The Beginning of the Tale

A world of myth and magic. Albion, the cornerstone that houses great beasts and treasures sought by people looking for fame or fortune. However, not all these glitters are gold, but bloody and steeped in betrayal. For the land has a curse upon it that draws the evils of the world to be molded by the land's corrupted creatures and devilish creatures that bleed into the world through unknown means. Humans and the humanoid races that had come to the land seeking a better life or to look to improve their own lives sought to live in the harsh world that is Albion.

Not many succeeded in the beginning, for people lost their lives to the beasts and monsters that plagued their hopes for survival. But then, people discovered stones that came from the ground where life grew plentiful. These were to become known as the Arch Stones. These crystals provided protection from the monsters and allowed life to be free from their touch. Soon after, cities were built around the stones that gave them protection and safety while allowing some to be studied by wise individuals who could harness the power of Will.

This power allowed one to influence the world around them and the crystals gave them a powerful boost, increasing their power and control over Will. Great cities had grown around the Arch Stones and some were mined to be given to the Arch Mages that were the guiding counsel of each city. They had a city to be built to find Heroes across the land that could control the power of will or were skilled in combat beyond that of an average person. This was called The Heroes Guild, a place all new heroes were from as a place of origin and place of great opportunity.

Not everyone became a hero however, for the land of Albion is fraught with danger and peril. A tempting force has corrupted the minds of weak Willed heroes into becoming the opposite. Villains and bandits, falling to dark powers that promised them greatness. Only at the cost of their service and souls. These then became leaders of bandits or sects of some mysterious group not known to the Heroes Guild. For they only know them as the Dark Sun, Crow's Eye, and Morgana Knights.

These groups bend the Will of beasts and monsters easily as they use them to attack towns which seem to not hold them back as easily as non controlled beasts. For the Arch Mages found that the crystals were a natural deterrent, but if a creature was commanded to attack, then it would cross into the barrier without hesitation. This caused the cities to train some of its citizens to become guards and knights to defend the towns. While Heroes were called to take on the enemy forces head on or covertly.

It was going well as the cities managed to fend off the bandits and the many creatures that were under control of the Sects. That was until, a child was born in the southern most part of the continent. Seers and people with the power of foresight saw the rise of a great hero, who had just been born. One that would become powerful in Will and would bring about Albion's change, but the future of weather it be for good or for ill. The child had a hand in its future.

But they also saw a constant shadow following the hero, a force they couldn't explain as it was beyond their understanding. They believed it to be misfortune or some type of omen that followed the child. That was their best interpretation of the vision as each city's Seer had the same vision and came to the same conclusion. However, they didn't know what they child of prophecy looked like or who they were as the vision wasn't clear as to who it was.

Little did the Arch Mages and Seers know, but the forces of darkness also saw the same prophecy and something terrible and dark was part of their own vision. Not only did Albion fall, but so did the rest of the world and all light would fade as the ones from beyond the veil would hold the world in their hands. Two visions, two different outcomes, but that wasn't a choice they could make for it was already in motion. As Albion held a great influence over what was ordained and this two sided coin vision is one of two possibilities.

Would the hero become an agent for good and all that is part of the light? Or would they become a pawn of darkness and a tyrant to bring about its destruction? Time could only tell, but the forces of Darkness didn't want to wait and make sure their future was the right outcome. So they became more active all over Albion, that was when they got to the town of Marstone. A small town next to the coast with a history of profitable fishing sights.

These were a hardy people, tough as the mast of their ships, and kind as the gentle breeze on a sunny morning. Everyone worked as a group as they didn't have the protection of the Arch Stones like in the major cities. Marstone was one of the numerous towns that relied on the protection that was provided by the nearby cities. However, a hefty tax was in place because of it, which meant they had to provide their crops and resources to the city. Not everyone was happy about the tax, but the protection was needed from random beasts wondering into the town at night or even in broad daylight.

But today of all days, everyone was having a celebration. The town's very own retired hero had just become a father of two. It was a momentous occasion as the couple had been trying for years to finally have children of their own. Not only did they get one child, but twins. A rare occurrence to happen as it was a blessing of Will that the two children were born. The citizens all had a grand feast for the happy couple. For the whole of Marstone had become a tightly knit family as they supported one another. For nothing in the town was kept secret, it was a sign of trust that everyone shared.

