Dawn of Fire Special Collector’s Edition

1. Sparks-3

Dorian and Dain waited outside, exchanging sleepy yawns. Julius stepped out moments later with three short wooden swords. The swords, like their armor, had been dulled from countless sessions. The boys had trained with Julius so much that they knew every imperfection and chip on their weapons. Without warning, Julius tossed the blades, testing their reflexes. Dorian caught his sword, while Dain fumbled with his, ultimately catching it before it fell to the ground.

“You don’t waste any time getting started, do you, old man?” Dain said.

“I never like to waste my students’ time, Dain. And If I hear that blasphemy come out of your mouth again, I’m going to show you what arthritis truly feels like. I see no old man here.”

“Oh, so grumpy gramps. You know there was this one old guy I knew that was really grumpy.”

“Indeed, he was. That is until he beat his student to death. A very tragic story actually,” Julius replied, his eyes suddenly serious.

Dain’s playful smile vanished. “Wait, really? Is that a true story, or did you take creative liberties?

“Enough talking. Let’s get started,” Dorian interrupted.

Julius stood with his sword hidden behind his back. His left palm faced his two pupils as if he meant to parry their attacks by hand. The boys locked eyes with Julius, both waiting patiently for their moment to strike. They noticed their mentor seemed different than usual. His stance was slightly off-balance, unsure, and his eyes seemed saddened somehow.

“Begin!” Julius said.

Dorian and Dain traded a glance of silent declaration, sealing their plan with a nod. They carefully stepped toward Julius, their eyes fiercely fixed on their opponent. Both Dain and Dorian spontaneously poked their swords toward their mentor, trying to break his guard. Julius parried their attacks with ease, maneuvering his feet like a graceful dancer. His movements were incredibly fast for his age. He seemed to know Dorian and Dain’s actions before they even made them. With each missed attack, Dorian grew more frustrated and began attacking wildly. Julius parried the wild display while he lectured.

“Your movements are too predictable, boys. Concentrate on taking me off guard. Sometimes the best way to fight is with your head, not your hands. Try to use the art of deception and distraction to your advantage.”

Dorian and Dain leaped back to create some distance, taking a moment of repose. “A distraction, huh,” Dorian repeated.

“Wait, what does that even mean?” Dain replied, somewhat confused by the cryptic notion.

“I think he means that he is too strong for us to face head-on, so we have to use alternative methods of distraction to our advantage.”

“And here I am out of chickens to throw. Any ideas?”

“I got one,” Dorian replied. He quietly whispered his plan into Dain’s ear. Dain’s smile grew with each detail. Julius observed the nearby spring while he casually twirled his sword with a quick flick of his wrist.

“Follow my lead, Dain,” Dorian instructed.

“Got it.”

Dorian suddenly rushed forward to attack, locking swords with Julius while Dain slipped behind his mentor to attack. Julius smiled, sensing Dain encroaching from the rear. Julius threw a strong backward kick toward Dain’s chest that dropped him to the ground, groaning, then swept Dorian’s legs with a second, lower kick. Dorian collapsed to the ground, dazed and clutching his tingling back.

“W–what happened?” Dain cried.

“It was as I said before, you two are too predictable. You can’t sneak up behind me when you’re still in my clear line of sight, boy. You must be patient and pick a time when the opponent is not expecting an attack. I knew you would sneak behind me, and you paid for your hasty action.”

Dorian glared back at Julius with a half-c****d smile. “I know that look. That’s the look I used to give my father when we trained together. Nice try, but you need a little more patience and finesse. It is not always wise to go charging into battle with swords drawn. You need to pick your moments and attack.”

Dorian glanced to his right, ready to commence their plan, “I know, Julius. That’s the point,” he said, smirking.

Dain suddenly leaped up with his blade, ready to attack. Julius turned to parry the blow as Dorian swept Julius’ legs. The deceptive pupils pointed their swords at their downed mentor, crossing their blades to form an X. Julius pressed his right hand against his forehead laughing, amused by their spontaneous tactic.

“You were going to win, no way around that. But I figured you’d be off your guard after you thought you had won. It didn’t go completely according to plan, but, all in all, it went well,” Dorian said.

“There you go, boys. Now you’re learning. You caught me off guard. This is how you must fight when you are outmatched. Just because an enemy may be stronger does not necessarily mean that you cannot win. You simply must adjust your strategy. Well done, boys,” Julius proclaimed. Dorian and Dain stood triumphantly, pleased with their accomplishment.

The two boys reached out their hands and helped Julius to his feet.

“Good. Now onto the next phase for today.”

“Please say berry gathering. Please say berry gathering. Please…” Dain murmured.

“Close quarters combat training without weapons, followed by a brisk ten-mile run. Then we’ll finish with a few hours of strength and core training and blocking drills,” Julius announced.

Dain sounded as if the air had been sucked from his lungs. He stood with wide eyes, dreading the day’s undoubtedly painful outcome.

“Hey, Dain…it’s not berry gathering,” Dorian teased.

