Before I explain the incident that occurred, know this, the boy was prepared. He carried with him the strength of the three races.
---
Travis
“Ok, you got this!”
Taking a calming breath and reaching out with my hand over the creek, I begin to charge the Water Mana in my body to make it pulse faster. The ambient Water Mana from beneath begins to rise up and attach itself to the invisible membrane of my body. Now making contact, I can increase the pulsing in the mana until it syncs with my internal supply and begins to attract additional ambient mana.
I move the synced mana now under my control to my palm, then detach the mana, shaping it into a condensing array a few inches below my hand. I watch as the less energetic ambient mana is drawn in and pulls on the humidity from the air and even a small trickle of water from the creek to form a [Water Orb].
Now for the hard part… I repeat the process using Air Mana, trying to keep the amount equal to the Water Mana, and create an outer formation around the [Water Orb]. I then rotate and condense the Air attempting to force it into the orb.
I close my eyes at this part, allowing the world of lights to come into view. I concentrate on the blue orb, trying to make the swirling cloud of silver around it force its way in and make the mana fuse. The squeezing motion I make with my hand helps but trying to push the two mana types together feels like trying to crush an apple with my bare hands. It’s possible, but my strength isn’t quite high enough yet.
My concentration eventually wanes, and I release the Air Mana, not happy with my failure.
“I see a few motes of Ice Mana!”
Really? I take out my canteen and send the mana-infused Water into the container so I can take a sip. “You’re right, it’s cold.”
“Just need to up your capacity, and I think you’ll have it.”
I slump my shoulders at bit, knowing that I really shouldn’t complain. Despite being only 17, I already have more mana than the Guard Captain Lancel and he’s ten years older than me.
Deciding to switch back to my original training that we planned, I start shaking out my arms and legs out and adjust my ragged shorts before digging my bare feet into the sand. “I’m going to try for 12 steps this time.”
I charge my Earth Mana, focusing my gathered mana towards my bare feet and begin my sprint. Keeping the high concentration collected into a formation on my soles attracts the less energetic Earth Mana, allowing me to manipulate the ground to provide perfect leverage.
THUD, THUD, Thud, THUD, THUD, …
I pump my arms and legs as hard as I can before I lose concentration on the formation, causing my legs to give out. I tuck forward and roll across the sand before stopping flat on my back, getting completely covered in sand.
“You made it to 14, but you failed to maintain the formation on the third step again.”
“Seriously, why is it always the third step?” my arms raise to strangle the intangible obstacle in front of me.
“I think your acceleration is too high on your first two steps, you're at full speed on your fourth, so it might just be that your brain can’t keep up initially. “
“So, it might not even be something that I need to fix, as long as I’m just using that third to keep balance.” I lower my arms and let out a deep sigh while I take a minute to finish recovering. “So, what are my ‘daily quests’ for today?”
“Let’s see, you finished stocking the entire town with firewood for the winter, but Franklin will need the pallet outside of his forge topped off again. He’s been trying to finish his orders for the year early, so maybe ask if he wants you to forge some new ingots.
Holly has those varmint hides cured and ready for pick-up.
Judith could use your help grading homework.
The healing experiment needs to be checked on again.
You got one more lesson with Mildred…
Oh, and you need to ask a girl to dance with you at the Fall Festival.”
Ignoring Arc’s attempt to get me to “socialize more”, I stand back up and brush the sand off my bare chest, the effort however proved futile with it sticking to my sweat, so I opted to jump into the creek to rinse off instead. One quick air spell and I was dried off and headed to Franklin’s.
---
“Nope, I’ve got enough ingots to finish, so just load up the pallet with wood.”
I nodded my head at Franklin and was about to start before he added one more thing, “Oh, and come find me at the festival tomorrow when you need a break from dancing. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Hmm, I wonder what he’s up to?”
“Don’t you know?” I replied while setting up the first log.
“Yes, but some people already find it uncanny how you always show up when they need a hand. I also don’t like actively knowing everything since it makes me feel…”
Chop! “Less human?”
“Ha-ha, I guess.”
The pallet gets filled shortly after, but before I could head to pick up my leatherworking supplies, Ingrid showed up with a sandwich wrap.
For some reason, her face was as red as her hair, despite her not taking a turn on the bellows inside the forge. She shakily handed me the food, and I nodded my thanks before setting off.
“Wait! I… uh… wanted to ask…”
“Mhm… Sorry, mhm… got to get going,” after swallowing my bite I added, “Tell your mom ‘Thanks for the food!’”
I started making my way to Holly’s shop, but Arc decided to chastise me, “It’s rude to just walk away from someone when they’re trying to ask you something.” Rolling my eyes, I bit back, “It’s also rude to speak to someone when they’re eating.”
