It was frost Cold and still, a light dusting of snow and ice covered the barren fields outside his window. The sun was just below the horizon, but the warm colors in the sky gave promise to a nicer day than yesterday. In all, it was a normal Ekuosa day in Wollseeth.
A month and few weeks had passed since the new year. Reese had gotten settled into his new routine, of helping grade homework, and preparing some pre-lecture materials for Fense. He was getting up about an hour earlier than usual, and often before anyone else.
It was still a strange feeling, getting up so early. In his old life, this was about the time he’d be heading to bed, his old research job affording him a dynamic schedule. It was hard to know exactly what time it was currently, but it had to be close to 5:30AM, as he finished marking the last assignment. One of the simple things from his old world that he had grown to miss were clocks. So much here was done and said, without an exactness of time. Even now, he couldn’t know exactly what time it was, or how he should plan things out. With the rough measures they did have, the length of the day and nights were variable too, which just added to his own challenges. No one else seemed to struggle with it, maybe because this was all the knew.
The town bell gave some semblance of order to it all, ringing at about 8AM every morning and 6PM every day. Some cities might do every hour, but not Wollseeth. And, in reality, those times were different every day. Closer in the winter, father apart in the summer.
With the bit of free time he was now afforded, he took a moment, and sketched out a few new ideas that he had considered for time keeping. The effects of mana made it hard to build a consistent clock, due to all the variances in friction. He found it was possible to build a reasonably accurate escape mechanism, that is, the mechanical oscillator of a clock. But, those variances caused some issues over time. They made the escapement accurate rather than something that just wouldn’t move. All together, not too unreasonable, given the alternative was nothing or something like to a water clock which was, unworkable for a host of reason.
He even had a proof of concept already built. A single wooden gear and wooden fork, carved by him, and left as smooth and consistent as possible, it ticked on his wall, and had for moths. Powered by a rather nice rock he found on the ground. The prototype did work, mostly, but when he went to add more gears to track hours, minutes and seconds, it tended to become exponentially unstable and would jam up or slip in unpredictable ways. He had tried different angles, and setups, different weights, including springs for torque which were not cheap. Every angle did something slightly different, and it still varied throughout the day, which was also odd.
Its possible metal gears would perform better, but that was an expensive thing just to test. He did have one other option; it wasn’t a great one though. Just have a single great wheel attached to the escapement, it would triple as an hour hand, a minute hand and a second hand. Minimize the number of gears and make use of a larger clock face for minutes and hours, and maybe seconds.
There were different oscillator designs too. He could vaguely recall a spring powered one where the whole thing rotated. The only other option would be to figure out some way to shield it all from mana effects, but was that even possible? The glass display remnants suggested it might, but he had no idea how to make that glass or if it would even work for that purpose.
Thinking about the glass display technology, he could also try to figure out a mana-based oscillator. He’d need one anyway for the magic computer idea, eventually. That was still a way into the future though. Some of his experiments might need a reliable outside time keeping method before point as well.
Musings aside, the sun finally decided to wake up, as the warm sky turned bright. It was time to eat and head to school. The rumblings of his sisters acting as a second alarm.
Tapping his hands on his desk, he smiled. Today, was his day to cook! He was old enough now, being 10 years old. His parents wanted him to learn too. Cooking for oneself was a matter of survival in this world. Even more than his last one. It wasn’t like there were any 24 hour restaurants here after all.
As he stood up, the weight of those years here suddenly hit him. It had been a full decade in this place. Years that seemed both longer and shorter at the same time. Shaking his head, it was what it was. He couldn’t change any of it, nor would he want too if he was honest. Well, maybe one thing.
For breakfast, he was going to try and make something he'd been dying to try. They had eggs, flour, salt and the even more rare sugar, well a dark brown molasses like syrup that he had crystallized a bit of. No butter, but really any fat would do. They didn't have baking powder, but soda wasn't too hard to come by, and a pinch of cream of tartar would work in its place. The last item was harder to find, but a used wine barrel would hold just enough. Brot didn't seem to mind him taking some of the whit crystal scrapings.
Pancakes!
These were not like the other cake like items they had in this world. They would be honest, and true, pancakes. Like what he used to make on the weekends back home.
