Black city was a new city that had just been established in the past fifty years by the Black clan and on this day a black gate had opened just outside the city.
All the mages in the city quickly rushed to the gate trying to close it and prevent the demonic beasts from causing too much havoc but they were short on numbers but somehow they managed to pull it off, but by the time it was all over and the gate was finally closed the city head along with his wife were lost.
Drake's world instantly crumbled. In the past people would be kind to him, but now no one would even smile at him. Instead they would always scorn and scoff at him and the other kids in the clan would sometimes even push faults for their wrongdoings on him and if he ever talked back he would get beaten.
Once a guard tried standing up for him at the obvious injustice, of course as you can guess he lost his job and disappeared shortly after. And since then no one else ever stood up for Drake ever again. If anything they would bully and abuse him more just so they could curry favor with the higher-ups in the clan that didn't like Drake.
Not only did he lose his title as the young city lord, he lost his house and was not even let to live in the family manor in the clan. Instead he now lived at a small wooden shed over to the side of the clan where he would be out of sight.
This was treatment even the clans servants and maids did not receive, but Drake got the message and did his best to make himself scarce in the clan grounds so no one would see him unless they purposely went looking for him at his shed.
Drake did not really care though and would mind his business keeping away from clan activities as much as possible.
…
Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Drake quickly got himself cleaned and dressed up then headed for the kitchen to get his breakfast.
As usual he found his food tray already kept for him, with a bowl of loose gruel and a half loaf of dry bread. Unlike the other people in the clan that could choose from a vast assortment of food available to them, Drake wasn't allowed such luxury, that was the only one thing he was allowed to eat. He was fed like a prisoner, but he did not complain.
Taking his food tray he stepped through the double doors to the side into the dinning area, he did not bother looking around for a seat. He knew that as usual all the tables were taken so he found himself a corner hidden from sight and sat on the ground to eat his meal.
He had done everything quietly going almost completely unnoticed, unfortunately someone caught sight of him moving in the corner of his eye.
"Hey Leo check it out, the trash just showed up." A skinny teenager said drawing the attention of his group to Drakes position.
"That damned outsider, I can't believed they still haven't kicked him out of the clan yet what's worse is that we now have to eat in the same hall as that unlucky bastard." another teenager seated at the table said as though disgusted.
Suddenly though, a tall teenager stood up from his position his every movement and expression leaking of arrogance, this young man was called Leo Black. He was the second son of the Black clans clan master.
"Come on now everyone there is no need to be like that, it's a day of great celebration. What do you all say we go invite the young city lord to hang out with us later hmm?" Leo sneered then started in Drake's direction and his entourage quickly followed suit.
Drake had just eaten a few mouthfuls of his food when he heard the footsteps approaching and he instantly knew who it was. His instincts kicked in screaming at him to move to the side and dodge the incoming object.
But he knew that it would only make things worse if he dodged so he forced himself to stay still. Just then a foot came out of nowhere and kicked Drakes tray of food spilling its contents all over him with some gruel splotches on his face.
"Hello young city lord, how are you doing this fine morning?"
Drake did not bother raising his head to look at the people in front of him.
He was already long used to getting bullied, and the leader of the younger generation in the clan would be Leo Black. All the bullying Drake faced, all the terrorism caused by younger generation he was the cause of all the mischief and the pranks, he was the ring leader.
Drake knew that the best way to get out of the current situation was to quietly ignore them and let them do their do. They would leave once they had lost interest.
"My goodness young city lord, what a mess you made." Leo said in a mocking tone
Seeing Drake keeping silent Leo continued, "Oh come on young city lord don't be like that. We seriously mean no harm today, we saw you looking so glum so we thought we could invite you to celebrate today after all there's a special occasion today. What do you think."
But Drake still refused to answer and this started to irritate Leo. "Hey are deaf or can't you hear him talking to you, what kind of trash raised you anyway, didn't your parents teach you that it's rude to ignore someone when they are talking to you, you little bas..." the sharp mouthed teenager stood forward pointing at Drake.
*Bang
"Argh!"
However he did not manage to finish his words when a fist smashed into is nose sending him reeling as his nose started to bleed.
"You can do and say anything you want, but don't you ever talk about my parents ever again." Drake said as he withdrew his fist.
They had not expected that Drake would react like that. No one had saw when he had gotten up since he had moved too fast for them, when they noticed him move he had already thrown the punch and by the time they realized what was happening their comrade had already been sent reeling before they could react.
"You..." The sharp mouthed youth pointed at Drake with his left had while holding onto his broken nose with the other. He was shaking furiously.
Drake knew that reacting that way and attacking this guy would do him no good, if anything it would only give Leo the excuse he needed to hurt him. Not like he ever really needed a righteous reason to do whatever he wanted. But it did not matter what they did to him, he would not tolerate anyone talking badly about his parents, never!
"How dare you lay your filthy hands on my people?! It looks like just because I haven't come looking for you for a few days your horns and wings have grown and you think you can touch the sky now huh? Well maybe its time we thought you a lesson to bring you back down to earth. I'll make sure to cripple those arms of yours too to make sure you can't use them again." Leo's group now started to surround Drake to make sure he could not escape.
Drake braced himself for what was about to come, after all he couldn't really fight back.
Just then the large double doors opened and an elegantly dressed middle aged man with a slightly graying moustache and beard walked in.
Everyone hastily rose to their feet and bowed respectfully to him. This was Butler Gerald. He was one of the oldest, strongest and respected people alive in the clan, even though he looked like he was only middle aged he was actually over a hundred but no one dared to underestimate or disrespect him.
He nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes locked on to Drake in his corner, "All of you continue with your meals. Master Drake, come with me please!" he said as he said this he turned and departed. Leo's group hastily opened up a path and he followed the old Butler quietly.
Leo kept his glare on Drake's back, he murmured softly. "Just you wait. When I go to the mage academy, my standing in the clan will also rise. At that time I will definitely get rid of you."
…
The two of them trotted past a few buildings and everyone including the guards, servants and maids would always bow respectfully calling out 'Butler G' and he would respond to the gesture with a gentle nod. The two said nothing to each other as they walked through the clan grounds until Butler Gerald decided to break the silence.
"How are you Drake? I saw you with the other youngsters in the hall" he said.
"I'm fine, it was nothing." Drake said before resuming his silence.
"Are you sure? You know all you have to do is ask, all it would take is one statement from me and no one would dare to make things hard on you again." Butler Gerald said lowly as if trying to persuade Drake.