Part 1

The morning air was cool and the trees rustled in the breeze. Sunlight slipped over the hills and made its way to the castle. A rooster crowed in the distance and the town of Zulin began to stir.

In a small little house just outside of the town another rooster crowed in defiance of the rising sun. Henry jerked out of sleep and sat upright. Outside the window, the rooster sat in a tree across the stream, near the wall of the village. He yawned heavily and stretched his arms and legs. Then, suddenly, panic gripped his face.

“I’m going to be late!” he yelped. Scrambling out of bed he rushed to his drawer and pulled out clean brown trousers and a simple white shirt. “Breakfast.” he thought aloud.

Henry threw two eggs in a pot and turned to his black stove. Thankfully the fireplace was still hot with coals and he quickly lit the fire with new timber and threw a log in for good measure. He rushed outside to the small stream and filled a bucket with water. After filling the pot he went to the mirror as he waited for the eggs to boil. He had just received a comb for his birthday last month and loved using it whenever he could. Not wanting to overdo the combing of his jet-black hair, he tossed it on his dresser. He looked at himself in the mirror and straightened his shirt. The white shirt went well with his dark skin and his trousers were a good color too.

After ten minutes of rushing around and preparing, he stuffed all his notes and two large books into his satchel. Grabbing the pot with the eggs Henry quickly dumped out the water. He knelt down next to the stream and expertly peeled the shells off the boiled eggs. He then began his walk into town.

Shoving down one egg as he walked, Henry enjoyed the cool morning air and gazed at the keep where the sun was beginning to warm the cold stone. People were still in their houses as Henry trotted by, making his way closer to the castle gates.

Zulin was a simple and peaceful town. Lord Kyburn governed the town, which was appointed to him by the king of Xer. King Xerath had personally chosen Kyburn for this place, knowing he would like a peaceful life after the war with Kligira.

“Henry!” a voice called from behind. “Just the boy I wanted to see. Come here, would you? I have a surprise for you.”

Mrs. Kebin was an old lady who looked after Henry as well as her granddaughter. She had her own little house and Mrs. Kebin’s granddaughter stayed with her due to her parents dying at a young age. Sasha in turn took care of her grandmother, who was getting older and slower due to age. Henry was happy to help Mrs. Kebin whenever he could, and he loved having the company of Sasha.

“Hello Mrs. Kebin,” Henry called back to the old lady. She slipped back into her house as he walked back towards her.

“Just one minute,” she called from inside, making a ruckus while doing so.

Sasha emerged from the house and greeted Henry with a smile. She was very shy, like Henry and they stood close to each other awkwardly. She was thin and short and had beautiful red hair that flowed off her shoulders like fire. Henry was ensnared by her beauty. Sasha wore a pretty dark dress that stopped at her ankles. She was a very modest girl, which Henry appreciated.

Sasha was a half-year older than Henry. They both were seventeen but had seen many hardships in their short lives. Sasha lost her parents at the age of ten and Henry lost his at fourteen. Their bonds of friendship had grown strong through the years and they both relied on each other for moral and emotional support.

Henry remembered his classes started in ten minutes and began shifting his weight back and forth with impatience. The last boiled egg popped into his mouth while he waited. He was going to be late if he didn’t hurry. Mrs. Kebin was an awfully nice woman but she was very slow. What most people did in a few minutes would take her an hour. Though he could never be upset with her because she was widowed and quite old and was always looking for ways to make everyone’s life a little better in this rough world.

Sasha broke the silence, “How are you this morning, Henry?”

Henry couldn’t help but blush and replied, “I am well. How bout you, Sasha? I smell something wonderful from the house. What are you baking?”

“Oh, I am doing quite well, thank you. I am happy to see you again,” Sasha said back. “I’ve been baking all morning. Would you like a muffin? They will be done soon.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. Ah, you know I love your cooking but I am in a hurry to get to class, I’m afraid I can’t wait.” Henry said disappointingly.

“Of course, I understand,” Sasha said but her face betrayed her disappointment. “Oh! We have a surprise for you!” she lit up again.

Henry looked at her and smiled. Her joyful nature always made him smile, she always brightened his day, “You do?” Henry asked curiously.

