For seven short years, life was grand. I spent my days flipping between study, training with Amos, and helping Finde and Celye around the manor, even long after my punishment had concluded. I still saw my parents but as the years went by they seemed to only get busier and more distant, leading my father to teach me primarily through written lessons, while my moms check-in sessions died down to once a week if I was lucky. But even then I never felt alone thanks to Finde and her family. After several years of practice with Finde and Amos alike, I was finally able to land a blow on his leg when he got a little too cocky. True to his word from that day on, Amos let me train using magic. I wish I could say that made it easier but to say that man was holding back would be an understatement. I put up a magical shield, he’d find a way to break it, I cover him in frost to slow him down, he says it reminds him of home and strike me in the stomach faster then I could react, hell I even created a burning wall of fire once to add some distance and he would barrel through with a grin. The crowd that formed my first day only seemed to grow as word around the barracks spread that their captain was training the “young master”, sometimes the crowd would even include Finde. For some reason whenever she showed I seemed to fight even harder. On the days I didn't train Finde made sure that I never forgot that I promised to teach her whatever magic I could. Her skills slowly improved but never much past the cantrip stage, echoing her father she once told me “All this Aspect and nature of stuff…thing hurts my head too much…but I’ll keep trying.” never losing her spirit, a trait I came to admire in her entire family. Once a week after all the work was done, Finde would drag me off to her house for dinner and her parents' stories, the highlight of my week. We would sit and listen to Amos boast about the lands he had seen and the monsters he had slain for hours on end, entranced all the while. Sometimes it felt like my parents were minor characters in his stories but to be honest I wasn't much interested in their exploits anyway, a strange bitterness in my heart welling up whenever I seemed to hear about them. By night I would scour my parents' study for whatever I could find on necromancy as I found myself at first curious then obsessed with the dark arcana. Although through the nights I found we had only mentions of it and never anything that could instruct me any further than what I had done instinctively. Every month or so, the undead I had created would come visit me outside my window and as the days passed the hoard grew larger as more animals succumbed to their hunger. Somehow as the hoard grew into the dozens, they continued to follow my orders of staying out of sight and only taking the lives of those close to death. It was around my eighth year when my hoard had grown to about thirty that I gave them a new order, still desperate to fix my mistake from several years before, I commanded the legion to help the forest grow in whatever way they could. Curious, occasionally I would sneak out into the night to watch my creations work. It was an odd sight, watching beings with flesh rotting off the bone working tirelessly to restore life. Some planted seeds from the fallen trees, whilst others removed brush and cleared water ways. By the time I had reached twelve the forest had started to bounce back considerably, no tree was at full height of course but bushes and green grasses and flowers flourished once more. One peculiar night when I found myself unable to sleep I decided that I would go watch the dead work for a while, maybe help to further tire my body. Sneaking out my window, allowing myself to float down using a spell that made my body lighter than paper, I drifted from the second story to the ground effortlessly.
“Phew, glad that worked the first time I tried it, I guess dad's instructions to watch a feather drop continuously for days wasn't just some prank.” - I remember musing to myself as I landed safely.
