Epiphany, Pt. 1

The introduction of many of the main characters, half of chapter one1

Chapter 1 - Koren Gareth2

Light streamed in through the little window across from Connor’s bed, signaling for the impatient Helier to wake him up. Helier was tall, just over Connor’s head, at six feet. A perfect smile and seeming immunity to age were two of her other features. She had short, dark hair to compliment her dark eyes.3

“Connor.” She whispered. 4

Connor opened his eyes and groaned. Gentle as it was, that whisper meant, ‘get to work’. Helier grinned, and quietly closed Connor’s door. Technically, it was not Connor’s bed, door, or room. He was in the guest room of Helier’s house, as he had been for the past year. Helier’s equally beautiful daughter, June, had found him asleep, slumped against the local blacksmiths. Caring as she is, she brought him home. Yet when he awoke, many people were afraid of him. A distinguishing characteristic set him apart from other people. Connor’s irises were grey. 5

To make things even harder for him, Connor had no recollection of anything before June had found him. No one in town recognized him either. The only things he had with him were a faded grey bandana, a tiny black earring, and a pair of heavy clothes. After a time, he received a sword from the local blacksmith and his sister. They agreed to make him one, if he would do them a favor. The favor involved a little fighting, but it was easy enough, so Connor became a mercenary soon after. When he wasn’t away fighting in the inter-village wars, he was running errands for Helier. She allowed Connor to stay since he worked to stay.6

He groggily stood up, and wrapped the bandana around his forehead. He pulled on his usual white shirt, which contrasted his thick black pants, and slung his scabbard over his shoulder, which he fastened to his belt. He put on the tiny black earring, and left the room. Helier had a nice home, quaint and comfortable. A tiny fireplace in the living room was usually where she would reside after nightfall. Helier and June made pottery with their very tan friend, Ravil. Ravil came from a far away tropical continent. She was wise, but steadily growing old. 7

Connor slowly made his way to the kitchen, where he heard a chair pull up. June had just sat down to eat. June was seventeen, two years younger than Connor. She had shoulder-length brown hair, and was always trying to be cheerful. Usually Connor didn’t like that about people, but he didn’t mind when June did it. She was a few inches shorter than Connor.8

Connor walked by the table, and got himself some eggs from a pan over the brick oven. 9

“We ran out this morning. You’ll have to get some today, alright?” Helier stated, hurrying past him and grabbing dirty cloths as she went. 10

“Yeah, how many?” Connor asked. 11

“A dozen should do it. Thanks.” June said politely, since Helier was already out the door. Connor sat down, and started to eat sausage instead, quietly. 12

“So what are you doing today?” Connor asked in-between bites. 13

“Not much. I have to help mother make a few vases for Ethera later, but other than that nothing.” Ethera was a rich woman whose husband had recently died, leaving her everything. It was deemed an accident, but who knows? Ethera was like a snake, with horns, and the devil backing her up. Not a good person.14

Connor finished eating before June, bid her farewell and began his tasks. Outside was bright and warm. He walked around back, splashed some water from the well onto his face, and took a drink. He learned soon after being discovered that he was in a village called Koren. Koren was a small village, but located conveniently near many larger productive towns, such as Tacta. These villages are found on a continent called Gareth. Gareth is the largest known land-mass, and is under the rule of a king, Lord Drake. He’s actually the sixth Drake, who succeeded his father a few years past. Though he controls the largest land and army in the civilized world, he treats it poorly. In the past few years, inter-village wars for territory, wealth, and power had been commonplace. Of course, the king had not done much about it.15

But to keep the villages in check, and govern business deemed too small for the king, Nobles were chosen by every village. These Nobles serve and protect the village under their charge to the best of their abilities. Some of the Nobles are kept in direct contact with the king, and are basically drones for him, but many are just, and fair, ‘sub-kings’.16

The grass felt like clouds under Connor’s boots. Though it felt nice where he was, as one drew nearer to the village, the grass gave way to yellowish sand and dirt, which made the roads of Koren. Palm trees were a common sight. The homes and businesses in the village were made of thick wood, and the tops of thatch. Connor stopped admiring Koren when he was tapped on the shoulder.17

