[Pokémon] TEEN Casting Shadows: Book1 Oracle of Oblivion

[Jason Wolf]

(image no longer exists)​

Pokemon Medieval Fantasy:
Casting Shadows​

Book: 1
Oracle of Oblivion​

Prologue​

"ok Jaklo settle down. I'll tell you about the old days again." My father chuckled as I pulled his arm begging him to tell his story again.

I quickly dropped to the floor and crossed my legs. My father leaned forward in his chair and looked down at me. He cleared his throat and began to recount his tale of his days as a knight.

"As you know I served lord Amoril many years ago at his fiefdom, Vistain. Here I learned very much about the world we live in. The first thing I was taught even before I had become a knight is the legend of The Seventeen Keepers. The Keepers were the holders and protectors of…" My Father stopped suddenly.

"The Seventeen Stars! The individual sources of all the power and life in the world that fell from the sky millennia ago." I finished my father's sentence.

"mm hmm. One Keeper watched over each star: Joseph had normal, Valkrie had fire, Tyr had water, Zane had electricity, Rafil had grass, Owiln had ice, Freya had fighting, Dariss had poison, Kane had ground, Eira had flying, Libe had psychic, Cinka had bug, Bour had rock, Wis had ghost, Eli had dark, Hewn had steel, and Rieck had dragon. The stars themselves are artifacts not real stars. These relics linked to the different types of power, but that much power couldn't be contained my a man made object and thusly most of the power of each artifact was released in the form of living creatures. Pokemon."

"That's why there are seventeen kinds of pokemon." I added before my father continued.
"Yes, now to this very day the Keepers still watch over the stars. Without them chaos and Oblivion would reign. It is a traditional belief that knights must defend the stars if anyone wishes to use them for evil."

"But no one knows where the stars are. How could some one find and use them?" I was generally perplexed.

"… Didn't I answer this question last time?" My father's brow furrowed.

"No, last time mom sent me to bed before you finished." I rolled my eyes.

"Well then, We don't know where the stars are, but it doesn't mean that they can't be found. If some one was dedicated enough they could locate them all, but it would be a challenge that no mere man could overcome. Either way on with the story, I trained for a long time to become a knight and eventually succeeded in my apprenticeship. Then I…" My father stopped talking to me as my mother walked into the room, "hello dear."

"Jaklo, you need to be getting to bed. The moon has been up for three hours now. You have to do more studying tomorrow for the Royal Knights Academy." My mother scolded me.

I regretfully hurried to my room and lied down on my hay stuff mattress. I blew out my candle and the room went black except for a slight glimmer from the fireplace in the main room. Pulling a woolen quilt over me I willing fell asleep.

The next day I woke up to my father sharpening his sword. The quick rhythmic sound of my father repeatedly running a stone of the steel blade echo through the house. I rushed to get dressed so I could see him off before he left. He was just getting out the front door when I ran into the main room.

"hmmp, trying to leave without saying goodbye?" I shouted to him.

"trying out a new fashion trend?" He laughed back.

I looked down to see I had my shirt and pants on backwards. I chuckled and then walked over to my dad. He gave me a big hug and told me to make sure to study today. He had always talked about how much he wanted me to join the academy, so day in and out I'd practice with a weighted wooden sword and study up on the laws and codes of the kingdom. I was pretty good with my wooden short sword, but a real knights sword was twice as long and heavy. I didn't have the muscle or build that other applicants had. All my muscle was lean and my height was average unlike the huge knights. I was a twig compared the applicants who were sturdy and strong like logs. The sword just wasn't good for me, but I had the determination and the sense of justice to be a knight. Perhaps I could just use different weapon. I had a lot of skills with some other ones. With my hunting bow I could hit a sprinting deer one hundred meters away in the heart… most of the time. I also was very handy with a Woodsman's knife. I got one last year on my tenth birthday, and I've used it for everything ever since. Either way I had really wanted to follow in my father's footsteps.

Chap:1 ​

a Wake of Ashes​

Pray of the Refugee-Rise Against https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtz...ay&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&index=3&playnext=2

The moon was the only source of light during the nearly pitch black midnight hour. It kept watch over me as I tried to rest in a grassy clearing, but sleep eluded me. I simply lied there wrapped in my gray cloak shaking from the coolness of the spring air, extreme anxiety, and pure fear.

I heard movement from behind me and held my breath. Wind howled endlessly through the dark forest. The trees would respond with a rustle of leaves and a creaking branch. Quiet cries of pokemon could be heard whenever the wind paused. Whatever had been moving now went in the opposite direction. I couldn't calm down. I was trying my best to keep an eye out for the man who destroyed my village.

It had nearly been a week ago when a stranger entered the small village I lived in. He seemed like any other stranger, and he was welcomed for the first few days. In some ways he was peculiar like how he dressed and his accent was one I had never heard. On the fourth day he began asking a number of odd questions to all sorts of people from the village. My father told me that he seemed to be in search of someone who lived in the village, but that the man kept the description of this person vague, mostly referring to his or her special attributes. On the fifth day he appeared in the center of the market square. He stood on top of a statue of the village's founder. The stranger bellowed in a loud voice that carried throughout the village.

"I am the Dusk Caster Kaedroc, and the harbinger of the Oblivion. By the command of my lord I will burn your pathetic village to the ground in a cyclone of black fire!"

We all started to panic as Kaedroc blasted a nearby building with an orb of shadowy flames. Many people including my father and I tried to run, but Kaedroc had more then shadow magic on his side.

"Hell spawn! Mistress! Collect these riff raff." Kaedroc roared pulling out two obsidian Pokerunes.

He threw the Pokerunes in the air and black auras burst from them. Two different pokemon formed from the auras: a Rhyperior and a Mismagius. They blocked off the routes out of the square. My father grabbed me by the tunic and ran faster then Kaedroc or his pokemon could react. He slid, still holding onto me, under the Ryhperior's legs and past its tail. My father didn't let go of me until he reached the edge of town.

I looked to my father and he placed his hands on my shoulders staring directly into my eyes. He was silent and I couldn't see the slightest bit of fear in him, it wasn't a surprise that he was once a member of the royal guard. I on the other hand was shaking horribly and I couldn't muster an ounce of courage.

"Jaklo, hurry to the house. Grab only what is necessary, and take with you the contents of the chest in the hay loft. Then travel north for two days. You should find the town of Quaros. Your uncle will be there. Find him and remain with him unless I come and get you. I love you, now run! Run!" He began to choke up as he spoke.

I did just as my father said and sprinted towards our farmhouse. I ended up looking back just in time to see my father take out his Pokerune and send out Sederon, his Serperior. Grabbing rucksack I crammed my bow and some arrows, two days' rations, and my bedroll into it. I went into my father's room and began riffling through his drawers. Eventually I found what I was looking for, an unused Pokerune. I put it into a pocket on my belt and ran outside heading for the barn. Inside I climbed to the hay loft and searched for the chest my father spoke of. It had been buried under the hay. Inside was a set of chain mail and plate armor, a sheathed short sword, and a letter which read:
"Jaklo Raedyn, you have been accepted into the Royal Knight Academy. Thank you for sending in your application, it will be an honor to train the son of Trent Raedyn."

There was also a symbol at the bottom of the letter. It looked like sun rising over the horizon. I stuffed the letter in my bag confused very much by it.

I sent in an application for the guard's academy last year, but never received this letter. My father spoke openly about how important it was to him that I get into the academy, but then why would he hide this letter? An explosion outside shook the entire barn. I put on the chain mail and the plate armor, but I could barely move with it on. Quickly I took off the plate armor and just wore the chain mail under my fading grayish green tunic. Grabbing the short sword I fastened it's sheath to my belt. I jumped from the hay loft and hurried outside. As I left town I could smell smoke from the burning houses and shops. I tried to ignore it as I went on.

Looking back I realized how quickly it all happened. A deep shiver ran down my spine as my thoughts switched to what could of happened to everyone. I shook my head trying to forget those vile possibilities. I Didn't want to rest with such bad thoughts on my mind, but exhaustion soon got the best of me and I gave in to sleep.
The next morning I forced myself up and began traveling again. The day before I had been going slower then I should have, and now I probably wouldn't reach Quaros until late evening or dusk. I sighed tiredly at the thought.

