Orion
Orion lay in a pile of hay, his head sticking out, looking up at the unfinished beams that supported a thin and patched roof. He was around the age of fourteen and had dark black hair with bangs that barely went past his eyes. He was for the most part thin except for some strong muscles in his arms and legs. He was able to walk fast and run swiftly without making a noise. Every feature about him was suited for a thief except for his bright green eyes that shown in the darkness. And at all times he wore a tunic patched and worn from travel, a bow and a quiver lashed around his back and a dagger strung to his leg.
A chicken ran by him as he heard foot steps out side of the small stable. Beatrice stood in the doorway as another chick started to peck his stomach. He lifted his head up and waved it away.
"I need to go to Melan to get some more yarn, do you want to come?" Her voice was gentle and soft. Orion lifted himself up and brushed hay off his tunic.
"I can't, I still have to harvest the rest of the field before it starts to rain." She sighed, "You've been so busy since Herman left."
Orion shrugged, "Some one has to do it." He picked up a scythe and watched as Beatrice walked down the path. There was a soft boom as thunderclouds brewed overhead. The sun was nearly setting, casting an eerie glow over the darkening field. He started walking at a fast pace towards the field.
Herman was Beatrice's wife. They lived on a plot of land close to the city of Melan. It was a resemblance of a small farm that needed the roof to be patched up and some work could also be done around the windows. It only provided a small amount of produce but it was enough. Just about last week Herman left and went to visit one his friends who was a blacksmith. He should have been back two days ago. They weren't worried about him; he always had a habit of showing up late.
Orion could still remember the time when he first met them six months ago. Until then, he roamed the streets as an orphan, never knowing of his heritage. Ever since then he had been helping out at the farm in thanks for their gratitude.
Beatrice came running up the path just as it started to rain. Orion quickly hid all the tools in the shed and ran up to her. Around them the storm was taking its toll. Trees swayed in the wind and branches were thrown to the ground. They were only a few feet away from the porch when an icy sheet of rain came down on them. In a matter of seconds Orion's clothes were drenched and he was shivering. "I have a favor to ask of you. " Beatrice's gentle voice rang in Orion's ears as water hit the roof with force. "Otis ran outside right before the storm. Could you go get him? Lighting flashed outside and thunder boomed periodically. He looked out in dismay. It seemed like there was flood.
"Yeah I'll go", he glumly replied.
"Thank you Orion!" Otis was a cat that they kept to keep out mice; he was also a nice family pet. He would be happy to save the cat again if it meant getting wet. He retrieved his bow, quiver, and pack. He was still learning how to hunt game, but if any showed up, he wanted to opportunity. He quickly stepped off the porch and the rain hit Orion like an icy coat of wind, drenching him from head to toe. He walked close to the house, trying to block the rain from hitting his face. Otis usually went behind the garden, so he decided to start his search there. He looked for around twenty minutes and came upon a stream.
That's weird; I never saw this behind the house. The rain drops hit the water like small meteors smashing into the earth, sending water out into the open. He looked in the stream and saw his reflection being destroyed by ripples of water. He looked closer, and saw an oval shaped stone lying on the ground, perfectly straight. He reached in and pulled it out. It was a bright white color, like snow during a cold morning. He looked back at the house. Smoke plummeted into the sky and he could see a soft amber glow through the trees. As he looked at it, a horrible thought entered his mind