Diary of Destiny

Chapter 1
I am Verra Rose, hated by myself and by the world. But I find that their hatred didn’t matter, until Deameon appeared, because I shared the same feeling of hatred toward myself.
I was about ten years old living in a small, one room, abandoned hut near the edge of the forest. The hut was close to the village of Durmuth. That day I was going out for my morning chore of gathering water and berries. There in front of my doorway was a young boy of about eight years. He was so skinny his ribs poked through his dirt smeared bloody skin, were his skin showed through his torn and bloody clothing. I was truly afraid he would die. I hurriedly dragged him in to the hut and placed him on my bedroll. I tried to clean the bloody dirt from his body, yet it was hard to tell if he was cleans as he was covered everywhere with bruises. I left him and went to finish my chores for the day. When I returned that evening, I checked to see how he was doing. He was peacefully asleep, and I noticed as I looked over him that he was healed completely with only a slightly yellow purple eye. I was amazed that he was alive, but especially that he was totally healed! And since that day when I “saved” him, he has been there for me to help me when my anger became too great.
My Deameon is more of a big brother than a little brother. He is a muscled six foot eight inch giant of a guy, with a sweet temperament (unlike me) unless of course he is provoked by his protectiveness over me. Where Deameon is sweet tempered, I have a cursed temper. I have a problem with emotional outlet. I sometimes go into a rage in which I am very aggressive. Deameon with his sweet temper and protective ways is the perfect companion to keep me in line. I love Deameon as I would a brother, he cares for me when I am unable to do things, and he keeps my spirit uplifted. I am ever grateful to fate for allowing me to have such a friend as him in my life.
Krishna, we meet in Darkenoth woods. It was in these haunted woods he became our leader. We were lost in a maze of trees an bushes with spirits of the dead at every turn. Krishna was the one to lead us out of the haunted woods. One thing about Krishna , whenever I’m alone with him , I feel something different, and his aura is very powerful, so that I can feel it lapping, like waves on a shore, against my nerves. He is an amazing person, he has dark skin, light silver blue eyes, and shoulder length chestnut hair. When I think of his long hair, I remember the story of Samson, how Samson lost his strength when his hair was cut. I don’t think that is true for Krishna; though he is strong I believe his real strength is his mind. Krishna has kept, I mean, had kept us safe until now.
Chapter 2
Ever afraid of losing control, I look around for some way to escape. Now we are all in a tent together with the guards just outside the entrance and a patrol on the edge of camp outside the back of the tent. If we were able to escape, they would soon realize we were gone; because every twenty minutes I hear a guard come check on us.
We are on the road again; though I don’t know where we are headed. As I am lost in my thoughts I look up and to the left side of the road, Great Goddess, a large castle rises in the gray pink dawn. Dark stone walls shine back into my eyes. Then I notice a guard coming towards me, I turn around, my wrist rub hard against the bristly rope. I wonder what is wrong that they have halted. Then a smell, an acrid smoke smell, fills my nostrils. I fear for my control as black oblivion comes over me.

I dream of a forest and I see Deameon and Krishna. I call out to them but no voice is coming out. They are searching for something, but what? I too look, hoping to help them. As I look over my shoulder, I see a flash of movement. I follow it and as I turn around a bend, I see Krishna, his back turned to me. I reach out to ask him what we’re looking for; as I reach for him he turns toward me. He looks exactly like Krishna; except for his eyes, the window to his soul, they are a jewel green color with a malicious glint. I turn to run, wondering who or what this thing could possibly be, and I’m jerked back. I turn my head to see the thing pulling me by my wrist toward a dense dark part of the forest, a part that seems as black as pitch even to my twilight eyes. I pull back on my hand and set my heels into the ground, nothing slows it down. I finally take my other hand and claw at his hand trying to make him let go, he finally slows a little, but only enough so that he can grab my other wrist. What to do, what to do? My mind screams. Then as though of its own accord my voice finds itself and I scream. The scream wakes me up, I look around I’m in a dank darkened cell with only a small bared window. Where am I? Oh, Goddess help, that creature must have gotten me.

But at that thought the door opens and a man walks in, tall dressed in black clothes with glints of silver thread, he has pale golden skin, and blue black hair that frames almond shaped eyes of a glittering green. Thankfully not a green like the creatures but a green that had known and could still know humor. I sense a kindred ness in him yet I don’t know how that could be I have never seen let alone known anyone like him in my life. He stands staring at me as though a revelation is about to appear on my face. Then he says calmly in a honey golden voice, “Take her to the others.”
Chapter 3
Curious to know if he means me harm or only to place me with Deameon and Krishna, I follow him head held firm and facing forward. I feel defiance rise in me but I tamper it down. I do however allow the mutinous look to cover my face.