His family was… not impressed, sadly. He thought they were really good considering some of the substitutions he needed to make. They were surprisingly fluffy, given the low quality of the soda power he used. To be fair though, they really could have used butter, but the molasses was nice and sweet. Maybe next time he could try hush puppies. They had the sausages.
School had become interesting again, since he started helping Fense. At first, Reese was worried about the other students not listening to him or worse mocking him. But for some reason, they actually listen to him. Perhaps even more so than Fense. Maybe it was the age difference, being so close to them physically. Or, more depressingly, maybe it was because he was a human.
Regardless, he found he was quite good at teaching. Breaking up complex problems into their parts, explaining the logic behind things even Fense might have missed. It was, kind of fun too.
In his old life, and when he was younger he had tutored a bit to earn cash. But for the most part, he had kept to himself in his studies. Never making friends or even acquaintances in any of his degree programs. Always missed opportunities. He was grateful his work had paid for so many useless slips of paper on his wall. But in the end they were just that, worthless.
"Reese, I don't understand this problem." Mabel begged him to come assist with a math table they were working on.
"I could use some help too." Someone else asked. And then there were more.
The school day ran later than he was used to. There were many questions and the students all seemed to have issues with the concept of the class today. In both worlds, people tended to struggle with more abstract concepts, and trigonometry was no different. Reese knew there were better teaching methods in his world, but had no access to them here, and couldn’t recall them himself. It gave him an air of helplessness, that Fense was quick to defuse.
“Reese, don’t beat yourself up. This stuff is hard for most people. Unless they’re going into carpentry or navigation, they probably won’t need to know this. I don’t even grade the younger students on the material.”
“I know, I just feel like there’s a better way to teach this stuff.”
The wolf raised what little eye brows he had, “I’m listening if you have ideas?”
Reese considered what he was saying, and pulled from long forgotten, maybe even suppressed, memories of school in his old life. “Well, these are just numbers. What if we used real world examples or setup a game of sorts?”
“A game?” The wolf already seemed to disagree “This is school not play time.”
“I get that, and I don’t mean a game like cards. Setup up some object or goal, have them get to that object using trigonometry. Make it fun rather than just rote memorization.”
Fense considered the idea for a while. It wasn’t what he was used to doing, and part of him felt it was the wrong approach. Still, he had to admit, most of the students struggled to pay attention. Maybe changing things would help. He doubted it would be much worse.
“Ok, I’m not convinced yet but, draw up your plan and well discuss it tomorrow. If it’s good, maybe.”
As he made his way home, he began thinking of ways to make it fun, and gamify the experience. It wasn’t an easy task. But he had outlined a few examples, and a few exercises that were less paper and pencil and more physical. The later afternoon had flown by while he work on the examples, and eventually he found himself at the kitchen table.
“Reese, don’t work on your notebook during dinner.” His father scolded him lightly while his mother glared back at Fortus a bit.
With a light chuckled he put the book away, not wanting to start a fight between the two of them “Sorry, just working on a lesson plan tomorrow.”
His mother seemed impressed by the revelation. “Oh, Fense is letting you draw up a lesson plan on your own now?”
“Yeah, it’s actually not the first time. But this plan is… experimental.” Reese almost smirked at the thought.
“Experimental? You shouldn’t experiment on your students.” His father admonished him a bit, not really grasping the complexities of teaching in a class.
“I mean, we have to try new things. How do we know were doing what’s best if we don’t?”
“I like the way you teach! It makes it easier to understand!” Mabel piped in with her boastful praise. Meerlet nodded in silent agreement.
Nimi on the other hand, “I think dad’s right you shouldn’t experiment on us. I should tell Fense about it.” Smirking herself, she turned to her father, perhaps seeking some modicum of praise for herself.“Nimi, don’t tattle on your brother. I’m sure Fense has it well in hand. If he doesn’t like your plan Reese, I’m sure you’ll drop it.” Fortus dropped the hammer on the conversation.
Nimi frowned and her head fell slightly, it wasn’t what she was hoping for. For a moment, Reese took pity on her. What she was doing was obvious, at least to him. In truth, he had done similar things when he was a child in the other life. Doing whatever he could to seek praise from others who couldn’t care any less.
“What are you looking at.” She snapped at him, thus removing what little pity he had.
Aside from that, dinner went well. Overall, this seemed like a perfect end to a decent day. Then, as he and his sisters put the dishes away, there was a knock at the door.
