I am Brieg (pronounced Bruh - i - guh, if you're wondering), a twenty something living in Machynlleth. I've had a passion for good stories since a young age and have always aspired to create my own one day. I have a love for books that make you question your own motives and give a new perspective of the lives we lead. My aim as an author is to make the reader question their lives in interesting and new ways, but mostly to laugh, love and enjoy the story they get dragged into.

So the story, The Knights Of Solas. A fantasy epic, following two young men, Attie and Aeron. Theses two were lost into the world at a young age, being forced to survive together and make what they can of their lives. Never knowing who they truly are, as the world begins to fall apart around them they are forced to discover their true identity, whether they want to or not. Both are destined to be far greater than they could of ever known. We follow them through epic battles where all hangs by a thread, then on great journeys across vast landscapes filled with an array of wild characters and animals, we follow them through love and through the loss we all, one day will face. All the while our connection with the two main characters grows as we release we are all not so different.

In summary if you want a story that makes you question your own life, makes your heart skip a beat, then puts your stomach in a knot. This may just be something you'd like!

Sample Chapter

Prologue

The ferocious howling wind ripped and tore at the large white canvas sails. Sea spray whipped across the slippery old wooden deck as the ship carved its path through the rough seas like a blunt knife. Men frantically fighting to keep it on its course as it rises and falls, crashing through the large waves. Thick ominous black clouds blanket the sky above them, filling the air with a spine tingling electric tension. At the helm of this lonely ship, the captain, draped in his thick black cloak, with his hands and face numb from the biting sea wind. A steely look in his eyes, a large scar upon his cheek, he continued his battle with the slick wooden wheel. A top the masts, an old man held on for all he was worth. As the ship rocked back and forth, he kept his gaze locked far out into the distance, his eye’s clouded over like the whitest of milk, his face bearing the scars of time, wrapped in a thick grey overcoat, something inside squirmed.

“It’s ok” he spoke softly, in an attempt to calm it. A soft muffled whimper came out from underneath.

He looked out into the black abyss, straining his gaze, something large approached low and fast across the treacherous waters. It’s black silhouette hardly visible against the surroundings. Fear filled him, he quickly looked down to the men milling about like ants below him.

With a thick gravelly voice, he barked “Dragon”!

He pointed out in the direction it approached, as it skimmed the white wave tops, a crack of bright lighting burst overhead, as it lit up the sea for but a moment, the beast came into view, it’s thick black scales, brooding violet eyes and immense wingspan. The approaching beast unleashed a hellish roar, the noise unbearable, forcing men to their knees. The captain kept a calm exterior though he felt in his heart his time was now running short, he bellowed out to his men.

“Ballista!” The sound of fear and urgency filled his words.

The middle of the ship opened, slowly from the deck below a large crossbow rose, two men loaded a long black steel bolt. With a menacing silver tip, dipped in a copious amount of a strange clear tar. They set the bolt alight, a blue flame hugged and rolled along the surface of the tar, hardly visible to the naked eye, though the silver tip quickly began to take a warm cherry glow, the hiss of water drops as they came into contact. The dragon let out another fierce roar, unleashing a torrent of white hot flame, the fire rolled across the sea covering it like blanket, turning the sea flaming cauldron. The fire light up the beast once again as it flew through its own flame untouched, it swirled elegantly around the beast’s body and wings. The immense heat dried the damp faces of the men facing the fearsome creature down, the flame glowing in their eyes as they sensed their impending doom, the beast lurched skyward throwing a cloud of spray and flame across the ship as men ducked for cover. The beast rose into the air above them then began to slowly circle overhead. A sailor followed its movement closely with the ballista, the beast suddenly began to slow even more coming to a near stop above them, then it slowly rolled over onto it’s back and began a dive straight toward them. It was a truly graceful display, the men filled with fear, they all began to shout and panic. Men began to prepare to jump overboard into the raging seas, filled with complete fear and a raw sense of survival.

