First of all I would like to thank my lovely friend, @ladylaviniya for designing this beautiful title cover for me! I am forever in your debt baby ❤️ without you, idk how I would’ve been able to piece together such beauty. 🥰🥹
This is just a mere adaption, and not at all accurate. I just decided to make Tytus (Geralt) King Viserys I Targaryen’s bastard son who also happens to be the oldest. He mainly acts as as an older brother to Princess Rhaenyra, and does not want responsibility of being King. This will probably be the longest fic I’ve ever done but chapters will be paced. I do hope the HOTD & GOT fans enjoy 🖤❤️🏴
Warnings 18+: Nudity , Blood , Death , Death by Fire , Strong Profanity , Mentions of Incest , Mentions of Rape , Smut (will be listed in chapter(s) ) , Parental Death , Illness . Will add as time goes on.
“Italics” with quotation will be Valyrian language.
I had a conversation with Will about Liam!Geralt finishing Henry!Geralt's fight with Vilgefortz. Can I tell you the rant-y rage this puts me in? (Will calls it my 'Goblin' side xD)
If the show manages to last that long or it happens in S4, (which I probably won't watch) I will lose my shite! That is Henry!Geralt's fight, in my mind. He started that fight in S3. So mentally, for me it doesn't feel, and wouldn't look, right to see Liam!Geralt kill him.
It's like your big brother starting a fight, but your younger brother is the one that gets to do it. Henry!Geralt is the one with the right to kill him!
Ikea/Wal-Mart Henry!Geralt, not Pound Town/Dollar Store Liam!Geralt.
Pairings: Tytus Snow (Geralt of Rivia) x Alyssa Landon (black!plus size female)
Description: Tytus finds out the truth about the relationship between his mother and father.
Word Count: 5.6K
Song: No Time To Die by BILLIE EILISH
Special Guests: Mr. Landon (Denzel Washington)
Skeletons
Tytus had managed to make it back to Gardenia in record time. With added weight on his shoulder, the time that it took to get there the first time would’ve been sliced in half.
But with the way Tytus pushed and pulled farm equipment, lulled around heavy pelts and chopped wood, carrying her around like this was not even close to the hard work that he’d put in everyday.
When he made it back to Gardenia, she neigh loudly; excited to see her faithful owner.
‘Gardenia— shh!’ Tytus tried to hush her but to no avail, Alyssa had awakened.
Alyssa instantly groaned as she came to be. She blinked away her blurry vision, instantly taking note that she was upside down and being carried. In that moment, adrenaline kicked in and she began to panic! She began to flay and kick her legs around and punch against his muscular back.
‘LET ME GO! SOMEBODY HELP ME!’
It all happened so damn quickly, Tytus barely had a moment to explain what happened before she did her damndest for him to drop her.
‘Alyssa, Alyssa! It’s alright, it’s me!’
She continued to kick her legs and beat against his back like a maniac, ‘I don’t know who you are! PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW OR ELSE MY FATHER—‘
Tytus stopped in his tracks as she kept screaming for dear life. Rolling his eyes, he sighed out, ‘If I put you down—‘
‘AAAAHHHH! PUT ME DOWN!’
‘Suit yourself.’ He huffed before wrapping his arm around the back of her knees and practically tossing her on her back.
‘URGH!’ She exclaimed at the impact, squeezing her eyes shut until she was able to suck in some air. ‘What the hell is your—‘ Her crazed eyes opened to see Tytus standing before her, face and hair bloodied with his arms folded across his chest. He had this unamused expression written across his features.
‘Tytus! I—‘
He stood there with his thick brow raised. His patience was now long gone at this point and he was ready to get back home to some warm soup and his cot.
‘Wh-‘ Alyssa took a moment to look at her surroundings as her busty chest rose and fell quickly. Her adrenaline began to subside as she realized that they were the only ones here. ‘What are you doing here? H-how did you find me?’
‘I don’t think that too much matters right now. What does, is that the sun is setting faster than anticipated. You will have to explain to your father where you’ve been all afternoon.’
Gritting her teeth together, she felt the sudden soreness in her cheek. She reached up to touch it but flinched, hissing at the sensitivity. Her own blood had dripped up her face when she was carried, and was now dry along with the opening of her wound.
‘What’s happened to my face?’
