• Chapter:1

    “The warrior griped the hilt of his sword harder until the tips of his knuckles turned to a bright white. He could feel another wave of pain sweep over his head where he had been hit only moments before. Just one more moment and he knew that he had one. The one he had been forced to kill by the goblins laid before him on the ground. It had been three days since they had let him eat. Now he had earn his next meal.
    The man who had been sprawled out in front of the warrior had just been his cell mate for the last week. Now it is time for him to be laid to rest permanently.”
    An elderly man finished speaking to the crowd around him and took a deep breath. Most of the kids in the group let out another moan as they were lead home for the night. No more than a few stragglers stuck around to help clean up what was left of the bazaar that the merchants brought with them. The only thing that stuck out in the group was a young scrappy looking boy and his father. The boy was short with dirty golden hair and dark brown eyes. He looked up at his ageing father who was about to send him off to be an apprentice to a merchant within the group. This would be the last time the boy would see his father alive, for tomorrow he would be shipped off to start his life as the traveling merchant.
    The salt in the air was heavy as the boat crashed through another wave. It had just been a storm recently so all of the men on the boat had still been working and cleaning up. Haru wiped his forehead from the sweat and looked up at the sun. Then with another heave tied the rope down to a metal hook on the boat. “Land Ho!” With that said all the men turned to look in the direction that the sailor pointed to the island in the distance. This snapped Haru out of his daydream of his past , it had been almost fifteen years since that young boy had been home. Fifteen long years since Haru had left his family and traveled with this band of merchants. During that time the scrappy young kid with blonde hair and sad eyes had learned much, perhaps even a way to save his family farm and make sure that his family would never go hungry again.
    Among with five other guys Haru began working hard to get the ship into the harbor. Several other boats of different assortments were already there and many sailors doing several different tasks at once. It would take another two hours for the men to get their chores done completed before Haru was allowed to go were he pleased or more precisely to go to the farm where he had once lived.
    The merchant traveled down several cobbled stone streets until he arrived at a small building he believed to be his old home. Haru took one more deep breath before knocking on the door. A small click and screech a small female opened the wooden door and looked up at the traveling merchant.
    “Can I help you?” She spoke in a small voice.
    “Yes,” Haru spoke confidently “I am looking for your Father. Is he home?”
    She gave a slight nod then turned to a darkened room and spoke in a squeak “Pa- pa a man is here to see you. I think he is here to sell us something.” A crunch from a wooden chair and a bang against a wall. A few seconds later revealed an elderly man walking over to the door where Haru stood.
    “Can I help you young man?” He spoke with a elderly croak.
    It was clearly not the gentleman Haru had not been looking for. “I’m sorry I was looking for my father. Mr. Fiden?”
    The older man looked sorrowful at the young man. It had been clear in his face that he had seen much in his life and dealt with many hardships. “I am sorry young man. Me and my family has lived here for ten years. I believe that the family that had lived here before us had passed away. They could not get the crops to grow and lost most of their livestock during the fire. Neither man nor woman could eat and passed by starvation, I believe.” The Old man looked upset for Haru but it was not clear weather Haru himself had understood what he had said. Haru just nodded his head and looked away.
    “Thank you.” Was all that was said as the boy turned and left the property for the last time. Haru could not find anymore to say he had to just leave the area. He moved away from the farm and headed towards the end of town.
    That night Haru had rented a room over at the town’s inn. It was a small cozy room with a bed in the corner and fresh sheets. Haru came into the room and sat down on the bed. He then proceeded to pull out random items from the pack he had been carrying until he came to a small leather bound book. He flipped in a few pages until he reached a blank page. Haru quickly begin writing down in his journal.
    “Today I have finally returned to my village, Upon returning to my old farm land I seen that My parents have passed. Who knows what had happened to my sibling…”
    There was a loud crack outside the door and Haru looked up from his book. He closed it quickly because he did not have much of a feeling to be writing in it anyway. As our young hero stood to his feet his door was knocked in by a very large creature. The orc stepped into the room and only came in with a grunt.
    In a crackling voice “I’ve got another one.” He turned around to another orc who was entering the room.
    Before Haru could react to the situation a back cloth was thrown over him and he could feel a rope tighten around him. The two green skinned creatures let out a monstrous laugh as Haru was dragged out of the room sadistically.
