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Everything Begins Chapter 123
"I am fine, Frank, but I am very hungry." She smiled up at him. "Just like you always are."He frowned and ran his hand over her hair. "Not always, Sophyra. Not after the Dirack." He took her hand and led her out of the room, shutting the door behind them to let his son sleep. They went down to the main room, and Frank eyes went wide when he saw Telantes sitting at the bar talking with Luija."Telantes, my friend. Why are you here?" Frank kept his arm around his wife but walked up to the Debaduta and clasped his forearm."I am here to tell you where you are to go next, Frank."With a skeptical look, Frank eyed his friend and tightened his grip. "Why did Yisu not just tell me Himself like before? Why are you really here?"Grinning sheepishly, Telantes released the Sainika's forearm. "That is one reason, Ga'briyel. I cannot lie; you know this. But there is a second reason. You and your family..." The spirit looked at Sophyra. "I hear congratulations are in order again, Sophyra. Another
Everything Begins Chapter 1
In his home village of Desa, the young boy with pale skin and big blue eyes passed away on his sixth naming day.Desa was fifty leagues to the west of the Parbata Mountains, in the middle of the Kedara Plains. It was in a straight line with Torkeln, the capital city, as the raven flies.The boy, wearing a crown of woven prairie grass around his head and sitting at the head of the communal table in the dining hall, had been laughing with his friends, eating the delicious meal that his mother and sisters had prepared for everyone, and listening to his father talk about the Anmah.Although his older brother George, who was fifteen and much wiser, laughed when he said that he believed the stories of beautiful, kind, immortal beings to be true, he was still young enough to believe them.George mocked, "Everyone knows the Anmah are just a story."The tales are believed by only infants and elderly women.Everyone has a finite lifespan."George, do not say that."His father looked down at his oldes
Everything Begins Chapter 2
He placed his head in his hands and sat down on the broken well.He remained steadfast in his refusal to cry, raising his head with a ferocious expression on his young face.He got up, removed his gloves from his tunic, and looked around.He saw a few things that he could use, though the village had very little left.He went around, grabbed things he thought would be useful, and stacked them in front of the dining hall.He took a sack from the wall and the thin blanket from his pallet before entering the hut he had been using.He proceeded to the items pile after putting the blanket in the sack.It included the metal plate, a knife from his father, stones from his brother's slingshot, a flint stone, a cloak from one skeleton and sandals from another.Except for the sandals, which he wore on his feet, the rest of this stuff went into the sack.He knew he had a long way to walk and didn't want to go barefoot, but they were too big.About a third of the way to its zenith, the morning sun caught h
Everything Begins Chapter 3
He calmly assured them, "I will not hurt you."He adjusted the position of his sword and fastened the belt around his waist.He grabbed the boy's hands and placed them on the pommel as he reached around him.Hold on to this.Shane went on to say, "I will not let you fall, little one," as the young man held on with white-knuckled strength.Just unwind.After grabbing the reins and squeezing his thighs, he started Gorshan trotting down the road.After all, it looked like it might take three hours to get home.Shane pondered his options regarding the boy all the way to the exit that led to his house.He eventually came to the conclusion that he had to take him to Ma'ikel and Torkeln, but first he wanted to take him home, feed him, and clean him up.He might be able to talk to him in the interim.Shane had wrapped his left arm around the boy's thin waist to prevent him from falling off the horse after the boy had fallen asleep as they began their journey down the road.Shane, on the other hand, gen
Everything Begins Chapter 4
As the boy took his final bite, Shane said, "You know, you can eat yourself to death unless..." He looked at the boy.Shane laughed as the boy shook his head.Unless, of course, it has already occurred.After giving a nod, the boy consumed the stew, a second slice of bread, and the third cup of milk.His stomach was bloated when he was done, but he looked a little better.Millere sat at the table and observed Shane's mother and father as they ate, but they had already gone to bed.She smiled at the boy when he finally put down his spoon and sat back in the chair."It's late, but would you like to take a shower?"Millere's heart clenched at the sight of the child in front of her as the boy nodded.She and Shane had attempted to have a child of their own for ten years, but it was not to be.She got up and extended her hand, saying, "Come on, then."She led the boy through a door into the bathing room after the boy took it.With a large kettle of boiling water, Shane followed them.Shane added th
Everything Begins Chapter 5
Shane gently shook the child who was in his arms.Boy, get ready!You are in a dream!”The boy frantically looked around the room as violet eyes opened and the words stopped.The little boy's body went limp when he looked at Shane, and Shane held him close as the boy began to violently shake.Miva stated, "so he can speak."Shane replied, "It would appear so," and then picked up the boy and carried him to Millere's room, glancing over at her.The boy slept through the rest of the night without a whimper while snuggled between the two adults thanks to her sorrowful smile and nod.Shane slept very little.He caressed the boy's head unconsciously while keeping his hand on it.Shane's thoughts were racing until the sun rose and the pitch-black night turned gray.They were now very close to Torkeln.Throughout the first half of the journey, Shane had asked the boy questions and received only muted responses.It was clear that speaking was only possible while asleep."How did you die first?"The boy
