The Children of Twilight -- Chapter 1

[captmoroniRM]

Okay, while in VA I found the first few chapters of a book I started before my mish. I reread it and realized with minor tweaking it could be really good (in my opinion, of course.) So on the train ride I typed it up and have chapter 1 for you guys:

***
Elaeas watched the great crowd disperse as the final notes of the band faded with the daylight. The festival of New Light had been an extraordinary success the bards were the best he saw. They wove and spun tales so great he still felt the goosebumps upon his arms. When they auditioned before hi months earlier, Elaeas saw their skill, but never imagined such awe inspiring performances.

The orchestra carried the same emotion in its compositions. The various sections of flutes and stringed instruments cast forth an entrancing melody while the percussion team pleased the ear with energizing rhythmic patterns. Elaes and his companions hand-picked each musician. None were famous nor were they of noble stature. Simple amatures created such masterful performances, they would no doubt be remembered for years to come.

After thanking and bidding farewell to his fellow priests, Elaeas looked up at the darkening sky. Behind the hazy clouds the first stars appeared. He smiled at the sight. To him, they were a great example of endurance and hope. They were his comforters. Amidst the great dark, they thrived, bringing hope of a new day. He looked through the emptying streets of the city of Ardel. For many years now, he considered it home. Ardel was a coastal city by the western ocean. It was the capital of the elven nation of Nilar both politcally and religiously.

Turning a corner, Elaeas stopped and enjoyed the peace that fell over him as he laid eyes upon the source of Ardel's beauty. Perched at the far end of the city, at the highest elevation was a magnificent building. Six tall spires reached from it's domed roof. It's teal walls gleamed with a majestic blue light. The Temple of Twilight, Elaeas thought. To the elves, it was the most prized structure built by their people. It was a place of such holiness that few elves were ever allowed to enter its halls. Elaeas knew it was even rarer for those of other races to be admitted.Praise be to Yesse for letting me have that chance.

Elaeas knew it was a blessing to enter the temple's inner most rooms. Being human lessened his chances, but being of the hated nation of Mulen, made it almost impossible. For a Mulenite to believe in the great god Yesse, was a challenge. For one to be a priest, was even tougher. But Elaeas was not a typical Mulenite. At a young age, his heart changed as he learned the truths of Yesse. He, as well as the small number of Mulenite believers fled the nation and began living among the elves. Elaeas dedicated his life to the service of Yesse hoping to undo the evils of his past. His devotion was not unnoticed and soon he was accepted into the priesthood that oversaw the work done in the temple.

A few drunken elves passed by drawing Elaeas from his thoughts. He resumed his long hike towards the temple. As he trudged up the street, he heard soft sobs coming from a nearby alley. He turned down the alley to find the source of the crying. Behind two barrels he found a young elven boy. Judging from his size, Elaeas guessed the boy was about five years old. He had long raven-black hair which fell to the boy's shoulders. The boy looked up at him. Their eyes met and the boy's vibrant teal eyes sent chills down Elaeas's spine. In them, he sensed fear and panic. His body was thin and showed other signs of undernourishment.

“Hello there,” he said to the young boy. He reached out to place a hand upon the boy's shoulder. The boy recoiled in fear. “Do not be afraid,” Elaeas's voice was calm and comforting. “I work as a priest within the temple.”

“But...you are one of the mean men.”

Elaeas nodded. Even children knew the infamous history of the Mulenites. “I once was,” Elaeas replied. “I have changed. I now serve Yesse. I have made an oath before him that I will never harm another. I swear to you by Yesse that I will not hurt you.”

“If you swear by the Enchanters and I will believe you,” the boy declared. Elaeas was shocked at how coherent the boy's sentences were. Most elves of that age could speak but often lacked clarity and structure. Again, as Elaeas stared into the boy's eyes he felt chills. In them, the priest sensed a deeper knowledge and wisdom than others his age. Even the refrence to the Enchanters of Twilight showed the boys hidden knowledge. By this age, children knew of the head God, Yesse. It was not until later that they learned of the lesser gods of the heavens. Then again, this was the weekend of the festival of New Light, one of the bi-annual festivals in honor of the enchanters.

