Now at six years old, the nuns had finally entrusted Adrian with a special task. Today, he carried a wooden case lined with deep crimson velvet, holding a replica of Isha's divine feather. It glowed with an ethereal light that danced across the edges, catching slivers of sunlight streaming through the high cathedral windows. Hmm, this feather seems to only have symbolic importance. Shame, I thought I was going to see something more interesting.

All around him, the vast cathedral breathed in silent anticipation. Rows of children filled the pews, looking at his every step. Each wore white robes as they sat shoulder-to-shoulder, some still and serious, others fidgeting as they tried to suppress their nervousness.

Behind the children, the nuns stood in silent ranks, heads bowed and hands clasped in prayer. Meanwhile, at the altar, a soft breeze drifted through the open windows, rustling the incense smoke that rose in delicate spirals.

Adrian inhaled deeply, letting the smell settle into him as he adjusted his grip on the wooden case. Time to get this over with.

Once he reached it, he carefully set the case down upon the altar’s marble surface. There, he knelt before it as the ceremony proceeded around him.

The priest stepped forward and recited verses that spoke of Isha’s guidance, her love, and the divine path she offered to her followers. The nun's voices rose behind Adrian, harmonizing in a hymn that filled every corner of the cathedral.

As the last hymn faded, Adrian stood, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon him. He glanced back, noticing the children’s reverent expressions. Behind them, the other nuns remained still, prayers softening into silence as they lifted their heads.

With the final blessing given, the rows of children finally started to file out of the hall. Adrian stayed in place, as he never liked moving with crowds of people at once.

Soon, the grand doors swung closed, sealing the sacred chamber with a soft click. Time to go.

Yet, before Adrian could leave. The priest called out to him. "Adrian, could you come over for a moment?"

"Of course, how can I be of service, Father." Adrian said, walking towards the priest with his head bowed slightly.

"We wanted to speak with you privately because we believe it’s time for you to receive a proper anointment from the church. In the capital.”

Adrian’s heart quickened. This could be a chance for me to see the capital.

He glanced at Sister Selena, who stood off to the side. Her gaze met his with a quiet encouragement that steadied him. Seems like she approves.

The head nun, who stood to the right of the priest, nodded. “The church in the capital believes you should be anointed in the presence of Isha’s highest servants, a ceremony that will prepare you to carry greater responsibilities in the future."

Adrian held their gazes, schooling his features into a polite interest as his mind turned inward. He hadn’t been beyond the borders of this small town since arriving at the convent, but he’d gathered enough information to gain a rough understanding of where he was.

The convent is located within the territory of the Kingdom of Mistral: a relatively small kingdom, but it had a solid footing among its neighbors. It was bordered by the vast Wyrmwood: a dense, rugged forest frequently covered in mist. The forest was home to the beastkin, a people deeply attuned to nature and often wary of outsiders.

"Are you alright with this, Adrian? The journey will be long, and the capital may be overwhelming," The head nun asked.

“When would I have to leave?” Adrian asked.

The priest exchanged a glance with the head nun before answering. “It would be best if you could leave as soon as possible, even today. The capital is a few days’ journey from here, and the anointment ceremony has already been arranged for the end of the week. The sooner we begin, the better.”

“Who will be going with me?” he asked, glancing between the two of them.

The priest shook his head. “I will remain here to tend to the needs of the convent. However, the head nun will accompany you, along with a few other members of our order for protection and guidance.”

Adrian nodded, considering this. Good. A few adults, but not an overwhelming crowd. “Would it be alright if I brought a friend or two along?”

The priest looked surprised, and he turned to the head nun, exchanging quiet words that Adrian couldn’t quite make out. She seemed to consider his request, fingers tapping lightly against her robe before she nodded.

“Very well, Adrian. You may bring a few friends if you’d like. They won’t be involved in the anointment, but they can accompany you on the journey.”

“That’s fine, I’d be happy to leave for the capital at any time.”

The priest’s expression softened into one of approval, and the head nun placed a hand on Adrian's shoulder. “You’ll have a little time to prepare, so gather what you need."