Tytus stared at her for another moment before walking over to Gardenia. ‘You brought harm to one of the men who imprisoned you in that pillory. They punished you for defending yourself.’
Looking back at her white haired savior, her lips parted for a moment. Then it dawned on her. The blood on his face, hair and neck, his messy and out of place locks that were once pulled back tightly in a ponytail. He found her, and killed the men who made the attempt to steal her pride away from her.
Never before would she have imagined that Tytus could kill! Well she knew that he would go out into the woods and hunt but to kill humans?! You had to be a special kind of hard to come to the aid of another and take not just one but 3 lives. It appeared that there was more to him after all.
Alyssa carefully pulled herself to her feet as her lips parted. Her mind was racing with what she could say to him. Beg him not to tell her father. Ask him what he wanted in return.
‘I—‘ she paused for a second, ‘Thank you, Tytus.’
Tytus pulled out his water skin and popped the top before dumping water over his face to rid himself of the dried blood that stuck to his skin. Then, he used a cloth to wipe his face dry.
The woman watched him in awe. Watching as the contaminated water trail down his jaw, to his neck where it disappeared and seeped into his linens. Soaking his shoulders and chest. She bit into her bottom lip and managed to tear her gaze away from this magical scenery. Stop looking at him like that. He’s not even attracted to you. You’re acting like you’ve never seen a man before.
Not a man like this. Targaryens always had this aura of beauty about them. And even as a bastard, he still embodied that rare beauty.
Tytus held the water skin in his hand as he walked towards her and held it out to her.
She glanced at his hand before glancing up at him.
‘I don’t think your father would be too pleased with seeing blood on your face even if it meant that you tore off that prick’s face in the process.’ A small smirk curled on his lips. To say the least, he was very impressed with her efforts and very proud.
Alyssa reached up to touch her chin where she was met with a thick, sticky substance.
He gave her a firm nod for her to take it and once she did, she wasted no time pouring lukewarm warm water on her face. And just as she did with him, Tytus watched as the water dripped down from her face, to her neck and her cleavage.
Alyssa was probably one of the most beautiful women he’s ever seen. It was everything about her physical appearance but also how she carried herself. She was confident and never bit her tongue for anyone. How could one not adore someone like that?!
He swallowed hard before turning his head and holding out the cloth he’d used just moments before.
She took the cloth and patted herself dry and let out a gentle sigh, ‘Thank you.’
Tytus bowed his head and let out a gentle sigh, ‘We’ve got to get home.’
***
Alyssa sat in front of Tytus, using his lap as a cushion since his saddle was only made for one. Anyone would think this was uncomfortable, but Tytus had been in worse positions. Besides, what kind of man would he be to decline a pretty girl a seat? Every once in a while though, she would bring her hips up a little to take some pressure off of his lap. He didn’t mind it though.
Perhaps because this way, he was able to touch her without feeling like a pervert. Or because he was able to sneak little sniffles here and there from her hair that was destroyed by the hands of those assholes. And my, she smelled so good! Like figs, citrus and flowers.
‘You’re welcome… by the way.’ Tytus declared.
She gently turned her head at his comment. ‘I’m sorry, I—‘
‘It’s not your fault. If those men hadn’t done it to you, they would’ve done it to someone else. It’s best that they met their fate sooner than later.’
Alyssa grew quiet for a moment. Even though he was right, he seemed strangely calm about all of this. Whereas she was trying to figure out what in the hell to tell her father.
‘Are you always this calm when it comes to death?’
Tytus scoffed and raised a brow, ‘If you’ve seen the things I have… you would be too.’
She knew it! She knew he was more than just an average village hunter. She knew that there was something that molded him into this hardened individual. ‘What have you seen?’
‘Things I vowed not to repeat.’
‘Alright. How many people have you killed?’
He blinked hard and glanced down at her with his eyebrows tugged into one again.
‘I mean… you obviously killed those three trained soldiers. And without a scratch! You’ve done this before.’
‘How do you know I killed them all?’
‘Because If they were after us, we’d be moving much faster now.’
Well, that was a valid point. And he couldn’t argue that.
‘You’re quite observant.’ He grumbled.
‘Well when you’re raised to just cater to others and to do it quietly… that’s all you have. Observance.’
In a way, they did have that particular trait in common.
