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Vethia: Lords of Ralk: Lords of Ralk
Vethia: Lords of Ralk: Lords of Ralk
Vethia: Lords of Ralk: Lords of Ralk
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Vethia: Lords of Ralk: Lords of Ralk

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Step into the unique and magical realm called Vethia. It was the first realm created as a prototype for all other worlds. Each new being was created in Vethia, before they were given a land to rule. Therefore this massive world is filled with many different creatures.

In the frozen northlands of Vethia exists an ancient city called Ralk. Ralk has been savagely attacked by demons whose true motive is unclear. It is now up to the Lords of the city to decide the fate of their kingdom which has been threatened by a species of lizard men.

Blake Cathel and his family are blacksmiths of Ralk who are caught up in the oncoming conflict with the lizard men. Blake and his brothers eventually prove their skills to the Lords of Ralk and are asked to join the council of Lords. This story follows their incredible journey from blacksmiths to knights and eventually Lords of the most powerful city in the north.
LanguageEnglish
PublisheriUniverse
Release dateMay 13, 2008
ISBN9780595613847
Vethia: Lords of Ralk: Lords of Ralk
Author

Timothy Joseph Welch

Timothy Joseph Welch was born in New York on November, 17, 1989. He grew up in Upstate New York and graduated high school in 2007. He is currently attending college. Vethia was Tim's second attempt at writing a story. He started writing Vethia in 2003 but ended up completely rewriting the story in 2005.

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    Book preview

    Vethia - Timothy Joseph Welch

    VETHIA: LORDS OF

    RALK

    Timothy Joseph Welch

    iUniverse, Inc.

    New York Bloomington Shanghai

    Vethia: Lords of Ralk

    Copyright © 2008 by Timothy Joseph Welch

    All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

    iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

    iUniverse 1663 Liberty Drive Bloomington, IN 47403 www.iuniverse.com 1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

    Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid.

    This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

    ISBN: 978-0-595-50127-4 (pbk)

    ISBN: 978-0-595-61384-7 (ebk)

    Printed in the United States of America

    Contents

    CHAPTER 1

    CHAPTER 2

    CHAPTER 3

    CHAPTER 4

    CHAPTER 5

    CHAPTER 6

    CHAPTER 7

    CHAPTER 8

    CHAPTER 9

    CHAPTER 10

    CHAPTER 11

    CHAPTER 12

    CHAPTER 1

    THE DARK FIGURES

    The early morning light beamed in through the hole in the ceiling and the sounds of birds chirping soon followed. This must mean it’s time to get up, Blake thought. It was Blake’s fourteenth birthday so it was no mystery why he wasn’t woken up.

    Blake’s bed was stuffed in the corner along with his brothers. His father’s bed sat alone on the other side of the room. The beds were made out of cotton and wool that was laid on top of low wooden frames. The cotton sheets were at one point white, now they were light brown from the lack of attention. The small house was quite plain. A fireplace stuck out of the wall across from Blake’s bed. The fireplace had not been used since winter. A broken dresser was the only piece of furniture in the room. On top of the dresser was a large mirror. The mirror was neglected and broken. Near father’s bed sat a bucket that was used to put under the hole in the ceiling when it rained. The floor was covered with straw. The straw wasn’t very comfortable to walk on, but it was much better than a dirt floor. They were considered poor to the rest of the city but compared to the old village they were middle class.

    Blake sat up stretched, then walked into the other room.

    The wall separating the two rooms had a big black spot on it. Blake had held a torch against the wall for too long which had caused the wall to blacken. It happened about a day after his family moved to the city yet every time Blake walked past it he was reminded of that day.

    In the corner of the other room was a large wooden chest that held weapons and blacksmith tools which mostly belonged to his father or Brian. Brian was Blake’s older brother, the eldest of four.

    Father and Brian were both blacksmiths. The house could have been bigger if Father didn’t use most of their extra money to improve the blacksmith shop. The blacksmith shop was located in the armory square and it was called Cathal’s Smithies.

