Eternal Battle
Artemis' Curse
By Olivia Rose
Chapter Two: Oakvale
Artemis glanced at the cemetery as he walked with Rebecca; sunlight reflecting off her golden curls. "Where are we going first?" he asked. "There's something I thought you should see." She smiled at him brightly. Artemis eyed her suspiciously. "There." She said as they came to the center of Oakvale. Artemis stared in awe. A large statue of the Hero of Oakvale stood proudly before them. He touched the stone lightly. "They erected this statue shortly after he died." Rebecca said softly. He turned to her; a single tear falling down his pale cheek. "You know Dorian used to run around town pretending to be your father." She laughed nostalgically. "He always planned to go off on grand adventures, see the world. And become a hero." Artemis looked at her. "What stopped him?" "Oh life I suppose. He didn't want to leave me here alone." "You could've gone with him." Artemis said looking at the statue once more. "Oh no." Rebecca laughed "Adventuring was never for me. I've always been content with staying here for the rest of my life. With Dorian. That's all the adventure I need." "I always wanted to go on one of my father's grand adventures with him." "Of course you did. You have the same spirit as he did. The same spirit as Dorian I suppose. A certain wanderlust." They smiled at each other warmly.
Rebecca spent the rest of the day showing Artemis around Oakvale. Watching in amusement as he explored the town; so full of excitement and wonder. Like a small child. "Artemis." She called as the sky turned pink with dusk. "We're going to the tavern. Dorian should be done for the day." She turned and headed for the tavern; Artemis close behind. The tavern was bustling with life as they walked in; sitting close to the window. Dorian was indeed done with his work. Rebecca smiled lovingly at him as he sang a lively folk song; a pint in hand. "I remember that song." Artemis whispered softly. "My father used to sing it all the time. All though not quite as well as Dorian." They sat in silence, listening to Dorian sing for a long time. Before he became too drunk to continue.
Artemis and Rebecca stumbled down the road; supporting Dorian as they went. Dorian sang loudly as they walked; passing out when they finally reached the house. Artemis helped Rebecca put Dorian to bed before collapsing into an armchair. Rebecca sat down next to him sewing quietly. "Rebecca." She looked up at him. "Yes." "Why aren't you and Dorian married?" "He never asked." He looked at her; perplexed. "Why not, aren't you two in love? People in love get married." Rebecca laughed quietly; trying not to wake Dorian from his drunken slumber. "Well of course we're in love. Dorian just hasn't gotten around to asking me yet." Her face took on a dreamy expression. "Although it would be nice to get up in front of everyone and make those vows. To grow old together, start a family. Dorian will ask when he's ready." Artemis watched her as she continued her sewing; probably patching up something of Dorian's.
Artemis woke the next morning to the sound of humming. He went downstairs, finding Rebecca in the kitchen by herself. "Good morning Artemis." "Where's Dorian?" he asked looking around. "He has the day off; you'll most likely him down at the beach." He grabbed a roll before running out the door. "See you later." Rebecca smiled as he left. He reminds me of Dorian at that age.
Artemis found Dorian at the beach; he covered his ears as he approached. The loud bang of firearms foreign to his ears. "Dorian!" Dorian turned to him; smiling. "What is that?" Artemis asked pointing to the pistol in Dorian's relaxed hand. Dorian glanced at his weapon. "It's a gun." Artemis' face contorted in confusion. "It's kind of like a crossbow…with a quick fire mechanism." Dorian motioned for Artemis to stand beside him; handing the gun to the boy. "Just pull the hammer back and squeeze the trigger. Try to hit the target in front of you." He laughed as Artemis missed several times. "Keep your arm level to the ground. Widen your stance and fire." Dorian instructed. Artemis cheered as the bullet hit the target dead on. They spent the entire day at the beach; practicing with the targets. "Come on kid, we should head home or Rebecca will have our heads." Dorian laughed; watching the sunset for the day.
3 Months Later
Artemis woke that morning; excitement coursing through his veins. He ran down the stairs; greeted by the now familiar sound of laughter. He sat down to eat; smiling contentedly at the people who had become his family. "Are you sure you want to go?" Rebecca asked. "I have to go." "You're welcome to stay here. You could start a life in Oakvale. And Lucy from the tavern fancies you." She pleaded. "I have to know Rebecca. I have to find out what happened to the guild, and my family. I'll never be able to live a normal life until I know the truth." She sighed in defeat "You'll at least visit, won't you?" "Often." He said smiling. Dorian handed him a pistol. The same one he had taught him to fire on the beach so long ago. "Dorian…I can't take this." "Yes you can. I have another and you sure as hell can't go traipsing around Albion trying to take down gunmen with a crossbow. We want you to come back in one piece kid." Artemis smiled gratefully at him.
Artemis waved, looking back at his family. His home. He smiled; he'd come home soon. Hopefully very soon.
But when he returned two years later it was gone. Oakvale was gone. Nothing but choked weeds and water stood among the ruins of what was once his peaceful home. Artemis stood in shock. What happened? Where is everyone? He walked through the ruins carefully; his mind swimming with questions. He fell to the marshy ground. What the..? Oh my god! He'd tripped over the body of a small child. He scrambled to his feet. He ran through the foggy marsh until at last he reached the last house in Oakvale; his home. "Rebecca! Dorian!" he cried out desperately as he searched the house. Where are they? The beach! That was their favourite place to be alone together. Maybe there he could find some trace of them.
As he reached the beach he found it. A small grave just inside a small alcove. He fell to his knees as he read the name on the marker. Rebecca. Oh God Rebecca. He cried, and then it struck him. None of the other bodies were buried, just her's. Dorian must've survived. He stood, glancing down at the grave. "Goodbye Rebecca." And he set out. Set out to find Dorian and the truth about what had happened to Oakvale.
Thank you all so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please leave reviews. Sayonara watashi no yujin^^