Turning around, Connor found Chane Kyi. Chane, at the age of fifteen, was a measly five foot six. At least Chane thought it was measly. Chane had taken a shine to Connor within his first few weeks of his being found. Chane was adventurous, but foolish. He had sandy blonde hair, and liked to swing around his spear. Part of the reason Chane liked Connor, was that Connor could relate to him in the fact that Chane had also suffered memory loss. 18

Shana, another of Connor’s friends, had found Chane one night in the streets and on the verge of insanity. She nursed him back to health, but unfortunately he didn’t know where he came from, or even who he was. He lived with Shana and her family for a few months, until a man called Bane showed up in Koren, looking for his lost brother. He found Chane, and claimed he was his brother. Chane was reluctant to leave Shana and her family, whom he had grown accustomed to, so Bane decided to stay in Koren with him. Bane told everyone that Chane had run away after their pregnant mother had died in a fire that destroyed their home in Pontimo. Bane anxiously awaited his father to come, and sent many letters, none of which were ever responded to. Chane currently lived with Bane.19

“So what’s on today’s agenda?” Chane asked casually. 20

“I have to get Helier the list of orders from Curtis, get some other things. Oh, and eggs.” Connor added the new item he was asked to get to his memory. 21

“Can I come with?” Chane asked pleasantly. 22

“Do I have a choice?” Connor asked grinning. 23

“Not really.”24

So the two started into the village, the little bag of gold jingling at Connor’s side. The streets were slightly overcrowded, and they got separated periodically. But they made their way through, looking into shop windows as they went. 25

“My shop I so much better than these. I-“ Chane was drowned out as a bunch of kids ran by screaming happily. Bane and Chane had an odd little shop to the East side of the village. They sold all the odds and ends they came by. Not catching the rest of the sentence, Connor just nodded as his response.26

Before long, they had made their way to the blacksmith, Curtis Bage. Curtis was a huge man. He was taller than anyone Connor knew by at least five inches, and he had large bulging muscles all over. His dark blonde hair, and spiny beard made him look rough. The smithy itself was a hybrid of a house and a workplace. Half of it was dirty and black, and the other half was a little cleaner, where he and his sister lived. Curtis’ sister is Dreen, who is a far contrast to her magnanimous brother. You couldn’t tell by looking at her though. She was very pretty, but she always had a dark colored robe, black not unlike her hair, purple, etc. The robes had hoods which veiled her face. Connor had seen it though, and there was no reason to hide it. She usually had something nasty to say, but on the whole she meant well.27

Connor and Chane opened the heavy door, and heard Curtis pounding away in the next room. 28

“Where’s the list?” Chane asked, strolling over to the desk. The desk had large scorch marks on it, and was covered with scrolls. 29

“Dreen usually knows.” Connor said, sitting down on one of the two little benches to wait. 30

“You don’t think we should just find it ourselves and save her the trouble then?” Chane asked, trying to avoid her.31

“Relax, I hear she’s in a good mood.” Connor stated, while fidgeting with his rebellious brown hair. Chane faked being shocked, then sat down next to Connor.32

“So what are you going to get for June?” Chane asked out of nowhere. 33

“Nothing, why?” 34

“Nothing? Damn, I’m gonna have a better gift than you.” 35

“What are you talking about?” Connor asked, tilting his head a little. 36

“Forget your girlfriend’s birthday?” Dreen asked upon entering the room. Birthday? Forget seemed about right, but he lied anyway. 37

“No, I just forgot to get a gift.” 38

Dreen laughed. It was strange. Sweet, but kind of mean. “I didn’t and I don’t even live with them.” 39

“Save it. Where’s the list?” Chane interrupted. Dreen reached into her robe and produced the list. 40

“You’re going to have to get a job soon Connor. This kind of order won’t feed all of you.” Dreen said seriously, extending the list forward. Connor took, then examined the list. Ethera wanted a couple of vases, but aside from that there was only one other order. Ethera, though rich, wasn’t exactly a big tipper.41

“So what are you going to get her? The party is tonight.” Dreen asked casually, sorting through some of the scrolls on the burnt desk. 42

“I don’t know. But I’ll find something.” Connor replied, unsure. 43

“I could make you something.” Dreen offered. She wasn’t skilled with a hammer, but with magic she was the best in the village by far. 44