    About six or seven books laid across the top of the chest. Father had recently received them as gifts from a knight who was happy with some work he had done for him. The books were mostly legends and old stories about the city, Blake had heard most of the stories before. Many of them were told during festivals by storytellers and Bards.

    Blake’s family spent most of their time outside of the small house. They had lived in the city of Ralk for almost three years now.

    Blake was usually always up first thing in the morning collecting wood or helping at the shop but it was his birthday, so he was allowed to sleep in.

    He ran his fingers through his hair, which was getting long. It was now past his eyebrows in the front and down to the bottom of his neck in the back. This of course wasn’t long compared to most of his family and the people of the city. Ralk was in the far North of Vethia and surrounded by mountains. Everyone in the north had long hair to mostly to help keep them warm in the cold. Blake decided he wouldn’t cut his hair; he would grow it long like his father’s.

    Even though it was his birthday he didn’t feel like he should be excused from doing any work. He went back into the bed room and fished out a shirt and cloak from the broken dresser. After that he slipped on his boots, which were near the door and went outside.

    The morning mountain air was brisk and he felt a refreshing breeze as he stepped outside.

    Blake’s younger brother Base was sitting outside near the fire in front of the house. Base was only a year younger than Blake. Base could get annoying sometimes but they got along fine most of the time, Blake was glad to see that Base hadn’t left for work yet.

    Hey, you sleep long enough? Base asked, in a happy yet sarcastic voice that irritated Blake.

    You can never have too much sleep, Blake answered, smiling. Everyone is at work I assume, he added.

    Base stood up.

    Yeah. We got you a new dagger for hunting, he said as he handed Blake a well crafted dagger. Birthdays had never been a big deal in Blake’s family.

    Thanks, Blake said, taking the dagger and inspecting it.

    It was longer than Blake’s old dagger. It looked like a smaller version of Father’s sword. The dagger was about thirteen inches long; including the handle and the blade had been sharpened and polished. Blake could see his face in the metal.

    It’s a good dagger, sharp, Base said, admiring the dagger.

    Base had an interest in knives and daggers, Blake could tell that he really liked the dagger.

    Base went over to the tiny stream near the house and dunked his hair in it. He pulled his curly hair out of the stream then shook is head. It was longer than Blake’s and blond like his but Blake’s hair was a darker colour blond. Blake was only about a half inch taller than Base.

    So let’s go to the shop, Blake said to Base as he finished cleaning his face.

    The city was at the foot of a mountain. The part of the city that Blake’s family lived in was near a path that led up to the main road. There were several path’s leading to different areas of the city and the main road which led up to the castle. They only had a few other houses near them and a small wooded area in back of their house. The woods eventually ended at the stone wall which surrounded the entire city. Towers were built around and within the walls while several small streams and rivers ran underneath the wall.

    The city was divided up into five major areas. First was the community, where all of the commoners lived. This was where Blake’s family lived. The next area was the feudal lands, located on the Far East side of the city. The feudal area was where all of the feral soil and farm lands were. There was also an abundance of raw minerals located just outside of the city which was mined for trade. The third area was the market place where all of the festivals and public speeches were held. The fourth area was the royal court which was towards the back of the city. The castle, barracks, noble’s houses and any other building that had to do with royalty was in this section of the city. The armory square was the final area. All of the cities blacksmiths were located at the armory square as well as the training field for all Knights.

    Since the city was located so close to a large mineral deposit the city had many blacksmiths. The main products Blake’s family made and sold were weapons and armour which they mainly sold to the military of Ralk.

    On the way to the shop Blake and Base talked about which was better in a fight, a knife or a dagger. They often talked about fighting and weapons. Blake and Base weren’t violent but they had an interest in weapons and armour. The dirt roads were crowded and Blake and Base found it hard to get by the multitude of people. When they got closer to the shop Peter (Blake’s other brother) came running to meet them.

    Peter was sixteen and he was Blake’s favorite brother. Blake and Peter spent a lot of time together and Blake could talk to him about anything. The two of them also went out hunting a few times without Father or anyone else. Blake in many ways looked up to him. Peter was tall and thin (like most of Blake’s family). Peter had lots of friends in the city and people seemed to naturally trust him.

