Another bath?
The servants scrubbed down his body and washed his hair with soap, pouring buckets of water over him inside of the tub. Being ten years old physically, he knew he didn’t need to feel embarrassed, but he wasn’t a child inside. He was a teenager, and he felt uncomfortable.
Needless to say, it ended quickly enough. The servants then put ointment on him, and he was glad they’d at least let him put his underwear on before continuing. The sun hadn’t even risen yet, and he was preparing like he’d never had.
He wondered what the masked servants would be thinking—if they had emotions at all. Would they feel annoyed from clipping a kid’s fingernails and toenails so early in the morning? Or perfecting his hair and putting light makeup on his face? Seriously, the black eyeliner was embarrassing. But this was his day, and he had to look perfect.
The masked servants all carried out their tasks without a word.
Finally, they slid on the robes he’d wear for the ceremony on him after he put on his other clothes. He had pants on, but the robes were all he had for his upper body.
He’d have to stab himself very soon, so that was probably why. His grandfather had told him that it wouldn’t hurt at all, but sticking a dagger into his heart wasn’t exactly easy.
Shaden yawned, rotating the mana throughout his body. That shook off the remaining fatigue he’d had in his body. He felt more refreshed than anything, ready for the day.
He was surprised when he walked into the courtyard to see everyone waiting for him. All eight members of the Veurbois were there, as well as five from the Jakhar Kishaks, two from the Seines, and three men from whom he guessed were the Nieuts. They were tall, muscular men with chiseled jaws and deep eyes. All of them wore fur-lined cloaks with simple embroidery. It was too dark to make out their exact features.
His grandfather was there too, but Lytha and his family were missing. Even Eilae was here, so why?
“Come, Shaden,” his grandfather instructed. The old man was standing in front of the black tree without leaves. Shaden did as he was told.
“Where’s Father and the rest?” he asked in a whisper.
“They won’t be necessary for the ceremony,” his grandfather told him. “It will be short. Take out your dagger.”
Shaden retrieved his weapon from his pocket. The weapon was almost invisible in the dark.
“Open a portal through the tree,” he continued. “It will take you to the ceremonial chamber.”
All of the families were deathly silent when Shaden made a long slash down the tree. He wondered why the atmosphere felt so delicate. It wasn’t grim or anything, but they moved like they were treading on thin ice.
“Head inside. There will be a circle under the light which you will stand on. When the others have knelt around you after their pledges, you will put the dagger into your chest.”
“Aren’t you coming with me?” Shaden asked.
His grandfather shook his head. “The previous generation cannot.”
As the tree shook and groaned from its bark spreading apart, the old man turned towards the others and stretched out his arms.
“The time has come for the next heir to take his inheritance,” he announced, his voice ringing clearly in the dark. “Before the sun rises, you will become his aides, and he will be your shadow. He is young and has much to learn, but you will help him, and he will help you.”
He looked at Shaden. “Go inside now. They will follow.”
With a nod, Shaden stepped into the familiar black puddle that enveloped his body. When he emerged, the air was much cooler, as if he was inside of a cave. The only source of illumination was the ray of light that fell perfectly on top of a circle at the center of the room, which he guessed was where he had to go. It was a sizable room, big enough to fit a hundred people spaced apart. There wasn’t anything particularly special about it. There were no statues, nor were there decorations. Only the circle below the light and the circles surrounding that circle seemed to be carved from the stone.
He raised his head and looked at the light. It was a white coming through a hole in the ceiling, but he couldn’t see its source. It wasn’t bright enough to blind him as he stared at it.
The light felt calming. He stood below it, feeling excited and nervous at the same time. Soon, people began to emerge from the tree one by one and started taking their places around him.
The older members of the group look composed, but the younger children—Eilae’s younger siblings—fidgeted around unsure of where to go before the white-haired young man (who had been gossiping) pulled them to their respective places. He nodded at Shaden in what felt like an apology.
Finally, thirteen of them stood around him.
“I, Shpiel of the Seine name, bear witness to the next heir,” the man in front of him said. After he kneeled, the person to the right of him began to speak, continuing clockwise.
“Perren of House Nieut bears witness to the heir.” The man kneeled.
“Pillen of House Nieut bears witness to the heir.” The man kneeled.
“I, Shaya Jakhar Kishak, bear witness to the next heir.” The woman kneeled.
