Children of the Cursed

by A E Stanfill

  “That's not the case either,” Allora replied. “The rest of the legend states that someone with great power will come along to challenge the one that controls the Reaper Blade. With a powerful blade of his own, he shall end the darkness by bringing the light, or bring forth great destruction ending this world,” she explained. “But that's not all, for this man will have cursed blood coursing through his veins.”

  “C-Cursed blood,” Leon swallowed nervously. “Are you sure?”

  “Says the legend,” Allora shrugged. “But I wouldn't worry about that Alistair guy, the blade will drive him mad before long.”

  “By the gods Allora, for a Divine Counselor you say some stupid shit,” Gawain hissed. “Alistair is stronger than you give him credit for, and if the blade eventually drives him crazy, he will start killing innocent people. Which means he has to be stopped.”

  “Because we are old friends, I will not hold such insolence against you.” Allora glared at Gawain, “If you wish to undo what has been done, that boy holds the answer,” she said, pointing at Leon. “I can see it in his eyes; he needs to tell us something more.”

  “Is that true, Leon?” Gawain asked.

  “I don't hold the key to-” Leon caught himself mid-sentence, as like a lightning bolt to the head he remembered Robin's words before he found himself back where he belonged. “The Tomb Of Carnage,” he whispered.

  “What did you say?” Gawain responded.

  “The Tomb Of Carnage,” Leon said louder. “That is where we must go.”

  “Are you mad?” Gawain grumbled. “Such a journey would take years, that's if we're lucky enough to make it there and back alive.”

  “We must,” Leon demanded.

  “Why?” Gawain snapped.

  “Because that tomb may hold the secret to stopping Alistair.”

  Gawain took a deep breath, running his fingers through his hair. “I don't like this one bit, but it seems as though we don't have many options,” he sighed. “Tell me what we must do, Leon.”

  “We have to find a certain amulet that my father had hidden. When we find and bring the amulet to the Tomb Of Carnage, the moon will cover the sun. When that happens I must wear the amulet around my neck and bathe in the light. Soon all will become clear.”

  “What will happen to you in the process?” Gawain questioned with a look of worry in his eyes.

  “I do not know,” Leon answered. “But it's a chance I am willing to take.”

  “By the look on your face I know that I will not be able to stop you,” Gawain sighed and looked at Allora. “How do we obtain a vessel?”

  Allora had a far off look in her eyes before saying, “Aurelius has connections in the port town of Desheustan. He knows a person there that has a boat that may be willing to help. If the price is right. I will have Aurelius accompany you there, and see if we can work out a deal. Does that work for you?”

  “It does,” Gawain smiled. “Before we go on another long journey, I do believe we need to rest a few days first.”

  “Of course, that's why I sent word with Kallen to have rooms ready for you and your companions.”

  “Thank you, Allora.” Gawain bowed.

  “You are much welcome, Sir Gawain. Can I ask that you leave me to speak to Leon alone?”

  “May I ask why?”

  “What I have to say is meant for Leon's ears only.”

  “As you wish,” Gawain nodded, before walking away.

  “What is so important that Master Gawain couldn't stay?” Leon inquired.

  “What I wish to talk about upsets you when others are near,” Allora responded. “I see you are confused. Let me put it this way, I know of your powers and the cursed blood that flows through your veins.”

  Leon's eyes widened, “How do you know about that? I haven't told a soul.”

  “I can sense the power awakening inside of you, along with other things.”

  “Other things?”

  “Like the fact that I know you've been to another realm, that smell follows a person. Almost all Elvish kind can sense it.”

  “That explains why Aurelius was giving me such odd looks,” Leon muttered. “He must be able to sense the power that dwells inside of me as well.”

  “He did not wish to put you in an awkward situation by bringing up such matters in front of your friends. Same as I, which is why I asked Gawain to leave us.”

  “You were wise to do so, it would have been hard to explain these things in front of him,” Leon sighed.

  “Do not worry about Gawain, he knows more about you than you know about yourself.”