The hike to Quaros was mostly down hill on very rocky terrain. As I tried to prevent my self from tripping and rolling down slope I noticed that path hadn't been used lately, but it was the only path from Thunek to Quaros. Again I began to shake.

"No." I told my self "Gotta keep going… especially if that did happen."

I picked my pace and at a bunch of points almost trip, but I kept myself upright and moving fast. By noon I reached the fields surrounding Quaros, but there were a lot of acres between me and the city. Finding a shady spot under a lone maple I sat down there taking out a roll and some smoked fish. I munched on that feeling calmer and more optimistic. Once I finished eating I got up and continued walking to Quaros. I reached the edge of the city just as the sun began to set.

The city had a large stone wall, and all the entrances had big iron gates. I was stopped by guards who asked my business. I told them I was here to visit my uncle. Honestly don't think they cared what I was doing.

The gates rumbled open as the hidden gears were turned. After they were open I could hear the bustling noise of the city. Many people were going about their business. I barely remembered the way to my uncles home.

He had a small stone house like everyone else in Quaros. I banged on the door. My uncle, Garren opened it and laughed happy to see me.

"Jaklo, another surprise visit. What did you do this time?" He chuckled

"Uncle Garren, Thunek has been attacked by a dusk caster." I said with grim and quiet voice.

My uncle was silent after this. A grave and serious face replaced his smile.

"and, your father?" He said fearing the answer.

"he stayed there trying to fight Kaedroc, but I don't know for sure what happened." I answered trying to focus on that little glimmer of hope.

"Come in and rest Jaklo. We can talk of this later." my uncle put his arm around me ushering me in.

I went up to the second floor and he let me sleep on his bed. I was unconscious as soon as my head hit the pillow.

CHAP:2​

Yet Another Reminder​

Rooftops- Lost Prophets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EquQuv9kS_o&feature=BFa&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&index=8


The sweet aroma of stew woke me up. My uncle called for me, and I trudged sleepily downstairs. I sat down at the table with a large bowl of steaming stew. Slurping it up slowly my uncle asked me questions as I ate. I remained quiet on most of them because I either didn't know the answer or I didn't want to think of it.

When he finished asking questions he sent me back upstairs, and said that he was going out for a while, but then he changed his mind and told me to come along. He us brought through the streets to a tavern named the "The Onyx's Cave".

The tavern was a large wood and stone building. Inside it was adorned with assorted trophies from travelers, soldiers, and merchants. The whole building was bustling like the city had been during the day.

We sat down at a table and a server walked over. My uncle told him that we needed the house special. He brought us down to the basement where a number of others were standing around. The whole group was made up of all sorts of people: guards, travelers, and knights!

"Garren! We've been waiting for an hour. What has been keeping you?" one of the guards asked irritated.

"My brother is probably dead. A Dusk Castor has destroyed Thunek." My uncle said furiously.

Everyone was silent. My uncle walked to the center of the room. He looked around at the crowd.

"Now I need someone to come with me to Thunek, and…" my uncle began to speak, but I cut him off.

"I'll go uncle. I want to know what happened." I said impudently.

"and someone to take Jaklo to the Royal Plateau." he finished.

"but uncle, I have to know if my dads ok!" I said my brashness growing.

"Don't you realize that I care about your father too? He is more then your father. He is my brother and one of the last great soldiers of the region. Most importantly he wants you safe. You have to go to the Royal Plateau and get the help of lord Amoril. You must do this. For me and more importantly for your father." he redirected my immaturity against me.

I had to give up, and admit I was wrong. Backing off I sat down at a table while the adults went about their business. Two men in guards armor steeped forward to go with my uncle. Another minute or two later a tall lean hooded man walked out of the crowd.
The first thing that caught my eye was his long bronze falchion. It was a slender and beautiful blade with a matching elegant hilt then my eyes drifted to the longbow slung over his shoulder. In the hands of a skilled archer a longbow meant death to all foes. My father always said that a mans weapon is a mans way of life. This man had two equally dangerous weapons both were common to different military classes. I continued my analysis of the stranger some how knowing that he was looking back at me.

His clothes also separated him from the crowd. They were that of Timber-walker, yet they had the appearance of a rich man's robes, and the way his dark green cloak was draped over his shoulders gave him an angular but built figure.

His face was covered in shadows. I couldn't make out much more than his sharp nose and his chin which was covered in light gray stubble. The man began to speak.

"I'll escort the boy." he said in a voice that enhanced his mysteriousness.

"Cedric? Is that you? Its been a while I barely recognized your voice, but either way its good of you to offer. I think you're the only one here who really could keep an eye on this one." My uncle chuckled then returned to a serious attitude.

"I'll take that as a complement." Cedric laughed then walked over to me, and revealed his rough hand from beneath his cloak.

Cedric nodded sighing. He slowly removed his cowl. As he did so I began to see the worn face of an ageing man. His hair was a fading from brown to gray and a few fine wrinkles outlined his sharp features. What I noticed most was his eyes. They were a warm amber, and they seemed to be an entire history of this man's life. I looked into them and felt myself going deeper and deeper into Cedric's past. I saw anguish, sorrow, rage, and ferocity, but at the same time I saw compassion, joy, love, and mercy.

"Jaklo, I have to ask if you're willing to trust in an old man like me. Your father seemed to have trusted it enough." Cedric's voice sounded like he was in pain, and yet he sounded hopeful.

I thought for a moment he said he knew my father, and that didn't sound too far fetched since he knew my uncle, but what was getting at me was, how. After gnawing on my lip while trying to decide I stood and looked him in the eyes again. He looked back at me with a subtle smirk. Some how he knew my question.

"Your father and I were both in the service, but it was rare that I got to see him. We both served lord Amoril, but he was a knighted guard and was one of the elite Timberwalkers. The only time we ever did was over some ale in the Tavern, but don't most soldiers meet that way?" Cedric again held out his hand, but after hearing him speak so much I noticed his accent.

"I guess so. There's… there is… one thing is bothering me. I can't help but notice your accent. I know from one other place… The ranting speech of the dusk castor, Kaedroc." I kept my voice calm even though I felt like quieting myself after every word.

No one not even Cedric seemed bothered by the comment. I on the other hand was now shuffling around in uncomfortable silence. Cedric was the one who decided to have mercy on me.

"I am from a region far north of the Royal Plateau. Perhaps that is also the homeland of Kaedroc." Cedric explained. "I do swear though in The Great King Daived's name I have nothing to do with Kaedroc other then wanting to stop him."

" ehg… sorry about the comment though. I…"

"Jaklo, Cedric, we need to move things along. The sun will rise within two hours. Hurry and get Jaklo moving." My uncle said abruptly.

"Yes uncle Garen. Cedric I guess that I'll have to trust you even if I don't yet." I sighed with a slight grunt.

We hurried upstairs and the crowd filed out after us. Back outside Cedric pulled out a map of the kingdom. He traced our route with his finger. Oddly enough it didn't seem to go along any of the main routes or roads. It went through the quarry to a small village, then through a forest to Kepshore, and finally across the plains to reach the Royal plateau.

"we'll take this route for the next few days to Kepshore." Cedric revealed leading us to a rocky path which cut right through the town's quarry.

Chap:3​

Deaths' wounds​

When I'm Gone - 3 Doors Down

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMYbrF8tnog&feature=BFa&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&lf=BFp

The path sloped down following the quarry's steep walls. As we descended it grew darker despite sunrise being minutes away. Shadows began to creep up the walls, and the morning light was turned into a tiny yellow sliver above us.

Trying my best to keep up with Cedric in the dark I kept my hand on the wall using it for a sense of direction, but thankfully the way was generally straight. We were walking for what seemed like hours, but had only been a half at most when Cedric stopped, tensed, and shoved me behind the cover of a boulder.

"what is it?" I whispered glaring at him for pushing me.

"I smell rotting meat, and a lot of wild pokemon probably do too. We need to be careful, any scavenger who thinks we're here to steal its meal will attack on sight." Cedric's voice was quiet and direct.

It wasn't long before we found the carcass. A pokemon had been violently attacked and left for dead out here in the quarry. Both Cedric's and my own face grimaced at the atrocity. We continued on trying to put the corpse behind us, but I stopped and turned around when I heard a low moaning wail.

