{"id":198,"date":"2025-04-16T00:38:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T00:38:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/?page_id=198"},"modified":"2025-04-16T00:39:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T00:39:09","slug":"brizy-198","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/?page_id=198","title":{"rendered":"Crimson Heritage"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Crimson Heritage<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/use><\/svg>Back to Author<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/p>\n

Chapter. 1<\/p>\n

\n

Tracking an elusive<\/p>\n

herd of white-tail had brought him to this spot: a clearing hidden in the<\/p>\n

trees, where a slight hill overlooked a vantage point. It was the perfect<\/p>\n

position to spot his coming prey and line up a killing shot. He checked his bow<\/p>\n

and quiver, tied back his long silver hair, and climbed hand over hand upward<\/p>\n

through the tree\u2019s branches. He judged the best angles, for the meat tasted<\/p>\n

richer with a clean kill. They would need it to survive the harsh winter to<\/p>\n

come.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As time passed, the<\/p>\n

many colors of the forest brought a smile to the young man\u2019s face. Autumn, such<\/p>\n

a beautiful season: the bright colors changing from green to bright reds and<\/p>\n

yellows, the sweet smell of cool, crisp air, and the sound of falling leaves\u2014the<\/p>\n

calm before winter\u2019s frigid storm, which promised to blanket the land in a<\/p>\n

thick white comforter, making you forget what was beneath.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

There were many<\/p>\n

forests in Fierdio that were much the same, with their brilliant colors and<\/p>\n

natural beauty. Clutching a weathered bow\u2014a family heirloom\u2014hunting with it<\/p>\n

made him confident, as if his father was with him. His mother would preserve<\/p>\n

the venison, allowing them rich meat in the dead of winter.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Movement from the<\/p>\n

left stole his attention from the picturesque scenery and brought him back to<\/p>\n

the matter at hand: antlers, a quick count of ten points, and the herd had<\/p>\n

come. He raised the bow slowly, set an arrow, and drew the bowstring taut. He<\/p>\n

paid extra attention not to disturb the camouflage of many colors around him.<\/p>\n

Regulating his breathing and watched calmly as a ten-pointed buck moved into<\/p>\n

view, along with several does. There was his meat, only twenty feet away.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Ever alert, the<\/p>\n

majestic beast watched the trees and forest. Its presence assured the<\/p>\n

protection of the weaker, fairer does. The lack of bird songs in this area of<\/p>\n

the Fierdio forest gave him pause. A sound, that of an arrow cutting through<\/p>\n

the air, came next. Seconds later, another arrow called to the herd, and they<\/p>\n

scattered. A sharp pain hit his broadside, and air escaped his body. Breath no<\/p>\n

longer came to him easily; it was now labored. Escape, to run, was all that his<\/p>\n

primitive mind craved and screamed for his body to move.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Readying another<\/p>\n

arrow, the boy had scored two hits directly into the side of the guardian.<\/p>\n

After sliding down from his perch, he knew happily a lung had been hit, if not<\/p>\n

both. Cautiously, he stepped closer to the buck, seeing its desperation<\/p>\n

firsthand. As it struggled to escape its fate and cling to this world, the<\/p>\n

third arrow finished it, and the beast’s head fell to the ground. He unsheathed<\/p>\n

a knife and nodded his thanks to the guardian\u2014for giving his family the means<\/p>\n

to survive a harsh winter. Moving to slit open its throat, pausing to give<\/p>\n

words of thanks, and watched crimson pour from the opening as darkness consumed<\/p>\n

the light in the guardian\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Standing to wipe<\/p>\n

his knife and hands on a rag, then sheathing the weapon, he entered his fingers<\/p>\n

in his mouth and blew a great whistle. \u201cCome on, you slow ass.\u201d Sighing loudly,<\/p>\n

he scanned the tree-line for his steed. He didn’t want to leave his kill for<\/p>\n

other predators to find. Slowly, a donkey attached to an old wooden wagon moved<\/p>\n

into view. It plodded down the hill slowly and stopped beside the buck. Tying a<\/p>\n

rope from the wagon to the buck\u2019s hind legs and then moving to the wagon’s<\/p>\n

front where a crank handle sat, he wound it, pulling the beast onto the wagon’s<\/p>\n

floor. Panting, he looked at the dimwitted donkey.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cTough work, eh,<\/p>\n