Mrs. Kebin finally emerged from her house with four giant books in her arms. Henry thought she would fall over with her frail body teetering under the weight. He quickly came to her aid and grabbed the books from her arms.

“Oh, thank you, dear,” she said in a puff. “These are for you honey.” excitement in her voice.

Sasha drew closer, also excited. She waited for Henry to look at them and by doing so she stood right next to him, making his heart pound.

Henry looked down at them, slightly distracted by Sasha standing so close to him. “Are these-?” Henry cut short quickly setting them down on Mrs. Kebin’s steps to get a look at them. He flipped one book over to look at the title and stared in shock.

“Sasha kept telling me you wanted these books for your studying so I saved up some money and got them for you,” Mrs. Kebin said. “I know it’s a bit late for your birthday but Sasha offered to go get them yesterday and wanted to surprise you on your way into your class.” Her eyes lit up in joy as she saw Henry’s stunned face turn into a huge stupid grin.

Sasha clapped her hands in delight at Henry’s reaction and she jumped to him hugging him. “Do you like them?” she asked.

“Mrs. Kebin, Sasha. Yes! I love them!” Henry said joyfully. “I-I can’t thank you enough. T-This is huge. Each book costs a silver coin, how did you have the money to get them?”

Henry hugged Sasha back and lifted her off her feet slightly. He loved her hugs, they made him feel warm and accepted. “Thank you, Sasha,” Henry whispered in her ear.

“Oh don’t you worry about that dear,” Mrs. Kebin said, waving her hand dismissively. “You’ve been helping around the house, making me that chicken coup and building this here porch. It’s been years and I haven’t been able to repay you till now. Besides all that, you have been a gentleman to me and Sasha. You’ve looked after me when my husband died.”

Tears crept into Henry’s eyes. He rushed up to her and embraced her in a hug. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Kebin.”

“Oh!” she shouted as he picked her up. “Don’t think nothing of it, you hear? Just promise me you’ll come by for dinner tonight. Sasha made you muffins. Soup will be ready for you too when you arrive.”

“I will swing by just before dark then, Mrs. Kebin,” he said, stepping back from her. He looked over at Sasha, wanting to hug her again. “Thank you again, Sasha.”

“Splendid. Now run along, I know we’ve kept you too long.” Mrs. Kebin said.

“See you tonight!” he shouted while stumbling away with the large books. He hoped he didn’t look stupid in front of Sasha as he struggled with the books. He even shed a tear in front of her and felt stupid for doing so.

Henry placed three of the books under his left arm and held the fourth in his right. While walking he read the cover over again and wondered of the knowledge it held inside. He had been saving his own money for months because he wanted these books for his studies.

One book was the ‘Findings of The Ancients’, it contained hundreds of years of notes and research, from dozens of scholars and historians throughout history, on the first humans on earth before they went extinct. His professor recommended this book to him last year and he wanted it ever since. Professor Gould made a note to him that he didn’t like the author but admitted the book’s importance to history and significance to mankind’s origin. His next year in school would be on this book, so it was a good thing he got it early.

The Ancients were a lost civilization that was estimated to have gone extinct three to four thousand years ago. Bits and pieces of their past still remained in Isulia. Several ruins had been discovered hundreds of years ago and revealed many facts about them. They were far more advanced in technology than we were. They were believed to have been able to fly in the sky with machines and even leave the planet. In their graduation year, they were to visit one of ‘The Ancient’s’ ruins far to the south near the coast, next to Ipoth, the city. All the students looked forward to this trip.

Another book was ‘History in the Stars’, it was full of astronomy, dates of meteors, eclipses and much more. Henry was always fascinated with space and the millions of stars that light the night skies. He often wondered what was out there, if there was life on other planets or if the universe was empty. Henry could lose himself for hours daydreaming of what the universe held in store.

The third book Mrs. Kebin had got him, was for science. Filled to the brim with chemicals, alchemy, human biology, and the theory of genetics. Theory of microscopic cells that lived inside our bodies, both good and bad. Professor Gould said he must have this book if he is to learn anything truly important, though I think he was exaggerating a bit to get his point across. It seemed quite ludicrous that millions of tiny organisms lived inside our bodies like parasites. The thought always gave him a shiver down his spine.

