Chapter 4 - Childhood (3)

"I've surely hit him behind!"

Daniel kicked a small pebble out of frustration on his path. He pulled out an arrow from his quiver, secured tightly on his back. This time it will get me a game, he thought. Looking around, he searched for an animal to hunt, his eyes deep and alert. Suddenly, the sound of a wooden stick snapping entered his ears. To his east, he swiftly aimed his bow and pulled the string, ready to shit. Ready to kill. His grandfather told him to never hesitate and so he did. Little did he know that it wasn't a prey he shot, but a young wolf; starving and aggressive. The arrow pierced through its underbelly, and the young wolf wailed with pain, its eyes turned bloodshot, staring straight right through him. Although wounded, he knew his own strength, and death awaits him if he face this beast recklessly. He turned his head around and saw nobody behind him, it seems he got separated from the group when he chased the fawn he had almost killed earlier.

"Help! Help!" He shouted over and over again as he began to run, discarding his bow during the moment to decrease weight.

The young wolf chased him from behind, leaving a bloody trail while their distance shortened as time goes by. Finally, he was able to reach the road, but no sign of humans could be seen. He reached out for the knife strapped on his waist and put on a defensive position then he and the wolf went off a standoff. His eyes watched for any sign the wolf starts lunging forward as he spoke, "It's either me or you." The young wolf growled in response. At this time, he could see the fatigue over the wolf's eyes, and the toll of its bloody wound sapping its strength. Would it drop dead if they just stay like this? Surely it is abiding for its last strike. His arms tensed all of a sudden, feeling pressure from the wolf. It began an ear-piercing howl, he wanted to cover both his ears but he knew it's about to strike.

"You damn beast!"

The young wolf exploded in strength, leaping towards him, the wound on its belly tore open due to forcing its body, blood spilled while it was in the air. Daniel knew if he slash or stabs the beast, he wouldn't be able to kill it instantly. "Ah!" Imitating the beast's howl, he blocked its mouth with his left wrist, its sharp teeth piercing right through, his hand grabbed the wolf's jaw with the intention to never let go. His flesh could thoroughly be seen, nonetheless, he succeeded in rooting the beast, it became a tug of war between him and the wolf while it tried to get away. "Bastard," he hissed. Stabbing the dagger in his right hand through the wolf's eye, it wailed and he kept on stabbing. In a moment of excitement, he lost his grip over the wolf's jaw, it swung its head and Daniel got flung to the side. "Gah!" He shouted, landing on the ground with his bottom, his eyes never stopped staring at the beast, right until it weakly fell.

There was no strength in Daniel left, he could only tear off a piece of cloth from his tunic and use it to bandage his wound lest it gets infected. Yet when his hand touched the wound, light shone from it and he felt a warm soothing feeling, then a searing pain that made him yowl, and it felt empty. Removing the hand covering his wound, he saw no sign of its previous state, no wound, no blood or anything, just his perfectly healthy wrist. "Amazing," he murmured. Is this the light? He observed both his hands, twisting them back and forth.

"Daniel! My child!" Soon shouts sounded from afar. Daniel responded, "I'm here!" Not long after, Anduin and the others appeared, their faces fraught with worry. Elaine ran towards him, tears trickling down from her eyes, she firmly hugged the boy. "Did you kill this pup, lad?" Daelin asked. His tone contained surprise and amazement, imagining the fierce bout between a young boy and a wolf cub. Bloody and ruthless; words that could only describe the damage inflicted on the wolf, he gazed at Daniel and saw the boy nod his head. "And the blood on its fangs, yours?" Once again, Daniel nodded. Anduin then strode forward, and gently grabbed Daniel, he checked every nook and cranny of the boy's body. "How could this be, what happened to your wound?" His voice contained confusion. Everyone, including Lord Daelin and Lady Katriana, Derek, Jaina, and Elaine stared at Daniel; wondering how he was unharmed when he claimed to be wounded. Though before Daniel could explain, Jaina spoke with her childish voice, "Are you okay, Dani?" She walked forward from behind her mother, and stood in front of Daniel, perturbed; her brows creased as she stared at him.

