Primordial Born : Legends are Reborn

Before:

DARKNESS, PURE DARKNESS that saw only flames.

Darkness that saw no end through the eyes of a mad king as he rode through the crowds of warriors fighting for their lives as his horse rode drenched in sweat and blood. His heart and mind were one with Void as he spilled blood that soaked into the earth in greedy gulps as an endless wave of death and terror swept through the ruins of villages. The people ran in pure terror as their hearts prayed for a better day as their children wept for the loss of family and friends. There was no light for them. Yet for the elders that were left behind did they think of their own parents’ stories of the firstborn, the Primordial Born that created the world yet they prayed to the last one which was Death itself as well as Earth. They prayed to Serzevos who lay chained in the sands of old as he was burned alive by Hell’s flames yet he was their last hope.

Then a burst of light that was soon snuffed out like a candle once lit now blown out by a careless breath as the death of the queen put fear in the hearts of many as they wailed and prayed for the safe return of their missing twins that would have grown up to be the beloved prince and princess of their father’s lands. Lost in thought Watcher? Watcher, who is the protector and seer for the mortals, saw their past and present yet the future was always in a storm of change as he turned his blind eyes to the voice of Wisdom. You disagree with the plans then? He sensed Wisdom’s violet eyes flare with anger yet her hair was as silver as a moonbeam that tumbled down her back in curls of silk. Of course I do, for a demi-godchild who did wrong would not be allowed to do our duty! 

All for this over a sense of love and duty? We knew it was bound to happen as it does for every man and woman whose heart is looking for love yet the king is becoming a pure servant in his mind as Void runs wild with their greed in their hearts. I thought they would stay pure and simple, but I should have known that greed and power would be the end as it corrupts the good of all. He sighed as they stood in the desert as the sun beat down in relentless heat as a dry wind blew and continued as Wisdom shook her head, getting frustrated with her kind. Norran knew he messed up and did his best to erase Sirius’s mind of his memories as well as taking away his gifts, and now he is in the care of Void wherever his path may lead with his sense of duty intact.

But as Death has said to us on a repeated loop that mortals, as well as demi-gods and gods alike, we all want to find loopholes yet it can never be done for it upsets the balance. The dice have been rolled for better or for worse yet it was the Primordial Born who tried to warn us yet just like mortal children we were too ignorant to want to listen to reason. Wisdom said with bitterness as they had killed them as they chained Sarzevos in Hell and yet they never could restore order after the First was finally gone. With a quick reflex she grabbed Watcher’s arm as he fell his hair of salt and pepper got into his blind eyes yet with a shaky hand he brushed it back, yanking his arm out of her grip. Watcher walked away from her as he had seen flames raging from the mouths of dragons with one being ice as ancient power sang out to them.

He saw the mad king rage his war in blood and sweat yet he paused long enough to go back home and screamed in rage and sorrow as he saw his wife dead with missing twins. A short battle to unleash his fury and pain yet once more his rage was spent as he remarried and had a good life. And as it spun away to black he was pulled back in to see a young girl standing proud as she wore a crown of gold as she guided her people with a power that was as old as the dragons, her power is what called for her warriors to protect her as well as following her orders. Father? His son, who was linked to him through blood and love, had felt his fear and pain as he came out of the blue running across the sand as Wisdom stood by unsure of what to do.

I am fine but we must get started with our plans even if you disagree with them, we need the demi-gods to be placed where they can keep an eye on things with Norran pretending to be a son of a non-existent second-born son as well as Death’s son pretending to be a third-born half-blood prince of the mad king and his wife. Lives of many in so little time, let the dice be rolled and lay where they land. Watcher muttered as they stood there as a dry wind blew, an endless sea of sand stretched out for miles and a sun that would never stop beating its relentless heat.