The mother of the twins had placed them in a bed next to one another as both were sound asleep. She smiled at her two sons, one had dark brown hair with blue eyes while the other a bright dirty blonde color with green eyes. She still had yet to come up with names for her two children. While her husband had gone to the center of town to procure some food to bring back to her. She looked at her two beautiful baby boys. She closed her eyes and whispered a soft prayer to the Arch Stones of Albion to protect her sons from all danger and to give them happy lives.

"Congratulations on the twins!" Some of the men and women said to the man as he passed through. The retired hero had been known as Cain, a renown swordsman who fought against Dark Sun soldiers and came out victorious. However, he had lost feeling in his sword hand after a bad cut to his forearm tore the muscles which allowed to hold a sword properly. This being the reason he was retired, but he managed to settle down with a woman who was a runner up for replacing one of the Arch Mages in the city near their home.

Freya, a wielder of Will who excelled in all her training as a Heroin before becoming selected to become the next Arch Mage. But Freya declined as she had become attached to Cain before then. As the Arch Mages were to be separated from all attachments to the world and become one with powers of Will and the Arch Stones. A form of enlightenment that allowed them greater power and control over Will. However, she had a unique gift even among the likes of foresight and holy magics.

She had the ability to conjure Will freely without the added power of the Arch Stone shards or using a catalyst for its power. She hoped that her sons would inherit her power and become great heroes like their father. All the while, Cain hoped they would become great mages like Freya to protect people with more than just the steel in one's hands. Both wanted them to be great in each others specialties. As they both shared the same dream, for their children to do great things.

Cain had gathered some bread and water from the merchants and the well when he heard the sound of someone running towards the center of town. "Cain! Brother! Where is my brother?" Cain turned to see his brother in law running towards the gathering in full combat gear. His dark clothing made him look like a shadow in broad daylight. When he saw Cain he ran right towards him, "Cain," he panted, trying to catch his breath, "you have to... get everyone out of here!" Looking at him, Cain knew when his brother was serious. That is when he saw cuts along his armor that looked fresh with blood and his hands were covered in it too.

"Marcus, what do you mean? Can't you see we are celebrating our children's..." But Marcus shook his head and pleaded with Cain.

"Please you must believe me, the Morgana Knights are coming this way! I barely managed to escape them," His eyes were frantic and trying to look to the rest of the people. They all turned their attention to Cain. He was the most respected person in the town even above the mayor. With the one look in Marcus' eyes, Cain knew he was serious. Turning around he told everyone to pack their essentials and hurry to the ships. Everyone knew the plan, they were to sail up the coast and head for the port in the city north of them.

Cain led Marcus to his home to have Freya tend to his injuries before they would leave. Protesting that he needed to make sure they were slowed down more, that Cain had to basically drag Marcus there. He needed his brother with him since he couldn't wield a sword properly anymore his main focus was getting his wife and sons safe. It was his top priority and Marcus was faster then either of them and had skills Cain didn't have. He was rusty and lacked the ability to fight effectively. So Marcus was his only hope.

With this being said to him, Marcus stopped resisting but it was almost too late as they saw houses beginning to burn in the upper portion of the town. "NO! FREYA!" Cain and Marcus ran up the hill quickly as they saw black armored knights tossing torches on buildings and setting them ablaze. The thatch rooves catching fire quickly, as they also kicked in doors and started dragging people out of their homes. As they saw women screaming bloody murder as they were quickly silenced after checking them over. Cain got pulled to the side as Marcus dragged him to the side of the building for he was about to charge in without a plan.

"Not this one, check the next one!" One of the knights said, just as they walked up to another house and were about to kick in the door. Suddenly a massive blast of energy splintered the wood and caused the pieces to pierce the armor of the black knight. The others turned to see their fellow soldier riddled with wood and crumple to the ground. Seeing this the two that were there nearby ran up to the house and entered inside. Cain wanted to run in there but just as he was about to get up one of the knights were hopelessly tossed out the window with a crushed helmet. While the other was shot out the front door with a powerful bolt of blue lightning.

Freya had stepped out of the house with her hands crackling with lighting. Her eyes glowing blue as she looked at her handy work. That is when she saw Cain and Marcus nearby, returning to normal she had a face of concern and worry. Quickly running to her side, Cain gave her a big as he did so, she let out a pained wince. Letting her go he saw that she was hurt from a wound on her side.

