Chapter 5: Fall of Fein ( 1 )

As the young man inquired about the events that transpired, Dune recounted the harrowing tale of their encounter with the forest creature.

He spared no detail, explaining how they fought for survival and ultimately prevailed against the monstrous adversary. Despite their efforts to conceal Ned's tattoo, the revelation of his Zeten mark was inevitable after the exertion of his powers.

Their mother's protective spell, once a shield for Ned's secret, had faltered in the face of the unleashed Zeten force, leaving them with no choice but to reveal the truth.

Observing the brothers closely, Young man chuckled heartily, dispelling their fears of imminent danger. With a swift movement, he materialized before them, enveloping them in an icy aura that soothed their injuries.

"Well, well," his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Seems like you two have quite the adventure. Fighting off a creature like that takes real courage."

Bewildered by this unexpected act of kindness, Dune couldn't help but wonder about his true intentions.

With a warm smile, Man continued, "I am Cadogan, you two can call me Cad."

Dune couldn't help but wonder why the man would spare them. Cadogan was Known as the Leader and strongest defender of the city, Cadogan's reputation loomed large over Fein. Yet here he was, showing mercy to two boys, one of them burdened with the curse of Zeten.

In Dune's mind, Cadogan's actions seemed too good to be true. The mark of Zeten, etched on Ned's chest, was a symbol of impending doom, a reminder of the inevitable fate that awaited those who bore it.

Despite the relief of being spared, Dune couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Cadogan's motives than met the eye.

Dune know all too well that in their world, nothing came without a cost.

After he let brothers leave alive, Cadogan ventured deeper into the forest, his thoughts turned to the perplexing presence of the monstrous wolf.

Neba is the mystical energy harbored by magical beasts and individuals with supernatural abilities. Outside of the wall was The barrier spell encompassing the city and the forest, shielding the inhabitants from any external threats.

Within the protective barrier, the forest thrived with an array of normal animals, living harmoniously in their natural habitat. However, creatures imbued with Neba were forbidden from entering inside of the walls, ensuring the safety of the city's residents.

The invisible barrier spell acted as a formidable shield, preventing any being with Neba from breaching its boundaries.

Yet, the appearance of the wolf, wielding both Neba and formidable strength, raised unsettling questions.

How had such a creature managed to bypass the barrier spell and infiltrate the forest? Cadogan pondered this enigma as he walked, his mind grappling with the implications for the city's security.

As he remembered the sword clutched tightly in Dune's hand, a sense of recognition dawned upon him. It was a familiar sight, one that belonged to the knights of the city.

The realization struck Cadogan with a grim understanding—the wolf had likely slain some of his knights before retreating into the forest, awaiting its next opportunity to wreak havoc, and boy found sword close to forest, while fighting against creature,

With each step, Cadogan delved deeper into the mystery surrounding the wolf's presence, determined to uncover the truth behind its intrusion and safeguard the city from any future threats.

Back to current time

Dune stood in the entrance of his house, the weight of recent events bore down on him, leaving him bewildered and shaken. The sudden upheaval of his once ordinary life left him grappling with uncertainty and fear. How could he abandon everything he knew and loved?

His sister's voice broke through his thoughts, drawing his attention. "Dune, what's going on? Why are we leaving?" she asked, her eyes searching his for answers.

Unable to find the words to explain the dire situation, Dune remained silent, his mind consumed by the fate of his friends and the city he called home.

As he waited for his mother to return, a familiar figure approached the house—Sam, his father.

Despite the familiarity of his appearance, Sam's presence only added to Dune's turmoil. His father's disheveled appearance, marked by the telltale signs of alcoholism, served as a stark reminder of the troubled family dynamics that plagued their home.

With long black hair framing his face and a thin beard adding to his rugged appearance, Sam's dark eyes, tainted with red from excessive drinking, held a weariness that spoke volumes.

Though Daniel had already departed, his absence served as a constant reminder of the urgency of their situation. With each passing moment, the looming threat of impending doom pressed down upon Dune, driving him to confront the harsh reality of their circumstances.