“I, Eshan Jakhar Kishak, bear witness to the next heir.” The woman kneeled.
“I, Eshonava Jakhar Kishak, bear witness to the next heir.” The young man kneeled.
“I, Eshel Jakhar Kishak, bear witness to the next heir.” The young woman kneeled.
“I, Enen, first of the Veurbois, bear witness to the heir.” The man kneeled.
“I, Lan, second of the Veurbois, bear witness to the heir.” The younger man kneeled.
“I, Nerr, third of the Veurbois, bear witness to the heir.” The young woman kneeled.
“I, Eilae, fourth of the Veurbois, bear witness to the heir.” She kneeled, and they exchanged a short smile. But she put her head down afterwards like the rest.
“I, Eyla, fifth of the Veurbois, bear witness to the heir.” The young girl kneeled.
“I, Ailan, sixth of the Veurbois, bear witness to the heir.” The young boy kneeled.
It was his turn now. Shaden held the dagger in his hands and inspected it. If he died, what would happen? Strangely enough, holding the dagger felt soothing, and as he took it to his chest, he felt a kind of peace come into his body.
Well, here goes nothing.
Holding his breath, he stabbed—no, slid the dagger into his chest. The moment the tip came in contact with his skin, it went in like his flesh was made out of butter without any resistance. It was a touch of cold, mixed with a satisfying filling—like he’d eaten a good meal. A dull wave of freshness went over his every fiber as if the wind had blown on him while he was standing on top of a beautiful hill, except that the wind was blowing inside him. He gasped, pushing the rest of the dagger inside of him.
The hilt slid into a dark hole which closed when he put his hand away. The dagger was gone, and he didn’t feel much different, aside from this...feeling.
Did he want to show off? But of course! Putting a hand out, he summoned whatever it was that had gone inside of him. It materialized as a ball of swirling darkness in his hands, but when he gripped it, turned into a solid ball. A split second later, it turned into the dagger it had always been, bending to his will.
He could do something cooler.
Closing his eyes, he shaped the new substance into giant wings behind him. It was very similar to controlling his mana, but unlike it, he could see it and it felt heavier. He could feel it like it was part of his body—like an extra limb.
He opened his eyes and looked at his back to see the dark wings swaying. Feeling all immature and giddy inside, he looked at everyone else.
Shaden hadn’t expected Eilae’s youngest brother to start crying. The child’s eyes were struck with terror, tears flowing while his body shook. Immediately, Shaden dissipated the wings and darkness into nothing and went to the boy—who froze in fear.
“I’m sorry,” Shaden apologized, patting the boy’s back. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“N-no problem,” the boy said, forcing the words out. “I am s-sorry for the discomposure. Please don’t mind me.”
“Hey, it’s okay. Relax. Let’s go outside.”
The boy nodded. By this point, everyone was looking at them. Shaden turned to Eilae’s older siblings.
“Please don’t be harsh on him,” he said quietly. “Children make mistakes.”
The man, whom he remembered as Enen (the blonde man), gave him a nod. “He will not be reprimanded.”
“Thank you.”
Eilae was making a funny expression, so Shaden grinned at her.
“Let’s go out now,” he told everyone, standing up. “The ceremony is complete.”
Shaden was the first to step outside. The heads of each family were waiting, talking with each other when he came out.
“That’s it?” he asked his grandfather when he approached him. “That was quick.”
“I told you, didn’t I?” the old man chuckled. “The dagger has accepted you. Now, you are ready to learn. But first, we must celebrate.”
Shaden nodded. The party would only last until noon; afterwards, everyone would return to their homes. They were busy people, after all.
Unlike before, everyone was talkative now. As they made their way to the great dining room, the various members of each family were exchanging greetings and laughter, especially those who were close in age. Everyone looked older than him except the two Veurbois children, and he didn’t know whether or not they’d want to talk to him because of what happened. Most of them were beyond teenagers.
Fortunately for him, they were the ones to come and talk first. They each came and said their greetings, congratulating him for his birthday. It sounded like empty formality to him, since he didn’t know any of them. Only when it was Eilae’s turn to greet him did he relax.
“May all the blessings fall on you, Shaden,” she said, doing a curtsy. It was weird for him to stay sitting when she was showing respect, but he’d done the same for the rest of them. Gosh, he didn’t like the things nobility did.
“Thanks, Eilae,” he smiled. “It looks like you’re doing well with your family.”