    The merchant was loosing breath quickly by the rotten smelling cloth and the bloody rope that has constricted him down. After what seemed to be an eternity of minutes Haru lost consensus.
    During that time Haru flashed back to when he was younger. A simple time for our hero, working on the ship as a merchant. At the age of thirteen he had been schooled in the way of mercantile. Until he had enough knowledge to operate on his own. He stayed with his master who taught him a secrets in life. Through this man he became who he was today and he was grateful.
    Haru woke up and realized he was tied down to a wooden post with his arms pinned down behind him. It was already night. Haru head ached him badly as he attempted to move it side to side. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the dim lighting he could tell that he had been moved to an area away from the village. Where, He was not certain. All Haru could see around him was what looked like a wooden cabin. Much life was tied down around him but only a few stirred. Every one was dirty and worn ragged.
    A haggard cough made Haru look to his right where he could see a large muscled man getting up into a sitting position. He hackled a few more times into his dark skinned hand then looked up in Haru’s direction. “Your new here aren’t you?” He said in a rough but proud voice.
    “I guess so, but where are we?” Haru attempted to say. The young captive tried to struggle free from his ropes but with no success. So he brought his attention back to the man who was now standing right at his feet.
    The man came over and stood in front of Haru. All he had crossed his body was a worn down leather drape. “We are slaves to one who calls himself Lord Dofo. He makes us stay here and work in his tunnels until we die. The Orcs here are his minions and they make sure of that.” The man turned away from Haru and started coughing roughly
    again. When he finished he looked at Haru with tired eyes “My name is Bruno, What’s yours son?”
    “Haru” He wheezed through the ropes.
    “Well attempt to get some sleep Haru, Tomorrow you have to start your work. It won’t be easy and it won’t be fun.”
    When morning came Haru was chained by the feet to at least a hundred people. Bruno was right, Haru had not worked so hard before in his life. From mining Haru’s muscles and attitude grew. It soon became that our hero had forgotten what it was like out in the sunlight and wind in his hair. During the many months of slavery every man who had tried to fight the Orcs have failed and met their demise.
    Until the day Haru could not take the punishment anymore. Bruno and him set out a plan to make an escape. One mistake meant death but it was something both men would risk to see their freedom. They planed secretly among the men in the chain devising a way to free themselves.
    “You ready?” Bruno said to his younger companion.
    “Lets do it.” Haru spoke with confidence. He moved his shoulder to rub the irritated skin on his back from the many whippings he had received.
    An orc passed by Bruno and kept walking around the corner. When the malevolent jailer was out of sight both Haru and Bruno snapped their chains using their picks. The loud clank of metal on metal brought the green monster to attention and it turned to faced the two escapees. The Orc let out a horrible roar of a yell and charged right to Bruno who was closer to him. A quick heave over the shoulder brought the huge monster to it’s knees then the pike busted its head from Bruno. Both people turned to each other and nodded then proceeded to free the other slaves.
    Haru could not remember what had happened next. The riot was unbelievable both man and orc fighting and killing each other. It was not as planed and now the men were paying for it. After several minutes in the fray Haru escaped out the mouth of the dreaded cave followed by Bruno. Then a blood curdling scream brought Haru back to his senses.
    Haru turned around to see where it came from to discover a shimmering blade piercing through Bruno. Behind his slain friend stood an orc. It seemed to be moving in slow motion for Haru. The bloody blade sliding out of Bruno and being pointed at him. Haru drawing his own sword and charging towards the monster. Red liquid through the air as Haru brought down the orc with repeated blows.
    “Haru, my friend, come here.” Bruno coughed violently. Blood started flowing on the ground.
    Haru rushed over to Bruno. “No, No you cannot be dieing.”
    “Haru. I took care of you like a younger brother. But now,” Bruno wheezed “you have to take care of yourself…” Bruno could not talk anymore as his sprit had left his body.
    During that fateful day many lost their lives in the mine. Haru gradually walked up a lush green field and stopped at the row of graves. He was looking for a few in particular. First he found where Bruno had been laid to rest. He would miss his friend but he could not stay here. He dwelled on the memories that they had both endured then bent down and placed some flowers. Haru then stood to his feet and turned to find some more names. “Here” he spoke softly, “mother, father.” He repeated his gesture again toward his parents because he could not find the right words to say. Tears ran down his face when he finally got back up to his feet. “I must go now. I cannot stay here.” Haru spoke to himself.








