Kodal left dinner with burden in his heart, and pork hog in his stomach.

Burden of responsibility, battles ahead, and of hurt feet; Oh the hurt feet was something he would enjoy. But he knew it would be the least of his problems.

Kodal was upstairs in his private quarters, scouring what little he could find to fill his rucksack; be it clothing, blankets, or even lantern oil. He felt no time was to be wasted and chose to spend possible sleeping hours with preparation.

Through this, he couldn’t help but drift off out of focus, and gaze around his bedroom. It was very spacious, and heavily decorated with red and gold drapery, falling graciously from the marble walls. The large fireplace lay lit, with several bier gold figures and relics on its mantelpiece.

Above the fireplace was the same ancient painted portrait of the first goddess Ehs, her long red hair cascading down her armoured shoulders. She wore elegant royal attire, and wielded her gold and jewel encrusted sceptre.

She was accompanied by one of the fabled descendants of the divinities. This one was a rather bulky fellow, his body heavy with deformities of earth, mud and rock. His hands mimicked that of octopi, three tentacles on each hand behaving like fingers. Trunk legs were the only thing keeping his hulking figure upright. And the thing that was most compelling was his faceless head. As if fire was painted over his chin, they were waved, forming a full beard. The only thing that resembled mortality was his eyes, and even they weren’t human. They were yellow as the sun, and burnt just as brightly.

Even though the painting was across the room, he could still read the title. His had seen it so many times; it was imprinted into his memory anyway. On the golden plaque, it read ‘Our mothers and protectors, forever in our hearts’

Kodal chuckled a little at this. He knew from personal experience that it is so easy for people to forget. To forget deeds that was done for the greater good of all. But it is just a painting, it alone cannot spark life back into a dying society.

‘It’s hard to believe that these two are my kin.’ Kodal thought to himself. His eyes then laid on the satchel given to him this noon. It had an aura surrounding it that he could not explain. It felt almost warm in his gaze.

A knock on the door broke Kodal of his routine. "Enter." He ordered.

"Tis me, M’lord." Spoke a winded Hisma. It was clear that those stairs would be the death of him.

Kodal welcomed his loyal friend with a warm smile, but it grew serious when he saw Hisma’s face, painted with guilt.

"M’lord," Hisma heaved a sigh "I have to tell you a matter of great importance."

Kodal gave him a nod of acknowledgment "Go ahead, I’m all ears."

"It involves your fathers diary...and how it came into my possession."

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Author guidance for This story

this is a work of four, going on five years! im so proud :) heres an introduction to characters and their roles in the story and bits n pieces.

Characters:

Kodal - The main character in the story. A male 17 years of age, Kodal was born from a goddess called Sunday, and to a Mortal father called Flood. because of this unique relationship, Kodal was born a half god, half human hybrid, also known as a Halfblood. because of this unacceptable outcome, kodal was kept away from the world of tempo, in fear he would be executed. Growing up, kodal has learnt to hate the gods and their foolish laws. Because of his godly roots, kodal, when he turns 18, has the option to become a full god, to which he first refuses. choosing to learn if he has the ability to be a great god, kodal goes on a journey over the land of tempo in search of his father, for it is only through him that he can achieve immortality. throughout the story, kodal experiences moments that determine he is sick, a side affect to being a Halfblood: wheezing, coughing up blood, but more importantly, Flinching constantly, of which everytime he does, he sees a memory through the eyes of his relatives.

Hisma - Anothe main character. Hisma, age 62, was part of an ancient society of servants who served the gods. He is considered, along with Kodal, an outcast for helping Sunday sneak Kodal out of the capital to escape from being killed. it is through Hisma, that kodal learns everything he values. he becomes a father figure for kodal throughout his life, but is very fearful for Kodals saftey, not letting him leave the palace.

Cilean - age 17, Cilean is seen as a masqurade : hiding a broken girl behind a tough exterior. Cilean was a security guard on a ship that Hisma and Kodal take to get to the main land. She shows she is an independant girl, but lets her guard down and allows kodal to take care of her in later chapters. Cileans life has been filled with physical and sexual abuse from her father and this has forsed her to try and protect herself with her physical strength, as well as her smart, rational mind.

updated Apr 21 '10 by Bowkami