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Descendants--an Assassin’s Revenge Trivial Matters--Grave Beginnings Written by Auren Darkbrooke

The young boy crept silently through the shadows of the tall, majestic trees toward the solitary figure. Peeking around each trunk as he came closer and closer, the boy smiled, "Finally I shall catch Father unawares!" he thought to himself. Making as little noise as possible, he paused as he came to the last trunk, knowing his prey stood only a few feet away. Ever so slowly he began to inch forward, prepared to leap as soon as his father once again came into view. "Gotcha!" his father cried as he hefted the small boy into the air. "Thought ye could trap me so soon ye sneaky rogue!" Auren laughed with glee as his father slung him over his shoulder and began the short trek back to their small cottage. "Can’t we stay and play just a bit longer?" Auren begged, as all small boys tend to do when having as much fun with their father. "Nay me little rogue. Mother expects us back for supper before sundown, and I’ll not be the one to get us both into trouble on such a fine evening," his father replied as a warm smile came over his face. "Besides, Grandpa Dan will be out looking for us soon enough anyway. No need to give him any more to do than he’s already got." Grandpa Dan had been around ever since young Auren had been born almost 10 summers ago, on a day much like any other, with the exception that it was the first day of ‘The Last Great Invasion’. Every decade or so, the much-feared creatures of the land seemed to ban together under some unholy influence and raid the populace, laying siege to whatever township was strong enough to withstand their first assault. Auren’s father and mother had been younger then, just married, and they both had stayed safe inside the walls of Wehnimer, the largest enclosed city in all of Elanthia. It was there they both met Daniel, even then quite old, who had asked if the young couple could use a live-in assistant to help with anything that might need getting done, especially since his adventuring days were long behind him and he had nothing too exciting to look forward to. The nice couple agreed, and in doing so, gained more than just a helping hand around their new home, but a trusted friend who would raise their newly-born son, Auren, as his own grandson. Grandpa Dan was now more than 80 years old, and from the looks of things, he didn’t seem to be slowing down at all, despite the fact that he couldn’t hear as well as he used to and seemed to become quite confused about the day of the week or if he’d already finished weeding in his beloved garden. Auren shifted and smoothly slid into a sitting position atop his father’s broad shoulders. "I almost got you today Father, didn’t I, didn’t I?" he asked as he bounced up and down eagerly. "That ye did little rogue! Soon you’ll be stealing shadows and hiding behind blades of grass, just like myself!" laughed his father. They continued on the familiar path towards home, when Auren noticed his father grow more and more uncomfortable, his head turning this way and that, as if searching for something or someone. "Time to get down now, Auren, and stay behind me!" his father whispered sharply into his ear. Just then a loud roar struck their ears and a shadow loomed over the both of them from a large figure standing directly in their path. "You’re late for supper and now I’ve come to fetch the both of you home now!" roared Grandpa Dan. "Dan! You know how much I hate being startled like that, especially out here with Auren," exclaimed Auren’s father, "You nearly scared the boy witless!" "Ha! Old Grandpa Dan still has it and you’re just mad ye didn’t know it was me! And scared you more like it!" cackled Grandpa Dan. "C’mere boy! How ye doing in your game?" he asked. Auren laughed as he jumped into the waiting arms of his over-protective grandfather. "Grandpa Dan! I almost sneaked up on Father too!" "Light on your toes boy, like I always said ‘bout ye, light on your toes and sharper than a vultite blade made by Tykel himself!" Grandpa Dan exclaimed. Auren’s father smiled and said, "All right the both of you. I’m not sure who’s worse Dan, you or the boy. Back home now before Mother really gets upset." How’s he coming along Gralkor? Grandpa Dan’s fingers flashed in the ages old Thieves Cant. He’s growing up so fast! If I had half the promise he did, I’d be a Legend by now, replied Gralkor. Aye, he’s your boy after all, and ready for the sword soon…signed Grandpa Dan. Yes. Gralkor signed, and that’s your job, Sly Fox. The two men smiled at each other, and that said, the three started home before they all really got into trouble. "Thank goodness he looks like his mother," Grandpa Dan whispered and silently laughed to himself. You say something? inquired Gralkor. Dan shook his head negative, and Gralkor wondered at the odd smile that played across Dan’s face for the remainder of the walk home. The knock at the door was most unexpected, and Gralkor had a sinking feeling as he stood to answer what surely must be bad news. Upon opening the door, his worst fears were realized as he recognized the garb of the stranger who stood in the door. "M’lord, I’m…" he stammered. "I know what ye are, young scout, what news do you bring to my family?" asked Gralkor, while getting a look at the young half-elf who stood in his