Liam's boots fell heavy on a blanket of snow as he trekked across the desolate plateau. A cold wind howled, bringing with it a sound that could be envisioned almost like a whimper across the barren landscape. Before him was an ancient ruin, its stone walls weathered and shattered, as if once that heaven had tried to coerce it. Within it sat a solitary figure-the man who bore so much weight even the winds seemed to bow before him.
The giant was heavily built, broad-shouldered, his frame resembling some terrible stone effigy. The armor was rusted and dented, but the majesty of a battle-worn warrior was still to be felt. Above the shadow of the helm, his eyes glowed faintly and ethereally gold, but the light was cold-icily haggard. An enormous, chipped sword lay on the ground beside him.It is Theron, the Fallen God of War; his name was lightly spoken through all ages, now not anything else than a memory."You again," boomed Theron with a deep and gruff voice as Liam marched with the thudding of heavy boots for the third time that week. "I have told you already-I want nothing to do with you, boy. Leave this place."Liam was unaffected. "I'm not leaving, not until you hear me out."His gaze hardened. "I care not for your reasons. I live just fine and alone, for men like you bring nothing but ruin. Go before I grow weary of your persistence."But Liam did not leave. For days, then in weeks, and finally in six long months, Liam came to the ruins. He came, bringing something every day-fire wood, clean water, or fresh food he hunted and cooked himself. Theron watched him in silence, curiosity developing, never giving in to admitting that he too was intrigued. Liam too seldom spoke; he busied himself maintaining the ruins and helping wherever possible.Then one evening, as the horizon bled the red of dusk, Theron finally relent."You're either the biggest fool, or the most stubborn mortal I've ever met," Theron growled, the faintestundercurrent of humor tinkered in his voice. "Very well.You know what, if you want to challenge me for recognition, then I will be most pleased to grant you a challenge-but mark my words, boy, you will regret asking."Liam's heart danced in panic as Theron slowly rose like a mountain over him. "Name the challenge," Liam said boldly.Theron's eyes narrowed as he dropped his voice to a grave pitch."You will defeat the dragon that destroyed me."Silence.Liam blinked, stupefied. "A... dragon?""Yes," said Theron, as his eyes grew distant and haunted. "Not just any dragon. The Abyssal Wyrm-a creature of fire and shadow, as it's called, which razed my kingdom, burned my armies, and shattered my honor. I became the God of War because victories were earned in blood and flame... but it ended me. I stood before it, first as a man then as an immortal, and could still not slay it."These ruins around them seemed to thrum in the burden his words carga. Leah could feel a chill creeping into his bones."But how can I defeat something against... even you couldn't do it?" Liam asked, his voice a little softer now.Theron sneered bitterly. "You can't. At least, not now. You're weak, untried. You don't know what it means to stand against despair and win."Liam clenched his fists. "Then... train me."Theron's smirk vanished into an interested stare. "You ask for much."Liam stepped up closer, his eyes resolute. "You said it yourself; I'm not ready. I can't win alone, but I can learn. Teach me, so I can face the dragon and earn your recognition."Theron stared at him a long time in silence. Then slowly he nodded. "So be it. Your training will begin at dawn, and pray, boy, that you survive it."Even the knot in Liam's stomach couldn't keep him from smiling faintly. He turned back to Nyx, who was perched on a broken pillar, luminous blue eyes watching everything. The small creature chirped quietly, as if acknowledging the moment's weight.As the stars jeweled the darkened sky, Liam sat beside the campfire he had lit. The world around these ruins hummed with something different now-alive, purposeful, crackling with anticipation. Whatever lay ahead was nothing he ever wanted to imagine. One thing, however, was certain: it would use everything he had ever learned as contempt to throw at him.And looking up to the tall figure that was Theron, stoic like a mountain as he gazed into the flames, Liam understood that this was just the first part of his trial.To be continued...