Lost and All Alone

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan rode through the snow on his stolen horse. It was a big muscular war horse made for these conditions. However despite how big it was Ivan decided to name it Rosie. Never the less Ivan rode Rosie through the snow in the mountains. It was a cold day, but that wasn't really a surprise in Illia. Ivan pulled his scarf closer to his face trying to keep warm but without success.

It was getting late and visibility was decreasing. However he had to keep trudging on. Ivan looked around at the mountain tops. They were monstrous and their shadows seemed to be a blanket that covered all of Illia. Ivan shivered and hunched his shoulders. He should have never ran away from the army. It was too late now, he couldn't go back. Ivan had one destination on mind and that was an inn that was supposed to be somewhere in the mountains north from where he was. However that's all the information he had. He was just wandering through the mountains cold and alone. And another thing he couldn't place his mind on. His stomach started rumbling and he remembered that he hadn't eaten since his loaf of bread with jam and water for breakfast.

Ivan looked around as if someone would jump out of the bushes. No one did, so he decided to sit down in the snow and have some dinner. Ivan dismounted Rosie, letting the horse have a break as well. Ivan opened up his sack of supplies, and took out some bread and fresh water. He would have started a fire as well, however the only time he had ever started a fire was in the army and he had help. Plus he had burned himself three times in the process. Ivan took a bite of his bread and chewed slowly savoring it. He was running low on bread so he had to conserve it.

Rosie had decided to lay down under a tree a little ways away from Ivan. He was sure the horse would be hungry too so Ivan got up and gave the horse a half of piece of bread. The horse didn't touch it for a couple minutes, then ate it and fell asleep.

Ivan yawned, he was getting tired as well. He finished eating and then packed up his things. He pulled out a feather pillow from his sack and went over to where his horse was. Ivan laid down and curled up with his horse to keep warm. He rested his head on the pillow and closed his eyes. Ivan was still cold however, so he reached in his sack again and pulled out a blanket. Ivan put the blanked over him and laid down again. Ivan closed his eyes, thinking about his family and how he missed them. His only friend now was his horse which he stole. A tear slid down Ivan's cheek as he tried to sleep but couldn't. He felt like he had no purpose in his life. Ivan curled up in his blanket and cried himself to sleep.

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan awoke with tear stains on his armor and scarf. He sat up and looked at his horse, who was still sleeping. Ivan looked up to the sky, it had stopped snowing, and the sun was not yet up. Ivan guessed it was about six o'clock. Ivan reached back and patted Rosie's mane. Rosie woke up and looked over with a tired expression on her face. Never the less she got up and shook the snow off her. Ivan got up as well and put his blanket and pillow away.

Ivan yawned as he mounted his horse and put his lance in a sheath of sorts on his horse. As soon as he set off it started snowing. Ivan sighed, "Another day, another 10 feet of snow." Ivan and Rosie trotted through the snow and Ivan pulled out his map. He looked around, trying to match landmarks with symbols on the map. Ivan pointed towards the tallest mountain, "The Inn should be just over that mountain. We should get there in three days I say." Just as Ivan said that, Rosie looked back at him with an expression that said "You've gotta be kidding me." Ivan smirked back at the horse and pulled the reins and continued on.

Ivan reached a point in the mountains that he had to climb. Ivan shivered at the thought. He dismounted and patted Rosie on the head. "We have to walk for a little." Ivan began his ascension up the mountain. It was so cold and slippery that Ivan could barely climb. Rosie was having an even hard time getting up. It only got steeper and steeper as it went up. After a minute of climbing Ivan reached the top and looked down. Rosie was almost to the top when the horse slipped and fell all the way to the bottom. The sound the animal made when it hit the ground was disturbing. The horse had broken its leg and was unconscious. Ivan looked away. Not believing what he saw.

Without control Ivan started to cry. His only friend, gone. Ivan sat down at the top of the mountain knowing he had to press on if he wanted to survive. Ivan made his way back down the mountain to retrieve his gear and then went back up, meanwhile fighting tears. Ivan's spear, even though slim, was heavy. He was holding in both hands letting the butt of it drag through the snow leaving a trail behind him.

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan continued through the snow dragging his feet as he went. Ivan was depressed and had little motivation to continue. He had to make it to the inn in three days he was running out of provisions. Ivan remembered what his mom always told him. "Always look at the positives." Ivan tried to do that but It was hard. There weren't many right now. But something caught his mind for some reason. Beer. When Ivan got to the Inn he could have his first beer. That made him smile, he was trudging through the mountains and the only thing that motivated him was survival and alcohol. Ivan wiped tears from his face. "What am I crying about. It wasn't even my horse." Ivan said trying to perk himself up. It somewhat worked and made Ivan happy.