"I'm fine, Jaina," Daniel pinched her cheeks. He freed himself from his mother's grasp, then explained his circumstances. "I... touched my wrist and a light shone all over it. There was a warm feeling gushing over my wound, then it turned painful. It made me shout! The last thing I knew, there was no wound anymore."

Elaine covered her mouth with both hands, "By the light." She remembered the words Archbishop Faol, revealing the vision he had dreamt. His words portraying the scene of Daniel in a duel against a frightening demon of old.

"Mother?"

"Light chose you, my boy. The archbishop was right," Anduin said, his tone mixed with delight. While ruffling Daniel's head, he said, "Anyway, I'm glad you're safe, my boy."

"How could I not be. I still want to explore the world!"

"Ah, a true Kul Tiran," Daelin interjected.

"Of course, to explore new lands for you, my lord," Daniel said, albeit, flatteringly.

Daelin laughed along with everyone. The young lord Stormsong, an explorer under the Proudmoores? It was ironic. His friend, Anduin, would beat him if he really did employ Daniel. "We should continue forward. This time, stay close and don't leave our sights, lad." Daelin said.

"Understood, my lord." Daniel walked beside his mother, while she held Jaina in her arms. To his annoyance, guards were placed by Anduin to guard him and the two. Derek wanted to walk with his friend and sister but was brought along by Daelin and Anduin as they strode off with some guards to find a place to camp for the day. They continued to follow the path up until a horseman bearing Proudmoore's crest, rode over and reported to Lady Katherine. "My Lady, the lords have found a place to encamp. We have already cleared the place of any beast and I have been tasked to lead the way." Katherine responded positively, ordering him to do as he was told. They were led outside the forest, reaching a small valley with a river flowing through, leading to Brennadam. A camp was being built upon the riverside, most men were preparing the tents while some tend to cook their games on the campfire. The arrival of Lady Katherine, Elaine, Jaina, Derek, Daniel, and the band of guards that accompanied them, boosted the speed of building the camp.

Later in the night. Daniel and Derek sat on a bench made from a wooden trunk. Everyone was soundly asleep inside their tents. Guards took turns over the night watch, patrolling the periphery of the camp, a polearm in hand, armed and ready. The young lords stared at the fire, embers deeply reflected onto their eyes, enjoying the warmth it brought amidst the midsummer's night. "I heard you're heading down south to Stormwind right after the winter veil feast," Derek said after munching on a fawn's juicy leg. "Is it true?"

"Yeah. They're sending me to take an apprenticeship under Lord Medivh." Daniel turned towards Derek, staring at his eyes, he said. "Have you heard of him?"

"The Guardian. And the greatest wizard to ever live! Of course, I do." Amazed, Derek took a big bite of meat. "I'm happy for you, Daniel. Will you be my court wizard, young sire?" Using the manliest voice he could muster, Derek spoke teasingly.

"Cut it off, Derek. My father would kick my rear if I ever become a wizard under someone. You know... He has high hopes for me. Hopes to inherit this land."

"Then be my most trusted ally."

"Always, Derek. I will always have your back." Daniel swore. He clenched his hand into a fist and placed it against his chest.

"I'm glad to have you as my best friend." Derek clapped Daniel on the shoulder. "I swear once I am seated as head of my house- the Proudmoores will be your greatest ally." He clenched his hand into a fist and raised it in front of Daniel.

Daniel smiled at him. "And the Stormsongs too." In response, he did the same and bump his fist against Derek's. "Brothers!" They spoke in unison. Tonight a promise of friendship between two noble houses of Kul Tiras was born, and the north and central parts of Kul Tiras will usher forth into a strong bond in the near future.

"It's time to sleep, brother. We have much hunting to do in the morning," Derek stood up, patted the dust off his bottoms. "Derek?" A sweet childish voice came from behind them, the two simultaneously turned around and saw a little girl, yawning and rubbing her eyes.