Making my way around the back, I sat myself down on my “thinking stump” like I had for many years before. As I sat and watched the now grassland be tended by my creation I noticed something peculiar in the distance. In the sea of dead animals I had bears, rabbits, foxes, frogs, and even turtles and fish, but never has there ever been anything like it amongst the ranks. As I stared at the aberration, there was no other explanation than it being an undead human being. A shiver running down my spine at what I may have accidentally created I creeped closer, ever the more slowly as fear gripped my very being. As I approached I began noting how it didn't seem to be working on anything like the others where, instead it seemed to be searching for something. As I got close enough to make it out, I also noted how its way of dress was rather peculiar. Dressed in rags that had not been changed in years ripping to shreds at the seams. Once close enough to see the glow in where the whites of its eyes would be, I decided to make myself known, commanding the creature to approach me slowly so I could get a better look at it with my deadeye. Seeing me the creature broke into a shambling sprint, snarling and screaming with ear piercing shrieks, before it could get near me however several of my hoard swarmed it, tearing it limb from limb in order to protect their master. Dumbfounded from the experience I closed the gap between me and the remains focusing my deadeye on the viscora. Its mana still a sickly green like the rest of the undead, I noticed slightly off center in what was left of its chest was the golden light that all of the other undead around me lacked. Curious, I approached cautiously, reaching my hand outward at the light to see if I could interact with it in any way. Suddenly one of the zombie's hands that had been ripped from its body grabbed me by the leg and the head began shrieking once more, its body parts all crawling or rolling towards each other, some reassembling themselves along the way. In a panic I let loose a torrent of fire in a circle around me incinerating the interloper and several of my own hoard in the process. Adrenaline pumping I noticed the fire begin to spread through the tall grasses around me. Flashing back to my days as a small child, thankfully I had perfected a widespread water spell or “localized rain” as my mother had called it to prevent another disaster. Coming down from the rush, I slumped down into the mud, feeling a mix of pride and anger at myself for fixing yet making a similar mistake to the one so many nights before. As I gathered my thoughts I noticed the light rise from the cinders of the zombie man's remains. Unlike the lights from the animals though, this one did not take off into the sky, but instead floated in place. Eyes tired and fuzzy I made out a shadowy, ghostly figure approach the light and then as sudden as a blink, both were gone. My head now full of questions, I began to panic a bit as I considered what to do about the rogue undead that had appeared that night, fearful that if I told my parents that I would expose my years-long lie. Then for the first time in a long while, my head began to pound and I heard the voice once again.
“No need to tell a soul young master, that one wasn't yours, you're not to blame. It probably wandered here from some lair or dungeon that popped up. No need to concern anyone else with it, you took care of it splendidly. Now go get some rest and forget all about it.” - Pain fading, its words became muddled with my own thoughts, and I convinced myself that I was making mountains out of mole hills. Although as a precaution I issued a new order to my remaining hoard.
“Any undead not created by any of you or I will be destroyed on sight, we can’t let them go hurting anyone alright.” - they all nodded in agreement. Now sufficiently tired, I snuck myself back into my room and laid in my bed contemplating the morning before drifting off, the next day being a training day with Amos, and also my thirteenth birthday, although he later was of very little concern to me if I'm being honest.
The day started with a pounding on my door, groggy from my excursion the night before, I rolled over, eyes barely able to open due to a mix of fatigue and sleep crust.
“C’mon Raffin, hurry up dads waiting!” - Yelled Finde from behind my heavy wooden door,
“Alright, alright just give me a minute.” - I replied, still groggy.
“You have ten, if you’re not ready by then I’m going on ahead without you.” - she spat back.
Finally able to roll myself out of bed I noticed a small note sitting on the side table.
“Dear Raffin,
Happy birthday sweetie! Your father and I are so proud of you. Unfortunately something urgent has popped up and we won't be able to see you today, but I promise we’ll spend some time together soon .
-Love mom, and dad”
When I finished reading the last line, a small burst of sparks flew out like small fireworks. With a deep sigh I crumpled the note and threw it in a trash bin.
“What was that I? I thought I heard a loud noise!” - Finde bellowed from behind the door once more.
“Are you just sitting there with your ear to the door?” - I replied in a snarky tone.
“Of course I am, I have to make sure you're not wasting my time. Now hurry up!” - She threw back, I couldn't help but chuckle at the reply.
Once I had dressed and groomed myself, I opened the door to see Finde sitting on the ground tapping her fingers against the floorboards with a bored look on her face. Unlike most days, she wasn't wearing her normal maid uniform, in its place was a long flowing olive green dress, her long brown hair pinned up with a silver clasp in the shape of a crescent moon.
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“You're three minutes late, I was about to go on ahead.” -she murmured.
“Well…I’m glad you didnt,” - I murmured under my breath somewhat hoping she wouldn't hear me. Her pointed ears perking up, she grinned from ear to ear.
“C’mon, we have to get going. If we make dad wait too long we’ll get an earful.” - She said, jumping to her feet and pulling me away by my sleeve as she had become accustomed to. Dragging me all the way through the mansion and out the front door, I had learned that if I just let my body go limp I would survive the process unscathed. As we approached the invisible wall of my father’s training ground, Finde suddenly stopped, excitement strung across her face. Motioning her hand towards the wall inviting me to step in first. Perplexed, I stepped through slowly. As the landscape began to focus in my eyes, I made out a large table strung out across the normally craggy battleground. From edge to edge sat a variable breakfast feast. Seated all around it were Amos, Celye, and all of the soldiers and maids that I had come to know over the course of the years.