    Do you like the dagger? Peter asked as he met them.

    It’s great. Looks like father’s sword, Blake replied.

    I thought you would like it. You might need it if the rumors are true, Peter said in a way that Blake could tell he wasn’t joking but still didn’t sound serious.

    What are you talking about? Blake asked, laughing as he asked.

    Some of the guards I have been talking to say that a couple of night’s ago they saw shadow creature’s lurking around the wall.

    What is a shadow creature? Base asked.

    They are very powerful dark demons that hide behind cloaks and cast spells, Peter explained.

    You’re not telling them that story? Are you? A voice said from behind Blake. It was their Father (Bade was his name). Father was a tall man with a kind yet strong face. He wasn’t particular big but was known to be a great fighter and fought in a few battles back in his days. Brian (Blake’s third and oldest brother) was standing behind him.

    Happy birthday! You know what this means? You will be doing more work, Brian said, in a joking voice.

    Brian and Father were similar in a lot of ways. Brian normally wasn’t as funny or friendly as Peter but could be from time to time. Blake laughed at Brian’s joke even though he made it every time someone had a birthday.

    Happy birthday Blake. Do you like your gift? Father asked.

    It’s great. Now I’ll be able to stab things, Blake said, grinning at Father. Blake and his father always made odd jokes to each other.

    We should get to fishing, Peter said.

    As they turned to leave Father began walking back to the shop. Blake looked back at Father.

    You’re not coming? he asked, disappointed.

    I’ll join you all soon. I have to finish fixing this man’s armor or I won’t get paid, Father said.

    All right. See you soon, Blake replied.

    Brian stayed with Father and helped him finish. They met Dan on the way out of the city. Dan was a friend of their family. He was fourteen years old and in many ways he reminded Blake of Peter. He had the same personality as Peter and was almost as tall as him.

    So what were you talking about before, you know the demon things? Base asked on the way to the hill.

    The guards say that they have seen shadow creatures outside the city wall for past two nights. No one knows what they want, Peter said.

    They must be looking for a way to get in; why else would they circle our city two nights in a row? Dan pointed out. Dan shared the same interest in gossip that Peter did.

    What would they want with this city? Blake asked a little frightened by the story, even though he didn’t fully believe them yet. A lot of the time their gossip was proved false.

    Maybe they want to wish Blake a happy birthday, Peter said, grinning devilishly.

    Yeah, I am great friends with them. For the last two nights I’ve been playing tag with them outside the wall, Blake joked.

    They went out of the city through one of the smaller side gates in the wall. The main gate normally did not open unless there was a great host passing though. The guard at the top of the gate knew them and waved when they came, then opened the gate for them. Blake and Peter waved back in thanks.

    Once they reached the river they spent the whole day there. The river ran through a large hill in front of the city and under the wall into the city.

    Blake, his family and friends spent a lot of time at the hill just outside the city. It reminded Blake of a hill they used to play on at their old town; this hill however was much larger.

    Normally they would work at the shop for half of the day then do whatever they wanted afterwards. Blake and Peter caught three fish and cooked them right there near the river. Father and Brian showed up after the first two fish were caught. When the day came to an end they sat on top of the hill and watched the sunset.

    Blake look, did you see that? Dan said, pointing to a shadow close to the wall.

    The shadow was gone before Blake could get a good look at it. He felt a chill go down his neck and was suddenly very frightened.

    I think we should go back now, Father said.

    They went down the path back to the gate. Although the shadow was lost from their view Blake still felt uneasy. When they got to the wall the same guard was there and he opened the gate fast when he saw them coming.

    You shouldn’t be out here this late! the guard yelled to them as he closed the gate behind them. They found nothing to say to the guard but thanks.

    Blake felt at ease once inside the city. Maybe I just imaged the shadow. The mind has been known to play tricks on people when they are scared, Blake thought, looking for a way to calm himself down.

    Dan went back to his house and Blake’s family to theirs. It was now dusk and there were less people on the streets than were normally out at that time. Once home they found a piece of parchment lightly nailed on their door.

