THE RIFT

There weren't always dragons in the Valley where the sun rises over a beautiful forest, tall and strong trees spread across the land as the light bounces from the beautiful green of the leafs. A clear as glass lake stands still, the blue sky is field with big white clouds and only peace and quiet can be heard.From between two trees, a large quadruped creature with two heads appears, and slowly makes his way to the lake. The creature’s skin is dark black with no fur, it has sharp ears and it’s paws come with large claws. Both heads have a mouth full of knife-like teeth and yellow eyes that can be seen even in the dark. Clearly, a monster as such doesn’t belong in a calm and beautiful place like this. The dead leafs on the ground and the fallen branches are breaking under the beast's paw. The size of the creature could only be matched by the size of his enormous shadow cast over the ground. As he slowly walks to drink from the lake, a loud child-like shout, coming from his left attracts the beast's attention.A childish battle roar “AAAAA…!” disturbs the peace of the woods, a small boy charges the monster, shaking and holding nothing but a small sword in his tiny two hands, looks like he’s holding a big mighty weapon. Wearing just some dirty, grey and thin clothes, face covered with sweat and dirt, a goofy spiky haircut and big dark brown eyes, all watery from dust.He stops midway, dropping his weapon and freezes in fear as the beast's head turns towards him. Even the creature takes a moment before realising that a potential meal just arrived. The beast starts charging towards the child, getting closer and closer, the boy falls down on his knees, squinting his eyes and covering his ears. He can’t hear or see anything, waiting to be eaten he becomes aware that he is not dead yet. He slowly takes away his hands from his ears and he opens his eyes. Facing down all he can see is a huge paw print left in the ground from the beast. Suddenly two voices filled the background, the first one, is a lot more mature, full of confidence and calm “Like the Hound, you need to show no fear, my son!”. The second one is as well childish but with a hint of maturity “Get up, trust yourself, you are stronger than you think!”. Still in a bit of a shock, the boy still doesn’t rise he’s head from the ground, until another child like voice is heard from where the body of the beast stands “Stop acting like a little girl Melak, and just fight!”.A feeling of safety takes over Melak as he raises his head and sees his bigger brother Croom standing among the branches of a tree next to him, at just fourteen years, making him four years older than Melak. Dressed like his young brother but much cleaner, you can tell he is more advanced in his training, looking nothing like his brother with blue eyes, a tidy black haircut and a cheeky smile, holding a bow in one hand and arrows ready to pull in the other, all proud of himself after slaying the Hound alone.In the back leaning on a tree, his father King Razak and Hex the eldest brother, five years older than Melak. It cold be read on King Razak’s face the years of experience on the battlefield, a couple of wrinkles and no scars to be shown with a rough beard and a couple of white hair trends. Wearing a confident smile with big brown eyes just like his son’s and long black hair caught in a tight knot at he’s back with a thin rope. Almost the size of the beast and holding a silver sword, all dress in a heavy shiny armour.Next to him, sitting down facing and looking proud at his younger brothers with his hand on one knee and the other on his sword, wearing the same type of armour except for a white cloth with two yellow lines across it, all tight up around his waist and matching the colour of the shield on his back, a young warrior with short gold like hair and the same eyes as his father, Hex the next to be king, stands up.Croom jumps down from the tree in one leap and pulls the arrows out of the creatures forehead, clean's them on his left knee and puts them back in his quiver. He turns and jumps back among the leafs, reaching the top of the tree where his father was leaning on, in just one jump. Melak starts walking towards his father and brother, all sad and with a disappointed face. Hex looks up at Croom and while looking up all confused he ask his father and king.[Hex]-You didn't put me or Croom on the warrior trials when we were at Melak's age, and he just used his gift for the first time training with master Poku not long ago, what did the master tell you that made you put him on the trials so soon?[Razak]-He didn't say much just to get him angry and I will see for myself, he was really impressed.The king replied waiting for Melak to reach them.[Hex]-The master, impressed! Hmm.. now I'm curios in his ability as well, I will get Croom and go ahead to meet with the master, I will let you and Melak have words.The conversation between them two was so relaxed and unconcerned, showing a special father-son relationship. They could understand what the next move was going to be, just by looking at each other. Hex opens he’s palms, and putting he’s hands around the mouth, shouts at his brother hoping his voice will reach the top of the tree.