Chapter 7
Dawn of a New Day
As dawn broke, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Adom guided Crin-blanc back to the farm. The fresh morning air was invigorating, but Adom's mind was still reeling from his nocturnal encounter. The farm below came into view, an idyllic scene disrupted by the evident concern of his parents and the Akyles.
From high above, Adom saw the moment his parents spotted him. His mother, Maria, was gesturing animatedly, relief and worry etched on her face. His father, Amadu, stood beside her, his expression a mixture of surprise and concern. The Akyles, their closest neighbors, had gathered around them. Uriel and Ana Akyle were familiar faces of comfort, but their expressions mirrored the concern of his parents.
Sasha, the Akyles’ 13-year-old daughter, who was the same age as Adom, craned her neck to see him, her youthful curiosity apparent even from afar. Trojer, their eldest son, six years Adom’s senior, stood tall and stoic, but his concern for Adom was evident.
As Adom touched down, the early morning tranquility of the farm was disrupted by the palpable concern of his family. Maria, his mother, rushed towards him, her face full of relief and a mild reprimand. "Adom, where on earth did you go? You can’t just vanish like that!" she chided, her voice betraying her worry.
His father, Amadu, followed close behind, his usual stoicism giving way to evident surprise. "Riding Crin-blanc?" he asked, his eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Son, you haven't ridden anything in years, let alone a Pegasus."
The Akyles, Uriel and Ana, along with their children, Sasha and Trojer, echoed the sentiment of surprise and concern. They knew all too well the limitations Shadowfade Syndrome had imposed on Adom, watching as it slowly stripped away his abilities and joys over the years.
Adom dismounted, his feet sinking slightly into the dew-covered grass. He faced his parents, acutely aware of the worry he had caused. "I needed some space to think," he explained, his voice tinged with regret. "I didn't mean to worry anyone."
Maria’s expression softened, but her eyes remained worried. “You know we understand, but please, just let us know next time. We thought something had happened to you,” she said, her maternal concern evident.
Amadu, clasping his hands behind his back, looked at his son with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "It's surprising, you riding Crin-blanc like that. We thought those days were behind us," he said, referring to the debilitating effects of the Shadowfade Syndrome.
The Akyles exchanged knowing glances. Sasha, ever curious, stepped closer. "You rode Crin-blanc? That’s amazing, Adom!" she exclaimed, her youthful enthusiasm providing a contrast to the general mood.
Trojer, more composed, added, "It’s great to see you up and about like this. But, are you sure you're okay?" His tone conveyed genuine concern, characteristic of his protective nature.
He greeted the Akyles warmly, a feeling of nostalgia coloring his emotions. Though it had only been two months since they last saw Adom, for him, it felt like decades had passed. The sight of Trojer and Sasha brought back a torrent of memories, both joyful and tragic.
Trojer, a towering figure at just 19, stood over six foot seven tall. His presence was commanding yet gentle, a big brother figure in every sense of the word. He was already taking significant responsibilities on the Akyle farm, preparing to eventually take over from his parents. Adom remembered, with a pang in his heart, how in his past life, after the untimely death of his own parents, he had entrusted the Sylla farm to Trojer. Trojer had managed it with loyalty and dedication, sending 70% of the profits to Adom annually.
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The memory of Trojer's fate in the past hit Adom like a physical blow. He recalled the day he learned of Trojer's death – a brutal and senseless act by the soldiers of the Tygris Kingdom. Trojer had stood his ground, refusing to relinquish the farms as tax, only to be cruelly decapitated. The memory was vivid, a stark reminder of the brutality and injustice that had marred their lives.
Sasha, standing beside her brother, was a beacon of untapped potential and broken dreams. She had always aspired to be a sorcerer but had faced repeated rejections from the entrance exams. In Adom's past timeline, she had become a pillar of strength for her brother and, after his death, a renowned member of the resistance. Her end, too, had been tragic – falling in an ambush orchestrated by orc mercenaries.
Seeing them alive and well, unaware of the grim futures they had once faced, stirred a deep emotion in Adom. The memories were intense, almost too real, as if he could reach out and touch those moments of pain and loss. He felt a surge of protectiveness and a renewed sense of purpose. In this new reality, he had the chance to change their destinies, to prevent the heartaches and tragedies that had befallen them.
