I do not understand why everyone is acting so serious. I made it out alive. Just because I have numerous scars on my hands, it does not mean I am dead. That is the benefit of having healing magic nearby. It has been two days since the troll fight. I spent one day inside the care house, Julie always nearby in fear of some sort of inside injury. This whole Empty One fear has everyone worried that I could be dying without anyone noticing. Even when I slept at home the second day, my parents were moving outside my room all night. My third day was spent training as much as I could. All this time, I have been focused on strength… This fight taught me that strength sometimes just is not enough. Meuko did not give us those openings just because she was strong. She knew where to use an elbow strike, when to go big and keep that head stunned. I need to improve on my technique. I am going to start improving my weapon knowledge. I asked Blago to teach me how to properly stab without dropping my guard. He also told me he was making a special hand guard for my sword, using alloy made from the remains of the griffin egg, the wooden staff and the ores we brought him. That is right. Better gear for me. Sylvar staying back was a good call. Snaray apparently gave him a large amount of metal ore for us to use.
“Alloys are stronger. It will be better is what I am trying to say. Just be grateful, you sack of manure.” Is what Blago said.
As far the Hunters know, we fought goblins near the mines, they started running as the troll made its appearance, we killed it, Sylvar stayed back for much needed supplies and that is definitely exactly what happened. I am just resting on the floor of my room, making notes on pretty much everything. The chain tactics of the goblins was smart. It saved our lives. Their quick thinking also helped avert my bleeding out. They brought animal skin to cover my wounds. It would have been better if it was not dead skin but in a survival situation… I think I understand why they hunt as much as they do. I should use the farming things I have learned to help them. If they gain more food, they could focus on their safety in caves instead of foraging and sending kids out like that. I should also ask them to teach me a few things. Their survival instincts are way better than mine. The sound of rain hitting the wooden walls makes me feel like I should go to sleep. Right as I climb the bed, someone knocks on my door.
“Yes?”
“Julie and everyone else is here.” Ean’s voice behind the door. It sounds rather weak. He must be having one of those days where it hurts using his voice.
“I was going to sleep...”
“It seems rather urgent. They are downstairs in the kitchen.” Ean says, footsteps moving away from the door.
It is always something. I sleep with my clothes on ever since the intense training begun, so at least I do not have to get ready and all that. I walk downstairs only to be stared by my three very… Serious friends. Julie and Sylvar are sitting, Meuko was on the floor next to the entrance, getting up as soon as I come down.
“You know, tomorrow works just as well.” I say.
“No, it does not.” Meuko says.
Everyone seems uncomfortable. They know something I do not.
“Well, what happened? Talk.” I say, impatience and desire to sleep controlling my thoughts.
Did someone get hurt? Should I get ready? Someone needs to talk.
“My friend… Why did you and Julie not talk about the nightmare you saw?” Sylvar says, kindness mixed with worry.
“There was nothing about it.” I say, scoffing.
“You lied.” Meuko says “You mentioned a weird dream where you were hurt. When I carried you, you said you died in that dream.”
“I told her the rest when she asked me.” Julie says.
“Look, it was a fake dream meant to scare us, you said it yourself, Meuko. I never lost an arm when I was a kid. Julie never saw me die as a kid.”
“Still… Seeing your own death is not a small thing to experience.” Sylvar says.
“There was also Julie acting weird.” I say.
“What do you mean?” Meuko says.
“Julie did not tell you?” I say.
“I did not know how to.” Julie says.
“You two are one and the same.” Meuko says.
“Little Julie was crying, obsessing over the use of magic. She was… Creepy, broken.”
“And the area around you was being destroyed…” Sylvar says.
“What are you thinking?” Julie asks.
“There is a small pattern so far. We see happy memories, then something threatening.” Sylvar says, playing with a bit of rope.
“Great.” I say, sitting on a chair, realizing this might take some time.
“So, what is the point of this happening?” Julie asks.
