The Knight and The Warrior Woman
Chapter 1: The Beginning of a Thaughbaer
Long ago, it was a time of magic and knights. It was a perilous, cruel time. For many years the world had been under the cruel reign of Queen Bavmorda, an evil sorceress. She had stolen the throne of Tir Asleen by marrying Prince Mikal Tanthalos and murdering his father, King Tanthalos the Eighth. Bavmorda secured her reign through the birth of her daughter, Sorsha, and by trapping Prince Tanthalos and all of the citizens of Tir Asleen in blocks of crystal through the use of her dark magic. Bavmorda stole away to the kingdom of Nockmaar and ruled with the utter cruelty of a snake. Anyone who opposed her fell victim to her sorcery or worse. Her villainy was enforced through her merciless General Kael. Throughout the kingdom, Bavmorda ruled with darkness and iron.
Although there was darkness, there was also a measure of hope. In the land of Galladoorn, a young boy was born to Cayne and Larissa Thaughbaer. Cayne and Larissa were fighters, and they had spent many of their years in service to Galladoorn. Although Larissa was not a knight, she nevertheless would fight by her husband's side in hopes of seeing a world without Bavmorda. Now that Larissa had a child, they could train him to do the same. As Cayne entered his wife's bedchamber, he could not have been prouder to see his wife.
"Bless your strength, my love," he said.
"I had you to guide me through it," Larissa said. "We have a son."
Riana opened her arms so Cayne could see the sleeping baby tucked in her arms.
Cayne took his son in his arms and a wide smile instantly spread across his face.
"You have done so well, my love," he said. "He is worthy of the strength of the Thaughbaer name."
"Indeed he is," Larissa said. "What will we name him?"
"You gave him life. Why don't you choose a name for our boy?" Cayne said deferentially.
"I was thinking Airk. It's a strong name, and it was my grandfather's name," Larissa said.
"Indeed it is a fine name," Cayne said. "Airk, it is. He shall be Airk Thaughbaer."
"And one day, he'll be the finest knight Galladoorn has ever seen," Larissa said.
"He will make a fine general of Galladoorn and make us proud one day," Cayne said.
From the moment he could stand, Airk was trained in combat by his father as well as the best generals in Galladoorn. He was taught how to use the sword and shield, the bow and arrow, as well as how to ride and military strategy. Every day, for hours, Airk would train and spar with other boys and generals with the sword and shield.
"Keep your shield up, son," Cayne would say. "These weapons are your life."
By age six, Airk could spar as quick and agile with the rest of the boys. Cayne and Larissa grew more impressed with their son every day as they watched him train. By age ten, Airk's skill's were almost unmatchable due to his training. Airk dueled with his friend Ronan. He and Ronan were equally matched in training. Airk slashed and parried, keeping his shield up at every turn. The match was almost even, until Airk managed to hook away Ronan's shield and held his wooden sword at his throat.
Cayne and Riana applauded their son. "Well done, my son."
"You are the finest warrior in Galladoorn," Larissa said.
"Thank you, father, mother," Airk said.
"You make us proud," Larissa said.
"I am honored," Airk said.
"Don't let it go to your head," Ronan said playfully. "I'll get you one day."
"Wanna get whipped again?" Airk said. "I can use the practice."
"Boys, remember to play nicely," Larissa said.
Just then, one of the generals approached Cayne. "One of our villages is under attack."
"What?" Larissa asked in shock.
"Bavmorda and her generals have burned a small village north of here to the ground. We need to go and find survivors," Cayne said.
"Let us come with you," Airk said.
"No, son," Cayne said firmly.
"But I'm just as good as you and mother," Airk argued.
"You are, but you are not ready for this yet. You will stay here until your mother and I return," Cayne declared.
Airk wanted to argue further, but he knew it would be useless. "Yes, father."
Cayne and Larissa armed themselves in the golden armor of the Knights of Galladoorn with their swords and shield at their sides. They each mounted a white steed and rode off with their knights galloping behind them in a thunderous heap.
"Cheer up. This can't be all bad," Ronan said.
"Easy for you to say. I should be out there. I can whip you and they leave me here," Airk said angrily.
"You let it go to your head again," Ronan said. "I'll have to bash you for that."
"As if you could," Airk said.
"Who knows? Perhaps this won't be so bad," Ronan said.
"I doubt it," Airk said. "I'm going to whip you for this."
Ronan and Airk playfully dueled and bashed at each other to take their minds off Airk's anger at being left behind. What Airk did not know was that his parents' mission would be a good thing for him. He did not know that when his parents returned, it would change his life forever.
A/N: How did I do for a first start? I hope you like it. Willow is a part of my childhood and Airk is my favorite character. I wanted to do a story about him for a while now. I hope you like it. Enjoy!