Dawn of Darkness: Part 1 (Where the Shadows Stalk)

by Adam Watson

  “You see, no harm,” commented the man.

  “Then why does she not move, why does she just stare up like that?” Aiden asked angrily, the thought of harming this young beauty was too much.

  “She’s in a trance, my friend, side effects of the potion … anyway, as much as I have enjoyed conversing with you … I’m afraid now you have to die.” Aiden looked up. What? The man now had a sword in his hand. Idiot! You stared at her for too long. Aiden felt like a fool; he had just been played like a fiddle.

  “Well, you got this far my friend, I like that. You will be a worthy adversary.” The man was smiling, he seemed eager to fight now that he had a sword in his hand, but Aiden wasn’t ready to fight, just yet.

  “What are you doing here in the swamp?” he asked.

  “What better place to hide, than in a swamp?” replied the man. “You could hide the world in here, and no-one would ever know. People think it’s haunted, you see? But enough about me, who sent you here?”

  “No-one sent me here,” replied Aiden, but it was clear the man didn’t believe him.

  “Oh, I see. You’re just an adventurer then, one who just happened to be exploring the swamp when you stumbled upon our little campsite.” Aiden nodded.

  “That’s right.”

  “And you thought you might just pop in for a cup of tea and a cucumber sandwich, and converse with the kind gentlemen about the old ways because we brigands are well known for our hospitality.” Aiden smiled.

  “Well, now that you mention it …” The man snorted and threw his head down in disbelief.

  “I’m afraid I don’t believe you.”

  “Then believe this!” yelled Aiden, charging the man. Swords collided, the clash echoed through the hut. Aiden attacked again, furiously, but the man blocked every blow with a neat precision.

  “You’re good my friend,” commented the man. “Much better than I expected.” Aiden took a step closer.

  “But you’re not as good as you think you are,” he responded, causing the man’s eyebrow to lift. “You don’t impress me.” The man’s mouth curled into a snarl, he obviously wasn’t used to such insolence, but then he burst out laughing.

  “Ah, ha, ha … you’re funny, did you know that?” Aiden lifted an eyebrow; he had never been called funny before.

  “Yeah, I used to be a court jester!” The man laughed again.

  “Ah, if only we had met under different circumstances, we could have made a great team, you and I.” Aiden smirked.

  “I don’t think so,” he replied. The man now had his head down as though reminiscing about what might have been; he looked up with his eyes only.

  “Oh, but I beg to differ!” The man spat the words out as though issuing a challenge.

  “Then differ with my sword!” Aiden’s blade exploded forth in an untamed fury, the man was caught off guard, the speed of the attack, unbelievable. He was now on the defence, his inability to regain control keeping him off balance.

  Aiden pressed forward, the lightning attacks kept full pressure on the man, a barrage of blows designed to overwhelm the defender - just as his father had taught him.

  Suddenly there was silence, and the two warriors stood still. Aiden was smiling, his sword before him in a double-handed grip. The dark-haired man stood quiet, a look of surprise on his face. He was hunched over Aiden’s sword unable to move, pierced through the stomach. Aiden pulled back and withdrew the sword from the shirtless man who promptly fell to the floor in a pool of his own blood.

  “Who … taught you … to fight … like that?” asked the man, through gritted teeth and gasping breath.

  “My father,” replied Aiden, with a deadpan expression. The man smiled and nodded as if he should have known.

  “Well … he did a good job.” The man’s head slumped to the floor, he was dead now, and Aiden stared at him in disbelief. What an odd thing to say. He hoped that his last words would be a little more profound than that.

  Aiden thought it about it some more. His father had done a good job training him, and he took back eleven years worth of curses and muttering. All that pain, all that exhaustion; the tediousness, the repetitiveness - it had all paid off. Now he lived, and it was his enemy who was vanquished.