The priest nodded. “I swear by the Enchanters and by Yesse that I will not harm you.” He extended his hand and the boy took it. Elaeas helped him to his feet and brushed some of the dirt from his clothes. The boy was only about a meter tall. His clothes were torn and ripped. Lacerations and scars covered his calves and knees. “What is your name, boy?”

“Uriel,” the boy answered.

“Well, Uriel, I am Elaeas. Where do you live?”

“Ardel,”

“Yes, but where in Ardel.”

“In Ardel.”

Elaeas frowned. “Who are your parents.”

“I have none.”

“Then who did you stay with.”

“Ureb, Calel, Urma, Curin, Firiel...”

“And where do they live?” Elaeas said with a sigh. Never having had children of his own, he wondered if all children were as difficult to get information from. The priest repeated the names over and over in his head. They were familiar, but Elaeas could not remember having met any elves with those names. Curin? Firiel?

“Up there.” Uriel said as he pointed skyward.

“But those are just...” Realization hit Elaeas. “Stars! No wonder they were familiar.” He thought aloud. Uriel regarded him with a confused look.”

“Those are stars, Uriel. You cannot live with them.”

“But they are my brothers.”

Elaeas sighed. Obviously the boy thought of the stars as his brothers because he lived with them, the priest decided. “Let me take you to the orphanage. It is near the place where I live. They will be able to take care of you.” The priest began walking to the street. “Come on,” he called to Uriel. The boy looked up at the stars once more and smiled. It appeared as if he communicated silently with the stars. Nonsense, Elaeas told himself. Nobody can communicate with them.

After a moment the Uriel nodded and smiled at Elaeas. The priest turned the corner and smiled at the elven boy who jogged to Elaeas's side. By now, the streets were completely clear save for stray animals and a handful of stragglers. Only the light of the moon and the light of the temple could guide them home. The walk towards the temple grounds wasn't long, but it still was tiring. Since the temple mount was the highest elevation in the city, the road gradually climbed the hillside. Elaeas wondered if whether or not a short steeper climb would be easier on his aging body. He glanced at Uriel and laughed to himself. Uriel wished he had the energy and stamina that he had at the boy's age. Barely a third of the way up the hill, Uriel showed no sings of being tired. Elaeas on the other hand, was already panting lightly and sweating profusely.

As they climbed, Elaeas made another failed attempt to learn the boy's history. Now, however, instead of vague answers, Uriel remained silent and contemplative. Half-way up the hill, Uriel tapped Elaeas's arm. “You are not like the other Mulenites.” Elaeas nodded and memories of his parents being slaughtered by his own people flooded his mind. That is their way of life, he thought. Not mine.

“Yesse pricked my heart and showed me the error of my ways. We are only a few blocks from the orphan-”

“You!” Someone shouted from behind Elaeas. He spun quickly to see three men dressed in black approaching. Their dirty blond hair was uncombed. In their darkness, their black eyes shined. He felt Uriel trembling behind him. As they neared, Elaeas saw they wore the crest of Mulen on their tunics and the mark of Naira, the demon-god on their forehead. “Give us the child.”

“On whose authority do you come to take this child,” Elaeas demanded.

“On the authority of the Dark One. The Hunt has begun.”

The Hunt? Elaeas wondered? He extended his hand displaying his ring. On it's face was engraved the crest of the Temple. “I do not answer to the authority of the demon-god. I serve the Almighty Yesse! Now be gone!”

The Mulenites just looked at each other and laughed. “You have no power over us.” He drew his sword. “If you will not answer to the authority of the Dark One, then you will answer to the authority of my blade.”