Being as late as it was, visitors were not expected. Lilith slowly answered the door. At first, she didn't recognize the person on the other side.
“Hello, can I help you?” She asked.
Lillith cracked the door just enough that Reese could make her out. The woman was disheveled, not quite like a beggar would be, but rather as if she had spent a few day running in the bush. Her clothes were clearly exquisite, at one time. Now, little more than torn rags. Her eyes darted around the room. She was clearly suffering from deep stress, and it was obvious had seen things no person should ever see.
As soon as Reese's father came to investigate, his eyes lit up wide.
"Ulla, what are you doing here?" He walked speedily to the door, opening it, inviting the woman in.
For a few moments, Fortus stood there in shock as the disheveled woman paced in their living room. She was very clearly in deep distress.
“Ulla, are you ok? What happened to you? Why-“ Fortus’ words were cut off.
The woman started crying inconsolably, as she fell into one of the couches. “I’ve been traveling for almost a week now… there’s nowhere safe for me.”
Lillith moved to send the kids up to their rooms, Reese included. “Come on kids, go upstairs. I’ll put the dishes away later.”
For a moment the woman stopped crying and looked backwards to the kitchen. Her eyes locked with Reese who shivered as a chill went down his spine.
“That’s… why I came here.” She pointed at the children, but specifically to Reese. Then just stopped all togther. No crying. No words. No movement. If not for her beathing, you might have thought she had died sitting there.
Forus looked between his kids and her, “I don't understand, why did you come here? What happened. Is your family alright?”
Hearing those words she began to shake.
Again, Lillith pushed the children upstairs. Where, at least Reese, could still hear everything going on through the floor boards.
Forus grabbed his sister’s shoulders, trying to calm her down. “Ulla, you’re safe here. But, I can’t do anything if you don’t talk to me. What happened?”
“No, not I’m safe, I’m already dead. You still can keep him safe, to keep them all safe. Fortus, you’re the only one who can.” She began crying again.
Fortus left her for a moment to talk with Lillith out of ear shot.
Lillith said the obvious, “Fortus, I don’t think she’s ok.”
“No, she not. I’ve never seen Ulla like this, she was always, strong. Something really bad must have happen. Maybe there was an attack just outside the village. It’s all I can think of for how she looks. I’m going to call a few of my guards to scout around town and see if they can find anything.”
Lillith nodded to her husband. “Right. I’ll check her for injuries and see if I can get some herbs together to help her calm down.”
Lillith moved up to her study, while Fortus, kneeled in front of his sister.
He held her trembling hand. “Ulla you’ll be ok, Lillith will look after you for now. I’m going to get some of my guards” As Fortus stood up to leave he was stopped by his sisters hand which grabbed his arm.
“You don’t need to do that.” Ulla was pulling back her tears and doing everything she could to maintain some level of composure. She was successful, if barely.
“I came in on the last carriage. There was no attack in your village, and no one was following me. I don’t think.” She was still shaking a bit.
“Ok. I’ll hold off on the guards for now. Are you going to tell me what happened?”
Ulla nodded and swallowed back some more tears. For a moment, she seemed almost calm.
“My family is dead. All of them, even my husband and daughter. I only managed to escape because my husband pushed me into our family’s carriage before taking an arrow in the back. He attacked us, I mean, it wasn’t him directly. Just some thugs he hired but, it was him.” She began shaking again. “Fortus, his thugs killed your nephews! My sons. They even killed Jenan because she was protecting her brother.”
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The color in Fortus’ face drained, as he shook his head in disbelief. But the fact that he already knew who she was talking about without saying the name meant he already believed her. “No. Why would Nimaus do that?”
“Because he’s nuts! Julius filled his head with poisoned non-sense… Or maybe Nimaus was just always this way. You remember what he was like as a kid. Those animals… He’s after the throne of Thrus. He’s not going to get it but he’s after it. He sees all the boys in our family as a threat.”
Forus still couldn’t believe it. “But, how do you even know it was him?”