“We were really young in that dream. You could not heal people by that time.” I say.
“True. I could do that only after Dad died. If I could...” Julie finds it very difficult to finish that sentence. Makes sense. Losing family is never easy. We were ten when Fraulf, the sisters’ father died. Most of the Villagers had to assist the food gatherers because of a storm destroying our storage building the previous day. Julie and I decided we should go outside and find him as soon as we thought he was late. We did not get far away from the Village, not even getting out of sight of it… Fraulf was there, trying to reach us. Bleeding profusely. He was cut bad in places, arrows stuck in his back. We were so shocked that we just went close to him, crying out for help. A man that simply wanted to protect his daughters, especially after their mother died. A man that felt tall as a building when I was little, strong as the mightiest tree. He was trying his hardest to just come back to his family. The sigh of relief he let out as soon as we reached him, dropping on his knees, breathing shallow. He hugged us, asking us to get stronger so we could fight for the Village. He told us to not let the weak sight of his last moments change how we see him our entire lives. To me… That was his strongest moment. Even when he was near death, all he cared about was the safety of his family. We could not stop crying. The Villagers found us there, not leaving his embrace.
“Unfortunately, I cannot really decipher dreams.” I say. “I can apologize about your bow, though.”
“Not to worry. Your plan worked, that is all that matters.” Sylvar says.
“Barely...” Meuko says.
“Besides, Blago already gave me a simple short bow, until we can replace it with some wood he wants us to bring him.” Sylvar says.
“Really? We just brought him the ores.” I say.
“And he has not stopped working since then. I practically have to remind him to eat.” Julie says.
“That man… He really cares about us.” I say.
“I heard you almost beat him the other day.” Meuko says.
“Almost. Getting there.” I say.
“Wish I could say the same about Eadwald. Every time I think I get an opening, she uses that to bait me.” Meuko says.
“You do have more strength but she has the experience and the skill.” Sylvar says.
“I thought you were here to teach me not to keep secrets or something.” I say.
“True. That does not mean we cannot talk about anything else.” Julie says. “You need to trust us.”
“Then… Alayne acted weird a few days back.” I say.
“Meaning?” Meuko says.
“He told me to not trust anyone. As if he was giving me some sort of advice.” I say.
“Maybe he thinks you are a Hunter now.” Julie says.
“He might have noticed that we see you as a leader.” Sylvar says.
“You have?” I ask. I never thought about that. It always seems like Sylvar is the one leading or Meuko the one charging.
“Of course. Your crazy plans have kept us alive so far...” Meuko says “If you get better at thinking, we might even win without having to risk our lives.”
We all chuckle, Julie making the exceptional sigh.
“Things are getting more and more dire, yet the Hunters tell us nothing.” Sylvar says.
“But… What is our opinion on the dream thing?” I ask.
“Scaring us.” Meuko says.
“Then why show us that flaming rock? Why ask us to stop it?” Sylvar says.
“It could be some way of asking for help.” Julie says “Whoever it is, they are asking for help.”
“We barely have any idea on where and how to start helping, so… We wait. If there are more dreams, we work it out from there.” I say.
“And the elf people? Are we not gonna talk about the kid learning how to shoot multiple arrows… Same as our elf.” Meuko says.
“I assure you, my friend Meuko, that skill is not particularly difficult to master. But, I do understand your meaning.” Sylvar says.
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“We do not.” I say, interrupting their conversation. “It offers nothing and we have no right to drag Sylvar’s memories out of him. If the dreams continue, we could reconsider.”
“See? A leader.” Julie says.
I do not like this newfound responsibility. Does that mean I should act like Alayne? I cannot make fire and smoke come out of my nostrils. I also do not have claws that can be used as weapons. What should we do about the goblins? I need to ask them about that. Wait…
“I just realized… My parents are probably listening.” I say.
“Right...” Meuko says.
“Oh...” Julie says.
