Children of the Cursed Read online

  “Just as I feared, bandits have been taking people. I thought it was just a rumor at first to make us look worse than we already do. But now I know that's not the case, this is a major concern to me.” Asher trembled with anger.

  “It is troubling times in the world of Todrain.” Gawain sighed.

  “Indeed, but that is a matter for another day. Tell me more of what you do in the city of Drasal.”

  “I'm a master trainer at the Academy.”

  “What exactly does a master trainer at the Academy do?” Asher asked out of curiosity.

  “We train young men to become Knights Of Valor.” Gawain bragged, not purposely though.

  “Your Academy trains warriors to become knights?”

  “Well, we are the only Academy to teach such skills.”

  “That's where you're wrong.” Asher laughed.

  “Tis the truth.” Gawain shrugged.

  “I'm sorry Gawain, but there are other Academies around the world,” Asher explained. “We even have an Academy here, to teach young ones how to become great thieves.”

  “What?” Gawain choked. “You have an Academy here?”

  “That we do, Gawain.” Asher smiled. “There are two, maybe three more Academies out there in the world as well.”

  “Truly?” Gawain said with a look of wonder on his face.

  “Truly.” Asher nodded.

  “And what does these other Academies teach?”

  “If I'm correct, one teaches the skills of a Mage,” Asher answered. “Not sure about the others.”

  “They teach you magic, in other words,” Gawain said. “I just hope they don't teach the Dark Arts.”

  “What is the Dark Arts?”

  “That's something that I do not speak of.”

  “Understandable.” Asher respected Gawain enough to let that subject be.

  Gawain stood up to stretch his legs, “Will you now take me down to the tomb?”

  Asher stood up and took a big swig of mead from his cup, “I have just one more question.” He wiped the red from his lips. “If you teach at the Academy, then why do you seek the pieces of the Legendary Blade?”

  Gawain also grabbed his mug and drank down the last of the mead inside before answering the question, “Our esteemed First Knight, and new Headmaster, sent us on this mission. I'm not sure why, but I don't ask questions.”

  Asher turned to walk out of the room, “Follow me.” he said. “However I have a word of advice.”

  “What's that?” Gawain asked, following in stride.

  “Find out why they want the Legendary Blade.”

  Gawain didn't respond to Asher's words, but instead he just followed quietly along the way. That is until Asher led Gawain down a dark and narrow hallway, “It's a little dark down here.”

  Asher snapped his thumb and finger together and the sound echoed down the dark path, and torches on each side of the hall started to flicker and lit up one at a time. “Is that better?” He smiled. He started to walk on ahead but stopped briefly to give Gawain a warning. “Follow me move for move, this place is rigged with dangerous traps.”

  “After you.” Gawain waved Asher on ahead.

  Asher turned and walked on, and Gawain did his best to mimic every move that Asher made. Luckily for them both none of the traps were activated, “Made it safe and sound. Thieves are always lucky.” Asher laughed.

  “Made it to where?” Gawain asked, as all that was in front of them was a stone wall.

  “Patience my friend,” Asher placed his hand on the stone wall and called out, “I am the King Of Thieves. Open to none but me.” Within seconds the wall started to move. On the other side was the hidden tomb. There was gold as far as the eye could see, along with jewels, and well-crafted weapons. But there was something that caught Gawain's eye at the back of the room; it was a small space on the wall protected by steel bars.

  “This is truly a magnificent sight to behold.”

  “It is magnificent indeed,” Asher agreed. “However I'm sure that there is something else that catches your eye in this room of wonders.”

  “Tis true.” Gawain nodded. “What of that space on the wall that is protected by steel bars, is that where the hilt is held?”

  “That it is my friend,” Asher answered. “Would you like to see it?”

  “Indeed I would,” he responded. “First things first though, is that wall protected by traps as well?”