“Happy Birthday!” - They all yelled in unison.
“I hope the food is to your liking Raffin, I'm afraid it may not be enough,” - Celye expressed, giggling to herself hand covering her teeth in a dainty manner.
Tears welling in my eyes, I tried to wipe it away quickly and hide my face.
“Bwahaha, ya may be a teenager now, but ya still cry like a baby. C’mon sit down you’re the guest of honor squirt.” - Amos bellowed.
As the breakfast feast began, every single one of the staff wished me well with genuine words of kindness in each voice perplexing me. Brushing it off as just a weird feeling I began gorging myself on sweet buns and bacon, as I enjoyed myself Finde began pestering her dad about a certain “surprise” that they had apparently prepared for me.
“I thought this was the surprise.” I postulated, bits of food falling out of my stuffed cheeks as I tried speaking through the food.
“Aye this be one but ya didnt think youd get through yer birthday without a present would ya?”- Amos joked, reaching underneath the table pulling out a long skinny package wrapped in decorative paper about twice the length of my body. Laying it in front of me, the entire party started clamoring for me to open it. As I ripped the wrapping excitement began to build up in my chest. When I opened the I laid my eyes upon a long metal rod with a bright red cloth wrapped around the center. On one end were metal talons grasping at air not yet filled. Mystified but confused I directed my sight at Amo’s for an explanation.
“It's a custom in Norden to either forge or pass down a weapon to yer children when they reach thirteen. I was told that a staff would be appropriate for ya by Celye. I was originally gonna make you a broadsword but Finde and her talked me out of it. The claw at the top can hold a mana orb, figured you’d find one ya really like when ya finally go out there adventurin yerself” - Amos spouted, grin wide as ever. At that moment a mixed wave of great happiness and deep sadness washed over me. On one hand I was ecstatic to have been given such a fantastic gift, but my parents were nowhere to be seen. Unable to hold them back anymore, tears began streaming down my face. Everyone in attendance, soldier and maid alike, immediately started tripping over themselves trying to find a way to make me feel better.
“What's wrong hun, are you alright,” - Celye piped up over the crowd concerned herself.
“Nothing, it's just…I don’t know I guess, I wish mom and dad were here…that's all” - I exposited quietly, word and breath still calm although my mind was racing with thought. Amos and Celye shared a sympathetic gaze with one another for a quick moment before Amos reached across the table to put his hand on my shoulder.
“Aye, I know it’s hard Raffin. Both your parents have very important jobs and they'd definitely be here if they could, and please believe me when I tell you that they both love ya very much. They are always braggin bout ya to anyone who will listen about what a prodigy you be. And fer good reason too, you’re a wonderful kid Raffin. ” - He said, trying to sooth me. As he finished I picked my head up to meet his gaze, staring upon this man I saw a softness in his eyes and felt a weird comfort in his giant goofy smile, in that moment it perplexed me that I could ever be scared of that man. Heart still heavy from the now mixed feelings I had about my parents I decided to push that all aside for the moment and force a smile so those around me would stop worrying, leading to the crowd to sigh deeply in unison.
“Yeah listen to the captain, your awesome Raffin no one can take a beating like you and keep standing back up!” - One of the guards shouted near the end of the table, leading the rest to cheer and agree.
“Yes you master, and no matter how many times you screw up, you still try and help us with the chores when you can. Even if it does end up making twice as much work for us.” - One of the maids added, causing a soft chuckle among Celye and her maids. With a warm feeling welling in my chest and face I felt another smaller hand on my other shoulder.
“Yeah I guess you’re pretty cool for a squirt,” - Finde murmured her face flush red, causing me to chuckle at how out of place it felt for her to act embarrassed.
“When did you get so shy,”- I quipped, feeling like myself again.
“Oh you had to go and ruin it Raffin, go back to being a sad sack for all I care.” - She shouted, now even redder than before, punching me in the arm for transgression. Along with my own, the mood at the table also lightened as everyone began to have a good time once more.