"Cuooooooonn… Cuuuoooooonn…"

The sound was coming from somewhere near the carcass. I stepped towards it, but Cedric grabbed my shoulder. He silently reminded me of the risk I was going to take, but it didn't matter to me. Step by step I inched closer to the dead body. The smell grew worse, and the body itself was too mangled and horrific to describe.

The sound continued until it stopped mid-moan when I stepped past the carcass. I looked around suddenly and barely saw a quick flick of motion. A short brown pokemon stood with its back to me. It gazed ominously at the un-decrepit light gray skull of the dead pokemon. Unbelievably it slowly placed its hands the skull and picked it up. Beneath it was a second skull covered in rot, which I found completely revolting. The first skull which was picked up by the pokemon was clean and untouched by the rotting from the rest of the body. The little pokemon paused for a moment and then placed the skull on its head. I stepped back utterly confused by the pokemon's actions.

The short pokemon turned around now adorned with the light gray skull and looked up at me with a flood of tears held back behind its eyes. It picked up a long bone which I hadn't noticed before. Holding it in one of his hands he cried out at me.

"Cubone, Cue Cue bone noen. Boen bone" he said not taking his gaze off me.

Looking to Cedric for an answer I noticed that he didn't seem at all disturbed by the ritual. I decided to save the question for later.

We continued on the route which opened up into a large pasture. Having gotten over the nausea caused by the corpse we settled on having a quick meal here. We sat down on the grass and nibbled on our provisions. In the quiet of the moment my mind flashed back to the small pokemon. Why was he acting like that? Why'd he take the other pokemon's skull? Why'd he look at me like that?

"Cedric," I asked out of the blue. "Do you know what that pokemon was doing?"

"Well I believe He was a Cubone. They are a very mysterious ominous pokemon. It seems that they have sort of tradition where when the mother or father Marowak dies her or his child takes the skull helmet that she/he wore. This way they keep a connection between each other after they are gone." Cedric spoke slowly almost in reverence.

"But that's just weird. Its practically defiling your parent's body by looting it?" I was getting impulsive.

"Maybe it is weird to us, but to them I'm sure the idea of sealing your deceased family away in tombs and thinking them gone is simply idiotic." Cedric responded trying to make me think straight. "The helmet is like an heirloom. It is a reminder of the ones they were close with."

"A reminder that they're dead!" My impulsiveness grew to anger. "the last thing I need is something or some one constantly telling me that I will never see my mother or father again!"

Cedric only sighed at my fury. He seemed to have total apathy. Why had I been convinced to have him guide me? So far all he did was make my blood boil. I stomped angrily off behind the brush on the edge of the pasture. But now under the cover of the tall grass and weeds I sank to the ground holding my knees and began to cry.

Cedric didn't understand me at all. I'd lost my mom back was I was still a little kid, but then I still had my dad who helped me stay strong. Now I'd lost them both, and the wound caused by it was still fresh. I didn't need reminding of my parents death. I wanted to forget it.

My own cries only stopped when I began hearing the low moaning from the before. I lifted my head up an looked around, but tears still clouded my sight. The moaning grew louder yet I hadn't moved an inch.

The Cubone burst from the brush and began shouting at me. He tugged at my leg trying to drag me towards the quarry path. I looked past my knees at him, and tried to figure out what was wrong. His eyes spouted rivers of tears that flowed out over his bone helmet. He kept trying feverishly to get me to go back down the quarry route. I figured it was a good excuse to get away from Cedric for a while though, so I picked up the Cubone and hurried back down the path.

I ran back to the carcass on the path where I had found him before. A different pokemon now stood there hunched over the corpse. Its body was made entirely of jagged dark purple crystals, and the pokemon's hands ended it long razor sharp claws. The entire monster was designed for tearing apart at anything in its way, but what made me fear it was its two glossy teal jewel eyes. I had stared it down trying to intimidate it, but it just stared never blinking right back at me with a demonic grin on its face.

"Sabilyie!" It screeched jumping over the corpse and onto the path.

The Cubone jumped from my arms. Wielding his bone in a battle stance the Cubone seemed to challenge the other pokemon. With a hissing laugh it nodded almost invisibly. Both of the pokemon stood on the path ready to duel to the death then the battle began.
The Cubone made the first move. He charged at the crystal pokemon and swung his bone weapon with all his might. It bashed into the left shoulder of the enemy pokemon which sent it cringing to the right. Now the Cubone was felling confident and began make a number of quick swings at its foe, but the other pokemon now dodged the blows laughing each time he did so. The Cubone grew more agitated with every miss. He began to lose focus. The crystal pokemon saw the advantage and took it. In one quick movement he slide behind the Cubone and thrashed him repeatedly with his claws. To finish him off the dark pokemon made a ball of shadows, just like Kaedroc could, and blast the Cubone's cut and gashed back. He fell to the ground, and I saw blood starting to drip from his wounds. The other pokemon just laughed breaking into an even bigger grin. I felt mix of emotions building up inside me: regret, anger, sorrow, pain, rage, fear, and guilt.

"Not again. Never again!" I roared.

In an instant I drew my sword bashed the dark pokemon with the side of it. The hit was completely unexpected and knocked the purple pokemon off back. It fell to the ground, but jumped back up and glared at me with a crooked toothed grin. I saw the pokemon's claws begin to grow longer and sharper as it shifted around creating a plan of attack. It decided that a direct approached would be good enough and it sprinted at me then jumped towards my chest. It wasn't very hard to bring up my sword and block his attack, but as I pushed him back I realized that I wasn't wasting my time I was wasting the Cubone's. It made a broad arc with the side my sword and then pinned the pokemon against the quarry wall. Standing aside just wasn't going to cut it anymore. The crystal pokemon's grin faded, and now it was frantic and horrified. Leaning towards it I stared into its eyes again.

"Scram, or next time use the blade." I threatened pulling away my blade.

The pokemon ran off into the quarry, and I tried to calm myself back down from the adrenaline. I ran to the Cubone and picked him up. His back was badly torn up, and he wheezed with every breath. Even though I still was a little angry with Cedric he was the only one who could help. Turning to go back up the path I found Cedric right there behind me.

"Come on, he'll be alright once we get him back up to the pasture." Cedric said with a voice that may have comforted me if it didn't unnerve me so much.

I would have yelled at him for not helping if the Cubone's injuries weren't so severe. Back at the top of the route Cedric used some kind of salve on the Cubone's wounds. He told me that the Cubone would have to rest for a while.

The spring sun was already setting, so we had to make camp there for the night. Cedric went off to collect fire wood while I watched over the Cubone. As he slept the Cubone would toss and turn crying out at random moments. He seemed to be having a nightmare. I placed my hand on his shoulder to wake him up.

"Its ok Cubone, you're safe." I comforted him.

"Cu Cubone." he yawned.

Cedric returned soon after with a bundle of sticks and a few wild mushrooms. Once the fire was lit Cedric began cooking supper. He threw together a delicious broth from assorted herbs and other common ingredients. I used my mug as a bowl for the Cubone. When dinner was finished Cedric told me to retire, and that he'd take the entire watch because I was to keep an eye on the Cubone.

As the night hours passed I watched the fire slowly die. My mind was buzzing even if I was tired. That moment back down on the route when the Cubone was lying there. I could have down something first. I could have stopped it before he got hurt, but I didn't. I owed it to this Cubone to take care of him now.

Chap:4 ​

a Found Cause​

It's Not Over- Daughtry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ92eyxnxmQ&feature=BFa&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&index=11​

I woke up the next morning to a peculiar sound. Slowly opening my eyes I saw the Cubone lying next to me snoring. Each time he exhaled his helmet would rattle. I poked his belly trying to wake him up. He rolled over and I saw his back. It was slightly scarred, but all the wounds were healed. Whatever that stuff Cedric used worked.

We packed up camp, and began to walk down the route. The Cubone tailed us. It even followed me when I went off route and walked in a circle. Cedric didn't mind him and neither did I, but I found it awkward to have him follow me like that.

"you know if you want to come with us then you just have to say so." I said checking my many belt pockets for the Pokerune I brought from home.

The Cubone seemed unsure about this idea. He turned his back to me and began to think. I really hoped he wanted to come. It was a completely random occurrence that we met, but I'm glad we did. Turning slowly back to me the Cubone nodded once and then raised his bone in approval.

"Cuuone Cubone!" he shouted.

"Lets see if I got this right then." I tossed the Pokerune above our heads.