  “Of course not.” He walked to the far side of the room to prove to Gawain that there were no surprises lying in wait and motioned for Gawain to follow. “Come, it is safe to walk in here, I promise.” Gawain was reluctant at first, but eventually he mustered up the courage to walk over to where Asher stood. “See, nothing happened.”

  Gawain instantly ignored Asher's bellowing, walking straight past him and peered through the bars. “How do we retrieve the item?” Gawain asked as he pulled at the bars to no avail. “There is no hole for a key.” He looked over the bars closely and found no way of removing what protected the treasure on the other side.

  “There is only one way to retrieve the hilt,” Asher said. “My father knew of the dangers that this hilt could pose, so he had this tomb secretly built and placed the hilt behind these bars. No amount of magic or brute force will work, nor is there a key or secret password that will open the bars either.”

  “Then what shall we do?” Gawain hissed. Asher did not respond to Gawain's question, instead, he stared furiously at the bars that held the hilt prisoner. “Asher, is something the matter?”

  “Let me ask you something,” Asher said with a darker tone to his voice.

  “What would you do if I refused to allow you access to the hilt? Would you try to kill me, taking the treasure for yourself to complete your mission?”

  “Never would I tarnish my honor for such a peaty item!”

  “Good answer, you have passed one part of the test.”

  “Testing me? Sounds more like you are wanting to challenge me.

  “I see courage and strength in your eyes,” Asher said. “If you want that hilt it will take more than that though. I want to see your skills as a warrior first hand.”

  “I never asked to have the hilt, but if you insist on fighting me then I shall oblige.” Gawain unsheathed his blade, and a smile appeared on his face. Asher reached down and picked up his battle axe that was placed against the wall. “You had this thought out,” he said, after watching the man grab for his weapon that just so happened to be placed in the tomb near where the hilt was kept.

  “Very perceptive,” said Asher. “Prepare yourself, I won't go easy on you.” He lifted his battle axe up in the air and brought it straight down towards Gawain's head. He was battle tested and predicted the attack before it even happened, rolling out of the way.

  “You're good,” Gawain complemented. “But it takes more than brute strength to win a fight.” Gawain jumped onto the battle axe, showing off his agility, giving him an extra boost before flying through the air, kicking Asher in the face with such force that it sent him back against the wall making dust fall from the ceiling.

  Asher regained his composure, and shaking the cobwebs from his head he went right back on the attack. This time he charged at Gawain at full speed like a raging bull. Gawain was caught off guard by his speed, and barely had time to cast a shield spell that took the brunt of the attack, leaving him slightly injured. “You still stand,” Asher said with a look of bewilderment. “Most men would crumble under such an attack.”

  “I'm not most men,” he huffed, trying to hide the fact one of his ribs had been cracked. “Do you wish to carry on with this fight, or stand around and talk?”

  “Arrogant as well.” Asher laughed. “I like that.” He took up his axe once more, but instead of attacking Gawain he turned and threw it at the steel bars. The axe was hurled through the air with such velocity that you could feel the wind off the weapon itself. A loud crash echoed throughout as the axe hit its target head-on. “You have proven yours
elf worthy, the hilt is yours.”

  Though he was clearly confused by Asher's actions, that didn't stop him from walking over to the where the steel bars used to be. He reached into the opening, taking the hilt from its resting place. It was light in weight, which was odd because the hilt was made from pure silver; that much he could tell. Also there was a blood red jewel resting on the bottom that seemed to glow as if it possessed some great and terrible power. Gawain looked back at Asher, “Why would you allow me to have this? We fought briefly, and you barely even know me. Why take such a chance?”

  “Because of the legend.”

  “Legend? What legend?”

  “Legend has it that four travelers will come to this land seeking pieces of a great blade. They will unknowingly unleash evil upon the world of Todrain. All shall be plunged into chaos and darkness until one of special blood will stand up, being the light in the darkness, and free the world of evil once and for all,” Asher explained. “I hear there is more of this tale, but that's all I know personally.”

