The Anvil Read online

  The Anvil

  The Anvil

  The Beginning of a Legend

  The Dragon Guardian

  Book 1

  Izak Heaton

  Chapter 1

  As Tom looked out his bedroom window he saw one of the Dragon Guardian fly over the hill. The Dragon Guardian were the defenders and law keepers of the kingdom: masters of magic and combat. They were able to turn from human to dragon, and almost anything in between. They were faster, stronger and had better sight than any normal person.

  The kingdom which they guarded was called Arstan. Arstan was divided into thirty large fiefs, each with at least one Dragon Guardian, sometimes two, assigned to guard it.

  Tom was a thirteen year old boy from Pine Grove. He had dark brown hair that was almost black, eyes the same color, and a bulky body build. As the son of the local blacksmith he was well muscled, but not as strong as his older brother, Caleb. Caleb was going to take over the shop when their father retired. He also had two older sisters; Sierra, who was eighteen, and Kiya, who was twenty.

  Tom knew that as he grew older he would either have to leave Pine Grove to start his own blacksmith shop, or stay and find someone to take him on as an apprentice. Apprentice for what, he couldn’t decide. Tom knew little magic, but like most, could use what he did know.

  Suddenly, his pondering was interrupted. He heard a crash and shouting downstairs. When he peered down the stairs he saw a man taking some of the more valuable items from the house! His family was tied up, unconscious. Without thinking he ran at the thief and tackled him to the ground.

  Tom's foot slammed into the intruder’s stomach and the man grunted in pain. Tom received a knee hard in the side, and fell to the floor. He struggled to his feet just as the thief rolled away and got up. The man tried to punch Tom in the head but Tom ducked and retaliated with a jab to the side. His opponent over extended, giving Tom a chance to grab a candle holder and hit the man in the head, knocking him out.

  Tom hurried to untie his family. He then tied up the thief with the same rope that had been used on his family. His next thought was to run to get a member of the town watch. As he hurried through the streets toward town a man stepped out of the shadows, grabbing Tom's wrist.

  The stranger was tall with light blond hair and pale blue eyes. The man asked in a serious voice, “Where do you think you're going in such a hurry, boy?”

  Tom yanked his arm away and replied “It's Tom, not boy. I am going to get a member of the town watch and I don’t have time to talk.”

  He was about to go when the man smirked and asked, “Do you think that a town watch member would be able to do more than a Dragon Guardian?”

  Tom looked at him curiously, then answered, “Well, I don't think there is a Dragon Guardian anywhere near here.”

  The man chuckled and added “You're looking at one.”

  Tom stared at him, astonished. He said the first thing that came to his mind, “Will you come and arrest the thief that was stealing from my house, please?”

  All the Guardian said was “Lead on then.” and they ran to Tom's house.

  When they got to the house the thief was awake and struggling to get free. The Guardian looked at the man then put some chains with leather padding on his wrists and asked Tom “Who was the one who knocked out this man?” Tom simply told him “Well, it was me.” As the Dragon Guardian studied him Tom's father came down.

  The Guardian looked over Tom's father, he saw a man that had become well muscled from working metal his whole life. He then looked at Tom and asked “How old are you, boy?”

  Tom replied, “I am thirteen, sir.”

  Tom's father looked at the Guardian and asked “Who are you? I haven't seen you around this town before.”

  The Guardian chuckled and said “I am Dragon Guardian Alex.” Tom's father looked astonished.

  Alex looked at Tom and said “You're thirteen and you took down this thief by yourself?” Tom shrugged and said “Yes, sir.”

  The Guardian then asked Tom's father “May I stay the night here? I have been traveling all day. If you’d rather I not I can go to the inn.”

  Tom's father said “Of course you can stay! Follow me and I will show you to a room, sir.”

  Alex replied “Okay, then I will take this thief to jail.” Tom's father led Alex upstairs and Tom went to help Caleb in the workshop.

