The Brotherhood

PROLOGUE

The 659th Annual Brotherhood Games, Winter Solstice, 2019

His legs were aching from the strain. Blood leaked like a broken tap from the wound in his gut. Sweat dripped from his scalp and porous face, making the urge to scratch the itch urgent. Ignoring it as best as he could, Kaeus tightened his death-like grip on the talisman. He had to get away as fast as possible. The reality of the brotherhood had to be revealed or the entire dark world and its beloved creatures were in grievous peril. Behind him, the gorgon hound was hot on his heels. Remembering an incantation for speed, he breathed it out in gasps. Suddenly he was propelled forward at a teeth-jarring speed. Fear and adrenaline combined with the magic in his veins and with a sharp groan, he continued his neck-breaking pace. He saw the inosculation up ahead and changed his direction. Once he crossed the thick oak trunk, he'd be safe. For a while at least. With a loud yell, he jumped into the portal and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he saw the well lit room with candles and a thick stone fireplace, his cabinet of potions and Yvette. He stumbled towards Yvette and whispered a spell. Blowing his tepid breath onto her forehead, he whispered, "Remember what I say. It is you who will have to tell them now!" She blinked at him and he held his breath. Finally, she nodded. Without warning, an icy blast of air sniffed out all the candles. They were here. Knowing he didn't have much time, he looked at Yvette. He placed the talisman between his palms and began intoning. His words were a mere whisper but Yvette heard every locution as clearly as still water. He finished his narrative and cleared his throat. A loud growl penetrated the thick cement and wood of the cottage. He sighed and Yvette's eyes turned glassy. A lone tear fell from their black depths. Kaeus placed the locket around Yvette's neck and kissed her forehead. "Go! Go now!" Within seconds, Yvette was gone, leaving Kaeus alone in the icy room. Kaues took the last remaining copy of the book. The door began to rattle and brick began to crumble.

"O tenebris copias, ego mittitur a carmine in hoc mihi numquam invenitur, ut qui quaerere, sed dari, ut qui opus! Unum tantum removere potest, hoc maledictum, ut ipse sit vere dignum!"

The door crashed inwards and the walls crumbled. When Kaeus opened his eyes, the book was gone, but right in front of him was death itself...