The Dawn of Calamity

Of the many myths and legends throughout Fal’Ardin. There has only ever been one prophecy. It foretells two children, both lost souls and polar opposites. One is a little girl of pure heart and innocence, who will be raised and nurtured by a Dragon from the heavens. The other is a boy whose heart will be filled with hate and malice, who will be raised by a Dragon from the earth. One child is said to bring about peace, while the other will bring ruin. Said to awaken a Great Wyrm, the father of evil who breeds destruction. The prophecy foretells war, and that these two destined children will face each other.

A soft breeze blew through the flowers and ruffled Aubrey's reddish hair, making it quite difficult for her to write on the parchment she held on her lap. She sat on a stone in the middle of this clearing practicing the common language as instructed by Mimi. Mimirantha, a beautiful Dragon who had come down to Aubrey more than ten years ago. Now acted as her guardian, teacher, and the closet thing she has ever had to a mother.

"Done" said Aubrey with a smile on her face. After working on her studies since the morning, finally she had finished. She held up the parchment, so Mimi could see for herself.

“Very well my little one” said Mimi who was curled on the ground near her, “you may go play."

Aubrey hopped off the rock and ran into the forest. She headed towards a nearby cave that was her home. Playtime included taking the bow and arrows Mimi instructed her how to make, and running through the course designed to train her. Aubrey found this to be so much fun, and pretended to be on some grand adventure. Something she so desperately yearned for. Aubrey ran through the course, which consisted of her leaping over fallen logs. Maneuvering around trees, all the while firing arrows at targets strung up on branches.

Yet as she neared the end of the course black smoke had quickly begun to rise out of the ground, and spread throughout the forest. Flames engulfed tree after tree, and all Aubrey could do was stand and watch as her home slowly burned away. Mimi sat staring at her saying nothing as the flames drew closer. Aubrey closed her eyes, but then a roar coming from the sky forced her to open them. Before her, the entire landscape had changed. Gone were the beautiful flowers she had grown to love. She stood in front of a village, one that was somehow familiar to her. The homes made of mushrooms and wood were on fire. Screaming could be heard coming from all around her. So many people were screaming, so many were dying. She saw men, women, and children being struck down by shadowy figures armed with swords, spears, or bows. There was fire coming from the shadowy Dragon-like creature hovering above the village. She heard a voice yelling her name, “AUBREY!”

It was a man's voice, a strong, deep and comforting one. A voice she could have swore she had heard many times before, and one that made her feel safe. Yet this little girl stood frozen in time. Helplessly watching this horror unfold before her. As the world around her burned.

“I’m so sorry, my little one” said Mimi in a soft voice “you can no longer outrun your fate.”

***

Her sudden scream awoke me from my deep slumber. It had been sometime since she screamed in her sleep. I sat up to check on her. She was drenched in sweat and as I turned her over towards me I noticed she had been crying. Gently I ran my fingers through her hair, “Aubrey” I said as softly as I could. I noticed light was barely beginning to peek through the window in our room. It was dawn and daylight would be precious for our journey.

“Aubrey” I say as I shake her “It’s dawn my love, time to get up.”

She turns over and I remove the bear hide blanket covering both of us. Even after all these years together, I can never tire of looking at her. Her long reddish hair runs well past her shoulders, and her pale skin that is used to only my touch. Her body, like mine, is both aged and full of scars from the many battles we fought together in our youth. Her bare chest greets me, but the sadness in her emerald eyes stirs my heart.

“A nightmare?” I ask as she sits up and slowly rests her head on my shoulder.

For a moment she is quiet, throughout our time together she had always found it hard to speak of the dreams that plague her at times. Her voice trembles as she recounts events in her dream. All the while I hold her, and do my best to assure her it was all just a dream. Once she is done I hold her tight and press her lips to mine, all the while wishing we could take the time to be with one another. But that is something that must wait, for now I get out of bed and dress. As I do, I recall the day before when we received a letter from our old friend Darwin. Years ago, long before we married and started a family, Aubrey and I fought alongside a group of friends. They had been calling themselves the Band of The Aquiline, adventure’s who sought fame and fortune. Lead by Arnaud, a righteous, charismatic leader, and a good friend. Darwin insisted we meet him in Ceris, a village almost two day’s travel from our home to discuss a matter of great importance. Aubrey and I spent the day discussing what we should do. Because we owe Arnaud a great deal, we decided to take the journey and meet with Darwin. This meant we must take the children with us.