Sully the young youthful faced sailor at the controls of the ballista with complete nerves of steel, waited for the right time, staring down the sights into the beast’s eyes. As it plummeted ever faster toward them, its mouth wide open with glistening white teeth the size of spears, a glow at the back of its throat. Then sully leased the bolt, time seamed to slow as the flaming bolt flew skyward, finding its target. The bolt went straight into the beast’s open mouth, taking the tip off one of it’s teeth, then finding it’s place in the back of its throat. The beast didn’t seem to slow, sully watched as the life left the beasts eyes, the glow in its throat died. Plummeting into the water next to the ship, a cascade of water flew into the air, rocking the ship to and fro. The men cheered and shouted, Sully let out a massive sigh of relief, a moment of elation for the men. Sully heard a sudden clunk, he looked to the floor next to him, the tip of the beast’s tooth had landed next to his foot. He picked it up, the tip of the tooth large than his hand. A jagged break, he run his thumb over the razor-sharp tip. He admired his new souvenir for but a brief moment, then from the across the ship came another shout.

“There’s another one!” A young faced sailor pointed out to sea.

The men’s cheers stopped as they gazed out into the darkness, suddenly the ship was viciously thrown into the air, lifted clean from the water. Men were thrown off their feet as it crashed back into the water, so too did the men crash back onto the deck. A pain filled roar cried out, the beast was not dead. It wreathed and struggled in the water throwing torrents of water over the ship, eventually getting airborne, then slowly limping into the sky. It hovered over the ship, looking down upon the men, thick velvet red blood dripped from its mouth. The beast looked straight into Sulley’s eyes, it’s eyes filled with pure untapped rage. It let out a fearsome roar, throwing a flaming torrent into the dark skies, the other approaching dragons joined, a deafening orchestra of death reined over the seas.

The captain remained calm, he grabbed one of the sailors.

“Go get the boys, it’s time for them to go”. A look of fear deep within his weary eyes.

The man dashed off across the deck, the captain gave out a loud whistle, the old man in the crow’s nest looked down.

The captain shouted up, just as he watched another beast swoop down from the darkness above. “Vaughn, get down from……. Look out!!!” He cried!

He watched helplessly as a dragon swooped down through the ships sails and masts, tearing them clean from the ship, splintered wood and canvas fell all over the ship, the vicious snap of ropes as they whipped unforgivingly across the deck, taking any man unfortunate to be in its path. The old man was lost into the sea, along with many others, the heavy ropes and sails dragging them helplessly to the bottomless depths below. Beneath deck the sailor ran to a small room, inside two thin young pale boys, fear filled their eyes as a beast let out another ear shattering roar.

The sailor steeled himself speaking in the calmest tone he could muster “Come on boys, time to get you out of here” a small crack in his voice.

He gave a gentle smile, reaching his hand out, the boys hesitated then took his hand. He led them up onto deck where men lay dead from fallen debris. Sully was working the catapult alone like a man possessed, flaming bolts reaching out into the dark abyss of the night. The sailor took them up to the back of the ship where the captain was still fighting with the wheel, over the back of the ship a small rowing boat hung. He hurriedly loaded the two boys in, Suddenly a loud crash! The wooden deck cracked and split as the beast dug its vicious claws in. The beasts weight began to force the ship under the tall waves, washing the men that remained out into the seas cold embrace, the ballista was crushed, sully lost with it. The beast opened its mouth, a thick white smoke slowly rolled out between its teeth, It looked at the last few men at the back of the ship, a look of pure evil in its eyes, its chest began to glow.

The captain shouted out “Get them out of here now!”

With a smile and a sad look in his eyes, the sailor removed his sword. “Good luck boys.” he sliced the rope holding the boat.

The small boat began to plummet toward the sea. Then like a raging furnace the beast unleashed its flame, engulfing the ship. The boys fell to the sea as the flames rolled over the top of them, singing their hair and skin, a narrow miss. The small boat broke apart upon impact with the raging waters. The two boys fell into the ocean’s wrath, waves towered and crashed over them, they were soon separated. The dragons circled the burning ship, a beacon of flickering light penetrating the darkness, the crackling flames spat and stirred ferociously like a whirlwind, the beast was unaffected as the flames rolled over its body. The two boys struggled in the ocean, the one managed to grab onto a large piece of wood, reaching the crest of a wave he could see his friend struggling.