    What’s this? Father said as he took the nail out.

    He read it to himself while Blake and his brothers waited patiently for him to reread it out loud to them.

    What does it say? Blake asked when Father finished.

    "It says; to all able body villagers. Shadow creatures have been spotted near the walls for many night’s now. Three traitors have been spotted died and it is believed that they were killed by the shadow creatures. When you hear the city bell ring, send out your best and strongest men. Meet near one of the barracks. You must

    defend your king and city, By the order of the king. As Father finished reading he folded the paper. This isn’t good," he added.

    Later that night they tried to sleep but couldn’t. Father and Brian were not in bed sat in the other room, waiting. Blake could hear them sharpening their swords and talking quietly. Blake and Base would most likely have to stay behind, Blake did not want to be left behind, to sit and worry about Father and Brian (like he and Base had done on many occasions).

    The bell sounded at last. The noise of the loud bell echoed through the city and in Blake’s ears.

    Let’s go Brian. Everyone stay here and guard the door, Father ordered, grabbing his sword and handing Brian his.

    I want to come with you. I can fight and you know it, Peter protested.

    Yes I know. That’s why I want you to stay here and watch over your brothers. They need you now, Father said as he and Brian left the house.

    Outside they heard the sound of moving feet and horns. Then all was silent. The house looked less friendly in the dark. The door was closed and locked, it was usually never locked. They could hear nothing after the bell stopped ringing. The only light in the room was the dying fire in the fire place and the moonlight. Blake did not like it. What is happening out there? Blake wondered.

    Peter suddenly got up and went for the chest. He pulled out his bow and sword.

    What are you doing? Blake asked, afraid that he was going to leave them alone. He didn’t want to be left in the house alone with Base (who was more scared than he was).

    I’m going out there. I want to know what is happening, Peter said as he got ready and took out Blake’s new dagger from the chest. You are coming with me, both of you, he handed Blake two daggers, one was Blake’s older dagger, the other was his birthday gift. Peter than handed Base his hunting knife.

    Father told us to wait here. We can’t fight yet, I never fought in my life, Base said, frantically.

    I’ll be with you and keep you safe, so don’t worry, Peter said as he beckoned them to follow him.

    Blake felt comforted by Peter’s words. Blake wanted to see what was going on outside and he knew that Peter would be able to keep them safe.

    Outside there were people running down the main path that led to the gate. Most of them where soldiers from the castle but others were normal citizens carrying whatever weapons they could get their hands on (most of them carried swords or axes).

    They followed the crowd of people running to the gate. It was now louder than it had been before.

    What is going on? Peter asked one man who was running along side him.

    I don’t know. I heard the bell so I grabbed me axe. The shadow creatures have come I bet, the man said.

    The man was short and fat and had no armour of any kind on. His axe seemed to be his only weapon.

    There was a great host of men in front of the main gate. All of them had their sword’s were drawn and they were ready to fight whatever was about to break through the gates. Blake and Base stayed close to Peter. They didn’t see Father or Brian anywhere. Blake looked around and noticed that he recognized most of the men.

    Blake’s eyes met with two men who stood farther back behind him. He knew these men. There names were Sean and Richard, they were brothers and Blake had seen them around Father’s shop. Both men carried swords and shields that they had bought from Father’s shop. They looked as scared and confused as everyone else. When Richard’s eyes met with Blake’s he smiled. Blake smiled back then both their eyes averted back to the gate.

    The archway over the gate was about thirty feet tall. Two stone towers which were connected to the rest of the wall stood at the sides of the archway. There were two different gates inside the archway. One was metal with small square holes and in front of it was a wooden gate.

    Both gates started shaking, as if there was a huge and powerful force ramming against it. The gates shook again. Most of the men looked frightened and started backing up away from the gate.

    A host of soldiers on the wall went into the towers and started shooting arrows and throwing spears down at the invaders in front of the gate. Only the soldiers on the wall could see what was on the other side.

    Follow me, Peter ordered.

