My story begins when I was out hunting with my mentor Laeyls, a Shadow-Warrior in our village. Laeyls crept forward and waved to me to come towards him. When I finally reached him he said, “Learn and always remember this, ‘where ever you tread, tread lightly. We are closer than you think and our weapons are sharp.” “And where did you learn this?” I asked. “it was taught to me by my mentor?” “why won’t you tell me who your mentor is?” “Because then I will have broken my vow and I would sooner let a Druchii live then break that a vow.” his eyes blurred with such fury as he said the name of our evil kin that he struck at the tree next to him with his sword. As he did this I saw a small movement behind him and took my bow of my back. Laeyls saw my movement and immediately turned around, almost eager for a fight. The shine of the sword made the boar we were hunting take off running through the trees. As Laeyls laughed at the sheer fact I was startled by the boar, I strung my bow. “lets see what the short bow of yours can do against that boar”, he said smiling. When we turned to go in the direction of the boar we heard another squeal and some splashing. “O, great he went across the river”, Laeyls said,” well lets hurry before he gets away.” As we got to the riverbank I recognized the river as one that my villages live on. “Laeyls, isn’t this the same river that runs by the village?” “Yes, yes it is Reanith and it also goes to the ocean. Now take your shot before it gets away!” “Alright.” as I aimed I heard foots step behind me and immediately turned around to see who this people were. It ended up to be some other Shadow-Warriors.. “Laeyls, we have seen a Black Ark off of the shore.” “WHAT?! Did you send word to the Phoenix King?” “Yes, we have.” “Alright then lets go and cut them off and I will send Reanith to warn the villagers.” “ Yes sir.” “Reanith you heard what you need to do now go.” “Where will you go?” I asked. “ we are going to give the Druchii I little surprise party. Now go and quick.” as I turned and started to run towards the village when an unnatural mist rolled in. I could hardly see 10 feet in front of me. When I got to the village out of wind, a guard came and asked what was wrong. I said that the Shadow-Warriors had spotted a Black Ark. He responded something like “ well that explains this mist” but I didn’t hear as I heard a rushing sound of bolts coming towards use. I dropped to the ground.. Instinct saved my nothing else, but the guard was not so lucky. I crawled through the gates and yelled at the top of my lungs “DRUCHII ARE HERE!” and almost at once all the doors of the village opened and the citizen soldiers were ready to fight. As I ran down the street trying to get away from the main gate I heard screams of death coming from behind me. As I turned to look hundreds of Druchii dressed in what seemed like a scaly cape. At the forefront of these men was one that was almost identical to the others but this one wore a golden helmet in the shape of a Kraken and had swords that were colored red. Then everything just cut loss as the village archers let loose the Druchii charged. I Let loose an arrow as I was pulled back. Startled I pulled my dagger out ready to strike but was relieved to see it was Laeyls. “ At least you got here before they did.” he said, “what happened? Where did your men go?” I asked, “When you went off running we came under attack by these men. I was the only to survive, I brought the fight here hoping you raised the alarm.” “But why?” “ well all of these villagers can put up a better defense than just one person. And we could win if they fight. But they won’t unless we go help them.” As we turned we saw that the village archers had retreated a few blocks to let the spearmen get in front.. “ Lets go Reanith. And remember they will kill you in a second if they can, so don’t let them. Also follow all of my orders today, Alright?” “Understood, lets go.” as we turned the corner we let loose our arrows in rapid succession, but naturally Laeyls did got more shoots down range. As the Druchii were dying from the arrows and the spearmen slowly were pushing them back. But then I saw a golden flash and then where 3 spearmen stood there now stood one wearing a golden helmet and welding red weapons. And through this hole poured the enemy encircling the spearmen and cutting the down with sheer hatred. Then some of the Druchii turned and started to run at Laeyls, the archers and me, with a cry for more blood. But what they failed to notice is that their hundreds was now cut to half of its original strength. As the archer poured volley after volley into the blood thirsty horde. Laeyls ran out of arrows and drew his sword and ran towards the Druchii. Some of the Archer followed him but others just took a few steps in front of me and continued to fire. The leader of the archers told me that they were to protect me when Laeyls was away. As Laeyls and the now less effective archers were in combat, the other archers were still pouring volley after volley in the enemy. But the archers with Laeyls were slowly dying one by one. When Laeyls saw that he had but only 10 men left he ordered a retreat. As the archers and him ran back the Druchii charged forward into yet another hail of arrows. But this time instead hesitating they continued and smashed into the line of archers. “RUN REANITH! GET OUT OF HERE! HEAD TOWARDS THE RIVER!” as I turned and ran I heard Laeyls behind. As we got closer to the river I noticed we were being followed. As we got to the river I turned around and saw the golden helmet warrior running at use.. Laeyls turned around and went to attack this new threat. As he turned one of the red blades found Laeyls’ heart killing him instantly. As I saw my mentor fall as a lifeless corpse I was thrown into a rage I have never experienced before. I ran at Laeyls killer with my dagger. I saw a red flash to my left and I jumped, again my instinct saving me. As I fell back to the ground I brought my dagger down and cut a slit on the golden helmet at the eye hole. But then the warrior picked me up and chucked me into the river. When I felt water touch my body I also felt my head streak a rock. In my last few seconds of consciousness I heard the warrior say, “ back to the black arc. For a new army is on the move and will be here shortly. Let the child go the sea will claim his life. I shall take this as my trophy.” I opened my eyes to see what I thought was going to be my last sight and I saw the now headless body of my mentor and I saw the back side of the golden helmeted warrior holding Laeyls head as a trophy. I blacked out after this sight and I awoke on a strange beach in some distant land. With the memory of my mentor and villagers killed by the golden helmet warrior. I vowed to kill this warrior along with any Druchii that dare to cross my path. Remembering that a Shadow-Warrior never breaks his vows even on to death.
