The Tale of the Grandson of Mor'du
Throughout Scotland, nearly every child knew the legend of Mor'du as every parent passed down the 'legend' to the next generation. Thus, everyone was familiar with the story of the wild and savage beast, a grand and dangerous bear, named Mor'du, who attacked indiscriminately. A part of the legend stated that the beast was once the eldest son and prince of the original Scottish Royal Family. However, his greed and arrogance to rule the land lead the prince down a vicious path of destruction and blood shed. But that's all it was passed down as, a legend meant to teach people to be humble.
Unlike the others, it was simply not a legend for a particular lad named Kailen Abernathy.
Alas, it was the dark history of his blood lineage. He was taught by his father when he was around the tender age of six that the deadly monster which lingered in the dark woods was his grandfather. It was a secret only the people of the Abernathy Clan knew and they all perceived it to be a horrendous curse. It shamed their once almighty and noble clan, particularly his family. It was destined for Lord Abernathy to end the curse. Until that fateful day, their clan became wonderers- nomads of the vast and mountainous land of Scotland, hidden from the social norms.
This made his clan to specialize in horse-back riding, hunting, fighting, and tracking. In fact, Kailen learned the ancient ways of his family tradition- he was taught dual-fighting since the age of four. He specialized in dual sword fighting, but he was also talented with different combative arts, such as archery, fist-fighting, and lance-throwing. It was something his father took a particular pride in as his only son was brimming with talents for fighting and horse-back riding. Of course, as a young and naïve boy, he never understood the shame of being the descendent and heir to the Abernathy Clan. Neither did he understand the importance of learning how to fight and defend himself and his people.
Furthermore, he never hated his past until he was a ten year old child. Due to their prophecy and responsibility for their people, his father ceaselessly pursued after his grandfather across the land. Unfortunately, his father was evidently not the destined saviour for their clan as Kailen learned that his grandfather, Mor'du had murdered his father.
He wept over his father's death and he became the next Lord Abernathy. Therefore, he now carried the responsibility to hunt down his grandfather and bring an end to the chaos Mor'du was spreading. It was a duty which was on his mind everyday and from time to time, he would ride his black horse, Trahern and simply aim around the forest with his companion. It was on such days he felt at ease and today was one of those days.
Kailen rode Trahern in the lush forest until he saw the Will O' the Wisps for the first time. His mother taught him that they were to be trusted as they were helpful tiny spirits who were willing to guide people to their true purpose.
He lightly squeezed the horse's side and followed them until they disappeared and at the end of their trail stood a young lass with fiery hair. He called out, "Lassie, what is your name?"
She replied, "My father, the King, tells me not to give my name to those who don't give their name first."
He frowned by her stubbornness to give her name and to hear that there was another man leading their country. The little lass was the princess, is she? He pondered. He replied, "Kailen is my name, dearest Princess, and I am twelve years of age."
She nodded and curtly responded, "My name is Merida and I am nine years of age, Lord Kailen."
He shook his head side to side. He followed the wisps and they led him to this girl. He snorted and said, "Well then, t'is nice to meet you. I shall be going, Princess Merida."
She cocked her head as he turned around with his horse. Before she could say anything more, he sauntered away on his mount. As they went deeper into the forest, he suddenly heard a ghastly and loud growl rumble throughout the forest. He muttered, "Mor'du!"
Thus, he kicked Trahern toward the thunderous roar and unsheathed his swords. He would take revenge against his grandfather for his father's death!