doorway. By his uniform, Gralkor knew him to be a first rank scout from Wehnimer. Scouts were among the most elite trackers and hunters in all of Elanthia, composed of Rangers, Warriors and even a few Rogues. Of course they had to be due to the nature of their responsibility-- venturing farthest from the walls of Wehnimer, locating and then evading the attacking force, all the while relaying what they’ve seen through the use of a crystal amulet. Crystal amulets empowered anyone who was wearing one to project and receive the thoughts of others who were likewise equipped. In normal times, the folk of Wehnimer used this form of communication for the selling and buying of all types of equipment and whatever else came to mind. The use of an amulet by a scout had a different purpose--it made sure the information gained wouldn’t be lost in case the scout was killed before making it back to town, which happened all too frequently in these volatile times. "My lord, I’ve been sent as early warning from the city. Reports have been scattered throughout Dragonsclaw, and as far away as Glatoph. Nothing is definite yet, but the signs seem to hint at an invasion." The young scout couldn’t hide his anxiety or excitement as he told Gralkor of the most recent developments. "In the last few weeks our company has lost more than four scouts from unknown attacks. Since all the scouts were relatively inexperienced, the command felt it was nothing other than inexperience and carelessness." "Four scouts in such a short period…" Gralkor said softly under his breath. The last invasion more than a decade ago had started with almost exactly the same set of circumstances--the disappearance of a few novice scouts which should have given more than ample warning to the city militia. Unfortunately, no action was taken and the first wave of the assault wasn’t even heard of until the main assault force was moving steadily up from the lower Dragonsclaw region. Such an oversight cost many a soldier and commoner alike their lives, as well as an unheard number of Lords and Ladies. The marauding force wasn’t even stopped until after breaking through the city gates, where many an innocent victim fell beneath the hands of the remorseless invaders. "M’lord," the young scout continued, "it’s felt that for you and your family’s safety, you should move with all haste to a holding area inside the walls of Wehnimer. Reports estimate that there is less than six hours until the first wave arrives in Dragonsclaw." Gralkor, not really listening, had already made up his mind. "Thank you scout, that will be all. Continue with your advance warning. Inform the commander, whomever it is now, that my wife and I will join the defenders at the Northern Gate as soon as we can." The surprise on the scout’s face was evident and he couldn’t mask his amazement as he thought to himself, "Lord Gralkor and Lady Aureelia can really fight…?" With a quick bow, the scout turned from the doorway and ran off into the darkening evening. "Well, old friend. You know the peace couldn’t last forever. Now however, I know I won’t see you and your wife hiding behind any walls this time, eh?" said Dan as he came to stand next to Gralkor. "Dan, I need you to…" started Gralkor but was interrupted by Dan. "You don’t even have to ask," smiled Dan as he laid a hand on Gralkor’s shoulder, "I’ll protect him with my life." Aureelia, Gralkor’s wife, sensed something was wrong as she stepped from the kitchen ready to announce dinner was ready. "It’s happening again, isn’t it?" she asked as she slid into her husbands arms, "We’ll have to fight this time, won’t we?" Gralkor, unable to find the words, only nodded as he took what comfort he could from his wife. "Is our equipment still locked away in the chest?" he asked quietly, wondering how many years it had been since he’d felt the grip of his broadsword during battle. He could already hear the screams of the wounded and dying echoing in his head as he began to wonder just how bad it could be after all these years. "Auren…?" she began. "Will be well taken care of. He’ll be here, with Dan." It was then that Auren realized something was truly wrong as he looked up at his parents still standing in the doorway, seeing the silent tears flow down each of their faces. He’d remember them holding each other for those long, silent moments for the rest of his life. It was to be the last memory he’d ever have of them. "Auren’s asleep. He doesn’t realize what’s going on. How much do you want me to tell him?" asked Dan. "Let him sleep," said Gralkor, "and in the morning this will all probably be over and we can all have breakfast together. The last invasion didn’t last more than the day and the night, right Dan? How coordinated can it be? Wehnimer is well-prepared these days." Gralkor wasn’t sure who exactly he was trying to comfort, but the words rang hollowly in his ears. continue... | Main | Various | History & Lore | Ladies | Lords | Jyps' Tales | Memorials | Library | Simutronics® is a registered trademark and service mark of Simutronics Corporation. all rights reserved.The GemStone® IV game is copyright©1987-2005 Simutronics Corp.All rightsreserved.GemStone® is a registered trademark of Simutronics Corp. All rights reserved. This page created & maintained by Jypsie Calbot © 2005 Jypsie's Elanthian Library All rights reserved. Join the Blue Ribbon Online Free Speech Campaign!