“And what exactly would that cost me?” 45

“Nothing.” Dreen replied. Now Connor knew it was going to cost something. “But if I ever need a favor, you’ll help, alright?” Dreen said solemnly. So now Connor had to choose. Sell out to Dreen, or risk getting a really bad gift. But, Dreen could stick him with some piece of garbage and say it was great or something like that. 46

“Alright.” Connor said, taking that risk. “Make it good.”47

Chane shook his head in disagreement as Dreen began working her hands in a circular motion, while a ball of green gassy looking magic slowly formed. It swirled around, and compressed into a sphere about half the size of a closed fist. You could still see the swirling magic inside it. It was very attractive. Then, very quickly, Dreen created about seven more of the spheres that were the size of a large marble, and linked them together. They all had the swirling magic in them. 48

“It’s pretty.” Chane admitted as Connor took it. 49

“And it does something. When someone wears it, it changes color depending on the wearers feelings. Observe.” Dreen took it back, and slid it onto her arm. The swirling colors turned black. 50

“Yeah, it works.” Chane said loudly, laughing.51

Curtis entered the room carrying a heavy looking set of armor. 52

“What’s so funny?” He asked with a smile of welcome to them. 53

“Dreen has black feelings.” Chane said smiling happily.54

“Wow, who’d have figured huh?” Curtis asked sarcastically.55

“Ha...ha.” Dreen muttered dryly, giving the piece back to Connor. “When I need you, you do what I ask.” She said sternly. Connor nodded. He was pretty confident he could handle whatever it was Dreen would ask. 56

“You just made a deal with the devil.” Curtis commented, carrying the armor into another room. Chane and Connor laughed. “See you guys later.” He called after the two. 57

“What do you think she’ll ask for?” Chane wondered loud as they walked towards the market square. 58

“It can only be so bad.” Connor replied optimistically. 59

“Heads up!” Chane said urgently. Connor drew his sword and whipped around. “No! Girl!” 60

“Oh.” Connor said, sheathing his sword. “Oh! June!” Connor stuck the bracelet into his pocket. June made her way over to them, carrying a sack. 61

“What’s in the sack?” Connor asked, unable to see June’s face due to the large brown bag she was carrying. 62

“Just some chicken feed. We needed a little extra money, so I’m doing some work on the side.” June replied pleasantly.63

Connor took out the orders list, and handed it over. “Trade you. The extra work is my job. Where’s this going?” 64

June gave him the sack, which was fairly heavy. “It’s going to old man Jacob’s farm. I’m supposed to feed the chickens, and milk the cows too.” 65

Inside Connor was upset at this. Milking cows didn’t sound all that great. “I’ve got it. You go...do something.” 66

“Are you sure? ‘Cause I don’t mind...” 67

Connor shook his head. “Go do something.” He repeated. 68

June smiled. “Thanks, I will.”69

“God man. How high did she say?” Chane said, making whipping motions with his arm. 70

“Shut up. You don’t have to help.” 71

“That I don’t. That I do should make you appreciate it.” 72

Connor shook his head. “Whatever. Let’s go.” Old man Jacob’s farm was about a mile outside of town. Connor was surprised June was going to carry the sack all the way out there. 73

The walk was long and uneventful, and by the time they got there, Connor’s shoulder was red and sore from the sack. 74

“Hello.” Farmer Jacobs greeted them kindly as Connor dropped the sack on the ground. 75

“Where did June get off to?” He asked. 76

“I told her I’d take care of the chores.” Connor said. 77

“Oh, no. She’s here.” The farmhouse door banged open and, sure enough, June stepped out, knees dirty, and straw in her hair. 78

“What are you doing here? I said I’d handle it.” Connor said. 79

“How did you get here before us?” Chane asked. 80

“I took a shortcut.” She said succinctly. “I want to help. I shouldn’t push all my chores on you. You do enough.” 81

Connor shrugged, and picked up the sack. “Where to?”82

Connor followed June as she led him and Chane to the chicken yard. It was actually a large building, bigger than the barn. Stained and brown. 83

“Watch out for Rose now!” Jacob called after them. 84

“Rose?” Connor asked, while June shrugged. 85

“I hear Jacob has a lot of chickens.” Chane stated, putting his hands on his hips. 86