***

Adrian gripped the small leather satchel in his hands as he adjusted its weight, feeling the contours of each item inside: books, vials, and a small wooden carving he’d been working on in his free time.

Beside him, Seven was gathering up her own bundle, a mix of folded robes and a little woven bag of dried berries she had insisted on bringing. Her fingers brushed over each item with care before she straightened, brow furrowed in concentration as she balanced everything in her arms.

Fortunately Sister Selena was there to assist them. She reached into the carriage, rearranging a few items quickly, including a small woven blanket tucked securely into a corner, making sure it was within reach. Once everything was in place, Sister Selena turned to Adrian. “Is Seven the only one you want to bring along?”

Adrian nodded, casting a quick glance at Seven. “Yes. I haven’t really bonded with the others, and Seven would… well, she’d get lonely without me.”

A flush rose on Seven’s cheeks. “I—I definitely wouldn’t!”

He arched an eyebrow, feigning indifference. “Oh? Well, you can always stay at the convent."

She huffed, her blush deepening as she shot him a sharp glare. Without a word, Seven stomped past him and climbed into the carriage. Adrian held back a laugh, slipping in beside her as she turned resolutely to the window, pointedly ignoring him. Ah, some things never change.

He shuffled on his feet for a bit as Sister Selena secured the last few items, giving them each a final, approving look. When they finished arranging the last of their things, another nun appeared and approached Sister Selena. “We’ll go ahead first. Tell the driver to follow our carriage closely. We’ll keep the path clear and send word to the villages on the way.”

Sister Selena nodded, thanked her, and turned to the driver, leaning up to exchange a few quick words. After the driver tipped his head in acknowledgment. Sister Selena looked back at Adrian and held the carriage door open.

“Inside with you, Adrian,” she murmured, guiding him up the steps and into the carriage.

The moment Sister Selena settled onto the seat opposite him, the carriage jolted forward, and they rolled out of the convent’s courtyard. The gravel crunched beneath the wheels, and Adrian watched through the window as they passed the tall stone walls and arched windows of the convent. Seven sat beside him, her initial huffiness fading as she turned her head to take in the view.

“This will be monumental for you, Adrian. Not everyone is granted anointment in the capital." Sister Selena said.

Seven tilted her head. “What does anointment mean? Is it… some sort of special blessing?”

“Yes, in a way. It’s a ceremony that honors those with exceptional promise, those who are blessed by Isha herself."

Adrian felt a faint surge of amusement. Part of me wishes that they stop with this "blessed" label, but at least I get to go to the capital.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“Yes, it’s… an honor, I look forward to it.” Adrian said, managing a polite smile.

Sister Selena, however, saw through his tone. She sighed, folding her hands in her lap. “Adrian, you need to appreciate the privilege you’ve been granted, it's something afforded to very few people."

He lowered his head slightly, offering a respectful nod. “Of course, Sister. I understand.”

Sister Selena looked a bit skeptical, but said no more. Good enough, Adrian thought.

Soon, he cleared his throat, shifting the topic to something simpler. “How long will we be traveling each day, do you think? And are there any places to stop along the way?”

“It will take us about four days, stopping to rest each night. There are a few villages where we’ll have meals and stay in safe lodgings. And one of those villages has a market famous for its spices; we might visit if time permits.”

Seven’s eyes sparkled at the mention of the market, and she leaned forward eagerly. “Will they have sweets there? Or toys?”

“Perhaps, it’s a lively place, so there will be many things to see.” Sister Selena said.

As the carriage rumbled along the road, Sister Selena folded her hands, looking thoughtful as she gazed out the window. “We’ll pass a small village by the river tomorrow. It’s famous for its lavender fields. They harvest the flowers and make oils, soaps, and sometimes even pastries infused with lavender.”

Seven’s eyes widened. “Lavender pastries? I didn’t know flowers could taste good! Are they really sweet?”

Sister Selena chuckled, nodding. “Some of them are. And the lavender they use is very mild, so it’s more fragrant than strong.”

