Rite of Passage part 1
I return you to the mystical world of Gaia. A world ruled by the beauty and harmony fo nature, filled with luscious forests and magnificent fields but where their is beauty there is also danger.
Dragons; creatures of both majesty and power dominate the lands with their fire and brute strength, for centuries these beasts roamed free to terrorize the people of gaia but even they hand something to fear. A tribe whose name struck fear into their hearts for they had the strength to withstand their might.
One who proved testament to this bloodline was the legendary Zeng Dragonsbane. His skill as a swordsman was legend throughout the land and his courage was said to be unmatched by any warrior in the world, he was feared by his enemies but loved by his people.
In his younger years Zeng was an accomplished dragon slayer but as time went by age seemed to slow him down but not before he had been blessed with his first born son. He named his son Maximus after hearing his first cries, his wife Linda loved her son dearly as did Sharon, Elicia and Saline who had raised Zeng together.
Maximus eventually grew to the age of sixteen and was preparing for his first dragon hunt with his father. For slaying a dragon was a right of passage and Maximus was determined to claim that right just as his father did before him.
"Maximus."
"Father!"
Zeng arrived in a simple leather vest and pants like he wore when he was young while Maximus held a simple spear and sheild accompanied by plated armor. Three soldiers joined them as protection for the prince, before departing Maximus spotted his families sword Smolder, it was more amazing then he imagined as he looked upon the blade before his father mounted his horse and lead the way to the gate.
"Father where are we going?"
"To the northern farmlands. A flame dragon has claimed territory their."
"....I'll make you proud father...I promise."
Looking at his son Zeng saw the same fire he had in his eyes when he was his age and smiled before placing a hand on his sons shoulder.
"You already have son."
Linda; the queen was there to see them off as they neared the gate. Zeng reached down to kiss the hand of his wife while the crowd cheered for their king as they all raced off into the horizon.
Two days had gone by before they arrived in the snowy region of the north lands but what they saw filled them with horror and rage. The village that was near the dragons territory had been burned, many of the farmers and townsfolk came rushing out of the ruins describing the attack.
"Men! see to it these people are taken care of. Maximus! scout ahead, see if you can find a trail."
"Yes father!"
"Remember everything I taught you!"
Despite how old his son was Zeng could not help but be overprotective as he watched Maximus race off into the ruins. The prince moved further and further into the wreckage and began to feel a very cold chill crawl up his spine before he parked his horse and readied his spear.
Maximus had learned to track from his father and he had learned well as he looked upon the burned buildings and saw where the fire began to trail off until his horse whinnied snapping him out of his trance.
"WHOA WHOA!! easy boy..."
Maximus now knew they were not alone if the horse freaked out for no reason and just as quickly as he could blink a shadow passed overhead moving to where his father and soldiers were and quickly untied his horse and rode back as fast as he could.
"DRAGOOON!!!!!"
Hearing the scream the villagers panicked as they caught first glimpse of the beast the moment it crashed to the ground while Zeng dismounted and walked up with sword at the ready while Maximus prepared his spear waiting for his father to give the signal to charge.
"Your time has come beast...."
The dragon hissed as it stared down at Zeng and the symbol of the dragonsbane clan embedded on his arm ready to strike at a moments notice.
The End.
(All characters belong to their respective owners)