Dawnovin of Collias
Gender: Male
Age: 5 Birth Martius 29th
Gender: Male
Height: 4’ 6” Weight: 100 lbs.
Strength: 3 Health: 3
Dexterity: 3 Reaction: 2.75 Reach: 3
Intellect: 5 Will: 5 Perception: 5
Endurance: 3 Vigor: 3
Innate Talents:
Flexibility
Intellect I
Earned Talents:
Night Vision I
Heat/Cold Tolerance I
Bestowed Talents:
Minor Blessings of Aprilis
Handsome
Honest Face
Penetrating Voice
Greater Blessings of Martius
Danger Sense
Innate Drawbacks:
Half-Giant
Increased Consumption I
Earned Drawbacks:
-
Bestowed Drawback:
Bloodlust II
Lecherousness II
Increased Consumption I
Before it looked to be a lot, after that it looked to be so little.
More than a month it took for Dawn to get through to his now reduced state of being, so he believed. There were days he felt close to being boiled, and once he felt holes in his memory as if he had lost things yet still recognizing what he felt yet not what had happened. On other days he felt so heavy and his movements so sluggish and short of breath.
Noticing Dawnovin’s frown Edgar started to laugh heartily, and that even further deepened Dawns frown and he started pout at the old man’s reaction to his predicament.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“Now, now young Dawnovin. No need to be so upset. These Talents are not lost to you, they will return. Much more importantly, what is written on this piece of parchment is not who you are, it is what you do with this that defines you. Or rather… what the people believe you are doing with it.”
Dawn tilted his head not knowing how to interpret the wizard’s speech.
“Yes, but that’s for you to still experience. We will close book for now. Come, I have already informed Robs and your father of the finished Seals. I have proposals to make, let’s see them.”
Once more Dawnovin and Edgar enter the dining hall and Lords Robs and Joen were talking about Joen latest findings, nothing worrying.
Edgar cleared his throat “I announce the Seals placed and Dawnovin has today had his reading to reveal to him his current capabilities.”
The wizard produced a parchment that was void of the Blessings and where which Talent stemmed from, the Drawbacks were here also removed from the sheet except the Increased Consumption II, as it was summarized.
“Before you start discussing I have two proposals. First! Your daughter, Lord Robs, is rather predisposed to eventually learn to Channel. In thirteen years, I would return and start her on the journey to that ability. And if she does learn, which I am quite confident she will, I would like to take her as an apprentice.”
His words were formulated as a question, yet they were delivered as if the decision had already been made, as if Edgar had already decided that it would be so and what else was there for Lord Robs to deny. A wizard in his bloodline, trained by a great wizard and supposed friend, the idea was far from unpleasant.
“I would be honoured Edgar, if you’d make a wizard out of my daughter.” The large and muscular Lord stated in a soft voice.
“I will do my best, let me tell you. Right on to number two. Young Dawnovin also shows some promise based on his, now sealed Talents. I’d like to also then take him along and see how far he may come. The basics that lead to Channelling are identical, yet of those that can there are two ways one would accomplish results, and Dawnovin’s theoretical path is one I cannot guide him on, but I know a man or two that do.”
“Will this also be in thirteen years?” Joen asked contemplatively.
“Yes indeed. Thirteen years.” The wizard stated plainly.
Joen bit his lip and said “Then it is not my decision, is it? By then Dawnovin will be of age. It is in his hands, whether he is willing to or not.”
Shifting his gaze to Dawn the wizard stared deeply into the boy’s eyes “Correct. It is up to you, young Dawnovin. Whence we will meet again you will tell me your decision. Choose. wisely.”
The wizard had a serious expression until the Dawnovin’s name rolled of his tongue, his lips curled upwards, and he turned to the men “Then I will prepare to leave. It was a pleasure staying here and getting to know this fine young scion. Thirteen years.” He played with the words, deciphering the meaning and formulating thoughts unspoken, ideas formed to be realised, preparations to be made.
“We will see you off, Master Lukaaran.” With a nod the wizard turned around and left.
A small gathering of servants and the family of the Lord as well that of the Ranger had found itself in the keep’s yard to see the great wizard off.
The ranger’s family once more under their own roof Joen was turning boxes and crates upside down to search for something. And he eventually find what he was looking for, a small bow.
“What do you plan to do with that Joen, dear?” Helinia asked with an incredulous expression.
“Huh, oh the bow. It was mine. My father thought me how to shoot with this. The string is useless, but the wood is still flexible. Dawn must gather as much strength, dexterity, endurance as possible before the age of 18. Any minor Talent that can be learned. Any minor talent he lost! Robs agreed to teach him what he knows. The boy can only learn it in a few years when he is as tall as the guards. I must teach the boy all I can.”
With a voice of concern Helinia stated “Is that necessary? Can he not just grow up to be like his friends and peers? Just a boy.”
Joen’S face grew ugly and pained. “Our son, he is special. Once the Seals are gone even more so. He is fated to live a life of struggles that are different from those of us normal folk. It is our duty to prepare him, as his father I will help him become a man worthy of the gods’ blessings. The gods help me, I will do my best. It pains me, but the more he experiences hardship now, the better he will weather them in adolescence. The boy suffers from Increased Consumption II. He needs lots of food, and more to grow, and Lord Robs wants the boy to exceed all expectations and agreed to sponsor him in that regard.”
Resigned Helinia withdrew and left her husband to his devices.
Joen and Dawn returned from the bower to gather a new string for the bow. Dawnovin was already the height of a seven-year-old and could probably also shoot the bow.
Within the village there was a range for target practise. Ever since the Britons invaded the folk also took to archery more then ever, taking up arms to defend themselves from unwanted folk and beasts.
Joen decided to teach him the way to draw a heavy bow, getting used to the motion will help him develop more muscle and he will be ready to increase the draw weight. Something rarely done among commoners in these parts, the boy will be raised to be a knight, like the son of a noble, trained in archery, swordplay, horsemanship and to use words. A noble in capabilities and raised by commoners.
I cannot romanticise the idea, my son learns this not to my satisfaction but for his own good. The gods have expectations, and his fate will lead him into trouble. Joen thought.
Dawn raised the bow high and lowered his shoulders to draw the bow. It was difficult and despite his height he had only the strength of a five-year-old, that the Blessings and Talents are gone, and Dawn barely managed to draw more than four inches. Doing the exercises daily he will be able to do more rapidly. His size and diet will help him develop quickly.
Here the journey to the starting line begins.