    Chapter: 2

    Later into the next day Haru gathered himself to leave the town by sea. He took a job as a sailor on the ship named Tailwind. Where he would work on the ship to trade merchandise overseas. It seemed like an appropriate thing to do for Haru even though what has happened to him. He turned around and adjusted the pack around his shoulder. With the last glance at hand he went aboard the wooden ship. He still grieved deeply inside for the loss of his parents and Bruno but he was told to never give up.
    Several days pass and Haru feeling toward his homeland does not change. He tries his best to continue to work but memories of his loved ones. He would keep to himself on the ship and only speak when spoken to. It became apparent to the other sailors and they pretty much left Haru alone. To Haru that is all he wished for he felt that everyone around him would end up dieing.
    Early in the morning on the sixth day of the week Haru and the crew come upon an island. From what Haru could see the beach was hidden off from a cliff side. Why the captain choose to come this was ludicrous to Haru until he seen the many caves on the cliff wall. The Tailwind pulled up to the beach and the crew came upon the wall. Haru could not help but stair in awe at the wonder that stood before him. Each hole in the cliff wall seems to be inhabited at one time by a living creature.
    Only the howling wind was audible to Haru as he entered a cave. He bent down and took a look at a small book laying on the floor. It was worn and clearly over used. Most pages Haru could not even read, they seemed to be in a language that he has not witnessed before. A scream brought Haru around to face the entrance of the cavern.
    Outside he could clearly make out the men of the crew running about with weapons drawn. It meant only one thing to Haru, it was an ambush.
    Our Hero unsheathed his steel sword and took a look at it. It was a beautiful blade that fascinated him in the sunlight. Now it was not the time for him to play with this blade but a time for fight. He knew how to use the weapon well so he held it tight in his right hand. Haru rushed forward to confront the creature.
    A large serpent that was a hideous creature that stood over at least seven of the cave levels high. It appeared to have no eyes yet it was clear it could handle all the men. A few men were sent sailing through the air as the thunderous tail whipped down on the white sand. Haru lunged forward and stabbed with what might he could muster against the dark blue scaled monster. The sea reptile let out a screech then retaliated against Haru. Haru meet the same fate as the other men and was sent sailing. If not for the sand it could have been Haru’s last breath but he was just left with a few bruises. The creature roared again and charged to Haru then stopped right in its tracks.
    “Don’t ye be messing with my friends.” A voice spoke from over the sea cliff wall.
    Haru took a second glance to reveal an arrow piercing the throat of the creature. Then hero turned to face were to voice originated from. Before Haru stood a short creature wearing worn down leather armor. The small humanoid stood there with its bow drawn.
    Haru stood their in awe before the elf. He had heard of them before but this was the first time he had ever witnessed one. The elf unsheathed his sword and lifted it up in to the air. It glowed a shivery blue as he summoned up a flame. He took a quick leap and landed nimbly on top of the serpent.
    The creature whipped its head around wildly trying to free itself from the warrior. The elf held on tight and whirled his saber around his head then down into the skull of the mighty beast. The blue creature let out a horrible screech as it came tumbling down to the beach.
    “Well I have myself some dinner.” He took a look up at Haru and cocked his head slightly to the side. “My name is Zen,” he spoke with a squeak “who are you?”
    “Um. Haru.” The hero says still watching the elf.
    “Well Haru if you want some, come give me a hand.” Zen said waving his hand towards Haru.
    Haru took a few steps forward and took a few looks around at all of his fallen man. All but a few survived the onslaught yet this elf took it down by itself. He took a few more steps towards Zen then stopped as the creature got back up and gave a defining roar. It bent back down with fierce speed and swallowed the elf.
    Haru could not believe it, things just turned greatly for the worst. The creature bent down its head and bared its crimson incrusted teeth. Then another screech brought Haru down to his knees. Haru never believed this is how he would die. Then it imploded leaving parts flying everywhere. There stood Zen covered in parts and blood.
    “Ewww,” he said wiping off some slop on his arm. “there goes dinner.”
