Fan Fiction ❯ Kayin's Quest ❯ An Evil Tremor ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter 1

An Evil Tremor

"Kayin..."

A faint voice far away...

"Kayin, wake up."

Bright light breaking up dark shadows...

"C'mon, Kayin, it's real important."

Kayin's eyes slowly opened, wincing as sunlight streamed in through the window. Standing in front of him was Larina, his only friend for as long as he could remember. She seemed excited about something, but he couldn't tell what. All he knew was that it was dawn, his treehouse was warm, and he was tired.

"Just gimme five more minuzzzzzz..."

"Kayin..."

"Two more minutes..."

"No!"

"1 more minutes...?"

"Kaayiinn, come on! Gosh, you are so lazy sometimes, I'm surprised you don't stay in bed all day."

Kayin didn't think that sounded like a bad idea. But since Larina had always done favors for him, he groaned and rolled out of bed.

Kayin was a young elf, around seven turns of the seasons old. He had jet-black hair, and sharp blue-black eyes that were the same color as the starry night sky. He had a naturally strong look to him, extremely sharp senses, and surprising agility. He had grown up in the forest and had learned to strengthen his senses for survival. Kayin was very different from the other elves in his village, and he knew it. Because of this, he mostly kept to himself all of the time, usually only speaking to Larina. Something in his early life seemed to have forced a deep psychological scar on his mind, making him shy and very distrusting. As he grew older, he became a little more sociable, but traces of horrors that he couldn't even remember still made him a brooding, unfathomable creature.

But right now, he was just tired.

"Urgh...What's the matter?" he said groggily.

Larina took a deep breath. "You'll never believe this, but Gaya asked to see you!"

Kayin jumped. "Wow...really? You're not kidding? Oh man! I'd better hurry!" He picked up his bow and arrows, ran out the doorway and jumped to the ground.

Kayin's treehouse was, literally, a hollowed-out tree. It held his bed, a rug, pots for storage and a set of bow and arrows he had made from tree branches and green bird's feathers. Outside the curtain serving as a door was a ladder. One would use this to get up and down the treehouse.

Once down, one would notice that the surrounding trees also served as houses, shops, or game huts. A little path ran around these trees, and using the path were elves. These elves made up a race called the Minettes, and they lived in secrecy in Spirit Forest for their entire lives. Because of this, most of the outer world had never seen a Minette.

The Minettes all wore tunics that never needed washing. Some were red, some yellow, some green, but all had a belt and boots made of special leather that Gaya provided. This leather was magical, and would never wear out. They were also waterproof. A small pouch made of the same leather was always present around their waists, for the singular purpose of carrying things of importance. Kayin was the youngest Minette to carry a weapon -- his bow and a quiver of arrows on his back, because of the mischievous creatures in Spirit Forest. These creatures, called Shadowscamps, consisted of a shadow that could take on a distinguishable form or melt into the shade of the trees. Shadowscamps carried little peashooters, and the objects they shot at travelers in the forest hurt a lot if one let down their guard.

Kayin and the other Minettes lived in a part of the forest known as the Faery Glen. Gaya, the Faery Guardian, was the protector of the entire Spirit Forest. Gaya lived in the middle of the forest, in a beautiful pond. To be called before her was a great honor, and not many Minettes had had that honor. So one could only imagine what a big deal this was for Kayin, who was generally just left alone or ignored completely.

On his way to the pond in the middle of the forest where Gaya lived, Kayin was stopped by the Head Minette, Lyr. Even though he was in charge of all the other Minettes, Lyr was just a child. The three young elves were all the same age, but they had never liked each other too much. Lyr looked on Kayin as something of a disgrace. For one thing, all the Minettes were born with green hair and eyes, but Kayin's were not. For another, Lyr had a crush on Larina, but of course Larina always hung around with Kayin. This naturally made Lyr very jealous. So whenever there was a problem in the Faery Glen, he would be quick to blame it on Kayin.

"And just where do you think you are going?" he asked.