As we walk down the row of cells I use my peripheral vision scanning my eyes side to side looking for Deameon or Krishna. We stop at the last cell in the dimly lit hallway and as I look over I see Deameon and Krishna. Their worried faces look strained and pale. I run to them making sure they’re alright. Deameon being so tall is stooped over in the cell and both sets of eyes look to be glazed over with pain. The life light in their eyes seems to have diminished and I fear for them. I feel as though I should help them, I feel better than they appear to.
Then I hear the Clank of the door shutting behind us and the scraping of the key locking us inside. I ask them is they are alright, my mind already looking for escape. They reply that they are as well as can be in the situation. We huddle in a corner, as the lights in the hall gutter out to nothing, trying to find warmth and comfort from each other in this dark chilly cell. We talk of escape in low whispers but soon I drift away unable to talk , my eyes sliding further and further down, until sweet serene sleep enfolds me in the realm of dreams.
Chapter 4
I feel it the “hunger” it comes so quickly. I can’t control it, what can I do? I need help. My weary mind pleads for existence as “IT” takes over. I never lost my will so deeply until I meet Krishna, the thought of him spurs on the change, his understanding and helpfulness with my curse seems to have caused “IT” to become wild. “IT” seems to want him gone, but why I don’t know.
The change is fast. I lose consciousness. My mind is gone.

I awaken to darkness within a warm cocoon; around me is the smell of earth, damp soil and growth. I wonder where I am, but I feel a rightness, I feel as though a calming wind soothes my soul, I am at peace. But, Wait!! The earthy smell around me it can’t be, can it? I know there were no windows in the cell and there was only stone everywhere. Sighing, weary with confusion I lean back against what seems to be a wall but then it turns soft and seems to give way. And I find myself gently laid among the roots of an ancient looking tree. I wonder at this happening, but then I see the graying dawn, which brings me to my feet, and wonder at my location.
As I look toward the new dawn I see in the distance the castle we had ridden upon before, it seems so long ago with the troubles I’ve been through. I go quickly to our last camp, where I had hidden my small bag of belongings. I run along the road, staying in the protection of the woods. I come upon our old camp and find an elm tree with current berry bushes around it. I push away the bushes and reach into a hole in the tree.
Thank Goddess, it’s still there, I can feel the soft leather of the bag, I pull the bag out of its hiding pace. I look at the items, making sure everything is there. I think of my dear Aunt Emilina, who gave this all to me telling me it came from a father and mother, I never know. I can barley remember Aunt Em’s face now, but I can still hear her voice clear and high, always singing as she worked. I know it must have been a hardship for her to raise me, yet she treated me so kindly. I know it must have been hard for her to find me missing that day I left, but it was for the best of both of us.
My dagger, amulet and flute are all still here. The dagger is an odd weapon for it is more than a dagger. I have learned, what I guess is, magic. With a word I can make the dagger in to a short sword. The word was inscribed on the hilt of the dagger. I put my stuff back in the bag and head toward a nearby village to find out about the castle and its occupants. I doubt it will be easy.
Chapter 5
I head out toward the near by town, I expect to find information about the castle and its owner. If I want to get clues though I need to look more normal; so I put on my faded blue tunic, this goes to my ankles. I hate wearing this; but people seem to think of me better when I look like them. I slip my bag on my shoulder, pulling the strap tight. I need to find them and I need to help them, so I have to think.
It is late morning, early afternoon when I reach the town. It looks to be a market day. I head toward a group of women about my age I hope to find out about the area.
“Hello” I voice my appearance.
“Hello, who might you be? I dare say I ain’t seen you afore.” The elder women, watching after the group of women, grumbles.
“Oh, I ain’t no one important; I just wants to ask something.”
“And what be it you wants to ask?” she questions suspiciously.
“I just wants to know ifen this is market day or ifen it’s always busy ‘ere.”
“Aye, it’s market day alrigh’ and none to bad o’ a market eh?” she answers, her mood seeming to lighten.
I walk with them around the market asking what I could without suspicion.
It turns out how ever that the owner of the nearby castle of glorious stature is a man known as Prince Anon. I also heard through their gossip that there were prisoners taken just a few days ago in to the castle by Anon’s men. It seems that one of the girls works at the castle and had seen them brought in. So now I know where Krishna and Deameon are at; the only question is …How am I going to get them out?
Chapter 6
I have decided I will visit this Prince Anon, I will find a way to help them, I hope.
I dress in a lovely, yet simple green dress. I use the wide sleeves to advantage placing arm bands with stilettos in easy reach, keeping my special dagger in my left boot guard. Slipping in to my black woolen cloak, I touch the amulet hidden under the neck line of the dress. The amulet feels warm and smooth, made of a unique metal I had never seen before, I wonder at its connection to me. I know only that I must keep it, never lose it, it … it is your life. It certainly feels alive, yet why is it connected to me or rather my life.
I shake my head; I need my mind on focus with what is ahead of me. Deception of men is not my best game, no deception is better done through belief; let us hope that this man believes women are harmless.