Finally, the last book was recommended to him by the old man in the castle that no one ever talked about. Henry didn’t even know his name but when he described the book to him he instantly became curious. He had bumped into him on his way home from class when the old man started talking to him and praising Henry’s quick and talented mind and his eagerness to learn more. The library in town only had one copy so he felt rushed to try and get it before anyone else would.

‘Creatures of Old’ by Gus Opin. The old man in the castle described to him immortal beasts from the past that never died. Personal and second-hand sightings. Villages destroyed overnight with no bodies to be found. Men, women, and children going missing after a sighting. Hundreds of years of notes and personal journals on these mysterious beings had been preserved. Descriptions of the beasts, behaviors, etc. Henry would get lost in thought often thinking about these mythical creatures roaming Isulia.

Suddenly a gust of wind blew Henry’s perfectly combed hair into a messy jumble, causing him to drop one of his books. He sighed then bent down and grabbed the book off the dry earth, then another book slid out from under his arm and dropped to the ground also.

“I’m going to make myself late to study,” he mumbled, berating himself for daydreaming.

He laid all the books on the ground then stacked the two that had fallen on top. Straining slightly he heaved up the heavy books and started walking again, careful not to drop any. He had a good grip on them and held them tightly against his chest. He reached the gates of the old yet beautiful stone castle with time to spare.

Two guards stood at the front gates and looked him up and down. Zip and Kip were their names and they glanced at the books he held to his chest and started laughing at him.

“I think he forgot some of his books at home don’t you think Kip?” said Zip. “Cause I don’t think he has enough with ‘em.” he laughed at his own joke.

“What y’r talkin bout Zip?” asked Kip. “He got too many already. If he gone and get more he wou’n be able to walk do’n y’r think?”

Zip sighed heavily and placed the palm of his hand to his forehead, then slapped Kip on the shoulder. “I was trying to make a joke you dimwit. Of course, he already has too many books. It’s called ‘SIR-CASIMY’” Zip tried to pronounce the word.

“No, it ain’t!” Kip countered. “It’s called ‘Sir-sasam’,'' he said confidently.

Henry smiled at the two of them as he approached. “I’m afraid you are both wrong, it’s pronounced ‘Sarcasm’ ” he corrected. “I see you two are as lively as ever, how are you two this morning?” he asked. “I’m in a bit of a rush so if you could open the gate for me I’d much appreciate it.”

Kip moved to open the gate, “We is alri’t lad.” he started turning red as he opened the heavy door. “Though Zip over dur is bein mean tur me ag’in,” Kip complained.

Zip rolled his eyes at Henry and made a face at him. Unwilling to help Kip open the door, Zip looked at Henry and thanked him for correcting their grammar. These two weren’t the brightest people but Henry always loved their banter. Kip had been kicked in the head by a horse when he was a child and Zip was his best friend so he looked after him. Kip wasn’t smart but he wasn’t stupid either he was just a bit slow, which was fine because everyone loved Kip. They both felt inferior to the normal folk around town due to having no education as children so Henry on occasion would give them each a lesson on reading, writing, history and some on science.

Zip and Kip were so grateful for his lessons but they couldn’t pay him, so Henry accepted their food in exchange. They usually saved him an apple and a piece of bread for lunch because Henry didn’t have time to go home to make food. It was a mutual arrangement and Henry enjoyed teaching them in his free time anyway. A ‘win-win’ Professor Gould had put the term.

The heavy wooden door slid open and Henry passed through in a hurry. “Thanks, guys, I’ll see you at lunchtime.”

Zip grumbled a “You’re welcome,” and Kip just waved at him, smiling.

Henry walked as fast as he could down the stone hallway then turned and made his way up the spiraling stairs. The heavy books made it quite a chore and by the time he reached the study room, he was sweating and out of breath. He turned his back up against the door and pushed it open making a creaking noise.

“Ah, Henry. I’m glad you are here. You were cutting it close. The students will be arriving shortly, please lay these papers on each desk and arrange the chairs. We will have a test later this afternoon.” Professor Gould said. Then he glanced down at the books in his hands. “What are those?” he asked.

