13 years passed by…

Matthias’ POV

I had that dream again.

In the dream, I was molding mud. I kept on forming the shape of a person and then destroying it and beginning over once more. Lately, it’s been happening more recently. Sometimes I would dream of talking to beautiful people whilst watching from the clouds. I felt as if I were inside someone else’s mind.

Going back to the dream from earlier, I kept on molding the mud. I felt happy. Every time that I molded the mud into the shape of a person, I would smile uncontrollably. I’m not sure why, but even when I destroyed my creations, I felt as if I gained some important and profound knowledge. I would then again resume the molding process once more; the result with a more distinct appearance than the last.

This last dream however, it was different. In the past the mud figure wasn’t as pronounced, it was impossible to discern the features on the mud doll. This latest dream, the mud doll had eyes, nose, mouth, and even ears. I wonder what it’s trying to tell me. Father did say that spirits tend to play pranks on unwary people, but I’ve never heard of them continuing the prank for years on end.

“Matt? Are you awake?”

“Yes, Mother!” I got up from the bed, right now wasn’t the time to delay. Today was the day that I get assigned an apprenticeship. Eldest brother was going to inherit the farm once Father retired, therefore I had to have a different trade. Second brother had already traveled to the town nearby and was currently working as a smith at the forge.

Father had already called up all the people that owed him favors. In the village, farmers with more than one boy would call upon the people who owed them favors and seek an apprenticeship for their younger sons. Normally the people who were called can decide whether to take the child as an apprentice and the farmer cannot really decide for their child.

“This the boy?” A rough looking man with the air of a military man asked unreservedly when I stepped outside. I must have overslept, something quite unusual for me to do. Along with Father, five other individuals stood proudly. Along with the village guard that had spoken earlier, I could recognize the village medicine man, the frail scholar, and a hunter that my father bought meat from time to time. The last person was shrouded in mystery.

I was already well acquainted with the medicine man, I learned a bit of medicine making from him. The art of turning the plants you see on the ground into a consumable that could save lives always intrigued me. The medicine man also had an interest in my talent; before this day came it was pretty much decided that he would take me on as his apprentice.

Though it was already decided without Father’s knowing, we still had to undergo the formalities to respect the other people’s trades. The guard was a well-known person in the village, but I don’t see myself sporting a spear and donning heavy metal armors all day. The scholar, though I’m very well-versed in the texts pertaining to studies of magical beast behaviors, there’s not that many books in the village. To be scholar required one to be well off; it was something that I could not afford.

The hunter, although I admire their skills, their way of living is solely dependent on the abundance of game in the forest; I do not want to place my livelihood on something I cannot guarantee. Not only was it dangerous because of magical beasts, the risks outweighs the rewards. No, if only I could protect myself, the life of a hunter wasn’t bad. Sadly, a boy from a family of farmers cannot afford to contract a spirit, nor could I receive formal training which was a luxury only rich folks can afford.

The last man was wearing a green mottled cloak, he looked really out of place. There was something different about this person, I’ve never seen him around the village before. Judging from the expressions of Father and the rest of the tradesmen, this person was dangerous. Unlike the guard, this man reeked of blood, of death. I’m not sure why exactly, but my nose was always quite sensitive; I could smell rain hours before it came.

“Yes, this is my boy. Thank you all for gathering here today, I know that you are all busy people and have better things to do.”

“You’re right, my shift just finished so I’m not as quiet as I usually am.” The guard captain announced. The rest of the group just quietly nodded to get things moving, the guard was never quiet; he loved to talk.

“Then I won’t take any more of your times. I would like you all to evaluate my son over here, is he worthy of becoming an apprentice of any one of you?”

I stepped out in front of Father. I was a bit nervous, normally I don’t like being stared at by people. Something I find strange was the strange stares that everyone would give me, thus I elected to refrain from exposing myself too much to the village. Unlike the other children, I loved books and stories. Father would always tell me the adventures of Eilan, Father’s brother. In those stories, Uncle Eilan would always surprise me one way or another. If I had the chance, I would no doubt become an adventurer like him.