    Haru just nodded he was in shock. Subsequently our hero turned away and began walking. The tailwind was destroyed so the only way to land would be walking further into shore. Zen began to follow slowly at first then caught up with Haru.
    “Where you going.” Zen said.
    “I have to got inland so I can make it to Elcrastra by a week.” Haru spoke to his feet as he shuffled along. He looked up at the cliff wall as he headed towards it. It was conveniently covered in random foliage of trees and vines.
    Haru could hear the breathing of Zen as the young elf kept following right behind Haru. “You will never make it in time. Especially passed the large river that passes through here and there.” The elf said.
    “I’ll figure something out.” Haru spoke as he continued walking. He kicked a stone out of the way.
    The cliff wall grew larger as Haru finally came to a suitable spot. He took a quick look around at that time Haru turned left to head towards a visible path to get around. They reached a few feet up the open ravine when Zen made one more comment.
    “I would not mind coming. I could help get you across and I need some time away from my home.”
    Haru turned to face the elf. He was upset with the words Zen had chosen. “Hell, You should not wish that. You might never get to see your family again.”
    “I don’t have any family,” Zen said sorrowfully. “They were all slaughtered when I was young.”
    Haru was hurt for yelling at Zen. The Human had no idea that the elf had been alone here by himself for quite some time. He did not want to push the subject further for fear of putting salt in wounds. Haru understood he could not convince Zen of staying here other wise and not consider himself a hypocrite.


    Chapter 3
    Zen and Haru traveled together over the plains of Sacremento for many days and nights. Haru came to terms that He would not make the deadline for the next Bazzar in Elcrastra. During the traveling however Haru learned much from his new companion. Zen spoke little of his life but He taught Haru how to look forward to the good things in life. Haru could not understand how Zen could live this way by himself for so long. Haru came to know the land and how to live off of it. Both man and elf would take turns every night hunting for food. Haru learned much on how to use a bow from Zen even though he had much more training to go to match him on both the bow and the sword.
    They came to the edge of a forest and follow the trim of it for a few days before reaching the river that Haru must cross to get to the big city of Elcrastra and set up camp. From the other side the city stood tall into the sky. Both travelers faced their camp to this sight. From a distace Haru could see many people still wandered the streets. He slide a little further when one person on the outer wall. He bent down and pulled out a small candle and placed up against the wall.
    “Did you see that?” Zen said
    “yeah strange.” Haru spoke
    The man continued forward among the wall and turned a corner out of sight. Both heroes just looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. After another hour or so they both laid down to sleep for the night.
    Morning rose of Haru or so it seemed. The traveler rolled over on the floor and stired when the light brought him too. Haru sat up and looked over at the glowing city in amazement.
    "wha?" He spoke to himself as he got to his feet. Haru reached down to his over used armor and took a servay of the area. On the far side of the city where the large gate peirced the sky stood a small troop of men.
    Each of the men stood in a formation bearing crimson armor and oddly shaped horned helmets. They each lowered their pikes on comand and took a full frontal assalt on the feild surrounding the city.
    Haru would have laughed at the sight of what happened next but his elven comantion beat him to it. zen must have been awaked simular to Haru by the glow and seen everything. The force feild. Then the men and then each one valiently attacking the feild and sent flying through the air like a small kid would toss his ball.
    Haru and Zen took their time packing up their camp. They were both currious as to see what the commotion was with this barrier. The heroes approched the outer rim of the city within one rising of the sun. Upon entering the outer station where the men had stoped to rest after futilely trying to get into the city.
    Zen was the first to notice the large man who was still banging away at the wall with this giant axe. The man motioned them over but did not stop in attemping to break down an opening.
    "who are you?" He spoke through a hoarse voice.
    "we are but travelers looking for a place to stay" the elf spoke
    The man stoped for a second and turned to face the nomads. He stood atleast two heads above haru and another extra one over Zen. Sweat rolled down his brow as he heaved the axe over his shoulder.
    "My name is Warshall, the leader of the red bull elite. We are in service to the queen here in Elcrastra. But unfortuently none of us can enter our own city."
    "It must be the work of a sorcerer." Haru said as he gently placed his hand on the wall. It wavered a little like a gaint jello and gathered sparks around Haru's hand.
    After another hour passed all three men were caught up on the situation and begain helping Warshall to enter his domain.