Elaeas swallowed hard but stood bravely in front of Uriel. “Yesse help me,” he prayed softly.
“Is there a problem here,” came another voice. Elaeas jumped, but quickly relaxed at the sight of five Elven soldiers marching down the street. Elaeas silently thanked Yesse for their arrival.

“These men are trying to revoke the boy's right do sanctuary within the temple grounds.” He held his ring up once more for the Elven soldiers to see. “I was taking the boy to the temple grounds and they tried to stop me.”

The lead soldier nodded and turned to the Mulenite gang. “As an elf of Nilar, this boy has the right to sanctuary and if he has demanded it, you can do nothing. It is the law of the land. Infringing upon one's right to sanctuary, has serious consequences. If you wish to challenge the boy's claim to sanctuary, it must be done through proper courts. Not with the sword.” He motioned for two of his soldiers to come forward. “Escort these men back to their homes or to an inn.” They soldiers nodded and the Mulenites reluctantly agreed.

“Thank you, sir,” Elaeas said as he took Uriel by the hand.

Nodding, the solder motioned for his men to come with him. “We will escort you to the temple grounds. Mulenites are not ones to mess with. Violent bunch they are. They should all be rounded up-” One of the soldiers elbowed the leader in the side. It took a moment for the leader to recognize his mistake. “I apologize. I did not know you were a Mulenite. It is very rare to see a Mulenite with the office of Sacer.”

“Much less any other office in the priesthood,” Elaeas said with a smile. “Shall we go?” The soldier nodded and took the lead. The other two soldiers brought up the rear. Silently, Elaeas prayed once more in gratitude. As he did, he looked at Uriel. Who is this boy? Why would the demon-god be hunting him?”

* * *

“You should have avoided the confrontation entirely!” shouted Korbin, the High Priest of Ardel. Elaeas studied his superior as he paced around the great hall of the priest's quarters. The priests acknowledged the temples sacred nature and dwelt across the street from the outer court of the temple. It's accommodations were simple enough for comfortable living. Elaeas sat at the great oak table in the center of the hall. A few dishes remained from the dinner he missed. “You cannot start conflicts with those of other nations.” The chief leaned against the table's far end. His long brown hair fell into his eyes. The slightly overweight elf brushed it aside and looked into Elaeas' hazel eyes.

“What should I have done? Give them Uriel?” Elaeas asked. Korbin nodded. “But these men were servants of Naira! His mark was upon their foreheads!”

“They obviously had some connection to the boy!””

“His name is Uriel and they showed no proof of guardianship! The only proof they showed was the mark on their faces and the steel of their blades! They could make no legal claim to him.”

“Still, the boy did not actually claim sanctuary. You told a lie to the guards!”

Elaeas clenched his hand into a fist and scowled. “It was a lie in order to protect Uriel!”

“Are you justifying your sin, now?”

“I do not deny the fact that I lied and I will make the necessary sacrifices in the temple to be forgiven for it. Uriel will stay with me until we find his family.”

“Fine!” Korbin said, raising his hands in surrender. “Just ensure that he does not leave the Temple grounds for that will void his right to sanctuary.

Elaeas nodded. “You will not even know that he is here.”

* * *

As the weeks passed, Uriel made his presence known. The normal well of energy held by boys his age seemed small in comparison to Uriels. Elaeas spent half the day chasing after the boy who ran freely through the priest's quarters. Already he apologized to others for a broken crystal plate and two priceless vases. He felt the growing tension among the priests as they tried to forgive Uriel's mischievous deeds.

But in spite of the chaos, Elaeas grew to love him as if he were his own. At the end of the day, Uriel's sweet spirit always cheered him up. At the weekly worship services, Uriel delighted all the priests by his eagerness and willingness to learn of yesse. Not a single priest failed to be astonished by his knowledge of Elore and Elenya, the Enchanters of Twilight. Elaeas began having Uriel study daily and could see the boy's mind quickly expanding. Uriel, being just five, could hold his own surprisingly well against the constant inquiries of the wisest priests. Every now and then even Korbin awed over the boy. But those moments rarely came.