“More or less,” she said, glancing at her father. He was busy talking with the other men, and she sighed. “They are treating me well.”
“And your siblings?”
“They remember me. Ah, I’d like to introduce you to my younger siblings—Eyla and Ailan.”
The younger girl and boy emerged behind her and showed their respects.
“Eyla is eight, and Ailan is five.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” said Eyla with a smile. Her brother simply bowed.
“Sorry if I scared you before,” Shaden apologized, clearing his throat. “I was testing out my new power...and it just happened.”
“Not at all,” Eyla said, nudging her brother. “It was beautiful. Was it not?”
“Yes,” Ailan replied. “I’m sorry for becoming scared.”
“No problem.”
“But...are the rumors true?” the boy asked, eyeing him. “Eilae said that you were kind and that I didn’t have to worry about the—”
Eyla covered his mouth, and immediately, he shut up. The girl was glaring, and the boy had a grumpy look on his face.
Shaden laughed. “What rumors? I’d like to hear about them.”
“Well,” Ailan continued with a snort, “they say you can go into the shadows and trip you while you go to the bathroom during the night. And that you stab them if you’re not fast enough.”
“Sorry,” Eilae apologized. “His vocabulary is lacking.”
“I don’t mind. That’s it? Aren’t there scarier ones?”
“Well,” the boy said, glancing at his sisters, “you can eat people’s souls. And curse your enemies. And destroy their reasoning.”
“Huh.” That was amusing.
“They say that monsters lurk in the dark in this castle,” Ailan went on, gaining traction. “If you become lost here, they will pull you into the deepest dungeons and feast on your blood.”
“There are monsters here. You aren’t wrong about that.”
“Really?”
“I’m joking,” Shaden snorted. “They look like monsters, but they’re more like golems. Your sister defeated one on her first day here.”
“R-really?”
“Eilae was always very talented,” Eyla said. “It was why she was sent to travel with you.”
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“Your sister is great,” Shaden agreed. “She’s caring, smart, tidy—”
“I’m average,” Eilae stated, crossing her arms. But she seemed to like the compliments.
Just then, the three men from the Nieut family began to walk towards where he was. Sensing their approach, Eilae pulled her siblings out of the way with a short nod and retreated to where her family was.
“It is a pleasure to see the heir with my own eyes,” the oldest man said to him. He was a large man, smaller than his sons, but still extremely fit for his age. “But I must take my leave here. My sons and I must return to the north, where the fighting still rages on.”
Shaden didn’t want to upset the old man. “Please, be safe,” he told them, not sure of the proper words to say. “Thank you for coming.”
“Then—farewell.”
The three men left, led by one of the masked servants. His grandfather came to him next.
“Are you enjoying your time?” he asked. “Everyone is here for you.”
“Where are Mother and Father? And my siblings?”
“They will join in due time. But this is a moment for you to socialize with the families. They will be your allies.”
“I’m still a kid.”
“Yes, but the future comes sooner than you’d think. Try to make some friends you can trust.”
With that, he left to talk with Eilae’s father.
Out of all the people there, he was the only one in a seat. The rest were standing as they drank and ate from the high tables or the platters the servants carried around. He’d have to move around, wouldn’t he? He got off from his seat. People were sure to come to him even if he remained, but it didn’t feel comfortable.
Naturally, he went to the man with the cat first.
“Can I pet him?” he asked, looking at the cat, now on the man’s shoulders. It seemed to be sleeping.
“Why, yes,” the man told him, “and she’s a female.”
“Was your name Eshonava?”
“I’m glad you remembered,” he said, taking the cat off of his shoulders, putting it down on the ground. The cat simply slept on the floor like a doll. “But you can call me Eshon.”
Shaden pet the cat, and it purred in response. Its fur smelled mildly of spices—something like cinnamon.
“Brother, you can’t let her sleep on the floor,” a young woman said, walking to them. His sister. Her name was—
“Eshel, right?” She was the girl with the hawk.
“Yes, I am Eshel. Will you introduce yourself too?”
“I’m Shaden.”
“Sister!”
“A little manner won’t hurt, brother.” She smiled at Shaden. “Why, aren’t you a sweet little boy. Do you like animals?”
“A lot,” Shaden answered. “Can I touch the hawk too?”
“Shan doesn’t like strangers. But I will make it an exception—”
She yowled when her head was lightly struck by a hand. The bird on her shoulder fluttered its wings but remained where it was.