Dain silently raised his hand toward Dorian to block him out of his line of sight. “Not now. I need a moment of silence to honor my fallen brethren. I loved your legs, but today I lost you both. I loved you so…”

The training continued into the later hours of the day, vigorously honing their skills and fitness. After the arduous regimen, Julius noticed that the sun had begun to set. He knew the boys were too exhausted to continue and lowered his sword. “You two should rest. I think you’ve earned it.

Meet me at the river once you have caught your breath.”

“Yes, sir,” Dorian answered. Julius walked in the direction of the river while Dorian and Dain took a moment to gather themselves. “I find it strange that someone his age can move so damn fast,” Dorian said, pressing his hands against his stiff back.

“You’re telling me? I got donkey kicked in the chest. How do you think I feel? For a split second, I think I lost consciousness.”

“Fair point. That donkey did kick the hell out of you. Shouldn’t have called him old,” Dorian said, chuckling

“Well, I’m glad my pain pleases you, Dorian. Shall I stub my toe for thee, your highness?”

“No, a donkey kick is plenty. I’ll cherish that one for years. Hey, by the way, did Julius seem a bit off to you today? Like he was preoccupied with something?”

“Yeah, he did. Maybe he’s just tired. He is getting up there.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Dain and Dorian grabbed their swords after their brief respite and wandered in the direction of the river. Julius sat by the bank, gazing into the flowing current rushing over a patch of partially submerged rocks. “We’re here, Julius,” Dain announced.

“Sit down, boys. I need to talk to you.”

Dorian recognized a faint crack of sadness in his mentor’s voice. “Julius, are you okay? You seem depressed?”

“Hmm…you know me so well, boy.” “What’s on your mind?” Dain asked.

“Before you woke up. I received word this morning that Chronus has destroyed the city of Gothe. He destroyed everything, burned it all to the ground. I have…had friends there,” Julius said, visibly ridden with melancholy.

“How do you know they’re dead? They could have escaped,” Dain asked.

“Trust me, boy, they’re gone. I can feel it.”

Dorian recounted his travels to Gothe and remembered the city as a staggering place surrounded by lush green scenery and a grandiose castle that was revered as the pride of the kingdom. He couldn’t believe that a city of such magnificence and splendor could be wiped out so suddenly.

“Julius, I’ve heard about the Baron many times, but I still know very little about him. Why is it all fire and brimstone with this guy?” Dorian asked.

Julius closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts. “He doesn’t just want to destroy. It’s more complicated than that. He wants to rule and dominate. He was a good man once, but time and loss have a way of changing a person, despite their intentions for the best. Life has withered him. Now he only wishes submission from everyone.”

“Why? What happened to him?” Dain asked.

Julius wanted to tell them, that much they could see, yet he restrained himself. Dorian noticed Julius’ tense fist release, and the desire to reveal his thoughts left him. “That’s a story for another time.” Julius stood and walked closer to the edge of the riverbank.

“We should go, Julius. We should go to Gothe and see if we can find any survivors,” Dain suggested.

“No. It’s too dangerous. I won’t put you two at risk.”

“Come on, Julius. You said it yourself that one day we will be strong enough to make a difference, and you’re worried about your friends. We should go. It’s what we’ve been getting our asses kicked every day for, right? I think we can do some real good here. We can’t just sit here. You should have told us earlier. We could have gone this morning,” Dorian argued.

“I agree. I think we can help.” Dain interjected.

Julius glanced toward his pupils. He thought to himself how much the boys had grown. He knew it was a pivotal decision, one that he may come to regret. However, Julius was an eternal optimist, his one great flaw. Instead, he saw what could be, and it drowned out all doubt.

“You two are going to get an old man killed; you know that? The mentor always dies in these types of adventures,” Julius said with a faint smile.

“Ah, so you admit it. Trust me; denial is an ugly thing. Best to just own up to it,” Dain jested.

Julius could see the resolve in their eyes. He shook his head, laughing, remembering his own exuberance as a reckless youth.

“All right, boys…you win. We leave at daybreak tomorrow. Rest well.” “Yes, sir,” they both replied and rushed back to their house for the night.

Julius smiled and gazed into the sky. “Those two have grown so much, old friends. I have done what I can. I only hope that they have what it takes to weather what is to come. I can only hope my old friend will listen to reason,” Julius whispered, watching the sunset beyond the horizon.

The next morning, the sun crept through the windows, awakening Dain yet again, despite shifting his bed slightly. “Really? Is the sun hunting me?” Dain murmured. He noticed that Dorian was already awake, gathering his gear for the trip. Dain spotted Julius through the window standing near the stream, studying an old map. Dain rolled onto his back, yawning.

“You didn’t sleep well last night, did you, Dorian?”

“No. I take it you didn’t either?”

“No. Julius must be distraught. I’ve never seen him this worried before.”

“Me neither. All I know is whoever these people are that he is worried about must be very important to him. Either way, we need to get there fast,” Dorian urged.

“The faster, the better.”

“Well, then get up and get dressed. Do it quickly. And no sock hijinks, we need to leave soon.”

