CHAPTER ONE

Little Alex's Dream

This story is about a young boy named Alexander, named after a legend. He doesn't know where he came from or anything about his background, but he loves his life... for the most part.

He lives with his mother, Melina, in isolation from the Kingdom of Nathan, almost as if they are in hiding. Sometimes, Alex asks his mother why they can't live among the people, but she only ever responds with, "No one is to be trusted."

At just seven years old, Alex dreams of becoming a warrior, but this idea does not sit well with Melina. She discourages him from even thinking about it, insisting that he could be something much greater—perhaps a blacksmith, a cobbler, or even a sailor. Anything to distract him from thoughts of war.

Melina is a weaver who sells the cloth she makes, alongside her only friend, Phoebe. They have been close ever since Melina moved into a small apartment that was up for rent. Phoebe and her husband, Jimmy, are farmers who own a large piece of farmland that provides a steady income. As a newlywed couple with no children of their own, they have come to see Alex as family.

One evening, as Melina and Phoebe sat beneath a tree, Melina sighed and said, "I don't like this idea Alex has about being a warrior."

"Why not?" Phoebe asked.

"What do you mean, why? It's too dangerous. No mother would ever want to see her only child on the battlefield."

"You're right," Phoebe admitted. "I wouldn't want that either. But don't worry—he's still just a child. It only shows how brave and strong he is going to become."

They both laughed, though Melina's heart remained heavy.

The next morning, Alex was outside, striking a tree with his wooden sword.

"Alex! Alex!" his mother called. "It's too early for this. Come inside and do the dishes. I'm stepping out for a while, and by the time I return, I want the house to be tidy. I need to get a few things for dinner, and I don't want you distracted by this game of yours."

Alex's shoulders slumped as he muttered, "Okay, Mum," before trudging inside. Melina watched him with a worried look, sensing just how passionate he was about becoming a warrior at such a young age.

By noon, Melina returned from the market. "Alex!" she called out.

Alex rushed to meet her, taking the bags from her hands. "Welcome back, Mum."

"Thank you, my dear. Now, what would you like for dinner?"

"Hmm... I'd love spaghetti!"

Melina chuckled. "Sure, I can do that. But it might take a while—unless you help me in the kitchen."

Alex grinned. "Of course, Mum!"

As they worked together, Melina glanced at him and asked, "Alex, what makes you so interested in being a warrior?"

Without hesitation, he replied, "Because I want to protect you, Mum."

She smiled gently. "That's very sweet, but you don't have to be a warrior to protect me."

Alex hesitated before saying, "Mum, I had a dream..." His expression turned serious.

Melina's brows furrowed. "What kind of dream?"

"I dreamt that I had defeated my enemies and won a great victory. But I wasn't happy... because I lost something very dear to me. I don't know what it was, but right now, you're the most important thing in my life. That's why I want to protect you."

Melina's breath caught at his words. Pulling him into a tight embrace, she whispered, "Don't worry, sweetie. Everything will be alright. I will always be with you."

After dinner, Alex kissed his mother goodnight. But long after he had gone to bed, Melina sat at the table, lost in thought. The dream troubled her.

Later that night, she knelt by her bedside and called upon the gods—the Goddess of Fate and the God of War and Iron—seeking wisdom and protection. She prayed for guidance, then lay down to rest, hoping that everything would be alright.

"Melina!!... Melina!!!... Melina!!!" a voice echoed in her dream.

"I am Clotho, the Spinner."

"I am Lachesis, the Allotter."

"I am Atropos, the Inevitable."

"Together, we are Moirai, the Goddesses of Fate."

"We have come to tell you that Alex is on the right path. His fate is tied to the kingdom he left behind. He shall conquer the land and restore its greatness. Nations will know his name, and his enemies will tremble before him. But know this—his journey will begin when yours comes to an end."

Melina woke with a start. Her heart pounded as she whispered, "Moirai... the Goddesses of Fate..."