All of a sudden Ivan heard footsteps from somewhere around him. Travelers? Soldiers?.... Bandits? Ivan shivered at that last one. What if there was someone following him. Could he die here in the mountains? Ivan readied his lance for anything that would come at him. The next thing he heard was a growl. It had come from behind him. A wolf came into sight, and it was barring its teeth at Ivan. Ivan's eyes widened. He has never fought anything in his life, never mind kill anything. The wolf approached slowly with its rear in the air ready to pounce on its prey.

As soon as the wolf leaped at Ivan, he put his head his towards his elbow preparing to be attacked. His lance was pointed in the air. But nothing came, all he heard was silence. Ivan looked up and on his lance was the wolf with its neck pierced on Ivan's lance. Ivan couldn't believe it. Although speechless, one thing did pop in his head. Dinner!

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan cringed as he pulled the wolf off of his lance. He was still shocked from what just happened. Ivan picked up the wolf which was actually very heavy, and slung it over his shoulder. It made Ivan have to hunch over and decreased mobility by a fair amount. This wouldn't do, if he wanted to eat this wolf, he would have to eat it now. But that meant making a fire and cooking it. Well if he wanted to make it to the inn he would have to. Ivan sighed and dropped the wolf on the ground. He also took out his military provisions back pack he took when he deserted. He undid the lace keeping it together and dumped the supplies on the ground. There was some water, a little food left, a knife, a map, a blanket, some paper, a pen, some medical supplies, and some flint. That's what he needed, some flint. He picked up the stone out of the snow. Now he needed a stone. He looked around and found some small rocks. They would have to do. Ivan went over and picked them up and returned to the items in the snow. What would he need next? Wood. Ivan got up again and walked over to the closest tree. He took out the knife and started cutting away at a branch. It took a little effort, but eventually it fell off and into the snow. He did the same with two other branches and then brought them back to his "camp". He cut up the branches into small pieces and stacked them into a pile. The branches were very fragile and soft so they would hopefully catch fire easier. Ivan tried to strike the flint against the stone but no sparks. Ivan tried again and this time sparks came. However none of them made the wood catch fire. Ivan tried once more and sparks rained from the flint. The wood started to flicker then a small flame started.

Ivan jumped into the air and yelled with joy. "Yes!" He sat back down only to find out the flame died. Ivan cursed under his breath and tried the flint again. It took a couple tries but the wood caught flame again. Ivan breathed on it and put his hand behind it to keep it from going out. The fire grew to a decent size and Ivan was content. Ivan got up and went to get the wolf. He dragged it over and realized there was a problem. How was he gonna keep it above the fire? Ivan was frustrated so he threw the wolf in the fire regardless. The fire nearly went out and made a singeing noise when it hit. Ivan sat down in disappointment. As soon as he did he heard a voice from behind. "You should probably keep it out of the fire. Heh heh."

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan jumped and turned around only to see three men in ragged clothes and bandannas, two with axes and one with a sword who looked like the head of their little group. Bandits, Ivan thought. Ivan was frozen in place, he knew he should get his lance but he couldn't move. "Looky here boys looks like it's a little kid." The leader said half laughing. Ivan finally moved and he grabbed his lance which was in the snow. "Oh and he's a feisty one." "Let's kill em." One said. No let's bring him back to the boss. The leader said. The leader moved toward Ivan "Looks like were gettin' raises tonight!" The forward bandit said as he charged towards Ivan. Ivan dived to his right and stood back up, lance in hand. The bandit smirked and went for another attack, but Ivan brought down his lance on the bandits head. The lance smacked the bandit square in the head. However the bandit only rubbed his head and and squinted in pain.

Another bandit came from behind and kicked Ivan to the ground. He fell face first into the snow. Ivan tried to stand back up, but a boot came down on his back. Next his hands were restrained and he was blind folded. The bandits picked him up and put him on a horse. The next thing Ivan knew he was riding up the mountain. They rode for a few minutes and then he was taken off the horse. Ivan was carried to what sounded like a cell. He was thrown on the ground and then a metal door was shut. Yep, Jail.

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan had fallen asleep for a few hours, or it seemed to be that long. Ivan was awoken by the noise of fighting. Ivan sat up and managed to slip his blindfold off with his shoulder. What he saw was indeed what he heard. He saw horsemen and knights, and they were slaughtering the bandits. Ivan noticed the symbol on the attackers armor. It was the Illian army. But here, why? Ivan leaned against the wall and stood up. He peered out his cell and saw someone familiar. "Oh my god." Ivan whispered as he looked straight at a horseman realizing it was his own brother. Ivan tried to hide in the corner of the cell, but it was no use his brother saw him and realized it was him immediately.