He shouted out in a broken voice “Attie!”

But the ocean wind drowned out his shouts, slowly he tried to swim toward, but the closer he got the further he slowly watched his friend drift away. He kept shouting, his cries strained. Suddenly from behind a hand grabbed him, dragging him back. The old man who had been atop the mast, He grabbed on to the wooden board. From his cloak he produced a white puppy soaked to the skin.

“Hold on to him for me kid” There was something different about his man, he was calm in the face of complete uncertainty.

The boy held the puppy close to his chest. The pup’s eyes filled with fear, it’s tail tucked tightly between its back legs. The old man quickly took a grasp of the situation, together they swam toward Aeron, soon reaching him.

“Attie!” The boy rejoiced

“Aeron!” He replied as he coughed and spluttered water.

The 3 held on to the single large plank of wood with the burning ship slowly fading into the distance, the silhouetted dragons circled above it their cries echoing across the waters, the old man looked at the two boys.

“Don’t worry, we’ll make it out of this” A odd reassuring sound to his old voice as they disappeared into the night.

Chapter One

Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, his large wiry beard sodden. Deep blue and yellow eyes in a deep-set gaze, thick tree trunk like arms with veins itching to burst free holding the red-hot blade before him. He lets out a slow calm exhale as he steadied himself, this is the most crucial moment. With utter conviction he plunges the blade deep, into the barrel of swirling jet-black oil, the oil hissed and bubbled violently. He waited patiently, counting down the crucial seconds, then quickly withdrawing the blade, hot yellow flame rolled up its length, drops of burning oil hissed and spat in anger as they fell upon the cold stone floor. He examined the newly formed blade, carefully looking down its length, his eyes glistening in the flickering flame, he felt the weight, a satisfying balance as swung it, cutting clean through the air with not even a whisper. After a few minutes of inspection, satisfied with his work he placed it in an old wooden rack with steam still pouring from it profusely. Alongside it lay countless other various weapons and tools, axe’s, swords, knifes even shovels, they were all there. He passed his hand through his sodden scruffy hair, letting out a deep sigh, he slowly walked through the forge. Based in an old mill, the forge was a large room, large workbenches along the walls, a big table in the centre with various vices and tools. Before the furnace sat Attie’s pride Anvil, the 800lb monster was impressive on its own. The walls were lined with a gleaming array of weapons, armour and tools all polished to absolute perfection. Attie had truly become a master of his trade, he walked to the large double door opening, the sun blinding as he exited, not a cloud to be seen in the sea of light blue above. Birds song floated along with the gentle breeze, as bee’s and butterflies went about their business. Attie looked across the fields of tall wheat, flowing like water. In the distance the sprawling city of Novium, the imposing white castle towering over all. Attie walked around the back of their old mill kicking at the dusty trail as he went. The river behind flowing lazily, with the large wooden wheel slowly creaking around. Dax the once small pup, now a beast of mythical size, poked his head out from the cover of a nearby tree, hastily following Attie down towards the river. Loose gravel at its edge, a large deep pool. Attie kneeled at the edge, looking down into the water, it was still without a single ripple. Golden veins of sunlight turned and twisted on the gravel river bed. Attie adjusted his gaze, the water gave an almost perfect mirror reflection, gazing down upon himself. A drop of water fell from his hair, time seemed to slow as he watched the drop hit the water, the water rippled, slowly the ripples became bigger and bigger as they turned into monstrous waves.

The sky black, the wind raging, the waves battering him. He felt cold, alone, drifting in the rough seas on the little broken boat, he screamed out for “Aeron!”. He held onto the little ball of white fluff. Whimpering Dax was no longer the fierce wolf. Attie kept shouting “Aeron!” in desperate cries. He spotted him at the crest of a large wave, he tried to swim toward him, but no matter how hard he swam, Aeron kept drifting further and further away.

With Attie lost in a day dream Dax quietly snuck up behind him placing his snout between Attie’s legs, thrusting his head up, he launched him into the pool, breaking him from the daydream. Attie coughed and spluttered soaked to the skin, he sat in the water for a moment looking at Dax, he couldn’t be angry at his deep playful turquoise eyes.