‘I don’t keep up with how many people came across my blade. Do you keep up with how many people you serve a day?’
‘Yes.’
And yet she continues to surprise him the more she speaks.
‘For my own reasons.’
‘Hmm.’
It grew quiet once again. And for a moment, he was relieved for the peace. The sounds of Gardenia’s hooves stomping against the dirt, insects chirping in the air, leaves dancing in the wind. But then…
‘Are you going to tell my father?’
Inhaling softly, he paused at her question. The right thing to do would be to tell her father. But she was an able adult woman. It wasn’t exactly his place to tell her business. Plus, the old man would probably try to chain her up to that damn Pub. As any father would, he didn’t blame him for that.
‘Not if you don’t want me to. I do wonder how you’re going to explain your cheek.’
The woman paused for a second as she felt the sudden throb stun her cheek once again. ‘Mmph..’ she paused for a second. ‘Maybe we blame Gardenia.’
‘You’ve gone mad.’
‘What?! I think it is a good idea.’
‘It is not! My horse will not take the blame for what those bastards did to you. Your father would have every intent to come after the both of us.’
‘Tytus, you don’t know him like I do. He wouldn’t harm a fly!’
‘For his child? A man would do anything to protect those he loves. Never mistake that again. Any other plan will do, just not that one.’
The woman shut up at his lecture. She couldn’t argue this point this time.
***
The pair had made it back to the village and the sun was well set by now. The moon had just began its journey across the sky and the villagers were finally settling in for the evening.
Pulling the reins, he brought Gardenia to a slow stop. ‘Whoooa, whoa.’ He said calmly before, ‘Up.’
With his demand, Alyssa rose her hips carefully as he began to unmount his mare. He then took Gardenia’s reins and walked her over to the stables at her father’s Pub. But he noticed that each stall was occupied with 4 armored horses. Swallowing hard, he stood there for a second as he tried to develop a plan.
‘Tytus? Is everything alright?’ Alyssa asked concerned.
He looked up at her for a moment, ‘Yes, just… have to find somewhere else to tie her up for now.’
‘Well you can tie her up by the fence! Sometimes when we run out of stalls we have tenants leave their horses there.’
‘Mmm.’ He hummed as he walked her over to the wooden picket fence and tied her up on the stable part of it. Afterwards, he reached his hand up towards her for her to grab.
Alyssa smiled softly at his kindness and placed her hand in his. She held down her dress as she quickly swung her leg over and slid down off of the saddle to the thick mud. ‘Thank you.’
‘Don’t mention it.’ He sighed softly as he looked down at her.
She looked up at him.
There they were again, staring into one another’s eyes.
‘Uh— we should get you inside. The quicker we can explain this to your father, the quicker I can go home and rest.’
‘Right— oh, Tytus! What are you going to tell him about your hunt?’
Dammit, that damn hunt. He forgot all about that!
‘Don’t worry about that… I will figure it out.’
Alyssa led him into the pub where she was instantly greeted by the frantic call of her father. ‘Alyssa! My dear child!’ He exclaimed as he dropped the wash cloth on the wooden counter and rushed over to her.
‘Papa.’ He said softly as she turned her head away to hide the swollen gash on her cheek.
Mr. Landon was quite a good looking man. He had beautiful dark brown skin and he stood tall. But the gray ring around his eyes reflected in his age. His finely faded cut hair and goatee was salt and peppered. His teeth were white as pearls, but both of his canines shined gold. He wore small gold hoop earrings that matched his necklace and rings.
Tytus hadn’t been around a lot of wealthy people growing up, but Mr. Landon wore his wealth very well. From his clothes to how he ran his businesses, he was very professional.
‘Oh, where have you been?! A-are you alright?!’ He grabbed her chin and began to examine her. Then he saw her injury.
‘I’m alright pa.’ She hissed
Mr. Landon asked sternly, ‘What happened to your face?!’ Immediately causing a scene, her father glanced over at Tytus who he immediately took to blame, ‘Did you harm my daughter?!’
‘What?! Papa no!’
Tytus sighed out softly under his breath, ‘Here we go.’
‘I-I just…’
‘She fell off my horse…’ Tytus lied, pursed his lips together.
‘Fell off your horse?! Alyssa what in faith of the seven were you doing on a horse!?’
She opened her mouth to speak once again.
‘I was teaching her to ride..’
