Draken Fire: Chapter 1

There are two sides to a Coin,

One is always in the light, the other in shadow.

All it would take is one flip,

To bring the other to light.

Raven awoke, sweat dripping down his brow. This was the third time in two weeks that he had these nightmares, and each time the experience grew more and more intense. Raven ran a hand through his mop of brown hair, took a deep breath, closed his eyes and gave a little sigh. The images were still in mind, burning lividly in his mind’s eye. Raven tried to focus on other thoughts, but the images remained. Sitting upright, feeling much more awake now, he looked out of the window to see that dawn was beginning to break. The sun spread forth its rays, scattering the darkness and driving shadow into hiding, along with it Raven’s fears of the nightmares.

Raven was not feeling afraid of nightmares, he had long outgrown that. It was the imagery presented by the dream, an unresolved riddle, a prophecy not yet deciphered. It seemed to Raven to be a grim outlook of what the future could hold… Raven tried his best to push these thoughts aside. They won’t pleasant. He lay back, trying to get to sleep, but to no avail. Giving up, he swung his legs over the bed and was putting on his dressing robe when a knock sounded. A candle appeared at the door.

“Raven? Are you awak?” Rydia poked her head from behind the door. The candle she held in her hand illuminated her frail frame and a worried look on her face. Raven turned and almost scowled. His housekeeper had a knack of knowing when something was wrong, it made Raven feel queasy at times. Raven didn’t want the concern now, so he tried to divert Rydia’s attention to other matters. Giving a small smile, Raven ran his fingers through his hair once more. “Yes I am, and you don’t have to worry about me all the time. I can take care of myself.” “Not lest you’re married and away from this household you ain’t!”

“Assassins don’t get married, Rydia.”

Rydia was silenced, a thoughtful look on her face. “Well then, I guess I’ll still be taking care of you then. Breakfast is ready in a while. Go do something about that hair will you?” With that Rydia left, and Raven could hear the soft pattering of her footsteps as she walked down the stairs. Raven sub-consciously ran his fingers through his hair once more. He hated it when Rydia nagged him. It was as though he was still being treated as a child. Raven looked at himself in the mirror, scratching the stubble that was growing from his chin. “I mean, I’m almost 21 now, you’ll think I’ll get a bit more respect.”

Raven threw on a brown tunic and pants, and fastened the One Eyed Raven pendant onto his cloak. Strapping on his arm braces, dagger belt and boots, he turned his head just in time to hear a new set of footsteps approaching his door, distinctively heavier than Rydia’s. He knew who it was, and quickly hid beside the doorway to his room. In a few strides, the visitor stepped into the room, drew a sword and swung it in Raven’s direction, and was effectively blocked by Raven’s dagger. “At least someone is finally awake, little brother.”

“I don’t need to be awake to even parry your huge swipes, Hawk. “

“So says the artiste himself.” Hawk said while he sheathed his sword. Dressed in a grey tunic similar in design to Raven’s, Hawk was taller and much broader at the shoulders, or so was the illusion caused by his shoulder plates. Sporting a goatee, Hawk kept his hair straight, though leaving it to grow up to his back.

“So says the knight. Don’t you even have fighting styles that doesn’t present so many opportunities for strikes?”

“Aye, but now’s not the time to discuss combat. You and I have that meeting to go to and you’ve yet to get breakfast.”

“You can’t possibly have gotten up before I did... Wait, you can.”

“That I have, and without any nightmares to help me too.” Hawk gave a little smirk as he gazed upon Raven’s shocked expression.

“How do you know of them?”

“Little brother, when you get up as early as I do, you’ll find that the estate is usually quieter than in the day. I didn’t even need ears of an elf to hear your rumble on the bed or your shouts in your sleep.”

“One must start towonder why you rise so early.”

“Aye, but haven’t you heard of the maxim…”

“Yes, early bird, go get your breakfast of worms already.” Raven grumbled as he sheathed his dagger. Adjusting his cloak, he brushed past Hawk and went down to the dining area with Hawk closely behind. On the table, Raven spied two plates, not one.

“Ah hah, you haven’t have breakfast yet either.”

“Aye, can’t a man have a meal with his brother? It’s a big meeting too. Makes me wonder why you were picked to represent the Guild.” Raven said nothing, and seated himself. Hawk seated right beside Raven, and pulled a plate towards him. “I think I know, Father.”

“Father doesn’t love me as he does you, Hawk.”

“Aye, that be the truth. Have always wondered why that was the case.”

“Maybe because you chose to be a knight?”

“I didn’t choose, I was forced to be a squire.”

“Hmph,” Raven chewed on a piece of bread. Hawk drank a gulp out of his goblet.

“Perhaps the Guild wishes to test your skills Raven.”

“Perhaps."