A smile broke across his face “Ahhh you bugger, come here!”

He lifted Dax pulling him into the pool, Dax and Attie playfully splashed around, the cold water a welcome refreshment on this hot day. Whilst Attie and Dax played in the river, a little way up stream an old woman went about her business. Cleaning her white linen sheets, she laughed as she watched the young man play with the friendly beast. The two played for a while, until the rivers cool waters became a bit too cool. Eventually they both returned to the mill, Dax placed himself down in the entrance looking out over the landscape. Attie began to clear things away for the day, he tamed the furnace the loud roar slowly quietening until just faint crackles and pops could be heard. As Attie went about the task, Dax’s eyes where flitting around looking at the various birds flying past. But a smell, a familiar smell, drifted into his nostrils. He raised his head, sniffing, it was getting stronger, he could see a small plume of dust rising toward them. He rose quietly to his feet, his tail remained down. Then he was certain, he let out a vicious bark. Kicking up the dust on the ground before him. He turned to look at Attie, Attie came to the door, a dirty rag in one hand. He looked to the approaching dust cloud, he now knew the cause for alarm.

“Good boy” He said as he rubbed Dax’s head.

Attie wandered over to the back of the room to a large chest, the heavy lid creaking open. Reaching inside he removed perfectly polished plate armour, engraved with ornate golden floral patterns. But this was not armour for a man.

Attie spoke out “Come on boy”

Dax plodded over, Attie began placing the armour onto him, it had been formed perfectly to Dax’s body, every bump, every curve a perfect match matched. Dax’s tongue dangled out the side of his mouth as he panted and puffed. With the armour on he tightened the leather straps, Dax looked ready for war. Dax returned to his place by the door, casting his watchful eye over the approaching guests. Attie prepared himself, he was never one to wear armour, he liked the freedom of movement, so bare chested it would be, he removed one very elegant battle axe from the wall. He then took his place next to Dax, and calmly patted him on the head as they patiently waited.

The hammer of hooves, the horses breathing and sweating heavily. Attie counted a total of ten horses as they rushed in around the entrance to the forge. Each man dressed the same, all black clothing, their faces hidden behind black cloaks. As the orange dust began to settle the men dismounted their horses, they stood around as Attie cautiously scanned them over. They made a gap, a man atop a white horse rode casually toward them

The man wore the same clothing as the rest, except for the cloak, his was black and gold.

Attie watched as he slowly trotted over, gazing around at his surroundings. He stopped in front him, the horses face rubbing against Attie, with saliva dripping on his bare shoulder. Dax began to let out a deep bass growl.

“Easy boy.” Attie spoke calmly as he placed his hand on his head.

The man in the gold cloak leaned forward to look down at them, a look of amusement in his eyes, he gazed up at the old mill.

“Nice place you have here, could see myself living here” His tone cocky, as his men laughed.

“Now it would be a shame if something were to happen to it” He gestured to one of his men, the man proceeded to light a torch, then walking over to the front of the mill, maliciously gestured at setting the thatched roof alight.

For a moment the men laughed at Attie, but then, Attie joined them. Laughing from the pit of his stomach, he bellowed over the top of them. They looked at each other confused as Attie’s laughter echoed over them all.

“Did you not hear me?” The man questioned.

Attie continued to laugh as he walked along the side of his horse, then as quick as a flash of lightning, he stopped his laugh, he gripped onto the mans shoulder with his bear paw like hands. Tearing him down to the ground, the others rushed for their weapons, Dax quickly let out a fearsome bark, they paused questioning their options as drool dripped from the edge of the armoured beast. Attie held him to the floor, his grip crushing the mans shoulder, he drew back his arm, throwing a powerful punch. The man winced as the fist flew toward him, but he opened his eyes unharmed, the fist powering into the soft dirt beside his head. The men threw caution to the wind, thinking they may be able to overpower the beast. The one drew his sword, as soon as he did, an arrow whistled through the air, knocking the sword from his hand with a loud clang! An archer stood upon the roof of the mill, wearing a white cotton shirt with long black hair hanging loosely over his shoulders. Another arrow already in the bow.

“Choose your next move wisely” He spoke.