Oh, that sounded so bad. Her father glared at him with a knowing look. ‘Teaching her how to ride…’
‘Tytus—‘
‘Exactly what I said. I was teaching her how to ride and Gardenia got a little too excited. I am.. terribly sorry for this—‘ he glanced down at the woman who was now glaring up at him with a bewildered look. ‘Accident.’
‘Uh huh.’ Her father added as he stared him down. ‘Where’s the Stag? You promised some meat this evening.’
‘The woods were unkind to me. I was unable to make my catch so I decided to return home for the evening. I shall bring you venison on the morrow.’
Why, that was partially true. But he was a damn good liar.
The innkeeper stared up at Tytus to see if he’d break but… nothing. ‘Well, alright. I suppose I could overlook this. Alyssa.’ He said before looking at his daughter once more.
‘Yes father?’
‘Go get yourself cleaned up. We’ve got close this pub soon and an Inn to run.’
Tytus’ brows furrowed, ‘wait you aren’t going to make her work tonight are you?’
‘Unfortunately son, the pub closes but the Inn does not. I need all the help I can get around here.’
‘I don’t think you understand, Mr. Landon… she fell off of a horse.’ He pressed on. Though it was a lie, he had to stand on that lie. Why would someone make their child work after they’d been injured?
‘Tytus, it really is alright. I am quite used to the long hours and… everything the Inn demands.’
He glanced over at her with his perplexed expression still written across his face.
‘Goodnight and… thank you for your lessons today. I shall take them into account for when I own my own horse someday.’
The woeful glare that was written in her eyes caused Tytus’ stomach to ache. And when she walked away, his eyes followed her to the back of the pub before she disappeared up the stairs.
‘Send your mother my regards? You both are welcome here anytime.’ Mr. Landon said finally before turning away and walking back to the bar.
Tearing away his glare, Tytus was quite piqued; unable to understand why her father could be so inconsiderate. He then looked up at the group of soldiers that sat in the far corner of the room, eating their fill for the evening.
Those horses must’ve been theirs. Why were they here? In the past year and a half of him and Sondra living here, they’d never come this far. He couldn’t tell if they were just passing through, or if there was something more serious afoot.
***
Tytus walked outside of the inn where he was instantly met with another armored individual petting the mane of his horse. But this one was rather different from the others inside. He sported a long clean and thick white cape that barely missed the ground. No one touched his horse without his permission.
‘May I help you, ser?’ He asked calmly.
The individual turned back to look at Tytus. With a gentle smile, he gave the mare a charming clap against her shoulder. ‘She yours?’
‘Aye..’ he said harshly.
‘I’d give you 25 gold dragons for her.’
That wasn’t even half of a bargain. Gardenia had been his horse for about 9 years. And she had been his only friend in such harsh circumstances. They had a bond that was unmatched. They trusted one another. He would be a fool, to give that up. To add, he had 25 gold dragons already.
‘She is not for sale.’ Tytus said firmly as he finally walked towards his steed and began to untie her reins from the fence.
The white cloak held his hands behind his back, ‘Well she would make quite the stallion maker wouldn’t you agree? She is young, and very strong. I have been looking for such a mate for my horse for quite some time.’
Tytus inhaled deeply through his nose. ‘She is not for sale.’ He repeated, with his back turned towards him.
‘Mmm. My apologies, where are my manners? I am Ser Criston Cole.’
‘I know who you are.’ Tytus said confidently as he rummaged through his satchel to make sure he didn’t steal anything from him.
‘Ah. Then you must know that I’d be willing to pay a great coin for the best of the best.’
The white haired male’s nose flared as he closed his eyes for a moment. ‘I don’t care what you’re willing to pay…Ser Crispy Cole.’ There was a bite in his tone now. Tytus turned to face him head on now, ‘She. Is not. For. Sale.’
The two men stared into one another's eyes, fighting for the dominant spot of who was the most immorally responsible really.
The light look had since disappeared from Ser Criston Cole’s face. ‘You do know you’re supposed to bow in the wake of your Commander?’
‘I don’t bow to anyone.’
‘You will… Tytus Targaryen.’
The last name burned his ears as if flames had been lit there. My, if the man kept count of how many times he’d been angry today!
‘Did I strike a nerve? Or shall I refer to you as… Snow.’
