The stars hidden that night, as though the heavens themselves refused to watch what was about to unfold. In the silence before the slaughter, a child was born. Marked by prophecy, hunted by many, and cradled by a mother whose intuition told her she would not live to see the child grow.
Nicolette born into a peasant family wondered how her only child would be the one to save the world, the thought of her child having to leave her or worse die became her outmost concern but he was just born; there were many years to come. Now all she was focused on was to see her little boy grow.
The joy ceased suddenly, the village was under attack. The king of Alivio "Jack the Third" was aware of this prophecy and wanted to avoid anyone taking his glory or that of his descendant so he ordered the destruction of all villages beyond the borders of the seven kingdoms including his own. As the village burned and men were slaughtered, Nicolette clutched her baby tightly, her heart racing as fast as lighting, she ran as fast as she could but Alivio knights were fast on her tracks. She knew she couldn't outrun them, as she ran, she cried having this feeling of intuition that she would die tonight but she would make sure her child survived. Then she saw a dark figure, the figure wore a cloak.
Nicolette cried out saying, "Wait, please take my child with you! I beg you!". The cloaked figure stopped without any words, the figure took the child and was about to sprint off. Nicolette called out to the cloak figure saying, "You shall call him Zodac and give him this when he is old enough he will understand", she throws a music box towards the cloaked figure, the box falls damaging it, the figure picked up the box and disappeared into the night like snow.
Nicolette stood in the dark night, the cold wind blew gently upon her face, knowing it was almost the end, she gazed at the sky one last time, as tears rolled from her eyes, a sword pierced through her flesh. Her body laid waste on the ground and her blood soaking the earth. With her last breath, she smiled and closed eyes, she could now rest, knowing her son was safe.
The villages were destroyed, their ashes blown by the wind like whispers of the dead. Blood painted the soil and walls, and the screams of the dying still echoed through the destroyed ruins, a proof that something far worse than death had passed through. This was just the beginning of the destruction that was to come, the war that was about to unfold was going to be the end of the Great Seven kingdoms and beyond, and only the child born of a Zodiac and human could save them all.
As years passed, Zodac was now ten, becoming more exposed to the world, he lived with a man, in his late 30s, he stood at five feet eight, his brown eyes always scanning the horizon, the way he was taught when he was Zodac's age, always alert and ready.
On a very hot afternoon, Zodac and his two friends Josh and Hera were running around the pavements of the Kingdom of Vrott. Vrott was a beautiful kingdom where plants were the main source of beauty and their grains a great source of pride. Kingdoms from far and near always came to trade for this treasures. Zodac and his friends were making trouble around the downtown market and the began to get chased by the royal guards, Zodac says to Josh and Hera, "Yo, come on guys we've got to go, they're gaining on us". They sprint through alleys and climb over rooftops and they are able to arrive at their hideout without being seen.
"That was close", says Zodac jokingly shoving both of them.
Yeah too close, Josh and Hera coincidentally say at the same time.
"Jinx", both of them exclaimed, "You owe me your turkey leg".
"Yeah, Yeah, very funny", Zodac said sarcastically, "Anyway got to start going, don't want to keep my old man waiting"
Hera shocked says, "Wait, you mean Derek? He's not that old and he is sort handsome, I think I've a taken a liking to him.
Zadoc raised a brow, "Hera you're just nine, he's like… 38. even older!".
"I know", says Hera with slight disappointment.
"Anyway, gotta go. Catch you later. Bye guys see you tomorrow", Zodac says leaving their hideout
"Bye, Zodac", Josh and Hera simultaneously reply.
Zodac walks home gently allowing the cool air blow through his lush hair, he was wondering if he really had parents, or maybe he was born out of wedlock and his parents did not want him. These thoughts rushed through his mind like wind, he wasn't concentrating when he hit a royal guard.
"You again", a guard said, grabbing Zodac by the arm.
Zodac struggled with the guard, "Let go of me!".
The guard's grip tightened, pulling Zodac closer.
Zodac screamed, "Let go of me you prick AHH!",
Suddenly, Zodac screamed releasing a great surge of energy just like a raging wind. The guard was thrown backwards leaving passersby gasped in awe.
Zodac looking at everyone in confusion then turned and ran, not daring to look back. Zodac went back home wondering what had just happened, standing at the front door, he took a deep breath and walked in.
Where are you coming from and why are you late, said Derek.
"I'm sorry" Zodac said.
"That's isn't the question, where are you coming from?", Derek said once again.
Zodac walking away saying, "Why do you care? You're not my dad so why should I answer you".
Derek remained unfazed saying, "I know what happened today, wouldn't you want to know the truth".
Zodac stops and turns saying, "The truth? About my parents?"
"About your mom", Derek replied.
Zodac, wondering, "What about my dad".
"I know nothing about him, we'll talk about it during dinner. Go freshen up.", Derek replied.
"Alright, old man", Zodac said, entering his room.