“Eshel, we are guests in this castle, and he is the master,” the man said. The head of the Jakhar Kishaks. The balding, bearded man nodded once at Shaden. “I am Mayarrack, the girl’s father. Please excuse her unsightly attitude.”
“Father! You don’t need to lower your—”
She yowled again after another strike, this time by the man’s walking stick. “Have I not told you to be humble as guests? Even wild dogs know to bow their heads when they are given food.”
“Hng, I’m not a man.”
She hid behind her brother when the staff was raised. “I wasn’t even being rude,” she mumbled innocently.
But Shaden was more focused on the cheetah(?) that walked around the man’s legs like a housecat. The large, spotted cat had longer fur than its counterpart, with sharp ears and long fangs that stuck out from its mouth. Its eyes inspected him carefully.
“Would you like to touch it?” the man offered. Shaden nodded.
Its fur was a little rougher than a cat’s, but smooth, nonetheless. It was apparent that the large beast had been groomed. It purred as Shaden stroked its head gently, scratching the back of its ears and chin, since Shidey liked that. Grunting, the large cat moved forward and rubbed its head on Shaden’s body, licking his hand once. It felt like sandpaper, and Shaden thought that his skin would fall off for a second.
“It’s a nice cat,” Shaden said, looking at the man, who smiled.
“Do you like snakes too?”
It was a woman who’d spoken, most likely the old man’s daughter. Shaya, he recalled. She had a thick serpent around her neck and shoulders, which kept sticking its tongue out at him.
Shaden had killed a few snakes before, but he’d always done it with his mana hands at a distance. He didn’t like the creepy, slithering animals. Lytha had had a habit of throwing dangerous things at him, including snakes, which was a kind of trauma to him.
“I, uh, they’re okay,” he said, almost taking a step back. The snake raised its head. Gosh, if it tried to strike, he’d slice its head off.
“This one’s a gentle one,” Shaya said, touching the snake’s chin. “He doesn’t have poison.”
“I see,” Shaden said.
“Would you like to hold it?” she offered. “He’s pleased to meet you.”
The snake?
“Uh, yeah, sure,” Shaden meekly accepted. The woman unslung the snake off of her body and dropped it on Shaden without a warning. He froze on the spot.
Shaya laughed. “A strong boy you are! If he’s too heavy, say the word.”
“I’m fine,” Shaden replied. He wasn’t fine. The snake was licking his face, slithering across his body. The sensation of the animal so close to his skin made him want to flinch every second.
Eventually, the woman took the snake off of him with a chuckle. “It’s a pity you don’t like him as much as he likes you,” she told him. He didn’t know how she could tell.
While they were talking, a masked servant walked up to Shaden.
It was strange because the servants rarely initiated conversations. He didn’t notice it, but the room died down around him.
“What is it?” Shaden asked.
Slowly, the servant took her mask off. While her hand reached for her face, he felt something shift within the room—not physically, but subtle as if someone had closed the curtains by a little. The closer the servant’s hand got to her face, the more ominous the feeling became.
When the servant took her mask off, all there was underneath was pure darkness. A puddle of nothing. Where her face was supposed to be, only a black shadow lingered—like it had been erased from existence. Shaden shivered.
“The gift of taming,” the servant said, but it wasn’t her voice. It was a strange, beautiful sound, as if someone was speaking to them from the depths of a well. It was like music, echoing through the room.
Immediately, the Jakhar Kishaks bowed their heads. Shaden didn’t know what to do.
“The gift of focus,” the voice went on.
“The gift of deception.” This time, it was the two Seine men who bowed. Still, the voice went on.
“The gift of empathy,” the voice concluded. All the members of Veurbois lowered their heads.
“What does that mean?” Shaden asked, but the servant was already putting her mask back on. The mysterious presence faded away, and the room became normal again. The servant didn’t speak. Instead, she stood still.
It was his grandfather who answered him.
“That, Shaden, is the order in which you will receive your inheritance,” his grandfather said. “She has spoken.”
The other people had raised their heads by now, and the heads were exchanging glances with each other.
“Who’s she?” Shaden asked. “Who was the person that talked?”
“She is…...forgotten.”
“I don’t understand.”
“She’ll talk to you soon enough, seeing that she had spoken today,” his grandfather told him, patting his head. “It was a surprise. Even for me, we cast lots to decide. The last time she set the order herself was...a very long time ago.”