Kayin sighed.

Larina, who had followed her friend, spoke up. "He's going to see Gaya, so leave him alone!"

"What? Why would Gaya want to see a misfit like you?" said Lyr, disgusted at the thought.

Kayin smiled. "I guess I'm just special."

Larina laughed as Lyr, still grumbling, let them continue into the forest.

After making their way towards Gaya's pond for some time, Kayin and Larina noticed how dark and quiet the part of the forest they were in was.

"Careful," Kayin whispered. "This is Shadowscamp territory."

They continued on for a little while in the silence that was quickly becoming spooky. Kayin's sharp ears became aware of slight rustles in the undergrowth. He stopped and listened. Larina came and stood close beside him, and after a minute she spoke up.

"Kayin, I don't like this at all. Maybe we should go back and see Gaya later."

"No. That wouldn't make Gaya very happy. Just stay quiet for a minute." Kayin pulled out his bow, fit an arrow into it, and stood very still.

All at once Kayin turned and shot at the shadow of a tree. There was a yelp, and what looked like the ghost of an animal started jumping around in plain view, squeaking in a language neither of the friends understood. Then it scampered off, disappearing among the trees.

After a minute, Kayin lowered his bow. "Uh oh."

Larina looked at him. "What do you mean, `uh oh'?"

Kayin gulped. "I, uh, think we're gonna have company."

Larina turned toward the trees where the one Shadowscamp had vanished. She could distinctly see a black cloud moving quickly and coming straight toward them.

She began hopping back and forth from one foot to the other.

"Ooohh nooo, Kayin, what are we going to do? There's an army of them!"

"Well, it's obvious what to do," Kayin said. "Run."

Larina didn't need him to explain that. Both of them turned and ran. The Faery Glen was too far away; they would never make it. If they could just get to Gaya's pond, they would be safe.

Kayin and Larina ran on and on, taking shortcuts through clumps of bushes. They were very dirty and had scratches all over when they noticed that the forest was getting lighter, and the trees were beginning to glitter. It was a sure sign that they were almost there. Larina pointed up ahead.

"Kayin, look! Look at those colors in the clearing up ahead! And...Wow! Sparkling water! It's Gaya's pond!"

Kayin gave a weak grin. He was getting tired. He looked back to see how close their enemies were, and gasped.

"The Shadowscamps, they've turned back! I didn't know that they respected Gaya."

"Well she is the guardian of the entire Spirit Forest, silly," said Larina. "So she protects them too."

When they entered the clearing, the first thing the two friends noticed (besides the beautiful, sparkling pond) were the hundreds of tiny, multicolored balls of light zooming around. When the elves got closer, they realized that the balls of light were actually faeries, flying over the pond, in and out of trees, and around the clearing.

"They must be her subjects," Larina whispered.

Kayin nodded. He was in awe of the beauty of that place. For a minute he completely forgot why he was there. But then his gaze fell on a stump standing in front of the pond. As Kayin looked closer, he noticed some writing on the stump. In shiny, swirling letters, it said:

To call on the one whose grace lives in all,

Turns Winter to Spring and Summer to Fall,

Just wash your cuts and bruises too,

And the Guardian will appear for you.

Kayin and Larina looked at each other. How did the stump know what they had been through? Then, with a shrug, Kayin scooped up some water and began to rub his scratched arms and legs. Larina did the same.

As soon as they had finished, the water began to ripple. Then, at the center of the pond, a bright light shone straight up from the very depths. The beam was so bright that Kayin and Larina had to cover their eyes. When the light faded away, they looked up, and stood with their mouths hanging open in astonishment.

There, floating over the pond was the most beautiful being either of them had ever seen. Long, pure white hair fell almost to her waist. A flowing green dress stopped at her ankles and the sleeves hung off her wrists. On her back, gently beating the air, were two elaborate lavender butterfly wings. Her face was a work of art, but her eyes were truly enchanting. They were a beautiful shade of forest green, and they were shadowed by long black eyelashes. When Kayin looked into these eyes, he swore they were reading his soul. Gaya, the Guardian of the Forest, was there in front of them.