Ivan's brother rode over and broke down the cell door with his axe. "Ivan? Is that you?" Ivan just starred. "What the hell are you doing here for, and in prison. Ivan continued starring. " I was about to ask you the same thing. "Fine, we can discuss this when we get back." Ivan folded his arms and replied, but I don't wanna go back." Ivan's brother not taking no for an answer picked Ivan up and put him on the horse. Ivan reached over and grabbed his lance which was placed next to the cell.

Ivan and his brother rode out of the encampment and headed for the castle in Illia's capital. "Ok now tell me, why were you there?" Ivan's brother said without looking back. "I was taken captive in the mountains." Ivan murmured. "You shouldn't have run away. Dad is gonna have your ass." "Well I couldn't take the fighting, not like you would understand, I bet you've killed hundreds, and for what?" Ivan's brother looked back but did not say anything. The rode home was quiet the rest of the way.

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan and his brother arrived at the castle and they dropped off the horse at the stable. They entered the castle and was greeted by a lady and Ivan's brother told her to tell General Zakharon that he was here. They waited in silence for a few minutes. General Zakharon walked through the hallways with such stature and pride. Ivan's brother stood up and called to their dad. "Sir! We found Ivan!" The general stood there starring at Ivan who currently was playing with his lance. "Send him back."

Ivan looked up at his dad and started getting teary eyed. Ivan got up and ran out the door into town. He never stopped running until he got to the town square. Ivan sat down against a statue. He put his head between his knees and cried. He knew this would happen, why did his brother save him. He would have much rather dealt with the bandits.

Ivan wiped his tears and stood up. I'm gonna prove to everyone that I have a purpose somehow. I'm gonna make it. Ivan stood and thought, maybe the tavern was a good place to start looking. Maybe he could get transport somewhere. Maybe he would go to Sacae. He had always wanted to go there and draw all day. He had dreamed about it a lot. So Ivan got up and headed for the tavern.

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan walked into the tavern and looked around. It was a busy day with lots of drunks. Ivan walked up to the bar and sat down. The bartender walked over and starred at Ivan, "Anything I can get you young sir?" Ivan looked up and saw the middle aged man talking to him. "Oh no thank you... Umm actually yes, I was wondering if there is anyway of getting to Sacae from here?" The bartender shook his head "Not any means that is free, sorry." The man next to him turned, And why would you be lookin' to get to Sacae? Ivan turned too and looked up at the taller man maybe in his thirties. "I.. Er.. want to draw, to put it bluntly. Well, actually I'm lookin' for a job or something to do." The man laughed "Well I won't judge. However it does just so happen I am going to Sacae to serve under Captain Daviau's. You can tag along if you want, although I don't know how you'll be treated at your age." Ivan half smiled. The army was not something he wanted to get back into, but It was Sacae, maybe it's different. There was no war going on there that he had ever heard of.

"Sure I'll come, but at what cost." The man smiled "Well discuss that when we get there. As for when we leave, get some sleep well get going at the crack of dawn." The man smiled and got up. Ivan got up as well and called to the man. "But where should I sleep?" The man looked back "I'll arrange that as well just go to the last room on the left. Oh and the names Cale." Ivan looked at him. "Ivan." Ivan walked past Cale and walked to his room. Ivan threw himself on the bed and almost fell asleep instantly.

[Ivan Zakharon]

Ivan was awoken by a shake. It was Cale of course. Ivan rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up. "How did you sleep Ivan?" Cale asked with a smile on his face. "Alright, are we leaving?" Ivan asked as he yawned and stretched at the same time. "Yes we are immediately, so get your things and well head out." Ivan grabbed his lance and stood up. That was all he had because the bandits took everything else. It's not like he had much else on him anyway.

Cale walked out the door and Ivan followed slowly behind. ale stopped in his tracks and turned around. "Would you like a drink for the ride?" Ivan didn't see why not, especially if he was buying. He still didn't see why this guy was being so nice. "Sure thing, umm thanks." Cale walked up to the bartender. "Two beers please." Ivan heard that and smiled, he was gonna have his first beer with someone he just met. Cale received the beers and handed Ivan one. Ivan just starred at the beer, and tried to cherish this moment. Ivan finally took his first sip and as soon as he did he spat it back out. "Uh! That's disgusting." Ivan gave Cale the beer and Cale just laughed.

Ivan and Cale left the tavern and started to leave. Ivan began to speak up. "So how are we gonna get to Sacae." Cale looked back and smile. Cale pulled out a stone and it started glowing. All of a sudden before Ivan's eyes Cale transformed into a dragon.