happened to my hands.
For now I will have to lie about it ...
- This is none of your business, and brands are nothing! I just built a fire that went wrong.
After I went up the stairs and finally got to my room. I think I'm going to put on a more agile outfit, although she had made a very resistant cover, maybe I should put it on, that !, should I take this sword ?, fuck the danger is always lurking, now i just need to take a shower.
After the shower I ran to our meeting place.
- Louise! Where are you? - I shouted for her.
I felt there was something coming, I drew my sword just in case, but it was just Louise.
- Ah ... Hi.
As soon as I laid eyes on her, I was paralyzed looking at her, that outfit was great.
- You really came! How nice! now we have to focus on doing as many slaughterings as possible. After winter comes, we won't have another chance! Said Louise happily.
"Okay, show me the way," I said sarcastically.
After walking a little after the hill, we passed by way in mountains and small caves ... Until arriving in a very dense forest, the trees were immense and wide. The whole forest was practically pitch black, and it seemed to be drastically magical.
- So this is where we start our slaughtering?
- That's right! Here, light our torches.
As soon as we lit the torches, Morgais [1] swarmed flying from the trees.
[1] - [Author's notes: Morgals are creatures inspired by bats, they can measure between 60cms to 80cms, a singularity between males and females is that the males have a black ball in the middle of the chest and the females do not, their bite can cause severe headaches and a high fever.]
Fortunately, they flew away in fear, sure that if it came to both of us we would have a hard time dealing with this horde, we were walking to the bottom of the forest and it got deeper, as soon as we crossed a forest wall, there was a beautiful lake for me ahead, Louise sighed.
- Humf, we finally arrived, so my goal wasn't really hunting, I wanted to bring you here because when I'm so overwhelmed I come here a lot, you know, so I can cool my mind, isn't it a beautiful view? - Louise asked me halfway home.
Her eyes reflected the same reflection of the moon on the lake, it was beautiful, I have never seen such beauty in a landscape before. I was happy.
"Louise, thanks, thanks to you, I'm feeling much lighter," I said without answering.
- Thanks for that idiot? I just did it because I saw that you were having problems and I thought of doing something cool.
Look at her, all ashamed haha, not bad, not bad at all ... She really knows how to be a good person, besides being loud and cold at times, I lost in my thoughts she caught me off guard, she sat on the green lawn , and pulled my head and said the following sentence to me:
- Thank you, from the heart, since when you appeared at the temple, everything is happier, Master Raash was always meditating and he seemed very unhappy, but when you appeared it was like a light for him, so again thank you - Louise said crying of emotion.
In the midst of those words, Louise's tears were streaming down my cheeks, I didn't know she was so crying like that, somehow she made me feel special at that moment, I'm really happy.