“Sorry Professor, Mrs. Kebin, and Sasha got these books for me so I made a stop at her place. They are quite heavy so I couldn’t walk as fast,” explained Henry apologetically. “I’ll get right to it,” he said while placing his books down.

“It’s alright Henry,” Professor Gould said kindly. “I know how Mrs. Kebin can be, she is a sweet old lady but good lord can she take her time with things.” Gould paused, watching Henry. “How are you and Sasha?”

Henry walked over and grabbed the papers from the Professor and started laying them down at each table. “I don’t know what you mean.” Henry dismissed his question, blushing. “Mrs. Kebin has always been good to me but I am afraid she is getting slower than usual. She has Sasha of course but I don’t know how much of a burden that is for her. I help them whenever I can and I'm more than happy to do so but… I’m just worried.”

Gould had been smirking at the dismissal of his questioning on his relationship with Sasha when his smile faded when turning back to the subject of Mrs. Kebin. The professor didn’t know her well but had met her on occasion and liked the old lady. Everyone did.

“Yes, well perhaps the village headman will know what to do with her. He has helped the elderly before, he is a good man.” Gould added sympathetically.

“Sasha would never agree and would never admit she was too much for her,” Henry said sadly.

Eager to change the subject, Gould asked, “What books did she get for you, I am curious. Is it what I recommended for you?”

Henry brightened up at the mention of his books. He quickly finished laying out the papers and rushed over to his new books. “Yes, and no. You see I got two of the ones you said and the others were my own personal choices.”

“Let me have a look then,” Gould said.

Placing the books in front of Professor Gould Henry stepped back and named them off. Eager to show them off to his mentor.

“‘Findings of the First Humans’, ‘History in the Stars’, a book called ‘Biology, Alchemy, and Cells of the body’. That last one is honestly not a name for a book but more of a description of it,” Henry chuckled. “Oh and lastly, perhaps my most anticipated ‘Creatures of Old’, he smiled excitedly.

Gould glanced up at him at the mention of the last title and sighed. “Henry, I know you love books but ‘Creatures of Old’ is just a myth told by mothers to keep their children in line. To scare children into obedience. It isn’t real,” he added.

The young boy’s smile slid off his face. “I know. It’s not real, but I like reading about mythical creatures. Perhaps it holds some truth? Legends always come from something.”

Gould quickly realized Henry’s grasp for some acceptance of his choice in the book. “Ah, well yes. I suppose there could be some truth to it. How about you tell me what you think after you finish it, huh?”

“Yes, of course, Professor. I will definitely do that,” Henry replied, smiling again.

“Ah, I see you have ‘History of the Ancients’, we will be using this book next year. I’m glad you got it early.” Gould said to Henry.

“That’s what I was thinking,” Henry replied. “I knew we were and it also got me thinking about the trip to Ipoth next year.”

“I am looking forward to visiting those ruins again myself,” Professor Gould winked at Henry with excitement.

Chatter came from down the hallway and Henry scrambled back into the corner. He sat down at his own stool at the edge of the room and waited patiently for the students to enter.

“I’ll keep these for you till class is over Henry,” Gould whispered to him before the door opened.

Henry nodded his head as the door burst open and a dozen young men pilled in the room. They quickly took their seats and waited for Professor Gould to begin. A few glanced back at Henry and laughed, making him feel uncomfortable, as always.

Part 2

Three years ago, at the age of fourteen, Henry’s father, Josef, was killed in a small bandit raid in Vulkira. He was part of the reserve guard and was dispatched to Buxmar, a small farming village, for protection. Shortly after, the raiding party attacked, and killed several guards but managed to kill nearly every bandit. This was part of the peace accord agreed upon with the Kingdom of Vulkira. He was given orders to defend the town. The kingdom of Xer had promised Vulkira soldiers as aid but at the cost of many lives.

Henry’s mother, Lauryn didn’t take his death well and couldn’t cope with his absence. The loss of her husband drove his mother into a deep depression and she stayed that way for months until, finally stricken with overwhelming grief and unable to bear the pain, hung herself. It came as such a shock for Henry to lose his mother, that he too fell into a deep depression. To make matters even worse, Henry was the one that found her body hanging from a tree behind their house.