“Oi, kid, stick out your arm.” The guard commanded.

As soon as I did so, he examined my hand and arm. Did he need to be so rough? I thought. The guard was roughly handling my arm, examining minute details. Soon, he also groped my thighs, probably to study my body structure.

“Hm, you are quite the delicate one aren’t ya? I’m sorry Galen, this boy ain’t fit to become a guard. Are you sure you raised him on a farm? He looked like he’d been living as royalty damnit. No shred of developed muscle anywhere!” The guard snorted and walked off, not caring how callous he was being.

Certainly I looked really thin, but I have always helped Father and Eldest brother in the field. There was no way that I’m weak, such a shame the guard came to such a quick conclusion. He would be surprised at how much stronger I am compared to my looks. The next to speak was the scholar.

“*Sigh* I’m sorry, Galen I came here to reject the apprenticeship. There’s nothing more I can teach him that he doesn’t already know. The knowledge within this village is limited and Matthias has already perused all the books that I had with me.” He looked at me proudly, aside from me no one else had the interest in books and information. I could only return a apologetic smile and nod as the scholar also turned around the left.

The only tradesmen left were the Hunter, Medicine Man, and the Stranger.

The Medicine Man stood nonchalantly, already sure that he was going to be able to take me in as his apprentice, and meanwhile the Hunter was studying my features closely. The Hunter was more reserved than the guard, he only stood back and studied my physique.

“You.” He pointed at me, “You go into the forest to pick herbs from time to time right?”

“Yes.”

After a short pause, the Hunter suddenly asked, “Want to become my apprentice?”

“”!!!”” Father and the Medicine Man were shocked, normally the tradesmen would ask more questions and thoroughly inspect the potential apprentice before deciding. To decide after a short glance, it was very strange.

“Surely you’re joking!” The Medicine Man panicked and interjected.

“No, this child. Have you seen him move? He moves with the grace of a panther stalking its prey, silent and deadly. Perfect for a hunter. His footsteps are light, his stride is balanced, I envy his skills in this regard.”

Impressive, this Hunter had seen me in the forest? I’ve entered the forest many times to gather herbs to practice and I’ve only seen this man once or twice.

“Even so, I think Matthias is more suited to become a medicine practitioner, don’t you think so?” The Medicine Man argued, “That minor salve that you bought the other day was made by Matthias did you know that?”

Now that he mentioned it, I remember making something of that sort the other day. Truthfully, I made that to convince the Medicine Man to take me in as a disciple, using the best quality ingredients I could find.

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“Even better, if the child could do something like that, then I have more of a reason to take him in!” The Hunter challenged.

“I think Matthias would benefit more if he were under my tutelage! Besides, he needs money, the best way to make it is to become a medicine practitioner! Plus, it’s safer, who knows how dangerous the deeper part of the forest is!”

“Oh I wouldn’t say so, the child has gone in pretty deep.” The Hunter stared at me. Since when was this man following me during my forest gatherings? It was true, the best medicinal ingredients were hidden deeper inside the forest.

“I-i-impossible!” The Medicine Man was shaking from shock. I’m sure he thought it would’ve been easy to take me on as an apprentice. Even I was sure that I would definitely get picked up by the Medicine Man, I am genuinely surprised that someone else had taken interest in me.

Just as I the two continued to bicker, the Stranger finally spoke.

“Enough.” He growled. “None of you are qualified to teach the son of Eilan Zoel.”

Wait. Did I hear wrong? I heard him mistake me for Uncle Eilan’s son. If I remember correctly, Father told me Uncle Eilan and Auntie Helen passed away after a disaster struck their home.

“You didn’t hear incorrectly.” The man answered my questions as if he could read my mind.

The two bickering villagers began to raise their protest when suddenly a deep bone-shaking cold filled the surrounding. “I suggest you two take your leave. I have something to discuss with ‘Father’ and ‘Son’ about.” The man’s face was covered by a thin cloth and he wore a hood, but I could tell he was glaring at Father.

The two villagers couldn’t do a thing and peacefully left, I could only watch the reluctant Medicine Man as he departed. Father, who was just as frightened decided to continue the talk inside the house.