The rune stayed in the air and just hovered there for a moment. It began to glow a dark brown and then it swapped to a burning orange. Switching between the two the rune began to work. The Cubone closed his eyes and turned into a brown aura which flowed into the Pokerune then burst out of it. My Cubone reappeared where he had been before. The rune floated lower still glowing brown and I grabbed it.

"Cubone, if you're coming with us mind if I give you name? Everybody needs one." I asked him.

"Cue Cuboon bone oen" He nodded.

" Now to think of one… right… um… Bones? No, that's lame. Kane… yeah… Kane. I think it sounds good. Cubone what do you think?" I shrugged figuring his approval was more important then mine.

"Cuuuuuuu Bone!" He shouted in agreement.

Cedric motion for us to get moving and we continued walking. Kepshore wasn't too much farther. This actually confused me. I thought the trip to Kepshore took almost a week, but we might make it there in two or three days time. Yet another question I had about Cedric. How did he know fast routes like this?

Getting over my annoying curiosity I took a deep breath through my nose, and noticed a familiar smell. Smoke, loads of it. I looked up and saw it floating like thunderclouds. Cedric and Kane saw it too. Part of me said to run away from it the other run towards it.
"Lets go." I said quick and quiet.

"Are you sure? Jaklo do you realize what might be happening or have happened there?" Cedric again pointed out my lapse in logic.

"yes, but I don't care. I didn't do anything when my town burned. Now here is my chance." I looked at Cedric.

"You are impulsive and confused Jaklo. I understand what its like to be young, but you are pushing it…" Cedric sighed. "lets get going."

The smoke was coming from a town just like I had figured. It was a small fishing village that was reduced to ruins and ashes by a dusk castor. The destruction had happened only minutes ago. We slowly moved towards the center of the town. For the sight of a massacre there seemed to be a major lack of bodies. I wasn't sure if I should be happy or afraid because of that though.

When we reached the center of Town I saw a thin figure wearing an ornate cape like that of a duke standing alone in the open plaza. He whirled around laughing. His eyes came to rest on me. I was scared stiff. Instead of what I expected he just turned back around and vanished in a black pool of liquid.

"you can now breath Jaklo." Cedric placed his hand on my shoulder making me jump.
I hadn't even noticed I was holding my breath. When I turned around to face Cedric I realized that Kane was tightly holding onto my leg. Kane and his helmet shook and rattled.

"Yeah lets get going. I don't like it here." I said trying to regain my earlier courage.
Slowly we continued through the village to make it back to the route. None of us said a word as we left the desolate place. Personally I was still to scared to really speak.
The path now curved through a tightly knit forest. Branches hung low overhead and made a near solid canopy. The forest seemed almost as desolate as the village. It was almost silent other then distant pokemon calls. Other than that I was able to just quietly think to myself.

My mind wandered as we continued, but my eyes kept focused on Kane. He was walking at a quick pace to keep up. He needed four steeps to equal mine. It was just such a curious thing. Kane wasn't as nearly as bothered about the man. He was obviously terrified earlier, but now he seemed to be over it. I on the other hand still heard that horrid laughter echoing in my ears, but if Kane was alright then I had to be too.
I started to relax until I heard a rustle in the leave overhead. I paused for a moment and the rustling stopped. Taking a deep breath to calm myself down I continued walking. A few moments later I heard the rustling again. Quickly I looked above me just before a figure jumped from the branches and landed on me pinning me to the ground.

"Not one sound. Not one move." the figure said in a girls voice.

I considered ignoring her until I noticed the knife an inch from my neck. With half my face being shoved into the ground it was hard to get a good look at the girl. All I could really tell was that she was wearing a dark yet vibrant green cloak and hood that kept her face and upper body concealed.

"Caun ou ease ake oer boot aff f ie ace." I mumbled into the dirt.

"I said be quiet dusk castor!" She shouted at me.

Kane was standing off to the side shouting at the girl. He was about to brain her with his bone when Cedric began to speak.

"I believe a mistake has been made my dear." Cedric's voice was eerily persuasive. "We are just passing through the area to Kepshore. I am Cedric Myro. The person you are standing on is my apprentice, Jaklo Raedyn."

'When'd I become your apprentice!?' I screamed in my mind.

"No, its not possible. I was the only one who got away from that mad man in the village. Besides Gail saw you with the dusk castor." The girl shouted refusing to believe.

"wvat!" I grumbled.

I pushed myself up and knocked the girl into the brush. She jumped back onto the route furious.

"I don't know who Gail is, but we weren't with the dusk castor. We saw the smoke and went to investigate. He just happened to be near the same place as us for a few seconds." I yelled at the girl.

"Why should I believe you? You're a total stranger to me, and I trust Gail with my life." The girl said taking a battle stance.

"because, I'm trying to stop the dusk castors." I drew my sword as I spoke.

There was a moment of silence then she rushed me. Kane grabbed his bone and charged, but Cedric held him back as the girl leapt towards me. With knives in each hand she wasn't going to make this easy. She was able to quickly jab one of the two blades at me then the other to deflect my swings. My large heavy sword was no match for her precise agile stabs. I jumped back as she made a wide slash at my stomach. I threw/dropped my sword aside and pulled out my bow. With only three feet between us I had a sure shot, but I didn't take it. I lowered my bow and glared at her.

"How's that for proof?" I asked.

"…its enough…" She said regretfully.

"Well, being as that this detour has delayed us yet another day I suggest we camp here rather then continue until dark." Cedric grumbled a sigh.

"Before we do that I have another Question. Who are you?" I asked the girl.

"My Name is Kathrin. Kathrin Leon." She answered.

Chap:5 Enlighten us if you would​

All My Friends Are Metalheads- Less Than Jake​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCrONmNKFug&feature=BFa&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&index=15

While we were setting up camp I kept an eye on Kathrin. I figured first chance she got either she'd run or run me through. Instead she just kept quiet and did whatever Cedric said. When Cedric sent her to retrieve firewood I was amazed to see her return.

Once the work was finished Cedric began making the same stew he had made the night before. Kane, Kathrin, and I sat around the fire. My curiosity was building, but I wasn't the first one to ask a question.

"Cuon Cuuboneee!?" Kane jumped up and pointed his bone at a fast moving shadow in the trees.

"…oh… well sheesh took ya long enough!" Kathrin rolled her eyes.

The shadow darted towards her. It was moving at a great speed, but it stopped in a split second infront of Kathrin. A short and stout bird pokemon perched itself on Kathrin's arm.

"Fard fetged fech'd !" it cooed.

"Gail don't you try to kiss up to me now. You're hours late and look what happened while you were gone!" Kathrin raised her voice and sounded like she was yelling at a younger sibling.

"edgeee" Gail sighed.

Kane was quietly laughing under the cover his helmet. It seemed like he enjoyed seeing the other pokemon in trouble. I just sat quietly waiting of Kathrin to stop disciplining her pokemon.

It was actually quite the show. Gail would do her best to explain its side of the story while Kathrin shot down all of Gail's reasoning. Even if I didn't know what Gail was saying she would make gestures with a short stick wrapped in her wing. Gail's story seemed to be that she had gotten caught in a wind which knocked her off course, and since we kept moving she got lost. Kathrin didn't believe a speck of it.


"Gail you've flown this trail since you were a hatchling. You know every branch on it there is no way you got lost… You were out eating Lum berries again weren't you!" Kathrin pointed threateningly at green smudges on Gail's beak.

"Far far faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar" Gail began crying like a little kid.

Kane couldn't take it anymore. The whole escapade sent him falling over backwards in laughter. I buried my head in my hand as Kane rolled around in the dirt laughing. Both Kathrin and Gail fell silent as they looked quizzically at Kane.

"cuon Cubonononone!" Kane laughed.

"what's up with him?" Kathrin seemed really confused.

"oh, nothing he's just enjoying the show." I snickered a bit as I spoke.

"Jaklo, Kathrin. Come over here please." I heard Cedric's voice echo around camp.
We made our way to the campfire where Cedric had a small copper pot filled with stew. I took the wooden bowls out from our bags and handed them to Cedric. He filled each to the brim then passed them back. Too hungry to bother with getting a spoon I just began to sip the steaming broth from my bowl. Cedric looked towards me then quickly in another direction. I shrugged off the older man's disapproval and continued to drink up my stew. When I finished I realized that Kane hadn't gotten any food, so I pushed myself off the ground and took a mug of the stew to him.