    Blake was scared but, at the same time he wanted to make sure that Father and Brian were not amongst the group men in front of the gate. Peter led Blake and Base out of the crowd of militia and soldiers. If the gate were to fall they were a good thirty feet away from it.

    We should be safe here, Peter said.

    Where are Brian and Father? Blake asked Peter.

    I don’t think they are here, Peter said reassuringly.

    Hold your ground! Hold your ground! A guard on the wall yelled.

    A blinding light flew up from behind the gate and collided with one of the towers. Blake heard men screaming and the sound of stone falling. Every soldier on top of the tower had been blown off by the mysterious light which had been shot up like a rock from a catapult. The top of the tower was in ruins and the men on the other tower retreated back to the wall. This made the soldiers on the ground even more afraid. Several of the men on the ground dragged the soldier’s bodies out of the way of the gate.

    Blake’s eyes widened. He had never seen anything like it before. They must be shadow creatures if they can cast a spell like that, Blake thought.

    The gates shook again, this time it was even louder. BANG! BANG! They could hear both gates shaking and breaking. It was clear that whatever was on the other side would soon get through.

    Hold your ground. Defend your city! The guard on the wall yelled again.

    The gates shook again. It sounded as if the locks of the metal gate had been broken off.

    Then at last both gates came crashing down into the street and the soldiers ran for cover, out of the way of the falling gates. The sound of the gates hitting the ground was heard by everyone in the city. Both the wooden and metal gate had fallen into the streets of the city.

    Several cloaked shadows emerged from the other side of the gateway. The cloaked shadows hovered above the ground and slowly floated into the gateway. Since it was dark Blake couldn’t tell how many there were.

    Fire! All bows fire! the guard on the wall ordered.

    The soldiers on the wall shot a volley of arrows at the dark figures but the arrows all seemed to disappear as soon as they hit the cloaks.

    Blake, Peter and Base were under a small porch where they had taken cover after the gates fell.

    The cloaks suddenly drew swords from out of thin air and rushed into the city killing all in their path.

    Most of the men had run for cover after the gates fell and the men who rouse to fight the cloaks did not last long. One soldier was able to cut one of the cloaks but it had no effect on it. Another cloak came from behind the man and stabbed him.

    After all the men were killed the cloaks floated down the main street (which led to the castle). The once great host of men that were in front of the gate were now scattered across the street. The soldiers on the wall didn’t even have time to help them.

    Blake couldn’t believe what had just happened. Every man who tried to fight was slaughtered and it all happened so fast.

    The soldiers on the wall climbed down to see if any of the men were alive.

    Are those shadow creatures? Blake asked, still in shock.

    Peter nodded.

    Come. We must find Father and Brian! Peter ordered.

    The shadow creatures kept heading deeper into the city until the Knight’s from the castle rode out to meet them.

    Blake, Peter and Base started looking around for Father and Brian. They took another road down to where they saw more militia men running to meet the shadow creatures. They followed them.

    Father must be with one of these militia Peter said.

    Blake and Base had to run fast to keep up with Peter’s stride.

    A group of soldiers who were hurt and other soldiers helping them came running away from the battle. Father and Brian were among them carrying an injured soldier.

    Father, Brian! Peter called out to them.

    Peter what in the name of god are you doing here? Blake? Base? I told you to watch over them and wait in the house, he said in a mad tone but Blake could tell he was more relieved than angry.

    Did you see the gate fall? Brian asked after giving the injured soldier to a doctor.

    Yes. We were there, Peter said in a proud voice.

    Blake could only think of one reason why he was proud. It was because he was able to keep Blake and Base safe.

    Remind me to give you a beating after this is over, Father said, half joking.

    CHAPTER 2

    KINGS BLOOD

    The shadow creatures made their way to the castle. The Knight’s held them off for as long as they could but most were driven back. Once the shadow creatures reached the castle the guards were quickly overtaken.