The men looked at each other nervously, then one made a break for his horse, jumping on and making a hasty retreat, the others looked at each other. Then soon they where all doing the same, making a quick exit back to the hole from which they had come. Leaving only their leader, still pinned to the floor under Attie’s strong grasp.

“Now I suggest you leave, whilst I still allow you to walk.” Attie spoke in a calm tone.

The man didn’t reply, he snorted the spat a thick glob of flem onto Attie’s face.

The archer now sat on the roof watching the display, placed his head into his hands, knowing full well what would come next. Attie slowly wiped it from his face, looking at the man who seemed to be all to pleased with his efforts. Without further word he placed his other hand against the mans throat. Releasing his shoulder, he lifted him into the air, the man chocked and spluttered as he was carried by his throat down to the river. Their Attie proceeded to convince the man of his wrong doings. Also, that it would be a good idea not to do such a thing here again. The archer watched as the man gasped for breath in the brief periods his head was allowed out of the water. After a while Attie felt though he may have learnt his lesson, he allowed the man to live. He ran faster than Attie had ever seen anyone run upon his release, with the man gone Attie made his way back up to the mill.

“Well nice to see you’ve been keeping busy.” Said the archer.

“Ahhh you know me, never one to be caught slacking, anyway nice of you to turn up Aeron, if not for you I would had to drown all of them!”

The two laughed, Attie placed his arm over Aerons shoulder as they wandered back up into the forge.

“So, where the hell you been hiding today?” He questioned.

“I’ll explain inside!” Aeron laughed.

The flames roll slowly into the air with a crackle and pop. Hot embers drift lazily, Dax lays before it, soaking in its heat. His arctic white fur taking on an orange hue, the silver moonlight bursting through the window, reflecting off the dust that sparkles like diamonds in the air.

Two beds either side of the room, Attie snores his worries away, rattling the windows from their frames. Then, a gasp for air, Aeron shoots bolt upright, a nervous sweat over his body, his breathing laboured. The nightmares continue to rob him of his sleep, slowly he calm’s himself moving to sit on the edge of the bed. The other two remain fast asleep, he lets out a deep sigh, resting his head in his hands. He rubs the back of his neck and head, then silently rises to his feet. He quietly dresses himself, ensuring not to wake the other two, somewhat dressed, he places the sword that rests against his bed over his shoulder, quietly walking out the room and heading outside. The glistening stars dance in the sky, the half-moon hangs low among them, it’s bright light casting eerie shadows across the rolling landscape. Aeron raises his head to the sky, letting out a deep breathe, the vapour flows like a liquid silver. He follows the small single path leading away from the forge through the tall waist high wheat, he heads for the woods that border the fields. The small path joins on to a large dirt road, he takes a left, crossing an old wooden bridge. The wood creaking and groaning as he walks across, stopping half way he looks down to the river below, he can see his moonlight shadow upon the water’s surface. The river flows lazily shimmering under the moonlight. The wood’s lay the other side of the river, an ancient woodland, trees rising high into the night sky, a thick canopy, rays of moonlight pushing through to light the way. Aeron walks aimlessly, not knowing or caring for his destination, just simply following his feet. He slowly makes his way through the woods, kicking at loose stones and dirt, lost in a cloud of empty thoughts. As he walks, something feels off, there’s a tension in the air, hanging among the trees, he pauses for a moment. Looking down at the floor, using his ears, he wait’s, a loud silence, he slowly raises his head. Straining to hear a sound, but nothing. He looks around, nothing moves nor approaches. The forest lays in a complete silence. He moves forward, then he hears something. He stops once again, he can make out faint voices. He walks toward the source, slowly the voices become louder.

He turns a tight bend, ahead several torches dance in the air, the flickering orange glow lighting the tree canopy, several men surround a large jet-black horse. Its rider adorned in a silk cape. Unable to make out what they are saying he waits in the darkness, watching on.

Suddenly a scuffle, the rider is pulled from the horse, a struggle ensues, then a harrowing scream, that of a woman. The men around laugh as they bind the rider, Aeron drops to his knees, slowly finding cover behind a large boulder sat on the edge of the road. The rider continues the struggle, as the men check the bags that hang-over the horse, pulling all the items within out, throwing them carelessly across the floor. They turn their attention to the rider, a gravelly voice breaks out.

