Years Ago:
Young Nate woke up screaming.
The sound tore violently through the chamber in an ancinisijg way that would startle anyone.
Nate jerked upright on the bed so suddenly that the blankets left his chest, and tangled around his legs. His chest heaved hard while sweat soaked through the thin sleeping shirt clinging to his body.
Nate gasped sharply, his eyes darting wildly around the dark room like he expected the battlefield to still be there waiting for him.
"Nathaniel." A hand grabbed his shoulder firmly but softly.
Nate flinched violently at the touch.
"Look at me."
The presence of a new voice finally cut through the terror clouding his head.
Nate blinked hard. The room slowly returned around him.
The fireplace crackled softly near the far wall and candlelight flickered against dark stone with the scent of herbs lingering heavily in the air.
King Elijah sat beside the bed immediately, still dressed in his duty wears despite the late hour.