Kane had been ominously watching the sky from the edges of the firelight. The flickering flame cast jagged shadows into the angular features of his skull helmet. Even as I approached him he kept his focus locked on stars. I put the mug down in front of him and raised my eyes to the twinkling night sky. The stars gave off a cool bluish-white light that shuddered and blinked. Kane seemed to be watching a specific star. It was a dim star that was closely and slowly traveling around the massive bright north star, Polaris. I racked my brain trying to understand Kane's fascination. I looked back down at my dear pokemon and saw him still watching the star, but now I noticed his solemn reverence. I sat down there by Kane and waited with him until he dropped his gaze and ate his dinner.
When he finished eating we both walked back to the fire where Cedric and Kathrin had apparently just finished a conversation. I sat down by Kathrin and Kane leaned on his bone next to me.

"good of you to join us. Kathrin and I were just discussing what she was doing in the woods this morning. She has disclosed to me that she was out of town before the attack gathering a few odds and ends for here family. When she saw the smoke she sent Gail to check. Obviously with the situation as bad as it was I can't blame her for not entering town." Cedric informed me.

"…to be honest I did almost the same thing. When my dad told me to run that's all I could do." I said in spite of myself.

"Do not despair Jaklo. You did what your father told you, and if you hadn't you would be here." Cedric said carefully selecting his words as to not anger me again.

"yeah," Kathrin chimed in, "Sometimes a 'tactical retreat' is the best choice."
I just shrugged not wanting to admit that she had a good point. I stood up and turned my back to the fire.

"I think I'll turn in for the night, or shall I take first watch." I said checking the time with the stars.

"No you take second. Kathrin you'll get dawn. Now off to bed." Cedric practically commanded us.

I didn't need to hear another word. I went off to where I had placed my bedroll and lied down on it. Within minutes I was deep asleep.

Chap: 6​

Survival of the Fittest​

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10oEMDgeH7k&feature=BFa&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&index=13

Cedric woke me up not so nice and early for my turn at watch and then a few boring hours later I woke Kathrin up. Morning came shortly after and we headed back out on our way. Cedric had determined that we'd have to only stop in Kepshore for supplies instead of resting there due to yesterday's "detour". As we were walking along I ran up to Cedric with one of my many questions.

"What's Kepshore like?" I asked while back peddling so I could see Cedric's face.
"It's a port town. The biggest in the kingdom. More then half of all imports go through Kepshore, so its very big on trade." Cedric seemed very bored of the subject as he spoke.
"Oh. Well it could be interesting. I've heard all sorts of things about it from the occasional trader who would come to Thunek." I said optimistically.

"Yes, things get very interesting in Kepshore. You can get mugged, robbed, and scammed all in the same day." Cedric sarcastically grumbled.

I stopped walking for a minute. My interest in Kepshore had been doused. Now the city sounded like a miserable and dangerous place. I began to start walking, but with a lot less spring in my step. Kane had been walking along with us the entire time and seemed to notice my lack of enthusiasm. He picked up his lagging pace to catch up to me. His legs were so short that he was nearly sprinting to reach my slowed lope. When he did finally catch up he tugged at my pants very much like he had done back when the pokemon from the quarry attacked. I turned and knelt down to him in one quick move. Kane continued to tug at my leg pointing at the brush that lined the road. I barely saw the minuet move of something in the tangled weeds.

"Boun noone" Kane growled threateningly as the something from the brush jumped onto the road.

"Cedric!" I shouted jumping back to my feet.

Cedric and Kathrin whirled around to see what was the matter. They both rushed to me as the thing from the brush turned its attention to Kane. The creature was obviously a pokemon. It bared resemblance to a pokemon called Nidoran, but it was twice the size and the barbs on its body were a lot bigger.

"Niiiiidddddrrrroooooo" It roared furiously.

"Cedric what is it?" I asked.

"…" Cedric sighed, "I really wish you didn't have to keep asking me. That's a Nidorino. It evolves from male Nidoran."

"Ok so now what? Er uh…. sorry, but can you just answer that?" I mumbled my regretted question.

"You fight it. What else would you do?" Kathrin scoffed, "You have a pokemon so I would expect you'd know this. Cedric you aren't teaching very well."

I chuckled happy to hear Kathrin insulting Cedric instead of me. Cedric glared at me and I stopped instantly.

"We haven't had much time to work on pokemon training. He's only had Kane a few days." Cedric shrugged, "either way this could be handy for a quick lesson. Jaklo here are some basics to pokemon battling. As you know pokemon the holders of the energy from the seventeen stars. Kane for example is known as a ground type. That means he has strengths and weaknesses against other types of pokemon. It also means that most of his attacks will be ground type attacks. Now an actual battle is very easy. You being the trainer just decide what move Kane should use. Being as that Kane is still young I'd guess he knows Headbutt, Leer, and maybe Bonemerang or Bone club. Of course if that doesn't work then you can just have Kane attack in a more basic manner. Go ahead its your time now."

I cleared my throat and looking down at Kane. He nodded to me the took a battle stance ready for my command. I took a deep breath and made up my mind.

"Kane attack with your bone." I ordered as confident as I could

Kane raised his bone up above his head then charged the Nidorino. Kane grasped the thick mace like club with both hands as he made a hard horizontal swing. The Nidorino reared up onto its hind legs to dodge the attack. It then smashed it's front legs down trying to stomp on Kane. With a little hop Kane backed out of range.

'ok I gotta think. We're fighting a much larger opponent, but it is less agile. An assault from the side should bring it down quickly.' I tried to think fast to keep up with the battle.
"Kane attack him from the side." I commanded finally making up my mind.

With a large quick nod Kane began to execute my plan. He rushed to try and get at his foe's weak spots. Kane was able to quickly run around the Nidorino, but I hadn't realized that all the Nidorino had to do was turn in place. Kane meanwhile had to run around its foe. My planned was doomed from the start. Kane's short legs weren't meant for running like this. He quickly tired and the Nidorino turned to face him.

"Niiiii ohoooho" The Nidorino cackled.

"Bo… Bo hown…" Kane panted glaring at his cocky enemy.

The Nidorino arched its back shooting bunches its barbs at Kane. Kane was tired, but he quickly brought up his bone smacking aside the barbs. Again and again the Nidorino shot clumps of barbs at Kane, but they either missed or Kane barely knocked them away.

"Cu bonne noen!" Kane mocked then he bashed the Nidorino's head with his bone.

In a horrible fit of rage the Nidorino thrashed about tossing Kane into the air using its horn. With a thud Kane crashed back onto the ground then continued rolling in the dirt. Kane slowly came to a stop, but just lied there on his back. I ran to him and frantically checked him over. He was fine really, but a move like that would have kept me in bed for weeks. Kane jumped to his feet and looked at me. He seemed a slight bit concerned. At the start of the battle he was very trusting and gladly did what I asked of him, but now he was unsure in my ability. He wasn't the only one either. I sighed heavily. Was I not meant to be a pokemon trainer? Just like I wasn't meant to be a knight? Unlike any time before my doubt grew snuffing out my hope. I felt empty and worthless as my mind descended into confused distant thoughts.

I just couldn't seem to grasp how all this worked. Battling. It seemed so simple when Cedric described it; I tell Kane what to do then the two pokemon battle it out, but instead things seemed more… primal almost. Kane seemed to be fighting not only because I told him, but because he wanted even needed to. The Nidorino was right out barbaric. It seemed to be fighting purely because it felt it had to. I thought this battle would be like war. The commander gives orders to his troops and they are acted on, but perhaps it was just my view of the world from my father's lap that had confused me. I had heard of what happens at war, but only from what my father would tell me. He spoke of the glory and honor of the knights, but he never spoke of the blood spilt or the lives desecrated that I now know of. This wasn't war at all. War was the real savagery. This was survival.
The disorder began to fade, and I realized that I can't only find hope in one thing. Hope has to be drawn not only from yourself, but from everyone else around you. I now understood what had to be done. To survive we must adapt, and the only way to do that is by changing what you value. I thought I could have Kane quickly defeat the Nidorino just because I told him how. The reality was that instead of using what I knew I needed to focus on what Kane did.

"Kane us Bone-merang to hit his weak spots." I said finally calm, focused, and truly confident.