Aubrey looked over at her husband Odriss as he finished getting ready. Although they had been together for over 18 winters she could never tire of looking at him. His tan skin along with every scar she knew well, and never tired of his strong embrace. His stature of six feet and five inches put other men to shame, something Aubrey always loved about him. When they first met he told her this was common with his people, the Jutan. It is said Jutan are a race of half human half giant, and are considered the most fearsome warriors in all of Golveria. As she buttoned up her leather vest and strapped braces to her arm, she couldn’t help but stare at her husband. His long sky blue and white streak hair that he tied back everyday, and the beard he had been growing for the past two winters. Amusing thoughts swirled through her head about the last night, but she knew there was no time for that. She strapped a dagger to the skin tight trousers that are a darker shade of red compared to her hair. To complete her traveling outfit were leather knee high boots, and grieves. Lastly was to put on her belt, and grab her bow and quiver.

“I’ll get the children up and ready” she said to me as I finished putting on my black trousers and boots. I then put on my steel waist armor as well as a leather pauldron for my right shoulder. The bits of metal crafted into the armor provide adequate protection.

“Very well” I say to my wife as I reach for my bracers from the table in our room. “Once I’m done I will get the horse and cart ready.” I pause for a brief moment as she now stands next to me. Although she is taller than most women, standing at five feet and eight inches, I must still bend down some for her to place her lips on my cheek. With that she leaves the room leaving me to finish, and to my thoughts.

I place my right arm through a fingerless leather gauntlet. The gauntlet on my left arm is similar, but metal on this one is not ordinary steel. It is Damalus steel, a strong metal from my homeland. We Jutan use it on all our weapons, and each has a unique look thanks to the way the steel is folded. I rub the blue gem in the center of the gauntlet and think back to my homeland. My eyes met the axe and sword hanging on the wall in front of me. Both made of the same steel with the design on each blade resembled lighting striking the earth. I take hold of them, placing the axe on my back and the swords at my side. I then set off to get the horse and cart ready.

***

A soft knock at the door along with her mothers call ushered young Ellarie to open her eyes. Slowly she rose and started to get out of bed, Aubrey came into her room and sat beside her on the bed. “Good morning, my love”

“Good morning mommy,” said Ellaire, hugging her mother. The two hugged tightly and then Aubrey stood up and moved over to a small table beside her bed. On the table were clothes, well made leather boots, a rolled up belt, some leather armor, and a dagger. She gathered everything up and placed all of it on the bed next to Ellarie.

“Go ahead and get dressed, I’ll wake your brother and then make us some breakfast” she said with a smile as ran her hands through Ellaries hair.

Ellarie jumped up quickly remembering that today was the big day, today would be her first time away from the house and their land. Finally she gets to see a bit of the world beyond the boundary of her home. “I can’t wait,” she said excitedly as she started to get dressed right away. “I’ve been wanting to go to Ceris and meet the Gnomes!”

Aubrey chuckled as she made her way to the door “the Gnomes of Ceris are lively and kind, I’m sure they will take a liking to you!” Ellarie smiled and focused on getting ready. Yesterday her mother taught her how to put on the armor that was especially made for her stature. Being a Jutan, Ellarie was taller than most other six year old little girls. Her older brother Garrun is the same, for a boy who’s seen ten winters he was very tall. So due to this, both of them had to have custom made clothing. But the armor they would wear on this journey was made to offer good protection.

Aubrey walked down the hall to a room on the left, and knocked gently. “I’m up” shouted Garrun at his mother. Aubrey opened the door anyway, and was glad to see her son Garrun already dressed and placing on his armor. Much like Ellaries it was made of durable leather, he wore a vest, greaves, and bracers. His mother walked right up to him and ruffled his sky blue hair

“Good morning” she said as she kissed his forehead. He kept his hair parted in the middle but it was always messy, which was probably because it was getting long. Ellarie’s hair was much longer, and always kept in a braid like her mothers.

Young Garrun hugged her tight, “good morning.” He was dressed and all he needed to do now was grab his bow, quiver of arrows, and the rest of his gear. “Is Ellarie ready?”

“Just about, I’m going to make us breakfast. Help her finish and then come down stairs.” With that Aubrey went back into the hallway, but left the door to his room open.

“And father” said Garrun as he took his bow from its place on the wall.