‘You won’t refer to me as anything.’
The Commander let out a gentle sigh with a slightly amused look carved into his face, ‘I shall do as I please… No need to get hasty! These people don’t deserve to see that side of you.’
Tytus leaned in closer, his head falling to the side, ‘Is that a threat, white cloak?’
Ser Criston Cole stared up at him a little longer before swiftly walking around him and starting towards the Inn’s door. ‘Take it as you will.’ He turned around once again to face Tytus. ‘I will be watching you, Snow…’
Tytus’ teeth gritted together as he held Gardenia’s reins tight in his fist. He’d had every intention to go gut that prick like a fish. But he’d put this little village at risk. He and his mother had found peace here in the last year. The people were kind and they didn’t deserve that kind of ailment in their lives.
He’d soon regret that decision.
***
He’d made it back to the cabin, tying up Gardenia to the stables in the back before walking through the back door.
Sondra jumped, startled at his sudden arrival. She held a piece of paper in her hand that she’d quickly folded and hid behind her back. ‘Son, you’re home early!’
Tytus narrowed his eyes at her as his palm rested on the door knob. ‘Mother, it’s after dark. I was supposed to been home?’ He’d taken note that she had her hand behind her back. ‘What’s that?’
She was hoping that he didn’t catch on but she knew her boy was a man who was attentive to everything. His worst fear was probably not knowing enough of a situation to have control over. So, she fed him a lie.
Pulling the paper from behind her back, ‘It’s just some letter the lady from deep in the village sent me.’
Now, for anyone else that would make sense. But his mother preached against making friends and developing bonds with people, especially with them living their lives on the run.
He knew she was being secretive. But he played along for now.
‘Oh? What lady?’ Tytus asked as he tried to appear as engaged with the conversation as possible.
Sondra hesitated before pushing a loose strand of her gray hair behind her ear. ‘It’s no matter. She’s not important.’ Folding the paper up nice and tight, she placed it in her bosom.
A woman wouldn’t place anything between her breasts unless she was either trying to hide something, or had no room in her pockets. And she had plenty of pockets.
The distrust could be felt in the air.
‘How was your hunt? From the looks of it, you were unsuccessful.’
‘I’ve become distracted. Started wondering and … thinking.’ He said calmly as he folded his arms across his chest. ‘But I am afraid the day has caught up with me. I am exhausted.’ He added before pushing himself off of his weight, and started towards their shared bedroom.
His mother’s dark brows tugged into one, ‘wha- you’re not going to have dinner?’
‘No mother. I’m fine!’ He called out as he grabbed the waistline of his shirt and pulled it up and over his head. Tossing the shirt onto the chair, he looked over to the fireplace where his egg rested in a warm, protected cradle. Inhaling deeply, he took in the creature’s beauty. This was everything he was… and maybe even more.
Perhaps he should reach out to his father. It has been 10 years after all.
Looking back over his shoulder, he noticed a pretty black box. A box that he’d never seen before. It was medium with silver trimmings and a silver latch for a small locket.
Something about this mysterious box called out to him. As if they withheld the secrets of the universe inside. He had to see! But, it wasn’t his. He was never the type to invade his mother’s privacy. But her actions. Her behavior was telling. Tytus had to get to the bottom of her surreptitious behavior.
He stretched his neck out to peek around the doorway to see if his mother was nearby. When he was confident that she wasn’t around, he carefully took two quiet strides across the room.
Slowly flipping the latch, Tytus opened the box to see more of those papers folded up. His heart began to ram in his chest so hard, he could hear it in his ears. Heat sprouted at his ears and his neck. He was so unsure what he’d read that he contemplated on just closing the box, and forgetting that it ever happened.
But he had to know. He had to know the truth.
Peeking over his shoulder once more to check for the presence of his mother, he reached down into the box and picked up a paper. It was thick to the touch unlike any other paper he’s ever felt. Swallowing hard, he unfolded the piece of paper where he was immediately met with stellar handwriting.
His eyes began to scan through the sentences.
He deserves to know of his heritage.
Blood of my blood, he deserves to live amongst his sister.
Don’t rob him of his childhood because you hate me, Alicia.
Alicia?
Narrowing his eyes at the name, he looked at the date of the signing and it was dated back when he was just a boy. This one wasn’t quite surprising as Viserys was considerably an active father back then. But he just couldn’t get over the name.