Kane seemed to pick up on my new found drive, and smiled as he unleashed a barrage of attacks. I still had no idea how pokemon could do such amazing things. Kane would somehow throw his bone at such an angle that upon impact it would rebound and fly back into his hand. The move was very effective; The Nidorino would brace itself as best it could, but it didn't seem to help at all. With one final attack Kane threw his bone in a straight path nailing the Nidorino on the forehead. The rage left the Nidorino's eyes as it collapsed where it stood.

"…. Did… Did we win?.. Yes!" I shouted while shaking wildly.

"I see the anxiety of your first win is just settling in." Cedric said with a grin.
"Cu bonenon!" Kane shouted with a celebratory toss his bone.

"Yeah Jaklo that was terrific. A real come back win." Kathrin applauded.

"You saying I did bad at first?" I asked thinking back to my mid fight breakdown.
"No its… uhm…" Kathrin stumbled over her words.

"No, Jaklo, that battle was a learning experience for you. All Kathrin is saying is that you improved as you went. Now we've wast… Er… spent enough time here Kepshore is very near, and we must hurry." Cedric explained trying to restore my self-confidence.

I just smiled as we all continued walking. Kane kept right up beside me. He seemed to be just as much if not even more excited about our first battle and victory together. Looking down at him I began to think to myself.

'maybe change is good. With everything that's going on I think a lot is going to change.'

Chap: 7​

A Hero's Welcome​

Let's Kick It Up - Paul Gordon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdaDeqofLGY&feature=BFa&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&index=32

As it turned out Kepshore really wasn't that bustling or dangerous as Cedric described. A lot had or more so hadn't happened there. Nearly all imports had stopped. The town was being cut off from its one life line. Cedric seemed bothered by these events, but he made us continue through the city and back onto the road to the Royal Plateau. I couldn't tell if Kathrin was worried, but I was concerned that Cedric was with-holding something. Something about the Dusk castors, Kepshore, and himself.

We reached the Royal Plateau just as the sun began to set. The entire castle was bathed in a deep purple as the last lights of day fell below the horizon. It was a magnificent construction. Made many many ages ago under the rule of the Great King Daived. Its stone walls stood unopposed, and never had It been infiltrated by any foe. Now as we approached the gates my eyes widened I shock. A section of wall just to the right of the gate had collapsed out onto the fields around the castle. Cedric seemed even more amazed and much more afraid.

"By the throne of Daived… What has happened!?" Cedric grew frantic and sprinted to the debris.

Kathrin and I had no chance at keeping up. Cedric was an old man, but in top physical condition. He reached the wall before we reached half way. He began talking with the workers in a loud and rather worried voice. Usually Cedric was cool, calm, and collected, but now here he was nearly as freaked out as I was when Kaedroc attacked. Kathrin made it to the wall only a moment before me and Kane.

"What do you mean 'it just collapsed'!?" Cedric roared clutching one the workers shirt and hoisting him into the air.

"It jus…. It jusd di…. di… did Ok!? man please lemme down!" The worker stammered.
Cedric dropped him with a aggravated grunt. He shook his head in angry disappointment. Turning his back to us he began to examine the wall very closely. I had no idea what he expected to find, but I wasn't going to ask him while he was in his current irritated state. Both Kathrin and I looked at each other with a bit of fear in our eyes. Cedric was not the kind of guy you wanted to get angry.

While Cedric continued staring at mortar I decided to have my own chat with some of the workers. My less threatening approach didn't work much better then Cedric's. All the workers really had all the same things to say. They all said the wall fell on its own, but I just couldn't believe that. Even I knew the walls of the Royal Plateau had withstood many millennia of war. The thousands of stone blocks acted like a set of chain mail each block though individual was joined tightly together to form a strong yet flexible armor. How could it just topple over from old age? I now began to realize Cedric true reason for alarm. This had to be the handy work of one of the Dusk castors. There were no other possibilities. The Royal Plateau had been infiltrated.

I immediately returned to Cedric. He seemed to have already known about the conclusion I had come to. He told me to stay quiet about it until we reached the home of lord Amoril. I nodded with a sigh. It wasn't my preference to keep quiet especially about something so important. Cedric led us through the main gate despite the massive hole in the wall. I was generally amazed that the guards didn't stop us when we passed through. There was an almost immediate reaction to seeing Cedric though. All the men seemed to stand up straighter and become much more official looking. They acted as if Lord Amoril or one of the kings other Generals was passing by.

Inside the gate was an entirely different world then I had seen on the rest of my journey. The castle town was bustling and alive unlike Kepshore and the attacked towns we had seen before. Most likely these people lived such a sheltered life behind the wall that they didn't even realize what was happening. I turned back to the wall. It was such a marvel from the outside, but now it felt like a cage almost. As I scanned over the wall I noticed a very precariously placed stone wobbling in its place. The massive stone slid from its place on the top of the wall and began to fall down onto the crowd of workers.
'Holy ****!' I thought as I saw the stone fall.

With out a second thought I sprinted like a mad man and screamed for everyone to watch out. It was fully involuntary as I leapt towards the worker directly under the stone's path. With all my might put into that tackling jump I sent the man and myself flying out from under the way massive stone. As this all happened I heard the random deafened clatter of steel. When the worker and I landed my legs skidded on the rough rocky ground that the Royal Plateau was built on. It stung as bits of sharp gravel scratched at my legs. Cedric and Kathrin ran to me while the workers went to their man.

"You should have rolled instead of skidding like that" Kathrin

"What? Can you cut me some slack? I did just dodge a boulder." I half-laughed wincing in pain.

"Jaklo is right that really was very impressive. He out sped you and me. The fact that he saved the mans life is what matters, not how he did it." Cedric confided in me while helping me to my feet.

"there is one thing I am a bit confused about. I heard something like steel being dropped when I leapt." I explained looking down at my belt, "Crap…"

My sword was gone. It's sheath had some how snapped off the belt. I looked around frantically. When I finally found it I only felt worst. It was now lying badly bent out of shape under the giant fallen rock. I tried desperately to squirm it out from under the stone, but to no avail. First Kane tried to help me move the rock, but I don't think it budged an inch. Some of the workers were kind enough to help move the stone so I could retrieve my blade. I sighed heavily taking the blade back to Cedric.

"Its busted bad." I huffed handing him the short sword.

"hmmm… yes it'll take a lot to repair. I'm sorry Jaklo." He confirmed my doubts.

"Now I bet you wish you rolled." Kathrin mocked me.

"Bone!" Kane yelled at her.

It seemed like he was defending me too. I was about to make a witty comment to Kathrin about it, but then the worker who I had just saved walked over and introduced himself, "I'm Barto and I honestly thank you enough, but please take this."

Barto took my hand and placed a single gold coin in my palm. I tried to refuse his kind gift, but he refused to allow me. I finally gave in, and he left us with some joyous parting words, "Its more then I make in two weeks, but its worth no where near as much as being able to go home to my family tonight."

Even Cedric said I deserved it, but I felt awkward about it all. I mean I just did what anyone could have and should have done in that situation. I was no hero. I… I was just me. After that commotion settled down we continued on our way to lord Amoril's manor. The walk through town was extremely annoying. My legs were now bruised and slightly bleeding, my already tattered pants were now even more torn, and I was constantly thinking about what my dad would think about me braking my sword. Of all the things I couldn't get that off my mind. I just moped as we slowly made our way through the castle town to the inner castle lands. There we'd finally find the person we had traveled so long to see. It would all be over soon.

Kane seemed rather fascinated as he walked with us through the town. I guess this was all very new to him. He must have lived in that quarry all his life now he was in the largest Solrian city. I ended up having to return him to his pokerune so he wouldn't run off.
Within half an hour of solid walking we reached the second inner most section of the castle. Basically it was split into three parts: the Castle Town, the Inner Castle Lands, and the Palace. Lord Amoril and the kings other advisers lived in the inner section. It was odd how Cedric new the area like the back of his hand, and had us to Lord Amoril's manor within ten minutes.

Lord Amoril's manor was like a neatly stacked pile of children's blocks. The majority of floors were shaper like large stone hexagons beginning with the largest on the bottom and progressively smaller ones above. The manor also featured a tall tower tucked into the back right corner of the second floor. The entire building was topped with red shingles the looked like giant scales. I was astounded by it all. I had lived in a little square farmhouse with a basic thatched roof all my life. How could one knight afford this when my father, a knight just as brave, could not?