“He should be outside getting the cart ready”

Garrun nodded and checked his bow, making sure the string was tied well and secure. Once satisfied he checked his arrows, then gathered everything and set off to his sister's room. He found Ellarie struggling to tie her greaves, and that was because she had already put her vest on. She was having trouble so he pulled up a chair and helped her.

“Next time remember to put the greaves on first” he said softly. It was short work to tie them to her leg, after all he was so used to doing this. For years their father trained him, taught him how to build muscle and tone his body. As well as to fight and maintain his gear.

“Sorry” said Ellarie in a low voice, she was embarrassed because she always looked up to her brother. He was tough, especially with how hard father pushed him during their training. Everyday she would watch before mother brought her inside to study. Six months ago she began her training with father and mother, as Garrun had years ago.

“Do not be sorry, as father says, we both need to be better. Are you ready to go?” Garrun knew how much she looked forward to this day, all Ellarie talks about are the things she's read in books. Books about heroes, their journeys, and deeds.He’s always thought she longs for nothing more than to travel the world, and he can’t blame her.

“Yes!” she jumped up from her bed so quickly he was worried she would fall over. “We finally get to meet the Gnomes mother told us about!” Little Ellarie could hardly contain her excitement any longer, and rushed out of her room. He smiled as he followed after her, doing his best to keep his own excitement under control.

Aubrey had prepared a simple breakfast, baked bread with an apple jelly she had bought during her last trip to Ceris. A delicious meal that the children took with them outside. Odriss was standing near the horse and cart ready to leave. When the children came out he checked their gear, making sure they were ready for the journey ahead. Aubrey came out just a few minutes after with a large bag slung over her shoulder. In it were the travel rations her and Odriss prepared yesterday. Odriss placed them in the cart and looked towards the children.

“Listen up” I said to Garrun and Ellarie sternly. “The journey to Ceris takes two days on foot. You both must remain vigilant, as there are all manner of creatures in the countryside. Ellarie you will remain in the cart.” I say as I hand her a circular shield. She takes it and climbs onto the back of the cart as she is told. “Should we be attacked you will lay in the cart and cover yourself with the shield. Boy!”

“Yes sir?” he answers as my booming voice captures his attention from his day dreaming. A bad habit, and one that further discipline will break him out of. I make sure his eyes are focussed on me before I continue.

“You will lead the horse, he knows the way, but this will be good practice for you. Should we come under attack your mother and I will do battle, you will defend your sister.”

“Yes, sir” he says and then moves onto the cart. I take my position near one side of the cart as Aubrey prepares to lead us. She is an accomplished scout, and a far better tracker than I. Together we will both keep a lookout, and there is no one I would rather have at my side during a journey such as this.

“We will keep you both safe, just be sure to do exactly as we say” she says to which both the children respond in unison “yes, mother!” With that we set off towards Ceris.

***

Ellarie remained sitting in the cart as her brother steered their horse along the road. She waved bye to their home. The old oak two story house she grew up in, honestly she wouldn’t miss it these next few days. All she wanted was to see as much of the world as she could. As soon as they left her mother said the magical words “KIVEN SPARKES!” making a circular gesture in front of her, and as she did a swirling vortex of colors appeared further up ahead. From it comes her life long friend, Sweetie Sparkles, an iridescent drake. A drake, according to mother, is a creature descended from dragons. Although not nearly as large as a Dragon, her drake is about the size of a full grown deer. The wings on his side were as iridescent as the rest of his body.

“Hello, my Sweetie Sparkles!” Mother stopped for a brief moment to hug Sparkles, and pet the top of his head. She said something in Dragon tongue that both Garrun and Ellarie understood. She simply told him she was happy to see him and to stay by her side. Which Sparkles would, since he obeyed her every command. Mother promised to one day try and teach her, and the lessons started with Dragon tongue. So she could understand very simple words, but it was difficult to learn. Ellarie was just glad not to have any lessons the next couple of days.

Travel the next couple of days went smoothly, perhaps it was luck that they did not run into any trouble. Their journey took them over rolling hills and past a large meadow of wild flowers. As night approached camp was set up and both parents took their respected watches when the children went to bed. It was not long now till they would arrive at Ceris village.