Desperate for more answers as the questions began to pop up in his head, he began to rummage through that box and read letters. The more he read, the more angry he’d become. All these years his mother had been in contact with Viseys and she never told him anything.
Things like: How is my boy? Did his dragon egg hatch yet? I miss my son. Will you allow me to see him again?
This discovery caused tears to brim at his eyes. He wanted to be there… the entire time. And she denied him… every time.
‘Tytus, I—‘ the woman stopped at the bedroom door, immediately coming to terms that he’d found her secret stash of letters from his father. ‘Son?’
The final note that he held in his hand was barely readable. The cursive had seemed to have drug into other words as if it were hard to pick up his quill. It was dated in the middle of this year.
I am to be a grandfather. I would like our son to meet his niece or nephew.
Tytus’ fingers clawed into the paper, holding it tightly in his fist. Unphased by the potential paper cuts he’d curse himself with. Livid wasn’t enough to express his pain caused by her vindictive lying.
‘Alicia?’
The woman sucked in a breath and licked her lips, ‘How much did you read?’
‘Why did you do it?’ He asked, his voice trembling from the threat of sobbing.
Sondra pursed her lips together as she placed her hands on her hips. She knew that this day would come. How could she be so dumb, leaving her personals out in the open like that? Well, they were exactly personal but…
‘You wouldn’t understand son.’
Rage boiled within the pit of his gut, he felt as if he spoke it would come out in flames. Streaks of tears streamed down his face as he turned to face his mother.
‘Son?…’ he hissed. ‘I don’t even know who you are.’
‘Tytus, you must understand. I was protecting you from—‘
‘FROM?! He is my father, the only thing that I have other than you and you robbed me of everything I could’ve had with my people!’
‘Your people?! You don’t know the Targaryens like I do! They’re evil people and destroy everything they touch! Why do you think it’s only so many of you left?!’ She didn’t realize what she’d said until after she said it.
His eyes grew in slight shock, ‘Is that what you think of me?’
‘No,’ she rest her finger tips against her head, ‘No, son that’s not what I meant.’
‘That’s exactly what you meant, mother. Since we’re so evil, you explain to me—‘ he tossed the letters at her feet, ‘Why my father made attempts to bring me home and take care of me when you lied to me the entire time?! YOU TELL ME!’
The woman looked down at the letters before bending down and picking them up in her fingers. She also read a few words as her own eyes brimmed with tears.
‘I will not apologize for raising you the way I did! My only job is to protect you, till my very last breath.’
‘And raising a child while being on the run is protecting?! How many close calls did we come across? How many nights of having to sleep with one eye open?! You lied to me and robbed me from my—‘
‘ENOUGH!’ The woman exclaimed. ‘You can hate me, all you want. But I am your mother, and I knew what was best for you from the very moment you drew breath. I will not be questioned any further on this matter.’ Sondra then stormed out of the room.
Tytus stood there, numb as that hurt settled within his shoulders and chest. Causing him to be more tense than ever. His legs gave out beneath him, causing him to drop down to the floor on his bottom. He pulled his knees up to his chest and hugged them as he began to sob.
As he cried, a thick crack split quietly on his egg.
***
Midnight
Tytus had cried himself into a deep slumber. Swollen eyes and lips with a stuffy nose, the baby laid curled up like a sad puppy.
Suddenly, an uncomfortable itch burned at his nostrils, causing him to cough and then clear his throat. But the sensation didn’t cease. Tytus' chest burned as he inhaled to breathe but was surprised with a harsh cough instead.
Then warmth came afterwards, causing him to stir up out of his sleep. And what he’d seen, made his heart damn near stop. The walls had been engulfed with flames, eating through it like nothing. Coughing, Tytus scrambled to his feet. ‘Mother?!’
No response. Just the sound of flames licking and burning at the dry wood.
As he tried to fight these coughing fits, he pulled on a shirt that was slightly damaged by some embers that burned holes into it.
Then, his eyes began to burn with a vengeance! He could barely see but he forced his eyes to stay open long enough to see if the egg was still in its cradle.
It was not.
‘Fuck!’
The sound of wood creaking and cracking had erupted loudly above him like thunder claps. He looked up just in time to realize that if he didn’t move, he’d be crushed beneath that burning weight. So he leaped tiredly into the hallway where he managed to weakly pull himself off of the ground and drag himself outside.