  “You believe us to be that four?”

  “I do.”

  “Then why allow us to have the hilt if you believe we will unleash such evil?”

  “Because I believe there is a greater threat out there lying in wait, that needs to be found and vanquished. I also believe that one of you is of the special bloodline the legend speaks of.”

  “So you think that if that evil is released it can be destroyed? Who do you suppose will do such a feat?” Gawain said.

  “You, of course.”

  “Me?” Gawain laughed. “I do not hold such blood inside of me, but there is one with me that does.”

  “One of those children?” Asher asked, barely able to hold back his laughter.

  “Yes,” Gawain replied with a look of seriousness. He was getting ready to explain who was traveling along with him when Ellyn, Leon, and Ulrich came running into the tomb.

  “Something bad has happened!” They all three shouted at the same time.

  “What?” Asher calmly asked.

  “The manor is under attack!” Ellyn shouted.

  “Did you see who was leading the charge?” Asher questioned.

  “It was Kole, your second in command,” Leon interrupted.

  “He must be after the hilt,” Asher responded angrily.

  “Then we fight,” Gawain exclaimed.

  “No!” Asher demanded. “You have the hilt, it's your job to protect it, not to help me fight my own people.” He walked over to the far left of the room and flipped what looked like a switch of sorts that opened a hidden room. “This path will lead you to the back of the manor, make your escape there and get as far away from here as you can.”

  “Let us help you,” Gawain pleaded.

  "I will have none of it!” Asher responded. “This is my town, and thieves handle their own problems.” Gawain tried to say they could be of use but Asher would hear none of it, the man was stubborn in his beliefs. "Leave here at once!”

  Gawain lowered his head and reluctantly agreed to leave the manor at once, “We leave now.” He ordered the others.

  Ellyn, Leon, and Ulrich refused to leave, wanting to stay and help. Asher realized that the young ones were being rebellious, and in the back of his mind he knew that he had to act quickly as the sound of footsteps could be heard running their way. With his great strength, he grabbed the youngsters up in his arms and threw them into Gawain with such force that the four of them fell backward through the hidden wall. Asher then flipped the switch again and pulled it from the wall so it could not be used again. “It was nice to meet people that still have honor in this world, take care, my friends.” He smiled, and as the wall closed he could be seen no longer.

  “You stupid, stupid man!” Ellyn shouted, pounding her fist against the wall.

  “That is enough, Ellyn!” Gawain told her. “He gave his life to protect us, let's honor it by doing as he requested.”

  “Honor means nothing if you have to die for such trivial things.” Ulrich spat.

  “Sometimes honor is all we have in this world, Ulrich,” Gawain said, turning to walk away.

  “I don't need your type of honor.” Ulrich muttered.

  Asher readied his battle axe; at any moment the intruders would come rushing into the tomb after the hilt, killing anyone in their path that would stop them, even the King. The first wave of bandits that came flooding into the room meet their end by the hand of their King's axe. At first, it startled the rest of the group.

  But Kole reminded them of the riches that awaited them inside the tomb if they could make it past Asher. “I know that he is your King. But also know that he hides riches for himself right underneath your nose, not willing to share with his people.” That was all it took to anger the men once more, and they stormed the room for a second time.

  The man fought valiantly; however, the numbers game would prove too much for even the mightiest of men like him. Asher's own men had turned on him, and before long they had even disarmed him of his axe. “This is an outrage! I am your King, why do you do this? Have I not been a good king to all of you!” Asher angrily shouted, fighting them tooth and nail.

  “Why don't you just shut up already, your bellowing grows old,” Kole hissed as he walked inside the tomb behind his men. “You're just as bad as your father was.”

  “What would you know of my father?”

  “I know that he begged for his life before he died.” Kole smirked. “And if you don't tell me what I want to know, you shall share the same fate as he.” Kole reared back his fist and punched Asher hard across the face. “Tell me where the hilt is hidden.”