  “I knew as much,” Leon smirked.

  “He is just trying to keep you safe.”

  “Still you have not told me why you kept me here alone.”

  “May I ask you something then?” Allora played along with the young man.

  “You may.”

  “Have you spoken to anyone from the other realm?”

  Leon refused to make eye contact with Allora, “I'm not supposed to talk about that, not with anyone.”

  “Okay then, let me rephrase that. Was there an old man waiting for you when you first visited the other realm?” Leon didn't give an answer with words, instead, he just nodded. “Do you know his name?” again Leon nodded. “Was the old man's name Robin?” Leon wanted to shake his head no, but he couldn't fight the urge to nod yet again. “Has he been training you?” He nodded again. Leon couldn't figure out what was happening, as his body told her the truth with every question no matter how hard he fought against it. “Robin was the one that told you about Collin was he not? Please answer with words this time.”

  “If I do not speak you will just make my body tell you instead, right?”

  “What if I do? This is important, and your refusal to talk is not acceptable.”

  Leon glared at her; she knew too much, there was no point in keeping secrets from Allora now. “Fine,” he grumbled. “If you answer a question of my own then I will tell you everything.”

  Allora thought about it for a minute, “Ask me your question.”

  “Why is this so important? Do you get something out of all this?”

  “I will be honest with you Leon,” Allora sighed. “The magic in this world is starting to fade. And I'm afraid this Alistair man you speak of is the cause if he succeeds with whatever he has planned. Then my people will be no more, for it is magic that gives us our immortality, and without it we will surely perish,” Allora explained. “If I help you to defeat that vile man, then my people will live on. Understand?”

  “Can you not just defeat him yourself?” Leon asked. “I see the strength in numbers you have here, is that not enough?”

  “The power of the Reaper Blade grows with each passing day,” Allora said. “If we were to attack him head on, we would fail, in the end giving the blade even more power. Leon, you are this world’s only hope. The power inside of you is the only thing that can defeat the darkness.”

  “What if I refuse?”

  “Then this world will surely be plunged into darkness,” Allora warned. “Everyone you know will either perish or become slaves.” Leon looked down at the ground then back up at Allora, and she gave him a few minutes to ponder on if he could trust in her words or not. With a great sigh, Leon explained everything that had happened with him personally, and what had transpired during his journey with Ellyn, Gawain, and Ulrich. Allora paced back and forth mumbling to herself.

  “The words I speak are the truth,” Leon said.

  Allora stopped and studied Leon even closer, “I thank you for telling me the truth, however, I must take my leave now. There is much to talk over with Aurelius, and you need rest. Do not worry, we shall talk again soon enough.” Off she went, hurriedly back towards the town hall.

  That night Gawain and Leon had a very long and interesting conversation. “Leon,” Gawain said, holding something wrapped in cloth tight in his hands.

  “What is it, Master Gawain?” Leon responded.

 
Gawain just stared at the object in his hands, “Please stop calling me Master.”

  “You are a Master at the Academy, therefore you deserve such respect,” Leon responded with a faint smile.

  “The Academy of Drasal is finished, we are all that remains.”

  “What do you mean by, we are all that is left?”

  “When you stayed to talk with Allora, I met up with Aurelius, and we went back to Drasal.” Gawain lowered his head. “Alistair had everyone that was left at the Academy barricaded inside. And then-” he paused, Gawain's face turned pale and he looked as though he was about to be sick.

  “What happened?” Leon questioned, even though he was afraid of the answer

  Gawain shook his head, “Alistair had the building set ablaze, not a single soul managed to escape. They were all burned alive.” His grip on the object in his hands tightened.

  “You lie,” Leon hissed, trying to hold back his tears.

  “It's the truth.”

  “I don't believe you,” he shouted, tears running down his face.

  “Accept it or not, is the truth. Remember, it is hard on every one of us.”

  “Yet you sit there like it’s no big deal.”