“Fortus. You’ve always had a blind spot with Nimaus. I don’t understand it. You saw what he did when we were kids. He’s evil.” Ulla shook her head dismissively, “They told me. When they were about to kill me, one of them told me. Said I deserved to know. Bullshit. I’d rather have thought they were just thugs. My husband… Ellot he killed that thug, but not before taking his blade for me… He died saving me. Still he managed to get me in the family carriage, even as I was screaming. He held on for… I don’t…”
She stopped talking to breath. For a few seconds, before continuing, “I don’t know when he fell off. But the carriage crashed just outside town and I was the only one left. I was able to get on one of the horses. I’ve been riding south ever since. The horse didn’t make it. I’ve spent the past two days on different carriages. I was tempted to avoid Wollseeth, but…”
Ulla stood up and straightened out her torn clothes. With a force expression, she tried to bid her brother goodbye. “I didn’t plan to stop here long. I lost my family Fortus, I don’t have a reason to exist anymore. I just… I needed to warn you. Even I’ve heard of Reese. He’ll be coming for him. For all of you.”
Perhaps it was just to assuage his own fears and doubts, but Forus argued his sister, “I gave up all claims to our family’s holdings after I became a knight and a solder. He has no reason to come for us. He was already here a few months ago and…”
The battered woman just laughed, “And? You think because you’re alive now, you’ll stay that way. He visited our family too. A year ago. It was just a short chat, but he was probing for something. I’m guessing it was to see how much of a threat we were. It…” She closed her eyes, as a few more tears fell. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”
“So what you’re saying I should give up? I won’t do that. I won’t give my son up. I won’t give any of them up!” He almost shouted.
“Fortus… even your small squad of guards isn’t enough to go against our family’s army, and it’s only grown since you last saw it. He’s only going to target Reese. Send your son somewhere else, somewhere he can be kept safe, the rest of you will be safe too. Even if… Nimaus finds him, the rest of you will be safe. He wouldn’t have killed Elliot and Harrin if we hadn’t tried to save the boys.”
With that, the two stood in the room for several minutes in silence. Lillith just watched from the stairs holding an assortment of medical aids.
As Ulla made her way for the door, Lillith ran down and stopped her. “Ulla, you’re obviously not well, you should stay the night. I’ll make a spare bed.”
“Thank you. I’m not staying though.” She continued to make for the door.
“There’s no carriages at this hour, are you just going to walk?” Lillith continued to argue.
“No, I have some money, and the stables are still open. I’m going to rent a horse and continue riding south. If I can get to Aggeon, my husband’s family will take me in. They’ve already said as much a month ago… Fortus, I should have taken their offer. If I had sent my boys down there…” Ulla didn’t finish what she was saying, instead she was stopped by hand from Forus.
“Ulla, please. You’re injured and I don’t just mean physically. Just for the night, stay. Our brother won’t come through here tonight and in the morning… We can talk a bit more.”
The broken woman laughed for a second but nodded and gave in. For the next hour Lillith treated her physical wounds. After that Forus and her sat in near silence in the living room. Any whispered shared would not be heard by the rest of the family, except for one in particular. Eventually, she fell asleep on the couch. Not long after Forus retired to his room.
Reese couldn’t sleep his mind kept running over that last thing he heard his aunt say. “Take care of your family Forus. Nimaus and Julius are both insane. I don’t know what they’re going to do if your son is around, but it won’t be good. If you want to protect the rest, get rid of him.”
Sometime late in the morning, Reese heard the front door open and close. As the sun came up, his aunt was gone.
“I’ve got the guards out looking for her, but it looks like a horse was taken stolen the stables last night. I’ve offered to pay for it, but… She’s had at least 3 hours. She could be past Eiizflus. Even a land dragon wouldn’t catch up with her now.” Fortus sat at the table talking with Lillith.
Reese stood on the stairs listening to his parents. Of course, both his father and mother knew this.
His father called him over, “Reese, come out here I want to talk to you for a second. Last night, was complicated. You remember when your uncle visited?”
It was hard for Reese not to laugh, “Of course I do.” He wanted to say how could he forget, but a smart-alecky answer didn’t seem, appropriate at the moment.
“My brother is, not well in the head. He sees threats where there aren’t any and…” Forus held Reese’s shoulders tightly for a moment. “I just want you to know none of this happening is your fault. I’ve tried to convince my brother I’m not a threat. As a father, as your father I will protect you. No matter what it takes. Do you understand?”
He nodded. Any halfway decent father would say the same thing, and Forus, for all his faults, was a good man.
