The First Shadow Trail, Rafael Faria [ebook reader macos .TXT] 📗

Prologue

There once was a boy. He was being raised in a way no other being has ever heard of. Kept from the world and taught nothing of what he needed to know. Not how to care for himself nor anyone else. He knew nothing of the world. It's hardships, pain, anger, and war were but mere fairytales in books handed down to him by the shadows he was confined in. He believed his torment would end once he rid himself of his captors. Yet his captors had brainwashed him into thinking they were his family. As he grew and grew, he began to fight back. First physically, then mentally, and at last turning the very world he was hidden from against them. Deeming them torturers of the last generation.

The boy knew alot about metaphysical realms, dark lands, dimensional rifts, time, and space. All through his books. It was all that intrigued him. The only escape. The only way to stop his mind from deteriorating in what he sees in the world today.

Dominic knew his day would come. When he would be free of his torturers. He just never expected it to come so suddenly. As a warrior he knew he would have to fight his way out. But as a master he knew he needed a plan. A plan that would take him from a measley unknown human, to leader of realms. From the darkest places unto timeless abyss', his name would ring out with the sound of a million deities.

As a child Dominic fell victim to abuse, abandonment, neglect, imprisonment, and betrayal. The ingredients to raise a monster. He had subjective ways of dealing with these things. Ways no one in the world would understand enough to grasp how complex he works. He is constantly bashed about doing things in such an unorthodox manner. Yet somehow he always finds a way out. 

Those that claimed to be his family were the main ones that contributed to his daily beatings. They kept him locked inside a dark room only released to go to school. He was forced to listen to the laughter of the other children as they played but was never able to see any of it. Dominic grew a heavy amount of hatred during this time. Not only was he getting beat at home, he also was being bullied at school. No one knew though. Dominic was very good at hiding his problems.

Dominic can see possibilities others were oblivious to. He made it his point to seize every one. Like the first one, he managed to evade his torturers, freeing himself of his shadow prison. The second time, he evaded slave traders, who thought he had but a feeble mind from not witnessing the world. But having been treated the way he was, Dominic knew how to talk and deal with people.

Though he was constantly falling victim to physical and mental torture from those he came across. Yet mild compared to his origin. It hurt to know the whole world works the same. He pondered for years on a getaway. Each time falling victim to an agenda made to put him in situations that were only partially beneficial to him. No one warned him that he would end up like the rest, stuck and vulnerable if detected.But like always he could see his way out. This time it wasn't going to be easy, nor will it be quick.

So one day he decided to keep his presence in as many worlds as possible until he can find one where living with a mind like his can be possible. A world where the easier things in life can flourish. Even though he is stuck now, living day to day, surviving the best way he could. Keeping a select few by him whilst always trying to make it to his vision. Stuck and lonely, even amongst family, he gew into a man this world has not seen in over a thousand years. This is the story.

Chapter 1: Leaving

 One day after working so many jobs in so many different cities, Dominic decided he would not stand for wasting anymore of his life listening to someone else for a little change in his pocket. He knew that all he was doing is wasting away. He was meant for greater things. He heard the calls. Yet refused to answer them until he got his answers, and they came to him. Hundreds of thousands were said to know who he is, but none spoke of his existence.

Dominic soon realized that he would be free of all things he hated most. One more step was needed though and now he knew where he must begin. Death Valley. The first trail of shadows where a map of the hidden paths reside. But the trip was to be treacherous. Unknown troubles lurked this path, yet it will turn him into not only a greater warrior, but also a hunter by the time he reached the valley.

As he began treading on this path he could feel his strength rising. Physically, Mentally. As if he suddenly was gaining strength other only spoke of. The world began to bend to his will. Making food grow almost instantly as if the world knew he was hungry. The cold of night bounced off his skin as if he were coated in fire. His eyes became so peircing the darkness seemed to quiver as he gazed through it. Weariness was something he had forgotten as he moved forward.

Now as Dominic neared theoutskirts of his hometown, he turned and peered out, hoping it was the last time he would ever see this city. It wasn't until now that he realized why he hated this place so much. It was the place of his torment after all. It was meant to hold him back. Chained down to one place and one situation. He took a deep breath, turned, and continued on his journey.

Upon reaching the next town he was confronted by three hooded figures. He could not see their faces, yet their eyes glowed with different colors. The first had red eyes, he stood in the middle. To his right, this man had white eyes, whiter than any clothing Dominic had ever seen. The man to the left had green eyes, greener than the best lawns in the world. It was as if the shadows cloaked them as they moved forward.

"Your path is shrouded in hardship and many beings that want you dead." It was as if the trio spoke in unison.

"Who are you?" Dominic asked hastily disregarding the words spoken to him. Someone always wanted him dead.

"We are the guides of darkness. Revealers of shadows. Protectors of all dark things. We are the shadow keepers."

Dominic paused because even though he knew of the hidden world within he never thought he would ever meet the keepers. Let alone the shadow keepers.

"What beings and hardship do you speak of? And can they be avoided?" Dominic demanded answers.

"Nothing can be avoided less ye return to the life handed to you by your creators. You must pass all the trials in each trail in order to be successful in yourmission for deeper elevation."

Just as they finished speaking, they vanished. Giving no chance for more questions to be asked. Dominic could not believe that he now had more questions than he did before he left. He dreamt of answer every night leading up to this day. He was sure that this nomadic event would clear his conscience, subconscience, and inner being of misunderstandings and curiousities. Why then, on just his first stretch, has so many question arisen?

As he continued on his path, mulling over the event that had just unfolded, he could feel the muscles in his feet and legs contracting from weariness. He has been walking 10 hours now. Only just realizing that it's been two hours since he last saw a car. Dominic stopped to take a look at his surroundings. One road lay ahead, with trees on either side as far as his eyes can see. The wind breezing by, bringing nature's sweet scent to his nose. He took a deep breath, smiled, and continued walking. He loved the night, but he knew he had to find a proper place for his hammock before the night dragged on. Daylight had to be reserved for travelling for that was the only time he would likely get a lift. 

Dominic came a set of trees that looked promising. But he needed to get away from the road. He took out his compass and began walking west. At least he knew which direction to take back to the road. Counting his strides he stopped at a perfect spot to camp. He set up his hammock, started a small fire, and heated up one of his rations.

As the flames danced and crackled among the darkness of night he slowly ate, all the while not moving his eyes from the fire. Not five minute passed before he could he the slow and subtle cracking of twigs in the brush around him. Dominic knew he couldn't panic, but he needed to put the fire out. Whatever was lurking out there could either be friend or foe, but he always prepared for the worst. He grabbed his fire blanket and carefully covered the flames, all the while watching the darkness around him.Nothing moved.

As soon as the fire was out he darted through the darkness, flanking the sound of whatever was moving through the night. This was one reason he knew he can nevr forget his origin. That bloody city taught him how to move, unseen and unheard. Even by the very shadows around him. It also enhanced his sight in the dark.

Eventually Dominic round back and ended up back at camp. Nothing. He could see no animals nor any people. Now everything stood silent. He decided to get some rest. The sun shall return soon.

Chapter 2: Enemies and Friends

Dominic awoke to birds chirping and squirrels scouring around for food. The early morning spring breeze assisted in keeping him awake. That was always pleasant. The morning sun was barely peeking over the horizon, yet gave off enough light for it to be morning. Enough light to make Dominic realize a small figure sitting just beside his hammock, hunched over his fire pit from the night