“I’ve come as promised.”

“I didn’t give you permission to do this!” Father weakly resisted. I’m not sure what they were talking about, but I understood it had to do with me. I could only quietly sit and listen to their one sided exchange.

“It is not up to you. Eilan and I made a promise, a promise that I intend to fulfill. I’ve already told you this ten years ago.”

“You h-have no proof! How do I know that you’re not lying?!”

“Fool! Don’t lie to me! It was already decided that if anything were to happen to Eilan and Helen I would be given custody of the child! I’m not sure who was it that gave you their child, but after I finally managed to track the boy down, I was already lenient enough to let you raise him until he was old enough. As the boy’s godfather, I have every right to him, more so than you!”

That’s impossible, this conversation is taking a weird turn. First of all, just from the contents of their conversation, they are referring to me, but how can this be? My Brothers and Sister were all grown up already and left, aside from Eldest brother, only I remained here. But, I could only remember Father from the day I was born… Was it possible this man was mistaken?

“Y-you have n-no evidence! I want physical evidence that proves you are the godfather!”

“Evidence? Will that finally shut your stubborn mouth?! Hmph! Fine!” The man rummaged around under his cloak.

*Shhn!* He unsheathed a magnificent blade from under the cloak. What’s the most amazing thing of all was the sword looked to be too large to fit under that cloak. I wonder where he hid such a large sword? I thought to myself.

I glanced over at Father and his face was ashen. Was that sword the evidence? I wonder what the meaning behind the sword was, why would Father look so scared?

“Aequitas… Eilan gave you Aequitas?!”

“Exactly, if this isn’t sufficient evidence, then you truly are a blind man. Out of respect for you as the older brother, I let you raised Matthias up until now. Today I’ve come for him to begin his training.”

“H-h-he’s just a boy! At least wait a couple more years until he’s fully grown!”

So this conversation was about me... If that were the case, that would mean I’m not Father’s son? I’m actually… the son of Uncle, no… Eilan’s son? That just brings up more questions! Who is this man? Why did Father lie to me, all my life I thought…

“Denied. Right now is the best time to begin training; when the body is undergoing its growth phase.”

“T-then, at least let him stay for a few more days! To say his goodbyes!”

“No, I’ve already waited three days since I’ve arrived in this village. I’ve explicitly showed you myself when I arrived, you should’ve known this would happen. This was brought upon by yourself. We leave tonight, I’ll come pick up the boy then.” Without waiting for an answer, the man left the house and disappeared from our sights.

“Father… Is what the man said true? I’m not your son?”

I don’t want to believe it. I want Father to say no, even if he had to lie, I wanted him to say no! If he says no, I don’t care what the stranger does, I won’t go anywhere! I’m staying here with Father and Mother!

“… It’s true, Matt.” Father weakly answered, much to my denial. “Now that you know the truth, I might as well tell you everything…”

“Please… No…” I couldn’t bear the thought of it. Why did Father not deny it?

“13 years ago, you were brought over to us. It was very early in the morning, before the cock crowed, a stranger knocked on our door…”

As Father recounted what happened that morning, the morning when I was delivered to Fa- Uncle Galen… My mind went blank. My whole identity, my current self was living a lie. It was a bitter sweet lie and as long as the truth wasn’t out, it would remain sweet. Too bad the truth was out; I was violently ripped from my little bubble of peace and security.

Ignorance.

All the stories of Father, my real father, his accomplishments, and his deeds. I’ve always dreamt of getting to know this man that I’ve called Uncle Eilan. I always thought that if Uncle Eilan were still alive, would he teach me to become an adventurer like him. Every time Fa-Uncle Galen talked about Father, he would often stare off far into the distance, especially when he recited the many stories of Father. I’ve always wished that Father wasn’t dead, so Uncle Galen would be happy, I would’ve never believed… that Uncle Eilan was my true father… Now I’m wishing that I had never known about this…

I want this day to never happen…

“Matt, please… Forgive me. Rhetti and I, we only wanted to shelter you from the pain. We never wished for you to find out the truth.” Uncle Galen was weakly holding onto my hand, I couldn’t bear to bring my head up and look at him in the face.

