Young Writers Society

"Richard, wake up!” Came a harsh voice from behind the boy.

Groggily opening his cobalt eyes, Richard glanced up only to be met with a disapproving glare. Ryan had his arms crossed over his chest as he arched a thin eyebrow.

Rubbing his eyes Richard sat up, his face saw from having it rest against his stone windowsill. “Sorry.” He mumbles out.

Letting out an aged sigh Ryan took another stool from near the window and sat down in front of Richard, a look of concern on his face. “You were looking at the photo again weren’t you?” His green eyes scanned over the young boys face.

Letting out a shaky breath Richard nodded, the soft morning rays dancing over his skin. Looking out the window his eyes landed on the soft orange sky, a gentle breeze blew in white velvety clouds. “What happened to them, Ryan?”

Crossing his arms Ryan looked out the window. “You know I can’t tell you that.” He placed a hand on Richards back. “Look I will tell you when the time is right.”

“But…” Richard argued, didn’t he have the right to know what happened. “What about my brother?”

Ryan shook his head. “I don’t know what happened to Tyler. After your parents went missing he left too.” His eyes fell to the floor and he began to wring his hands together. “I believe the pain got too much for him.”

“Oh.” Was all Richard managed to get out as his eyes still looked out onto the rising sun, its warmth and light filling the air and space around it.

“You really want to find out about your parents don’t you?” Ryan uttered while standing up, letting out a low sigh he nodded. “Very well, before they left on the mission they left you a letter.” Reaching into his pocket he removed a wood and paper scroll, handing it over he continued to talk. “I haven’t read it, but trust me what is in there is probably going to change your life, so open it at your own risk Perhaps it’s time you learn the truth and I stop treating you like a child.” With that he turned and left the room, leaving Richard to his thoughts.

Looking down at the scroll Richard felt himself take hold of one of the fine red strings that kept it rolled up. His heart pounded in his chest as his eyes never left the fine paper that could hold all the answers his been dying to find out. Shaking his head he stood up and walked over to his bedside table, opening one of the wooden draws he gently placed the scroll inside.

“Maybe another time.” He said quietly closing the draw.

Heading for the door he pulled up his mask covering half his face, his hood covering his blond locks. Heading down the hall he entered the room he knew he would find Ryan. “I’m heading out.” He called over his shoulder, fastening his sword he had grabbed before leaving his room onto his back.

“Not going to get into any trouble I hope.” Came a petulant reply from Ryan, sitting back in his chair he sipped his tea, his eyes closed as the steam came floating out his cup the sweet aroma filling the room.

Sending Ryan a small grin Richard opened the door to the stables. “Nope, none what so ever, you don’t need to worry.”

“Oh I’m not worried about you, I’m concerned about the horse,” Ryan said over his shoulder without even glancing at Richard.

Rolling his ocean blue eyes Richard closed the door behind him. He was used to Ryan’s comments, it was just his way of showing him he carried, even if it was a little strange. But it was still better than nothing, besides it wasn’t like he was any better at showing affection.

Walking over to Thunder’s stable Richard took the reins and saddle he had hung up yesterday with him, the leather cold against his top and hands. Placing the items down on the hay floor he gave Thunder a pat on the nose, saying calm and soothing words while he gave him a short groom. Running his hands over his cores black hair he could feel his strong mussels ripple along his body.

It didn’t take Richard long to get Thunder saddled up and fed, leading him to the stable gates Richard looked out over the sandy wasteland ahead of them, the lush greenery a small line in the distains. Hoisting himself onto Thunder’s back they both galloped through the cool morning air, the breeze stinging his face.

“Time to pay Rachel a small visit,” Richard mumbled, patting the black stallion’s neck his eyes glued on the land before them. All he knew is he had to get the Gem back, who knows what could have happened? He also had to get as far away from his parents' letter as he could. He knew he wasn’t ready to learn the truth. What if he does what Tyler did, runs away and never shows his face again?

Tightening his hold on Thunders rains Richard tapped his foot against the black horse’s side, edging him to go faster.Richard could feel the cool morning breeze whip past his face as he closed his eyes letting himself fall into its cold embrace.

Time seems to fly by as Richard had known relocation of how much time had passed when he and Thunder stopped in front of a small cottage.Dismounting Thunder Richard walked up the steps onto the front porch, the old wood creaking under his weight. Breathing in a large sigh Richard opened to door, the old wood squeaking on its hinges.

Peering inside Richard’s eyes only landed on old furnishings and a dusty table of to the side of the darkroom, the light coming from the window casting dim blades of light into the dust-coated room. Slowly he walked in the light from behind him casting his shadow on the wall in front of him.

Suddenly he felt a pair of arms wrap around his neck in a tight hold. Acting out of instinct he reached behind him and grabbed the attacker’s shoulders and heaved them over his back, sending them to the floor. Reaching into his weapons pouch he removed his knife, but before he attacks further he looked down at the girl lying on the floor at his feet glaring up at him.

“What are you doing here Richard?” She asked getting to her feet. She didn’t glance up at him as she began to dust herself off.

Scowling Richard hissed. “I came looking for you, and an item you stole from me.” He crossed his arms over his chest as he watched her.

Her demeanor remained calm as she took her time answering him. “Oh, hush I only borrowed it.”

“Where is it, Rachel?” Richard demanded his eyes taking on a dark glint.

Rachel scoffed. “Well not here if that’s what you’re asking? It’s back at the cave where I keep on my valuable things.” Waving her hand at him she walked out of the house.

Letting out a low sigh Richard followed her. He could feel his temper boiling but tried to keep it under wraps. He watched as she mounted her white mare. Getting the hint he ran to go get on Thunder, the black stallion stomped his hooves against the grass when he was pooled by the rains and kicked in the side to follow Rachel.

Looking over at his friend Richard couldn’t help but notes she was completely at ease as her black locks waved in the wind behind her.Clearing his throat he asked. “Why did you take it, Rachel?”

Looking over at him her blue eyes meeting his, she smiled. “I’ll tell you when we get to the cave.” Flicking the rains she dashed forward on her horse.

“I hate it when she gets like this.” Richard groaned as he commanded Thunder to follow after the others.