“And I think you need to stop abusing that rule at the church potluck every week.” He paused for a bit, making an inhaling noise, “Can we talk about this? You barely talk to anyone your own age anymore and, I’m going to give you a freebie here, Ingrid fancies you. The poor girl was psyching herself up to ask you to dance with her tomorrow while making your food, but then you and your naked muscular sweaty torso got her all flustered.”
I slowed down to take in what he just said, “Umm, it’s not that I hate talking to people, it’s just… well, talking to her is… well… boring, I guess. Yeah, she’s pretty, and making those stuffed animals for the kids was fun last week, but I ended up doing all of the talking, even after I asked what she’d been up to.”
“So, wait…, you’re more concerned about her personality… than her looks?”
“Didn’t you tell me that’s what I should be looking for the most?”
“Well, yes, but… I… umm, didn’t think you’d actually listen to my advice.”
“Why wouldn’t I? You know a lot and have never lied to me when giving advice, ... you’re also my closest friend.”
Arc then began to make a bunch of weird noises while I continued on with my "quests".
---
After I picked up my supplies from Holly, I started making my way back to the house so I could drop them off and check in on the injured steer. However, while waving at mom while she was setting up for the festival, she gave me a double-take and marched over towards me.
“Travis, why are you walking around town looking like a vagrant!?”
She started glaring at me, and I caught a few of the neighbors that were helping her start to snicker.
Arc began to laugh his ass off in my ear, leaving me to come up with a reply on my own, “Umm, I didn’t want to ruin my shirts again… and…” I started running my hand through my long auburn hair, trying to think of something else.
Not pacified in the least, she pointed to a nearby chair, “Sit. You’re getting a haircut.”
“What! No! Don’t let her cut your hair. You just finished growing it out!”
Smiling at mom, I asked, “Can you cut it really short on the sides? It gets really hot, and I hate having to comb it so often.” She nodded, approving of my choice, ignorant of the threats and screams coming from Arc.
---
I piled my plate as high as I could with the Fall Festival food, making my way over to where my dad was sitting with Mildred and Issac. I noticed him adding up the final tally of the town’s harvest, and he adjusted the sheet so I could see it better while I stuffed my face. After double-checking his work, I gave him a thumbs-up between bites, and he gave me a smile in return while patting me on the back.
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I continued taking my time eating, enjoying all of the different items, which was made even better when Ingrid and a few of the other girls dropped off hotdishes that they made themselves. Unfortunately, they then took over the spots where Dad and the others were seated, and the music for the dance started playing.
“Uh, oh. Looks like the town’s most eligible bachelor just got trapped. How will our hero escape this dire situation?”
Arc’s theatrics aside, he was correct. If I ate one of their dishes, I’d be expected to return the favor by dancing with them. If I said I was full and done eating already, then they would be allowed to speak with me and ask without having to break etiquette. The absolute worst thing I could do was grab something else from the buffet or leave.
Deciding to stall for time, I activated the Fire Mana in my body to digest my food faster, then slowly started eating their hotdishes one by one. Realizing that I was trapped, the girls started grinning deviously at me.
Darting my eyes around and trying my best to not look panicked, I searched for a solution, but my time was running out as I started the final dish.
Luck was on my side that night, as there was a break in the music for one of the band members to pull out a cello. A plan suddenly snapped into my mind. I quickly finished my food and stood up to address the girls, “Thank you all for the wonderful food. Unfortunately, I cannot reward any of you with my first dance of the evening, for there is someone dear to me who deserves that honor.”
I gave a quick bow and began moving to the table as fast as possible to where my now surprised mom was seated at. I held out my sweaty palm and asked if she would do me the honor.
After a few agonizing seconds, one of the ladies snapped her out of her shock, and she grabbed my hand, allowing me to lead her to the dance floor. Once there, even though I was terrified, I got into the position that Mildred taught me, and we began the nerve-wracking three-step dance.
“I thought you said that you hated dancing?” my mom spoke as we got into rhythm.
“I, uh… wanted to do something nice for you.” I stuttered out while trying to keep count in my head and my feet from stepping on her.
She started chuckling at me and let go of my hand for a few beats to wipe her eyes, “Well, this is certainly better than the last gift you gave.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me, I knew there was something off about how Issac was acting after I finished the wood burning portrait.” I stumbled for a bit, knocking into someone, but mom pulled me back into rhythm.
“So,” she whispers to me, “Do I need to save you from the angry table of girls that you left?” I nodded my head. “Alright, but just this once. Next year you’ll be a recognized adult in this village, so you’ll have to start thinking about what kind of life you want to have and with who.”
She waved at the acting host and pointed to the table where the girls sat and then to the one where my old male classmates were seated. The host taking the hint, moved over and corralled everyone to the dance floor to join in on the waltz.