Jack?\u201d exclaimed the boy to his mule, wiping the sweat from his forehead. With<\/p>\n

light blue eyes gazing up at the sun, allowing his shoulder-length hair to<\/p>\n

cascade down his back, he removed his robes that helped him blend in with the<\/p>\n

woods of Fierdio. Satisfied with securing his trophy, he hurried into the frontmost<\/p>\n

seat behind the mule, gently laying his weathered bow and quiver beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see!\u201d he said, pointing his finger to the sun and following its arc.<\/p>\n

\u201cOK\u2026 Twelve, one, two, three, four, five… Hey, Jack! You know what time it<\/p>\n

is?\u201d The excited tone of the boy was lost on the animal. \u201cThat\u2019s right, five<\/p>\n

o\u2019clock, supper time! Wonder what Ma has made for supper?\u201d The thought of his<\/p>\n

mother brought a smile to his face. She was always so kind and loving, and her<\/p>\n

food was amazing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He took one last<\/p>\n

look around the forest, amazed at the colors and the chilly wind that blew<\/p>\n

around him, whipping his silver hair around his face. Winter was only several<\/p>\n

weeks away. \u201cMove, Jack, come on! MOVE!\u201d he shouted, but not one muscle moved<\/p>\n

on the creature. It stood in place as if made of stone. \u201cOk then, here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Raising a whip from the front seat high above his head, a high-pitched crack<\/p>\n

could be heard through the woods, silencing the busy creatures of the forest.<\/p>\n

Jack looked back at the boy lazily and began to plod along the forest homeward.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Jack was sluggish,<\/p>\n

making the ride home time-consuming. The spirited youth did not mind the delay.<\/p>\n

It gave him time to look around at the wonders of nature, observing all the<\/p>\n

animals scampering around the forest floor. It was always interesting and<\/p>\n

beautiful, especially the elegant way light shone through the various trees.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Tossing a scrap of<\/p>\n

his lunch from the back of his high perch, he smiled as squirrels swarmed the<\/p>\n

bread within seconds. The critters took turns fighting over it while a third<\/p>\n

slowly stole it away. Birds soon landed on the wagon to beg for a meal, which<\/p>\n

was granted, and they left with the crumbs.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As the sun died and<\/p>\n

the sky darkened, the treeline broke onto a farm: the Gremhyr farm. This sight<\/p>\n

was always inviting and reassuring. Atop the hill, overlooking his family<\/p>\n

homestead, two large fields ran up the hill to the forest’s edge. At the<\/p>\n

bottom, surrounded by trees, stood a log cabin. The cabin was not much, but it<\/p>\n

had been home for him for nearly eight cold seasons. All the things that meant<\/p>\n

the world to the silver-haired hunter were contained in this sanctuary. Tilting<\/p>\n

his head and standing to smile at a willow tree in the middle of the furthest<\/p>\n

field, he gave praise to the Gods and his father by bringing his hand to his<\/p>\n

heart, closing his eyes, and nodding before returning to his seat. It was hard<\/p>\n

to believe three winters had passed since that spring when the Gods called for<\/p>\n

his father\u2019s soul and stole him from this world.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As Jack slowly<\/p>\n

descended toward the cabin, the wind picked up, and a cold draft ran up the<\/p>\n

boy\u2019s back. Shivering, he put on his leather vest lined with wool. Looking<\/p>\n

toward the house, on the porch stood a woman, her hair tightly packed behind<\/p>\n

her head in a bun. Sporting a smile that shone brighter than the fading sun,<\/p>\n

her arms rose above her head as she began to wave to the wagon.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like he\u2019s<\/p>\n

come home for dinner, Cub,\u201d she smiled at a large shaggy dog that followed her<\/p>\n