  Aiden approached the girl. He could see her clearly now, still as beautiful as ever. His heart began to race. Please let her be all right. He leant over the bed; she was breathing, which was always a good sign. He gently put his hand on her face, careful not to startle her; the skin was soft as silk. Aiden could feel his heart beating even faster, and his hand began to tremble slightly. Get a grip. Aiden took a few deep breaths to calm himself. Anyone would think you’ve never seen a beautiful woman before. He leant forward again to call her name in her ear, then suddenly realised he had forgotten it. Damn it! What was he meant to call her now? My Lady? Girl? Mistress? Woman?

  “Miss! … Miss! Can you hear me?” The young woman merely moaned in response. Well, that’s better than no response … I guess. It appeared that she had indeed taken some kind of potion, just as the man had said. “Miss, it’s time to get up, we have to get going.”

  “Where … where are we going?” she mumbled, still dazed. The tone of her voice caused a sudden thought to come into Aiden's mind. Far, far away ... where the elephants roam and the monkeys play. He almost burst out laughing, it was a rhyme he had learnt as a child, but he managed to contain himself just in time. Probably inappropriate at this time.

  “Um … outside, to your family,” he stammered. Taking a deep breath, he tried to get serious again. “Your parents and your sister are waiting for you outside the hut.”

  “Why are we in a hut?” she asked, with a confused expression on her face.

  “Um, … well, er … you see.” Aiden didn’t quite know how to answer the question without alarming her, but the girl’s eyes widened.

  “Who are you?” she asked, with a directness that indicated the effects of the potion were wearing off fast. Aiden realised the situation could look very bad for him, so he decided to end the conversation and this line of questioning as fast as he could.

  “I’m Aiden. That man over there,” he said, pointing to the shirtless man lying in the pool of blood. “… kidnapped you, and I’m here to rescue you and take you back to your family who were also kidnapped, but are now safe and waiting just outside of this hut … so let’s be gone.”

  The girl looked at Aiden in silence for a few moments somewhat taken aback. She seemed to be studying him, making him feel uncomfortable under her gaze. He tried to pretend that it didn’t bother him and looked away supposedly examining the hut. You know, I wouldn’t mind those gold-trimmed cushions, but if I try to carry them back with me through the swamp, they’re going to get covered in mud, so what’s the point … they’ll be ruined. When Aiden looked back at the girl, she was still staring at him as though examining every fibre of his being. What in the Seventh Hell is your problem?!

  “So, are you a soldier?” she asked, with a smile on her face. Aiden couldn’t be sure, but he believed she might have been pleased with what she saw during the examination. His confidence soared, and he puffed his chest out to make himself look more powerful.

  “No, I wouldn’t say a soldier,” he replied, in an ultra-modest tone.

  “Well then, you must be a mercenary,” she said, somewhat excited. “I remember being kidnapped now, by that man and some other men, and they were all very strong and soldierly, but they were disgusting.”

  “What do you mean?” enquired Aiden.

  “I mean they were filthy, and they had an awful smell about them, and they were just so … just so rough.” Aiden nodded his head in agreement. “So are you a mercenary?” Aiden thought about the question for a moment. What am I? A boar hunter? I’M NOT SAYING THAT!!

  “You could call me a mercenary,” replied Aiden, trying to play it as cool as he could.

  “I knew it,” she said, pointing. “You look like a mercenary.” Aiden put his hands behind his
head, pretending to stretch, but really, he just wanted to show off his muscular arms.

  “Well … thank you … I think.” Aiden thought it was a compliment, but he couldn’t be sure, after all, she might not even like the strong mercenary type. She probably likes those nancy, noble-type ponces. The thought made him sick. “All right, we really must be gone.”

  “You said my family were safe, did you save them too?” Aiden turned around and stared the girl right in the eyes.

  “Look, I saved … everyone.” He grabbed the young woman’s hand and proceeded towards the door, a little shocked at the arrogance of his last statement.

  “So your name’s Aiden?” she asked, as she was being brisked away.

  “That’s right,” replied Aiden.

  “Mine’s Lana.” Aiden liked that name … Lana … it was kind of sexy and classy at the same time. Sweet Lana. He smiled at the thought.

  “You have a beautiful name,” commented Aiden, Lana smiled and turned a slight shade of red.

  “Thank you, my real name is Alana, but I like Lana better."