One: Years Later

FLAMES LEAPED ABOUT unleashed in their fury eating away at rotten wood as cobblestone roads were clogged with both wounded and panicked while in the distance swords clashed followed by the screams of battle that echoed as songs of a senseless war. It dived to snap open shadow wings as it swept through an open window of royal chambers where the boy cried out, a newborn whose mother lay dead in her own pool of blood as warriors fought in hallways that were crumbling back to dust with huge chunks of rock falling around their heads. It watched as a cloaked man came running in to pick up the boy saying in a whisper. This is for the best, soon enough your story will be told alongside your sister. It was wiped away by a burst of light to reveal a cloudless sky as the sun’s heat made it unbearable as men rode sweat dripping off their bodies as the leader held the newborn close to his heart.

It saw its reflection in the lake to see it was a crow yet it cared not for the sun but was painting the clouds in colors of rosy pinks, violets, and rusty reds. Do you see child? Man knows nothing but greed and thirst for slaughter! I will show you their payment for their sins! A voice hissed in seething rage as two horses galloped by, one as black as night the other pure white running by a vast ocean that was tinted bloodred. As they sped by so did time until the world was nothing but rubble, the land scarred beyond repair, and endless graves were left unmarked as people trembled praying to the First Born. A young woman stood upon the ruins, her twisted smile and amused eyes glanced around with a young man laughing yet turned into a bear as he ran chasing people for fun. And watching with eyes guarded was a young teenager whose life was set against him before he was even born, he glanced at his friend a dragon that paced in nervous steps, and yet a man walked out saying.

The gods are cruel and unjust, the First Born wanting their due, and yet we are the ones to pay for it. Do you agree with me the daughter of Mara and Darrin Slait? Darna awoke gasping for this never happened, she never had dreams like these yet she somehow knew they were not dreams but forewarning of what was yet to come. Her brother asked as both swayed in their saddles, their horses ready to collapse, and yet seemed to be on edge as they drew closer to the village. Tiger Lily, what is the matter? Darna answered teasingly. You gave me that stupid nickname when you pushed me into mother’s flowerbed. Of course, you Corbus should know men are always boys at heart. Corbus let out a small smile yet he kept glancing on either side of the trees growing trying to reach the sky with emerald leaves and trunks being choked by snaking vines. It made him nervous for it had been a while since they met anyone upon the paths and soon they were both nodding off until the dirt became stone as the trees thinned out as the sun burst forth bathing everything in gold.

Corbus became serious as he sat up straighter saying as birds chirped their lullabies as bees found the sweetest flowers. Remember, these people leave the rest alone as long as they have no ruler and have a fair leader for they were dragged into our wars that happened because King Emmon Fallow went mad at the death of his wife and his missing twins. I know I was a baby in mother’s arms yet I recall stories of fire pyres stacked high that burned for days, warriors that gave up and were left facing dishonor then dying a senseless death, the innocents caught in the middle and clans wiped out, Darna whispered to honor the dead as Corbus nodded along to her words letting a moment pass then spoke. Yes, remember though the previous king was an era of peace until his death and then the only child went from a prince to a king in just a day with his training cut short and his heart bitter. Queen Velva calmed the storms and giving birth to the twins was what helped to try to heal the scars of war.

Corbus halted his horse as a man stood in the path glaring at them and he heard his father’s voice saying as he lay dying upon his sickbed. Wolf and his people are ruled by one leader with people having a say yet it is the elders that have the final voice. There are kings and queens, but these people are becoming the future for some while others fear it, and some of that fear has to do with some of them being skinchangers. To what purpose is your visit? I am Jorulas and one of few who guards the path against the likes of you. Jorulas’s voice echoed through the trees yet Corbus answered his heart beating as fast as a hummingbird’s wings. I am Corbus and my sister Darna, we came for our uncle Lokell who lives here bringing news of his sister’s passing due to the sickness that is sweeping across the lands. Stay put, I will be back with Lokell to see if your word is truth. Jorulas turned around and vanished from sight as brother and sister shifted in their saddles nervously as their horses twitched their ears pawing at the ground.

