Lost Heir

There weren't always dragons in the Valley. It used to be a peaceful place, one filled with life and happiness. Those times have long since passed, however I still look back on those memories with fondness and hope that one day those times will return. I look forward to the day when you can watch the dryads' once again frolic through the serene fields, collecting wildflowers for their hair, or weaving them into crowns to gift to one another. I know that one day the rivers will no longer be the sludge they are now and will be restored to their previous life-giving beauty, providing sustenance and nourishment once more to the Valley. However, none of that can happen until the dryads of the Valley are no longer cursed to be confined to their trees, unable to break free due to the charred remains holding them captive.

Before the dragons invaded the land there had always been whispers that one day they would overwhelm and destroy the Valley. But nobody ever believed them, it seemed, at the time, like a boogie story told to children to keep them from straying too far from home. It was said that when there are no remaining heirs of the royal bloodline within the Valley, the barrier protecting these lands fail, and a dark shadow will be cast destroying any and all life consumed by it. Only when an heir is found will life return.

There have been rumors that before the king died, he had a child out of wedlock that was sent away due to him not being pure royal blood. If only the king known that would be his only child before he passed away without another heir. Now finding that child and returning him to his rightful place ruling the Valley is our only hope for the life here to be restored.

~

Allios groaned as his head was slammed into the ground. He really needed to quit picking fights with boys who were a head taller than him, but he doubted that would be a lesson he learned anytime soon. Adamar laughed as he went to slam his fist into Allios' face. Dodging and jumping away Allios kicked the other man sending him flying into the crowd surrounding them. He knew he was done for as Adamar bounded off them and charged him. Knocking them both back to the ground the two continued to wrestle and throw in blows where they could. As the two fought Allios felt as though there was something growing inside of him, increasing with his anger as it consumed him, until he went to throw a punch and all the power that had welled up inside him was released in that very moment. It all rushed forth and sent Adamar flying through the crowd into the wall behind them with such force that a crack shot up it, splintering from impact.

"ALLIOS!" Came a booming voice from the largest building in the town square. The Chief of the village came out and looked straight at him. Feeling all the attention on him Allios wished he could shrink and slink away, but he knew it was too late for that.

"Allios!" Chief Eladar Boomed "Come inside now!"

Knowing he had just made a huge mistake Allios obeyed the older man and followed him inside the building.

"I knew this day would come." Chief Eladar sighed looking well over his 40 years. "Come sit, we need to have a serious talk."

"Sir to be honest I'm not even sure what just happened. I swear I didn't mean to hit him as hard as I did. I didn't even know I was able to send him flying like that." Allios said stumbling through his words.

"I know you don't, but lucky for you I have an inkling about what just happened."

"You do? So, you aren't angry at me? I'm not going to be put on the whipping stand for fighting?"

"I am angry at you for fighting, and especially for the damage done to my building, but I knew this day was bound to happen sooner or later, and the little damage done is not as bad as I was worried would happen."

"I don't follow." Allios said, confusion twisting his face.

"'Allios, when your mother first came to our village, she was near to giving birth. She said she had traveled over the mountains from the Valley, at the time it was a peaceful place, nothing like the waste land it is today. She claimed she had been his lover for years, but because she was not of royal blood she could never be with him in the light of day. When she informed him of her conception he flew into a rage, claiming she had tricked him into impregnating her. While he was in his rage, he ordered her to leave and tell no-one who fathered her young. I doubt she would have told me if she hadn't been so weary from her travels and desperately need a place to safely give birth. I don't think I ever truly believed her claims as to who your father was until today."

"Sir, are you telling me that I'm the heir to the throne of the Valley?"

Chief Eladar nodded his head looking more grim than ever "My boy, I know your two decades here have not been easy, after you reached maturity and showed no signs of the magic that comes with royal blood, I assumed your mother had not been truthful as to your sire, but seeing as its 20 years to the day since your mother passed on that birthing bed I see now that she was being truthful. Without the proper training and knowledge, you were unable to fully come into your birthright."

Feeling the weight of what he was informed of Allios began to feel extremely nervous. "Chief Eladar I don't even know how I blasted Adamar. I just got so angry, and it just happened. I know I can't do that again on command. If what you're saying is true, then I am supposed to somehow take back the Valley from the dragons. I don't think I'm ready or able to do that."

"You are correct. The way you are now you are in no shape to restore the magic. Thankfully, I know some people who will be able to prepare and train you. However, it is going to be a very long and difficult road ahead of you."

Chief Eladar began to rummage through a chest that sat in the corner of the room. Eventually he pulled out an old dusty scroll that looked as though it had not been toughed for decades. Allios was suprised when he handed it to him. He cautiously unrolled it to reveal a very faded map of the lands. All the landmarks were the same, but the towns and names were all different from the world Allios knew. Seeing the look of confusion on Allios' face, Chief Eladar explained that the map showed the old druids settlements.

"If they are the old cities of the druids, how am I supposed to find the ones you say can help train me?"

"Though the cities are no longer visible to the regular human eye, with your newfound special gifts I have no doubt that you will be able to see their now hidden entrances." Chief Eladar handed him a few more odd-looking objects and a pack to carry them in. Walking back out of the building Allios turned to him feeling as though the world as he knew it had been completely turned upside down.

"Thank you Chief, for everything. I am sorry again about the building."

"It will be repaired. I have a feeling you weren't the one who started the fight. Hot headed as you are, you've never purposefully caused trouble. It always just finds you. I may just have Adamar fix it to teach him a lesson." said Chief Eladar with a knowing grin.

Allios couldn't help but laugh at the thought and was thankful the have a Chief with such wise understanding. He hoped he could be such a leader someday, but the weight of that thought felt unbeatable. One moment he was a nobody, the next, the heir to the lost king, and somehow responsible for restoring the Valley to its former glory.

Allios said his farewells to the few people in town who had helped him over the years, packed the remaining of his few possessions, and headed away from the only place he had ever been. The journey to learn how to control and grow his newfound abilities has just begun.