  “I agree,” he said smiling as they reached the door. “Stand back,” he warned as he booted it open, almost sending it off its hinges. Yes, he could have just opened the door like a normal person, but that would not have been nearly as impressive.

  Outside the hut, they could see Lana’s family on the edge of the forest. They had rounded up the brigand's horses and were ready for a quick getaway in case Aiden hadn’t been successful in his rescue, but when they saw Aiden and Lana walk out together, they rushed back to be reunited.

  “Oh Lana,” cried Lady Sandra. “Are you all right?” she continued, rushing to her daughter’s aid.

  “I’m fine Mother,” replied Lana.

  “Are you sure? You’re not hurt are you?” asked the woman, as she inspected her daughter anyway.

  “Mother, I’m fine,” she reiterated. Lana hated it when her mother became like this - it was sometimes a little embarrassing.

  Lord James Brackenshire walked over to Aiden and shook his hand.

  “You did well young man, and I thank you.” Aiden started to turn a light shade of red, and he looked down at the ground somewhat abashed.

  “It was nothing,” replied Aiden modestly.

  “Come now, it was no small thing rescuing us and then going back to save Lana. I would like to reward you, but I have no idea what the brigands have done with my possessions, so I have nothing to give you except for this.” The man held out his hand to Aiden; sitting in the palm of the nobleman’s hand was a signet ring.

  “This signet ring has engraved on it the emblem of the Brackenshire family, and I want you to have it.” Aiden looked at the ring, it looked like it was worth quite a lot.

  “I can’t take your ring Lord Brackenshire. It looks quite valuable and must surely have some personal or sentimental value.” Lord James smiled, he didn’t think he had ever met anyone like Aiden before; most people in his position would have snatched it up without a second thought. It was clear that Aiden was no noble and poor to boot, but he seemed to have some good morals which was more than Lord James could say for a lot of his noble friends.

  “Call me Lord James, Aiden, as all my friends do.” Aiden was starting to feel uncomfortable, he had never conversed with a noble before and now that the brigands were dead and the danger of the situation was eliminated, Aiden found himself feeling quite shabby. “Aiden you saved our lives, and we are in debt to you.”

  “I wouldn’t say that,” said Aiden cutting in. “I just happened to be passing by … and that’s how it turned out.” Lord James smiled again, he was beginning to really like Aiden.

  “Where are you from Aiden?” enquired Lord James.

  “A village called Thorngrove,” replied Aiden. Lord James nodded his head.

  “Ah, Thorngrove, that’s not too far from here I believe. Listen Aiden, I’ve got nothing here to give you …”

  “But I don’t want anything,” Aiden interjected.

  “Quite.” Lord James found this fascinating - a man risking his life for complete strangers and then not asking for anything in return. Fascinating. “But I want to help you anyway … if I can.” Aiden nodded, he thought that was fair enough. “Have you heard about the King’s Proclamations in Amalicia City Aiden?” Aiden shook his head.

  “No, I don’t believe I have.”

  “Well, you soon will,” stated Lord James. “A young man with your skills could make a great deal of money. You should go to Amalicia City one day Aiden, I’m sure you’ll like it. You can return this ring to me if you ever do. You can find us at the Brackenshire Mansion. If you want to know more, you can inquire at the City Hall, I am friends with the councillors there, and they all know me well.” Aiden studied the ring and after a moment decided that he would take it. I wouldn’t mind going to Amalicia City one day, he thought.

  Taking the ring from Lord James’ hand, Aiden looked up. Lady Sandra and her two daughters were standing there looking at him; he smiled, and they all smiled back.

  “Thank you for rescuing us Aiden,” said Lady Sandra. “We are truly lucky that you were passing by.” Bringing little Phoebe forth she continued “What do you say Phoebe?”

  “Thank you, Aiden.” Aiden smirked.

  “That’s quite all right little one,” he replied, smiling. She’s a bit cute, he thought. Little Phoebe.

  “Well, we must head off Aiden,” said Lord James cutting in. “I’m sure you understand. I’m anxious to get away from this place.”

  “I understand,” replied Aiden. “Be safe.” With that, the family got up on their horses; young Phoebe riding with her mother.