onto the porch, watching as the wagon slowly pulled up to the side of the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny minute now.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cMomma!\u201d the boy<\/p>\n

cried, running from around the side of the house into her open arms. He loved<\/p>\n

her deeply. She smelled of baked goods and fresh bread, a hint at tonight\u2019s<\/p>\n

supper. Smiling up at her, ever since father\u2019s death, they had only each other.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cHatan, my little<\/p>\n

man! I see the hunt was fruitful. I don\u2019t think there will be too many nice<\/p>\n

days left; winter is upon us.\u201d Looking at him, then to the wagon, she<\/p>\n

continued, \u201cI will meet you around back. String it up there. The fires and Cub<\/p>\n

will make sure no wolves find a quick meal of it.\u201d Rubbing her chin, she<\/p>\n

exclaimed, to no one in particular, \u201cTwo days to hang.\u201d With that, she entered<\/p>\n

the house, Cub on her heels through the kitchen and out a small door behind the<\/p>\n

stairs. These led to the upper level of their house. She watched as Jack and<\/p>\n

Hatan pulled up.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Struggling at<\/p>\n

first, they managed to remove the ropes and pull it in, through rings of metal,<\/p>\n

and then attach it to another pulley system. They cranked the beast high, and<\/p>\n

under the upside-down beast was a bucket. Every piece of this gift would be<\/p>\n

used\u2014the blood, hide, bones, and guts. Smiling at one another, Hatan at last<\/p>\n

asked, \u201cIs that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cShould be! Go,<\/p>\n

unhitch Jack and wash up for dinner. It will be ready when you are.\u201d With this,<\/p>\n

she left Hatan and entered the house.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As a growing boy,<\/p>\n

he was always hungry; his mother had said this was only normal with a pit for a<\/p>\n

stomach. The running of the farm fell to him. The work and chores he enjoyed,<\/p>\n

making the animals happy. On top of this, it took the burden from his mother.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hatan unhitched<\/p>\n

Jack and led the stubborn ass into the barn. \u201cYou did good today, Jack, thank<\/p>\n

you for all your help,\u201d Hatan said softly as he pet and scratched behind his<\/p>\n

ears. \u201cI will be back after to feed all of you!\u201d He called back to all the<\/p>\n

animals as he retreated from the barn to the house for some food of his own.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Running from the<\/p>\n

stable to the house, he felt the cold air on his face. Before long, it would<\/p>\n

turn into a biting wind. The porch creaked as he jumped onto it, rushing to<\/p>\n

open the squeaky front door which protested and refused, for an instant.<\/p>\n

Kicking off his leather boots, he missed the woven rug as he hurried to a<\/p>\n

crafted wooden table in the middle room of their cabin. Waiting patiently for supper<\/p>\n

to come, he slowly slid into his chair and watched as his mother hefted a giant<\/p>\n

pot into the room. \u201cLooks like stew,\u201d thought Hatan as she entered, placing the<\/p>\n

pot on the table.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you clean up<\/p>\n

first? You won\u2019t get one spoonful if you didn\u2019t. Wash your hands, and is that<\/p>\n

dirt I see on your face?\u201d she scolded while stirring the liquid in the pot.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Raising his small<\/p>\n

frame quickly and running to the sink at the back of the house, he pumped a<\/p>\n

crank in the kitchen for fresh, cool water and mixed it with hot water,<\/p>\n

cleaning his hands and face of dirt and dust. \u201cDone!\u201d he yelled, rushing to the<\/p>\n

table on the other side of the house.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. You look<\/p>\n

like my son now, not a wood troll,\u201d she laughed, spooning some soup into<\/p>\n

Hatan\u2019s bowl.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks!\u201d His<\/p>\n

inhaling ritual started with reaching for his spoon.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWel\u2019come!\u201d she<\/p>\n

sang back.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hatan\u2019s mother<\/p>\n

watched as he spooned at the soup. She loved to make him happy. He was the only<\/p>\n

thing that had kept her sane these past three winters without her husband. The<\/p>\n

thought of him brought tears to her eyes. When she saw Hatan at play or<\/p>\n

working, he reminded her of Kenifo. She knew that as long as she had her son,<\/p>\n

there was always hope and a reason to smile.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong,<\/p>\n