Kayin was fascinated by the being in front of him. He just kept staring. He was still gazing when he heard a voice that sounded like soft bells.

"Welcome, little ones. I am glad you have come, and glad you are safe. I hope you like my home."

Kayin gave a start as Larina answered, "Yes, it's very beautiful."

Gaya smiled. "You are Larina, are you not?" she asked.

Larina nodded. Kayin was still staring.

"I have heard a lot about you," Gaya said.

Larina was confused. "About me? But I don't know anyone who has met you."

"The forest told me. It speaks to me. It tells me that it is fond of you because you treat it with as much respect as the faeries do."

"Oh."

Gaya turned toward Kayin, who was standing with his mouth slightly open. But when Kayin noticed she was looking at him, he shut his mouth, shook his head and stood up as straight as he could. Larina giggled.

"Kayin, I am pleased that you have come so quickly. The news I have for you is very important, so I will get right to the point. Although, I warn you, you might not want to hear it."

Kayin nodded and listened intently.

"You know that Spirit Forest and the meadow it lies in are only a very small part of a large country. This country is called Lithila. At this very moment, bad things are happening in an unknown part of Lithila. Very bad things. The gods and even I myself have felt the evil tremor running through the balance of Creation. Even as we speak, dark forces are gathering themselves, preparing to do battle with all that is good. The man who is leading all of the evil creatures is the sorcerer Caromyr. He is the most powerful -- and the most evil -- being in the world."

Kayin shivered. Next to him, he heard Larina gulp.

Gaya went on,

"Caromyr is an extraordinary sorcerer; one of the most powerful ever, actually. But when you combine astounding abilities, an evil heart, and a thirst for power, you get a force too horrible to think about."

Kayin asked, "How does he plan to get what he wants?"

"He will kill anyone that gets in his way."

Kayin's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes. He is not a force to be trifled with."

Kayin asked Gaya if there was any way to stop him.

She looked at both friends as she answered, "There is one way, but getting to it is not easy. Have you heard of the Dragon Diamonds?"

They shook their heads.

"There are seven in all. One each for Courage, Wisdom, Strength, Peace, Beauty, Love, and Life. Each is in a different part of the world, being protected by different races and species. When all of the Dragon Diamonds are brought together, they will make their bearer unbelievably powerful. No one knows how they do this, but only then may that bearer defeat Caromyr."

Kayin said nothing. Finally, he asked, "But what does all this have to do with me?"

Gaya looked at him intently.

"It is time that you learned the story that originated seven turns of the seasons ago."

She began,

"Seven turns of the seasons ago a son was born to the Elf King's chief archer, Nightmorn, and his wife Gem. There was rejoicing throughout Karima Village, where they lived, because Nightmorn and Gem were very well liked. All the villagers told them how adorable the baby was and how he was such a special little boy. The two parents would just smile, because the people didn't know just how special the baby really was. They knew that their infant was the Chosen One, the prophesied Child of Destiny.

"In a very old legend, it was written that a great warrior would be born, known as the Chosen One sent from the gods themselves. He would grow into a young man filled with the strength of worlds, and he would lead his people into battle against a great warlord. His courage and power would defeat the evil that would threaten the very life of good, and he would seal the Great Lord of Darkness in the Realm of the Dead for all eternity.

"But the boy's parents weren't the only ones who knew his importance. A young male elf in a distant land was also aware of the so-called Child of Destiny. This man was planning to take over all the surrounding lands, turn them over to evil creatures, and rule as the Great Lord of Darkness. The Chosen One could ruin everything. An old woman in the man's village had foreseen that if the Child of Destiny fought against the powers of the Lord of Darkness, it would mean the end of his evil reign. So for one full turn of the seasons the man studied the power of magic. He practiced the black forces relentlessly, until he could defeat anyone with his powers. Then he knew he was ready.