At night before retiring, Elaeas searched the records for any hints as to why Naira would be hunting the boy. The closest thing he could find was a simple poem about a hunt the Dark One would be in search of something that would lead to his demise. Other records spoke of a white flame being a key to the demon's destruction. It spoke nothing of children. Unless a child could somehow lead to the Dark One's demise. He was also worried about the rumors that two soldiers were killed the night he found Uriel. Witnesses said it happened around the time he met the Mulenites.

One day, upon returning from the temple, he could not find Uriel. Daylight was waning and Uriel knew not to leave his quarters after dark. He walked out onto the front stoop and looked around. “Uriel!” he called.

“Yes, Sacer?” he heard moments later. The priest looked around but could not see Uriel. “Up here!” he turned around and looked skyward. Panic filled him as he saw Uriel hanging over the roof's edge.

“URIEL!” He screamed in shock. Get down here before you hurt yourself.”

“No, come up here. There is something I want you to see!” Uriel disappeared from view.

Elaeas grumbled and ran around the building. He saw a great tree that grew against the back wall of the building. “You are going to kill me, Uriel,” he sighed as he grabbed the lowest branch and began to climb. It was a slow climb. His long blue robes snagged easily. His arms ached. I never was a good tree climber, He thought. Wearily he pulled himself onto the roof and rolled onto his back. He sighed in relief. Getting down should be easy enough. Getting back down without killing myself is where the challenge lies.

Uriel smiled at him as he crawled over. “None of the other priests would have done that.”

Elaeas smiled. “Why? Because they are old?” Uriel nodded. “How old do you think I am?”

The boy thought for a moment and counted with his fingers. “Eleventy two.”

The priest laughed. “No, but that is how old I feel right now. I am only forty-two. Now what was so special that made you bring an old man onto the roof to see?

Uriel motioned for him to follow. The boy led him to the highest part of the sloped roof. At the edge, Uriel pointed to the city. Elaeas looked and beheld the beautiful city-scape. Far below the temple mount he saw the narrow city streets. He saw people making their way home as the darkness faded. The setting sun set the sky afire with a red-gold light. At the fringe of the blaze's reach, the first stars appeared. Calel and Curin, the brightest stars in the sky, he thought as his mind reviewed the star charts. Uriel's brothers? Elaeas leaned back and sighed. A soft breeze blew over him. He looked to Uriel and smiled. In the young elf's eyes he saw the strength of the serene display take hold. Uriel glowed with awe as the sun faded below the horizon.

Elaeas watched as the wonder grew in Uriel's eyes as the veil of daylight was rent and the heaven's magnificence rained down upon them. The breeze intensified and the Temple of Twilight ignited with a blue fire. He had seen it blaze often, but never with such brilliance. It seemed as if it responded to Uriel's presence and joy. The temple's blue light grew ten fold. He watched Uriel bow his head in silent meditation. His love for Uriel grew. In his heart he felt a growing bond between them. He felt the urge to protect the boy from any harm for such an innocent child should not have to suffer at all. He placed a comforting arm around the boy. I will do everything in my power to protect Uriel. This is my pledge, he prayed unto Yesse.

***

“Uriel!” Elaeas called. “Where are you, my boy?” Nobody could find him anywhere. Anxiety and worry coursed through him. He scoured every room and every cabinet. All of his usual hiding places hid were empty. He sprinted down the center hallway of the priest quarters. “Korbin!” He said as he passed the priest. “Have you seen Uriel? I cannot find him anywhere.”

“I told you to keep an eye on him. Yesse knows what mischief he has caused today. Last I saw him he was playing around by the gate to temple grounds.”

