Chapter 1: BOOK OF LEGENDS

When they said the knights were coming, the entire village rose to its feet.

People stood along the cobblestone path, watching in silent awe as the knights returned from their last war.

They walked toward the castle with armor scarred and banners lowered, the victors of the battles of Krina.

They were the ones who had done what needed to be done.

The kind of heroes everyone was taught to admire… and to become.

The following chapters spoke of other legends as well.

Of a guardian said to watch over every village, allowing no danger to pass.

Of a wandering shadow that appears to children who linger outside after sunset.

Of the sky when it grows angry and remembers its wrath.

And finally, of the dragon that sleeps within the ancient volcano, guarding secrets no one has lived long enough to tell.

Book of Legends.

The young boy gently closed the Book of Legends, the worn pages still whispering tales of knights, guardians, and dragons through the soft afternoon light that filtered into his small room. Aurel, with his black hair falling in gentle waves around his golden eyes that gleamed like tiny suns, rose from his small, cozy room and walked toward his mother as she called out, “Aurel! Rin! Lunch is ready!”

his younger brother Rin’s bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement, his black hair slightly tousled from play, as he called back in the most endearing tone, “Coming!” His small feet pitter-pattered across the floor, filling the house with a lively rhythm that contrasted with Aurel’s calm, deliberate steps.

The mother of the two boys moved gracefully in the cozy living room, her soft blue eyes reflecting both patience and affection. She carefully set the main dish, Aremolia, on the table, a hearty plate of tender mutton with warm milk resting in shallow bowls at the sides, its aroma mingling with the faint scent of the afternoon sun streaming through the windows.

The boys arrived and took their places, each of them drawn to the familiar comfort of home. Their mother looked at them with a gentle smile, a quiet expression that made even the simplest meal feel like a ritual.

“Come, sit,” she said softly, her voice carrying both warmth and a quiet authority, inviting them into the shared rhythm of the household.

“Where’s Dad?” Rin asked.

“He won’t be home until sunset,” she replied.

The boys started eating.

“Thanks for the food, Mom!” Rin said excitedly.

Aurel smiled and nodded while chewing his food.

“You’re both welcome. May it please your small tummies,” she said with a gentle chuckle.

Aurel swallowed and let out a quiet giggle.

“Aurel was reading me the last chapter about the knights. They were truly super, super, super strong! Their large army was enough to win the battle! Can you believe that?!” Rin said excitedly.

“The knights? Oh, you mean the Black Knights? Yes, they were admirable warriors of the kingdom,” their mother answered calmly.

“Yeah, but what about the Guardian? We still haven’t reached his chapter, yet he’s the most well-known figure in the entire village. Why? I even heard old people talking about him as a real legend, not just in books,” Aurel said, questioning.

“Well… the Guardian is the kindest one. He’s strong against those who threaten us, but gentle with us. He watches over the villages in the dark, that’s what the legend says, though I haven’t seen him in action,” she said with a chuckle.

“By the way, Mom… can we play after th—” Rin began, but she interrupted him.

“No, you’re not. You can’t go out to play today,” she said, silencing him.

Rin pouted.

“Why not, Mom?” Aurel asked.

“Your dad isn’t home yet. He said you shouldn’t go out when he’s not around. Got it?” Her tone turned firm.

“Ugh! Dad’s always out! We barely get to go play!” Rin protested, his pout deepening.

“Do NOT ‘ugh’ me, kiddo! That tone over there… I hate it. It isn’t what we raised you to say to your mother!” she scolded Rin.

“He’s sorry, Mom,” Aurel said, giving Rin a light nudge on the elbow.

“Hmph… fine. Sorry,” Rin mumbled, looking away.

Rin stood up, leaving his plate half-eaten, and started walking to his room with a pout.

“And… where are you going, young man?” she asked.

“To my room. Thanks, by the way,” Rin said before slamming the wooden door behind him.

The mother glanced at Aurel.

“Can you teach him some of your morals?” she said with a smile.

After a few minutes, Rin lay on his small bed, lost in his own thoughts.

The door creaked open.

Aurel walked in, holding Rin’s plate, and placed it gently on the desk beside the bed.

“Mom prepared this for you. You only ate half of it. It’s still warm,” Aurel said, looking straight into Rin’s eyes.

“Eat it before you end up starving yourself for the next few days.”

“Mom isn’t allowing us to go outside for a while,” Rin said, crossing his arms in a childish manner.

“Well, Dad isn’t here. That’s why.” Aurel answered calmly.

“Why is Dad the only reason? Can’t she decide on her own?” Rin asked, pouting.

“It’s Dad’s call, Rin. Don’t forget that,” Aurel said, before turning and walking back toward the door.

“I’m gonna go see Mom, okay? You stay here and eat. After that, go apologize to her.”

“Ugh…” Rin muttered.

“Don’t “UGH” anymore, its not an okay thing to say.” Aurel said and closed the door behind him.

— Lumiraen —

Arvenel thysar, veloriel en Shoriel,

Luminel ven althea, oriel thysar variel.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***