Everything Begins Chapter 6
"Oh, Shane, for the sake of Yisu, get up, come with us, and tell us what you are doing with this child," they said.Shane got up.The general placed his hand on the boy's shoulder as he followed, but he did not move to join the men at the table."I need to speak with Ma'ikel alone, if you please, Your Majesty," I said.The king raised his eyebrows.Oh?And what exactly are you prohibited from saying in front of your king?"This boy, sire, is the subject.I regret that I am unable to say more at this time.King Tomas looked at the youngster in front of him and grinned.The king had curly brown hair that fell to his shoulders and sparkling brown eyes. He was a handsome man."Who is he?""Your Majesty, I am unaware.I hope Ma'ikel can assist me in that regard.The king's scowl got worse."Kid, look at me."Shane quickly stated, "He cannot, sire." as the boy stiffened.He has been instructed to ignore everyone.“What?Why?”"Sire, I regret not being able to tell you."General, "You cannot tell me
Everything Begins Chapter 7
The morning sun had yet to crest the palace walls, but Frank stood at attention before General Mistri. His body was stiff, but his eyes were downcast. The boy next to him was in much the same position, but that boy stared straight ahead. Frank barely came to the other’s waist, but it was the latter who looked the worse for wear. Chatra Ricard had a split lip, a black eye, and a gash on his cheek that was steadily dripping blood. The knuckles of his right hand were also cut open. Frank had only a small knot on his left temple. Both boys’ clothes were torn and dirty from rolling around on the ground. The rest of the Chatra were in rank behind the two.“Head up, Ga’briyel.”At his father’s stern command, the little boy slowly raised his head and faced him. Jarda kept his face grim, but inside he was proud of his son. He knew that the older boy had started the fight, and he knew that Frank had had no choice but to defend himself, and he had done so admirably.“Which of you wants to tell
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- Everything Begins
Chapter 123
"I am fine, Frank, but I am very hungry." She smiled up at him. "Just like you always are."He frowned and ran his hand over her hair. "Not always, Sophyra. Not after the Dirack." He took her hand and led her out of the room, shutting the door behind them to let his son sleep. They went down to the main room, and Frank eyes went wide when he saw Telantes sitting at the bar talking with Luija."Telantes, my friend. Why are you here?" Frank kept his arm around his wife but walked up to the Debaduta and clasped his forearm."I am here to tell you where you are to go next, Frank."With a skeptical look, Frank eyed his friend and tightened his grip. "Why did Yisu not just tell me Himself like before? Why are you really here?"Grinning sheepishly, Telantes released the Sainika's forearm. "That is one reason, Ga'briyel. I cannot lie; you know this. But there is a second reason. You and your family..." The spirit looked at Sophyra. "I hear congratulations are in order again, Sophyra. Another
- Everything Begins
Chapter 122
"He is dead!" he announced, and the soldiers carried him into the same room as his supposed victim and laid him on the floor. Captain Panakari followed them, shooed them out of the room, and shut the door. "You can get up now, Captain Mistri." Frank opened his eyes, took his sword belt from the other captain, and stretched with a smile before strapping it around his waist. "There is a back way out of this room, Captain, but you must make your way to your inn on your own. Try not to let anyone see you, or they will know I lied, and then I will find myself in the noose."Frank held out his hand, and the other clasped his forearm firmly. "Thank you, Captain. I appreciate everything you have done for me tonight. Please know that everything I did was for the good of your people. They may not understand that, but it was. My family and I will be gone in the morning." He followed Captain Panakari to the door in the back of the room, and after it was unlocked, slipped out into the darkness of
- Everything Begins
Chapter 121
"Benefits of being friends with a Debaduta, daemon!" Then Frank stopped talking, swung his sword, and began the deadliest dance known to man with the daemon in front of him. Dolsaya's eyes went wide, and he tried to flee, but Frank was too quick, and soon the daemon was backed up against his storefront. With a single swipe, Frank removed the daemon's head from his shoulders, and with several others, dismembered it. Then he turned to the daemon behind him and resumed the dance. It seemed as if it only took a few minutes before Kaysaya's head was rolling along the middle of the street, caught in a rut formed by hundreds of carriage wheels, but when Frank had hacked the third daemon to pieces, he realized that it was dark, his muscles ached, and he stank like rubbish that had been sitting in the summer sun for a moon. He looked around and was surprised to see several people standing on the wooden walkways watching him. Most had torches, and he walked to one, grabbed his torch, and applie
- Everything Begins
Chapter 120