Seeing that her work was done, she pulled her arm away from my back and gave me a quick look of disgust, “Travis, you are drenched in sweat, why don’t you go cool off for a bit.”
Relief finally hitting me, I quickly made my way to the washroom and splashed my face with cold water.
“Congratulations on escaping! Too bad the plan to tell your mom had to be dropped.”
---
After hiding for a bit, I had Arc direct me over to Franklin, hoping he would keep me safe for a while. He was sitting at a table looking miserable next to my dad along with Issac who was shuffling a deck of cards, Pippen handing out mugs of ale, and Lancel waving at me to join them.
“There you are!” shouted a happy looking Lancel, “Pippen, get this lad a mug!”
I raised my eyebrow at the Guard Captain, who only replied with his unbroken grin. I stared into the mug, remembering Arc’s lesson on the dangers of underage drinking and debated if I should decline.
“Just only one drink, and you’ll be fine. Now loosen up and have some fun! You’re at a festival.”
I took a swing and the men at the table started cheering. Wiping the foam from my mouth, I turned to Franklin, “You wanted to discuss something with me?”
Franklin lowered his head and gave out a deep groan, much to the table’s amusement, and Pippen started to prod him in his massive shoulder, “Yes, tell us Franklin, it must have been very important.” He continued to grumble until my dad gave him a reassuring pat.
“Right, well then…” he paused to look out at his daughter dancing with umm… I think his name started with an R, “We’ve been chatting with each other and seeing as how you’re nearly a man already...” He started shifting uncomfortably, “We were wondering what your plans for the future are.”
Lancel’s grin somehow grew fiercer, but before he could speak, my dad cut in, “Travis, I know you have no interest in taking over the farm, so if there’s something else that you would like to do,” he gestured to the table, “We’d like to help you out.”
My head started swimming with a deep confusion. Sure, I hadn’t told anyone my exact plan yet, but it’s not like I’ve been keeping it a secret. I mean, I’ve been shouting it since I was ten…
I looked into my mug, wondering if it was just the alcohol affecting me. Everyone had gone silent, all waiting for my answer, which began to make me nervous. I scratched my right ear, signaling to Arc that I needed help.
“Just tell them. But be ready, I don’t think they’ll like the answer.”
I tapped my ear in thanks, then took a big breath, “I would like to apply for enrollment at the Mage’s Academy during Fifthmonth. I know it’ll be my last chance before I turn 18 but-”
“Travis,” Lancel interrupted me, “I’ve met and worked with a lot of mages over the years defending the capitol during the flood. The only humans among them are the children of nobles and wealthy merchants.”
“Yes, but-”
“No,” Issac interrupted this time, “I told you all about the effort my father wasted trying to attend the academy.” He looked at the others, “Did I ever tell you about how he spent his entire inheritance, was excommunicated from his family, and forced to work as a monster slayer? All because he couldn’t pass the entrance examination.”
“Travis,” apparently it was Pippen’s turn, “You’re seventeen now, it was cute when you were ten, but it’s time for you to grow up.”
I tried to find my voice, but despite everyone ceasing their interruptions and remaining silent, I couldn’t speak… I turned my head towards my dad, but he just had a sad, dejected look on his face.
“You can tell them, I… don’t want you to suffer because of me.”
I lowered my head into my arms, knocking over my mug as I tried to hide my tears in front of everyone. Arc’s words failed to help me calm down and the last thing I wanted to do was to force Arc to reveal himself. I should have just gone with his plan instead… wait, maybe I still can?
I raised my head back up, seeing the uncomfortable looks on everyone. “Ok, but… I would still like to see the capital once. I’ve never even been to another town, and there’s so much territory under the control of the three kingdoms. I’ve… never even seen a dwarf before and can barely remember when that elven caravan came through.”
I took another breath, feeling sick to my stomach, “After the guards return from the spring flood, I want to travel for a few months. I’ll come back for my birthday and…” I turned to Franklin and struggled to get the words out, “If you’ll have me, I’d like to become your apprentice.”
Franklin quickly stood up and rushed over to me with tears in his eyes and pulled me into a crushing bear hug. Everyone else started either consoling the big log or myself since I couldn’t stop sobbing in his embrace.
A fresh round of drinks was passed out and I quickly downed my drink, hating myself for what I’ve done.
---
Arc
I watched as Travis grabbed another drink, and then another… he quickly became intoxicated, drunkenly telling the men at the table about how he owes them so much and continued sobbing into his father’s arms.
Realizing that he likely had enough fun for the night, Eagan took Travis back to the house and tucked the trembling teen into bed. His dad sat at the end of the bed for a while, trying to find something to say, but just ended up rubbing his shoulder once more before leaving.
