CHAPTER I
A fragrant breeze filled the air and stirred the morning dew. The fortress of Holt L'aqua teemed with activity, yet the sunrise came under different conditions this morning. A group of scouts spotted what looked like a ship looming in the distance, and prepared everybeast for battle. It was a situation that the trained otters had handled many times without so much as a single beast wounded. Even the junior officers could fight the sea rat raiders.
An otter and a badger running side by side trekked through the lantern lit passageways toward the chamber of L'aqua Crimsonblayd, avoiding other battle-ready soldiers. When they arrived, a very angry general greeted them.
It was many seasons after Celtian had been found in the orchard under a plum tree. Rain and Celtian grew up as if they were brothers by blood. They fought on equal levels, and both had incredible abilities. Rain and Celtian were of equal strength, speed and swimming ability, yet they were still so different.
"Rain, Celtian!" L'aqua roared, his normally soft blue eyes alight with battle. "Get in line…" he said calmly, gesturing to the 38 young otters and the two open gaps in the very front of the neat ranks.
"Father, please excuse our tardin-" Rain began
"Rain, that's enough. We have bigger worries." The silver-haired otter turned to the neatly ranked junior officers and spoke loudly as the two guilty looking boys slipped into place, Celtian looking sorely out of place because of his size. He was bigger than the biggest of otters at Holt L'aqua.
"Raiders have been sighted off the western coast of the Fortress. It is believed to be the Death Sickle, commanded by Shadowfang Darkclaw. Their numbers exceed one hundred score. We are outnumbered four to one. There is hope however. This is a time for all of you to show your true skills in combat. This will be like a test. All of those who make it out alive pass. Those who don't…" He trailed off. He knew he sounded harsh, but that's what he wanted. Every one of the soldiers under his command could fight five rats alone and come out on top, and he knew that.
"I want all of you to go to the armory. You must choose your weapons carefully this time. Report to the main hall to get your briefing from captain Rhein. Quick's the word, sharp's the action. I wish good fortune upon all of you. May you fight bravely. Dismissed!"
"Rain, I must talk to." He added, as the eager young warriors began to file out.
"Walk with me." He said, as he started toward a solid oak chest. Rain walked behind him, a worried look on his face.
"Rain, I want you to know that this is the ship that came the day you were born. The day your mother was slain, this same ship came from the east. This same ship-full of vermin almost wiped us out entirely. They even had you under their knife, but decided to let you go for obvious reasons.
"Your time for vengeance is now. You are to lead the taskforce composed of all of the junior officers on the ambush ship. I know you can do it."
Rain's face remained solemn, as a lone tear coursed its way down his face.
"You are ready my son. Here, take this before I change my mind." Out of the chest, L'aqua removed an object wrapped in a soft white cloth. He handed it to Rain.
Rain sat on the edge of the bed, removing the cloth for the prize wordlessly. The cloth dropped to the ground to reveal a dark brown leather scabbard, the edges lined with silver. He slowly drew the blade with his right paw, holding the scabbard tight with his left. The straight, double-edged blade gleamed a metallic red hue in the sunlight streaming through the natural quartz skylight overhead. Rubies and emeralds studded the hilt alternately, embedded in silver. The handle made the saber seem more of a decorative item than an actual weapon. Leather made its way down the silver grip, shaped just as if it was made for Rain. It ended with the head of an eagle carved right into the silver, holding a rainbow diamond in its beak.
Rain tested the balance of the marvelous weapon.
"Father I-"
"Don't argue with me, son. Lord Dunerose made this for me for the occasion of the Death Sickle's return. Catch up with your unit." L'aqua concluded. Rain saluted with his new weapon and quick marched out of the chamber towards the armory to pick up his armor and general issue spear, he already had his side weapon.