Kyra

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The streets seemed to be too quiet that night. Their footsteps echoed through the air as they walked. William could sense that things wouldn't go as smoothly as he would've wanted them to.

Some days ago, he had been notified about a trader ship heading towards their port, carrying some unusual cargo. The people had also begun to talk about a merchant guild that sold beautiful foreign goods, jewels, and even pure offerings for the sacred gods. He didn't have a choice, they had to step in and check out what was really going on behind these rumours. It was obvious that with this ship, trouble would arrive in their already problematic city.

So, to make things safe and diplomatic, he made an appointment with the head of the guild, making it seem like he was interested in buying some of the goods. As they approached the destination, it became clear that this business deal wouldn't be an easy one.

At the agreed time, eight men appeared before them. The one at the front wore elegant, refined clothes befit for a businessman; the only eye-catching thing about him was the amount of gold he wore, and the chained creature he dragged ruthlessly behind him. It was easy to guess that the chained one was actually a human girl. The other men who came were probably his lackeys, and they were armed. Unlike the rich merchant, William only had Rune with him. Even though he was truly aware of his dear friend's abilities, he had to be careful.

William only took a glimpse at the poor soul before setting his eyes on the man before him. "If I guess correctly, you have more of these 'goods' on that imposing ship of yours," he said. He had to force out as much information as he could from the beginning.

"You got to the point from the start, you have a good sense for business, I see." The man had a frightening tone in his voice. "I have plenty of them from where I came, better ones at that!" As he spoke, he pulled up the chains in his hands, forcing out a painful moan from the girl's throat.

William had to try hard not to let his smile falter. "If what you said is true, then I would be interested in buying multiple ones from you."

"I'm more than happy to be of assistance to you, my Lord," said the man with a wicked smile on his face. "But first, please come. This place is not suitable for nobles like yourself to talk. My residence is a better place, if I may say so."

The invitation seemed harmless, but Rune automatically signaled to William that the man couldn't be trusted.

"I'm not that good when it comes to boats. I would prefer if we could remain on land. My mansion is not that far from here, we could talk there if you're willing."

The smile on the man's face seemed to twitch for only a moment. "That... that would also be perfect! Please, take the lead, my Lord."

William glanced at Rune before turning his back to the man, then started to lead the way. Rune slowly followed him, sharpening all his senses. The men quietly followed without a word. It was suspicious.

After William stepped into an alley, their footsteps went quiet, and they stopped. "It would be a pleasure to see your magnificent mansion, my Lord, but I fear we have better things to do here," said the man unexpectedly from behind, signaling to his men to surround them. "I'm a merchant, you see, and when I see valuable prey before my eyes, I can't help but try to catch it and sell it for a much higher price." The man's sly smile appeared on his face once again.

Rune leapt in front of William almost immediately as the men took their first step. "If you dare to approach him, I'll kill you!" he said, both of his swords drawn...

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The aftermath of the fight...

Getting born and growing up on a filthy ship among slaves was a miracle on it's own. And sadly that miracle only gave him enough luck to barely survive.

William was always behind others when it came to physical labour. As a little kid, a slave on a ship, he was constantly working. When he became three years old, he already understood, that proper rest, food and conditions were a thing only allowed to those above deck, he was not one of the worthy. As a slave he had only one job: doing as he's told, even if the task given was an impossible one.

He didn't spend many time among the slaves, he was rescued at the age of four. But, even so, the sad and harsh memories burned in his mind and body forever, together with the feeling of a constant pain and discomfort in his chest.

For as long as he knew, every time he had to make something physically tiring, he felt his chest burning up with a gripping pain, and air stuck in his lungs. It was unbearable, but he could never show any weakness, thus he hide it, until one day everything became clear.

After some years living as a nobleman's son at his fathers manor, his little secret was meant to get out sooner or later. It was a normal day, getting up, eating breakfast with his father, lessons and sword practice. Everything seemed fine at least on the outside. William already felt something was not right that morning, but he ignored it as usual. Until one moment, when the pain suddenly skorched up during sword practice and he collapsed on the ground unable to breath. It was terrifying for all the servants and the people who were there. Fortunately the family's doctor was present that day, and after half an hour his condition got better. But, the weakness he always tried to hide, now got known by everybody beside him, including his father and best friend Rune. The doctor diagnosed that he had a weak heart and that it will be a constant risk to his life. He needs to avoid physical work and stress, always making sure he takes enough rest. And overworking is a big no-no.

Well... he was never someone who could be discouraged because something like this. But, it was a bother, a disability and a weakness he hated himself for. It was his insecurity that was hidden deeply inside him, never shown, never considered. It made the people around him constantly worried and considerate, and that fact made him lose his confidence. He absolutely hated it!

It was Rune who got him out of this slump, the slave boy who he rescued not long ago. The shine in his eyes constantly reminded William of his initial goal, one that they both shared. That, made him go forward, burying his insecurities away, stepping out to be a light once again. A light that shines on everybody without selection.

From that point on, Rune constantly reminded him with his words, that his heart was stronger than anybody else's, no matter if life told them otherwise.

