Chapter 1: Prologue - The fallen Star
The forest was drenched in a cloud of smoke, fire licked at the canopy bringing destruction to the ancient oak trees. Shadows brought to life in the dark by flaming light, revealing a team of heavily equipped soldiers surrounding a cave entrance.
Outside the group watching the bustling activity, were three men mounted on horseback. Contrasting the soldiers outside the cave their armor was polished and high quality, the horses well fed, muscular and proud. Sitting there with confidence, the thin man in the middle called to those around the cave. His screeching voice berating the ears of group's captain. "Is it finally finished running?"
Grimacing at the mans voice, the captain turned to reply, "Yes milord Carpacio, we believe the beast's injuries have finally caught up to it and it will be incapacitated shortly."
The corners of Carpacio's mouth rose as he stepped down towards the cave and thought, 'After eight months of searching, the beast will be subdued and the king will have a soul for his son's binding. The title of Marquis will be mine'
Inside the dark, moss ridden cave lay an animal larger than any horse, yet sleek and agile, with a panther-like body streamlined for speed. However, several large wounds were bleeding profusely over its jet black fur, causing incredible weakness in the beast. The once powerful animal now weak, too weak to stand as soldiers armed with spears, axes and swords cautiously approached. It could be seen that even in its current state, the beast was still a big threat.
Tension thick as paste filled the cave, light bloomed as multicolored tattoos on the soldiers left forearms came to life. A hint of desperation crossed the red catlike eyes of the beast, it glanced in the direction of the egg hidden behind its body and became resolute. Building up its strength, the beast's aura rose dramatically causing the soldiers to be pushed back. But it only lasted a moment as the strength in its eyes faded and its massive head fell to the ground, every last drop of energy was exerted, the beast was gone.
"What is the meaning of this?" An furious shout exploded behind the wall of soldiers. A hideous expression emerged from the Carpacio as he strode through the crowd, staring down the captain. "I thought I told you not to kill the FUCKING thing!"
"Mi...milord, it wasn't us, the starlight beast, it just..."
"Enough! Prepare the soul container, we must capture its soul, we can still harvest materials from its body". Carpacio interrupted the trembling captain. "As for you Captain..."
Two dead bodies lay in the dark wet cave as soldiers began their work to harvest the skin and other materials from the body of the beast. One of the three elites began speaking in an odd tongue, grasping a container full of archaic symbols and runes.
However no one noticed the smooth egg slowly becoming more and more indistinct and rock-like until it was completely camouflaged amongst the stones.
