Chapter 3: The Coming Storm

  7 Years After (1107 AD)

  Location: Planax Village

  The ground shook like a sleeping giant's stirring, rumbling deep beneath the surface. Dust billowed on the horizon, churning and swirling like a sandstorm, but this was no mere act of nature. Karsus, the head guard of Planax Village, squinted into the distance as the vibrations grew stronger, rattling through the cobblestones beneath his feet. He saw a chaotic blur of movement. It wasn’t just a dust storm—it was something else, something dangerous.

  “Sound the alarm!” Karsus ordered. His voice was sharp and commanding, cutting through the growing din as his men snapped to attention. They rushed to their positions, swords drawn and shields braced, ready to face whatever was hurtling toward them.

  As the dust cloud came closer, Karsus could make out a lone figure sprinting ahead of the chaos, his form barely visible amidst the debris kicked up by the stampede behind him. It was a boy—no, not just any boy. It was Julius. Recognition dawned, followed by a groan of exasperation as he realized what was chasing him. A horde of Kawkaws—a wild, four-legged herd of beasts resembling oversized cows with jagged horns—were gaining on Julius, their monstrous forms closing in with every second.

  “Everyone, form a shield wall!” Karsus bellowed. “And make a path for that boy!” His tone brooked no argument.

  As Julius drew closer, his ragged breaths became audible, and his shouts of desperation echoed down the village road.

  “Run, run, run! Almost there, almost there!” he yelled, more to himself than to anyone else. “Father, help! Heeeeeeelp meeee!”

  He stumbled past the line of guards, who braced themselves for impact. The stampede hit like a tidal wave, a mass of horns, hooves, and bellowing fury that crashed against the shields with a deafening clang. The Kawkaws smashed into the line, some toppling over in a heap as they collided with the solid defense, while others reared back, dazed and snarling.

  “Now, men!” Karsus roared. “Push forward! Take them down!”

  The guards launched into action, driving their spears and swords into the disoriented beasts. The sound of metal striking flesh filled the air, accompanied by the screeches and bellows of the Kawkaws. One by one, the creatures fell, their aggressive frenzy dissipating into lifeless heaps.

  Breathing heavily, Karsus turned to where Julius had collapsed on the ground, panting and covered in dirt. “You’ve got some explaining to do, son,” he said, a stern edge to his voice. “The village chief wants to see you.”

  Julius grinned up at him, exhaustion giving way to a sheepish smile. “Sorry, Father. I, uh, brought you a present.” He gestured at the pile of fallen Kawkaws. “Happy Birthday?”

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  Karsus snorted, half amused and half exasperated. “Oh, so that’s your excuse this time?” He shook his head. “Well, thanks for the gift, but not for the chaos you caused at the gate.” He jabbed a finger at Julius’ forehead. “Five thousand swings with the training sword tomorrow, no less.”

  Julius jumped to his feet and saluted, his expression brightening. “Yes, Sir! Five thousand times, Sir!”

  “Strange boy,” Karsus muttered as he watched his son run off. “He seems to enjoy punishment.” He raised his voice as Julius disappeared down the road. “Don’t forget to visit your grandfather before the festival! He has something for you.”

  “Got it, Father!” Julius called back over his shoulder.

  Later That Day

  Julius' Home

  ‘Tok, tok.’ Julius knocked on the wooden door, which creaked open to reveal Ariadna, his stepmother. Her face softened into a blend of concern and frustration as she took in his disheveled appearance.

  “By the spirits, Julius! What on earth happened to you?” she exclaimed, eyeing the dirt and scratches covering him.

  Julius grinned. “Just got Father a little present. I think he liked it!”

  Ariadna sighed, shaking her head. “You brat. Go take a bath right now. The festival is tonight, and if you think you’re getting out of helping, I’ll hang you upside down myself!”

  Julius laughed, mimicking a formal bow. “As you command, my Lord.”

  “Now!” Ariadna’s hands planted on her hips, eyes narrowing in that familiar, no-nonsense glare.

  “All right, all right, I’m going,” he relented, then paused at the doorway. “You know, I love you, Mother.”

  Ariadna’s expression softened. “What’s that for?”

  “Just… for taking care of me. I mean, after… my real mother…” His voice trailed off, and he shrugged. “I never really got to know her. I wonder what she was like.”

  Ariadna’s eyes grew misty, her voice quiet. “She was a remarkable woman—strong, clever, and kind. You look so much like her.” She reached out to touch his cheek, a sad smile on her lips. “Now go to your grandfather. He’s waiting for you.”

  Julius nodded, turning to leave but then hesitated. “The bath… I almost forgot.” He chuckled awkwardly before heading off, leaving Ariadna in the doorway.

  She watched him disappear down the path, her smile fading as her thoughts turned inward. He’s growing up so fast. There are things he doesn’t need to know yet… things better left in the shadows until the time is right. I’ll leave that to you, Father. You’ll know when it’s time for him to understand.

  Outside the Village, Near the Forest Edge

  Julius approached his grandfather’s modest cottage, nestled just beyond the line of trees that framed the village. The old man was sitting outside, sharpening a blade with slow, deliberate strokes. As Julius drew closer, his grandfather’s eyes lifted, gleaming with a knowing light.

  “Well, look who finally decided to visit an old man,” he grunted. “Come here, boy. I’ve got something for you.”

  Julius walked up, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. “What is it, Grandpa?”

  The old man reached behind his chair and produced a long, slender object wrapped in worn leather. “It’s time you learned about your mother’s side of the family,” he said, his voice heavy with unspoken meaning as he handed the bundle to Julius. “This belonged to her. She would have wanted you to have it.”

  As Julius unwrapped the bundle, he caught a glimpse of polished wood and silver inlay—a weapon with a stone embedded on its hilt, but unlike any he had seen before. The stone shimmered with an aura that seemed almost alive, like a whisper from a distant memory.

  “Grandfather… what is this?” Julius whispered, a strange feeling coursing through him as he gripped the handle.

  “It’s not just a weapon, boy,” his grandfather replied. “It’s a key. One day, you’ll understand.”