“What’s this then?”. One of the men says, in a rough tone.

Kneeling in front of the rider, he rips a necklace off, a luminous white crystal. He examines it, placing it in his pocket. The rider attempts to kick the man, in vain. They all laugh as they stand over her as she struggled valiantly.

“Let’s go, leave the horse, we’ll leave a trail of breadcrumbs for them to follow” The men all laughed in response.

The rider’s struggle slowed, beginning to accept her fate. The men turned beginning to walk towards Aeron, dragging the women behind them. As they approach Aeron hastily tried his best to hide himself from view tucking in tight behind the rock. His heart pounding out of his chest as they slowly walked past, the light from their torches lighting the area around him, slowly the rider appears, her dragging feet leaving a trail in the dry road, looking up her eyes meet with Aerons, her pupils widen with a mumbled cry as she tries to wriggle free. The men pay no attention to her struggling, they walk slowly past leaving Aeron behind unnoticed. Aeron waits in baited breathe as they slowly fade away into the distance, once he thinks he’s clear he lets out a deep sigh of relief. Then he rises turning for the horse they left behind, picking up the scattered possessions he places them carefully back in the thick leather saddle bag. As he collects the things off the floor, a stone catches his attention, a deep purple and gold gemstone, it has an odd glow about it, giving off a small amount of light. He examines it for a moment then places it in his pocket, then something else catches his eye, a seal on the saddle, that of the King. He stands back, looking at horse in all its elegance, it’s perfect coat shimmering in the shaft of silver moonlight, it’s deep hazel eyes. It seems unflustered by the events, taking it by the rein, Aeron slowly leads it through the woods in the direction they had headed off in. He soon catches up, ensuring to keep his distance he watched carefully as they turn off the road, he waits patiently, then moving to where they left the trail. No path, they had just walked straight into the deep undergrowth, the torches slowly fading, he quickly ties the horse to a nearby tree. Then attempts to make his way through the woods, the thick canopy letting through little moonlight he continuously tripped over unseen roots and rocks, regardless he struggled on through the undergrowth.

Eventually, light flickers ahead, he can hear their voices once again. The forest suddenly opens out into a small circular clearing, filled with tall grass and various large smooth light grey boulders. In the centre a small camp, several dirty old white canvas tents circled around a large spitting camp fire throwing hot embers into the dark night sky. The men are sat around the fire on old logs, as the one carefully holds a rabbit on a stick over the fire. The hissing of fat as it slowly rolls off, the woman is laid out on the floor behind them, still trying to wriggle out of her restraints.

Aeron casts his eye over the surroundings, lanterns hang from the entrance of each tent, a thick rope is rolled up at the base of one of the tents, checking for any other men, he can see none. He quietly unsheathes his sword, taking a deep breathe he moves into the light. The woman spots him, letting out another mumbled cry. One of the men quickly stood up, Aeron hastily retreated to the shadows.

The man’s gravelly voice broke out once again “Oh I haven’t forgot about you my dear, what do you think, time for some fun?” he rubbed his dirty blackened hands together.

Standing over the woman as the other men laughed. “We are going to play a little game”.

He grabbed her by her arms and dragged her toward one of the tents. Muffled cries, as he threw her carelessly inside, removing his ragged shirt and throwing it on the floor, he followed her in. The lanterns casting a ghastly silhouette on the outside of the tent as the two struggled. Aeron turned his attention to the men around the camp, they had gone back to their conversation as if nothing untoward was happening. Slowly he moved toward them, carefully placing each step, getting closer and closer, until he was right behind them, able to hear their breaths. His senses where on fire, his heart was racing, then with one swoop he plunged his sword through the back of the one man, the sword punching clean out his chest, thick blood dripping off its tip. His friend caught off guard simply stared for a moment at the blade protruding out his companion’s chest. Removing the sword to the sound of gristle and broken bone. He kicked the man, his lifeless body slumped headfirst into the fire.

