Disclaimer: I do not own Fable or any characters or storylines associated with it. I do own my own stories and characters. So please don't steal. If you do, you will spontaneously combust and I will laugh at the ashes of your remains.

Okay folks, this is my second piece of Fable fiction. I decided to write this because I was rather interested in the origins of the Hero's family. There is some basic information out there, but I wanted more. So I have written/writing a tale of how William Black, the first Hero of Albion, rose to power. So… this isn't cannon… at all… This is just my idea of how things could have happened.

Now some of this does pertain back to my first Fable story, "In the Shadow of the Mask". You don't have to read first if you don't want to… I don't think the order of things would matter… although… the surprise would be ruined for the first. Again, do as you wish.

But please do leave some words for me when you are done reading. Reviews help me improve my story and hopefully you pleasure in reading it. They can be long or short, simple or complex. It doesn't matter. I only ask that you refrain from saying that the story sucks or that I suck. If you have a serious problem with the story, then please leave your thoughts in a well thought out and coherent review or PM. I will try to address your issues as soon as possible.

Please do enjoy the bits of my twisted imagination.

The Family Black

Chapter One:

"Never Go into the Woods…"

He was always told to never go into the woods just outside the village. Many dangerous creatures lurked about and would make a quick meal of him. All sorts of beings that were let loose upon the world so long ago now roamed the woods. He couldn't remember a time when they did not. It had always been like that or least as long as the elders of the village could remember a time when it was safe to leave the village. It was an unseen line that was drawn around the village to which either side stepped across, they would be attack.

He recalled many times in his young life when all the men of the village would rush out in the middle of the night to chase away some beast or creature. It was always scary to see all the men running forth with their makeshift weapons and troches. The creature, whatever it was, would growl and snarl as the men would swing the troches to make it back away. Others would rush their pitchfork towards the creature's vital parts in hopes that they would land a fatal wound. The trespasser would usually turn around, understanding that it wouldn't find a meal there. Of course… it worked the other way around too.

During the day, the forest looked inviting and safe for even a small child to walk through. For the most part, it was safe to go a certain distance. People could forage and collect firewood, but once the sun began to set all the people would rush back to the safety of the village. Once the sun went down and the light faded, that's when the beasts and demons came out. The wolves roamed in their packs in search of any one that was unable to make it back. Things… indescribable things lurked about through the shadows and moonlight. The villagers said that those things were demons.

He had never seen a demon up close before. Only when the men were chasing them away and even then his mother would drag him away from the window. It was one thing that he wanted to see in his life, other than another village. There was just something about the idea of coming face to face with a creature that could swallow him in one bite sent a chill up his spine. Though maybe a demon wouldn't want to eat him? Maybe he would be too small for them to even consider in making him a meal? He wouldn't know until he found one.

That is the very reason he decided to go out in the woods that day. He had finished all his chores and asked his mother if he could go out and play. She said yes, but warned him not to go into the woods. Normally he would have obeyed her, but for some odd reason he felt particularly naughty that day and disobeyed her. Out into the woods he went. Today was the day he was going to meet a demon.

He was familiar with the woods that surrounded the village; many times he had gone out with his father to collect wood and such. As he walked along, he noticed where the trees started to grow thicker and the less stumps were to be found. He was getting to the border where few ventured and even less came back. Looking back one more time, he could just barely make out the roofs and the smoke billowing from the chimneys. He could have turned back now, but that's not what he intended to do.

"Today is the day I'm going to meet a demon," he promised to himself.

Without another thought, he headed deeper into woods. The sun slowly disappeared behind the growing canopy cover. It grew noticeably cooler as the shadows that took over the remaining hints of light. He was deep in the wood now. No light ever hit the ground. The animals and creatures knew not the warm and brightness of the sun nor the soft twinkled glow of the stars and moon. It was disorienting at first, but his eyes grew use to the dim surroundings. There was barely any movement, save for his own. Occasionally a bird flew or called out. The leaves of some bushes rustled, but nothing he thought would be a demon or a wolf. It really wasn't as bad as the villagers had made it to be. It sounded like the moment he would have taken a step into the woods something would gobble him up, but nothing did.

There really didn't seem to be anything in the forest, except for a few birds and squirrels. He began to wonder if there were demons in the woods or not. Surely something should have popped out by now and at least scared him.

Thud… thud…. crash! … Thud… Something large was making its way through the forest. He looked back and forth for any sign of what was coming, but all he could feel was the growing rumbling of its walk. He spied a tree with low hanging branches that he could possible climb. Running as quick as his legs could carry him, he jumped up to grab the lowest hanging branch. His fingers brushed up against the bottom of the branch, but he could not get a hold of it. Jumping as high as he could, he just seemed out of reach of the branch. The rumbling was getting closer and he was starting to worry that he might not reach the branch in time.

CRASH! A large tree fell near him.