Mom?\u201d Hatan had finished his first bowl and was loading up another.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 nothing, I\u2026 is<\/p>\n

it good? Do you like it?\u201d a bit disoriented after breaking free of her<\/p>\n

daydream.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s great.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you know! A<\/p>\n

little bit of toad and newt, maybe some bad potatoes,\u201d a smile began to form on<\/p>\n

her attractive face.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cSeriously? Well,<\/p>\n

no matter, I like it!\u201d starting a new bowl, \u201cI personally like the toad<\/p>\n

myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This sent his<\/p>\n

mother into a fit of laughter. He could always make her laugh. It was a gift to<\/p>\n

be proud of. Sometimes he felt sorry that there were no children around to play<\/p>\n

with, but when he thought he had no friends, mother had none either. Mother and<\/p>\n

himself had to work extra hard to survive. Once Hatan had finished thirds, he<\/p>\n

marched to the sink, discarding his wooden bowl and spoon. \u201cGot to feed the<\/p>\n

animals; they will want their dinner too.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful; it\u2019s<\/p>\n

dark out and cold. Wear your coat and take the axe with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYup!\u201d he replied,<\/p>\n

not really knowing what to be careful of. It was their farm, and the only thing<\/p>\n

to worry about was tripping and falling in the dark. He had thrown his coat on<\/p>\n

the ground last night, but it looked like it had found its peg, alright. The<\/p>\n

splitting axe was outside, leaning on the door. \u201cSee you soon, bye Momma!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hatan walked slowly to the stable, starting his chores, completely unaware of<\/p>\n

two sets of eyes watching him from the woodpile.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, guys, I\u2019m<\/p>\n

back. Time for dinner!\u201d he chanted, filling troughs. First, he fed the little<\/p>\n

animals: chickens, geese, turkeys; then the bigger animals: cows and J. Then<\/p>\n

there was only one animal left: Nightmare, his father\u2019s workhorse. The horse<\/p>\n

was massive and muscular. One of its legs was the size of Hatan. He hated<\/p>\n

feeding the beast; it was rude and never listened to him. It would kick and<\/p>\n

scare him. Nightmare only listened to his father, but since he had gone away,<\/p>\n

Nightmare listened to no one, doing as he pleased. As usual, the bully was<\/p>\n

ready for Hatan with his red eyes and black hide, staring him down. When he got<\/p>\n

the chance, he kicked at the walls, startling and causing the boy to drop all<\/p>\n

the meal. “Damn horse…” cursing under his breath about having to<\/p>\n

feed it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A scream! A<\/p>\n

horrible scream entered his ears.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

It was not<\/p>\n

unfamiliar, his mother\u2019s? Why? No one was in the house. Were there? Not<\/p>\n

thinking, he ran to the barn door, grabbing his axe. What was wrong with<\/p>\n

mother? Staying low as he sprinted from the barn, slowly creeping up to the<\/p>\n

front door and sliding it open just enough to avoid any of the creaks the door<\/p>\n

made, so he could enter unbeknownst, pulling open the door of a nearby closet,<\/p>\n

thinking to hide inside. Once opened, a black form fell out motionless.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“Cub!”<\/p>\n

Hatan gasped. The poor dog was decapitated. Struggling not to cry out, tears<\/p>\n

welled in his eyes. He heard voices but could not make them out. Moving closer,<\/p>\n

slowly and cautiously to hear them better, he noticed shadows in the dining<\/p>\n

room, at least two. Tiptoeing up to the doorway, he listened intently.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe deed! We know<\/p>\n

you have it; we just want this crappy land of yours,\u201d the voice was sly and wormy.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally now, we just want your livelihood, not your life. Seems our employer is<\/p>\n

interested in your stake here. I don\u2019t know why they would want a manure pit<\/p>\n

like this though.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you tell<\/p>\n

her, Leacver. All we want is the deeds; no one has to die.\u201d This voice was<\/p>\n