    The leader of the shadow creatures was larger than the rest and floated faster than the others. He headed for the castle carrying a large sickle and cutting men down as he passed. He was even able to kill most of the Elite Royal Guards, a special group of soldiers trained to protect the King. Finally he made his way to the King, who had barricaded himself in his chamber. Earlier the King had been commanding the battle from the high tower of the castle but once the shadow creatures broke through the castle’s defense he fell back in his room.

    With one mighty sweep from the shadow creatures sickle the entire barricade was destroyed. The creature was now face to face with the King.

    King William the third, the shadow spoke in a raspy voice. His voice sounded like a dark storm. I am Rain the leader of this clan of shadows. By now you have realized that you are the reason we have come.

    King William tried not to show fear. He grabbed his sword from his belt and pointed it at Rain.

    If it’s me you want than take me and leave my city! the King called out, circling around Rain with his sword aimed at him.

    A booming laugh came from his dark cloak which echoed through the castle.

    Take me than, if you can! The King stabbed at Rain with his sword and without seeing Rain move his hand was on the King’s wrist. He twisted his wrist so hard that it broke and the king’s sword fell to the ground. The King let out a scream of pain.

    Someone will find a way to kill you! It won’t be me but you die someday! the King shouted as he was brought to his knees.

    Rain laughed again. This time it wasn’t loud but more of a snicker. Then his eye’s lit a bright yellow. Rain dropped his sickle and a black misty hand came out from his sleeve. He then said, Perish. and pierced the King’s stomach with his long dagger shaped claws.

    The King fell to the floor holding his hands against his stomach in pain. He looked down at his wound, surprised to see no blood.

    Now my king, your soul belongs to me, Rain said as he floated out of the room.

    Outside the villagers and the soldiers were all tending to the wounded and trying to find a way into the castle. The shadow creatures had surrounded the castle and were killing anyone who came near it.

    Father, Blake, Brian, Peter and Base were far enough away from the castle to be out of danger, yet close enough to see what was going on. Father was helping the doctors with the wounded.

    What are they doing? They are just standing there. Are they waiting around for the right time to kill us? Blake asked as he looked at the castle.

    Looks like they are just guarding the castle, Brian said.

    They could have killed us at anytime now. Why wouldn’t they? Do they just want the King? Base suggested.

    Aye I don’t think they are going to kill us. I read about shadow creatures in one of the books that the Knight gave me. If they want to destroy a town they do it fast. I have never heard of them guarding one building after an attack. I bet your right Base, this must have something to do with the King, Father said as he finished putting a bandage on a man’s leg. Then he stood up and spoke again,

    Whatever they are doing to the King it can’t be good.

    Father saw the looks in is sons faces and could tell that he wasn’t making them feel any better.

    Don’t worry they aren’t going to attack us again. If they wanted to they would have destroyed us already, Father said reassuringly.

    Blake turned around and saw Dan running to them. He was running very fast so Blake could tell something was wrong.

    Dan! What is the matter? Blake asked.

    Dan had been running so fast it took a while for him to catch his breath.

    Dan what is it? What happened? Father asked.

    It’s my dad! He needs help, he’s hurt real bad! Dan yelled.

    I used to be a doctor. I’ll see what I can do, Father said. Do you have any supplies? Bandages at least?

    We have none. I gave him my cloak to put over the wound, Dan answered, flustered.

    We’re going to need some antiseptic to clean the wound.

    Father turned to Peter. Find some medical supplies and be hasty, Father ordered as he followed Dan down the path to his house.

    Come on Blake. Let’s see what we can find, Peter said to Blake.

    Blake was happy that Peter wanted him to go with him. Base and Brian followed Father to Dan’s house. Dan’s father’s name was Ralph. Blake’s father and Ralph were close friends, just as Blake and Dan were. He was a very kind man and was always making people laugh. Blake couldn’t imagine what Dan would do without him.

    Peter and Blake ran around the city asking people for any spare medical supplies. Everywhere Blake looked he could see injured men. Many people were crying and praying next to their loved ones. One woman cried out, don’t leave us! I love you! Blake assumed the man was her husband. Blake looked away; he did not know what else to do. He felt sorry for his kinsmen and wished there was some way he could help. Why did the shadow creatures attack us? What are they doing at the castle? Is the King still alive? Blake wondered. He started talking to Peter to get his mind off what was going on around them. He did not know that Father was once a doctor so he asked about it.