Sylvar remains silent.
“Maybe… Tomorrow morning?” I ask.
“Of course, my friend Volter. Of course.”
“Thanks. I can finally sleep.” I say, walking upstairs.
“Goodnight.” Julie says.
“We have training with Eadwald tomorrow.” Meuko says.
“I know.” I say. Why does she think I do not remember anything. They are the ones that forgot I live with my parents. Walking outside their room, I decide to have a bit of fun.
“Stop, Meuko, they are going to hear you.” I say, whispering a bit loudly.
“I told you he heard us.” Muffled arguing behind their door.
“Meuko...”
“Not there...” I keep having a bit of fun before walking inside my room.
“He would never. With Meuko, I mean. They are brother and sister.”
“Are you sure?”
“Sleep.”
I chuckle and then finally rest. My morning was slightly different. These past days all I have been eating is soup. I did not eat anything while I was in the care house. The reason is that my jaw felt like it was under attack every time I took a bite. I asked Julie to use her magic but nothing changed. Not wanting to worry her, I avoided eating anything while staying there. When my parents showed me the various nuts and other types of hard food they made for me… I tried just once. The response from my head was that it would split apart. My parents decided on soup and I never mentioned it to the sisters and Sylvar because there is no reason for them to worry. Since it does not hurt when I talk, I can keep it a secret hopefully. As soon as I finish my very bland soup, I help my parents out in the fields.
“How come you are helping us?” Dariy says, inspecting the ground “We might need Modesta here.”
“I want to learn a few things.” I say.
“We need Modesta here as well.” Ean says from a distance.
“What is happening?” I ask, quite literally not having the slightest idea of what is happening.
“Nothing too important yet.” Ean says.
“We have fertilized, we have planted. As far as I know, the crops will be ready in a few weeks, thanks to Modesta, of course.” I say.
“Well, there are a few more steps to that. Normally it takes months and we would not be able to use these fields for this variety of plants.” Dariy says.
“Why is that?” I say, taking out my notebook.
“Specific plants require specific ground, specific fertilizing, specific time. Modesta has been using his magic to separate small patches of land, changing them depending on our needs.” Ean says.
“Every now and then, Modesta needs to reuse his magic. But this is too soon.” Dariy says.
“There has been a rapid change in the properties of the ground?” I ask.
“That was… Rather accurate.” Ean says.
“Son of farmers.” I say.
“You almost said it with pride.” Dariy says.
“I am proud. This is what keeps me going out there. Keeping this safe.” I say.
“That was… Rather dramatic.” Ean says.
“Well, it worked.” Dariy says chuckling “You get Modesta here and then you can go off to train with Eadwald.”
“Right.” I say, walking off.
I go towards Modesta’s… It is not a house. He made this weird, underground place for him. I do not know how to explain it. I have never even been down there. It is in the western side of the Village, so I have to cross the river bridge, meaning I get to witness Thando’s teaching methods. They are less than ideal. He beats them up, barely showing any weaknesses. Will they actually learn anything that way? I move away, fearing I might get pulled into one of his training sessions. I find myself outside of Modesta’s place. A small mound, no larger than my room, decorated with rocks and a single large wooden door. I knock but there is no response. I know he has a stone for emergencies outside but I really do not want to use it. There is a red rune on it. I could press it… I knock again. No change. Do I have to? I press the stone that is embedded on the ground, right next to the door. I can hear faint moving sounds below. Is that rumbling? The anxiety I get just from pressing that stone is enough, I do not need to think about rumbling and anything else. The door slides open.
“What? Who died?” Modesta says.
“My parents need you. Something is wrong with the land.” I say.
“Just for that? It is morning… I barely managed to rest enough for my magic to regenerate.”
“So you did rest.” I say.
“Cut that smile, boy. The land you say?”
“Yes. Apparently, the properties changed sooner.”