Sasha hadn’t seen Henry for two days and went to his house to look for him. She found Henry curled up in his bed motionless. Worried and unaware of his mother’s suicide, Sasha went to him asking questions. Unable to reply to her due to shock and depression, Henry only pointed to the tree outside, where Sasha found the grave.

Horror and realization hit her and she ran straight to Mrs. Kebin, who in turn told Kyburn. Soon the whole town knew of the death, which created uneasiness in Zulin.

Henry had cut her down, buried her, and gone to bed without a word to anyone. He had gone two days without food or water. That is when Sasha and Mrs. Kebin took care of him for several weeks. Sasha knew the feeling and great loss of losing a parent. She knew all too well of the pain and void it brought.

Mrs. Kebin brought food and other things daily. Lord Kyburn himself came to visit the boy, in part from guilt, whereas he was the one who sent his father to Vulkira. Kyburn must have felt responsible for Henry’s parents' deaths.

Professor Gould had also visited him, though at the time, barely knew Henry. Henry’s father and mother had saved up enough money to put him through school and Gould had agreed to put the idea to Kyburn.

After several weeks of depression, Henry gradually began to return to normal. As normal as the death of both parents could be. He never lost the dead look in his eyes till much later.

Sasha had encouraged Henry to join the school with Professor Gould and begin his studies. The first day of class for Henry was wretched. Sasha had pushed for him to attend the opening semester and Henry complied with her wishes. After a week of classes, Henry began to improve his mood and had hope again. His mind could be occupied and be put to good use, which helped him grieve and move on. Losing his parents would always leave a scar but through many years of support and work, Henry had his life back. The deadness in his eyes faded with time.

Sasha and Henry had grown very close over those three years, and Henry could never repay her for her kindness and friendship. Mrs. Kebin had all but become his own grandmother and Sasha more than a friend but Henry was too embarrassed to admit it.

Henry was extremely poor but his father’s connections were going to pay his way into a school with Professor Gould. Learning of his parent’s death Gould took it upon himself to add the boy to his students under Lord Kyburn’s permission. Lord Kyburn financed the school fees and allowed Henry to participate even though he was low born.

Normally low born citizens were never allowed into higher education schools due to their status, but Lord Kyburn honored his father by allowing Henry to join the school. Many student’s parents disagreed and protested but Gould and Kyburn ignored them. By doing so, however, brought ill will from the other classmates, and eventually, Gould told Kyburn Henry should be kept in the back of the room to not cause any more trouble. Many of the student’s parents were appeased by the compromise, not wishing for Henry to influence their children in any negative way.

Kyburn refused, saying it wasn’t right to shun the boy, even if they did let him attend. Henry, however, didn’t complain and complied with Professor Gould’s wishes. He knew both Gould and Kyburn stuck their necks out for him so he didn’t want to cause any more trouble for them than he already had.

Kyburn was impressed even further at Henry’s willingness and his fondness for the boy grew. Gould then asked that Henry be paid for his services if he would help him around the class as to give him a salary, though small, something to keep the boy from starving. Agreeing to Gould’s request Kyburn paid Henry a weekly salary of two silver coins a month, enough for food and water plus extra.

Henry recognized their generosity and did everything he could to repay their kindness. He would do odd jobs for lord Kyburn and helped Gould with whatever he needed in class. Henry wished to be a scholar and become a teacher himself one day. He loved books and had a sharp mind. Eventually, Henry wanted to be the next Professor of the castle after Gould retired.

The Professor’s and Kyburn’s favor did not go unnoticed by the other people. Many complained but most saw the kind and compassionate young boy for what he was, a good man. He became well-liked by the people, and at such a young age of seventeen.

Henry inspired young and old. He was handsome and known by most. He was going places and people knew it. Some were jealous, some were happy for the orphan boy moving up in the world. He, however, just wanted to read, learn, and teach. Gould called him a ‘book worm’, he didn’t fully understand what a worm had to do with anything but Gould always smiled when making the joke so Henry assumed it had a hidden meaning to it.

Henry would never forget his parents but he had moved on with the help of many good people to guide him. Kyburn had, in a way, replaced his father and Gould was like an uncle he never had.