deeper.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe deed, bitch,<\/p>\n

or you die, and we will find your son, gut him too,\u201d the sound of a spit<\/p>\n

followed. \u201cYour man is dead. Nobody to save you, so how about we have a little<\/p>\n

fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A loud slap rang<\/p>\n

throughout the house.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cBitch! Fine, we<\/p>\n

will be having you then.\u201d Laughter erupted from the room; it was evil and<\/p>\n

horribly unpleasant.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hatan knew he had<\/p>\n

to act fast, but what would be the best way to jump these men? He had to save<\/p>\n

his mother, and it would have to be soon. There was no way around it. “I<\/p>\n

have to creep in and hope to catch one off guard,” he thought, gripping<\/p>\n

the axe tightly, his body shaking, struggling to stand. Sweat covered every<\/p>\n

part of his body as he prepared to choose a target; his axe knocked against the<\/p>\n

wall. The thud was loud. He waited, but the laughter continued and must have<\/p>\n

drowned it out.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, close\u2026\u201d he<\/p>\n

whispered, gasping for air, collecting himself, and preparing for the attack.<\/p>\n

Ready to pounce, but something held him still. A hand on his back, grabbed from<\/p>\n

behind. Trying to kick, punch, bite, and fight, but the grip was too strong.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cLet go, no\u2026 LET<\/p>\n

GO!\u201d Screaming and fighting, swinging in all directions, his eyes closed and<\/p>\n

his body stuck.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cAhh, so this must<\/p>\n

be your little boy, heh!\u201d It was the wormy voice.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

When Hatan\u2019s eyes<\/p>\n

had adjusted to the light, he saw his mother sitting in a chair. Her hair was<\/p>\n

down around her shoulders, and her blouse had been torn from the shoulder down<\/p>\n

to her legs. Her beautiful fair face now showed bruising, and her nose was bleeding.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother!\u201d gasped Hatan.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, boy\u2026\u201d the<\/p>\n

wormy man, slim and tall, moved like a snake. This must be Leacver. \u201cTell us,<\/p>\n

where is the deed to this shack, or\u2026\u201d he picked up Hatan\u2019s mother and hugged<\/p>\n

her tightly, placing a knife to her throat, \u201cshe dies.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cMother! I don\u2019t<\/p>\n

know where the deed is, please. Let her go!\u201d pleaded Hatan. He looked up at the<\/p>\n

man holding him. He was a mountain, a giant; he looked as if he could crush him<\/p>\n

in an instant. The slim bandit held his mother tighter and seemed to be<\/p>\n

enjoying this. Hatan\u2019s vision began to blur; he felt tears in his eyes. He<\/p>\n

tried to fight them back for his mother\u2019s sake, but they would not stop.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, boy! You got<\/p>\n

five seconds, fair. You tell me where the deed is, or we kill you and mommy.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice was hollow, cold, lifeless.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“He will do<\/p>\n

it, he will kill Momma. I don\u2019t know where the deed is, I have no idea. Mother,<\/p>\n

Father never told me. Mother, why is this happening?” Thoughts flooded<\/p>\n

Hatan’s mind, but he could not see how to save his mother. Tears streamed down<\/p>\n

his face; the thought of losing his mother was too much to bear, his head hurt,<\/p>\n

and his body was limp.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“Don\u2019t worry,<\/p>\n

Hatan, my son,” the voice was like beautiful music to his ears.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“Momma!”<\/p>\n

He whispered as he looked at her. She was smiling. At a time like this, with a<\/p>\n

knife to her throat, she smiled. Why? She can\u2019t die; they can\u2019t take away the<\/p>\n

last important person to me.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cFour,\u201d Leacver<\/p>\n

chimed.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,<\/p>\n

Hatan, I will be with father!\u201d Her eyes continued to fill with tears.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cMother, no,<\/p>\n

please, tell them where the deed is,\u201d Hatan pleaded.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

