Of Ashes and Crowns
Summary: Since the death of Ash's mother, his life has been nothing but misery at the hands of his step father and step brothers. Torment and servitude. That is all he knows. Until one stormy night, a wounded sorcerer stumbles onto Ash's doorstep. Now, Thrust into an adventure well beyond his imagining, Ash will uncover the truth about himself and the father he never knew. The world is waiting. With magic and dragons and assassins and a few secrets that may just turn this kingdom upside down. (Please review! This is my first fanfiction ever so please no harshness but be honest if you think my story sucks Rated T for swearing and some violence. Rating may change in future chapters.)
Chapter 1: A deathly beginning
Ash didn't like waiting. In his five-year-old mind, waiting meant there was something wrong. Or maybe good. But judging from his step-father, Reginald's, expression, something was definitely wrong.
"For the sake of the gods, boy," Reginald snapped, "stop fidgeting!"
Normally, Ash would have raised his chin in defiance and remind Reginald that his name was Ash and not Boy. But, Ash's mother was lying in the other room, bedridden, and she could probably hear what was going on the hall. Ash stopped swinging his legs and folded his hands neatly in his lap.
"Yes, Sir," he said.
The door to his mother's room opened, and the physician stepped out .
"Well?" Reginald demanded. "How is she?"
The physician looked from Ash to Reginald. He gestured to the open doorway. "I'll give you a moment."
Ash thought his mother was beautiful, even when she was about to die. A five year old boy should not have understood the concept of death. And in all honesty, Ash didn't. But somehow, Ash had the feeling this would be the last time he ever saw her.
"Ash, my darling boy," She smiled weakly. With great effort, she reached up and placed a hand on his cheek. "I love you so."
"I love you too, Mother," Ash half whispered. He gripped her hand and sniffed back tears. "You're going to get better."
"No, my sweet boy," his mother whispered, "I'm not going to get better."
"But-"
"Shhh," She said. "I want to tell you something very important, Ash. You are special. More special than you realize. Never forget that."
"Yes, Mother," Ash said, his voice trembling.
"Never be afraid to cry."
Ash really did start crying then. "Don't go! Please don't leave me alone!"
"Ash, you are never alone. I will always be in your heart. And you have a wonderful step-father and two step-brothers to keep you company. They'll take good care of you."
"That's right," Reginald said, putting both hands on Ash's shoulders. "You are apart of our family, Ash."
"There, you see?" Ash's mother smiled. "You aren't alone. I love you, Ash."
"I love you, Mother," Ash sobbed.
In that moment, Ash's mother closed her eyes and died.
Reginald took his hands off Ash's shoulders and left the room, leaving Ash alone. Ash was so busy crying, he didn't notice Reginald leaving. Nor did he notice the tears he shed steam and evaporate as they hit the blankets.