“Guess we’ll find out huh?” Connor replied. June unlocked the door, and pushed it open. Chane’s mouth dropped.87

Chickens stretched as far as the eye could see. The three hurried in and closed the door. 88

“Oh, God!” Chane exclaimed, pulling his shirt up over his nose. It smelled terrible. Connor sliced open the sack, and all the chickens turned and looked at them simultaneously. 89

“Uh oh.” Connor said, as they backed up against the large door. The chickens rushed over to them, clucking voraciously. Chane dunked his hands into the sack, and flung the feed at them. The chickens swarmed the spot, then continued to advance upon them. 90

They slammed the door closed behind them, and locked it. 91

“What the hell was that?” Chane said, panting. 92

“That was, I think, Rose.” June whispered. They had dumped the feed over and rushed out when a four foot tall brown chicken came into sight. Connor slid his hands into his pockets and sighed. 93

“I’m glad we’re out of there.” He fingered the bracelet. He wanted to give it to her right now, but he knew he should wait.94

“I’ve already milked the cows, so we’re done. Thanks for helping.” 95

“No problem, but we didn’t really do much.”96

“You carried the sack here.” She stated. ‘Hm...why not?’ Connor thought. He took out the bracelet and gave it to her. 97

“Happy birthday.” He said. 98

“Oh wow!” She said, taking the bracelet. “I thought you’d forgotten.” She said, putting on the bracelet. It turned pink. 99

“Me? Psh...no...” 100

She threw her arms around Connor. “Thank you!” Connor’s face turned red. Chane noticed, and muffled a laugh. 101

“Where did you get it? It’s so pretty.” 102

“He sold his soul for it.” Chane said, folding his arms. June stopped smiling. 103

“He’s kidding. I got it from Dreen.” 104

June collected the little bit of gold owed to them from Jacob, and they all started the walk back to Koren. 105

“So this thing detects emotions?” June asked. Connor nodded. They were nearly into the village. 106

“Yeah, Dreen has black feelings.” Chane said, reminiscing happily. 107

“You needed magic to figure that out?” June asked, frowning. Chane ignored her comment, looking upward at the puffy white clouds. 108

“Here, put it on.” June said, handing it to Connor. 109

“Er, how about not?” Connor said, reluctant. His feelings were private. 110

“Come on, put it on!” June insisted. Connor sighed, and slipped on the bracelet. The pink colors faded, and turned grey. 111

“That doesn’t look good.” He said quietly. 112

“Are you depressed?” June asked, taking it back. 113

“I don’t think so.” Connor said, shrugging. Chane tried it on, he had orange. 114

Connor and Chane took June home, and left to get the things Helier had asked for. 115

“I think she liked it.” Chane said happily. 116

“Who liked what?” Someone said, stepping into stride with them. It was Ridge Hawks, Connor and Chane’s friend. Ridge was as tall as Connor, with dark brown eyes. He wore a long cloth cloak that had been dyed blue, and a red head-band, which allowed his hair, that matched his eyes, to hang over his forehead. Ridge’s weapon of choice was the quarterstaff. 117

Ridge came from a far-away village called Lugwae. Lugwae is a fishing village on the southern coast of Gareth. Ridge and his family left to get away from all the fighting that was going on with the surrounding villages. For one reason or other, they came to Koren. Which probably wasn’t the best choice, since Koren’s younger residents were getting more and more involved with the inter-village wars. The mercenaries around Koren were getting to be a common sight. 118

There was even a place where mercenaries would gather from surrounding villages a few miles away. It was in an abandoned quarry hidden away in a forest. People would gather to train, talk, regroup, whatever. It was also a nice place to relax. Some of the more profit invested people built an inn, and a little bar.119

Ridge became a mercenary so he could help put an end to the inter-village wars which drove him from his home. Not being smart enough to become a Noble, and not rich enough to be an important figure by any standards. Ridge’s family disapproved of his choice in a career, so he usually stayed down in the quarry. 120

“June liked bracelet.” Chane said, a glance at Ridge. 121

“Ah, Connor’s main squeeze? Birthday is today isn’t it?” 122

Connor nodded. “What’s a main squeeze?” He asked, pushing Ridge away. Ridge laughed. 123

