Conquest of Shadows Chapter 11

Richard didn't know what to feel as he read the last of the delicate words. He sat there still as small tears fell from his azure eyes, tears he didn’t even know he had been crying, the warm liquid streamed down his face, leaving small streaks behind as they fell from his chin landing onto the paper bellow.

Rubbing his eyes clean Richard rolled up the delicate scroll tying the red string around it. Gently he places it back in the draw locking it away in darkness again.

Shakily Richard stood and walked over to the window, everything he had ever wondered had suddenly been given to him in a single letter, and yet he didn't feel complete, something was still at a miss, or someone.

Glancing out of the window an elegant carpet of stars could be seen stretching out as far as the eye could see, the last rays of burnt orange, and crimson red fading behind the dark mountains in the distance.

Letting out a low sigh Richard turned away from the window, his gaze landing on the bag of books Mikel had given him. Knowing what he needed to do he rushed over and tipped the books out over the table their pages flipping with the force. Taking the bag with him he walked over to his bed, pulling out items of clothing and weapons shoving them into the bag.

"Throwing knives, daggers, throwing stars, and the Gem." He mumbles out as he goes through the weaponry and items he was taking. Chucking the bag onto the desk he walks over to the door and grabs his two swords placing them alongside it.

Looking himself over Richard made sure he had everything he needed. Fixing his black mask onto his face Richard pulled his hood over his head, allowing his eyes to be seen.

Moving the bag aside, he took some paper out of his desk drawer placing it on the table, reaching for a feather he dipped the tip into an inkpot, then began to write.

Ryan, its Richard, now don't get mad by what I'm about to tell you.

I read my parent's letter, and you were right I should have read it earlier, but by doing so I have realized I need to do something, and I have to do it on my own. This may sound strange, but I have a feeling Tyler is still alive, and I want to look for him. My mother said in the letter that only both of us could put a stop to the war, and if that’s true I have to find him. It’s something I don't think you will understand, just know I’m grateful for everything you have done for me, and I believe it is time for me to write the next chapter of my story, and become the man my parents wanted.

Best Regards

Richard Ashbrook.

Richard let out a sigh as he finished writing down the letter in messy handwriting, leaving it on his desk along with the feather he grabs the bag and hoists it over his shoulder after attaching the swords to his back and the daggers to his coal colored boots.

Before he walks out of the room he glances over his shoulder almost like saying goodbye before closing the door after him, leaving his past life behind and starting a new.

…

Richard led Thunder by the rains as he made his way down the beach, the soft sun-kissed sand shifting under his weight. The cool breeze coming for the sea swept over his body making his cloak flutter around him. The once warm sky slowly turned into a carpet of stars as the honey yellow sun sank behind the horizon, sending the last jets of crimson and burnt orange into the cobalt sky. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the small bird's songs coming from the forest mixed in made it a peaceful setting.

Up ahead Richard could see a pool of water surrounded by large rocks cutting it off from the sea until the navy waters come in again, the last of the sun's light shimmering across the water, orange and yellow bouncing against the shimmering surfaces. Looking past the rock pool Richard looked towards the forest behind it, leading Thunder he made his way towards it. Silence now filled the air, as the sun was now gone from sight, hoisting himself onto the black horses back Richard flicked the rains making his way through the green forest the directions from the letter in mind.

The undergrowth crackling under the mustang’s hooves as the two traveled in silence allowing the night animals to sing their songs.

Breathing a sigh Richard looked around him, everything was so familiar to him even though he hadn’t been to these parts in the woods for many years. He chuckled as he remembered the trouble he and his brother used to get into.

The morning air rustled the fresh summer leaves that rested on the branches of the trees. Light laughter could be heard echoing through the morning air along with the light smacking of wood against wood.

“On guard!” A high voice yelled as a small boy jumped from a tree, his blond locks full of leaves and small twigs.

“NO! Oh, you've got me!” Came another voice as the little boy landed on him.

“DIE!!” And evil laugh escaped the blond boy’s mouth as he held his wooden sword up.

Kicking his legs out he managed to kick his brother off the redhead got up with a grin, pointing his word down at his brother. “Ha! Now kiss me boots, or meat your fate!?” He said a look of pure glee coming onto his round face.

“Tyler! That’s not how it goes! The Evil King is supposed to die!”

Tyler looks down at the boy under him, his blue eyes landing on the small frown his brother had. “But life is full of unpredictable things Richard. You can’t always win because you want to.”

“Hey! Daddy said that!” Richard said, a glare forming.

“So?” Tyler said confused.

As the two boys were playing a spry of newly fallen leaves were sent flying through the air, getting stuck in the boy’s locks.

“So, you can’t say what Daddy told you!” Richard wines his face turning into a pout. Standing up he grabs his sword and lunges at Tyler.

Stepping to the side Tyler put out one of his feet tripping his brother, sending him to the floor. Another lot of leaves were sent flying.

“Oh come on I had you that time!” Richard yells getting to his feet enraged.

Shrugging Tyler picked up his sword. “It’s not my fault you’re slow.” He gives him a sly look.

Richard gasps. “Am not!” He looks down at his legs. “My legs are too short. Besides I’m going to be the best Assassin this word as ever seen, so I can beat you whenever I want…I just…let you trip me.” He says his cheeks going a bright red.

Rolling his eyes Tyler helped Richard to his feet. “Yeah right,” Backing up he spread his arms. “Come at me, little bro!”

Grinning Richard ran at his brother a look of determination coming onto his face, but it was soon washed away when he was sent flying to the floor, mud getting all over his clothes.

Loud laughter could be heard as Tyler held his sides letting his giggle roll out of him. “I…I can’t believe…you felt for that, again!” He managed to get out through his giggling fit.

“Stop being mean to your brother!” A fist came down on Tyler’s head.

“Ow!” Tyler yelps, rubbing his head.

“Daddy!” Richard yells getting to his feet and running over to his father.

“Ah, look at you, you’re a mess!” Came a more feminine voice from behind their father.

“Honey their boys, they’re going to get dirty.” Their father said through laughs as he watches the look come over Tyler’s face.

Rubbing his head Tyler picks up his sword he had dropped.

“Come on we should be heading home.” Their mothers said walking over to the horses.

“Your Mother’s right, it’s getting late.” Their father said pushing them along by the back.

“Okay, Mom.” Tyler said, casing a look over at his brother who was grinning at him evilly. “This isn’t over you little rat!” he threatens.

Lifting an eyebrow Richard only walks past him saying in a hushed voice. “We shall see.”