Due to his Fire Mana being active, it didn’t take long for Travis to finish processing the alcohol he was burning through at an accelerated rate and was soon lying sober on the bed. I hadn’t spoken yet, wanting to wait for him first, but he kept curling into a tight ball unable to sleep.
“Travis, it’s not too late to change your mind. My plan was a terrible one and I know this is eating away at you. Just tell them the truth and it’ll be ok, keeping me a secret isn’t worth forcing you to lie to everyone you care about.”
He wiped his nose on his pillow before turning onto his back, trying to force his body to give him back full control. “That’s what hurt the most, the only thing I lied about was returning home.”
Feeling as helpless as his dad, I did the only thing I could think of to help cheer him up a bit. I summoned four clouds of different mana and sent them into his room. “Want to practice seeing mana?”
Travis closed his eyes and nodded his head. Soon he began the familiar listing of the different number and types of clustered mana that I used to help train his mana sight. Not long into the exercise, he finally fell asleep.
---
Travis
I woke up, still feeling awful about last night, but better about my decision. Thinking over the conversation, it seemed like they were coming from a good place, just ignorant of my ability to manipulate mana, and didn’t want me to wound myself by failing the entrance examination.
I checked the hallway, and while the door to Dad’s room was still closed, Mom’s was open. I peeked inside to spot her brushing her hair and silently offered to help.
“I heard that you had an eventful night?” Mom asked after I finished brushing and started making a braid to occupy my hands.
“Yeah, I wanted to tell you during the dance that I wanted to leave, but…”
She turned to me and grabbed my hand, looking into my eyes, “I know that you told everyone that you’d return in time for your birthday, but… and I’m sure your father would agree also, if you find a reason out there to stay. We’d rather that you be happy.”
Needing to excuse myself, I made my way outside for my morning run.
---
“So, you want to learn as much as you can this winter?” the smiling blacksmith asked when I came to visit. “Well, it just so happens that my orders are done for the year, so I’ll have plenty of time to teach.” He placed one of his large hands on my shoulders and pulled me in close to whisper, “About Ingrid, do you intend to…?”
I gave my head a slow shake despite not wanting to incur his wrath for not wishing to marry his daughter… oh, crap… that must’ve been what he wanted to discuss with me last night, and since I didn’t want to give my first dance to Ingrid…
Wanting to quickly change the topic, I pulled out the sheet of paper containing the project that I originally wanted to collaborate with him on over the winter. The weapon was one that was described by Arc to me, and I was able to create a design using existing war-hammer, battle-axe, and spear schematics.
“I was hoping to make this at the forge this winter, it’s called a poleaxe.”
His interest now peaked, he started going over it before beginning to chuckle, “I don’t know why us old folks keep scheming behind your back. You’re just going to branch out and do whatever crazy idea pops into your head.”
“Understatement of the year!”
He continued looking for a bit, “It looks doable for a first project, but only due to the different heads being separate pieces. You already know how to make better ingots than me, so I’ll teach you how to hammer out the rough shape. I’ll have to do the finishing work on each head, but for the haft, you’re going to need to get help from Issac.”
Excited to get started, we began to make our plan, although Arc distracted me at one point, “About the haft, I’ve got something you can use, but you’re going to need to sneak out late tonight to get it.”
---
Arc
Night falls as I work on the final preparations for Travis’ gift. What originally started as a project to give the kid a proper wizard staff ended up changing a few months ago when I was talking about different weapon designs and their uses.
I see Travis approach my tree, and I verify that no one is awake or able to see. After double-checking to make sure that Father Viburnum was nowhere near, I begin to summon the Air Mana to make my cut.
The branch that I picked out was a nice and straight one, loaded with Wood Mana from my constant infusions into the limb. So, it wouldn’t be an easy thing to cut, let alone break.
I begin shaping a spinning disc of Air Mana, charging my entire supply to the max. The spinning disc starts to shrink as I compress the mana until the motes of Air Mana finally fuse together, creating a higher tier of mana that moves and vibrates in a wild and erratic pattern.
Struggling to contain the chaotic mana in the formation, which looks and sounds like a sawblade, I start to cut into the branch, but the damn thing is too tough to make it through quickly.
Travis, hearing the noise, moves underneath the branch in time to catch it when I finally cut it through all the way.
Looking down, I could easily see his eyes bulging in his skull before quickly darting his head to look around and running off with the sacred item.
Feeling my sword-body ache from the exertion, I’m now forced to pull in my vision quite a ways and cease using my floating focus. I take a moment to inspect my soul, now visible again while my mana is charged to its peak, and I ensure that the “patch” I applied is still functioning correctly. Seeing nothing wrong, I let out an imaginary sigh, and wait for my mana to slowly discharge.