The jolt from the fell tree boosted him enough to grab the branch. Not wasting anytime, he pulled himself onto the branch. Taking hold of another, he slowly climbed up into the thick leaves of the tree. He peeked out to see if whatever was making that noise had appeared. Another tree fell and landed just at the tree he had sought refuge in. the branches shook and he nearly lost his grip. His heart was racing as he looked through the leaves to see what was coming. Still nothing came, but the ground was shaking like the earth was angry. It was getting harder and harder to hold onto the branches as the shaking continued. But he held on like his life depended on it. Though, his life really did depend on it.

Squeal!

The monster had finally emerged. He looked on in awe as his eyes lay upon the biggest boar he had ever seen. It was a big as a house with fur that was blacker than the deepest, darkest cave. Its two large eyes glowed red and were as big as pot. The fur, though it was so dark and hard to truly see, looked like spears that could pierce a man through and through.

He remembered some of the elders talking about monstrous beast that could kill a man with one blow, but he didn't think they would or could ever be this big. To kill a beast like this would feed his entire village for a year, but how to do so was a question he could never hope to answer. Leaning further in, he tried to see if he could measure's the animal's tusk.

Crack… snap! The branch that was holding his weight fell from beneath his feet. The boar hearing the sound quickly whipped its massive head around and smelled the air in a panic. Turning around, it ran back into the forest where it came. The boar's mad dash was shaking the earth so badly that he was having a hard time pulling himself back up into the tree.

Grrr… a low growling noise came from bushes just opposite to the tree he was hiding in.

Grr… Three set of glowing eyes peeking out from behind the leaves.

Snapping of jaws filled the air, while growling grumbled through his body. He looked to see where the noised were coming from, but all he could see were four sets of glowing eyes and shaking bushes. His heart started to pump and nearly jumped out of his chest. It hadn't appeared yet, but whatever it was it was filling him with fear. He knew that he had to get back up into the tree and out of sight. He only had to swing his leg high enough to catch the branch he was hanging from.

He pulled and swung, but couldn't get his leg up. He tried with all his might, but the little strength that he had was failing him. He could feel his grip slipping. His fingers were growing numb. Sweat lined his brow. Looking over at the moving bushes, he felt his heart stop.

On all four they came crawling out of the bush. Thick brown fur covered their bodies. Long, curved fangs hung from their jaws. Black smooth claws projected from their elongated fingers. A thin tail whipped about behind them. They sniffed the air as they came closer.

He had never seen or heard of creatures like this. Their glowing eyes swept across the forest floor. They growling and snapped at one another like they were arguing with each other. They came over to the where the giant boar had run off. They put they noses to the ground and began to smell for a trail. Their noses went deep into the hoof impression left by the great beast. They bared their teeth and growled as they scanned the small clearing.

Please don't find me… Please don't find me…; he prayed as he tried to stay as still as he could, I should have listened to mother…

The one that lead the troop of four snorted as it rose onto two legs. Its ear swiveled back and forth. They suddenly turned to the left. Slowly its head turned to his hiding spot. He wasn't breathing so it couldn't hear be hearing that. He could have sworn that his heart had stopped, so that couldn't be it.

"Grr…," the creature's ears snapped back and laid flat on its head.

"Oh no…," he whispered to himself in fear.

He knew that he had been found and they would soon on him. For moment, he wondered if it would take one or two bites to consume his small body. Looking down he could see that they were being to circle the tree. Their lips began to glisten with dripping drool as they all locked on to where he was hiding. One stood up and dug its claws into the truck of the tree. It stood so tall that it had surpassed the branch that was just out of his reach. These… creatures were much bigger than he had thought.

"Why didn't I listen to mother," he could feel tears forming in his eyes as his thoughts moved to the family and friends he would never see again.

The beast heard his little voice and a strange smile formed on its face. It licked its lips and clapped its jaws together. The others started to reach up the like the first, but the other growled and barked at them. They backed away with their fur raised and growling lowly. The first obviously didn't want to share the small morsel that it had found. Digging its claws in deeper, it started to climb slowly towards him.

He wanted to move, but his body seemed to be stuck to the branch that he was hanging onto. His legs would not push him up. His arms would not pull him up. He was stuck in place. Fear was indeed the most powerful bond of them all. It came so close that he could smell its rotten breath and feel the steam upon his face. He knew then that he would never see home again. Closing his eyes, he said a silent apology to his mother, hoping that the wind would take it to her.

"OOOWWOOOOO!" the creature cried out in pain.

His eyes shot open to see what was happening. The beast was no longer climbing, but was lying across the open area. The other three stood there, astonish, if not afraid of what just happened. Looking down at the base of the tree, he saw a slender, young woman standing there. Her face was young and her hair was as dark as night. Her skin was pale and glistened in the fading light. Her eyes were like shallow pools of pure spring water. Her body curved in and out and seemed so perfect.

