Chronicles Of Darkness: Book One

The young man felt a warm and gentle touch against his cheek. His eyes opened slowly and he looked into his mother's lovingly smiling face.

"Mama... what... how is that possible... you... you are..." he stuttered in astonishment.

Helena placed an index finger against his lips to silence him before she motioned to make him listen to her.

"Everything you loved was taken away from you
blinded by your grief you are walking a thin line
the abyss is right in front of you
it calls to you and wants to embrace you
don't look down you have to overcome it

Keep the faith, my child
trust and believe in yourself
don't give in to despair
as long as a new day is dawning
and the golden sun rises
there will always be hope

A veil of darkness is covering your eyes
sorrow and pain has conquered your soul
your heart is wrapped up in iron chains
no chance for it to break free
anger and hate are coursing hotly through your veins

Keep the faith, my child
trust and believe in yourself
don't give in to despair
as long as a new day is dawning
and the golden sun rises
there will always be hope

A cruel betrayal closed your heart to love
numb, you live only to fight evil
a vow, screamed into the night is what keeps you going
death and destruction are what you leave behind
on your lonely road of vengeance

Keep the faith, my child
trust and believe in yourself
don't give in to despair
as long as a new day is dawning
and the golden sun rises
there will always be hope."

His mother's face turned blurry and faded from his view as Kyrian awoke. He rose from his bedroll and stretched. Then he went to Nightshade and stroked the neck of his trusty companion. Kyrian leaned his forehead against his horse's head. Hot tears burnt in his eyes and he whispered in a broken voice, "I've seen Mama in my dreams again, like every night for five years. And every time my heart grows more heavy. If only I wouldn't have been such a damn fool!"

For a while he kept this position and dark thoughts wandered through his mind. Once more he patted Nightshade's neck and let go of the horse. "Let's go, my friend."

"Yes, yes. I know. Breakfast first." The young hunter gazed at the interior of his saddlebags and shook his head. "As soon as we reach the next village or settlement we have to get more supplies. Maybe we can even get a map of the area we are at, because frankly I have not the slightest idea where exactly we are.

But Nightshade wasn't interested in his master's sayings. Greedily he reached for a carrot, which Kyrian had just fetched from the saddlebags.

After Kyrian had washed down a piece of stale bread with some spring water, he packed up the camp and climbed on Nightshade's back. The images of his dream and his mother's voice were still echoing through his mind. Unconsciously his hand went into his coat's pocket and closed tightly around Helena's silvery bracelet.

"You are right, Mama. As long as the sun rises every day there will always be hope. I will find Skylar, Mama. And I will never give up until my vow is fulfilled."