Adama grinned and slid out of their bed. He went to the chest of drawers and pulled out a white linen shirt, black breeches, and a red coat. He dressed himself quickly, and then looked at his parents expectantly. "Come, Baba," he said, excitement flowing from him and covering Ga'briyel, as he held out his tiny hand to his father.With a smile, Frank stood, held out his hand to Sophyra, who took it and joined him, and then took his son's hand in his. They went to the main room where Luija already had first meal on the table. The Debaduta was standing by their table, a worried look on his face."Are you sure about this, Ga'briyel? It will be dangerous at the docks. Two of the daemons have shops there, after all.""How did you know?" Sophyra asked him. Luija just looked at her, and she nodded. "Yisu told you, yes?""Of course He did, and I do not think this is a wise move to make, Sainika. The daemons will be waiting for you to bring your family out of the inn. I have a very bad feeling
- Everything Begins
Chapter 119
“Nor should you, my child.” Frank looked at his son, forced his eyes to dim, and smiled. He sat down next to Sophyra on the bench she had chosen, pulled her close, and kissed her softly. “Later, my heart.” He groaned softly when her heat almost smothered him. “Please, Sophyra, stop. Not now.”She rested her hand on his thigh and began to trace small circles on it. “I will try, my love, but it will be difficult knowing what you have planned for later.” She smiled coyly at him as Luija entered the room with a platter full of food. He set it on the table, smiled at Ga’briyel, and spoke softly.“I would love to speak with your son later on, Sainika. I think we could speak together for several hours. You and your wife could retire early to your room, I think, if you would like that.”Grinning and letting his eyes flare once, Frank answered, “I would like that very much, Luija, thank you. I was going to ask you if you would watch him for a while.”“Watch him? There would be no watching, Ga’
- Everything Begins
Chapter 118
“It is, but they know you are here, and they will block your ability to sense them. I will do my best to help you find them, but I am at risk if I leave this building, as well. I do not wish to be banished, and so I generally stay here. They know of me, of course, but there is nothing they can do about it.” Luija came around the bar, gestured over his shoulder, and walked toward the hallway that led off to the right of the main room. “I assume you would prefer a ground-level room, Sainika?”Frank did not move. “Why would you assume that, Debaduta?”The man smiled as he turned to face his newest boarders. “Stairs can slow you down if you need to leave the inn quickly, Sainika.”“Nevertheless, I would prefer a room above ground. Stairs may slow me down a bit, but I do not want anyone to be able to reach our room while we sleep. I will not risk my family like that, Luija. They are my life, and if I lose them, I cannot be responsible for what will happen.”Luija frowned at that last state
- Everything Begins
Chapter 117
There were several villages through which they rode where Frank and Sophyra were given distasteful glares when adults saw the tiny boy riding alone on the large bay, but while Sophyra took each look to heart, Frank ignored them completely. He could not ignore Adama’s innocent question the first time it happened, however.“Baba, why is everyone so angry?”“What do you mean, my son?”“When we enter a town, people stare at me as if they are angry.”Frank smiled. “They are not used to seeing such a small boy riding alone without support. They do not understand that you are not like other boys, Adama, and they disapprove of what they do not understand.”“I could make them understand, Baba. May I try, please?”With a shrug, Frank acquiesced. “You may try, Adama, but I do not believe you will have much success.”They had stopped at the first inn they had come to, having been in the saddle and sleeping on the ground for the past four days and nights, and Frank dropped from his saddle, helped
- Everything Begins
Chapter 116
"A fool am I?" Frank snarled. "And what is it that makes me a fool, Daitya?"The man laughed. "Anyone is a fool who tries to fight Sayatan and his sons."Ga'bryel grinned, but if a human had seen that grin, they would have screamed. "And yet I have killed three of his sons already, Daitya. Dismembered, they are rotting away as we speak, never to come together again. Soon they will be only bones." He shrugged as if it mattered not a bit to him. "I assume their souls are gone as well. That is what Telantes told me."At the name of the Debaduta, every Daitya recoiled. "That interfering spirit!" the spokesman said with a snarl. "He has been far too involved in your life, Sainika. Sayatan will deal with him in time. We may be able to banish him for a year or so, but Sayatan can destroy him as easily as you can destroy us.""Speaking of," Frank said, taking a step closer to the Daitya and readying his sword, "I am going to destroy you all right now.""You would fight unarmed men?""You are
- Everything Begins
Chapter 115
Unknown to the kosmar, Frank was fighting her in his mind. When she stripped him and herself bare, he battled with the vision of her and forced himself not to react. Devina noticed this and growled softly. She tried everything she could to stimulate the Anmah, but he struggled through it all and kept Sophyra in the forefront of his mind. With his wife's face emblazoned on his subconsciousness, he was able to resist everything Devina did to him. She became more and more frustrated as time went on, and then Frank slowly became aware of a voice in his mind.Baba! Wake up! Fight her, Baba!At that, Frank opened his eyes, and Devina jerked away from him. When he slowly stood, she backpedaled until she was against the door of the room. "How?" she asked softly."My family," Frank said quietly. "They protect me. Even from myself sometimes." He walked toward the kosmar until his sword's tip was at her throat, and then he grinned without humor. Devina's eyes went wide, and she raised her hands
