Fable Ages
Artemis' Curse
Written by: Mira Noel
Story by: Olivia Rose
Prologue: The Curse
The breeze blew gently through the sleepy town of Oakvale. Houses and shops stood silent dusky twilight, the only sound filling the air was an axe beating against a tree stump in a small field. A young boy chopped wood under the watchful eye of his brother. The boy looked up from his work pushing his ebony bangs from his face and wiping his sweaty brow. He watched his brother smiling benevolently at him. The setting sun gleaming off his silver armour and long mahogany hair. Never were there two brothers so different in temperament and appearance. Only their eyes were the same, blue as the glittering seas. Artemis was serious and fiery as his mother, while Aiden seemed much more content to enjoy life; accepting whatever fate had to offer. Neither were prepared for unavoidable road on which they had already started. A choice that would destroy their lives, as they know it. A choice that would forge a Hero that may prove to be the only salvation of Albion.
Artemis sighed heavily, staring at Aiden "You know you could help me. Instead of just standing there staring." He shrugged, adding sarcastically. "In case you wanted to be, you know, helpful." "Oh Arty you know Heroes don't chop wood. We have much more important things to worry about then such menial tasks." Aiden said in a mockingly soothing tone. Aiden ducked gracefully as the axe Artemis had been using to chop wood imbedded itself into the tree behind him; right where his head had been only moments before. "I'm going to be a Hero too someday!" Artemis yelled his soft features flushed with rage. He struggled in vain, as Aiden ruffled his hair teasingly. "Not with that aim you won't." Aiden smiled broadly. "Stick to housework kiddo. You're better at it."
Not to far from where the boys stood bickering stood a tall man, a soft glow emanating from him as though he were a heavenly being. His hair was unnaturally white but his face was gentle. Line had formed at the corners of his eyes giving hint to friendly soul within. The woman behind him grunted in disapproval, her hand on her hips. "Aiden! Stop teasing your brother!" He folded his arms across his broad chest as Aiden laughed pleasantly. "But it's so much fun. Besides, it's true. He's going to make someone a wonderful housewife someday." "What was that?" Artemis raged raising his fist threateningly. "How cute…he's angry." Aiden mocked "ENOUGH!" They both froze at their father's sudden outburst of anger. He sighed heavily addressing his eldest son. "Aiden we need to talk."
Artemis glared at the three of them as they whispered to each other. "Hero work again." He muttered to himself, turning his back to them. Aiden glanced over at his brother. "He seems upset for some reason." "And whose fault do you think that is?" Briar Rose rolled her eyes sarcastically. Aiden turned to her tilting his head innocently. "I don't know. Who?" "Focus Aiden. This mission is important. Your brother will be fine." "Father. Why not let him help us this time. He'd love the opportunity. In fact, it's all he ever talks about." Dorian shook his head firmly. "No Aiden. He's far too rash and eager to please. He's not ready to be a Hero." "That very eagerness would probably get him killed out there." Briar Rose commented haughtily. Aiden rolled his eyes in her direction. "Oh come on Rosie. It's true, he may be a little too eager and he has a terrible temper but I know he can do it. He may not have a good handle on his Will powers yet and we all know he couldn't shoot straight if his life depended on it but he is a skilled swordsman. He's ready father, he just needs the chance to prove it." Dorian looked over at Artemis, watching as he attempted to remove the axe from its new home in the tree. "Artemis, come here. We need your help." His brow furrowed with worry as Artemis nearly tripped over his own feet in his excitement. Oh Avo, I hope I'm making the right decision.
Artemis gazed into a lamp resting on a small table, the light cast harsh shadows over hi delicate features. "He'll be alright Artemis. You needn't worry." He turned "Yes I know Aunt Tess. I know." He smiled as he brought his blind aunt her dinner; his mind swimming with thought. "You miss her don't you?" "A little, mother must be going out of her mind with worry by now." Tess smiled. "She is accustomed to such worry." Artemis laughed "You're right. I just wish we could go home." The smile faded from her lips; she sighed sadly and knowingly. "Soon child, soon." Artemis stared into the lamplight once more. "Do you think father will win?" "His enemy is formidable. One cannot be sure." Artemis sighed. She never gives anyone a straight answer does she? He paced nervously around the cellar. "I just want all of this to be over." "That is what we all want. But it is never truly over."
He looked at her opening his mouth attempting to find the right words to describe his frustration when the ground shook violently beneath them. He ran up the cellar stairs throwing open the doors to the outside world, staring up at the night sky. The sky had turned scarlet; as though painted with innocent blood. The air grew cold and stung his eyes as he scanned the fields. There was nothing, what was happening. Then he heard it; a crazed laugh. But from where? He turned, his mind registering the source. Standing before him was a tall hooded figure. It stood holding his aunt unconscious upon his shoulder. "You have proven quite difficult to find Artemis." His voice was smooth and menacing; like a nightmare wrapped in silk. "Let her go!" Artemis screamed defiantly staring into the eyes of this unimaginable monster that had haunted his nightmares for so long.
Artemis drew his sword trying to fight the physical urge to shake in the presence of the greatest evil Albion had ever known. The fear in his voice nearly tangible as he spoke. "Let her go Jack!" Jack of Blades laughed malevolently waving his arm. The force of his spell catapulted Artemis several feet knocking him into a large tree. Artemis looked up dazed as Jack of Blades approached. He reached for the blade just beyond his reached but he fell short; his slender framed folding under the weight of the monster's boot. Laughter filled the empty air around him. "Where is Dorian, child? Where is the Hero of Oakvale, when his son's life is so close to being snuffed out?" Artemis's eyes filled with unwanted tears as his thoughts cried out for help. "Sleep child. Sleep until that all you love in this world has withered and died. Sleep child. Sleep." The world around him grew foggy until he slipped into a dreamless slumber; the sound of malicious laughter resounding like a dark lullaby.
Thanks for reading I hope you all enjoyed. I will update soon. Again I own nothing. Reviews make me happy. Tatty-Bye