  “Consider what I said,” stated Lord James. “And may the gods bless you Aiden.” The Lord and Lady proceeded to ride to the edge of the forest, but oddly enough Lana stayed behind; at the edge of the forest the Lord and Lady pulled up their horses.

  “Lana, are you coming?” yelled Lord James.

  “Yes, in a moment Father,” Lana yelled back. “Sheesh,” she continued, turning to Aiden, but of course not loud enough for her father to hear.

  “I just wanted to say thank you Aiden,” Lana started. “Thank you for everything you have done.”

  “That’s all right Lana,” answered Aiden. There was obviously going to be more to this because she could have said that in front of everyone, instead of waiting behind.

  “I agree with my father, I think you should have a reward.”

  “But I don’t …” before Aiden could say any more, Lana cut in.

  “Come here,” she commanded, motioning Aiden towards her. Aiden moved closer. “Closer.” Aiden took another step nearer. “Now closer.” Aiden took another step and was now right next to Lana, who still sat on her horse. “That’s perfect.”

  Suddenly Lana leant down and gave Aiden a quick kiss on the cheek. Aiden stood there stunned, as Lana sat up again.

  “I hope you like your reward,” she said cheekily. Then before Aiden could respond, she quickly turned her horse and galloped off to her family. Aiden was dumbstruck; all he could do was stand there completely stunned.

  When Lana reached the edge of the forest where her family was waiting, she stopped and turned around. They all waved to Aiden and then suddenly they were gone; hidden by the dense growth of the surrounding forest.

  Aiden stood still. Even though the family had gone, Aiden remained where he was. He contemplated the day's events. He had ventured into the forest chasing dreams and stumbled upon a group of bandits holding nobles captive. He had disposed of the brigands and freed the captives, and then battled the leader in a one on one duel to the death … and won.

  Then there was Lana - perhaps the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. More precious than gold and jewels, more desirable than fame or glory and more beautiful than a thousand sunsets … and she had kissed him. That was the best memory of all - she had kissed him.

  He couldn’t believe it, she had kissed him! Here we have a stunnin
g beauty, and she had kissed him. This must surely be the greatest day of my life!

  “ALL HAIL THE GODS!” Aiden bellowed, shaking his fists towards the heavens as though he had won a great victory - he did not move from that spot for a very long time.

  3. THE CREED: RETURN OF THE DRAKHAR

  General Vuko Vlad strode down the staircase like a man possessed, his blood red cape streaming out behind him. His long, snow white hair flowed in the night, his horns cast dark shadows upon the walls. Lower and lower, he descended into the unlit darkness.

  Through the hallways, his heavy gauge, black and crimson armour clanked. His guards were his shadows, his hounds and his protectors - their footfalls were the only sound.

  This was the most significant time in two hundred years. This was going to be a time of reckoning - a redemption for past mistakes. The time had come to right the wrongs done to his entire race. The Drakhar true-bloods would rule once more.

  What were his mistakes? It was a question he pondered often. Letting the humans live for one. There was a time, long ago, when the Drakhar could have wiped them out. But we chose not to, what madness was that? They had been paying the price ever since.

  The ‘Council of the Clans’ had a lot to answer for as far as Vuko was concerned. 'Allowing the humans to live and prosper, will benefit the world.' Those had been the words of Crok - the Head of the Council, and Vuko remembered them as clearly today as if they had only just been uttered. 'Crok the Wise' the councillors had called him. Vuko had nothing but contempt for the man, and held him responsible for the ensuing plague.

  A wry, sardonic smile slowly crept across Vuko's black lips. He had been the one to behead Crok one hundred and seventy-five years after those words had been uttered, and it had given him great pleasure to do so. What wisdom did your head find on the end of that pike Crok? Vuko snorted, he had a sadistic sense of humour when it came to such things. Your idealistic blasphemies will no longer infect this world, and soon neither will the humans.

  He had known from the beginning that it was a mistake to give the humans free reign of the world. He had known from the beginning that they would eventually turn on their masters, but even he couldn't have foreseen just how much damage they would do. They really are a plague infesting the world.