Wheezing, Tytus collapsed to his hands and knees as he tried to fight the coughs that threatened to cripple him further.
One would think the air would feel better to the lungs but this was no better. Lifting his head, he opened his eyes to see homes engulfed in flames just the same as his. Men and women held on to their children as they ran around frantically screaming and crying. Searching for refuge and safety.
Then, an individual stepped before him.
Tytus rose his tired, burning eyes up at the shadowy figure. It wore all black with a mask that covered their entire face but exposed their eyes. They slowly rose their sword, preparing to strike him down. But that was short lived when their chest was ripped open by the sharp tip of a sword. And when the sword was snatched out, the individual fell to the side.
‘Tytus!’ The woman exclaimed as she reached down to grab his face, forcing him to look at her.
His senses may have been thrown off and he may have been in pain, but he knew that touch anywhere.
‘Mother?’
‘Son, you have to get up! The village is under attack, you have to help me get these people to safety.’
His lungs burned as he tried to breathe, ‘I-I can’t bre-bre- athe… I’m tired…’
Sondra looked over to see 3 men in black approaching them with swords in their fists.
‘Tytus, now is not the time. They’re going to kill us if we don’t move!’
‘I’m not—‘
‘I will tell you everything you want to know about your father! Just please, get up!’ She beseeched.
He weakly glanced up at his mother who’s silhouette was illuminated by the flames behind her. Giving her a nod, he allowed his mother to wrap his arm across her shoulders and her arm around his waist. On her free side, rest her satchel where his egg sat cozy, protected and hidden.
The pair managed to sneak behind their cabin where they could get away with some of the smoke and violence.
In Tytus’ makeshift slaughterhouse/armory, awaited both Alyssa and her father, Mr. Landon. Both looked as if they’d seen better days.
‘Oh my gods, Tytus!’ Alyssa rushed to Sondra’s aid, helping her son into the small shack so they could help him gather his bearings.
***
Tytus managed to pull himself together as he prepared himself for battle. He drank cold water from the stream to ease the burn in the back of his throat.
‘Do we have a plan?’ Mr. Landon asked, ‘They do out number us. I’m not even sure everyone made it out alive.’
‘Some people did. I made sure of it. Does anyone know who they are or where they came from?’ Alyssa asked as she wrapped her arms around herself in a small hug.
‘No.’
‘No markings? Banners? Colors, nothing?’ Tytus asked bemused, his burning eyes impatiently scanning the space.
‘No, nothing. It was almost as if we werent supposed to see them coming.’ Sondra added as she rested her palm on top of the handle of her sword.
‘Good. This means no principles. We kill every single one we see… and even those we don’t see. Whoever sent these assassins, will rue the day they sent them here.’
The four of them left the shack but not before Tytus could try to make amends with his mother.
‘Mother, in case we don’t—‘
‘Shhh.’ She looked over at him with a half smile. She placed her warm hand against his jaw and caressed her thumb on his cheekbone, ‘We’ll talk when we make it out of this.’
Tytus leaned his head into her touch andgave her a gentle smile, having a sliver of hope and using it as an incentive to live.
Sondra placed a kiss upon her son’s forehead before she and Mr. Landon split from Tytus and Alyssa.
Tytus looked over at Alyssa who stared up at him in worry and fear. ‘They will be alright.’ He reassured as he pulled his dagger out of its sheath, ‘Do you know how to use one of these?’
She let out a huff as she looked at the pretty blade. ‘I’ve used knives for chopping… not for stabbing.’
Well there was no surprise there.
He let out a gentle sigh, ‘I know killing may seem like a hard thing. But think of it this way: It’s your life or theirs.’ He flipped the dagger carefully before holding the blade between his finger tips. ‘Don’t think too hard about it. I will be by your side.’
Alyssa stared down at the handle before reaching over and wrapping her fist around it tightly, taking it out of his grasp.
‘Follow my lead…’
She sighed heavily, ‘OK.’ She swallowed as they crouched, slowly shuffling through the field, ‘Maybe if we make it out of this…’ Alyssa looked over at him with gentle eyes, ‘You can teach me how to use that thing?’
Tytus gave her a gentle smile and a nod, ‘It would be my pleasure.’
