Chapter One

A Chapter by btinge

Intro chapter to in progress novel

I still remember the day it happened, though I sure everyone does. The sky serves as a permanent reminder, even during the small moments of peace that I get, that unless I can complete my parent's work, fire and destruction is all this world will ever know. The day War crashed down from the heavens, bringing with him devastation beyond what we thought possible, was the day the sky turned blood red. That was almost ten years ago, but I still find myself haunted every night by that falling star, bent on stopping it from happening in the first place, just like my parent's before me. So for the past four years, I've been traveling this war-torn and desolate land searching for some way to reclaim the lost magic of time, with only my father's enchanted sword, Illusin, and my mother's book of spells to assist me on my Quest.

As Bruin rode on his conjured steed through the smoldering ruins of Harrobor, a town that just a few weeks ago was untouched, he couldn't help but be struck by how quickly it had fallen. Yet, that was how it always happened, even towns hidden by the best illusion magic were eventually found, and then it was only a matter of time until one of the Horsemen appeared to wipe it from existence. It happened so often that Bruin found himself hardened against the destruction, thinking only of how he was running out of time before no one remained.

This could only be the work of War, Bruin thought to himself as he gazed upon the flattened town, If only I had been there... no even I wouldn't stand a chance gainst his destructive power. Dismounting from his steed, he crept stealthily through the town in case any ravagers were about. The sound of frantic footsteps in the distance, someone was running from something, no, not something but somethings, ravagers, fifteen of them at least. Bruin began to follow the sound, being careful to maintain his distance so as to not draw the attention of the deadly monsters. The sound of the running footsteps stopped suddenly, and then the pounding began, whoever was running was trapped, it was only a matter of time before the Ravagers were upon them.

"Someone help me, Please!" The voice of a young girl rung out into the ruins of the town. Bruin remained immobile, knowing it wasn't worth risking his life to save just one young girl, that he wouldn't be able to care for after saving her. Closing his eyes Bruin prepared himself for what was about to happen.

"I'm coming to help you, just hold on!" A second voice cried out, then Bruin saw her, a beautiful girl running at full sprint towards the ravagers, her long dark brown hair flowing behind her as she ran.

The fool, Bruin thought as he cursed himself for what he was about to do, opening his mother's spellbook, he flipped frantically through to the required page and under his breath he whispered the incantation, transeria locather. The world around him suddenly disappeared, or rather Bruin disappeared from the world around him, the sound of wind rushing filled his ears and when the world reappeared Bruin found himself standing between fifteen frenzied ravagers and the Brunette.

Dumbfounded the Brunette could only stare at this strange man who had appeared before her. "Listen very carefully, if you want to continue breathing you have to leave this place right now," Bruin calmly and quietly told the girl, being sure not to move more than he had to.

"I... I have to save the girl, I won't allow anyone to become prey to the Ravagers and their brutality," the Brunette stammered out as she took a step towards Bruin and the Ravagers.

"I swear to you, that no harm shall come to this girl, but I can't protect both of you, so you have to leave, Now!" Bruin exclaimed as he called forth Illusin. The Brunette nodded as her eyes filled with tears as she accepted the helplessness of the situation.

"I'm trusting you," she called out as she turned and took off in a sprint, attempting to put as much distance as she could between herself and the scene. Relieved Bruin turned back towards the Ravagers, thinking of the mess he had gotten himself into.

"Just you and me now Illusin, just like old times," Bruin sighed. The Ravagers started towards him slowly, cautious of the new intruder of their hunt. Sizing him up the Ravagers quickly identified him as nothing more than just a helpless human waiting to become a feast for them. Their mandibles clacked together, allowing them to communicate with each other, ensuring that all of them would focus on this new larger meal first and to ignore the girl for now. The first of the Ravagers broke into a full sprint, brandishing its long jagged claws.

As they approached Bruin lifted his sword and whispered, "Illusin, shine," the blade burst to life as blinding white flames radiated out of the sword. Bruin swung up to meet the scythe-like claw of the first ravager, slicing the claw clean off. Followed by a quick downward slash, the Ravager's head was quickly separated from its body. "One down, fourteen enraged Ravagers to go."

Then in seconds the rest were upon him, Bruin ducked quickly as he evaded the deadly claws, knowing one small cut from their cursed claws could create an injury that would never heal. Bruin began to move faster and faster as he dodged the flurry of blows, moving as fluidly as a dancer does, becoming a blur to all those who could see him. Taking his time to dispatch of every Ravager, every swing of his sword delivered a deadly blow to one of his foes. It seemed that he would emerge unscathed as he was too fast and powerful for the mere minions of hell to overcome him. Finally, Bruin swung down one last time, then stopped, around him lay the bodies of the ravagers, counting them quickly he found fourteen. "I.. I missed one?" Bruin panted.

A scream came out from behind him, Bruin quickly turned around as saw the wide eyes of the young girl staring up at a Ravager's claw raised high, prepared to strike. The claw began to descend upon its helpless victim.

"Transeria Locather!" Bruin quickly spat out. The world went black, then he saw the tip of the Ravager's claw dripping with blood. He was too late, no. Opening his eyes again he saw the girl with her eyes closed, but she still lived. Bruin traced the path of the claw and found it was connected to him, or rather protruding from his chest. "So I made it in time after all. I made a promise nothing would happen to you, and I don't break my promises." Bruin told the young girl as he grabbed the Ravager's claw with one hand, preparing himself for what was about to come.

"Ignir."

The ravager ignited in a burst of white flame, that traveled from the claw all the way back, leaving only ashes in its wake. The claw now removed from Bruin, he began to bleed heavily from the gaping hole in his chest. As the blood drained from his wound he found himself unable to stay on his feet, falling to the ground suddenly, wondering if this was the end. Reflecting back on his choice to save the two girls, he knew he couldn't regret it, only wishing he had decided to help her earlier. Looking up at the young girl whose eyes were filled with tears, he realized saving her made this sacrifice worth it, "Do not weep... Find Amotheria, you'll be safe inside their walls" Bruin whispered as his vision began to fade and his breathing slowed. This is the end, Bruin thought as he finally faded.

next chapter

© 2017 btinge

Author's Note

Mostly concerned if you like the introduction to the story, do you like the characters introduced so far, should I keep going or scrap idea

My Review

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Octavia

Thanks for sharing this!

The beginning action was a little over done and the dialog a bit obvious (most of my first drafts have some of the same issues, so don't feel bad!) But once I got into the piece, I enjoyed the character. He seemed kind under a jaded exterior and I like your bravery in killing him (or nearly??) in the first scene.

I will keep reading, so I don't think it needs scrapped so far.