[Hex]-Let’s go! I will race you home![Croom]-Very well, but don't use the animals to trip me this time! That’s not fair!The voice of his brother Croom could be heard from between the leafs. The two were clearly among the few that were blessed or gifted as they call it. That made the King proud, he gives a nod to his son that was next to him, and starts moving towards Melak while Hex and Croom start the race and run of in the woods.He mets his youngest son halfway and gets down on one knee. Puts his arm on his shoulder, and asks him.[Razak]-What happened my son, why did't you use your gift, your master spoke highly of it.The kings hand was twice as big as the boy's shoulder and the gauntlet he was wearing as a glove didn't help. Melak was confused, being young and not knowing what he was supposed to do, the young warrior felt like he has disappointed his King.[Melak]-I'm sorry father but I don't know how, and I don't want to either. I still don’t understand what the gift is and how I use it.[Razak]-On rare occasions, bloodlines of gifted people start appearing across the lands, like Croom who can jump the walls of our Kingdom and Hex who shares a special bound with animals from our world, you own a gift as well my son, and I’m sure you will be a great warrior against the creatures from the rift one day, but that is a discussion for another time. You will master your gift, of that I have no doubt, but why you don’t want to use it? His father replies confused picking the child up, placing him on his shoulders and slowly starts walking.[Melak]-Last time, I can't even remember what happened, I just got angry because I couldn't hit master Poku and the next thing I remember is waking up and seeing the healers of our village surrounding him. I'm sorry, I'm not like my brothers father, If I use my gift I hurt people.The sound of his voice was full of doubt and honesty at the same time, the King was slowly beginning to understand the issue his son was facing, he was still confused because no one beside Poku knew what the boy can do, but at least now he was sure of one thing. Unlike Croom who had to simply be brave to jump so high and Hex who had to empty his mind to be able to hear and connect with different beasts, Melak's power came from rage, the problem was that the boy was too kind and gentle to use his rage.Their trip didn't took too much time and sooner than they realised, in front of them an enormous gate made of two double iron doors with a golden colour stood in front of them. The gate was well guarded, surrounded by large stone walls with soldiers patrolling and standing guard on the top of the walls. Suddenly a loud shout is heard from the soldier on duty all the way up on the wall “Open the gates... the King has arrived”.The two doors slowly open, the sound of crowd speaking reaches their ears and is getting louder and louder while the sound of metal grinding is the only thing that can cover the noise. As the gates open, they uncover a man figure with long white hair and a long white beard, a medium body frame covered in long light green robe holding a wooden staff. His face showed a few wrinkles and had an empty look, his eyes had an grey coloured mist glazed over his peepuls and looked old but ready for a fight against his age. He stands tall with his head slightly lining towards the gate, it was as he was listening to something. Melak's face lights up with joy at the site of the man, King Razak puts the boy down and lets him run towards the figure “You are late child, go and get ready for practice, your brothers are waiting for you!” the figure didn't look at Melak but somehow knowing who it was, he didn't move his head form the initial position. Melak doesn't think twice and runs off while King Razak approaches the man “I presume the reason he is late is you my King?”.[Razak]-Yes! My apologies for that Poku but there is no need for formality you old bat, is just us. I couldn't get him angry so quit speaking in riddles and just tell me what the boy did that impressed you?Razak asked the master as they start walking inside the great walls. The road they were on was made out of stones well pushed in the ground, and it was stretching all around the Kingdom. As the gates were closing behind them, the loud sound of the crowd walking up and down and all speaking to each other, became just sound in the background for them, something that was a part of the environment that they were in. Right in front of them, in the far end, a big castle surrounded by houses made out of wood and stone, all clean and peaceful, was showing he’s might in the healthy sunlight. Everyone lean their heads as the King and the master passes them, showing their loyalty and respect while Razak and Poku make their way to the castle.