“So what are you two doin’?” 124

“Errands.” Connor replied succinctly. 125

“What are you doing later?” 126

“Well there’s this girl I’ve had my eye on for a while now, so I was-” Chane began, but was cut off when Connor elbowed him in the side. “I mean, June’s party.” He said, rubbing what promised to be a bruise. 127

“So I guess you guys won’t be paying me a visit at the quarry then?” 128

Connor shook his head as they entered the marketplace. “Maybe tomorrow though.” 129

“Should I come to the party then?” Ridge asked, his eye landing on a huge slab of smoking meat outside of the butcher’s. 130

“I’m not gonna stop you. Just bring a gift.” “Alright, then I’ll see you guys then.” He said, approaching the sweet smelling meat.131

Connor and Chane explored the various shops, picking up the requested items as they went. Before too long, they had purchased all the things asked for. 132

“Do we need to get anything for the thing tonight?” Chane asked. 133

“I don’t think so. No one told me to. In fact, no one told me anything about the party until you did today.” 134

“Maybe Helier doesn’t want you there?” Chane suggested. 135

“I don’t know. Why wouldn’t she?” Connor wondered aloud. 136

“You kidding? A guy like you with a girl like that? On her birthday? Who knows what Helier must be thinking.” Chane stated. 137

“Like you would know what a mother thinks?” Connor retorted.138

Chane snickered. “Trust me, I know what mothers think.” He thought back to when he had met a pretty girl’s mother once. Upon seeing how average looking the mother was, Chane became confused. He had looked back and forth from mother to daughter while the mother had tried to ask him a question. Then the answer struck him.139

“Oh, you’re adopted!” He said loudly, pointing.140

Of course, it turns out the girl had not known she had been adopted, and though the mother denied it, now that the truth had been presented the girl understood why they were so different. It was a pretty tearful few minutes before Chane was forcibly removed from the house. He rubbed his head as he remembered the thud of the frying pan being swung at him. 141

“Yeah, you might wanna keep your distance.” He muttered feebly.142

“I would never do anything...bad. Besides, she should know me better than that. Not to mention her own daughter.” 143

Chane shrugged. “Not that I do, but lots of people would consider you a catch. Helier probably just doesn’t want June to think so.” He said. Connor heaved a bag over his shoulder, and handed Chane one. 144

“You really think people think that?” Connor asked. They exited the marketplace, and were steadily on their way to Helier’s house. 145

“Sure. You look the part, and everyone sees you out here running errands all the time. Not to mention giving most of the money you get from being a mercenary to them.” 146

Connor blushed a little. “Well they’ve done a lot for me. Who knows where I’d be if they hadn’t helped me?” 147

Chane laughed. “Probably be dead.” 148

Connor grinned. “Yeah? At least I didn’t end up chasing skirts like someone I know.” 149

Chane smiled broadly. “I can’t control what Bane does Connor. It’s not nice to judge him either.” They laughed. Helier’s house was in sight.150

Chane knocked on the door, and waited for an answer. June opened the door after a few seconds, looking upset. The bracelet was colored blue now. She stepped aside so they could enter. 151

“What’s the matter?” Connor asked as they walked by. 152

“Nothing.” June lied. Connor and Chane put the bags on floor. 153

“Unlike women, bracelets don’t lie.” Chane stated, pointing at the jewelry. June glanced at it, and sighed. 154

“No one remembered but you two.” Connor and Chane stood there for a split second, thinking. The answer was fairly obvious. No one had said anything because the party was a surprise. 155

“That sucks.” Chane said, figuring it out. She groaned, and dropped unhappily on the sofa. 156

Connor and Chane sat on either side of her. 157

“Don’t sweat it. How could Helier forget your birthday?” Connor said, trying to make her feel better. 158

“She’s been really busy trying to make ends meet.” June said. 159

“Not to worry. I’ll bet she’s got something up her sleeve for you.” Chane said. Connor nodded in agreement. The door opened, and Helier strolled in. 160

“Connor, kitchen.” She said. Her tone was slightly unnerving. 161

“Uh oh.” June whispered. Connor reluctantly got up and followed. 162

“So...come here often?” He heard Chane say, as he entered the kitchen.....163