The other two men jumped to their feet, before the first could even draw his sword, Aeron swiped him down, with hardly a noise the man fell to the floor, his weapon still sheathed, blood slowly seeping into the ground. The other charged toward him, jumping on top of him, his weight forcing Aeron to the floor, with is grubby hands around his throat he attempted to strangle him, his heavy breath stank. Aeron with a firm knee, hit him in the groin, with the man's grip weakened, he threw him off. Aeron jumped to his feet, he threw a swift powerful kick straight into the man’s throat, he stopped moving. Dusting himself off, the struggle in the tent still going, then a loud crack! The struggle stopped, Aeron walked slowly over to the large coil of rope, sheathing his sword he picked it up, wrapping either end around each hand. He let out a calming exhale, then ripping open the tent flap.

“Oi what did i..” The mans tone was not happy.

But before he could finish Aeron wrapped the rope around his neck, with all his strength he ripped him out the tent, the man tumbled across the floor. He was completely naked, his body dirty, fat and unkempt. The man lifted himself to his feet.

“Who do you think you are?” His face had reddened, his tone angry.

Aeron did not reply, the man threw a weak punch, Aeron wrapped the rope around his extended arm, then around his neck, wrapping it tight, the man’s face began to redden. Kicking him onto his knees. Aeron moved over to the tent, opening it once more, the woman lay topless, dirt stains from the man’s hands covered her, a deep weeping cut across her forehead. Aeron checked her pulse, she was still alive. He turned his attention back to the man. He began to cry like a lost child, Aeron stood over him, slowly drawing his sword

“Please don’t kill me, I’ll give you anything you want.” He begged.

Aeron remained silent, as he looked upon the disgrace of a man, whimpering like a child. But Aeron felt this man wasn’t even worthy of death. He placed his sword upon the man’s neck.

“Leave.” He said in a deep tone.

He cut the rope, his sword cutting it like butter. The men crawled away, eventually getting to his feet, he ran as fat as his chubby legs could manage, disappearing into the woods stark naked. Aeron sheathed his sword, returning to the tent, the woman remained motionless. The silver cloak lay next to her, lifting it, a fine silk, cold it flowed like water through his grasp. He gently placed it over her, then wrapped her in a thick blanket. Carefully lifting her up, he carried her over the dead bodies, the thick sweet copper smell of blood hung in the air. The fire continued to pop and crack, as the man who had fallen into singed with a hiss. Making his way back through the undergrowth he eventually returned to the side of the road the horse still patiently waiting. Aeron place her carefully over the saddle, deciding it best to lead the horse home along with the woman.

The early morning sunlight burst through the window, bird song drifting through the cold morning air outside, the fire quietly smouldering. Attie begins to stir, letting out a big yawn, he moves to sit on the edge of the bed, stretching out his arms, to various loud clicks of bone. Rubbing his tired eyes, Dax half awake, slowly rises, placing his warm head on Attie’s lap, Attie rubs Dax's ears, he begins to pant, his large tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. Attie rises to his feet, stretching out his back, another loud click of bone. He stumbles toward the fire, poking it and placing a fresh log on. He moved slowly over to Aerons bed, Aeron asleep hidden under the thick rug, Attie shook him.

In his booming voice “Aeron time to get up”.

Muffled groans from under the rug.

Attie shook him again “Come on you lazy b…”.

He ripped back the rug, revealing the woman, her golden hair shimmering, her sun kissed skin with a reddened bandage around her head. Attie froze, unable to take it in.

“Aeron?” he questioned.

The woman slowly opened her eyes, she and Attie locked in a gaze. Attie’s bare curly haired chest, she looked around, then upon seeing the giant wolf. She let out a window shattering scream, Attie joined in, his voice rattled the rafters, Dax cowered down behind him. The woman froze in fear, Attie tumbled backwards tripping over Dax, he fell flat onto his bed. Under his weight it collapsed, a loud crack of wood, followed by a plume of dust as it collapsed to the floor. Dax slowly edged closer to their guest, sniffing her hair, his wet nose rubbing against her face, she fainted. Aeron hearing the commotion came rushing in, to find Attie grumbling and Dax drooling all over the women’s hair.

“Dax!” He shouted

Dax quickly turned, tail between his legs. Attie looked at Aeron with a look of utter confusion.