I walk quickly towards the castle, as I near the inner courtyard I find the guards at the front door, I ask to speak with Prince Anon. Actually I said something like, I need to speak with the lord of the castle, Anon, right away please; If you sirs would be so kind as to tell him for me. What rubbish, I would have rather liked to bust their heads together, especially with the looks they were giving me. I think it must have been my hair the one vanity of my life. I love the thick, wavy, black mass; though I often cover it for just this reason.
They got a young servant to tell Prince Anon of my arrival. The servant came back quickly telling the guards to allow me in. I was then escorted to a large dark room, presumably a library. The only light in the room came from the candles lit around it, on the walls.
I look around the room more closely once they are gone. Bookshelves cover the walls; a large rectangular tea table sets in the middle with a sofa and two armchairs around it. There is also a black wood desk in the corner away from the few large windows covered it seems in a heavy brocade of burgundy. I hear the thud of footfalls; I try to determine where they come from. They sound as if they are coming form beyond the wall behind the desk. I relax as the footfalls fade away, but soon I hear the soft click of the library door, though no footfalls warn me this time. I slowly turn to face the person who has entered, it’s him.
Chapter 7
His glittering green, almond-shaped eyes framed by raven black hair, look at me as though looking at my soul. I curtsy to him saying politely, “Good day, you must be Prince Anon,”
“Yes, that is who I am.” He answers. His voice a deeper more honey brown sound than I remembered. “And who might you be milady?” His voice holds a trace of mockery in it and I can’t help but worry he knows me. I hadn’t thought of a name, what a great deceiver I am.
“I am so sorry, sir. I am Viveanna.” I answer softly trying for meekness.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your appearance, Lady Viveanna?”
“I have lost a few of my guard and was told you had prisoner; I believed they might have been some of my men.” I say matter-of-factly.
“I do believe you may see if they if they are, milady. Come along this way, please”
We head down a set of steps, I guess we are going to see the prisoners; but I fear this is a trap of some kind. I follow him down then we turn through a doorway, I don’t see him, a shiver goes up my spine. Where could he have gone? I hear the door shut, turning I see Anon standing there with a wolfish grin on is face. I fear things have gone awry. What to do, what to do? He comes closer,
“So tell me what is your real name?” His voice is lethally low.
“Vii…Vvv…Viviean..na!” I exclaim.
“No, no. Your real name, what do they call you?” he admonishes.
“Vii…Viveanna.” I state firmly.
“No, that’s wrong I want the truth. Tell me what is your name? Tell me sweet, tell me your name.”
“Vvv….Ve…Ver..ra, Verra…” the words whisper past my lips.
Thank you, see that wasn’t so hard was it.” He chuckles evilly.
I feel tension fall what happened, Oh ma Goddess. What have I done? How did he…? Now he knows I lied. WhadoI…do? How to escape him? “Who, …who-are-you? I somehow sputter out.
“Oh, you don’t recognize your own blood.” He sneers.
“Wha…What? “ I stutter.
“I see, you don’t know me then.” He sighs
“You are Prince Anon, are you not?” I respond, anger putting me back at rights.
“Oh, you know my human title, what a pity. Poor thing, you’re so naïve.” Tired of his belittling me, I start to respond when he states, as though it is the most oblivious thing, “I am your brother.” I feel as though I have been slapped or bitten by some viper. “I have no family!!” I yell. I had never known of a family, I seemed to have come from the mist one day and been accepted by Aunt Em. And if I truly did have a family why had they never tried to find me?
Why had he never found me before? Oh, Goddess, he probably knows about my power…he probably has powers too.
“Oh yes, you had a family.” His eyes darken in remembrance. “My Father was also your father, but your mother …..was” he pauses, a pained expression of sympathy marks his face. “She was an ancient a group of people, who worked for the light, the good of the world. The ancients were attuned to nature and the flow of life.” He stops allowing that to sink-in. Then in a whispered harsh tone he adds “My father was doing what had to be done, for the Darkone.” Pain seems to make his features hard and pointed. “The Darkone has plans for you.”
“Who is this “Darkone” you speak of?” I ask afraid to know the answer.
“He is Daeken.” He answers.
I feel sorry for the man that is Anon that all this pain is his, though I don’t know what the pain is, or why it exists. Then my thoughts turn to the Darkone, Daeken, who is he? Have I seen him? Has he seen me? Of course he would have seen me if his power is any like mine or nigh as controlled as my “brother’s”.
Why… Why would this Daeken want me? Who am I, what is it he wants? The questions bring a tremble to my heart and an odd sense of being watched flows through me, slithering in my belly.
As if knowing my questions Anon says “He wants you because of your destiny, that which you were made for. As for what you are, I can only say you were made of the elements; wind, earth, water, fire and from both lightness and darkness. You are the key, a turning point in this world.”