"The young man gathered together an army of monsters and prepared to attack Castle Karima, where the Elf King lived, and then burn Lithila Meadow to the ground. A few days after the Child of Destiny's first birthday, they attacked. The man gave the order to find the baby and destroy it.

"The people of Lithila Meadow felt the ground tremble. They looked outside their windows and saw an army of goblins, trolls, ghosts, and other horrible creatures thundering towards them and the castle. Terror swept through the tiny country. The king summoned Nightmorn and told him to gather his men and drive the army away from the meadow.

"Nightmorn called together his warriors and they launched themselves against the monsters. Meanwhile, in the towns and villages, people were getting their families out and trying to escape to places they knew would be safe. Gem wrapped her baby boy in a blanket and headed for Spirit Forest. But as she was running, a goblin saw her and let loose an arrow. The arrow found its mark Gem's side.

"Gem knew she was dying. She also knew she needed to get her child to Gaya, the Forest Guardian, as quickly as possible. With her last remaining strength, Gem entered the forest. But she was so weak that she only made it as far as the Faery Glen. A young Minette girl saw her and noticed her injury. The girl ran over, and Gem handed her the child. She whispered the baby's name and that he should be shown to the Forest Guardian. Then Gem died.

"The Minettes buried her in the forest. The little girl took the baby boy to Gaya. Gaya took him into the care of the forest and had him raised as a Minette.

"Nightmorn never came for his son. He was never heard from again, though his men had succeeded in driving away the army of monsters. No one knew if he had died or not. The young man leading the monsters had disappeared.

"To this day the baby, who is now a young boy, was brought up in the ways of the Minettes. But now the time has come for the boy to begin his journey as the Child of Destiny. He must find and destroy the evil sorcerer Caromyr, who was that young man so many turns of the seasons ago. The journey will be long and sometimes hard and he will make friends and enemies, but all the while he will grow into the warrior of legend. The fate of Lithila will be in his hands."

Gaya finished her story and looked down at Kayin, who was staring at the slowly rippling pool of water. Something very strange was running through his mind...

"Oh no!"

"They're coming!"

"Get out, get somewhere safe!"

"Run! Run for your lives!"

He remembered the pounding of heavy hooves all around him, the heat of a blazing fire, the roars of an enemy and the screams of the wounded and dying. Then there was nothing but darkness...

Kayin shook his head, and realized that he was trembling. He looked up at Gaya.

"Gaya...the baby in the story...was...was he...?"

Gaya smiled softly, but her eyes were sad.

"Yes, Kayin. It was you."

Larina gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.

Kayin swallowed hard. "I don't believe it..."

Gaya nodded. "You must believe, Kayin. You are the Child of Destiny. You are the one that will mean the difference between destruction and salvation for Lithila. You will have to defeat Caromyr. And the time has come for you to start your journey.

"I will send you to the outside of Spirit Forest, into Lithila Meadow. Take your bow and arrows. You must go and see Princess Keonae in Castle Karima. She will explain what you must do."

She paused, then said, "I will give you some time to say your goodbyes. Do you wish for me to send you back to your village briefly?"

Kayin shook his head. "There isn't anyone that cares for me there."

Gaya nodded. "As you wish."

Kayin turned to Larina. She had tears rolling slowly down each cheek.

"Larina, don't cry. I hate it when you do that."

She looked at him.

"Kayin, what if I never see you again? What if something happens to you? What if you..." She hiccuped.

Kayin shrugged.

"It's ok, Larina. I'll come and see you again, I promise. As for something happening to me, well, I'll try not to die, ok?" He gave her a small, amused smile.

Larina sniffed, and gave a little laugh.

"I'll miss you, Kayin."

"Yeah, I'll miss you too. But enough with the mushy stuff. We'll always be friends, right?"

Larina nodded.

Kayin gave her another smile, then looked back at Gaya.

"I'm ready."

Gaya nodded, then raised her arms. Kayin felt a strong wind whirling around him, and the last thing he saw was Larina waving goodbye. Then the world went black.