[Poku]-I will do better than just explain, follow me in the training room.Poku was known throw out all of the eight forces as one of the best warriors even the fact that he was blind or that he wasn't one of the gifted as they were really rare didn't stop the master. The gift was past down threw the bloodline and once every generation when the rift between the world of the dead also known to them as the "beyond" opened, other new bloodlines could randomly be chosen by the rift.Their trip ended when they reach the grey stone stairs that took them inside the King Razak's palace. The stairs were stretching a long way and as soon as they enter the castle they turn right and went throw a wooden door, the three boys were loud and running all over the area. The King takes a sit inside next to the door while Poku steps on a wooden platform that was in the middle of the room. The master tapes two times on the floor with his staff, and all three boys run on the platform and form a line in front of him. Standing straight and not making a sound, they are wearing clean new robes and waiting for their masters orders.[Poku]-While you were out for Croom and Melak's warrior trials I've hidden five gold coins throw out the kingdom, you have till dawn to find them, the one who finds less then three losses, you can use your gifts to your advantage and the knowledge that you gather for your experience here in Ajax the place you call home!As soon as Poku gives the boys a nod telling them to start, Croom jumps threw an open window, Hex and Melak run towards the wooden door.[Poku]-Not you Melak! Poku doesn't turn or moves from his position on the platform, but stops the boy. Let your brothers do this task alone for now.[Melak]-Yes master! Is this punished because I wasn't successful in my trials?[Poku]-Yes! Now come back on the platform and attack me!Razak was looking at Poku knowing he's way of training didn't involve him being so aggressive with the boys, especially Melak who he had a soft spot for being a peaceful person like the master. Everything seemed bizarre for the King but he never doubted Poku’s process, he knew there was a plan to all of this.Grabbing a staff the boy slowly walked on the platform, he's head was down in shame that he disappointed his master which he had the most respect for. Poku charges as the boy takes a first step and a gentle noise comes from the floor, without a warning he breaks the boys nose. King Razak never seeing the master using such barbaric methods starts to move around the ring without interfering.[Poku]-I think you are too fragile and I’m going to show your father just how weak you are!Poku trying to anger Melak who's holding his left hand on his bleeding nose and his eyes on the pile of blood at his feet. Heavy breathing and scared, the boy just stands there. His master turns around after the blow and shouts "AGAIN" tapping two times on the floor with his staff as an order to get back in line. Melak follows the order and with blood going down his chin picks up his staff and waits for Poku to attack again. The master knows the boy’s pride and uses that to his advantage.[Poku]-I want to show your father that despite all his wishes, you are no warrior. I will give you one last chance. Touch me once with your staff and I will continue to train you. Don’t touch me, and you will show everyone, including your brothers, just how weak you really are.The boy grips his staff with both hands, leans in, inhales and starts rushing towards Poku trying to hit him. The master moves swiftly, dogging all the hits until he takes a step back, creating some space between them and hits the boy in the abdomen with the tip off his staff, forcing Malek to drop on his knees. Poku turns around tapping two times on the floor with his staff as an order to get back in line once more. Melak suddenly stops and looks up while Poku is walking to the other end of the platform. His eyes changed in pure rage, grinding his teeth, he jumps on Poku's back and grabs him by the throat using his right hand while the left one is going around the neck.Razak is in shock seeing his peaceful son in a blinding rage, knowing that the master opened himself to be charged by the boy on purpose, he still doesn't interfere. The master starts to shake and screams in agony while his eyes roll. The sound of bone cracking and blood are coming from the masters nose, mimicking the wounds the boy just received but at a slower rate while Melak's wounds heal at the same rate. Poku’s skin tone is getting whiter and whiter, Razak freezes at the sight as the boys nose is fully healed. The King thinks he will stop now but sees his sons eyes turning red, his veins getting bigger on his body looking like he is getting stronger and stronger draining the life out of one of the most skilled warriors known.Poku drops his staff and falls on his knees looking skinnier and whiter then ever, Razak decides this is enough and jumps on the platform, grabs the boy by his robe and pulls him off the master. Melak hits the floor unconscious and the King helps Poku up, the master can barely stand with blood rushing out of his nose. Smiling and weakened, speaks his last words before falling unconscious as well.[Poku]-Told you he is impressive.