  “You better watch your tongue.” Gawain stood from his chair, “The Academy was home to many, not just you. Think of how this must affect Lady Catherine, Henry, and Jeffery. It was the only home they had ever known, was my home as well. Caine betrayed us all so if you want to direct your anger at someone, aim it towards him.”

  “You're right,” Leon said, wiping the tears from his eyes. “I'm sorry.”

  “Only be sorry if we fail.”

  “Fail at what?” Leon questioned.

  “Revenge,” Gawain hissed.

  “Revenge,” Leon laughed. “How do you suppose we get revenge?”

  “You said it yourself, we take the amulet of your fathers to the Tomb Of Carnage.”

  “We don't even know where to find the amulet,” Leon grumbled. “For all we know the Dark Knights have it, which means Alistair will have it by now.”

  “Why would the Dark Knights give the amulet to Alistair?”

  “Don't you know?”

  “Know what?”

  “That he who holds the Reaper Blade controls the Dark Knights.”

  “But the blade will drive him mad, how will he control such power with an unsteady mind?”

  “As you said before, Alistair is stronger than we think. It may take longer for the blade’s power to consume him.”

  “We shall cross that bridge when we get there,” Gawain said. “However, I do know for a fact the Dark Knights nor Alistair have the amulet.”

  “You know that how?”

  Gawain unwrapped the object in his hand, revealing Leon's father's amulet. “Because I have it,” he responded.

  “Where did you get that?” Leon gasped.

  “I took it from your hut, the day I made a promise to your father,” Gawain answered.

  “Wait, I thought my father was dead the day you rescued me,” Leon replied, he had a confused look on his face for it was the first he had heard of this.

  “A Dark Knight had fatally injured your father and killed your mother. As he lay on the floor breathing his last breath, your father asked me to take you back to Drasal and keep you safe until the time came for me to give you this amulet and blade. I believe that time is now.” He held up the amulet for Leon to take. “I have kept this safe for many a year, now it is your turn to do what is necessary.”

  “My father wanted me to have this?” Leon muttered.

  “He did.” With an unsteady hand, Leon reached out to take the amulet from Gawain. The amulet was rusted and didn't have much of a shine to it, and the jewel in the center had no color to it whatsoever.

  “Do amulets not shine with power?”

  “Normally they do,” Gawain answered. “However, this one seems to have lost whatever power it once held.”

  “Then it is of no use to us.” Leon lowered his head in disbelief, then he remembered Robin's words of advice and that gave him hope, “That is why we must take it to the Tomb Of Carnage. If the amulet bathes in the light of the moon and sun together, it just might restore what was once lost, and everything will become clear. It all makes sense now.” Leon paused momentarily. “You said something about a blade as well, did you not?”

  “Yes, back in my younger days I found the sword Nightbane,” Gawain responded. “When I touched the blade, I started hearing voices. At that moment everything changed for me, and that is also when the change began in Alistair as well.”

  “Why do you believe that blade is meant for me?”

  “It's hard to explain,” Gawain replied. “You will just have to trust me on this.”

  “Where is the blade now?”

  “I brought it with me. However, it is hidden away somewhere safe, not even you shall know of its location.”

  “Do you not trust me?”

  “It's not that I don't trust you, Leon.”

  “Then what?”

  “I have to be wise when I give you the blade. There is no telling what will happen when you touch Nightbane, and that cannot happen here of all places.”

  “Why not?” Leon asked.

  “Allora would sense the power of the blade, and yours for that matter,” Gawain explained.

  “She already knows about me,” Leon responded.

  “Still yet, it wouldn't be a good move on our part to try something under her nose. Especially since she is willing to aid us in finding a vessel, and is giving us a place to stay for a while.”

  “Gawain, how long do you think this voyage will take?” Leon questioned.

  “That was certainly out of the blue,” Gawain chuckled. “Quick to change the subject, huh?”

  “It's not that,” Leon hesitated. “I'm just curious is all.”