  Later, as Tom went to his room he heard voices in the kitchen. Always curious, he went downstairs to see what was happening. His father and The Guardian talking.

  “You want him as an apprentice?” Tom heard his dad ask.

  The Guardian said “He clearly has talent in combat; that thief is known for leaving anyone he fought unconscious and with broken bones, you got lucky.”

  His father replied in a shocked tone “OK, we will talk it over and see what Tom wants in the morning.”

  Chapter 2

  Tom quietly crept back to his room and tried to sleep, but his mind was racing. Alex wanted him as an apprentice! It was thrilling but, he had so many questions! Would he be able to visit his family and friends while he was an apprentice? How long would the training take? Most important, did he want really want to be an apprentice? Then he put those thoughts aside and tried to sleep, eventually he succeeded.

  In the morning Tom came downstairs for breakfast and saw his dad and Alex talking quietly. When they saw Tom his father greeted him with the normal “Good morning, Tom.”

  Tom started to eat breakfast trying to suppress his curiosity. After they had all eaten Alex leaned back in his chair and began; “Tom, your father and I talked last night and I know you overheard us.”

  Tom was amazed and asked “How did you know? I thought I was really quiet.” The Guardian laughed and simply said “Magic. What do you think of my offer?”

  Tom rushed to cover his embarrassment at being caught eavesdropping, “I didn't hear a lot, only that you wanted me as an apprentice. But I have some questions”.

  Alex said “Ask away then.”

  Tom took a deep breath, “How long will the training last? And will I be able to visit my family and friends?”

  The Guardian answered “The training to become a Dragon Guardian will take about seven years and yes, you will be able to visit your family and friends many times a year. However, you will have to train while visiting.” Alex paused. “So what do you say? Do you want to become a Dragon Guardian?”

  Tom sat in silence for a moment. This was a huge decision. Then he took the plunge and said “Yes, I want to be your apprentice.”

  A smile broke out on Alex's face“Good! I will give you today to say bye to your friends and family, then tomorrow we head to Hilltop lake. There you will train in water, plant, and earth magic. You will choose weapons for close combat and long range fighting. You will learn of many things.” Then Alex got up from the table and walked out to the street.

  Tom sat as he let what just happened sink in. His mind was spinning! The only thought he could hold onto was he needed to tell his friends he was leaving.

  Saying goodbye to his friends took all day. Although he didn't have many friends, he did spend a lot of time with them and parting was hard. When he got back to his home he found someone had packed his things and had everything ready to go. He saw Alex walking down the hall and asked “How will we get to Hilltop lake?”

  Alex replied “We will run there; it is only five hundred miles.” Tom’s eyes grew wide as he just looked at his new teacher.

  Alex laughed and said “Just joking! It is only twelve miles.” Alex walked away, leaving Tom alone. Tom recovered from the shock and went downstairs to go to dinner. As he walked into the kitchen he saw a large feast! All his friends were there and a banner hung on one wall saying “GOOD LUCK, TOM!” He smiled. “Well I
wasn't expecting this, thanks everyone.” They ate and talked for hours into the evening, finally, his friends started to go. Once the last person left Tom spent some time quietly talking with his family. Exhausted, he said goodnight and went to bed. *****

  He woke to a sharp knock on his door. He looked out the window and saw that the sun was just breaking the horizon. He got up and opened his door and there was his brother Caleb, who looked like Tom just older and thinner, saying “Alex wants you in the kitchen once you get changed.” Tom just nodded closed his door and changed into traveling clothes and went into the kitchen.

  His family was there to say bye. It was a quick farewell. Eventually Tom and Alex got out the door and started walking to Hilltop Lake. By the time they got there it was noon as they came to the top of the hill Tom saw a large lake with a small island in the middle surrounded by tall pine trees, there was a small town on the other shore. Alex said “Welcome to Hilltop Lake. My cabin is on the island.” As they walked to the lake Tom took in the surroundings.

