Story 35/1001

• first-hand
• exclusive
• movement

Alarion smirked. His sword penetrated the beast’s thick skin. His nostrils filled with the acidic smell of its blood. He could feel it’s body relaxing, pressing all its weight on Alarion. He growled, pushing the giant boar back. This was the biggest one he has ever seen.

And after a proper cleanse, it will feed his family for months. Alarion put the beast on his cart and sweated while pulling it to his family home.

He imagined the look on his little brother’s face – it is at least four times bigger than him. His mother will have lots of work to do, but he will help her.

The only one that worried him was his father. He stopped and calmed his breath. He shook his head, knowing he has to focus on the load.

Alarion exclaimed when he saw his home – a small wooden house, just below the mountain.

“Alarion!” His brother ran out. “It is huge. The boar is huge! Mom! Dad!”

“Calm down, Zee.” Alaric patted the top of his head.

“It will last us all winter.” His mother smiled. “Are you alright, son? You’re not hurt?”

“I’m fine, mother.” He smiled and looked towards the house. His father was standing by the window, holding his crutches. Then he turned around and disappeared. Alarion frowned.

“Don’t be mad, son. He’s just angry he can’t help you anymore. He didn’t sleep a wink since you left to hunt.”

“It’s not my fault he lost his leg. He shouldn’t take it out on me.” His mother widened her eyes in disbelief. Alarion bit his tongue.

“Mother, I-“

Their heads turned towards a sound. There was movement to the right of them. Their mother stood before them, even though Alarion wanted to protect her and his little brother.

“Who is there?” His mother asked.

“You killed this boar.” A male voice said; and a tall, strong figure appeared.

“Who are you?” His mother’s voice deepened, a tone Alarion never heard before.

“Something tells me you know already.”

“Why is a captain so far away from his army?” She asked, looking at the sigil on his armor.

“I was looking for a certain man. He lost his leg in the war.”

“What do you want with him?” Alarion spoke, and his mother glared at him.

“So, he is here. No wonder you were able to kill that boar. You’ve had first-hand experience from the greatest captain who ever lived.”

“What do you want, Malli?” A hoarse voice said from behind them.

“Father-“

His father lifted his hand and Alarion got quiet. He felt guilty. Not only did he not sense anyone was following him, but he took them straight to his father. And now he confirmed he was here.

“I want to offer you an exclusive deal. From the emperor himself.”

Alarion’s mother held onto Zee and him, like she will lose the ground she is standing on if she lets go. His father smiled, surprising them.

“Dad?” Zee asked.

“There isn’t a deal he can give me. I saved his life and lost my leg. All my debts are paid.”

Alarion remembered the man from his childhood – one who is strong, tall and brave. One he hasn’t seen in a while. One he is seeing right now.

“You know what happens to men who disobey him. My army is on its way.”

Alarion looked at his father and his scars. He rarely spoke about the emperor or his days in his army. But now he could see him clearly. He was standing proud, casting his shadow on the captain before him.

“Let them come.”

His father looked at them and their mother pushed them into the house. The captain smiled and turned towards the woods.

Alarion stood at the entrance, watching his mother pack their clothes. His father was standing outside, not moving an inch. It was as if he never lost his leg. It was as if he could stand there forever, guarding his treasure.

Alarion stepped outside, closed the doors behind him, and stood next to his father.

“You have grown up.” His father said.

“You have taught me well, father.”