Soon he returned with Lokell who spoke with his words laced with bitter sorrow. It's been moons since my little sister broke the family rules and went to live with a disgraced warrior with harsh winters and summers of endless heat. Why should I care? Your sister died of sickness as we left our father who lay dying and at his request, we came to repair the damage. Both men glanced at each other, sharing an understanding look yet their hazel eyes were set inside teardrops laying on their sides while their dull bronze hair was cut short with clean-shaven faces that showed off their high cheekbones. Which made the siblings stand out like sore thumbs with washed-out brown hair, eyes that were plain gray, and soft in both face and body saying they stayed indoors most of the time. Yet their clothes were made by seamstresses while these men both wore homemade clothes whose fabrics came from their hunts. You walk from here and you will bring your horses to leave them in the pen.

Lokell shouted over his shoulder as he and Jorulas walked away with quick strides leaving Corbus wanting to punch both men in their faces yet through gritted teeth he whispered to his sister. Be careful. Both siblings hopped down their legs wobbly after their long ride yet grabbed their packs holding a few outfits for the rest were sold to pay for the healers as their father dreamt of his wife. Soon though they were met by lush grass dotted by wildflowers that swept right up to wooden walls that seemed to have no end as towers rose to greet the sky placed in even intervals, and walking the walls were men that were talking as they smiled yet dead center was an iron gate that rose with a groan at the shout of an unheard order. Two children ran out to the surprise of the siblings as they grabbed their horses’ reins right out of their hands yet the men on the walls kept an eagle eye on them as they walked around to soon be out of sight of the visitors.

Jorulas and Lokell said nothing as they walked underneath the gate that slammed closed as soon as the visitors were inside, still wondering about the children who seemed used to it, and yet they gazed upon what was inside the very walls of this tribe. There were dirt paths with small cozy houses as people strolled around as they talked, and from woven baskets that the women carried they were trading items that were not profit but being neighborly. Unlike your people, our tribe does honest work that is passed with pure hearts, and what we do have is our pub that doubles as our inn with the blacksmiths as well as our hall of gathering. We have farms but of course, they are outside the walls and our women have their gardens yet never be fooled for they are just as feisty as mama bears.

Jorulas spoke with boredom about the facts of his village as Lokell led the group to the hall that was long with glass windows (which Corbus noted only the rich and powerful have that kind of luxury in their homes) yet the door was stitched animal hides that were pushed aside by a woman wearing a cloak made from bear fur as her braided hair fell down her back and held a wicked looking spear. Come, he will wait no more. The woman spoke just as bored yet Lokell was the one who led them inside to see on either side of them were fireplaces that were quiet as the length of the hall was long tables with benches, and in front of the room was a short table with hand-carved chairs where two men sat waiting. I am Wolf and this is my adopted son Arryn, we warn you in fairness we sent out scouts to hear if your tale has truth and as a second warning we also harshly punish liars and thieves so tell me your tale of why have you come?

Corbus repeated his explanation holding back his anger as Darna’s gaze went to Arryn who was a young man that had two different colored eyes with the right being a golden orb and the left as green as a stormy sea, his hair was so black that it looked like it was blue. Wolf rose, breaking her gaze away and taking a step back as he towered over them saying as he glanced at his son. We know enough, Lokell take them to the inn with men posted at their doors as Arryn and I talk to our elders. Arryn rose to reveal he was just as tall as his adopted father yet Darna noted that even though he was tanned like his people he had a small band of lighter skin on his left arm. Lokell stayed quiet then he led them outside to see that Jorulas was nowhere in sight yet the woman was waiting who stood as still as a statue. Lokell whispered in her ear as she nodded then walked off as he led the two to the pub yet on their way was a circle of women in front of a home knitting along to their song.

The maiden had golden silk for her hair

Yet her name is lost to time

Her hands were made of silver and gold

Her right was silver, a blessing of life and harvest

Her left was gold, a curse of death and ruin of wealth

Every man loved her and feared her, but beware

Of one’s heart

As they sang the song the elder among them looked up to reveal she has been blind since birth yet the storyteller to the young frowned at Darna even though she wondered how the elder knew where to look yet her thoughts were upon the song that seemed to nag at her that spoke of what had passed. And how she knew that she did not know and yet here they were in front of the pub where Lokell swore under his breath as he rushed to the side of a young woman who was sobbing yet being comforted by a few of the tribesmen as a crowd looked on. Damn family, everyone knows being the elder of four is never easy and of course, I sent a message to Arryn as well as Wolf for they act more like a family towards her . A woman whispered low enough for Lokell’s ears yet too low for the crowd as Lokell went from rough to gentle in a blink of an eye to the shock of Corbus and Darna saying as he kneeled in front of her. Mireya, what has happened to anger your family?