  When they got to the lake Tom saw a small dock with some canoes and a small fishing boat. Alex walked up to one of the canoes and said to Tom “Come on the canoe is safe, put your stuff in the middle and grab a paddle.” Tom did that and they rowed to the island, as they neared the island Tom noticed a similar dock on the island. They reached the island and Alex said “This is your new home so for the rest of the day feel free to explore and I will show you your room.” They walked to the small cabin, it was made of logs with a thatch roof and a stone chimney.

  Inside the cabin there were five rooms a living room, a kitchen/dining room, and three bedrooms. Tom got the smallest room it had a bed,a dresser and a desk. Tom set his things down and went out to look at rest of the island. There wasn't many interesting things just some pine trees, a sandy beach, a rock outcropping and a small grassy meadow. Then Tom went back to the cabin and put all his things away.

  Once he finished he lay on his bed when Alex came in and said “If you are done laying around I am going to teach you how to canoe on your own.” Alex walked away and Tom quickly got up to follow. They went down to the dock and Alex taught him strokes and how to balance the canoe. Then he had Tom canoe around the island three times then to the dock on the other shore and back.

  Once he was done he was sweating and Alex said “Wash up and then it is time for dinner.” After Tom washed up he went to the kitchen to find Alex waiting for him. Alex looked at Tom and asked “Do you know how to cook?” Tom just shook his head. Alex laughed and told him “Well it is time for you to learn.” Alex taught Tom how to make a simple stew and some biscuits.

  Once the food was done they ate, then went to the living room and sat in front of a fire. Alex suddenly broke the silence and asked “Do you play an instrument or sing?” Tom replied “Yes, I sing”. Alex nodded approvingly and said “Well then sing a song for me.” Tom looked nervous but started singing a foreign song. After a few songs Alex said “It's time for you to go to bed tomorrow we start your training.” Tom got up and went to bed. Tom woke up with sunlight streaming in from the window.

  He got up and changed then went to find Alex. Alex was sitting in the living room when Tom walked in he got up and said to Tom “Today you start your training to become a Guardian Dragon.” Alex led him out to the beach and said “First you will choose your weapons to master first.” He had Tom follow him to two racks of weapons. On one there was swords, axes, shields and other close combat weapons, on the other were all kinds of bows, crossbows, throwing knifes and other long range weapons.

  Tom went over the the first rack and looked at the weapons he grabbed a one-handed battle axe and a round shield. He swung the axe experimentally then nodded he said to Alex “I think I will start with these”. He then walked to the second rack and took a longbow and an arrow and shot at a tree, the arrow missed then he decided not the bow and grabbed a crossbow then said “I will also start with this.” Alex nodded and said “Well then let’s get started”.

  Chapter 3

  Getting started meant running around the island five times in chain-mail armor and all weapons. The armor was made of high quality steel, Tom could tell that the craftsmanship of the armor and axe was extremely fine as he was the son of a blacksmith. After the run he rested for a minute then swam around the island.

  Then Alex had him do push ups. After that he got a five minute break, then went canoeing around the island five times during which he had to jump out and get back in every twenty strokes. Then it was lunch, after lunch it was archery where he had to learn how to use the crossbow. After archery he trained with the axe and shield, in chain-mail armor.

  Finally he went inside and learned about history, math, geography and map reading. He had a free hour after that then dinner, that he made. He was so sore he could barely move. He did that every day except Sunday. The days blended together for two weeks, until one day Alex said “Today instead of the usual you will practice magic. You will practice and learn all day only stopping to eat. There will be one day for magic a week until I figure out a new schedule for you.” Those magic days he spent the time before lunch learning of history, safety and things like that. Then spend the time until dinner practicing, first he learned water magic.

  A week later while on his morning run he was running by some trees when a giant black bear charged out of the trees towards him. Tom hefted his axe and shield. He side stepped and the bear ran past him and turned. It advanced slower when it reached him it rose up on its hind legs and smashed down on Tom. Tom barely put up his shield in time to block the crushing blow Tom then hacked at the bear's side with his axe. The bear tried to hit him with a swipe but Tom blocked it and swung his axe as hard as he could into the bear's head. The bear toppled over and Tom dropped his bloody axe and mangled shield on the ground and stood there for a second then sank to his knees.