    Was Father ever really a doctor? Blake asked.

    Yes. He was at one point a doctor. He gave up being a doctor when you were little, Peter answered.

    Why did he stop? Blake asked while trying to keep up with Peter. His legs were much shorter so it was considerably hard.

    Well, being a doctor can be a very rewarding job when you’re helping someone. Then there’s the down side though. Have you every seen a man die? Peter was talking while asking for bandage’s and it was hard for Blake to follow the conversation.

    Well I just saw a lot of men die, Blake said because it seemed to be the only time he saw anyone die in front of him.

    I mean have you ever seen a man die right their in your arms, Peter asked, yet he knew what Blake’s answer would be.

    Well no.

    To have someone depend on you to save their life and when you can’t it has a bigger effect on you then you would think.

    Blake never thought of that part of the job. It must be horrible to see someone die because you couldn’t save them, Blake thought. Blake didn’t think he could live with guilt like that. He remembered one time when he hurt Dan while they were playing a game. He had broken the rules of the game and hit Dan in the face with a stick. He ended up breaking Dan’s nose. Blake felt so bad after that he didn’t play any other games for the rest of the month. Dan of course found it funny that Blake broke his nose but Blake was filled with guilt. Now they both could laugh about it.

    The main path that led to the castle was lined with bodies and the smell of death was in the air. Peter and Blake passed a band of soldiers who were planning on retaking the castle.

    Blake noticed that some of the men’s wounds had a purple light coming from them.

    Peter, why do some of the men’s wounds have a purple glow to them? Blake asked.

    Peter looked at Blake and then at one of the men who had the glow coming out of a cut on his upper shoulder. Peter turned away took Blake’s hand and led him away from the man he was looking at.

    I think it might be some kind of poison. I am not sure but I think it said that in one of the books I read, Peter said softly to Blake.

    Blake looked back at all of the injured people who had been poisoned.

    Will they die?

    Peter lowered his head and ran his hand through his long brown hair and then looked up. He was not looking Blake in the eyes as he said, I think so.

    Peter and Blake were finally able to locate some extra bandages and an antiseptic from one of the doctors.

    We should hurry and give these to Father Peter said after he was given the medical supplies.

    They then ran to Dan’s house. Neither of them spoke but they were both wondering the same thing. Had Dan’s Father been poisoned?

    They finally arrived at the house. Dan was pacing around outside. Base was leaning against the house and trying to comfort him. How could Base comfort him? What could he possibly be saying? Blake wondered.

    Dan’s father (Ralph) was inside and lying on a few pieces of animal skin. Father was cleaning Ralph’s wound and trying to stop the bleeding.

    Did he get poisoned? Peter asked as he handed him the extra bandages and antiseptic.

    No thank god he hasn’t but his wounds are very deep and he has lost a lot of blood, Father relied.

    It took a long time for Father to finally stop the bleeding and bandage the wound. It seemed like it took forever. Blake could not imagine how bad it must be for Dan, to be waiting to see if his father would live or die.

    He should probably be ok, I’ll come back tomorrow and check on him, Father said as he wiped off sweat from his forehead and put his hand over his chest.

    We better go see if anyone else needs help, Brian suggested.

    As they left the house Dan shook Father’s hand and said his thanks.

    Once back at the main road all of the soldiers whose wounds gave off a purple glow were now dead.

    They are coming back! someone farther up the road yelled.

    Blake looked back at the castle. He could see the shadow creatures coming back from the castle. Blake’s heart began to beat very fast.

    Everyone Get behind me, Father ordered as he drew his sword.

    Brian and Peter drew their swords, while Blake and Base drew their daggers. Looking around Blake saw the rest of the soldiers were also getting ready for another attack.

    Hold your ground, a soldier said to the rest of the militia.

    The head of the shadow creatures was leading the rest of them down the road toward the gate.

