Exar's Sacrifice

The jewel hung from its golden chain around Exar's neck, bouncing to and fro while he rode on his beautiful war horse. The gem glittered and showed its intense purple and blue coloring despite it being midnight. In fact, you wouldn't even be able tell it was that late because the bright Krondorian moon was out, with no clouds to hinder its beauty. Not even the thick Arthian forests blocked out its light.

Klaus, Exar's faithful squire, broke the night silence. "Sir, what is so great about that gem anyway?" Klaus was a young lad, around thirteen or fourteen, so he still did not know or understand all of his history.

"Well this mere 'gem' as you call it is hardly a piece of worthless jewelry. It was forged by the Dwarves in the mountain of Saniactis..." He cut short, realizing he had already lost the boy in his speech.

"Has your tutor ever taught you about the Dwarves?" The young boy nodded, but still had an inquisitive nature about him.

"Well, have you learned about the Dwarves from Saniactis?" The boy then shook his head. "Hmm, interesting; I learned about them when I was just a babe, listening to tales told by my grandpa while I sat on his lap, but alas! I must carry on with the story.

"It has always been said that the Dwarves were magical, and cast spells on the jewelry and other items that they forged. Well, the Dwarves from Saniactis are said to have even more powerful magic 'cause they are from a direct lineage of their god, Nrsir. This particular gem was blessed with many powers though, because it was to be a gift for the mortal demi-god Diodorian. As even you would surely know, Diodorian was ambushed by Orcs while he was on his way to become an immortal, a gift given by the gods only to a very, very small amount of people that have performed outstanding feats of courage or faithfulness to them..."

"Oooh! What powers does it grant the possessor?" the boy shouted, suddenly rather interested in this 'gem.'

Exar laughed, "Ha, I knew you would be interested once I spoke of its enchanted powers! It grants the wearer several "powers" actually. First, it increases the owner's senses. Second, it grants the wearer with long life. Some would even go as far to say that they become immortal, and that that is how the god's were to make Diodorian an immortal being. Of course, the wearer can still die in battle, but otherwise they will live for...forever. Third, and last, it also grants the wearer great wisdom, which is a wonderful gift to posses. Now this gem is not evil, but has created many evil, greedy men in its past. I however will not end up like them.

What Exar failed to tell him though was the ring's secret power, not know to many other than the owner's of the amulet. But when a person of willing heart gives up his life to a dying or dead one, that person will be fully healed, while the original wearer will be stripped of their life.

A scream nearby shattered all happiness set by the young boy's excitement. Fidemir, Exar's good friend, and second-in-command, fell dead from his horse, a large feathered arrow sticking from his chest. Orcs burst from the nearby brush-it was an ambush!

Suddenly, and before he could act, Exar's horse was cut from underneath him. He withdrew his sword and swiped off the attacker's head. He skilfully cut down a few more, when he heard a terrible scream from Klaus.He tried to rush to the boy's aid, but was stopped by the remaining Orcs. They had already killed all of Exar's unexpecting men, but that did not slow him down.

Out of anger, he quickly and skilfully killed all of them, littering the nearby ground with their slashed and torn corpses.

He ran to Klaus' side as fast as he could. When he got there, he realized the boy was pinned to an oak tree with several arrows. He as also covered with small slash marks. The boy only let out a small cry, despite all his obvious pain.

Tears came to Exar's eyes; this day would come; he knew it would, because he had been told by a prophet. He would pass on his kingdom to a mere squire. But Exar was not ashamed, in fact he had secretly prayed that it would be Klaus.

Exar reached out, and withdrew all the arrows from Klaus' body and quickly before Klaus could argue, pulled off the amulet and fastened around the boy's neck.

"I never had a boy, but I give up my kingdom to you Klaus, take care of it."
He looked down at his cloak, and realized it was damp with blood. Exar smiled, and fell with a soft thump to the forest floor.

Well, I hope you liked it, and there's more to come. I'm also thinking of integrating this into the mythology for the books I am writing. Check back for more from the Tales of Kaldhia series.