Chapter 1 - The Emerald's Embrace

Darian, a seven-year-old boy, woke up from bed and rubbed his eyes. His blonde hair was scattered. He walked slowly to the living room to meet his mother. He heard voices as he approached.

“I have done what you asked. In this ring is embedded a gem that can tame whatever monster is inside that child,” a voice said.

“Thank you very much,” his mother’s voice replied. Darian wondered who his mother was talking to.

The door opened and closed. Darian was sure the visitor had left.

He walked into the living room, still rubbing his eyes. “Mother, who was that?” he asked.

“Come here, my son,” she said, stretching out her hands to carry him. Darian was a plump and healthy seven-year-old. His mother adored and always praised him for that. She lifted him and made him sit on her lap. She was wearing a cream coloured dress with an apron on top, just like any middle class woman of ancients times. Her brown hair was pinned up into a bun.

“Darian,” she started, looking at him with her emerald eyes. “What happened? Do you want to tell Mama something?”

“Mother, I had a dream,” Darian said.

“What dream, dearest?” There was worry in her eyes and a subtle alarm in her voice as she asked.

“I saw eagles again. I saw eagles, fire, and ice. Lots of it. They were all around me, but they did not hurt me. They even told me to come play with them.”

His mother’s hand covered his mouth. “Do not let any servants hear you. How many times have I told you never to speak loudly whenever you tell me about the strange dreams you have?” When she moved her hand, he asked, “But Mother, what is wrong with my dreams? If they are bad, why do I keep having them?”

“My son,” his mother said. “When you grow up, you will understand. For now, trust your mother.” She took the ring out of her pocket. “Look at this beautiful emerald ring. You like it, right?”

Darian nodded his head. “It is pretty, Mother,” he said. The ring was emerald green and looked like it was made of glass.

“Yes, dear, I had it made just for you. Mother is going to put this ring on your hand now. You have to promise Mother that you will keep it on at all times. Promise me, dear,” his mother encouraged him as she rubbed his hand. "Whether I am around or not, you must always keep it on."

Alarm shone in Darian's eyes, "Mother, are you leaving me?"

His mother chuckled slightly, "Of course not. Mother will always be with you."

Darian smiled. “Then I promise you, Mother, I will keep this on me always. I will obey whatever you tell me.”

“That is my boy,” his mother said as she slowly put the emerald ring on his finger.

The ring shone brightly, and Darian felt a strange sensation. It was as if the ring was pulling his insides out. It was very painful. He opened his mouth to scream.

His mother used her hands to cover his mouth. Tears were dripping down her face as she held his mouth closed. She knew he must be experiencing a lot of pain.

When the light of the ring dimmed, Darian was panting hard. He was weeping. She wiped his eyes. “If I do not tell you anything, know this now: you are from the line of the bravest people you can ever think of. Do not ever show your weakness.”

“Yes, Mother,” Darian replied as he tried to hold back his sobs. "But it hurt me so much. Mother, why must I put it on?"

“The pain will stop after a few minutes. I promise you. Do not be angry with your mother, Darian. This ring is for your protection. It will keep you safe, and that is exactly what I want.”

***

Darian was never allowed to play with his friends. He would stay near the window and watch other little children play. He always wanted to join them, but his mother would never allow him. But today, after he wore the ring, his mother allowed him to go play. She stood by the door and watched him play. There was a fearful look on her face, as if she feared Darian’s power would react. She watched for a few minutes, and nothing happened. Her eyes relaxed. She knew the ring would keep her son safe.

The next minute, the sounds of horses terrified her and the children playing. Soldiers were approaching, riding on chariots with terrifying speed. Mothers rushed out of their cottages to grab their children and drag them inside.

Darian’s mother did the same. She was more worried than the others and could guess what the soldiers were looking for.

As soon as she got inside, she took out a small golden vase and handed it to Darian. “Darian, you have to promise me that you will not open this vase until you are in very real danger. You have to obey me, Darian. Promise your mother,” she said.

Darian noticed the urgency in his mother’s voice. He could not understand why, but he felt a heavy worry descend on him.

Darian nodded, “Yes, Mother.”

Darian’s mother tried to smile, but she was forcing it. “Now, go upstairs, my son. Go upstairs and lock the door. Whatever you hear or see, do not make a sound. Do you understand? Now, do what you are told and go to your room.”

As soon as Darian turned, they heard loud knocks on the door and kicks. If they did not open quickly, the people would soon kick the door down.