Act 1 - Changing Currents

C. 003 Tn. s2

In a small port city a young boy was hiding out in his room. Ozkan, the kingdom that the boy once called his home, had been conquered, the royal bloodline destroyed under the assault of the Empire of Cretulm.

In the aftermath, the Witch of Cretulm cast a tracking hex on any surviving member of the royal bloodline that might have survived, intent on their utter annihilation.

As such the boy had to flee. Considering that the remaining members of his household could be counted on one hand, he could consider himself lucky that he managed to do even this much.

The boy found himself inside a tiny inn room, far, far away from Ozkan. He could hear footsteps approaching the room he was staying in. With sword in hand he got into a defensive position, aware there wasn’t much he could do if the person approaching the door turned out to be one of his persecutors. Though he knew that it was likely not the case, no one could fault the boy for being tense, in light of how easily they could track him down.

The sound of the steps ceased in front of his door and someone knocked. "Levent, it’s me."

Burhan entered the room. He worked for the main family. Used to work for them at least. If it wasn’t for him Levent would have been killed when the fortress had been breached.

They met each other two years ago. It was around the time when the Empire of Cretulm first seized land from Ozkan. After the loss of territory, fighting in their kingdom got out of control, which led the branch families to send their children and women to live in the Royal Fortress.

Burhan looked exhausted but judging by his demeanor he brought back good news.

"Any luck finding help?"

"Yes, young ma-" Burhan interrupted himself. "Levent."

Levent lowered his gaze, a spike of pain surging through his heart as Burhan’s voice took on a soft tone. Burhan addressing him with his first name served as a reminder of the life he had to forfeit. It reminded him of everything he had lost. Even after he managed to flee his kingdom unscathed, he needed to give up everything that made him stick out of amongst other people.

His clothing? Exchanged for some unfitted pants and shirts.

His hair? Cut short.

His identity as a noble? Gone. Like it was nothing.

Just to avoid persecution.

"I found us a spot amongst some merchants. Their ships will set sail soon."

Levent scoffed. "You must be joking."

"What makes you say that?"

"Merchants? On the sea? Willing to give us passage just like that."

Burhan briefly hesitated. "The sea is our best means to escape and we are in a hurry. You know th-"

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"Under which name do these merchants sail, Burhan?"

"They call themselves the Canine Company."

The barest hint of a smile flittered across Levent’s face. He closed his eyes for a scant moment, then slowly shook his head. A lot of things could have gone through his head, considering the new situation and everything that happened in recent weeks, no, recent months. But in this particular moment he was amused by the irony that, for better or for worse, was his life.

"A noble seeking asylum amongst a bunch of pirates," he finally said. He didn’t believe for a second that Burhan had at any point been oblivious about the true occupation of these… merchants. No matter, Levent knew that they were well and truly out of options.

Where else could he escape to? The Horizon Tower came to mind, but even then they’d need to get on a ship to reach it. Besides, Burhan was doing his best to keep Levent’s head on his shoulders.

More importantly, he picked their best option. They needed to leave the dry lands to make use of the natural protection the sea would offer.

With no time to waste Levent asked, "Anything else?"

"Yes," Burhan said. "The Canine Company consists mainly of elves."

Levent glanced at Burhan. "Of importance."

With a swift motion Burhan retrieved something from his satchel and walked over to Levent. Placed in his outstretched palm were two Num Seeds. He presented them to Levent. "Take them."

Levent regarded the Num Seeds in Burhan’s hand. Num Seeds were one of the ways to unlock the latent magic within humans and other sentient species. It was the norm for a child of noble birth, and even for a child of a family whose status was solely derived from their wealth, to receive Num Seeds as they grew up.

Every member of the Soydan Household, the house Levent was born into, would receive five Num Seeds by the time they turned ten. For male members it was common practice to choose Sword Mastery as their first Ability. The custom was kept up for centuries, until Ozkan found itself in a war.

The Empire of Cretulm was stopping at nothing to conquer Ozkan. During these times Num Seeds became military assets.

Levent was seven years old when his father denied his request for his second Num Seed. Back then Levent didn’t know that Num Seeds had become a scarcity in Ozkan. Even powerful families like the Soydan Household couldn’t nurture their young as they wished. It’s not like his father didn’t have any Num, or even Om Seeds in his posession. He simply wouldn’t spend them on a fifth born son, who, even under the most favorable circumstances, was years from growing into his power.

So, while the oldest of Levent’s siblings were beneficiaries of the customs of the Soydan Household, Levent was unable to develop his magical talents. During war time they lacked the resources for long term investments.

Thus years passed with Levent having only one Ability. In all that time he never caught a whiff of another Num Seed.

This changed two weeks ago, when Levent had received four of them. It was the day Burhan helped him flee the Royal Fortress.

The day the Royal Fortress fell.

And now, out of nowhere, he was offered another two.

Levent had mixed feelings about receiving the Num Seeds. He felt like the price he needed to pay for them was paid in blood.

"I haven't even chosen any Abilities with the last Seeds you gave me."

"Just expanding the Ability Realm strengthens you, so for now I urge you to at least consume the Seeds."

Levent stood in front of Burhan, torn between consuming the Seeds and throwing them against the wall.

"Young master." Burhan’s expression was serious. "This. Is. Your. Birthright."

Burhan’s words brought Levent back into the moment. Both of them knew that this was the last time Burhan would address him as young master. Behind closed doors, before they’d say their final farewell to the life they left behind. There wasn’t anything for them to return to anyway.

Levent sighed and took the Num Seeds out of Burhan’s still outstretched palm, placing them into his mouth. He briefly closed his eyes, the release of potential causing a pleasant feeling to course through his body.

After the moment passed he looked at Burhan. "Anything else we need to take care of?"

"No," Burhan said with a slight shake of his head. "We should leave now."

"Let’s put some space between us and the dry lands then."

With the few possessions they had the two left the inn, heading into the unknown ahead of them.