As the day went on so did the celebration. After breakfast Amos’ and Cleye’s staff went off to take care of other duties whilst they, Finde, and I spent the rest of the day together. As the son sunk low and time whittled down we returned to their house where Celye had prepared another feast for the ages. As we all gorged ourselves for the second time that day, Amos began telling us stories not about their days traveling, but instead an old legend he said he had been saving for a special occasion. Enraptured, I hung on to every word committing the entire thing to memory. Long long ago existed a damnable demon who looked to cover the world in death and rule what remained as he saw fit. For an entire century he toppled nations all over the world, bathing it in blood and darkness. As his forces grew ever the stronger due to every dead soul being added to his ranks, he seemed an unstoppable force, but right before his strength could reach its apex, a mighty hero clad in armor brandishing a magic sword bestowed upon him by the gods, a raven haired sorceress whos rule over fire was second only to the gods, a grand cleric of the sun god Tyrus whos very words curd burn the vile undead with her words alone, and an elven paladin serving the kingdom of Zayspaylia banded together to smite the bastard tyrant down, the battle was bloody and brutal and as it ragged on the demon seemed to powerful to fall even by their combined hands. Exhausted and low on options, the hero devised one final gambit, infusing his sword with the last of his strength and power into one final blow he cleaved the demon in half, ending his reign of terror for good. Although this strike also took a heavy toll on the hero and as his strength faded he asked of his dear friends for his legend to be passed down, and although his name has been lost to time, he is remembered to this day as the hero that started the second age of heroes. As Amos finished up his tale, Celye got his attention ushering him to the other room as Finde and I sat and discussed the tale between ourselves. Returning, seeming somewhat flustered she said that she and Amos had business they needed to attend to, asking Finde if she could walk me home and saying that it was already cleared with my parents that she could stay the night at the manor. Perplexed, we were ushered out the door and told not to stop for anything until we got home. Sent on our way out the door, the cold night air nipped at our faces so I conjured a small ball of ghostly flame to float between us, providing light and warmth.
“Ohhh what's that one called?” - Finde questioned head slightly tilted as she watched her breath turn to fog in the air.
“Wil-o-wisp, it’s modeled after a little fire spirit you can find in the woods in the elven kingdom. I learned about it in a book my dad left me.” - After mentioning my parents, my face must have grown somber once again.
“Raffin, do you … hate your parents.” - Finde asked, discomfort in her voice.
“Because my parents would happily adopt you, I could use a little brother anyway squirt.” - she followed up with trying to play it off as a joke. Ignoring the last bit I tried to sort through my feelings on the subject.
“I don’t hate them, Im just…kind of mad at them.” - I replied, lost in thought staring into the night sky.
“Why, they seem to be nice people, your mom especially although I haven't spent a lot of time around your dad.”
“Yeah I guess, I just, never see them, and when I do it's always about what I've done or what I can do. Don’t get me wrong, I love them and I love magic, but it feels like sometimes the only real value I have is tied to what I'll be in the future. My dads started pestering me about going to the academy, no doubt that's what today's subject would be today if they weren't ‘busy’.”
“Yeah but don’t you want to go anyway, that way you can become an adventurer after you graduate. Hey if you're lucky maybe I’ll join your party.”
“Yeah on one hand I do, but if I start going I won’t be able to spend as much time with Amos, Celye, and well you. If I lived in the dorms I’d only be able to visit every once in a while when we go on breaks and if I stay here I’ll be exhausted from the trips back and forth, not to mention I'll be spending my nights alone a majority of the time. My mom once told me she was happy I was so independent because she didn't have to ‘worry’ about me and since then I feel like they're in my life less and less. I wonder if I, as just myself and not some magical prodigy, even matter to them at all. I don’t know I’m probably blowing this whole thing out of proportion huh? - I finished, trying to sound more upbeat. As we finally reached the steps to the manor’s front door, for the first time since we began talking I looked over at Finde to try and gauge her thoughts on the situation. To my surprise tears welled up in her eyes for once. Flustered, I began trying to cover up my sadness with more false bravado but quick as lightning she wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me in a tight hug.
“I don’t know about them, but you matter to me Raffin.” - She muttered through her tears, causing me to join her as I returned the embrace. After a moment we both let go, nodding to one another before we headed up the stairs and into the house. As I returned to my room for the night, Finde settled into the guest room next door. Day full of all kinds of emotion finally over, I settled into my own bed content with how it all ended, drifting off as soon as my head hit the pillow. My slumber did not go uninterrupted however, several hours later as the twin moons shone through my window a blood curdling shriek echoed through the halls.