In what seemed like a few moments, one day passes and Poku’s eyes slowly open, confused and in pain, he’s body feels heavy, the bed he is in feels different so he knows is not he’s room, being blind since birth he learned throw experience not to make any noise till he is certain he is safe, not sure where he is, he starts sniffing, and a smell of medicine and herbs was filling the air, the smell is familiar and in a few moments every thing comes back to him, he realises what happened and now knows why the scent is so familiar, he is in the healers room.Feeling safe he starts listening and between the humming of the birds coming from the windows he can hear two hearts betting, one is slow and calm and the other a little bit faster, a sign that one is troubled.[Poku]-Were’s the boy?[Razak]-He is fine! He’s playing outside with Hex and Croom, doesn’t even remember what happened.King Razak’s voice came from the right corner of the room were the calm heart beat came from.[Poku]-So what are you thoughts on the matter my King?[Razak]-Well my first tough is that if you ever going to gamble your life like that again I will kill you myself.Poku smile and nodes, and asks the second heart beat in the room without even questioning his presence.[Poku]-What troubles you Farran?Farran was the commander of Razak’s army and one of his loyalists friends growing up with him and Poku.All three of them together were forming the pillars that hold the Kingdom of Ajax together. Farran was a gifted himself, he could shape his own face mimicking the ones around him with only one fault, keeping just one of his old aspects. His original face was always covered in a black cloth reap around his head letting just his strange purple eyes to be seen, It was his own idea since childhood and discovered his ability, the reason being nobody knew how he really looked now after so many years. That made him one of the best spy’s in all eight forces, Kingdoms and Tribes. He was a master in tactics recruited by Razak’s father at the age of twelve, that’s why Poku and the King were saving all the attention for his opinion.[Farran]-His ability to heal his wounds inflicting them on others is incredible and who is to know if that is all! From what I understand he can do that only through rage and he’s peaceful personality makes a disadvantage, still many will see him as a very strong potential enemy therefore a target, that’s why I suggest to keep this between us for now.Farran was facing one of the windows crossing his arms and examining the situation this hole time, he was wearing black gloves an a leather vest and pants.[Razak]-So be it, for now. The battle of our lives is near, the demons from the beyond will come soon and we have to be ready to hold them till the rift closes again for another twenty years. Razak agreed with Farran, as the time was short and they needed to focus on more pressing matter.[Poku]-As you wish my King! We shall return to Melak’s training after the battle, meanwhile don’t you two have a council meeting to attend to?A tone of sarcasm was directed towards Farran who was known to never agree with the council’s political points of view.[Farran]-Those old barbaric rulers the council finds so sacred are the ones keeping us in this counting war.[Razak]-We are just one Kingdom and it’s not our choice to question our ancestors decisions, we have to remain in the council if we don’t want war between us again, and now we have the demons to worry about as well, It is not the right time or age for political views my brother. Let Poku rest and let us gather the kids and get the army reddy for war, we will need to travel to a village near the temple, set them up for the ceremony before the great battle and after, the two of us will meet with the rest of the leaders! The king made his decision and took his family and army to a village two days ride away from the temple, were the meting was about to take place, the red light of the sun going down still makes the path they are on, visible.There the rest seven leaders of the great forces were waiting, with their armies and family. The village was small and in an neutral area, it was forbidding any acts of war on the land, a rule made by their great ancestors. Around the small village all eight army’s set up their camps, they were very organised and keep distance between them. Groups of soldiers with different banners, setting up tents and making fire, start to greed them upon arrival. They were spreading across the empty fields and the difference