A splash of water. I was standing on the bow of a ship, looking out over an endless gray ocean. The air tasted very salty, and was very cold. I shivered despite the thick hide armor I was wearing. I could feel the weight of it. I could feel the weight of the axe hanging from my belt, the weight of the heavy iron helmet atop my head. My large muscles felt sore from the constant rowing. Suddenly, a shout from behind informed me it was time to take down the sail and start rowing. Land had been spotted! Finally! I jumped off the dragonesque figurehead and made my way over to my oar. All around me my crewmates grabbed theirs. The hull creaked as the large ship turned. Ahead I saw the faint outlines of land and the mouth of a large enough river. A grin parted my lips. Yet more unsuspecting prey awaited.
I awoke. Not a hint of drowsiness left in my mind as I immediately left my makeshift bed. Allowing my Essence to flow I lit a fire under the stove. The pots followed. Water was guided in trough a window from the rainwater barrel outside. The oats and grains for the porridge floated on its own accord into the pot. My Essence felt unlimited. I gloated for a moment in how hard the same actions would have been for Master before scolding myself. I shouldn’t ridicule him after all he had done for me. Besides, he was still far more powerful than me.
Already back at full strength I ran up the stairs to Master’s observatory on the 7th floor. Sipping on a brew from moon-leaves meant to dissipate the need for sleep he sat, watching the far away sea through a metal tube of sorts.
“Master, I had another dream!” I told him as I put the porridge besides him. The words tumbling out of my mouth as I hurried to explain. “This time I was aboard one of their ships. They were heading towards the river.”
“Get me the last red bottle” he sighed. I had already watched as he conjured a storm to capsize the small ship of the first Viking, and how exhausted he had become. I started turning to obey, but something inside me compelled me to stop. Without really thinking about it I spoke:
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“Master, teach me.” For the first time in days he turned away from his surveillance, if only for a brief moment.
“No.” came the reply. Quick and brusque. I knew not to question his decision, but this couldn’t continue for any longer.
“Why?” I regretted it as soon as the sound left my lips. Gritting my teeth and setting my resolve I continued. “You cannot do this forever. Sooner or later your Essence won’t be enough. What happens then?” I realized I had raised my voice. I didn’t care. I wouldn’t stand by as Master exhausted himself to death defending his home. My home.
Master stood up, his newly made cane slightly bending as he balanced.
“You are not ready. And if you won’t grab it then I will fetch it myself” he said and started walking. Reaching into my pocket I withdrew the small red vial and handed it to him. Wordlessly he sat back down. I once again watched on in horror as he struggled to pull on Essence he could not command, his already frail body paying the price. Horror changed to awe as dark clouds started to gather on the horizon. The rumbling of far away thunder made the high floor vibrate. I heard a thump as Master collapsed, the liquid barely having made its way down his throat.
I carefully moved Master into his pretty much unused bedroom using my essence. Slowly putting him down onto the carefully folded sheets my gaze caught the letter resting atop the heavy birch writing desk under the large oval window. As my curiosity got the better of me I sat down and began reading.
Dear Jofreid.
It is with great regret I write to you. The boy is progressing fast. Faster than I had hoped, and yet I fear it will not be enough. The Silver Lords has once again set their sights on this land. As both my body and spirit has twined, I no longer carry the strength to protect him. I will send him to find you as soon as I deem him ready for the journey and have taught him all I can.
With deep regret, Valthjof
What did it mean? Who were the Silver Lords? And who was Jofreid? Despite all the questions I felt relief. Master would teach me, sooner or later. I just had to make sure he still retained his current strength to survive without me. Silently and without a word I made my way out of his chambers and closed the door. Might as well use the time practicing while Master was recovering I thought as I headed out through the large barricaded door.