Serpentis Family/Erik Eyolf/The Bastard Son Shall Inherit the Lands - Part III
Braga, few years ago...
Montijo was no longer a safe home for the child. The neighbors didn't see the mother and child with respect and there was always the presence of imminent danger even with the proximity of Avamar, where she could find the father of her son. Then, with a heart full of tears but with the determination of a lioness protecting her young one, she abandoned her home and went to Braga where she had a sister, wife of a hunter.
Walker was a good man. He spent most of his time in hunting lodges. The women worked hard, but both took good care of the child during his young age. When the husband returned home, the whole family had nice travels to Lawralt to sell pelts and buy what they needed to face long periods in the woods.
The child grew up in the forest. Along with his uncle, he learned early the secrets of a good hunt. He became agile, strong and with keen senses. Attributes were required to hunt hares. He also learned the art of silence and patience to hunt and kill a deer when his arms were already strong enough to throw a spear. But despite his talents, something troubled him constantly. And finally on a cold night while his mother sang him to sleep, the question that she feared escaped the lips of the young boy:
Young Boy: "Mother... who is my father?"
Mother: "My young child, you're not happy? Walker has not been a good father to you?"
Young Boy: "He's my uncle. Not my father. I have a father, do not I? And I'm not like you. I'm different..."
Mother: "No, you're not. You are especial."
And both were right. He was different and special. Despite the inherent human traits, his hair was gray as a cloudy day and his ears were pointed. His eyes had the strength of a young dragon. The other children feared him. And even in a silent way, men and women looked at him with a veiled suspicion.
Young Boy: "Please, mother... tell me about my father."
Mother, in a whisper: "Your father is a charming and handsome 'man'. His voice can melt the snow in the coldest winter. He could stop this war with a few words... and conquer realms and women with equal ease. But he chose the Path of Sword. And because that it's better you not know him... he's a Dragon."
Young Boy: "A Dragon??? That's why I'm different? He's an elf? The boys are afraid of me and whisper that I am the son of an elf! So it's true! Mother... tell me, I pray. Who is my father?"
Mother: "Your father is Lord Erik Eyolf Serpentis, the Silver Dragon. Marquis of Trinbar and Judge of Sirion..."
That revelation would change the life of the young one for ever. He couldn't guess who was that man or elf that his mother was entitled with a ceremonious voice. But if his father was so important, why he was rejected? Why he lived in Braga and his father was probably one of the most important person in an enemy realm?
Young Boy: "He hates me?"
Mother: "I don't think that a man so full of love can hate you, my little one. But our people are enemies. And he never knew about your birth... that's my fault. Please, don't hate me. I could not live with this pain."
Young Boy: "I will never hate you, mom. I love you..."
The mother hugged her son and the child kissed her face. She cried. But the child fell asleep with incredible dreams about the man who was his father. That night in a small rustic wood-house lost inside the forests of Braga a child dreamed with dragons and the elf in shining armor that will come to get him for a life of exciting adventures.