Seven leaned back, resting her chin on her hands as she imagined it. “I want to try all of them. Maybe… maybe they’ll even let me help make some!”

She shot Adrian a quick glance. “Wouldn’t that be fun?”

Adrian gave a nonchalant shrug. “I guess. Although, I think you’d end up eating all the ingredients before you could finish making anything.”

She scowled, cheeks puffed out slightly. “I would not!”

Sister Selena let out a soft laugh, and her eyes sparkled with warmth. “Seven, I think Adrian might have a point. But I’m sure the village bakers would love to have a helper as enthusiastic as you.”

Seven grinned, her indignation melting away, and she turned her gaze out the window, her mind clearly already imagining herself in the role of a baker.

Sister Selena shifted her attention back to Adrian. “And Adrian, I suppose you’ll be interested in the library we’ll visit in the second village.”

At this, Adrian’s interest piqued, and he glanced up. “A library?”

“Yes,” Sister Selena confirmed. “It’s not a large one, but it’s filled with many old manuscripts."

Adrian’s eyes gleamed with genuine excitement. “Ah, that does sound very interesting."

Sister Selena gave him an approving smile. “Of course. I have no doubt you’ll make the most of it.”

Seven shot him a sly look. “You’d probably want to live in that library if you could.”

“Only if it came with pastries,” Adrian retorted, glancing at her with a smirk. “Maybe some lavender-flavored ones to keep things interesting.”

Seven let out a playful huff. “Maybe I’ll bring you a lavender pastry. You know, to keep you from getting too distracted.”

The three shared a light laugh, and the atmosphere in the carriage grew warm, filled with easy conversation. The journey continued smoothly, and the landscape outside transformed from sprawling meadows to patches of trees that thickened as they ventured further from the convent. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the fields, and the world seemed to slip by in shades of gold and green.

“Look!” Seven pressed her hand to the window, her eyes following a flock of birds soaring overhead. “Do you think they’re migrating?”

“They very well could be,” Sister Selena replied. “This is the time of year when birds move south, following the warmer winds.”

Seven watched the birds until they disappeared into the horizon, her expression softening. “They’re lucky. They can just… fly wherever they want.”

Adrian noted the wistful tone in her voice and found himself nodding in agreement. “Yes, but I wonder if they know where they’re going, or if they just follow the wind.”

Sister Selena’s gaze softened as she looked at the two of them. “Perhaps it’s a bit of both. They have a natural sense, something deep inside that guides them.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts as the carriage continued down the path. Adrian’s gaze drifted outside, watching the landscape roll by, feeling a certain peace in the simplicity of the moment.

But then, a faint sensation pricked at the edge of his senses. He tensed, his mind straining to latch onto whatever it was that had unsettled him.

“Did anyone else hear that?” Adrian asked.

Sister Selena chuckled, though a trace of nervousness edged her voice. “Now, Adrian, don’t joke around like that.”

But Seven wasn't laughing either. “No, really… I think something’s moving out there. I heard it too.”

Adrian felt a cold prickle on the back of his neck. But before he could voice his concern, the carriage lurched to a sudden halt. He gripped the edge of the seat, feeling the weight of their rapid stop throw him forward.

Sister Selena gasped, catching herself against Adrian’s shoulder just before colliding into him. "A-are you alright, Adrian?”

“I… I'm fine." Adrian said weakly.

He glanced at Seven, whose face had turned pale. She gripped the edge of her seat tightly, knuckles white.

Then, a stern voice yelled at them from outside. “To everyone inside, step out of the carriage.”

Immediately, Sister Selena’s face went rigid, eyes darting to the door as she swallowed hard. With a shaky breath, she leaned toward the children. “Adrian, Seven, let's d-do as he says for now."

Adrian and Seven exchanged a brief glance, then nodded. Sister Selena carefully opened the carriage door, sliding out first. Adrian followed, stepping down onto the dirt road, and took a small step aside to give room for Seven, who clambered out after him, clutching his arm tightly.