He shook his head. Though the woman seemed perfect in body and beauty, there was something off about her. Taking a closer look, he could see what made her… so different. She stood higher than any man. Her fingernails came to a point and looked like talons. Instead of standing flat on her feet, she stood on the end closest to her toes. Her toes… they were more like claws. The most distinguishing feature about the strange woman was the pair of ivory horns that came from her forehead and outlined her face. In between the horns were smaller ones that barely jutted out. In some ways, it looked like a crown on her head.

What a strange being, he couldn't help but thing.

"You are far from home children of Balvorn," the woman's voice was gentle, "I know that you are in search of food, but these woods do not belong to you or your Master," she smiled at the growling creatures, "Please be on your way and go in peace," she bowed her head to them.

The one that had to been thrown across the clearing stood up on all four and began to growl fiercely at the strange woman. The others stood up as well and followed the first's lead. They snapped their jaws and barked at her. Foam and drool blasted from their mouths with every bark and growl. The woman only stood there with a smile on her face.

"There is no need for this;" she spoke again, "The great boar you seek is heading back to your territory. There is no harm done and no need to get our Masters involved. Please," the smiled disappeared from her face, "Go in peace."

They looked to one another and seemed to have a silent conversation. They then locked their eyes back on to the woman and growled.

"I see," she sighed, "I do not wish to fight you."

The leader of the wolf like creatures crouched down and threw itself at the woman.

SLAM! The beast crashed into tree trunk.

The tree shook so hard from the impact, that he nearly lost his grip on the branch that held him.

"Hmm…?" the woman looked up, "Oh… a human…," she cocked her head, "How curious."

Seeing its chance to gain the upper hand, the creature pounced once more. This time it hit its mark. It and the woman tumbled to the ground. They twisted upon one another for what seemed like an eternity, until the creature pinned the woman to the ground. It bent its massive head over the woman's. He looked on it horror as the others began to surround the pinned down woman. Though, she did not seem worried about all that was happening.

"Please child of Balvorn," she sighed, "I do not want to harm you, but you are leaving me with very few choices. If you do not stop and return to your territory, I will be forced to remove you."

The creatures… the children of Balvorn… looked to one another and seemed to laugh at the woman's words. Opening its jaws as wide as it could, the beast on top of the woman took aim. Closing his eyes and turning away, he could not bear to see the beautifully strange woman torn apart.

BOOM! The tree shook violently again.

Forcing his eyes to open, he found that the woman was upright. At the base of the tree, the beast was lying with back to the truck. Its mouth was blackened and smoke was coming from it. The fur on its chest was still sizzling and burning with small flames. The other three creatures back away from the woman.

"My, my…," a voice echoed, "You have gotten yourselves into some trouble."

Looking to where the voice originated, he saw a man in black garb with silver armor. His hair was like that of purest silver with tints of red and rust. His eyes seemed bottomless, but there was a fiery ember that burned deep inside. He was handsome enough, though there was something very sinister about him.

He looked to the creature that was sprawled out on the tree trunk, "You should know better than to go after such a small morsel when the bigger game is still within reach," he growl.

The beast whimpered and tried to move towards the man, but it was far too weak.

"Pathetic creature," he growled once more, "I should have just fed you to the vultures instead of giving you new life."

The creature tried once again to whimper, but it was cut short by a flash of light. It sat there for just a moment, like nothing was wrong. Its head suddenly fell to the forest floor; blood seeping from its neck. The jaws moved as if it was still trying to whine, but nothing came from its mouth.

"What a waste," the man wiped his sword clean, "As for you," he took his fist and banged it up against the tree trunk

He couldn't hold on this time. The force the man had hit the tree was too great. He was almost surprised that it didn't break in two. He fell from his lofted perch towards the ground. He was sure that he would break something when he hit. He jolted to a stop. Looking about, he could see that the man had caught him by the shirt and was suspending him about the ground.

"You three would rather go after something that can be consumed in two bites, than something that could feed us for a week?" the man chided the three remaining beasts.

They looked to one another, then silently slipped back into the bushes with their heads hanging low.

"I thought so," the man sneered.

"Sir," he spoke up, "Please don't feed me to those beasts. I'm sorry…," he pleaded.

"Barely a mouth full," the man threw him to the woman.

She gently caught him and set him on the ground. As soon as his feet hit the ground, he quickly headed around the woman and hid behind her legs. She looked down at him with curiosity. She looked confused by his actions and wasn't sure was to do about the small creature that was now wrapped around her legs.

"You are such a child Sephire," the man chuckled, "You would still be lost and confused if it weren't for Lord Jack."

She pulled her attention away from him and smiled at the man, "And that is why I am thankful that Master Jack has taken me in and given me a purpose in life. I thank the spirits everyday that I am so blest to have a Master like him."

The man only shook his head, "Again… you are such a child," he bowed lowly to her, "I must take my leave. It was good to see you to see you again," the man disappeared in a whirl of leave and grass.

Woman looked down to him, "Are you alright little one?"

He felt his head grow light and the world faded.