Elaeas grumbled and dashed through the main hall and out the front doors. “Dragon spit” he cursed as he saw the gate left open. It was not fully open, but just enough for a Uriel-sized boy to escape. Uriel knew he was not safe out there. Elaeas fumbled with the lock. His hands trembled as he fought to insert the correct key. Elaeas swore if nothing had killed Uriel, he might do it himself. By leaving, he might not be allowed to reenter sanctuary. Finally, he unhooked the lock and thrust the doors open.

“Sacer!” He heard and quickly turned to look down the road. Uriel was sprinting towards him. Three Mulenites quicky gained on the little boy. Elaeas ran towards the boy and picked him up. Running as fast as he could, he made his way towards the temple gates. As he neared, he saw Korbin step though the open gate. He panicked as he saw the three Mulenites nearing. He quickly turned and threw the doors shut.

“Korbin! Hurry and let us in!” Elaeas pounded on the door. He heard the lock click shut. “Korbin! What are you doing!”

“Your actions have endangered the Temple grounds! I will not let those Mulenites set foot inside!” Korbin shouted through the gate.

“WHAT! Korbin! Let us in!” But his cries were in vain. He turned as the Mulenites neared.

“Run Uriel! I will deal with them!” He said placing the boy on the ground.

“You will die!”

“But you will get away! Go!” He gave Uriel a push and ran off. Yesse protect him. Elaeas turned to face the Mulenites.

“Out of our way!” The leader demanded. “We have come for the boy.”

“I am sorry but you cannot have him.”

A sword flashed in the daylight. With a clean swipe, the Mulenite sliced off Elaeas's ear. He screamed and fell to his knees. He covered the wound and tried to stop the blood.

“No!” Screamed a soft voice.

“Uriel, stay back!” Elaeas ordered. He looked over his shoulder and saw Uriel running towards him. “Uriel! Stay-” A kick to his stomach silenced Elaeas. He doubled over. He rolled to where he could see Uriel.

The boy's hands glowed with white flames. Thrusting his hands forward, a stream of pure white flame leaped from them. The flames struck the Mulenites. Their clothes ignited and they screamed as they tried to extinguish the flames. White flames? Elaeas thought as his mind remembered his studies. The white flame was too much and the Mulenites cries were soon silenced.

Elaeas sighed. The battle is won. Uriel is safe. But as he looked to Uriel, something told him it was not over.

“Hurry. He is coming. Hide, before he shows himself.”

“Who?” Elaeas asked weakly. Before the boy could reply, a cloud of black vapor appeared behind Uriel. A black arm grabbed the boy and pulled him back. Elaeas felt cold as he looked at the newcomer's eyes. The black clad elf with silver hair stood before him. His solid black eyes hid any emotion. Elaeas felt an aura of immense power from this person. Upon his black tunic were two red snakes circling a bird. Elaeas knew it as the mark of Naira.

“Unhand him, demon!” Elaeas demanded. “I command you in the name of Yesse.”

“I do not answer to that wretch,” the elf hissed. Naira tightened his grasp on Uriel and sighed. “It is hard to get good help these days,” he said, looking at the burning Mulenite corpses. He then looked to Uriel. “You are a foolish man. Did you know you had one of the Children of Twilight in your midst?” Naira shook Uriel violently. The boy howled in pain. Elaeas clenched his fist.

“Let him go!” Elaeas demanded. Mustering all his strength he rose to his feet. He screamed and charged towards Naira. The demon batted him away with his free hand. Elaeas felt the rocks tear his skin as he rolled across the ground.

Naira laughed. “You do not have the strength to stop me! Once the hunt is finished, nobody will be able to stop me. Not even your pathetic Yesse! Sadly you will not be able to see my ascent to power and glory!” He extended a hand. Black flames gathered around it. The priest tried to move but some unseen power restrained him. The flames swelled around Elaeas and everything went black.

[ArmyofHelaman86]

So how's the progress for your books?

(I'm being lazy too.)

[captmoroniRM]

I started working on them whiel it was slow at work. That lasted a chapter. Then I got re-addicted to Mistborn.