A shadow

From their first meeting, Rune was always mesmerized by William. He was a bright person, who approached everyone with the same attitude, and he never failed in anything when it came to studies or social activities. He was smart enough to make schemes that always helped him get what he wanted, but even so he never did things that may hurt others. At least not the good persons.

He was a true fighter who didn't shy away from any hard situations. And somehow he always knew what he was doing, being a step ahead of his enemies. Every step, he took with consideration, and if a plan took more time, he got through it with precision and pacience. He was a light to Rune, one he wanted to learn from, befriend and follow for the rest of his life.

Beside him, Rune quickly became a fine young man. After a year William had told him, that they don't even differ as much as he initially may have tought. The only thing that was hard for Rune to accept was the fact, that he's no longer an inferior being that has no value and no right to decide for himself. He always had the mindset of a follower, and that was the thing that had to change.

He wasn't as smart and quick witted as William, but he was a fast learner and he had some pretty amazing physical skills. He just needed the confidence and strength to step up to be himself. And so he did. They became friends, brothers and equals. They shared the same goal and determination and that made them partners.

For some time Rune tought, that once they grow up, there will be nothing that could stop them from achieving these goals. Tho he was too naive. There were still many things to learn, and many obstacles to overcome. The journey ahead was a hard one, full of risks, wounds and hardships.

The first thing that shook him was, when William collapsed during sword practice. The secret of his hidden illness got out, shocking everybody around him. Later only Rune, the duke and their trusted servants got to know about his true condition, with the others thinking, that he was just a bit weaker physically.

When the incident happened and the doctor came, Rune was so shocked he couldn't move. His light was fading in front of his eyes and he couldn't do anything to stop it. It was a suffocating feeling, like drowning in cold water. While the doctor was treating William in his room, Rune, with his back to the outside wall of the room, slowly slid down to the ground. He was listening to the sounds. The quick talking of the doctor, the maids trying to follow his instructions, and the dukes nervous steps walking in circles. He closed his eyes and tried not to think of the worst.

After some time everything got quiet and suddenly he heard a familiar voice calling out for him. He shot up and went into the room finding William sitting on the bed with a reassuring smile on his face. Rune just stood there watching as the doctor calmly explained the situation and the necessary knowledge for all the trusted individuals. Slowly his eyes became hazy and a single droplet of tear run down his face. He never felt as relieved before as in that moment. He almost lost something that meant everything to him. His light. From that moment on, he decided that he would become a shadow. A shadow that protects his light no matter what may happen.

He became an aide, a sword and a worthy partner to William, who always knew and understood him better than he himself. Rune swore, that he would never let any harm near him ever again. And yeah, that was a task not so easy to do. Beside his good points, William was a hardworker who many times forgot about himself and his limitations. He worked tirelessly for others, until his body gave up. Eventually Rune learned to prevent that from happening, but even in their adulthood still many things happened that got this persistent and skilled shadow by surprise.

Along their journey William became a great leader, a schemer and a successful businessman who managed to rescue many lives. And with great light came a great shadow. Rune as his aide established a shadow guard to their guild with many skilled fighters to aid them on missions. All the people they rescued and helped became skilled individuals, living the life they thought not to be possible.

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This was a quick introduction about two of the main characters and their story. Kind of a prologue. But, there are many more characters to be shown...

He was a slave, a boy born to a prostitute in the red light district, with a distinctive look of a white haired ghost. People feared him, were disgusted by him, but most importantly they treated him like an insect, something that's not human, that has no value. His days were endless labour, torture and pleasing masters with many crazy, sadistic pleasures.

After the slave trading ship got bought, he, like everyone else in that place, was awaiting his next ruler who will either kill or torture him. But, when the sun's first ray of light hit the ships deck, a young boy appeared in front of them, bearing a bright smile on his face. He approached Rune and put his hand on him, on a filthy pathetic creature like him, and then he spoke "You're free from now on, you have an important life to live!"

He didn't understand anything, he just went along, as kind humans cared for his wounds, got him clean from that filth and gave him clothes befalling a human being.

When he saw that boy again, everything got clear. He offered him a new life, a beginning he never ever thought was possible to him. The boy was almost the same age as him, with dark curly hair and a smile he would never forget. That boy offered his hand to him and Rune took it without hesitation.

If life meant standing beside that boy, he decided to live it to the fullest!

Life

William Abel Windermere, a name of a noble, a person who has everything from the moment of his birth. At least, that's what everyone knows about the only son of duke Windermere. The truth however, tells us a story a bit different from that.

William saw the light for the first time on a filthy ship, full with female prostitutes, sailing for their final destination: to be bought as slaves. His mother, wife of the praised duke Windermere, got abducted two months after becoming pregnant. The empathy and kindness of her husband toward the unworthy brought them many problems before, from other nobles or people who weren't aggreeing with their ideals. But this time, they went even as far as abducting the Duchess and selling her as a slave. She suffered for many months at the traders and then on the slave trading ship until giving birth to her baby and dying right after. The child miraculously survived and lived a life of suffering, until his father found him at the age of four at an auction.

