The Tale of Elphis - Free Kindle Book

The Tale of Elphis: A Fantasy Story of a Young Warrior
by James E. Morgan

This Fantasy Adventure Story is about a young man who has been raised to become a warrior by his father. They both lived in seclusion until they were attacked in their hunting grounds. His father’s dying wish is for him to find his mother and retrieve her from her abductors, and from then on, he adventured around the globe in hopes of fulfilling his late father’s request. He was endangered in one of his travels however, and this led him to an encampment that will take him in as one of their own. Do they know where his mother could be found?

Excerpt:

Upon the dangerous thickets of the forest of Vinderdale, a hunter of amateur level came to try his skill and luck on the beasts that lurk around the shadows that never fade. For hours he walked on muddy soil, piling up his boots with wet earth, wondering if even by chance there is a possibility that he would cross paths with anything worthy of slaying as prey. He blew his whistle of ivory but it seems that it would bring him nothing he seeks. He clapped his hands, imitated the grunts of orcs to attract anything at all, and shouted of anger for patience was departing him. That particular forest was a vast one, perhaps the most widespread of green in the whole continent. It houses various predators and prey, and lots of herbs as well, yet he has not seen anything that he would want to kill as much as it wants to kill him. He sat beside a young, small dragonmaple tree, which was directly under another big and steady one whose seed probably spawned the younger. It is now but a very healthy bloom but soon will surpass its spouter and whose branches will cover all other trees. And this reminded him of himself as a child and his ambitious future.

Combat for him is very important. It is his way of life, proof of his manhood, symbol of his vigour and a distraction for all the loss he is currently suffering. He first learned of the art from his father who was adept in the manipulation of weaponry and sorcery as well. It is very rare that any man could combine the two forces in a single lifetime; one for the body and one for the mind and be skillful in both aspects. And it is evident that his only son inherited the same gifts; manipulation of armaments and magic albeit not as good because of lack of experience. His interest developed as early as the age of 6 and was taught the basics for a year: stealth, patience and all other things that would keep him out of danger. In reaching the age of 7 he was to choose between three different weapons.

“Son, it is high time for you to choose your personal weapon of choice among this three that I have prepared.” said his father one day while he was eating his breakfast. “erm, okay how about that one on the edge?” He muffled with a roasted Kulmoui thigh in his mouth. “Impulsiveness as always, is not advisable my son,” scolded his father. “Let me explain to you thoroughly the purpose of this; these weapons are reflections of your personality...” he sat down on a chair beside his son and pointed to, one by one, the different tools of pain in front of them.

“This crescent blade for example, it is a symbol for dexterity, quick thinking, patience, cunning, optimism and strong will; good if you want to master solely in physical weaponry. This staff, however, characterizes deep thought, logical stratagem, carefulness, assurance, and dependability; perfect for focus in enchantment. This broadsword would then be a representation of fortitude, strength, dynamism, courage, compassion and cooperativeness; it will merge with many things to become much stronger than it is now. It will balance the usage of both physical and supernatural power, currently the hardest to carry but in the end it will show you the results worthy of your effort.” And without any more advice given he let his son choose on his own.