  Tom didn't know how long he knelt there but eventually Alex came looking for him. Alex found him kneeling there by the giant bear. Alex came over to Tom and put a hand on his shoulder and led him back to the cabin. Then Alex cast a spell so Tom's arm would heal faster then send Tom to his room. Tom came out hours later and found Alex reading some important looking papers. Alex looked up and saw Tom he asked “That was an amazing thing you did, most apprentices wouldn't have been able to fight a full grown black bear, even with a months more training.” Tom looked at his left arm then at Alex “Thanks for healing my arm.” Tom said “But I want to get back to training.” Alex nodded then replied “Most people would quit after that. I have a new daily schedule for you. First, you run then swim, after you swim, push ups and pull ups. Then you work on weapon skills, afterward you train magic, then you have some other skills. That will take most the day but now you have two hours free. Plus you get at least week to visit your friends and family every two months.” “OK lets get started.” Tom only got a few hours training then he canoed over to the town to see what was there.

  As Tom stepped onto the shore he started to walk into town. As he passed a shop selling mirrors he looked into one and his eyes widened. He saw how much just three weeks of training had changed him. He had more defined muscles, almost all his fat was gone and he was much tanner. He was taller, too.

  He started walking again and wandered the town looking at everything. He had been there before, but just with Alex to get some food and other household things. But those trips had been fast just get to the stores and leave. Suddenly there was a scream from up the street and a man in black ran out of a store. The man ran away from Tom.

  But Tom started running after him, silently he thanked the hours of running. The man was fast but Tom was faster, Tom tackled the man to the ground spilling the contents of the man's bag. The thief tried to kick Tom but the man was face down so the attempts failed. Tom yelled for some rope and a man ran forward with some.

  The thief had dark blond hair and blue eyes. Tom held down the flailing man while the other man tied up the thief. After that was done Tom started to
lead the thief down the street to his canoe a boy around Tom's age ran up to him and asked “Who are you?” Tom looked the boy in the eye as he answered “I'm Tom, Apprentice Dragon Guardian. Who are you?” The boy looked at Tom in awe then replied “I'm Zack.” Tom looked at the boy, he had dark hair and brown eyes.

  Tom led the thief down to his canoe and told him to get in. Tom launched to canoe and paddled to the island once they reached the island dock he tied the canoe up and told the man to follow him. The man followed him up to the cabin then asked “You live with Alex?” Tom replied “Yes I am his apprentice” Tom opened the door and gestured for the man to go in. The man walked in and Tom followed. Alex walked around a corner and looked at the man in surprise. The thief smirked and said to Alex “Hello again, brother.”

  Chapter 4

  Alex saw the rope and asked “What happened to you John? I haven't seen or heard from you in years. Why are you tied up?” Tom was standing there feeling awkward. He wondered if because this was Alex's brother, would Alex, once he heard the story, end his apprenticeship. Alex looked at Tom as if he just saw him and asked him “Did you tie my brother up?” Tom could only nod. Alex then asked him simply “Why?” Tom looked Alex in the eye and said “There was a scream and I saw him run out of a shop with a bag over his shoulder. Someone was yelling thief so I ran after him and tackled him to the ground. I tied him up and brought him here because you told me to bring anyone I caught to you.” Alex then looked at John and quietly asked “Is this true brother?” John only nodded.

  Alex then grabbed something out of a pocket and handed it to Tom. It looked like a brass claw Alex told Tom “This is a brass claw it is the symbol of an proven apprentice Guardian Dragon and it is now yours.” John looked at Alex and said “So that is what you do now you are a Guardian Dragon.” Alex nodded and said “It is late Tom you've had a long day go get some sleep.” Tom went to his room and got in bed and fell asleep instantly.