The scene that greeted them sent a chill down Adrian’s spine. Encircling the carriage were figures cloaked in dark red hoods which were pulled low over their faces. Each wore a white mask, molded into the shape of a human face twisted with grief, blood-red streaks painted from the eyes to mimic tears.

Adrian’s gaze darted from one to the next, counting quickly. Six of them… no, seven.

His attention shifted to a man standing directly in front of the carriage. Unlike the others, his mask bore four blood-red tear streaks instead of two. That one is probably the leader.

“If you stay quiet and cooperate, we won’t harm you. Get in chains and manacles, and this will be over quickly.” The leader stated.

Adrian clenched his jaw, an icy resolve settling over him. Chains? He glanced at Sister Selena, who looked as though she was trying to control her breathing. Beside him, Seven’s grip on his arm grew painfully tight, her face drained of all color as she stared wide-eyed at the cloaked figures.

Sister Selena took a steadying breath, her voice wavering slightly as she spoke. “We’ll… we’ll cooperate. Just don’t hurt the children.”

The leader gestured with a curt nod, his voice low and commanding. “You, Sister. Start walking, slowly. No sudden movements.”

Sister Selena nodded, her trembling hand reaching up to clasp the front of her robe. She walked forward as one of the cloaked figures moved to bind her wrists in heavy chains. Adrian watched her, his mind racing. There has to be a way out of this. But they don't look like just some random bandits.

He scanned their captors, taking in the few who held crossbows loosely aimed at the ground. Casting anything too obvious right now is out. I'll need to wait for a better opportunity.

As he took a slow breath, Seven huddled closer to him, her face pale. “Adrian, will we be okay?"

He felt her small fingers clutching his arm, her grip trembling. Adrian leaned toward her and whispered “We'll be fine."

The leader’s gaze settled on him, sharp and observant. “You. Boy.” He waved Adrian forward, his eyes narrowing as he noticed Sister Selena’s trembling hands. “Come here.”

Adrian gave Seven a quick nod, then stepped forward with his chin held high. Stay calm.

Two of the hooded figures moved forward, grasping his wrists firmly and binding them in chains. He noted they were careful to keep him a fair distance from Sister Selena, keeping her isolated, likely as a precaution against any coordinated attempt to escape.

The leader then called for Seven, who hesitated before stepping forward, her face drained of color as she stared at the gleaming chains. She clutched at her skirt nervously, glancing at Adrian with pleading eyes as if hoping he’d have a plan.

Now, Adrian thought.

Taking a silent breath, he turned his focus inward. Adrian drew upon his mana core, guiding the energy from his core and dispersing it through his limbs, letting it flow with measured restraint. His fingers tingled as the power settled within, hiding itself just beneath the surface of his skin. This way, hopefully, they won't notice.

Adrian clenched his fists, calculating the distance between him, Seven, and Sister Selena. They were all just far enough away that if Adrian aimed carefully, he could isolate his spell to affect only the cloaked figures surrounding him. The carriage might be hit, but at least Seven and Sister Selena should be safe.

His captors were watchful, yes, but the casual glances they cast toward him held the arrogance of those who believed they were in complete control. Good.

He shifted his right hand slightly, positioning his thumb and fingers together, poised for the quick snap he knew would ignite the spell. A little bit more.

When the hooded figures were busy trying to chain Seven, Adrian knew it was time. With a swift snap of his fingers, he unleashed a potent spell.

In an instant, a towering pillar of bluish flame shot up from the ground, spiraling around him with a fierce, wild beauty. The flames cast an azure glow that illuminated the entire area. The air crackled, filled with the intense heat of his conjured fire, embracing him in a cloak of bluish light.

The red-hooded figures near him staggered back, their screams swallowed by the roar of the flames. He could feel the shock ripple through them, their confidence shattered in the face of the sudden, blinding inferno. Their hoods and robes caught alight as they stumbled, panic spreading through their ranks. Some were burned instantly or collapsed to the ground, rolling frantically to extinguish the flames, while others scrambled away.