Adom's eyes met Trojer's, and for a moment, it felt as if Trojer could sense the depth of Adom's emotions. The unspoken understanding between them bridged the gap of time and reality. Sasha's bright, hopeful eyes, filled with admiration and a tinge of sadness for her unfulfilled dreams, reminded Adom of the resilience and courage she had shown in the face of adversity.
"Trojer, Sasha, it's good to see you both," Adom said, his voice thick with unshed tears.
Trojer clapped Adom on the shoulder, a gesture of brotherly affection. "And you, Adom. Riding a Pegasus and all. You're full of surprises."
Sasha smiled, a hint of her old ambition flickering in her eyes. "Maybe I'll try for Xerkes again. Who knows, right?"
Ana Akyle approached Adom with open arms, her expression filled with genuine affection and joy. She enveloped him in a tight embrace, her relief at seeing him healthy and strong palpable. "Oh, Adom, look at you! It's so wonderful to see you like this," she exclaimed, her voice brimming with warmth.
Adom returned the hug, feeling a surge of emotion. Ana had always treated him like one of her own, and her embrace felt like a comforting reminder of simpler times. He held back those emotions, remembering her fate in his past life, her life cut short by tragedy.
Uriel Akyle, a man known for his vibrant personality and infectious enthusiasm, greeted Adom next. "Welcome back, young man!" he boomed, his voice echoing with his characteristic flamboyance. "Seeing you on that Pegasus, what a sight! You've grown into quite the sorcerer!"
Adom chuckled, appreciating Uriel's exuberant spirit. Despite the man's larger-than-life persona, there was a genuine kindness in his eyes. The memory of Uriel's death, a brave but futile effort in a senseless war, cast a shadow over Adom's heart. He remembered how Uriel had sternly forbidden Trojer from joining him in battle, a decision that had ultimately saved Trojer's life but had led to Uriel's own demise.
The pain of these memories was made all the more acute by the knowledge of Ana's fate. She had passed away on the same day as Trojer, both victims of the Tygris Kingdom's brutality. The loss had been a devastating blow to their community and had left a lasting scar on Adom's heart.
*****
The breakfast table was a lively scene, filled with laughter and the comforting clatter of dishes. It was a rare occasion; no one rushed off to their daily chores. Instead, they savored the simple joy of sharing a meal with neighbors and friends. The Syllas and the Akyles gathered around the table, indulging in Ana and Maria’s homemade delights, their conversation flowing effortlessly.
Amid the light-hearted banter, Adom turned to Sasha with a sincere offer. “Sasha, if you’re serious about becoming a sorcerer, I can help you prepare for Xerkes’ next entrance exam. I could even get you a recommendation,” he proposed, his voice encouraging.
The room fell silent for a moment, everyone turning to Adom in surprise. Sasha’s face lit up with a mixture of shock and elation. “Really, Adom? You would do that for me?” she asked, her voice brimming with hope.
Trojer, with a playful grin, chimed in, “Now that I’d like to see. Turning our Sasha into a sorceress? You sure you're up for that challenge, Adom?” His tone was teasing, but his eyes shone with pride and gratitude.
Sasha, not missing a beat, retorted, “Hey, I'll have you know I've been studying really hard!” The familiar banter between the siblings sparked laughter around the table, lightening the mood.
As the meal wound down, Amadu addressed Adom, his tone shifting to a more serious note. “Adom, I’ve called my friend Dr. Hermes. We'll visit him at the hospital later this morning. Just to check on you, you know,” he said, his concern for Adom’s health evident.
Adom nodded in understanding. The visit was inevitable, a necessary step to confirm the miraculous recovery he seemed to have experienced. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, he felt a sense of calm. The support of his family and the Akyles, the renewed bond with Sasha and Trojer, and the laughter they had shared that morning – all of it bolstered his spirits.
“Of course, Dad. I understand,” Adom replied, his voice steady. He was ready to face whatever came next, fortified by the love and camaraderie of the people around him.