His mind searched for words, “What the hell is going on?”. He blurted out as he struggled to get up

Aeron trying to hold back his laughter, letting out a small grin, “Come on, I’ll explain over breakfast”.

Aeron helped Attie to his feet, Attie dusted himself down, slowly walking out the room, glancing over at the women, Dax followed close behind. Aeron re-established the woman under the sheets, then went to join them.

The three of them sat out the front of the mill, on a bench cut out of a old tree trunk, Aeron explained the events to Attie, every detail with nothing spared. Attie was hooked, the death of several bandits seemed it a worthy effort in his opinion. Attie had soon laughed it all off.

“So, what about the girl, who is she?” he asked.

Aeron shrugged his shoulders, then a thought creeped into his mind.

“Wait here a second”. He said with excitement, jumping to his feet.

Aeron ran around the back of the mill retrieving the horse. He brought it around, Attie was instantly smitten by the beautiful beast, it’s black coat shimmered with every move, along with its perfect mane. It had a very calm personality, unflappable. Attie ran his hands across the beast, to which Dax was instantly jealous, pressing himself up against Attie, to ensure he had not been forgotten. Attie looked into its hazel eyes.

“Think they’ll let us keep her? I think it’d be a fair prize”.

Aeron shrugged, Attie cast an eye over the saddle, when the insignia caught his gaze, he stared at it for a few moments. It took a few moments to process, he rubbed his fingers over it, it was real. He felt every ridge and bump, then took a step back.

“Well, I’ll be”. He said, looking at Aeron.

“That explains her, and her, but what were they doing alone, surely, they would of had an escort, they always do.”

Aeron shrugged his shoulders, “Don’t ask too many questions, we are but humble peasants after all”.

Attie jumped onto the horse, the beast took his weight no problem, it was utterly composed. Attie had a huge smile on his face,

“Back in a moment”. He raced off,

the beast covered ground as if possessed, it’s powerful legs moving at blinding speed. Dax chased in a jealousy filled pursuit, yapping as he went. Aeron laughed as he watched them race off down the dusty path.

He took the opportunity go check on their guest, he entered the room to find the bed empty, the window next to it wide open, he ran over, looking out, she had long gone.

Panic set in, she must think they where the one’s who tried to kidnap her. He rushed outside, Attie was gone, he didn’t know what to do, so he waited for Attie outside, his nerves eating away at him.

Aeron waited, he heard the hooves of the approaching Attie racing toward him, Dax still in hot pursuit. He rode up to Aeron,

“Slight issue” Attie said in a nonchalant tone whilst pointing back.

Behind Attie, a large number of the Kings Soldiers followed in hot pursuit, all fully armoured. They had seen Attie riding the horse and made chase. Attie dismounted, standing next to Aeron as the soldiers circled them.

“On your knees!” One of them barked out.

As spears were pointed at them, Aeron and Attie could only comply, they where outnumbered and out armed. As Aeron and Attie kneeled a shout sudden echoed out from behind the wall of soldiers.

“Make way!” The order was barked out.

Then a gap was made and through it walked the King of Novium, King Elgin. His long gray hair hanging just short of his shoulders, his face scarred yet without imperfection, his skin was a warm clean colour. He wore a golden armour, the finest Attie had ever seen with his own eyes. The King cast his grey eyes over them, a glint of anger within. He carried a heavy presence, one that felt it should be respected.

He pointed to their home “Search it!” He barked

His men rushed in, as the King stood over them in silence, Attie and Aeron said nothing and watched as the Kings eyes scanned over the two of them. Eventually the soldiers returned empty handed, the Kings eyes where now locked on Attie and Aeron.

“My daughter, where is she?” He questioned in a cold tone.

As he questioned them, a messenger on horseback arrived.

“She’s been found sir! She’s being treated in the castle!” He said.

The King took one last look at the two of them, then he turned his back to them, returning to mount his horse. As he left he gave his soldiers one last order.

“Take them to the dungeon.” He spoke in a flat tone.

Saying nothing more he rode hastily back to the castle. Attie and Aeron were bound, then they two were dragged away, though Dax was nowhere to be seen.