I’m confused. Lost. How am I supposed to look at Uncle Galen from now on? He lied to protect me, yet he still lied. These complex emotions were racing through my heart. Thinking back to the stories Uncle Galen told me, Father was a great man. Now that I know Eilan was my father, I see these stories in a different lens. I will only ever know about Father through these stories. I must cherish them.

I have to answer Galen. I don’t hate him, in fact I should be thankful. Thankful for giving me a family, a home to stay in.

“I-I don’t hate you U-Uncle Galen…” Such foreign words, Uncle Galen’s hand tightened when he heard me speak, “You gave me a home. You cared for me as if I were your own son. For 13 years, I truly was your son. If today’s events hadn’t happen, I would’ve remained your son for the rest of my life. Sadly… it wasn’t meant to be. Now that I know the truth I want to ask you one thing…”

“*Sniff* Ask.”

“Did Father truly died of natural causes?”

Uncle Galen paused after hearing my question, he thought a bit before answering my question. “I’m not sure. A-after you were delivered to us, a week after a message was delivered telling me that Eilan and Helen were dead. The message only said it was during a large storm, nothing else was stated…”

“I see…” What was strange was, the message should be sent using air transport. Rarely do mails and messages get sent through land travel. If you are not rich and cannot afford to use transmission crystals, then the only other options were by air or land. In order for the mail to arrive in a week after I was delivered… Does that mean the person who delivered me to Uncle Galen traveled faster than the messenger?

As if answering my question Uncle Galen started saying, “The girl who was carrying you looked like she was just a teen like yourself. Back then, I’m sure she had just come of age. I don’t know how she did it, but she managed to find us before the message arrived. Now that I think about it, I never did ask for her name. She just said she knew Eilan…”

“I see…”

If I can find her… maybe I can get some answers. Who was that girl? Why was I sent here? Where was Mother’s family?

“Come Matt, let’s talk for a while. Let’s talk for as long as we can until you have to go…”

We talked, Uncle Galen and Aunt Rhetti both told me to take care of myself. We talked about my daily routine, what not to do, and my life from here on out. It was a tough situation; no one wanted me to leave. We talked for hours on end, the misty morning sun soon began to set in the distance and we still continued talking. We talked until we ran out of things to talk about. By the time night rolled around, we were softly crying in each other’s arms.

“I’m back. Come out.” The cold voice called from outside our small house.

“Remember Matt, do not anger the man, he’s dangerous. Also remember everything we talked about. And please… Don’t forget about us.” Aunt Rhetti gently caressed my cheek before breaking down into tears and running into the other room.

“I won’t forget. I promise.” I shouldered my small bag of clothes and a small bundle of food. I didn’t have much in my possession. Uncle Galen tried to force me to take some money, but I refused him.

“Hey Matt, don’t worry, I’ll take care of Father. You go out there and do what you have to do. To me you’ll always be my brother.” Trey, my eldest brother proudly patted my shoulder. He had just returned from the field and had quickly accepted the situation.

“Thanks Eldest Brother. Remember to look after… Mother and Father…” I said and quickly left the house. If I was to stay any longer, I knew it would just be harder to leave.

“Took you long enough.” The man growled. “We have a lot of ground to cover, so get a move on.” The stranger turned around and started walking away. This man has no tact, he didn’t even bother to introduce himself.

“First of all, who are you? I know nothing about who you are or what you do, all I know is you claim to be my godfather, whom I’ve never met.” I resolutely stood outside the front door. If I was to go any further, I have to at least know who this man was. Living on the farm, I haven’t learn much about etiquette, but I do know enough that I have every right to question this stranger.

Stopping in his tracks, the man turned around once more. “Names don’t matter much in my profession. If you must call me by name, then Haze will do. Now isn’t the best time to have idle conversations. We will speak later.” Without another word, the man known as Haze turned around and continued walking.

I took one last look at the home that I grew up in. Memories of the last 13 years flooded me before I turned around and followed the stranger known as Haze. Little did I know, my carefree life was about to change drastically.