She only shook her<\/p>\n

head and went limp. Her eyes fixed on Hatan, and her smile never left her face.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThree,\u201d the<\/p>\n

countdown continued.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, stop, please,<\/p>\n

let her go!\u201d screamed Hatan. Thoughts rushed through his head, his life, his<\/p>\n

world falling around him. He would never be able to have his mother\u2019s bread,<\/p>\n

her hugs, her smell, and her love.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo! Getting<\/p>\n

closer to her death, boy, better talk and stop crying!\u201d He seemed to chuckle as<\/p>\n

he relayed this to the frightened boy.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no regrets.<\/p>\n

Hatan, I will always love you. Be strong and never forget who you are.\u201d The<\/p>\n

smile remained, and acceptance was plastered on her beautiful face.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cMother! No,<\/p>\n

please, you can\u2019t die, Mother!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cOne!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hatan could not<\/p>\n

contain it any longer; he screamed at the top of his lungs, \u201cSTOP!\u201d As tears<\/p>\n

ran down his face, pouring from his red eyes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, boy, do you<\/p>\n

want to tell me where the deed is?\u201d The man released Hatan\u2019s mother a little.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell you\u2026<\/p>\n

I was never told,\u201d Hatan said with conviction.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cToo bad, and now,<\/p>\n

she dies!\u201d With that, the man easily brought the knife to the right side of her<\/p>\n

throat and plunged it in. Crimson shot out and covered the floor; the screams<\/p>\n

of the boy could be heard through the woods, but no one could help. The act was<\/p>\n

fast as the knife quickly cut a line in her throat, and with it ran a waterfall<\/p>\n

of red liquid. Her body fell to the ground with a soft thud, and her eyes began<\/p>\n

to lose their sweet glow.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hatan struggled to<\/p>\n

be free. To touch his mother, but he could not; he watched as she fell. It<\/p>\n

seemed like an eternity as she floated to the ground. Still, as he looked at<\/p>\n

her, her face housed its smile. She was dying, laying there, and Hatan could do<\/p>\n

nothing but cry for her. \u201cMother…\u201d he moaned over and over through his tears.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNow it\u2019s your<\/p>\n

turn, boy.\u201d His tongue was licking the wet red blade. The snake slowly bore<\/p>\n

down on Hatan.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The fear and pain<\/p>\n

Hatan felt that moment, he knew would never heal. There was no way to avenge<\/p>\n

his mother\u2019s death. He was going to die here along with his mother. Maybe he<\/p>\n

would get to be with them in death. His father and mother, all of them<\/p>\n

together, again.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give up!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d a voice<\/p>\n

sang in his ear. \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cDeath will change<\/p>\n

nothing. She died for us. Can you feel that fire inside you?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cFire?\u201d Hatan had<\/p>\n

only asked, and he could feel a small burning in his gut. \u201cYes, I can feel it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Forgetting about the bandits, he concentrated on that little fire that was now<\/p>\n

building inside him, expanding. Adding his sadness and rage seemed to<\/p>\n

strengthen the flame. Emotions fed the flames, so he fed it his fear, anxiety,<\/p>\n

loneliness, and weakness until his head hurt and body burned. Hatan thought of<\/p>\n

nothing else but strengthening the fire, and soon all he felt was the warmth of<\/p>\n

bright green flames. \u201cIt burns, it hurts\u2026\u201d he screamed in his head.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The lanky bandit<\/p>\n

was only two steps away from him and flipped the dagger in his hand.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hatan began a chant<\/p>\n

softly and quietly. Opening his eyes to find that the tall bandit has stopped<\/p>\n

advancing, he looked frightened. Why should he be afraid? Freeing one arm and<\/p>\n

looked at his hand. The hand was not his; they were the hands of a skeleton<\/p>\n

engulfed in green flames. His face in the blade of the dagger showed colorless<\/p>\n

eyes. \u201cWhat madness is this?\u201d Terrified of the transformation and sudden<\/p>\n

changes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hatan had never<\/p>\n

dreamt of having power. However, if he could use this to kill the bastards that<\/p>\n

took his mother\u2019s life. It would be used to its full potential. The fire burned<\/p>\n

his hand; he did not move it; suffering any pain for his mother. In no time,<\/p>\n

the burning was but a memory.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The big mountain of<\/p>\n

a man had felt the burn and let go of the bewitched child. Looking at his arm<\/p>\n

and saw a small handprint. Slowly flesh began to bubble and burn away. \u201cHelp!<\/p>\n