It was almost mid day when they crossed over the large bridge built over Molis River. Just ahead of them over the horizon was Ceris, a sizable village, and the closest settlement in many miles. Both Garrun and Ellarie were ecstatic, Aubrey smiled as she watched the childrens faces light up as they drew closer to the village entrance. She looked over at Odriss and noticed he had a slight smile on his face. As stern as he is, his heart was big and that was just another thing she loved about him.

Ceris was built a few miles away from Shroom Forest, an enchanted place where mushrooms grew almost as tall as the trees. The Gnomes of Ceris used their magic to take many of the mushrooms and make them into homes. So as the family passed between the small wooden fences that surrounded much of the village. The children were surprised to see how every single home was a mushroom, and almost each was of a different color. When the cart was finally stopped halfway in the village, both hopped out and were amazed by how friendly the Gnomes were. Of course they were very short, especially compared to this family. Yet despite how giant they all seemed to them, the people of Ceris were happy to see familiar faces. Both Odriss and Aubrey come to Ceris to trade from time to time. Sessal their friend and the mayor of the village, came up to greet them.

“Good day my friends! Good to see you both again, and who do we have here?” Sessal stood at four feet, the average for Gnomes. He dressed in a well made blue coat with matching trousers, and a gray vest. The quality of his outfit hinted at his status compared to the others in the village.

“This is Garrun and Ellarie, our children,” Aubrey says, moving a hand towards each of them as she introduces them.

Sessal bows as the children greet him. He escorts them to the largest mushroom building in the village, Puffball Inn. The Puffball inn was built for travelers who were passing by, a large and cozy building. Inside was as similar to a typical inn as it could get, although near every table were small step ladders so the bar maids could put drinks on the tables. Sitting at a table alone was Darwin, an old friend. Aubrey went to hug him, and Odriss greeted him with a forearm handshake. Darwin was a stout dwarven man with long blond hair, beard, and a weary face as if he had traveled a lot during his lifetime.

“It’s truly good to see you both again, and great to finally meet your little ones” he said in a gruff voice as he ushered the family to sit. He ordered food and a round of drinks for his old friends.

“Tell us Darwin, what is so urgent?”

The next few hours pass quickly as Darwin explains why he asked them to meet him here. He tells them what happened to Arnaud. The Band of the Aquiline was hired to do a job on Welkin, the floating island far from here. They were tasked with finding some sort of relic by a very wealthy man named Dervick Rinehart. The payday would be quite a large one, but the danger was great. Delving into unexplored ruins was something a lot of adventures did, that was nothing new. But what they hadn’t expected was to be ambushed by some unknown group after they had acquired the relic. Many of them were killed that night, but among the corpses Arnaud was not found. So Darwin was convinced he was still alive and somewhere on Welkin.

I contemplate everything we have been told, and while I know Aubrey and I owe Arnaud and the others a great deal. The children's well being comes first. I look at Aubrey and can tell she is deep in thought as well. “We owe Arnaud, you, and the others much. But taking on this task would be putting our children in great danger.” I look at Aubrey as she speaks up.

“Odriss is right. While I’m forever grateful for everything you all have done for us, we just can’t risk the safety of the children” she says, and I catch sadness in her voice. She loathes letting anyone down, be it family or friend. A trait I have always admired in her.

Darwin looked disappointed, but nodded in understanding. He pleaded with them to take the night to think about it, and ensured they would be paid should they take on this task. 2,000 gold coins was quite an offer, and they could certainly use the money. Darwin paid for three rooms for the night. The children got their own room, while Odriss and Aubrey retired to their room.

***

Once again a scream awoke me, only this time it wasnt coming from Aubrey. It came from outside, a cacophony of screams and shouts awoke her from her slumber as well. I make for the window to see what is happening outside.

“What’s going on?” she asks as she jumps up to join me.

“I do not know”

As we both stare out the window, shouts of help from people outside grow louder, and then we see it. Fire raining down from the sky lighting homes aflame, we see the creature causing this. A Wyvern, a dragon-like creature hovering in the sky above the village. On its back a rider shouting orders to men and women on the ground. These people were going house to house and dragging people out, only to cut them down in the street. I immediately grab my gear. “I’ll get the children '' Aubrey says as she takes her gear and rushes into their room.

