After everyone had fallen asleep from the night’s festivities. Aden tossed back and forth in his bedroll, haunted by memories of the past. A past where he still had his family, his friends, and a future.
He looked around King Alessandro Lysander’s throne room. It was exactly the same as the first time he saw it seventeen years ago. Within a few seconds he realized that he was five years old again. The long, blue carpet still stretched across the perfectly chiseled floor. Guards dressed in golden armor with blue decals lined the length to the throne. The throne, still a perfectly sculpted gold with the fluffiest blue cushions.
“Take it all in, boys. You’ll be joining us one day” A soft, but proud voice came from behind Aden.
He turned around to see the face of his father, Alton Harrow, Captain of the King’s Guards. He stood tall and proud in his uniform, wearing a kind smile. Aden began to cry, embracing his father.
At that moment, he heard another familiar voice. “Brother, what’s wrong?”
Aden sniffled, looking to the source of the voice. August Harrow, his younger brother looked at him concerningly. His bowl cut and missing front teeth just how Aden remembered.
Aden wiped his tears, “Yes. I’m just so happy to be here.”
“Ha, you should be. It’s an honor and a privilege to join the King’s Guards.” Alton chuckled, impressed with his son's enthusiasm.
Aden smiled, maybe the last seventeen years were just a vision. The kingdom was never taken over, his family never died, and he never made that deal.
This denial was short lived as the white walls started to crack, leaking a black liquid. Before he could realize what was happening, Aden was already knee deep in the thick liquid.
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“Maybe...” August’s voice distorted into a deep, guttural groan. “You can join us now!”
“What?” Aden stepped back, bumping into Alton.
“Yes son…” Alton’s voice distorted in a similar fashion. “Join us!”
His strong hands wrapped around Aden’s throat. Pushing him down into the liquid. As he went under, their faces distorted into something inhuman.
“Dad…Auggie…” Aden called out. Black filled his vision as he fully submerged.
A new voice whispered, “You’ll be with them soon.”
‘NO!” Aden screamed out, jolting awake.
He wiped away the cold sweat on his brow, shaking out of fear. He quickly realized that it was just a dream. His family was still gone, he still made all of his mistakes, and the kingdom was still in agony. His comrades still slept peacefully. With that realization, Aden laid onto his back, awake for the rest of his night.
That morning, Fabio gathered everyone around. “As most of you know, Portland has been wrecked by corruption. Citizens have been starving while the rich eat and drink themselves to death. The mayor, Big Don, is a massive player in the Dark Lord’s army. His ports supply this side of the country with most of their supplies. But, with our new alliance. The plan has changed.”
Wallace politely raised his hand, “How so, sir?”
“First of all…” He motioned towards Barb, Sun Walker, and Wallace, “The three of you will be going into the city square to cause a distraction.” He then pointed at Stevie, Candi, and Wilhelm. “You three will be offering them support once the guards arrive. Wallace, you’re in charge.”
“Yes, sir.” Wallace replied.
Wilhelm fist bumped Stevie, “You can count on us!”
“Good.” Fabio smirked, “Johnny, take Talon and Le’Hennessy. You three will sneak into the mayor’s office to find any evidence of his corruption that you can.”
Johnny smiled at Talon, giving a supportive thumbs up. Talon just rolled his eyes while Le’Hennessy chuckled.
Aden looked up, “What about me and you?”
Fabio’s expression shifted from a smirk into the wide, mischievous smile Aden remembered from his childhood, “We will be down at the ports looking for trouble!”
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