Zodac took his bath and lay on his bed wondering what Derek was going to tell him. As this thought ran through his mind, he drifted into sleep. Then he dreamt of a man, having the same gold lush hair and those ocean-blue eyes but the man looked gigantic. He sat on a throne and he called out to Zodac, "I am waiting for you". Zodac jolted awake only to hear Derek saying, "I am waiting for you".
What was this dream and who was this man?...
Zodac got out of the bed, trying to comprehend his dream, gathering his thoughts together stepped out to meet Derek at the campfire spot where the usually had dinner. The sun was setting, a beautiful sight to behold. Derek stood, quietly observing it.
Zodac came out and sat on the floor close to the campfire, noticing Derek attention towards the setting sun. He stood up and went beside Derek. Derek looking at the boy he saved 10 years ago, smiled and placed his hand on Zodac head.
The sun had finally set; it was time for dinner, Derek and Zodac sat at the campfire spot, as the turkey roasted above the fire. Zodac waiting for Derek to speak, his stare heavy with intent.
"You stare too much. Eat first, boy, then I'll tell you what you want to know." Derek said.
"Okay, old man", Zadoc said smiling.
"I'm not old, seriously. Stop calling me that, boy", Derek shot back, shaking his head.
As they ate, Derek would tease Zodac, slipping into tales of his past of how he was once a knight, that fought in the 3rd Great war when he was eighteen. He was one of finest of his time. He could have become a general, but he gave up that life for the one he loved.
Her name was Ash. Derek eyes softened as he spoke of his beloved. "She was my everything", he said. But their dream of marriage was destroyed. Ash was killed during an attack by Alivio Kingdom.
"Sorry to hear that" said Zodac warmly.
"Yeah, no problem, boy. It's all in the past." Derek replied, though there was a trace of sadness in his tone.
There was a brief silence before Zodac leaned forward, eyes wide with anticipation.
"So…, are you going to tell me about my mom?" Zodac asked, both excited and nervous.
"First, go clear the plates, boy", Derek issued Zodac.
"Alright, but when I'm back, no more stalling", Zodac said, picking up their plates.
Derek pacing around his stony courtyard, wondering how he would begin to tell Zodac. How would one unravel a tale soaked in blood and silence?...
I'm back, old man, Zodac said, with a grin, setting the plates down.
Derek stopped looking back at Zodac. The grin made it harder.
"Sit down, boy" he said reluctantly. "How do I begin?" he added with a deep sigh. "Your mother was a brave woman, she died protecting you, I was there that night when the village was attacked. She begged me to take you away, I wished I could've saved her but they were too many. So I swore to protect you till you were old enough to hear the truth. She wanted you to have something. Let me go get it."
Zodac sat frozen, the grin long gone from his face. The weight of Derek's word laid heavy on his mind; like a thick fog. His mother… dead? he wondered, a life destroyed… all for what? he asked thoughtfully. A promise made in blood and silence.
He stared at the ground, struggling to piece it all together.
Derek turned without another word, his heavy boots echoing softly against the stone as he disappeared into the shadows of the house.
Zodac barely noticed.
"My mother… She died… died… for me?" he whispered to himself, the question lost to the wind.
Derek had come back but Zodac lost in his thoughts didn't notice him. Derek sat beside Zodac knowing that he was far in thoughts.
"Boy, are you alright?" Derek asked, gently placing his hand on Zodac shoulder
"Yeah, I think so." Zadoc replied, his face long and unreadable.
"Here, your mother wanted you to have this." Derek said, taking an object out of an old dusty cloak and handing it to Zodac.
Zodac turned it over in his hands, a music box, so old and delicate
"A music box?... What am I supposed to do with this? It makes no sense, Derek," Zadoc asking, confused.
"I don't know, boy… your mother insisted it be given to you when you were old enough," Derek replied.
"So, I can open it," Zodac asked, still thinking about everything.
No, not now, I'm telling you this to aware, that your more than just a human, your different, your stronger, your smarter.
Zodac couldn't understand whatever Derek was saying.
Derek leaned forward, his voice lowering, you don't remember it… but I do. You were only five, boy. We were deep in the northern woods, foraging. A bear, a full grown beast, twice my size, it charged out of the thicket. I reached for my blades, but before I could draw it… the bear hit me, the force drove me into a tree. It rushed towards me but you stood in the way.
He paused, eyes narrowing with memory.
"The bear's breath right up in your face… I shouted for you to move… but you didn't. You just stared at it, I could feel something, a great presence around you, it was as if something ancient woke up inside you. You roared. Not like a kid… like something else. Something not of this world.
Derek looked Zodac dead in the eyes. "You tore that bear apart with your bare hands. No weapon. No training. Just raw power."
"I stood there frozen, not in fear of the bear but of you, boy. Afterward, you collapsed. You slept for days. When you woke… you remembered nothing." Derek continued.
How is that possible? That's impossible" Zodac said in awe.
Boy! I don't know what you are, but you are truly something. Many will come for you… and they won't come with peace. They'll want you dead." Derek said, his voice trembling
"So… What happens now?" Zodac asked.