As their father entered the house, his presence loomed over them like a dark cloud, casting a shadow of tension and unease. With each step he took, his disdain for Ned and Dune became palpable, manifesting in a callous act as he rudely kicked Ned in the shoulder. Dune's anger surged, ready to confront his father, but Ned's calming gesture stopped him.

They both knew it wasn't the time for confrontation, especially with the impending chaos threatening their city.

Sam's animosity toward his sons was no secret within the family. His hatred for Ned, fueled by the knowledge of his secret as a Zeten, simmered beneath the surface, a constant source of tension and fear.

But it was his inexplicable animus toward Dune that puzzled them both. What had Dune done to earn such disdain from his own father? The question lingered unanswered, adding to the complexity of their strained relationship.

Unable to contain his frustration, Ned spoke up, urging their father to recognize the urgency of their situation. "Father, we need to leave. The city will soon be engulfed in chaos. We have to escape while we still can," he implored, his voice tinged with urgency and desperation.

But Sam's response was nothing short of dismissive, as he reached for his bottle of liquor and took a swig. His laughter, devoid of any empathy or understanding, cut through the tension like a knife.

"Is this your idea of tearing this family apart even more?" he sneered, his words dripping with contempt. "You want us all to die, don't you? Do you not realize the danger your tattoo poses? The knights guarding the city entrances will see it, and we'll all be doomed.

Not even your mother's spell can hide it well enough from those with eyes enhanced by strong Neba."

The weight of Sam's words hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the perilous situation they found themselves in. Despite their father's indifference and hostility, Ned and Dune knew they had to find a way to escape the city before it was too late.

Ned's outburst pierced through the tension-laden atmosphere, his words carrying the weight of frustration and desperation. "Fight them, dammit! Aren't you strong enough to do it?" he challenged, his voice ringing with defiance. "Can't you even protect your own family? If not me and Dune, then take our sisters and leave. Let them escape at least."

Dune stood bewildered, caught between his brother's plea and the harsh reality of their father's weakness.

How could Sam, a man consumed by his vices and insecurities, stand against the knights and powerful individuals fortified with Neba? What had changed? What had reduced their father to this pitiful state?

Before Dune could make sense of it all, his attention snapped back to the scene unfolding before him.

Sam's rage erupted like a volcano, his fury manifested in a violent act as he seized the bottle and shattered it against Ned's head. Ned crumpled to the ground, but his eyes remained fixed, burning with a mixture of hatred and disappointment toward his father.

The sight ignited a flame of anger within Dune, compelling him to confront his father's brutality. But before he could act, Sam's attention shifted abruptly.

Dune followed his gaze to Lina, their mother, who had just returned home. The exchange of cold glances between Sam and Lina spoke volumes, carrying an unspoken tension and history of unresolved conflicts.

Their eyes met in the dimly lit room, each gaze holding a story of its own as the children observed their parents. To their surprise, Lina remained composed, her demeanor as cold and unyielding as the stone statues that adorned the city's squares.

With measured steps, she approached Ned, her movements calculated and deliberate, yet tinged with an otherworldly grace.

Ignoring Sam's presence, Lina's touch was gentle yet powerful as she tended to Ned's wound, enveloping him in a shimmering red-orange aura that radiated healing energy. The glow illuminated the room, casting a warm and comforting light amidst the darkness that had settled within their home.

Ned's voice trembled as he addressed his mother, but Lina's resolve remained unshaken. "Daniel told me everything," she stated firmly, her tone unwavering. "We will leave the city, no matter what."

Ned's guilt gnawed at him, the weight of his existence bearing down on his conscience. If only he hadn't been born, perhaps his family wouldn't be burdened by such turmoil.

Dune rose to his feet, urged the family to depart. But as they prepared to leave, Lina approached Sam with a tender gesture, extending an invitation for him to join them. "Dear, come on, let's leave," she implored, her words laced with a hint of hope.

However, Sam remained rooted to the spot, his silence speaking volumes as the weight of his actions hung heavy in the air.

Sensing the tension, Dune interjected, urging his mother to leave Sam behind. "Mom, leave him alone. Let's go," he insisted, his frustration palpable.

Yet, as they deliberated their next move, a sharp knock echoed through the silence, freezing the family in place, their hearts pounding with anticipation and dread.