“Ok, it’s getting late. I’m heading out to the keep early today. Reese, for now, let’s just pretend that nothing happened last night. Till we have a plan at least. Try not to scare your sisters ok?” His father cocked a smile and tapped his shoulders hard. He was scared, and it was his own way to reassure himself more than his son.
The rest of the day was, very strange. Reese had to pretend that nothing had happened, which was made more difficult when he had to explain to Fense why the homework from yesterday wasn’t graded. Which he had to do without actually explaining why. The wolf seemed to understand well enough, but it did make for a longer day as he stayed after to ensure it got done. Well, that was only half the reason he stayed late. The other half was so he didn’t have to go home and think about what was happening.
“Are you ok? You’ve been very distracted today?” Fense was perceptive as always.
“Yeah, just family issues. My aunt…” Reese shook his head, he didn’t need to be telling people about his family troubles, particularly these. “Sorry, it’s just something I have to deal with.”
“I think I understand. I know the guards were really active this morning. I’m guessing that has something to do with your aunt.” Fense held up a hand to stop Reese from interrupting. “It’s ok, you don’t have to say anything else. You know, when I took this job, I got to meet your father and the mayor first. We talked at length and it came up about how he was from a noble family but forsook any claims.” The wolf smiled, “You know I like to study history, so I know it’s not always that easy. The Bronwyn in particular are an interesting study in family power dynamics. If you do want to talk, I’m here.”
Returning the smile, Reese could only thank his mentor, “I’m grateful, but I think I need to keep this internal for now. I don’t… I’m worried about who might get pulled in if I don’t.” Put down the pen he was using Reese thought about that last point.
“What do you mean by the Bronwyns are particular?”
“Hmm. How much of your family’s history do you know?”
“Almost nothing. Forus doesn’t talk much about our family. Any time I’ve brought it up he just, changes the subject. I didn’t even know I had an uncle or aunt until a few months ago.”
“I see…” It was now the wolf’s turn to look pensive. “Perhaps, I shouldn’t say too much then. I’m sure your father has his reason to keep things hidden. I don’t think I agree, but…” He trailed off an looked down at his desk. “I can say that your family was very important to the original five kingdoms and the founding of Thrus, but internal politics and games lead to problems.” The wolf winced. “I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t. There’s a couple good history texts that go over the origin of Thrus at the very least.”
“Of course.” Sensing a lack of answer, he went back to grading the homework in front of him. He’d have to track down a few history texts. Maybe Charston, if he ever opened his book store again.
“You should also ask your father. Given everything that may be happening, he might be willing to talk more now.” With that, Fense went back to his own work and building a future lesson plan. “You know. I think you’ve convinced me on your game approach to learning. We’re going to try it next week.”
It was cold outside when Reese made his way home. It was very late for a school day, and the sun had just about set, and the warm rays were already being blocked by the nearby mountains. In it’s place the cold valley wind blew. Pulling his jack closer, he began to wonder if there wasn’t a better way to keep warm. Maybe some low grade flame mana stones? Even better, maybe some internal wiring to spread the heat around and warm up the fabric from the inside. Pulling out his current journal, he jotted down some notes and ideas.
Tapping at the paper, the idea of wires running though clothes brought up an interesting question. Could he enchant fabric this way? His mind wandered back to that dark elf more than a year ago, his fabric had what looked like gold traces in it, it’s how he knew it was enchanted in the first place. Another note to follow up on later.
Tonight, Reese tried to talk to his father about anything he could. However, each time it was always meet with. “Not now.” His father was often a bit distant, but this, was a new and unwelcome level. Eventually, he ‘retired’ to Lillith’s study and asked not to be disturbed, making a strong point to look in Reese’s direction.
Whatever Fortus was working on, was clearly urgent. By the looks of it, it was a series of letters. But, of course, he wouldn’t tell his son anything. Even at dinner time, Fortus continued to work in the study, having his food brought there and leaving the dining table to the rest of the family in almost silence. Aside from the occasional ideal chatter between his sisters.
Very late that night, Reese lay in his bed unable to sleep. None of the work he had planned on doing panned out. He just couldn’t concentrate; his mind was both paradoxically too full and too empty of meaningful thoughts. The late-night conversation below his room by his parents made sleep that much harder.
“You’re serious about sending Reese away. He’s our boy, I don’t… Forus, I don’t want to see him go. Not yet. He’s still so young, and vulnerable.” His mother sounded on the verge of tears.