I-I-I-I was helping mama with supper whe-whe-when I had one of my-my visions that I-I-I-I... She paused to take a breath as her tone was one of hurt and fear as the crowd stayed silent knowing her family was one of furious tempers. She resumed wiping away her tears. I burnt our hard-working dinner and that is when the bellowing started and my middle sister acted like a know it all spoiled princess. Her sister the tribesmen knew well for she was spoiled to the point where it was hard to tell whether she was telling the truth or another tall tale she made up to get attention. Alright, you heard her now move along. The crowd dared not disobey an elder of their tribe and moved on as their elder asked with kindness. Your family besides your mother and brother are rotting away inside their cores, I have seen it a thousand times and more. Your dreams are just that, nothing more and nothing less, and yet sometimes you can save our village in dire times.

Mireya smiled a watery smile, her doe eyes red from crying with golden-brown hair, her face and body were slightly plump, and her clothes were scraps washed free of color with bare feet caked in dirt. The elder led her away with her small group of comforters who did not leave her side even after the elder asked for the crowd to move along. As they left Mireya whispered to her elder. Wise Owl, I have seen ashes and shadows with jackets made from scales as well as eyes that glowed with fire. And it holds one of the twins in which the newcomers bring forth an unknown future. Wise Owl whispered back as her white hair once pinned in a perfect bun now came free. Golden Jewel is where wealth is hidden as well  as one of the twins, and now it's time to think of a plan.  They both looked up as footsteps were heard from behind them running at full speed they slowed down to walk beside them to show the running footsteps belonged to Arryn who was not even out of breath. They walked out of view as Arryn asked what happened and Mireya explained what she had seen. Child, if only you knew the pure truth of your visions. Dreamer is someone to never piss off and yet I do my duty.

Wise Owl listened to the two yet her thoughts were on Mireya’s fate as well as Wolf’s, but no one will be free of what was coming and they all will pray to the First sooner or later even if they prayed through tears. Back at the pub, Darna pulled her brother to the side whispering weary of eavesdropping ears. Corbus, we knew there were rumors about kids like her who have the gift, do you think it is true, and does she have it? Before Corbus could answer Lokell found them to lead them inside where it was found that it was kept clean as it waited for business to happen at night, the counter where the bartender was busy with his ledger was a flight of stairs. The guards will be outside hidden from view and by tomorrow the scouts will return with news of whether you told the truth or not. As some advice I have regretted my past yet I learned to forgive and forget, and I hope you told the truth or else fate snipped away your life.

Lokell once more took on a gentle tone as he led both siblings upstairs to leave them once he showed him their rooms, and they entered placing their packs upon the bed with straw mattresses and thin sheets. Glancing out the window was a glimpse of balconies that overlooked the woods as the sun lowered in the sky, lost in thought for that song kept nagging at her, the needles that were a blur, and yet the elder had a part to play in everyone’s story. A feeling that she could not explain, but somehow that feeling was telling her it was referring to the gods, but how did it relate to her gods? Something was missing in the world, something that was part of the past as well as their future, something that was as old as time yet deadly if used for evil purposes. There was something that was calling out to her, but she did not want to listen because if she did she knew something terrible will happen and the world will know nothing but fear and ash.

While her thoughts went in an endless loop her brother sat upon his bed staring out the window watching as the sun sunk low in the sky wondering why now? The sickness, his father sending him to a stranger he and his sister never met, and his mother was always quiet about their past. Yet she did say to make her children stop asking questions that she was born into a tribe that married with the tribes, never disrespect their elders or parents, followed the rules and help out as much as possible, and never get involved with wars that were not your own. Her only brother was