Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

Fierce waves crashed angrily against the rocky coastline of Miirvk. Never before had the people of Hamal seen a storm with such intensity. The inhabitants of the city, largest and oldest in all of Miirvk, stood outside at the waterfront, braving the torrential rain, waiting for their returning raiders.

  In a land of sweltering heat, forsaken by the goddess Nyrune and her influence over the weather, rain was a horrific omen. To many it was a sign that Beon had been angered, as in the past it had rained so fiercely only once. That had come during a time of great civil strife, when Beon was angered by his people's own self destructive war.

  The Iron Stride, though heaving in the gale, eventually managed to dock and set its anchors down. Tired yet triumphant, the raiders left the ship, braving the winds to bear the spoils from their journey proudly on their shoulders.

  The tall Miirvkin warriors came down carrying with them riches from Feldom that their own land could not produce. Gold jewellery, valuable pottery, rich spices and colourful cloths, were amongst the many things taken by the raiders. One of the warriors left the ship carrying something else.

  Reinar held the two infants, covered from view in a large cloth, as he walked up to his wife Kera and their young daughter. The natural difference between the Feldonian and Miirvkin races was amplified by the boys' tiny presence in Reinar's arms.

  Not long after their departure from Feldom, Jerac had succumbed to his festering wounds. Following his death, the proud commander had taken the two into his cabin, unsure what to do with the boys. Sewn onto their clothes he had then found their names, and to the displeasure of many of his men, he had seen them well fed and cared for during the long journey home.

  "Beon is angry, Reinar," Kera said softly.

  Reinar looked up to the sky, heavy rain pelting his face. The dark clouds swirled with contempt and he wondered if he was the reason for Beon's anger. "I have never seen such a storm," he replied, trying to hide his suspicions.

  "I am afraid."

  Reinar saw the concern in her face and lowered his gaze to stare at Thibalt and Christill who were now stirring in his arms. Kera followed his eyes and gasped.

  "What have you done?" she said in shock.

  Reinar, fumbling awkwardly, handed Thibalt to Kera and led her up the beach towards the city. He did not miss the disapproving stares from his men that followed him. "I will explain what happened later. First I must speak with Lord Bearn. Where is he?"

  "He is in council with the Disciple."

  "Good. I may need his advice as well," Reinar added.

  A call came from behind, as Reinar's daughter ran up the beach behind them. Her blonde curls bounced as she skipped along the sand. "Father, Father, wait!" Seeing the infants, she gasped. "Are they going to stay with us?" the girl asked excitedly.

  Reinar quickly checked to make sure that others had not overheard. Then struggling to find a reply he simply said, "I must talk with Lord Bearn, Siri. I will speak with you later. We will have plenty of time then."

  "Oh, you never have time for me," Siri said, pouting her lips to show her disappointment.

  Reinar managed a smile and handed Christill to Kera. He picked up his daughter and lifted her onto his shoulders, lightening up her mood.

  "You can come with me to see Lord Bearn then," Reinar suggested.

  "Can I Mother?" Siri asked excitedly.

  Kera nodded her head causing an even larger smile to appear on the young girl's face.

  "Look after them until I return," Reinar said. He then began to walk up towards the city with Siri chatting happily on his shoulders.

  Kera looked at the two infants and could not help but feel for them. Walking up the sodden beach towards her house, she felt a deep foreboding about what the future held.