I don't know, boy. But you must be careful, Derek said, locking eyes with him.
Derek pulled out a worn, dark cloak. He held it up, the fabric catching the light of the night stars with a faint shimmer of something ancient.
"This cloak isn't just cloth", Derek said, his voice low. "it's older than you or I. Woven with magic long buried, it hides its bearer from what hunts in the dark and sometimes," he paused, "it whispers."
He stepped closers, draping the cloak over Zodac's shoulders. "You should have it, it will keep you save, my boy, Derek said, as a tear rolled down his cheek.
The cloak shrank to Zodac body, but this didn't worry him. He just witnessed something far more shocking, a man he'd known for ten years, who showed no sign of weakness, had just shed a tear.
Zodac knew something was wrong.
What is the matter? He asked, worried.
"You must go now, boy. They are coming. They know what you are. Go!"
What… What are you…, Zodac began, but was cut short
Suddenly, a long bang echoed through the silent night.
"Open up! By order of the crown, hand over the child!"
The royal guard were at the gate.
Derek's face hardened. He turned to Zodac, pulling him into a tight hug, one that said everything words could not.
"Run," he whispered. "Don't look back. No matter what happens… just keep going."
He hugged him one last time. "Go! Boy, now!
The wooden gate cracked, then shattered with a deafening crash. Wood pieces flew as armored boots stormed through the stony courtyard. The royal guards poured in, six of them, fully armed, cold eyes looking for the boy.
"Where is the boy" one of the guards barked, scanning the house
You will never find him, Derek replied.
"Then you die tonight," the guard snarled.
Derek didn't flinch.
He took a deep breath, reached behind his back, and drew his twin blades, the blades curved like sickles, forged of gold, the gold glinted under the moonlight. His movements smooth, practiced and deadly.
The first guard lunged forward, spear aimed at Derek's chest. He sidestepped, parried with his left blade, and with the right, slashed across the guard's chest, armor split, blood sprayed.
Another came from behind, Derek twisted, ducked under a swinging mace, then rose fast with a spinning slash that knocked the weapon from the attacker's hand. He finished him with both blades, piercing them through the guard's shoulders.
Two more came at once. Derek parried with the left blade and swept low with the right, piercing through the left leg. The fourth guard stabbed forward, Derek caught the blade between his twin swords, twisted, disarmed him, and slammed the hilt into his helmeted head.
Breathing hard, eyes burning bright, Derek stood firm. The remaining guards hesitated now, Derek wasn't just defending, he was a storm.
Derek scanned through the courtyard, but Zodac was nowhere in sight. Yet something lingered in the air, a presence. Familiar to Derek. The cloak. He could feel the magic pulsing from it, slight but alive.
Zodac stood frozen in the courtyard, hidden by shadows or perhaps by something ancient. He watched Derek fight, every swing for his sake. He wanted to help, yet it seemed like an unseen force held him in place.
Steel clashed through the air as Derek fought desperately, his twin blades a blur of swift, deadly strikes. The royal guards attacked all at once, their attacks relentless. Each of Derek's slash he made carried determination, buying time for Zodac, to live.
"All we want is the boy, Derek," said the guard wielding a mace.
"Over my dead body, you can never have him." Derek growled, breath ragged
"So be it," the guard replied
The clash of steel continued, buy fatigue began to weigh heavy on Derek's muscles. His breath came in ragged gasps, and the deep wounds on his sides oozed blood, staining his black tunic. Still he didn't falter. With every swing, he pushed them back.
Then, amid the chaos, a powerful hit came from behind, a heavy mace swung with brutal force. Derek turned just in time, but the mace slammed into his ribs, knocking the breath out of him. Before he could recover, another guard's sword found its mark, piercing through his armor and into his chest.
His knees buckled, the weight of the injury dragging him down. Darkness crept at the edges of his vision, flashbacks of Zodac skipped through his mind like wind, his eyes searched one last time for Zodac, hoping he was safe. A faint smile crossed his lips, knowing he had done well and his sacrifice would not be forgotten.
With his blades falling from his trembling hands, Derek collapsed to the ground, the battle fading into silence around him.
One of the guards nudged Derek's lifeless body with the tip of his boot and scoffed. "So much for a great knight."
Another spat beside the corpse. "Died for nothing. The boy's probably dead too. He wouldn't have get passed the borders, even if he did, bandits or wild animals would kill him."
Zodac, hidden in the shadows, heard every word.
His breath caught. His knees hit on the stone. He stared at Derek's lifeless form, barely able to believe what he'd seen.
"No…" he whispered, tears building, blurring his vision. He had watched it all, powerless, frozen, useless. The man who raised him. Gone.
Then, in the silence, a soft voice curled in his ears like smoke. "it is time to go, Zodac."
The cloak around his shoulders shifted slightly, warm now, almost alive. "There is nothing more for you here."
Zodac wiped his tears, clutched to his music box and the cloak, and disappeared into the night like snow.
A tale soaked in silence and blood… what awaits next?