His mother's failing health and the conditions of the birth left William with a weakness. However, that wasn't able to prevent him from becoming a brilliant son to the Duke.

At the age of ten he became rumored at being the best in everything among his peers. Other noble's sons viewed him with jealousy and tried to befriend him for benefits, not knowing anything about his life before he got recognised as the Duke's son.

William was smart, he learned everything quickly surpassing the expectations of his tutors. He had a perfect education for a son who will eventually inherit his fathers duty as a Duke. He also had the kindnes of his father and the wits of his mother. But, the most important thing for him were his memories, of a dark humid ship, the quiet cries of the slaves and the ray of light that leaked through the holes in the wood, illuminating the lives of the forgotten.

After the first year of living as a noble inside his fathers estate, he swore to himself, that he will do anything that is possible, to bring the case of the uworthy to the light. He will become the most powerful person if needed, rich, skeming, everything, just to abolish slavery and save the lives of humans that aren't given the chance to live like one.

Beginning

William knew his father, how kind he was to anyone without condition, however, he also knew that in this world, with only kindness, no one could achieve anything. Even if the Duke had his noble lineage, his title and estate, he was just a weak man, who had more enemies than power to defend himself and his grand ideals.

It started off by taking over a small business that had failed in the hands of his father. He was still young and studying, so that was the first step of his plan. Before everything, he needed money, a stable income, that could help him to act without using his real identity as the son of a duke.

With managing a business came connections and people, but true friends were hard to find, especially for William. He was always surrounded by people, other noble sons, some could say he had the best opportunities, but sadly that was a lie. Good friendships in the surface and benefits behind, that was the truth that has clouded the noble society for many generations. He was always friendly and open to anyone while remaining cautious at the same time.

Soon however someone, a person with the same heart, came before him at the most unexpected place. It was his first time buying a ship full of people, no one would consider human. He was twelve at that time, so he of course acted with his fathers consent, with money he earned himself.

The eyes. Those were the first thing William noticed about Rune, he had the eyes of a fighter.

He was the youngest on that ship, a child who knew nothing about the real world. But, he wasn't afraid, he stood strong whatever vile things fate put before him. All the other slaves were adults, and likely had some experiences of life before becoming slaves. With some help they got to be free and start a new life, but not Rune. He was sent to the Duke's mansion where they treated his wounds and gave him a room of his own. The boy was as confused as a little animal, that just got out of his narrow kage for the first time.

The second day, William entered his room and crouched down beside him by the side of his bed. The boy flinched when he sensed someone else's body heat near him. He sat with his head down embracing his knees.

"Do you have a name? " asked William in a kind and quiet tone not looking in the direction of the boy at his side. The answer didn't came.

"You're not alone. Not anymore." he spoke again after a little while. "If you're willing, I'll show you what life is outside of that ship. It may not be easy, but one step ahead and slowly everything will become more beautyful."

The boy slowly lifted his head, then glanced in the direction of the voice. He then flinched when his eyes met William's and immediately lowered his head. It was the way of a slave, never to look in the eye of anyone.

"My name is William. But you can call me Liam too. I will answer any questions you may have. You don't need to be afraid"

After a long minute the boy spoke in a broken and quiet voice "Why?"

"Because you're human, just like me. Also I think we have the same age" said William in a more cheerful tone, then smiled at the boy. Time passed, it may have been more minutes, but in the sudden a quiet voice could be heard. "Rune... That's...how they called me." The boy blushed and was still facing down.

"Then..." William took the boy's hand between his and then squeezed it smiling brightly. "Welcome home, Rune! "

In the following months Rune slowly opened up to William and the people in the mansion, servants and other workers. He followed William around learning about new things and slowly getting accustomed to a normal life. Rune never in his entire life met someone that kind. William was like an entire new being to him, and as he spent more time with him everything became clear. He was someone worth following. He was kind, smart, and strong. No matter what obstacle arose, he always found a way to get through. He helped others achieve things they themselves never thought the'd be able to.

For William, Rune was someone just like him. The more he got to know him, the more the realization hit him, that maybe he too will have someone to rely on, someone who understands him, and doesn't see him as a noble son, but as who he really is.

After a year Rune catched up, becoming a talented young man in many areas. He swore to become Williams aide who will help him in everything. From then on, the two of them grew up together, becoming best friends and brothers.

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First part of the two (William, Rune) main characters backstories.

He is raised as a slave until the age of four, when his father finds him and takes him back. From then on, he is raised as a nobleman, but he, carrying the trauma of those four years, vows to abolish slavery, even if the path to it proves dangerous and impossible. Along the way, he makes friends and allies, fighting to offer a new life to those who were once rejected by society.

In addition to William, the story also features two other main characters: his Silver-Haired bodyguard, who is also his sworn brother, and a slave girl who has special abilities due to her deep past.

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This was the introduction to my story "Shadows light". If you're interested in more, please leave a comment or ask a question. I'll be posting more blogs about the story and characters in the future.