between cultures was easily noticeable.The village itself was made for celebrations. It was a wealthy place and the people there were always happy, singing and putting on fire shows for the travellers that were passing through. Every time before a big battle against the demons from the beyond they would have a last celebration for the ones that might not come back form the war.The soldiers were making themselves comfortable while Farran, King Razak, his three sons and one daughter enter a big wooden house were all the leaders and Kings would spend the night when the celebration starts.Holding Razak by his arm was the Queen of Ajax and mother of his children, Jull, she was a genteel soul with long gold like hair, same as Hex, and blue eyes like Croom. They walk in the house who was the size of a small castle, and they go through a corridor opening a door leading to a large dining room, there they find just six out of the eight great leaders at a table full with vine and food worthy of a king. Music and laughter fills their tired ears as they open the door and are greeted by everyone. A woman with long dark red hair and looking pregnant with not long to go, wearing a necklace on silver plated chain with a red ruby in the shape of a semicircle, approaches the Ajax people.Following her, is a small boy, around the same age as Melak and his brothers, the boy had an angry face and a shaved head with brown eyes, along with a line of red paint going on his left side, from the top of his forehead all the way down his cheek, covering his eye. “A pleasure seeing you all again” says the dark red hair woman.[Farran]-Queen Em! The pleasure is ours, where is your lovely husband?Commander Farran, asked the sarcastically. Queen Em’s husband was the Tribe Chieftain of Doorm, by the name of Xork, holding one of the most strongest army lead by Commander Kep. They were leaving in one of the largest mountain known to them, having roads build and holes dug in the mountain, making rooms in shape of caves for them to live in. They were known as barbarians, wilding axes and heavy swords, using just their brut straight in battle and covering themselves with fur coats and vests, not too evolve compere to the rest of the kingdoms and tribes. Their leader Xork, was hated by most and feared by many but somehow his wife was one of the most loved and respected leaders.[Em]-You know he doesn’t like the celebrations, my Commander![Razak]-Let’s leave the women with their business Farran, and join the rest of the leaders for a drink!Razak pulled Farran away knowing he was a troublemaker. Queen Jull and Em are left with the children, the two of them were good friends despite their husbands conflict. The little boy still looking angry now hidden behind Em, pokes his head out from time to time only to have a look at Razak's sons.[Jull]-Just a little bit more time and you will bless Xork with an ear.[Em]-I only can hope It’s a boy, we love our daughter but in our tribe as you know, only an worthy man can lead us.Em was trying to make her husband proud by offering him a son, she was glowing with happiness as she was close to give birth. Jull looks at the young boy behind her friend, so she gets down on one knee to talk with him.[Jull]-And who are you?The boy hides behind Em and doesn’t make a sound, holding the woman tightly by the dress with he’s two tiny hands.[Em]-His name is Roox, unfortunately his family was killed by mercenaries along with his village, a long time ago, he was the only survivor and we took him in to be our stable boy, my husband believes he is gifted![Jull]-Gifted!? That means a new bloodline, and we need good warriors now more than ever. Why wold Xork believe that?[Em]-A very loud noise was heard in the distance in the day we found him, it was so loud in fact that the earth itself was shaking, so we followed. He was in a house completely destroyed surrounded by dead mercenaries.[Jull]-Well ain’t you a strong man!?Queen Jull looked at Roox and smiled, the little boy looking back with just half of his face and the other still hidden, changed his angry expression with a more friendly one. Being on the subject, feeling save with Em and hoping for any advice, the Queen tells her about Melak’s gift as well, she knows Em for a long time and doesn't consider her an enemy.Meanwhile Farran and Razak are at the table with the rest of the leaders, they soon finish and get ready for rest as the morning holds a long ride for them, until they reach their destination, also known as The Temple of Pace.