In the year 450 AD, a terrifying event took place in the village of Grimshire within the Kingdom of Endor.
Ā "Come on, lunch is ready!" called Althea.
Ā Hearing his mother's voice, Zerathis, who had been training with his father Tharion, headed home alongside him. At just 14 years old, Zerathis trained in swordsmanship with his father and practiced magic with his mother, aspiring to become a powerful knight like his father and as knowledgeable as his mother.
Ā When they entered their home, the aroma of fresh meat filled the air. It was from the deer that Zerathis and Tharion had hunted the previous day. Zerathis quickly washed his hands, sat at the table, and began eating. His mother gently scolded him, saying there was plenty for everyone, but Zerathis continued eating as if he hadn't seen food in days. Tharion sat down, laughing, "Hey, leave some for me!" and joined the meal.
Ā After finishing his meal, Zerathis announced he was going outside and left the house, where his best friend Mine was waiting for him as usual. Running up to her, Zerathis excitedly said, "Today, I was stronger than before! I pushed my father even harder. One day, I'll be as great a swordmaster as he is."
Ā Mine smiled at him. "You'll never give up on your dream, will you?" she asked, though she already knew the answer. Zerathis grinned and replied, "Never."
Ā Together, they went to their usual spot, Thendar Creek. The creek flowed from the entrance of the Thalvaris Kingdom to the exit of the Kingdom of Endor, eventually emptying into the Calm Sea. It was their favorite place in the village, where they practiced magic, played games, and drank water from the creek when thirsty. Zerathis wished these days would last forever, but fate had other plans.
Ā Zerathis and Mine were practicing magic.
Ā Mine said, "One day, I want to be able to do amazing things like your mother. Her healing magic is incredible. Whenever we get hurt, she rushes to help and heals us. I've never seen her fail to heal anything. She's truly amazing."
Ā Zerathis nodded. "Yes, my mother is incredibly skilled in magic and knows all the rules of elegance like a noble. Her magical power is far greater than ours, but she says that if I practice properly, I can surpass even her one day. Isn't that amazing? One day, I'll be as great a magician as she is."
Ā Mine smiled and nodded in agreement.
Ā At that moment, they noticed riders approaching the village. Zerathis immediately recognized their leader it was Thorne, one of his father's close friends and someone Zerathis admired deeply. Excited, Zerathis ran to Thorne. As soon as Thorne saw him, he dismounted and hugged him.
Ā "You've grown so much since I last saw you, little one," Thorne said with a smile.
Ā "I'm not a little one anymore! I've grown, and one day, I'll surpass you, my father, and become a better warrior than all of you!" Zerathis declared.
Ā Thorne chuckled. "I'm sure you will. But first, you'll have to defeat me. Then you can aim to be better than me."
Ā Though Zerathis blushed in frustration, he smiled back. They headed toward Zerathis's home. As they neared the house, Mine realized it was getting late and said she needed to return home. After saying goodbye, she left.
Ā Thorne and Zerathis arrived at the house, where they found Tharion sharpening his sword in the yard.
Ā "Thorne! Old friend, welcome!" Tharion greeted him warmly.
Ā "Zerathis, go tell your mother we have a guest. Tonight, we feast!"
Ā "I'm glad to see you too, old friend," replied Thorne.
Ā They entered the house, where Althea was preparing food. She was surprised to see Thorne and scolded Tharion. "Why didn't you tell me we had a guest?"
Ā Tharion explained he had just found out, but Althea didn't believe him and continued to scold him. Thorne and Zerathis laughed at their lighthearted bickering. Finally, Althea asked them to sit at the table, and they all began eating together.
In the middle of the meal, loud explosions were heard outside. They rushed out to see the Tartarus Kingdom army attacking their village. A fire spell damaged them, but Althea protected them by casting a protective spell.
Ā Tharion and Thorne drew their swords and moved to confront the advancing soldiers. Zerathis stood frozen in terror while Althea tried to calm him, saying, "No matter what happens, you must survive, Zerathis."
Ā Her words echoed in Zerathis's mind.
Ā After the battle, Thorne gathered his remaining men and returned to the house. Tharion and Thorne exchanged a solemn look, and Althea began to cry. Zerathis didn't understand what was happening. Suddenly, Thorne lifted him onto his horse and rode away from the village.
Ā Zerathis struggled and screamed, but Thorne knocked him unconscious to stop his protests. As they rode on, Althea's words reverberated in his mind: "No matter what happens, you must survive!"
Note: This story tells of a blood soaked sword, a blackened heart, and the birth of a new hatred.