Leacver! Help me\u2026 the pain is\u2026!\u201d His screams filled the house and frightened<\/p>\n

his companion. Who could do nothing! The Huge Man felt the burning hellfire<\/p>\n

move through his arm, fast entering his chest, exploding all through his body.<\/p>\n

Falling to his knees screaming, holding his chest, choking on the taste of iron<\/p>\n

and liquid that now filled his throat, unable to breathe; the last thing he<\/p>\n

ever saw was the smile on Hatan\u2019s face before his eyes disintegrated. Within minutes<\/p>\n

the huge bulk of a man had been turned into nothing more than dust. Leacver<\/p>\n

looked at the boy with terror.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

“Now it\u2019s your<\/p>\n

turn.” Hatan was now engulfed in green flames; they did not burn; they<\/p>\n

tingled, and he felt himself flying.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat trick is<\/p>\n

this? You can kill a man with a touch and hover over the ground like a spirit!\u201d<\/p>\n

Leacver tried to stay collected but could not stop from trembling. He knew the<\/p>\n

only way he would live would be to cut this boy down. Reaching for his<\/p>\n

broadsword and unsheathing it, he lunged at the hovering boy. Hatan easily<\/p>\n

sidestepped, sending his attacker off balance. Next came a horizontal slash<\/p>\n

with a clang. Leacver opened his eyes and saw that the boy had stopped his<\/p>\n

attack with the aura that surrounded him. The smirk on the boy’s face was<\/p>\n

horribly evil.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will not die<\/p>\n

by my hands. You will die by the hand of the one whose life you have taken!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hatan\u2019s ghostly voice sounded throughout the room, and the eerie green glow of<\/p>\n

his aura added to the effect of terror. Easily hovering over to his mother\u2019s<\/p>\n

side and touched her. \u201cMother,\u201d like a dream, he had no control and was only<\/p>\n

able to watch. As if this was happening on a stage, a play, or a show, his<\/p>\n

voice was even and collected. This must be a dream. Hatan tried to think of his<\/p>\n

mother, how she would run and walk, opening his eyes to once again look upon<\/p>\n

his mother’s corpse.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The body moved! It<\/p>\n

shifted from one side to another and started to convulse. The corpse stopped<\/p>\n

shifting and slowly stood up. Her head cocked to one side, and her face was<\/p>\n

smiling. With this, the corpse tried its footing and took two steps, then<\/p>\n

looking back at its master, it nodded. By bringing in its arms and squatting,<\/p>\n

the lifeless corpse let free a powerful scream. She pushed her arms out wide,<\/p>\n

eyeing the tall, long sword that the mountain man had as a weapon now lying in<\/p>\n

a pile of dust and ash.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cOh shit! No,<\/p>\n

never. Impossible!\u201d Screamed Leacver as he looked at her, still with an open<\/p>\n

neck wound and the front of her blouse and apron covered in blood. Her eyes<\/p>\n

empty, no spark of life, no fear.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

His mother moved<\/p>\n

like she had in life. Crouching, the reanimated corpse aimed at Leacver.<\/p>\n

Charging in without a weapon, she punched out with tremendous speed; barely<\/p>\n

able to block the attack, Leacver rolled to the side. But it was not the<\/p>\n

snake-like man she was after but the huge sword his companion carried.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no way<\/p>\n

you can lift that, you dead bitch!\u201d Leacver laughed.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Smiling, looking<\/p>\n

over at him, and with one hand, she easily picked up the sword and gave it a<\/p>\n

spin.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cShit!\u201d Eyes wide,<\/p>\n

the bandit entered a weak defensive stance.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With a flick of the<\/p>\n

wrist and a jump, clearing easily the six-foot difference between them, she<\/p>\n

twirled the huge sword around, attacking Leacver from every direction; all he<\/p>\n