“I know Lillith, I know. But… It’s not safe anymore. This hurts me to say, I’m not sure I can protect all of us anymore.” Even Fortus’ voice had a deep emotional slump to it.
The sound of creaking wood accompanied his father’s footsteps as he paced. He rarely paced.
“We have an alliance with the Vallhorn. Even my brother doesn’t have that. He doesn’t seem to have many alliances at all from what I can gather. Reese would be safe with them, they have a literal army in Trillonia, way more than just my battery of guards. Beeson still owes me a couple favors too saving his life and those surrounding villages. I think he’ll agree to it.”
A stifled huff came from Lillith, “Eh, Safe? Are you sure you’re not trying to build up allies? You’re doing what you said you never wanted to, building a power base. I remember you said Beeson has 3 or 4 daughters, doesn’t he?”
Fortus’ pacing stopped. “Yeah, that idea hadn’t escaped me either. If my brother won’t let us be in peace, maybe we need to consider other options. Lillith I hate this, it’s why I never wanted to be a noble.”
Mentally the knight commander did what he did best and strategized. Starting by considering all the pieces on the board in Wollseeth, there just weren’t enough no matter what he did. His family was at great risk, so long as his uncle and brother knew Reese was under their roof. Even with the decay over the years, the Broywn family name had power behind it. Even if Reese would never be the head of the whole family, there was still value there. A marriage to the 3rd daughter of a powerful lord might not be unreasonable for both parties. It might be enough to stem any attacks on his own family, and provide reinforcements if it came to it.
Fortus rubbed his tired eyes. This isn’t what he wanted. He forsook all claims to his family’s line. That’s why he became a knight. He just wanted to follow his own dreams. What was wrong with his brother and his uncle?
“Feuer.” Fortus spoke his thoughts aloud, in nearly a whisper that only the two would hear. “Beeson’s always talking about her. I mean, he’s got two other daughters but she’s always been a problem child. A real fire cat. She actually challenged me to a sword fight the last time I was there.”
The sound of the creaking furniture echoed as he sat down. Perhaps it was the weight of his own thoughts too heavy to carry. “Beeson actually brought the idea up a year ago. After his last arrangement, fell though. I think it was mostly in jest but, the Vallhorn have been trying for a baronship for centuries. He thinks because of our family’s two histories it’s the best path.”
“So, these two will be engaged, not actually married?” Lillith sounded both unconvinced and concerned.
“No, not till they’re both 20. It’s just an arrangement till then...” Fortus paused, “Technically it can even be rescinded. That’s already happened a few times with her.”
Lillith still wasn’t convinced. “And the Vallhorn will just watch him for us till them? Reese is just going to sit in their castle doing… nothing for the next ten years? He’s going to refuse, and before you say he can’t, he’s going to hate it and will find anyway out he can.”
“Well, thankfully it may not be that simple. Feuer’s last tutor quit, almost a year ago. Beeson’s been looking for someone to replace them. Reese is learning how to be a teacher. Maybe that’s enough to pacify him.” Fortus sounded almost exacerbated, this was clearly the best he had.
“Do you really think that would work?” Lillith continued to protest, clearly afraid to lose her son
“Lillith, you know our boy better than I do. If you have a better plan.”
She tried to think, to find any reasonable idea or argument but, “No. I don’t. He’s really sensitive about people leaving though. He sulked for the rest of the year after Emilly left, and still…” Finding a glint of light and humor, Lilith couldn’t help but laugh, “A school girl marrying her teacher. Isn’t that perverse?”
Sensing a break in the tension, Fortus laugh slightly at the absurdity, “Heh, Yeah, it’s definitely not normal. Even in aristocratic circles. But she’s been engaged several times already, there’s nothing normal about this girl.”
“Wait, how many arrangements has she had? How old is she.” The shock in voice echo.
“Quite a few apparently, and Yeah, and he’ll be younger than her too, but not by more than a year or two. But back to the main point, it will keep us all safe. Especially him. Lillith, I think this is the best chance.”
“…He’s not going to take it well.” She protested in vain.
“He doesn’t have to. Lillith, I do love that boy. But this is about all of us. If the Vallhorns fall through, I’ve got a few other options, but you’re going to hate them even more. Some connections out in Mixx and Aggeon who might agree.”
