The First-Chapter One by Swamp Guy

Whenever there is light, there is also dark…

I take in a deep breath of fire and iron. It always gives me joy to see the guns and swords being forged in the armory. Weapons that we can use to fell the monsters of the island and the people here too.

I take one more breath and exit the armory into the cool fresh air of the beach. The red obelisk looms overhead. I remind myself that I am the son of Lord Redsaw, ruler of this village. I am the most skilled fighter possibly in the whole western coast, and I am one day going to rule the whole island.

A small ship docks in the harbor, carrying wood and stone shipments. My good friend Captain Malog is at the wheel. He waves to me as he hops off the ship, carrying a plank of lumber in his right hand. It’s been a week since I’ve seen him. He’s probably been smuggling high-price Spino sails from the northern rivers.

“Ah, my good friend, Prince Hashino. How has royalty been for you these days?”

“Good. Seems like you’ve been working your muscles.” I laugh as he picks up a large barrel of stone.

“Well, I’m not as strong as some of the pelt hunters I came across on my journey. Those guys can wrestle a wolf pack bare-handed. Terrifying fellows, really. How’s buisness here?”

“Profits are coming in good. Father had a shipment of bone jewelry sent out yesterday to the redwoods.”

Malog’s eyes flash just for a second. He may be a merchant, but he’s more of a pirate. The idea of a full shipment of jewelry obviously triggers his attention.

“Speaking of your father, how is the old man?” Malog asks.

“He’s planning an attack on the seafaring tribe in the southeast. Finally, a chance to defeat the other powerful tribes. A chance for GLORY!”

“Tsk. Glory.” Malog laughs. “That’s all you care about. I’m more of a money guy.”

“You’re a pirate.” I correct him.

“Yeah, but-“ he begins, but he’s interrupted by a soldier running up to us.

“Prince Hashino, the Lord has a message for you. It’s about the invasion.”