“A lot sooner. I worked on those fields with your fathers a week ago. Most peculiar.” Modesta says, walking outside, finally ready to face the world or whatever.
“Great, I am going to Eadwald’s house.” I say.
“I am coming with you. I need to check her well.” Modesta says.
“Right.”
I was hoping to not have to go through this awkward, silent walk with him.
“Hey kid, can you get over here? I need to show something to these ones.” Thando says, waving a club in the air to draw my attention.
“Sorry, not able. Emergency.” I say.
“Are you a fool? Never say emergency. People should not live in terror just because we need to go outside.” Modesta says.
“What? It is.” I say.
“Of all the responsibilities I have, watching you make one mistake after the next is the most tiresome.”
At least it is not a silent walk. Had to complain about the silence. I knock Eadwald’s door while Modesta circles the small stone well. I always thought it was weird that we have wells right next to a river, but Modesta said that the river water is never clean unless it is boiled, while the water from wells apparently have the underground stones that purify it. Even then, it is always better to boil it. We also use multiple buckets that are spread around the Village mounted on sticks. Whenever it rains, we get fresh supply of water, extremely useful since that is when most people get sick. Modesta has made sure to make seals for our wells in order to make sure that nothing like bugs or other small creatures can contaminate the water from above ground. Eadwald comes out, armored up.
“Is it time?” Eadwald says, tying her hair.
“I came a little sooner. Cannot wait to get beat up.” I say, smiling.
“What are you doing, Modesta?” Eadwald says, walking towards him.
“This is bad. Eadwald, this is really bad.” Modesta keeps mumbling.
“What?” Eadwald asks.
“According to the boy’s parents, the ground has already started showing changes. And now… The water… It is dirty.” Modesta says, showing Eadwald a fresh bucket he pulled up. Fresh may be an exaggeration.
“Call Alayne. Purify the water below, then work on the fields. I will train these ones, then assist.” Eadwald says. There is a sense of urgency but why would she train us? You are either worried about this situation and want to solve it or you are not. Unless training us has something to do with this situation.
“I will bring the others.” I say, walking off, trying to sound confident.
“No. They will get here, have no doubt. First… We train.”
“Sure.” I say, turning to look at Ead- A strike. My chest hurts, as she hits me with her elbow out of nowhere. I drop on my knees, coughing.
“Why did you do th-” Another hit. This time a kick. I have enough time to put my arms in front of my face, absorbing most of the impact as I hit the ground. That does not stop me shouting, considering all the pain I am feeling. Why did she have to be armored now? I roll away. Why is she allowing me to get far… Is she going easy on me?
“Surround me, oh bliss.” Eadwald says, her voice whispering yet loud enough to almost pierce my ears. There is light coming off her eyes. This feels different. Instead of a steady glowing blue light, it is one that feels… Alive, like a heartbeat. What am I doing right now? Watching her reinforce herself with magic while I stay down. Focus. I need to get up. My hands are still feeling the shock from that kick. I cannot get up. She rushes me. I take out the rope that is always on me and I use it like a whip. She takes a step back, not expecting a weapon with reach. I put all my strength on my legs, pushing off away from her, rolling on my back and using that momentum to get up. I start rolling the rope into a loop. She lets me holster it again. She is confident. This is real. I take a step back, one that she notices and instantly reacts to by rushing me. Again. A direct hit. I try to block it. Thankfully she does not put all her weight into the strike, so it does not get through my weak block. Wait, why did it not get through my weak block. I cannot see everything because I only have one eye. Think. She could have put all her weight into my blind side. Lower. I make a slight forward jump, extending a knee towards her waist, where her armor is not as thick as her torso. The sound of dirt being moved below me. She tried sweeping my legs. She blocks my knee charge with her hands. I grab her head, trying to lock her into submission or something. She has not even made a wincing sound. What am I fighting against? A mountain? She grabs my legs with one hand and my torso with the other. She runs ahead. Where is she taking me? Her house. I need to- A flash of light and the very familiar pain of impact.