“Mixx and Aggeon…” Lillith’s face dropped, in the flicker of the fire place lighting, she almost looked two decades older. “I’d never see him again.” She nearly whispered.
Fortus put his hand on top of his wife’s, “You would. I promise I’d find a way if that happens. It just, might take a few years.”
In his room, Reese couldn’t sleep. Below, people were planning his future without his input. He didn’t even know exactly what they were planning, just to send him off to some other family. To be fair though, it was to protect all of them. From him. From the damage he caused by being there.
The next day, nothing. His parents said nothing about the person who was there last night, just “We’ll talk about it later.”
He knew his father sent a couple of letters after that via fast courier. Reese couldn’t imagine how expensive that was, even a normal letter was 3-9 copper depending on the distance, and that could take weeks to arrive. A day or two, would probably be a couple silver, at least. Beyond that though… had to be a significant part of a gold.
It worried him. What his aunt said was terrifying. His Uncle scared him when he talked to him. But the thought that he would wipe out part of his family like that. Just on a negligible chance they could, not even would, usurp him was nuts. Even more than that, it was evil.
He was worried about his family. It was strange, he truly saw them all as his family now. There was confusion and oddity to it all at first, but after a decade, it didn’t matter. They were his family, his sisters, his mother and his father. All their lives were in jeopardy because he existed. Where were the gods when you needed them? Those how would call themselves gods, anyway.
All his experiments and work sat in a pile on his desk, unable to focus on any of it. Even his lesson plans for Fense and the class were half complete. Shaking his head, that wasn’t fair to the students. They deserved better than a half complete assignment. Reese couldn’t control what was going to happen, but he could flush this out at least and maybe take his mind off things.
A week later, and things seemed to be somewhat normal again. His parents were very hushed about things though. Fortus had sent of several more letters since that night as well. Reese had no idea to where though.
It probably shouldn't have been of any surprise that one of those letters, likely the first one, bore a bitter fruit. As he returned from a particularly challenging day of schooling his parents were both waiting for him. His mother alone would not have been unusual, but to see his father too, in the middle of the afternoon was concerning.
Fortus was the first to speak, "Reese. We need to talk to you. I suspect you heard some of our conversation a few nights ago?"
No point in beating around the bush, "I did… You're planning to send me away." He tried to hold back the flood of emotions he felt.
It was clear that effected the normally stoic Fortus, "… Yes. To protect the rest of the family. I’m sending you off to the Vallhorn, under the care of Beeson Vallhorn. He is a good friend of mine, and an ally. He has a daughter about your age."
"Ok…" He heard some of this the previous night, but not all of it.
"You're going to go and tutor her." Fortus had continued.
"Ok…?" That was a bit more than he was expecting, but not unreasonable. He’d become an actual teacher, earlier than expected but. That was fine he could do this.
He was not expecting the second part from Fortus, "And you're going to be betrothed to her."
That, didn't make sense. Pausing he processed the word Fortus used, 'Betnivvelob'. It was a rare word, but he had seen it a few times. Betrothed seemed correct, but arranged marriage might have been a better translation. He shook the thoughts out of his head, it was a marriage engagement regardless. "… what? I'm 10. I can't get married I'm still a kid."
Fortus held strong, "It's common in high born and noble families. Usually, these things are decided much earlier, but both of you are exceptional cases. And you're only betrothed, you won't be married till you're both at least 20. Until then you’re just, acquaintances."
"Do I have any say in this.” Reese already knew the answer.
“No. I'm sorry you don’t.” Fortus looked like a weathered stone about to fracture. He got up from the table, ending the one way conversation.
Lillith sat at the table, a few tears evident on her face as she tried to smile. "She really does seem like a challenging student for you. I think… I hope you'll find common ground with her."
Reese sat across the table from his mother, this wasn't how he expected his life to go, much less the day. It wasn't so much that he was sad, as in shock.
He tried to reassure himself in his mind. After all, these weren't really his family, were they? He knew the thoughts he had early, the belief that maybe they were. But in truth they weren't. This move was just another transition, it was fine. He was fine. His mind continued to try and reconcile everything, to protect itself. Visions of the past ten years flooded past him, as he kept trying to push them aside, as he kept trying to say it was fine.
The fuzzy vision, and tickle of water down his face showed it wasn't working.
"I don't want to leave yet…" He whimpered.