could do was dance and block the strong attacks. The incredibly powerful<\/p>\n

attacks were wearing him down, his arms numb. Knowing that if he was hit, it<\/p>\n

would easily cut him in two. Finally, an opening, lifting the huge sword over<\/p>\n

her head, he knew it was now or never. Lunging at the gut, he cut her across<\/p>\n

the chest, her intestines falling to the floor.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The corpse stood<\/p>\n

there and looked to her master. Hatan nodded. \u201cFinish this!\u201d he said dryly.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With that, Leacver<\/p>\n

was run through and pushed against the back wall. The bandit impaled; his blood<\/p>\n

ran off the sword’s hilt and crossbar down the wall, forming a puddle on the<\/p>\n

floor. Letting go of the blade, she turned to Hatan for orders.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Clinging to the<\/p>\n

blade desperately, trying to move it, hoping to free himself, and finally with<\/p>\n

no strength left to move the blade, he closed his hands as firmly as he could<\/p>\n

around it. The room seemed to darken by the second.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With a nod, he<\/p>\n

heard \u201cexplode\u201d faintly in his mind and watched a scene that no living person<\/p>\n

should endure.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Grabbing hold of<\/p>\n

Leacver and embracing him tightly. Looking deeply into his eyes, her lifeless<\/p>\n

eyes and happy smile would be the last thing he saw. It haunted him so that he<\/p>\n

evacuated his bladder. She howled as a green glow from inside her chest slowly<\/p>\n

grew. Exploding moments later, bones embedded themselves inside him, and he<\/p>\n

died upon impact. The room was destroyed and dirtied by blood and gore. The<\/p>\n

power Hatan housed dispersed. No longer was he hovering, feeling faint, trying<\/p>\n

to regain control but could not, blacking out.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hearing the<\/p>\n

screams, an owl landed on the steps of the Gremhyr porch. Slowly a light<\/p>\n

started in its chest and surrounded it. Wings became arms and talons legs. In<\/p>\n

what seemed like an instant, a man stood in place of the owl, holding a wooden<\/p>\n

staff and robed in dirt green. A silver wolf pelt was draped around his<\/p>\n

shoulders. Smelling the air, his face warped into a disgusted look. \u201cDeath,<\/p>\n

something foul has happened at this cabin.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Entering, he<\/p>\n

sighted at the dog and gave his blessing as vines reached up from the floor and<\/p>\n

returned the animal to the earth. \u201cYou are now at peace, my brother. Return to<\/p>\n

the elder tree, return to our mother.\u201d Moving into the next room, staff raised,<\/p>\n

he paused and removed his hood. The sight before him was unexpected. A boy lay<\/p>\n

in the center of the room, a pile of ash at his feet. A bandit pinned to the<\/p>\n

wall and bones embedded in his body, an apron at his feet. What had transpired<\/p>\n

in this room was the work of a mage, and the only surviving member was this<\/p>\n

boy. Taking the boy in his arms, he ascended the stairs and picked the nearest<\/p>\n

room to tuck him in. Leaving, he made his way to the porch and sighed. The<\/p>\n

sound of wind through the branches of a willow in a field caught his attention.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Moments later, a smile formed on his lips, and<\/p>\n

he stroked his long brown beard. Taking a seat in an old rocker left on the<\/p>\n

porch, he readied a pipe to smoke the night away. \u201cSo as the father, the son<\/p>\n

continues the gifts of his family. I will watch him this night out of respect.<\/p>\n

But your boy is not my concern\u2026 Kenifo.\u201d Filling his pipe, a thought made him<\/p>\n

look northwest. \u201cI won\u2019t let him be a new vessel for her either.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Crimson Heritage Back to Author Chapter. 1 Tracking an elusive herd of white-tail had brought him to this spot: a clearing hidden in the trees, where a slight hill overlooked a vantage point. It was the perfect position to spot his coming prey and line up a killing shot. He checked his bow and quiver, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"brizy-blank-template.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-198","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/198","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=198"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/198\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":210,"href":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/198\/revisions\/210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homespunhippo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}