She saw the look Cain was giving her but she tapped his face, "Hey, we need to focus on the children first. Worry about them not me you dolt." She was not going to hear any concern about her right at that moment until they were safe from the Morgana Knights. Cain went inside and checked on the twins. But when he got into the room a hand had gripped his throat holding him in place. He struggled to fight the strength of the person's hold, but was not able to break the power between the two. Freya heard what was happening as she turned to see Cain suspended in the air.

Inside was a person covered in all mysterious red and black armor, his face was covered with a helmet. But that wasn't the strangest part, a woman in black robes that didn't cover much for a decency perspective. She was standing over the two children that still slept soundly. That is when Freya tried to run in and save Cain from the mysterious man's grip. As soon as the man's gaze left Cain and went to look at Freya, she froze. Like someone just drained the Will from her very body to continue moving.

That is when Marcus slipped to the side of the house, avoiding the gaze of that man. Cain still being held by the man saw the woman pick up the blonde haired baby and smiled, "You will be an excellent addition to my army." She turned her gaze to Cain and Freya, "Oh well if it isn't the dynamic duo who has caused my people such grief over the years. How fairs your arm Cain? Still can't wield a sword?"

He managed to choke out a few words, "Go... to... Hell... Witch..." That is when the man holding him squeezed his neck tighter. Cain couldn't fight back as his vision was fading. But then was released as he collapsed to the floor. Coughing and gasping for air, the woman just laughed.

"Oh ho ho, well if it isn't a wonderful sight to see the two most troublesome individuals I've ever had the pleasure to meet." She covered her mouth and chuckled some more, "If I hadn't been standing right here, I am sure Freya would have blasted me clear across the room." She started to move her hands down to the children again causing Freya's eyes to light up blue. But the woman waved a finger, "I wouldn't, not while the children are present. Wouldn't want to see mommy get violent now would we?" She smiled as suddenly chains of dark energy came up from the ground and held Freya down and made her collapse to her knees.

The woman just smiled as she walked forward and approached Cain. When she stood next to him, she raised her foot and placed it on his head. Pressing her heel into his head causing it to bleed slightly. Freya pleaded for the woman to stop, but she just pressed it harder. Cain screamed, waking the babies up from their slumber. Then she looked at her knight and nodded, reaching for his weapon the knight drew a nasty looking blade. Freya pleaded and begged for her not to do it, but the smile on the woman's face contorted into a wicked grin.

With a swift motion of the sword, Cain's screams had ended. Freya screamed and swore at the woman curses upon everything she touched. "I will make you wish you were never born!" Freya's eyes lit up as she was charging up all the Will in her body. Lines of blue appeared across her skin and face as her hair flowed upwards. But the woman just yawned and said one word.

"Sleep," Then the chains around Freya's wrists caused her to experience great pain and she felt her Will draining from her body. Not soon after, the lines disappeared and she collapsed on the floor. The woman smiled and then turned back around to the children only to see Marcus carrying one of the boys. His hands were almost on the second one when the woman had spotted him. Her eyes lit up red with her own Will as she held out her hand. Marcus dove out the window with the child in his arms. The knight saw this and ran outside to try and catch Marcus.

As they left, the woman saw there was still the boy there, crying helpless as its father was dead on the ground and its mother asleep in chains. Picking it back up, the woman smiled and brought it to her breast. Cradling it in her arms and swaying back and forth, she hushed the child whispering, "Hush now, Mother Morgana is here, no need to worry. Everything is going to be just fine now my little pet." With that, Morgana turned to Freya, and laughed, "You have given me the ultimate tool to take over this land. This world, I hope you know you are going to play a magnificent part in all this."

Freya was still somewhat conscious as her mind was fading, she swore that she would die by her son's hand. Then she closed her eyes and pushed her mind from her body to her brother. Marcus felt the presence of his sister brush against his mind, it was weak but he could hear her voice.

"Marcus... take... care of... Taliyn... take him... to... Master... Pard..." Then her mind went silent as she had lost consciousness. Just as Marcus was fleeing quickly from the mysterious knight barreling through the trees looking for him. But the speed at which Marcus was going seemed to greatly outpace the walking metal giant. Allowing Marcus to get away, but the child seemed to be silent even with his running around and dashing speed.

"I will take care of Taliyn for you Freya, Cain, both of you. I promise, I will raise him to defeat Morgana." With that, he raised his little guild seal and soon the crystal in the center glowed. With a flash of blue light, Marcus and baby Taliyn vanished from the forest and off to wherever Marcus took the child. While Morgana had the other child and Freya being dragged out of the house in chains.