I hadn't even realized I had stopped walking until Kathrin beckoned for me to hurry up. I huffed a little while shaking my head trying to clear my mind of its distracted thoughts. Laughing sheepishly I ran to rejoin Cedric and Kathrin who had already reached the manor's gate. This gate was nearly the same as the castle town's main gate only smaller and without the hole on the side. Two well armored men with halberds stood perfectly still beside the gate. They didn't even react when Cedric walked over and stared on of them right in the eye.

"Stiff lipped as ever huh Barro?" Cedric joked placing his hands on the man's shoulders and smiling to an old friend.

"Lord Amoril doesn't like us to slack. Especially now." Barro replied forced to remain motionless otherwise.

"I see. That's exactly why we are here. Barro, these are my companions Jaklo Raedyn and Kathrin Leon. We bring news of the utmost importance." Cedric said stressing the word utmost.

Barro made the slightest motion of nodding his head. I heard a rumbling 'Katunk!' as the gears and cogs in the wall lifted the portcullis. Cedric led us onto the grounds surrounding Amoril's manor. Hedges and topiary lined the oath to the front door. I walked slightly slower gazing at the sculptured plants. They had been meticulously cu into the appearances of pokemon. I didn't recognize any of them, but I was enthralled by them. Each and everyone both majestic and powerful.

"Ugh!" I grunted bumping into Cedric.

I stumbled back a step, and then realized the others had stopped. Cedric turned his head and looked at me with the slightest smirk. It was a good thing he was happy because I was beginning to get worn out. First the Nidorino, then the gate, and now I was about to meet one of the most famous and powerful people in all of Solria.

The large wooden double doors were pulled open by a tall man dressed in an orange brown tunic. His grayish white beard and wrinkled face made it obvious he was far into his years. He had a serious face at first, but it melted into a smile when he saw Cedric. The two men hugged each other patting the other on the back.

"Jaklo, Kathrin, This is Lord Amoril." Cedric explained

'This is Lord Amoril!?" I thought to myself, "Lord Amoril was a famed war hero. He had been leading Solria's armies for years. He even coordinated the defenses against last year's Erition raid. How could this old man be the knight who could protect us from the Dusk Castors?'

"Jaklo!" Kathrin whispered to stop my daydreaming, "Jaklo, lord Amoril is talking to you."
"huh? Oh uh sorry sir…" I mumbled realizing I had gotten distracted again.
"Not to worry Jaklo. Your father did the same thing all the time. You do seem very much like him. I am glad that you are safe at least, and I'm Trent is safe." Amoril sighed with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"Thank you sir." I thanked him with a nod

"And now you must be miss Kathrin." Lord Amoril said taking and kissing Kathrin's hand, "It takes a lot to gain Cedric's trust. Whatever you did to impress him must be rather amazing."

Amoril walked back in through the door and we followed behind. The manor's foyer was exactly what I had expected. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling filling the two story room with light. Directly across the room from the front door was a grand staircase which split off into two hallways. The walls were filled with décor. Coat of arms, banners, and paintings hung on the gray stone walls. Amoril led us up the staircase and to the right.
"He was rather formal back there, but he was right. It takes a lot to impress Cedric. You were rather fantastic when you tried to kill me." I quietly said to Kathrin as we walked.
"Well he is a lord, and besides I didn't really do anything." Kathrin shrugged.

I was sure, but I think I saw Kathrin blushing. Kathrin suddenly quickened her pace for a moment. I didn't know exactly why, but I decided I wouldn't bring up anything else about then. Amoril stopped at the end of the hall and the door to his study. We all filed in and took a seat in a few wooden chairs that were set up around a fireplace.

"Now I'm sure you are very weary from your travels, but it is very important that we discuss these troubles now." Amoril explained with a definite voice, "Jaklo I suggest you start."

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment. I looked back to that horrible day. Slowly I began to tell Amoril and the others exactly what had transpired. I wished I could forget it all more and more with every word. When I had finished I was on the verge of crying. I wanted to just let it all out, but I refused to do that here. I reassured myself just as I had all through the journey. I made it away, I made it here, and now we were going to stop this from happening to anyone else.

Amoril was deep in thought the whole time. He rubbed his bearded chin, and he furrowed his eyebrows adding more wrinkles to his aged face. Cedric's mind was also at work. He was pacing the room his foot falls echoing on the wooden floor.

"Jaklo," Amoril finally said, "I suggest you and Kathrin turn in. I will have some one escort er… show you to your rooms."

I sleepily nodded to him. He shouted for one of the manor's servants. A relatively young man hurried into the room. Amoril told him to show us to our rooms, and off we went. Both Kathrin's and my own room were down at the other end of the manor. Mine was the third room on the left and Kathrin's was fourth door on the right. My room was rather nice. The room was nicely furnished with a small round table, two wooden chairs, a dresser, and a nice large bed. I dropped my stuff on the table and happily lied down on the bed. I gladly welcomed the idea of the wool stuffed mattress after having slept on the ground for multiple days. After kicking off my boots, removing my cloak, and pulling of my chain mail I flopped back down on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.

CHAP: 8​

Timberwalking​

Heeding the Call - Hammerfall
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLAP1JDci7A&feature=BFa&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&lf=mh_lolz
And
Hell


on the Heart - Eric Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZdOMHq4YU&feature=BFa&list=PL865A42B670BFCC63&lf=mh_lolz


The next morning I woke up relatively well rested, that is compared to the last few days. I grumbled and groaned as I stretched, and then I slowly climbed out of bed. I rubbed my eyes trying to wipe away the fogginess that happens every time you walk up. Across the room I saw a set of clothes sitting on top of the dresser. I ran over to them and grabbed the top garment off the dresser. It was a tunic very similar to the green one I was wearing, but it was also very different. This tunic was darker and a bit more rich in color. Overall it looked much more impressive and expensive. Next to the clothes was a note I hadn't noticed before. I read quietly it to myself,

"here is a nice change of clothes for you Jaklo. I would like to see you after breakfast out behind the manor.

Cedric"


'Hmm' I thought, 'wonder what Cedric could be up to now?'

I decided I'd find out later and changed into my new clothes. There was a new pair of boots, pants, a new tunic, belt, and hooded cloak. My new cloak was multitude of different greens on the outside and just a dark brown on the inside. It may have been just me, but I sort of thought my new set of clothes looked like a tree. The boots and pants were brown while the tunic was green. I laughed to myself about it, and then head out the door. Right as I left my room Kathrin came out of hers.

"I see you got a new change of clothes too." Kathrin said looking me over.

"Yeah… wait those are the same clothes you were wearing before. I thought you said you got new clothes?" I asked rather confused.

"oh I uh… I was gonna put them on after breakfast." Kathrin muttered looking for the right words.

Kathrin ran on ahead down to the first floor. I could tell that she had regretted bringing up the subject, but didn't know why. I thought these were pretty cool. My stomach growled and I decided to drop it until after I ate. Running downstairs I looked around for the dining room. The foyer had six doors. Three on each side. By sheer luck I picked the right door.

The dining room was just what you would have expected. One long table ran the length of the room and was covered in an assortment of different foods. Amoril sat at the head of the table with Cedric right beside him. Kathrin had taken a seat a few chairs down from Cedric, and I took the chair across the table from her.

"Finally decided to join us?" Cedric laughed, "We began breakfast over half an hour ago."

"Sorry. It was nice sleeping a bed again." I shrugged taking a plate of biscuits and fruit.

"I see you managed to find my gift, but we'll get into that later." Cedric said.

Kathrin seemed a little surprised by what Cedric said. After seeing her reaction I began trying to figure out what was bothering her again. Cedric's gift was my new set of clothes. Why would he only talk about the gift he gave me though? What about the set he gave to Kathrin? Didn't he give a set to Kathrin? Maybe she was lying about getting new clothes. Maybe she just never got any at all.

"Now I'd like to remind both of you that you'll be meeting with the king it two days about this." Amoril announced, "You'll be accompanying me to discuss with him what we need to do about this problem."

"…what? We're we… we're meeting with the king? Like the actual king?" I stammered.
"Is there another one?" Amoril laughed, "Yes you two are the only ones who have seen what they've done first hand. We'll need you to explain it to the other generals and the king."