“Huh? You mean...that was the order?”
“It is.”
“It can’t be changed?”
“No.”
From the corner of his eye, Shaden saw Eilae looking at him with a worried expression. Now his plan of going to her place first was ruined.
“So...when do I leave?” he asked.
“You will leave with the Jakhar Kishaks right away after noon,” his grandfather stated, spreading his arms. “This calls for a celebration! You have all heard the voice. May her blessings serve you well.”
“May her blessings serve us well!” the others repeated, raising their cups.
And Shaden looked at his hands, wondering where things had gone wrong.
⤙ ◯ ⤚
Apparently, now that the orders were announced, the families had little reason to stay. There wasn’t much to do in Skotos. Shaden found it strange that despite it being his birthday, he didn’t receive any gifts, but according to his grandfather, each family would present him with their gift once he arrived in their territory. So, one gift per year. It felt underwhelming considering the importance of it, but he could live with it. It wasn’t like he’d enjoy being gifted toys.
“I won’t be able to see you again for three years, I suppose,” Eilae sighed, swinging her legs. She and he were sitting outside where they could see the black tree. “And here I thought that we could be together.”
“Sorry I won’t be able to help you out,” he replied, “but you’re a genius, right? You’ll do fine.”
She smirked. “A genius...I thought so too, before I met you.”
“I don’t think I’m a genius. I’m just good with mana, that’s all.”
“And that would make you a prodigy.”
“Yeah, I’m not so sure about that.”
“When you come to the Empire, I will have to apply you to some tournaments before you truly understand your inexplicableness,” she said, “and it will be against adults.”
Shaden’s eyes lit up. “You will? That sounds fun.”
She shrugged. “It was a joke. I’m sure you can’t stand out, considering your nature.”
“Have you ever joined a tournament before?”
“Me? A few.”
“Oh? Like?”
“Calligraphy. Speech. But only against children. I have won most of them,” she snorted proudly.
“See?” Shaden smiled. “You’ll do fine.”
He thought he said the wrong thing after Eilae’s eyes welled up with water. But she quickly turned away and wiped them.
“I believe it was a good two years of experience,” she told him, looking calm. “I am going to miss you.”
Shaden smiled. “Me as well. Want a hug?”
“Not yet. Before I go.”
They talked some more before her father came out into the courtyard. Seeing him, the children of the family all went to him—it was time to go. The adults had finished their discussions about his education for a while, but noon had finally arrived.
“Goodbye, Shaden. See you later.”
“Goodbye, Eilae.”
They exchanged a hug. After traveling with her for so long, perhaps she was the only close friend he had as Shaden. The closest friend for sure. He’d miss her.
But having fun and adventuring was what defined his dream world, even if it was real. He wouldn’t be sad over something like this. Besides, he’d see her again.
He watched them descend the mountain as the mist covered their bodies. They walked away, and he waved when Eilae took a glance back. And they were gone.
He had lunch with his family and the Jakhar Kishaks. The Seines likewise had left after their discussion. It was a quiet meal, and they ate in silence. Shaden peeked at his mother to see her fidgeting. His father looked a little rigid as well, and Lytha—well, she was nowhere to be seen.
Gosh, he didn’t like this mood. But they were total strangers to each other, and there was little he could do about it.
And his brother. Rother was constantly eyeing the girl from the Jakhar Kishaks, the one with the hawk on her shoulder. He made it so obvious that Shaden wanted to cover his face in embarrassment. Even the girl (Eshel, was it?) was avoiding his glimpses, keeping her eyes on her plate.
He was seventeen, for goodness sake. He wondered if he’d been like that as Demund to Enariss. Probably. Being a teen was difficult.
At least Melany seemed to be enjoying it. He couldn’t believe that she was a year older than Eilae’s younger brother. No, wait... It was probably the other way around. Children from the Veurbois weren’t really children. Melany was just being what she’d normally be, captivated by the exotic animals, forgetting to chew every now and then as she gazed at them with wide eyes.
The Jakhar Kishaks were kind enough to let her touch the pets after the meal. His father exchanged some words with the bearded man, and they laughed a little. His mother was more focused on keeping him in her arms before he left.
“You all grow up so quickly,” she sniffed. “You’re not even fifteen, and you’re leaving already.”
He was truly glad he’d spent his time with his family rather than traveling more.