  Gawain wasn't sure why Leon wanted to change the subject, but still he answered the question regardless. “If we are lucky it should take us about two and a half, maybe three seasons passing,” he said. “Are you going to tell me why you ask such a question?”

  Leon leaned his back up against the wall, not once taking his gaze off of Gawain. “Because we have three full seasons before the moon covers the sun,” he answered.

  “Looks like our stay here will be short,” Gawain huffed. “Get some rest, tomorrow we make preparations.”

  The next day came quickly enough and Gawain had already gone when Leon woke. Leon didn't worry though, he had a feeling that Gawain was out making preparations for the long road ahead. On Gawain's bed were fresh clothing, gloves, boots, and a cape, along with a protective chain mail that went underneath his tunic, along with another blade. Leon smiled; this was clearly Allora's doing, she must have had Kallen bring them new gear. He got dressed, slipped his boots on, then buttoned the cape to his tunic before heading out the door. When Leon made his way outside, Henry and Jeffery were waiting for him.

  “Leon, over here!” Henry shouted, waving his hand in the air to get Leon's attention.

  “Hey, guys.” Leon waved back, making his way towards them, “Are the two of you waiting for me?”

  “Yeah, we've been out here for hours,” Henry grumbled. “I even missed breakfast because of you.”

  Jeffery shot Henry an angry look, shaking his head, “Just ignore him, Leon. You know how he gets if he's not stuffing his face all day.”

  “I don't stuff my face all day,” Henry pouted like a three-year-old.

  Jeffery patted Henry's stomach, “So says your gut.”

  “Okay you two,” Leon laughed a little. “Which one of you is going to tell me why you are here?”

  “Gawain wants us to stock up on provisions,” Jeffery said.

  “Then meet him at the town entrance when done,” Henry interrupted.

  “We better hurry then,” Leon responded.

  Later into the day, almost everyone stood at the town entrance waiting for one last person to show. “What is taking Gawai
n so long?” Henry hissed. “I'm getting-”

  “You're getting hungry!” everyone shouted at once.

  “That was mean,” Henry mumbled to himself.

  Another thirty minutes had passed before Gawain walked up with Allora and Aurelius. “Sorry I'm late,” Gawain said apologetically. “We had some things to discuss.”

  “What is this about?” Lady Catherine asked. “And why are they with you?”

  “Good question,” Gawain smiled. “Hopefully I can give you a good enough answer. You see, Leon and I are about to go on a very long journey. It will be tough, and very dangerous. Hell I don't even know if we will even survive or not, to be honest with all of you. To get to the point, we will be making our way to the Tomb Of Carnage.

  And for that we will be needing a vessel, Aurelius here knows someone in Desheustan, that may be willing to help us out. Right now, we need all the help we can get. I guess what I am saying is, who will be willing to lend us aid on this long and treacherous journey? Remember, you don't have to do any of this. Nobody is forcing you, if you would like to stay here where it is safe and start a new life for yourselves, I will understand. Decide this for yourself, not for us.”

  “That's foolish to even ask me a question such as that,” Lady Catherine said, walking up to Gawain. “Count me in, someone has to keep you out of trouble,” she laughed. “My magic and skill of herbal healing will aid you in your quest.”

  “Thank you,” Gawain humbly bowed.

  “Don't thank me yet,” Catherine smiled.

  “Well I have no choice in the matter,” Leon interrupted, taking his place beside Gawain and Lady Catherine. “It seems I am the key piece in righting all of this madness.”

  “I have no home to return to, so you can count me in as well. At this point, I would do anything to take vengeance on those that did us wrong.” Jeffery took his place beside Leon, “What about you Henry?”

  “What about me?” Henry asked.

  “Will you be joining us? Or will you stay behind?”

  “If I go, will there be food?” Henry questioned.

  “Who cares if there will be food or not,” Jeffery hissed. “This will be our chance to find a way to take that bastard Alistair down, along with his lapdog Caine. Who knows, we may even get a chance to teach Ulrich what happens when you betray the group.”