I sat back in my chair thinking. I never thought that this journey would bring me here. I just thought that we'd tell lord Amoril and he'd just ride off with an army to go kill the dusk castors. I should have known better. This man was obviously a strategist. It made perfect sense why he led the armies. He may have been a hero in his day, but now his experience was his greatest weapon. With a new enemy he needed someone who had experienced them to know how to fight them. Brute force never really was Solria's way.
I continued eating and cleared my plate. I looked over to where Cedric had been sitting, and saw that he was gone. He must have already gone outside. I excused myself from the table and realized I didn't know where there was a back door. Amoril directed me to head through the kitchen.

I walked through the freshly cleaned kitchen and out onto a large patio. Cedric was leaned up against a small tree with his back to me. I rushed over to him, but he raised a hand telling me to stop. He turned around and looked directly at me.

"Jaklo, Do you remember when Kathrin tied to kill you?" Cedric asked.

"Of course!" I laughed, "Why does that matter?"

"When that happened I called you my apprentice. Jaklo, I would like to make an offer to you. I've seen what you are capable of doing, I've seen who you are capable of being, and I've seen where you are capable of going. Way back when your father and I were still in the service he began talking about you.

He told me all about how much you wanted to be a knight. He said he was so sorry that you weren't the kind of person the academy was looking for. I just looked at your father and said, 'He's brave isn't he? He's just in his judgment right? He has a heroes heart doesn't he?'. Your father just stopped. 'Trent, the academy isn't looking for muscular brutes and thugs with swords. They want courageous young lads like your son, and I'll tell you this. If the Academy is too stupid to take him then I swear I will teach him. I will show him that he can still be a hero like you, but he can also be a hero like him.'

Now its time for me to come through on my promise. Jaklo I offer to you the chance to train and become a Timberwalker. I offer to you the chance to become the hero you always wanted to be, but to still be true to who you are. Timberwalkers are soldiers and protectors just like knights, but we do things our own way. The choice is still yours Jaklo." Cedric said slowly like he was repeating the words from memory.

All of this just blew my mind. All this time I had dreamed of being a knight, and my father had gone ahead and made a plan for if I couldn't become one. He always seemed to support me in becoming a knight or was that all just an act? Did he ever really want me to go to the academy? What about that letter? I waited for months to get my acceptance letter, but my father hid it before I knew it came. Was it all just false hope? Was it all just a ploy?

"Jaklo… Jaklo… I hope you know that your father only did this because he cared. You are a very very special kid Jaklo, and you shouldn't have to try and be someone else. We all have special traits and talents. You are agile, quick thinking, and above all you know what it means to be a hero. Its not how you do the right thing, but the fact that you did it." Cedric confided.

I stood completely still. Cedric was right. I may have wanted to be a knight, but the reason I wanted to be one was so I could be a hero like my father. It didn't matter how I followed my father's path, but that I did it in my own special way.

"Cedric, I accept. I will become your apprentice." I said fully confident.

"Then lets get to work." Cedric announced showing that mischievous smirk of his.

He turned away from me again, and began walking towards the wall. I ran to him curious of what he was doing with the solid stone structure. Cedric glided his hand over the wall and experimentally pulled out one of the stones. Behind the stones were a wooden door. Cedric pulled a few more out then glanced at me.

"Jaklo help me pull these out." Cedric huffed.

I shrugged and began pulling away the stones. Once all the stones were removed a large locked door was revealed. Cedric drew his falchion and cut right through the lock. Opening the door he motioned for me to go first. Inside the wall was a long dark stairway leading down into the earth. I began to descend the stairs, but I stopped to wait for Cedric. Cedric grabbed an unlit torch from the wall, and struck it on the wall. Instantly the torch lit.

"What kind of torch is that?" I asked Cedric.

"It's an old Timberwalker trick. We put a piece of flint on the end, so we can relit them anytime. Now lets get a move on it's a long walk to the grove." Cedric explained then proceeded to lead the way.

As we walked I could hear the deafened echoes of our footsteps on the cold stone steps. The tunnel had a dark ominous feeling to it. I could smell the must in the air, and my eyes were irritated by the dust. This tunnel must have been sealed for a very long time, but what I would like to know is why? What had to be hid down here?

When we reached the end of the stairs we found another door. Cedric pulled it open and a surge of warm air and bright light flew into the tunnel. I slowly made my way out. My eyes were still blind from the sudden change in light. They began to re-adjust, and I got my first look at our new surroundings.

The tunnel let out into a massive forest. I had never seen anything like it. Trees towered over us their canopies reaching for the heavens. I just stared in awe at the gigantic trunks some were around the size of a small house. While I stared off into space Cedric sat down on the stump from one of the massive trees.

"Cedric…" I asked still admiring the forest, "Where are we?"

"This, Jaklo, is the grove. It is the original birthplace of the Timberwalker order. Here I will teach you about what it means and what it takes to be a Timberwalker." Cedric said with great reverence, "Now did you bring your bow?"

"uh no sorry Cedric." I sighed with a shrug.

"Don't worry I planned on snapping it anyway. You will be using this bow." Cedric laughed.

Cedric grabbed a composite bow that was lying of the stump. He slowly carried it to me. I took it and did a practice draw. This bow drew much easier then my old hunting bow, and it could be drawn back further then my old one as well. I nodded and Cedric nodded back.
"now the actual work begins." Cedric said standing firm on top of the stump.

Cedric worked me hard for hours. He had me doing archery drills for everything: drawing, firing, aiming, and maintaining my bow. He told me that a composite bow was much more complex and required much more work to keep in working condition. After we finished archery practice we went straight into practice with woodsmen knives. Cedric explained that a woodsmen knife was the most versatile tool a Timberwalker has second only to his wit. The hours flew by, and when we were finished I was drenched in sweet.

"Ok Jaklo you take a break before we go back." Cedric told me.

"Thanks…" I huffed and fell over.

"…Jaklo…stop goofing around…" Cedric sighed rolling his eyes.

"what? I'm tired… oh fine…" I groaned and pushed myself off the ground.

We headed back up through the tunnel. Cedric told me to head inside while he took care of the door. Seeing no reason to argue I hurried inside and up into my room. I collapsed on my bed, and was ready to fall asleep when I heard a knock at my door. My muscles ached as I walked back across the room to the door.

"yes? Who is it?" I asked in a grumbled voice.

"Its Kathrin. Jaklo where have you been all day?" She explained through the door.
I yawned and opened the door for Kathrin. I looked at her through groggy tired eyes. For a second I thought I might be hallucinating from heat exhaustion. I rubbed my eyes hard and realized I wasn't. Kathrin stood in the middle of the room wearing an elegant green and silver dress.

".. what? What are you wearing?" I asked utterly confused by the scene.

"Like I said some one gave me some new clothes. I know I look ridiculous don't I?"
Kathrin said sheepishly holding her arms.

"wha? No you look great…" I blurted suddenly, "er… a… anyway I was with Cedric… He was showing me the ropes of the Timberwalkers. Aw man I just wanna collapse."

"well dinner will be soon enough so I suggest you wash up, and rest now. See yah later Jaklo." Kathrin shrugged an hurried back out of my room.

For lack of a better idea I changed into my other set of clothes and lied down for a while. I woke up around forty minutes later, and changed back into my Timberwalker clothes. I walked down to the dining room, and was surprised to find it completely empty. There weren't even any servants setting up for dinner. I waited around in there for a few minutes, but still no one came in. I headed up to Kathrin's room and knocked on her door.

"Kathrin," I shouted through the door, "where is everybody?"

"huh?" I heard her yell back, "what do you mean?"

"There's nobody around. Can I come in?" I explained.

"oh… uh sure come on in." Kathrin said sounding rather unsure.

I opened the door and walked in to find her sitting on her bed in her old clothes. I guess that she just preferred her normal clothes. She got up off her bed an walked over to me.
"So there really is no one around?" Kathrin asked.

"yeah I couldn't even find a servant setting up dinner. Well… uh now what? I mean if they aren't serving dinner tonight… should we maybe go into town for dinner?" I asked scratching the back of my head.

"…are you asking me to a dinner date? Jaklo?" Kathrin replied staring me down.

"…" I was speechless and refused to look Kathrin in the eye, "uh…I wasn't trying to exactly… I…. sort of…"

"alright then I'll see you downstairs in a few minutes." Kathrin said then shoved me out of her room.

"…what just happened?" I asked walking to the foyer.