“Mom, I’ll be fine,” he reassured, patting her.
“I know you’ll be fine. Will you be able to visit?”
Shaden shook his head. “But I’ll make sure to write letters. Mom, don’t cry.”
“But four years. Four years is too much.”
“Four years is very short.” He’d spent ten already in an instant.
His mother wiped the tears from her eyes. “You’re so determined when you’re so young. It wouldn’t do you good for me to cry.”
They hugged one last time. Shaden went around hugging the other members of his family afterwards.
“I’ll miss our running sessions,” Rother said, ruffling his hair. “Still, you’re always going on adventures. I’m pretty jealous.” He smiled. “Good luck, Shaden. See you in a while.”
“Yeah. You too. Keep up the sword-training.”
“Hah! Next time you see me, you’ll be in for a surprise.”
Shaden grinned. “I don’t doubt it.”
Next was Melany. He hugged her, and she hugged him back.
“You’re going?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Okay.”
And that was it. She was more interested in playing with the animals while she had the time. It hurt him a little bit, but he doubted she understood.
“Dad.”
“Shaden. I guess it’s time for you to go.”
They shook hands, which turned into a hug. His father’s embrace felt especially tight.
“I’m proud. So proud,” he breathed, his voice filled with sadness.
“Dad?”
“You’re doing what I never could. In the end, you ended up taking my burdens.”
“It’s not a burden, Dad. This is what I’d call an adventure.”
“Shaden—”
“I’m enjoying it, so stop being so guilty about it,” Shaden humphed, looking at his dad’s face. The man looked worried.
“You’re being worse than Mom!” he complained, pushing his father back. “I’m going now. When I see you next time, I’m going to be pretty awesome, so look forward to it.”
His father chuckled. “You’re already awesome enough.”
“Goodbye, then. This is really the last goodbye, okay?”
“Yes, we know.”
It was worse than he’d expected. Was it really that big of a deal? Maybe four years was a little much for a ten-year-old to bear, now that he thought about it. But he wasn’t ten.
He was much older, and he’d enjoy every bit of his time.
His grandfather had opened the portal for them already, and all that was left was to pass it.
“Please take care of them,” he requested, lowering his head. “In any way you can. And Rother...he’s my brother too.”
“I understand. I will not neglect them,” the old man promised. “Take care, my grandson. I look forward to your endeavors—I have no doubt you will do splendidly.”
“Yeah.”
He was the last one to cross the portal. When he emerged from the other side, it immediately closed, leaving him with strangers. His new family from now on for a year.
“Oh.”
Everything was so orange. And extremely hot.
Shaden couldn’t keep his eyes wide open because of the scorching heat. The transition from the dark forest of Skotos to a desert hurt his eyeballs, and he blinked to adjust to the environment. He sneezed from looking at the sun.
“Here.”
Shaden caught a thin white cloak that was thrown at him.
“It will protect you from the sun,” Eshel said, motioning him to follow. “We will ride on the kevali, and you will ride with me.”
Shaden frowned. “The what?”
“Kevali. Camels?”
“Oh,” he said. Native names couldn’t really be translated through his brain.
“Come. Don’t be slow,”
“I won’t,” he replied, quickly putting on the coat. It wasn’t pleasant running in sand, but hardly tiring. His stamina was monstrous.
He looked around. Servants had been taking care of the animals, and they were already packing, preparing to leave. The other members of the family were already getting on their kevali, gripping the reins.
He was impressed when Eshel jumped on top of the large animal in one motion, using the footrest and kevali fur to hoist herself onto the saddle. With a grin, she looked at him.
“Need help?” she asked.
“Do I ride behind you?”
“Hmm. Yes, for now.”
Her eyes widened when Shaden jumped on top of the camel behind her, putting his bum on the seat. But he slipped when the kevali grunted from the impact and began to fall—
“Careful.”
Eshel caught him with her arm. He’d have managed it with his telekinesis, but he appreciated the gesture.
“Thank you,” he said politely.
“I see that you’re eager, but you are still a child,” she said, making sure that he sat down properly. “Yes, put your arms around my waist.”
“I’m fine.”
“What kind of child are you? Stop being so bashful. Come, or you’ll fall. Don't make me tie you with a rope.”
Gosh, she was pushy. Reluctantly, he did as he was told.
“Good boy.”
Like that, they began to move towards Nafar.