“The Hobgoblin was stronger.” I say, trying to gain some sort of winning confidence.
I realize that I let go of my hold. Before I get the chance to react, Eadwald throws me down on the ground.
“Light.” She says, her hands enveloped by… Well, of course it would be light. Did that make her stronger. I instinctively guard my face as she jumps on top of me, dodging a desperate kick I make. A hit to the ribs tells me that she is stronger. And that everything hurts. Guarding will not work. I slightly open my guard, trying to find some sort of clear path of action. Her hands almost blind me, magic emanating from them. She tries to hit my face, which I thankfully dodge. Another strike. I struggle with my hands, barely managing to avoid the strike. Another. This one hits. Blood in my mouth. Damn. This is real. Move. Move. Do something.
Not even one. That is why.
Not now. Not him.
“Weak.” Eadwald says.
No emotion, nothing. Just a clear statement of fact. I need to try something. I throw a hit, aiming for her face. She is out of reach. Meuko. Meuko could not beat Eadwald with strength, so why would I try? Blago said to raise my hips if I was ever swarmed by goblins.
“I know.” I say, growling as I take a punch. The reason I left my guard open is to dig deep. I get it. I feel it. My legs are in a good position. Another punch. This is it. I grab her arm. She uses the other to hit my ribs. Does not matter. I raise my legs, pulling her towards me at the same time. She was expecting that, raising her free arm. She is going to use an elbow. My head will split open if I take that. What was after the raise?
Now spin. I know you cannot throw me off, I am too heavy for your tired ass. But get used to the motion.
I love you, Blago. Good thing he had me strengthen my legs all this time. I spin, bringing my head as close to my torso as possible and raising my shoulders as far as my body will allow me. Eadwald stops her attack, instead focusing on recovering from this half-assed throw. I let go of her hand, pushing her off. As I roll away, I put my body weight on my hands, pushing myself up. I do not need to see her. I start running towards her before I even get her in my line of sight. Three steps running. Should not risk anymore. There she is. She extends her hands, palms open. She is going to use magic. I take a step towards her, hoping I am fast enough.
“Fl-”
Now. I spin around, lower my body and try to sweep her.
“Are.” A burning sound. Good thing I dodged that, whatever it was. My attack finds not only armor as resistance, but a good body position. There is sharp pain in the back of my leg as I pull away, making a small jump, gaining some distance. She was expecting that. She put her knee where I aimed my sweep. Damn her experience.
“That is enough.” Eadwald says. Her eyes go back to normal with a simple blink.
“Exceptional.”
I turn around to see Sylvar. He is not alone. Thando and some Villagers, Meuko, Julie. Gathered here. Why is that?
“I suppose Eadwald’s magic draws attention.” I say, panting.
“There was also that worrying shouting.” Julie says.
“You did good.” Meuko says.
“Held his own, against Eadwald. For a minute, sure… But still.” Thando says, shocked.
“You read my attacks.” Eadwald says, going back to her sort of normal self. It looks like she wants to smile, but her face has a serious expression. “How did you read my attacks?”
“I do not know. I sort of thought about my weaknesses. You are training me, so I imagined you would focus on those.”
“Clever. You made some horrible mistakes. You made some unbelievable decisions. I am here to make sure the latter happens more often.”
“Did you have to do it without warning?”
“I had to see how you react in actual combat. Training is good but it does not compare to visceral experience.”
“Whatever you say. Can I get Julie to heal me now?”
“No. We keep training. Only at the end. You need to push your muscles if you want to get stronger. Relying on Julie too much will only hurt you and her.” Eadwald says, gesturing towards the river.
“Why there?”
“The rest of you. Unless you are one of the young ones training, disperse.” Eadwald moves towards the place I assume she is about to throw us in. The river is deep enough.
“Even more stuff to do. Great.” I gesture to the group.