Kyburn would often sit him down for lunch or dinner and chat with him about life and struggles. He even asked how to get a girl to like you, which Kyburn had burst out laughing. Kyburn gave him advice on many things and supported Henry when he needed it.

He was seventeen and ready to take on the world.

Part 3

While sitting in the corner, Henry gazed at the snickering boys laughing at him. Those three hated and resented him for his talents. If not for the guards, Professor Gould and Kyburn himself, they would most assuredly bully him as often as possible. Again Henry thanked God for his many friends and blessings. He was fortunate to be noticed by powerful people. God had given him his talents and he was going to use them.

Henry jerked out of his thoughts when he noticed the door opening. An old man poked his head in and swept the room with his gaze, stopping on him. He pushed his way in then addressed Gould.

“Forgive my interruption Professor but I need to steal one of your students from you.” the old man said in a gruff voice.

“I know him from somewhere,” he wondered. “Of course, he is the one who recommended the book about the creatures,” Henry thought.

“Gus, this is a surprise. May I ask what for?” Gould asked.

“You may,” Gus responded. “But, I can’t tell you yet. We shall speak in private later and I’ll fill you in. This is urgent. For now, I need Henry to come with me.”

Henry was lost in thought. “Gus? That name was also familiar. Where had he heard it from?” he frantically searched his memory.

“Henry.”

He had just heard the name Gus something. Gus, Gus, Gus. “Hmmm,” he thought aloud.

“Henry!” Gould raised his voice. The students burst out in laughter at Henry’s lack of awareness.

He looked up at the staring eyes and scolded himself again for not paying attention. Then he stood up. “Yes, Professor?”

The room erupted into more laughter and snickers. Gould made an audible sigh and pointed at the old man. “Gus would like your ear for a moment.”

Henry turned bright red and made his way quickly to the old man. “Why do you always have to daydream at the perfect times?” he thought as he slipped out of his seat and headed for the door. “My apologies Mr. Gus.” his head hanging down with shyness.

“Now, everyone quiet down.” Professor Gould’s voice could be heard quieting the class as they walked down the hallway.

Gus led Henry down many passageways, through several hallways and stairs in silence. He got more and more anxious as the silence continued. The castle was a big place and many people often lost their way inside the endless stone. After several minutes of going up and up stairs, and passing room after room, Henry began to realize where Gus was taking him. He hoped he was wrong but as he led him up one more spiraling staircase Henry knew where they were going.

“Huhm,” Henry deliberately coughed. “May I ask, why we are going up to lord Kyburn’s keep?”

Gus turned his head to look at Henry and raised an eyebrow at him. “What makes you say we are?” he asked slyly.

“Well, because Kyburn lives up here. Everybody knows that.” he realized how rude that may sound to this old man. “Maybe he didn’t know that,” Henry thought. “He is really old.”

Henry guessed the old man was in his early nineties or late eighties. His head was slightly humped over and his back arched out. He hobbled along down another hallway, taking his time.

Gus suddenly stopped at a wooden door with a black metal handle. He pulled a bundle of keys out of his cloak and with shaky hands he shifted through them. The first key opened the door, which meant he knew exactly which one or he had incredible luck to get it his first try.

Henry stepped through the door following him in. Looking around the dimly lit room he could see every inch of the wall was filled with bookshelves. Hundreds of books and scrolls lay neatly stacked and organized.

“This room is amazing, sir” Henry gawked. “I’ve never seen this room before.”

“I’d imagine not.” Gus huffed. “This is my personal chamber. I do all my work here.”

“Fascinating,” replied Henry. “May I?” he pointed at a shelf full of scrolls.

“Later perhaps. Light those candles for me, will you boy?” Gus pointed.

Henry snapped out of his gawking and walked over to where he pointed to start lighting the candles around the room. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, sir but who are you? I have heard your name before. I don’t wish to be rude sir, but I am genuinely curious.

“Who am I?” Gus’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “I’m the old fool who tells stories to people.”

“Like those times we talked?” Henry asked. “I loved the time you talked about the ancient creatures that lived forever.”

“Ah yes.” his face turned sour. In truth boy, I am a Historian.” Gus said plainly.

Henry whipped his head around and stared at him in awe. “You’re a Historian?”