My years of training and experience have taught me to dress for battle quickly when the need arises. In little time I am ready and rush to my family's side, Aubrey is ready and the children are gearing up. I see the fear in their eyes, this is expected. They have never heard the sounds of battle before. I look out the window and see the carnage unfold, the town guard trying to fight back their attackers. But they are not nearly as well armed or trained. The attacking force is dressed in darkened armor, but I can see no coat of arms or any indication on who they serve. Yet I can tell these are no brigands, the way they operate tells me these men and women are trained soldiers. One by one the town guard falls to their blades and spears. All the while the Wyvern continues to burn the village down.

“Done” says Aubrey as she takes her bow in hand, “we need to help get as many people out of town as we can.”

“No, we need to leave. This is a losing battle” I say as I head towards the door. I check the hall, Sparkles is sitting in the middle as if waiting for a command. He is alert and I can tell he understands what is happening outside. Looking back I see Aubrey at the window, she turns to me and there I see it. The sadness in her eyes once again

“W…..we need to go.” I know deep down she wants to help these people, after all they have been helpful to us. But we can not, the children come first.

Unhooking the axe from my back I take up a position near the top of the stairs. Just then Darwin comes out, dressed in the simple clothes and robes of yesterday.

“The fuck is going on?”

“Ceris is under attack! We need to leave, are you coming with us?”

“Damn right I am! Make for the stables, if the horses still live we can use them to get the fuck out of here!”

I nod and a crash downstairs catches my attention, I hear screams pleading for their lives. I turn to my family “prepare for battle, children remain calm we will protect you!”

Aubrey knocks an arrow on her bow and in the dragon language, orders Sparkles to protect the children. Garrun follows his mothers lead, knocking an arrow in his own bow, while Ellarie strapps the shield to her arm. Aubrey’s eyes lock with mine, she nods, and I know she is ready to fight.

With all my might I rush down the stairs and as I near the bottom I let out a fierce howl. Without hesitation I rushed towards the closest of the two soldiers. His eyes go wide as he sees me coming, and although he pulls his blade from the corpse of the woman who served dinner mere hours ago. He is not fast enough to defend against my axe as it comes crashing down on his skull, the metal helm splitting in two as I put all my strength into that blow. I feel his body go limp and hear the clang of his sword fall to the ground as I turn my attention to the other.

“WHAT!?” he shouts as he rushes towards me, but an arrow pierces through his throat before he even gets two paces. Out of the corner of my eye I see Aubrey knock another arrow. Going out the front door would be foolish, so I make for the back. As I reach the door Aubrey stands a few paces in front of it, ready to fire at anyone on the other side. The children are behind her, Garrun stands vigilant in front of Ellarie, Darwin brings up the rear. I burst through the door and quickly move to the right out of Aubrey’s line of sight. Two archers standing in the alleyway having just fired arrows at a couple of townsfolk notice us. I charge one who is quick enough to fire an arrow at me, yet to no avail as I raise my left arm. The gem on my gauntlet glows and a circular shield made of solid blue light comes to my defense. The arrow shatters on impact, and the archer is not quick enough to fire another before my axe severs his head from his shoulders. The second archer falls to Aubrey’s arrow before he can even fire.

Remembering where the stable is I turn to the right and rush down the alleyway. “On me” I shout to my family as we near the stable. Coming up to the stable from behind I see more enemies ahead, five of them by my count. Two are armed with swords, two with spears, and a single archer perched on high ground. I leap into battle with Aubrey not far behind me and out of the corner of my eye I notice Darwin conjuring a spell. He makes strange somatic gestures as his arms flail about, but nonetheless a bolt of lightning is fired through the chest of one soldier. I bring my axe towards another who swiftly parries my blow, he attempts to counter but I duck and dodge left. I cleave though one leg as I do and he falls wailing in agony. I turn my attention to the children and am grateful that Sparkles maw is wrapped around the head of one of the soldiers who attempted to harm them. I look at Aubrey who is standing still, her eyes are in a daze.

“Aubrey!”

However, Aubrey could not move, her eyes were stuck on the Wyvern hovering not far from them. It fiery breath raining down on more homes, burning all who were in its way to cinders. On both sides of her was slaughter, her family fighting for their lives on one side, and the Gnomes of Ceris being massacred on the other. This horrifying scene seemed so familiar to her, and as the Wyvern turned its attention to her. Its rider clad in dark robes resembled a shadow. That’s when it registered, she has seen this before. This……this moment was in her dreams. As blood filled the streets, and Ceris burned all around her. Aubrey realized that was no dream, it was a warning.

War had come to Fal’Ardin…