  ‘It was Kole who killed my father, sad. Even though my fate is sealed, I still need to distract him to give the others time,’ Asher thought. “Look around you, there are hilts and weapons in all corners of this room.” Asher laughed.

  Kole punched Asher again, this time splitting his upper lip. “Don't play dumb with me,” he grumbled. “I want the hilt to the legendary blade, tell me where it's hidden.”

  Asher blood running down his lip, “What you seek is no longer within these walls,” he said.

  Kole let his anger explode, punching Asher in the face over and over again until his own hand started to hurt. “Where is the hilt?!” He screamed.

  Though Asher's face was a bloody mess, he still laughed at Kole's ignorance. “You will never get your hands on that hilt, or the pieces of the blade itself.” Asher laughed loudly enough that it echoed throughout the tomb. Kole, growing ever so tired of Asher's antics, pulled a knife from his belt, stabbing Asher in the side of the neck with the blade again, and again, and again. Asher laughed at Kole until his last breath; his body went limp and the great King Of Thieves was no more.

  8

  Second Trial: The Great Dragon Graveyard

  Several months had passed since Ellyn, Gawain, Leon, and Ulrich had made it out of East Haven with their skins intact. Even though so much time had passed they couldn't help but feel like they could have done more if Asher hadn't forced them to leave when he did then they too would have shared in his fate.

  “I still can't help but feel like we left Asher to die.” Ellyn frowned, and there was still a hint of sadness to her voice when she talked about that night.

  “We did what Asher asked of us, Miss Ellyn,” Gawain replied. “All we can do is move forward.”

  “Asher was a tough man, I'm sure he's fine.” Leon smiled, but something in the pit of his stomach told him otherwise.

  “You're right, Leon.” Gawain agreed. “I'm sure Asher is still among the living.” Even though in the back of his mind like Leon, he knew that Asher had given his life to save them.

  Ulrich could see the pain in Ellyn's eyes, if anything pulled at what heart he had left, it was seeing her sad. “Asher seemed like a skilled warrior.” Ulrich smiled as warmly as he knew how. “He's the King Of Thieves for a reason.”

  “Thank you guys.” Ellyn smiled brightly. She looked at Gawai
n, seeming back to her bubbly self, “Where are we going next?” It was too painful for her to keep talking about Asher, even though he was a thief, his kindness touched her heart.

  “We're going to the Dragon Graveyard.” You could almost hear the fear in Gawain's voice.

  “I've never heard of such a place before.”

  “From what I understand, the Dragons were used in the Great War. When the war ended, the Dragons that were injured went to a specific place to die, thus becoming the Dragon Graveyard,” Ulrich explained.

  “You have a vast amount of knowledge stored away in that brain of yours.” Ellyn complemented.

  “Know your surroundings first and foremost.” Ulrich smugly replied.

  “Then why are we heading there of all places, Ulrich,” Gawain interrupted. “Seeing how you know all, this should be an easy question to answer.”

  “How should I know?”

  Gawain chuckled, “We're going after another piece of the legendary blade.” He seemed to tremble when he talked of the graveyard.

  “And how do you know this?”

  “I have my ways of getting information.”

  “You don't seem too happy about going there, Master Gawain,” Leon butted in before another argument could start.

  “I'm not happy about it at all,” Gawain replied with a sober face.

  “The old man is scared.” Ulrich laughed. “Does the big bad Dragon Graveyard make you shake in your armor?”

  Gawain got angry and pulled back the reins of his horse to make it stop trotting. “Everyone stop for a moment,” he demanded. “The Dragon Graveyard is no joke; just like the Cave Of Sorrow, there are many dangers we will face.

  This isn't going to be fun or easy, Mages live in that graveyard, and they practice the Dark Arts. I don't know if we are ready to face such foes but we have no choice if we want to retrieve what we seek,” Ulrich began laughing hysterically, “Do you find something funny?”

  “I find it funny that you're scared of Mages.”