Surprised, Derek walked in front of his sister and wipe the lingering drool on her lips. "Shouldn't you be asleep, Dear Jaina?" He gently grabbed her hand and spoke as he led her towards Daniel. "Come here then, let's chat until drowsiness." Jaina looked at him curiously, she was unfamiliar with the words, yet nonetheless, nodded. "Hello, Dani," she greeted, standing in front of the boy. Daniel lifted her up and placed her to his left, once again, he intimately pinched her cheeks and she giggled in response. "I'm sorry, Daniel. I know you're about to sleep too but can you stay with us?" Derek apologized. The place was soon filled with the giggling of a child, Jaina laughed till her tears ran out, jokes were thrown here and there by Daniel. Although they were mostly dad jokes he heard from Anduin, contrary to Jaina it made Derek smile stiffly all the time, he still continued on since he has an avid listener.

Tired from laughing, Jaina rested her head on Daniel's arms, she asked. "Are you attending the feast, Dani?"

"A feast, you say?" Daniel looked at Derek for an answer.

"This winter veil."

Turning his gaze back to Jaina, Daniel said. "Ah, of course. Do you want to be my partner?" Jaina nods her head against his arms, acknowledging his question. "I shall accompany you then, princess."

And summer ended as time went on. Through his experience during the summer, Daniel often went with his grandfather to hunt in the woods. His first battle made him thrill for more, and so he did. Fighting more wolf pups with the guidance of his grandfather, and at the same time improving both his archery and swordsmanship. Derek did not go back to Boralus with his family, he underwent training with his friend under the watch of Anduin Lothar, both of them strived to defeat each other in a spar. At first, Derek had the sheer advantage due to his size and age, until weeks has passed, and Daniel had grown accustomed to his movements; therefore making them a match, leading to most of their sparring resulting in a draw.

In winter, the land of Kul Tiras was covered with snow. Its roads riddled with travelers on their way to Boralus, spending their winter veil in the city's festival. All nobles are required to attend the feast in Proudmoore keep, while those who couldn't, would send a representative. Today, a joyful air permeated all around the city of Boralus, winter ornaments were hung up on the streets, and troubadours sang on each corner; from the smallest of inns to Unity square, their voices entertained every commoner and noble alike. A caravan bearing Stormsong's crest entered through the northwestern gate, passing by Proudmoore Barracks as it drove along the road. Elite Stormsong guards surrounded it, keeping the commoners from approaching their lords. They continued on until they reached a large bridge between two towers on each side that connects the northern and southern lands of Boralus. Large cannons were placed on each side, deterring those reckless fools who dare to approach the city with malice. On these very walls were the great Proudmoore guards, patrolling the city with great pride despite the cold winter.

Daniel unveiled the curtain inside the caravan, admiring the great gate of the city's harbor. Many small galleons sailed across the canals, leading towards the keep, while the large ones makes their berth in the harbor. He heard the cries of Tiragarde gulls overhead, flying around the skies of the city. Moments later, they passed through the keep yet continued onwards to Unity Square, a large plaza where the sigil of the four ruling houses hanged upon its walls; Stormsong, Waycrest, Proudmoore, and Ashvane. A large crowd assembled in front of a preaching tidesage, standing on a stage at the center of the plaza, his voice carrying great charisma as he spoke. The tidesage bowed deeply at the sight of their caravan, hence everyone turned around and followed suit. Elaine went down the carriage with Daniel, the boy waved at them, delighting the masses. She then walked to the stage, first speaking a few pleasantries with the tidesage then conveyed words of blessings from their house. After that, they returned inside the carriage, where Anduin and Derek awaits. Then, the caravan turned around and finally stopped right outside the stairs to Proudmoore keep. Upon their arrival, Lord Daelin and Lady Katherine, with Jaina in tow, standing up the stairs. With a bright smile, Daelin greeted them.

"Finally you have all arrived! It's a great joy to see you, Anduin. Lady Elaine and Daniel too, of course. My dear Jaina was excited to hear your arrival. Come along now, I had the servants prepare your room already." He then looked at Derek, saying. "You've grown tall and stronger, my boy. I'm very happy to see your progress under the tutelage of my friend."

In days to come, a great celebration is about to begin.