Dain jumped out of bed and quickly gathered his things for their journey. An all too familiar groan from Dain confirmed Dorian’s fear. Once Dain located a new sock, they grabbed their swords and secured them on their belts. Dain and Dorian glanced around the small house, both sharing a quiet moment of nostalgia. They looked at each other silently, confirming their connection with a mutual bump of their fists before leaving. Julius welcomed the boys as they approached. “Are you two ready?” “Ready and willing,” Dorian replied.

“Well then, let’s be on our way.”

The boys took one last look at the peaceful Grotto. They both felt it, a somber sensation that dawns on all youths at some point. This place would soon be a distant memory once they embarked on their journey to Gothe. As they neared the exit, some of Dain and Dorian’s friends from the Grotto had gathered with curious gawks.

“Paerlio, it’s good to see you. Come to see us off?” Dain greeted.

“I saw from the window. Where are you three going?”

“We’re headed to Gothe. Some of Julius’ friends were there, and we heard the Baron attacked it. We’re going to look for survivors and provide aid if we can,” Dorian replied.

“Damn it. The bastard destroyed another city. He needs to be stopped before the whole damn continent is in flames,” Paerlio replied, seething with anger.

“He will be. Someday soon. I’m sure of it,” Dorian proclaimed.

“Please be careful, you three.”

“Of course. When are we not?” Dain assured. As Dain searched the growing crowd of villagers, he realized that Malina was there. Dorian leaned toward Dain with a mischievous scowl and nudged his shoulder.

“Why don’t you go over there and redeem yourself from last night’s stupidity.”

“Shut it, Dorian.”

“Oh, yeah! I remember now! Did you and Malina ever…you know?”

Paerlio asked.

“Lord clueless here didn’t do a damn thing with her. He didn’t even touch her last night,” Dorian snickered. “Shut it, Dorian!”

Dorian and Paerlio laughed harder as Dain grew more embarrassed. “Fine!” Dain huffed and stormed off toward Malina. Dorian and Paerlio watched Dain approach the vibrant young woman, each predicting the outcome. “Hey, Malina. I have a question. Last night, were you…trying to charm me?” Dain questioned.

“Did he just say charm?” Dorian snickered.

Malina smiled and took a step closer. “Dain, I’ve been trying to charm you for years,” she replied with a coy smile, casually swiping her draping brunette hair behind her right ear.

“A…are you serious?” Dain glanced back toward Dorian and Paerlio.

Dorian nodded.

“I…I’m sorry about that. I can be a bit clueless sometimes. I’d like to make it up to you.”

“Sometimes? More like all the time,” Dorian whispered.

“That would be lovely, Dain. But to be honest, I’d like to do more than just drink,” Malina replied.

“Oh, you mean like go for a walk or riding horses or something?” Dain replied with an innocent smile.

“No, Dain. I was thinking something a little more intimate.” Malina firmly planted her hand on his shoulder, as if to claim her territory with absolute certainty.

“Oh, I see. I’m sorry. I get nervous when I talk to women,” Dain replied, laughing nervously.

“You’re lucky you’re so damn cute or else I would have hit you right in the face by now,”

“I promise when I get back, I’ll make it up to you, Malina.”

“I’ll hold you to that handsome. Please be careful.”

“When am I not…” Dain said, feigning confidence, and backing away with his arms spread. He bumped into a passing gentleman, nearly taking a tumble.

“Careful, Dain,” The passerby murmured before proceeding with his basket of vegetables.

Malina giggled, stepping toward Dain with a soft smile. She planted a sincere kiss across Dain’s lips. He felt a rush of heat flush his face as he returned to his friends. Paerlio and Dorian stood with curious looks.

“You sly devil,” Paerlio murmured.

“That looked like it went well…minus the near-death experience,” Dorian added.

“It looks like last night was a good idea after all,” Dain replied.

“What do you mean last night?” Julius asked.

Dain and Dorian looked at each other with wide eyes and turned to face Julius. Paerlio stood glancing back and forth between his friends and Julius. He smiled and casually backed away. “Umm…I have to go…knit…something. Good luck, you three. Be safe,” he said nervously and took off toward his home.

“Well…we went to the tavern last night, but I promise we didn’t get into trouble,” Dain replied.

Julius looked at them sternly. His stoic gaze unexpectedly gave way to a slight smile. “You two fools are just like your fathers,” he replied and let out a hardy laugh.

Julius’ jovial reaction to their behavior the previous night made them feel at ease. Despite their mentor’s strict teachings regarding the boys’ consumption of substances, he seemed to think lightly of their defiance.

“You two have grown up, haven’t you?”

“You’re not mad,” Dain asked.

“A little drink now and then can be fun. Besides, it was the worst kept secret I have ever seen. You both reeked of alcohol on several occasions. I have a nose, you know? One morning Dain was so hungover he tripped on a flat patch of dirt. I only ever see that in plays.”

After a brief exchange in the stables, Julius and his pupils proceeded toward the Grotto exit on horseback. The villagers shouted farewells as the trio crossed the threshold. The voices became less audible as the three journeyed away from their nostalgic haven and into the dense woods toward the fallen city of Gothe.