Ashes of the Past

"It has been 60 years since the last Dragon slayer has proved himself. Dare you dream to be the next?" Krista asked, her gaze intense as she stared at Markos tucked into bed with concern in her golden eyes. There was a tightness in her shoulders. She kept looking toward the door like she heard or sensed something outside. Markos thought it was odd his mother ended the story that way tonight.

"...Remember that no matter what, momma loves you." She slowly withdrew from the bed, grabbing her sheathe from where she set it to tuck her son in. She hurried to the door, glancing back over her shoulder at her son one last time before she hurried off - her sword in hand.

Markos stared after his mother. This was the last time I saw her. Where did she go?

The words of his guardian from the vision of the temple of Auseklis returned to him.