    Blake was surprised. Why are they leaving? And what of the King, is he alive? Blake thought as the last shadow creature left the city.

    CHAPTER 3

    THE FESTIVAL

    Hey get up. Everyone has to help, Brian called to Blake who was still in bed.

    Base can gather the wood today, Blake said in a sleepy voice.

    It’s not just wood that needs gathering, we have to help bury the dead, Brian said as he got up and went to the door.

    Blake finally got dressed and went outside to gather wood. After breakfast Brian and Blake headed toward the main part of the city. The graveyard was outside of the city walls, between the city and the mountains. There was a huge cherry tree in the middle of the graveyard, which had covered the ground with cherry blossoms. The scene was both beautiful and sad at the same time. For most of the day Blake and Brian helped dig graves and bury their kinsmen. After digging one of the graves, Brian went over to a body of a man wrapped in a blanket lying on the ground. He lifted the body into a small wooden coffin next to the grave. Blake helped him nail the lid of the coffin.

    I knew this man, Brian said after the coffin was nailed shut. His name was John and he was only eighteen. Blake only vaguely remembered John.

    Why did they come here? What did they want? Blake asked as he looked out at the other coffins and bodies around them. Do you think they’ll return? What of the King, has there been any news?

    Brian wiped the dirt off his hand with his cloak.

    Peter heard that he was hurt from fighting the shadow creatures. How he could have survived an attack like that I do not know.

    More and more people were coming to the cemetery. It seemed like the entire city was there. After digging graves for most of the day, Brian and Blake returned home for dinner.

    We are lucky we didn’t lose anyone in our family, Blake said as he sat down on a log near the fire in front of the house.

    Brian began cutting up a chicken that they had bought on the way home.

    Father won’t be back till late, Brian said.

    Where is he? Blake asked.

    He went to check on Ralph. Base went with him as well, Brian answered.

    When the chicken was done Brian cut off a leg and handed it to Blake.

    Peter returned back to the house as the sun started going down.

    Blake and Brian greeted him unenthusiastically.

    Did any of you hear what is going on with the King?

    All I heard was he was hurt badly during the attack, Blake said. Brian gave Peter his attention. Blake could tell that Brian was just as egger to know as he was.

    Yes, he was seriously wounded and has been bedridden ever sense. One of the King’s servants went in to attend to him and found him standing near the wall chanting an unknown demonic spell, Peter said this in a low voice and looked around to make sure no one else heard him.

    What did the servant do? Blake asked, intrigued

    He didn’t say anything to the king, Peter said, then sat along side Blake on the log. The King refuses to see a doctor, he added.

    He didn’t want a doctor? How is he still alive? Blake asked.

    He must be badly wounded. How could he still be alive after an

    attack like that? And why didn’t they kill him? Blake pondered.

    Peter paused to eat his piece of chicken.

    No one really knows, he added.

    Brian looked up after he was finished eating.

    Who told you this?

    Tom, Peter answered. Brian nodded.

    Tom was a friend of father’s. He was a few years older than Bade and was the gatekeeper for the south gate. Blake had always believed information that came from Tom, since he was close friends with one of the Lords.

    A few weeks later Blake was outside of the house sharpening Father’s sword when he saw a beautiful girl walking down the street. He tried not to stare but it was hard not to. Every time Blake saw an attractive girl he seemed to get nervous. The only girls he had ever talked to were Peter and Brain’s old girl friends who still lived at the old town.

    After Blake finished his work for the day he went with Peter and Dan to the market.

    Besides the verity of fruits and vegetable stands there were also puppet shows, games, bands and chess tournaments.

    The twice a year the King held an annual human chess game. The King would play against other Knights and they would order the people where to move to on the huge chess board the King had built. It was always fun to watch, but Blake was too shy to ever play. He didn’t like being in front of big crowds of people.

    When they arrived at the market place it was less crowded and lively then usual. The city was still grieving for the men that were killed during the attack. While Blake looked around at all of the people in the market place he saw the same girl that had walked past his house earlier that morning. He wanted to talk to her but he didn’t know what to say. She was at a stand buying a basket of fruit

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