The Shadow Sword Chapter 1

Episode 1:  The Wicked Warriors of the West


Vasiali, Driland. Kerebly and his family soon finish their dinner.

Dad: Great meal, dear.

Mom: You say that every time.

Dad: Only because it’s true!

Not too far off, a horse neighing could be heard in the distance.

Dad: Hmm? (stands up from his seat and walks towards the window)

Looking through the window, Kerebly’s dad sees a stampede of horses headed their way. Riding atop the horses are soldiers.

Dad: What the heck?

Wuff: (walks up to Kerebly’s Dad and whimpers)

Kerebly: What’s wrong, Dad?

Dad: Soldiers, and lots of them.

Mom: What? What could soldiers want from this town?

Dad: I’m not sure, but it’d best if we-.

Suddenly, the door was broken down. Two soldiers walked in and pointed their swords at the four of them.

Dad: W-what do you want?

Soldier 1: By orders of Lord Gendo, all the inhabitants of this town are to be annihilated.

Mom: What?!

Soldier 2: Surrender now, and your death will be swift and painless.

Dad: (aside to Kerebly) Run.

Kerebly: Huh?

Dad: Run!

Kerebly: But you told me not to run!

Dad: Then skip! Just get out of here!

Kerebly: No! I’m staying here to protect you guys!

Dad: Son, I can’t risk you getting hurt!

Kerebly: … Fine. Just promise you won’t get yourselves killed!

Dad: RUN!!!

Immediately, Kerebly and Wuff rushed past the two soldiers.

Soldier 1: After them! I’ll deal with these two.

Mom: (as the second soldier chases after Kerebly and Wuff, she clings onto Kerebly’s dad) I hope Kerebly can make it away in time.

Dad: Me too, dear… me too.

--

As Kerebly ran with Wuff through town, he looked around. Already, houses were set on fire. To leave behind no evidence, Kerebly guessed. Soon, they reached the edge of town. Immediately, Kerebly’s leg acted up, causing him to trip and fall.

Kerebly: Gah! Stupid leg! (slowly gets up, only to be confronted by the Soldier from earlier.)

Soldier: Resistance is futile. For the actions you have made, I will make sure you die a slow and painful death.

Wuff: (growls) Grr….

Kerebly: (unsheathes sword) Not if I have anything to say about it!

Soldier: I warned you…

Both of them ran at each other, screaming into the night. They clashed sword, sparks flying as they did. They jumped back and swung their swords again, colliding once again. They continued to bat at each other's sword, until Wuff jumped in and bit the soldier on the leg.

Soldier: Gaah!! (swings his leg around throwing Wuff into a tree.)

Kereby: You can't do that to my friend! (punches the Soldier in the face)

Soldier: Grrr.. (swings his sword at Kerebly, but it collides with his sword)

As the night went on, all that could be heard from them were constant sword clashes. Eventually, the sword clashes siezed and the stood on opposite sides, both slowly growing tired.

Kerebly: Pant…pant…

Soldier: Pant…pant… Graaah!!

The Soldier immediately ran at Kerebly with his sword raised, running full speed. However, something snapped inside him, and he fell to the ground.

Kerebly: … (looks towards the town)

During the battle, the town had been burned to the ground. Citizens ran amok, looking for shelter from the oncoming soldiers. As tears formed beneath his eyes, he quickly turned away and walked in the opposite direction. Memories of special events in that very town flashed before him; such as swinging his first sword, adopting Wuff when he came to town injured, and that very moment when he injured his leg…one of the only ‘souvenirs’ he’ll have from his family. Kerebly let the blade of his sword drag in the dirt as he walked, Wuff striding alongside him with his head to the ground. Kerebly reached into his armor and pulled out a sack of money.

Kerebly: I hope this is enough to keep us alive for a while…at least until I can find us a way to earn us a few quick coins.

Wuff: (whimpers)

Kerebly: (stares down at the ground and sighs) I know. Nothing can replace the simple, but great life we had.

Wuff: (nod, then stops and sees someone leaning against a tree) Hmm? (quickly growls)

Kerebly: (doesn’t seem to hear Wuff growl, but quickly points his sword to the sky) Don’t worry, Wuff. I promise that we won’t let those goons get to us… And I will get my revenge on them, too!

???: Revenge, eh?

Kerebly: Huh?! (turns to the voice)

Leaning against a tree was a tall man in a blue outfit. He had messy black hair and black shoes. His eyes were closed, and he was smirking.

???: I think I may be able to help you with your little ‘problem.’ (chuckles)

To Be Continued...