Chapter 2: A Kind Uncle

The mansion’s main hall buzzed with an energy rarely seen in House Rest. Servants moved with a quick but orderly pace, adjusting tapestries and setting out trays of refreshments. The grand chandeliers above emitted a soft, magical glow, casting a warm light over the polished stone floors. It was as if the very air hummed with anticipation.

Robert hovered just inside the entrance to the hall, his fingers resting lightly on the armrest of his chair as he observed the preparations. He seldom came here—the hall was too crowded, too loud—but tonight was different. Tonight, his uncle, Frank Rest, was returning.

‘It’s been over a year since his last visit,’ Robert mused, watching as a servant carefully adjusted the drapes near the high arched windows. ‘What could he have been doing in Malcesburgia for so long?’

Robert’s thoughts were interrupted by the sudden arrival of his mother, Duchess Griselda Rest. Clad in a deep crimson gown that complemented her stern beauty, Griselda carried herself with the poise of a seasoned diplomat. Her dark hair, usually tied back in a severe bun, was arranged elegantly around her shoulders tonight, making her seem softer, more approachable.

“Robert, dear,” she greeted, her voice gentle but tinged with an undertone of urgency. “You’re finally here. I’m glad. You know how much your uncle enjoys seeing you.”

“Yes, Mother,” Robert replied with a slight incline of his head. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

Griselda’s gaze lingered on her son, a mix of pride and concern flitting across her features. She reached out, adjusting the collar of Robert’s finely embroidered robe.

“You look well,” she murmured. “I hope you’re not overexerting yourself with your training.”

Robert fought the urge to sigh. “I’m fine, Mother. I have to keep pushing my limits.”

“Limits are there for a reason, Robert,” Griselda chided gently. She opened her mouth to say more, but the sound of approaching footsteps silenced her.

All eyes turned to the main entrance as a tall figure stepped through the open double doors. Frank Rest had arrived.

Dressed in robes of deep midnight blue, trimmed with silver runes that seemed to shimmer and shift in the light, Frank exuded an air of both power and warmth. His sharp features were softened by a wide smile, and his eyes—bright with intelligence and mischief—swept across the hall until they landed on Robert.

“There’s my favorite nephew!” Frank called out, his voice rich and full of affection.

Robert felt a smile tugging at his lips as he lowered himself to the ground, his legs barely supporting him as he made his way forward. Before he could speak, Frank closed the distance between them, pulling Robert into a strong embrace.

“You look well, Robert,” Frank murmured, his voice lowering so only Robert could hear. “Stronger, even.”

“Thank you, Uncle,” Robert replied softly, feeling a rare warmth spread through him. “You’ve been gone a long time. We missed you.”

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“And I’ve missed all of you,” Frank said, pulling back and glancing around at the gathered family. His gaze lingered on Griselda, and something unspoken passed between them—an understanding born of years of shared history. “But I’m back now, and I’ve brought a few things from the Free City that I think you’ll all enjoy.”

At the mention of gifts, Bogdan and Julia surged forward, their faces lighting up with excitement.

“Uncle Frank!” Bogdan cried, his voice almost a shout. “Did you bring something cool this time?”

“And something for me too?” Julia added, clasping her hands together in a hopeful gesture.

Frank chuckled, raising his hands in a placating gesture. “Patience, patience. I haven’t even unpacked my bags yet!”

With a flick of his wrist, Frank conjured a small portal in the air beside him. From within its shimmering depths, several objects floated out—a suit of armor, an ancient-looking scroll, and a small crystal vial.

“Let’s see… Bogdan first.” Frank gestured, and the suit of armor drifted forward. It was made of lightweight, blackened steel, adorned with subtle runic engravings. The metal seemed to gleam with an inner light, casting faint shadows that shifted like liquid.

“Enchanted with reinforcement and agility runes,” Frank explained, watching as Bogdan’s eyes widened. “It will provide excellent protection without sacrificing mobility. Perfect for an aspiring swordsman like yourself.”

Bogdan stared at the armor in awe, his hands hovering just shy of touching it. “It’s… incredible. Thank you, Uncle Frank!”

Frank smiled and turned to Julia, who was bouncing slightly on her heels in anticipation. “And for my lovely niece…”

The ancient scroll floated forward, unfurling slightly as if eager to reveal its contents. Julia gasped as a gentle breeze swirled around her, rustling her hair.

“A 'Summon Lesser Air Elemental' scroll [1st Circle],” Frank announced with a flourish. “It’s a playful little creature, perfect for someone just starting their magical studies. With it, you’ll be able to call upon a small breeze spirit that can follow simple commands.”

Julia’s eyes sparkled as she took the scroll reverently. “Really? I’ll be able to control the wind?”

“Only a little bit,” Frank said with a soft laugh. “But it’s a good start.”

Finally, Frank turned to Robert, his expression shifting from jovial to thoughtful. The last item—an intricately bound scroll with silver-and-black runes—floated towards Robert and hovered just before him.

“For you, Robert,” Frank said quietly. “A 'Summon Skeletal Wyvern' scroll [5th Circle]. It’s a powerful spell, one that requires both strength and skill to master. I have no doubt you’ll be able to handle it when the time comes.”

Robert’s breath caught as he reached out, his fingers brushing the cool parchment. The scroll pulsed faintly under his touch, as if it were a living thing waiting to be unleashed. He looked up at Frank, a thousand questions swirling in his mind, but all he managed was:

“Why…?”

“Because you’re ready,” Frank replied simply, his voice carrying a weight that silenced the room. “And because one day, this spell may save your life.”

The hall fell into a tense silence. Robert glanced around and saw his father, Duke Sigismund, watching with narrowed eyes. His mother stood beside him, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“Thank you, Uncle,” Robert said at last, his voice steady. “I’ll do my best to master it.”

“I know you will,” Frank murmured, his smile returning. He glanced at the rest of the family, the tension in the room easing as he spread his arms wide.

“Now then, enough with the seriousness! I want to hear everything I’ve missed over the past year. Let’s have dinner and catch up properly.”

With that, the servants moved forward, ushering the family towards the dining hall. Robert stayed back for a moment, his gaze lingering on the scroll in his hand. The runes seemed to pulse with a strange energy, almost as if they were alive.

‘A skeletal wyvern…’ he thought, feeling a thrill of excitement chase away the lingering unease. ‘One day, I’ll summon you. And I’ll be strong enough to control you.’

The family’s voices faded into the background as Robert followed them out of the hall, the scroll clutched tightly in his grasp. A small smile played on his lips.

This time, he would not let anyone—least of all his father—doubt his potential.