Several more months pass since the celebration, his sister has reached the age of nine and is to head to the academy and Tidus is to go as well, in an attempt to test in early.
“Tidus! Are you ready to go?” His mother entered his room, where he and a servant were just finishing packing up his clay molding supplies. As well as his clothing, coins and a few toys. He didn’t want to bring too many as if he were to test into the academy early then he would already be seen as a little kid and all of the toys wouldn’t help.
He followed his mother outside with the servant carrying his things behind him, as this is one of those things that they’re paid for. His sister and father were already by the carriages, in his sister's hand lays the small clay cat that he had made for her on her birthday, he had mixed purple dye in with the outer layer of clay and had small turquoise jewels embedded for its eyes. It had turned out rather well as his parents luckily hired another tutor specifically for his sculpting.
There was a total of five carriages surrounded by thirty knights and ten servants, they are to be moving to a temporary manor at the capital which naturally led to them bringing a fair amount of followers and supplies.
“Alright then let’s set out, hopefully, we will maintain a fair speed without interruptions to reach the next town with time to spare for the day. I’m not keen on camping it out in the woods.” Edward commanded to the servants and half of the knights riding on, or steering the carriages. While the other knights walked around perimeter of the convoy. They would be switching out with the knights on the carriage to maintain enough stamina for any potential bandit ambushes.
The family entered the carriage placed in the center while the servants and knights entered the ones to the very front and farthest back, with the majority of the supplies placed in the center of them, with knights on foot they spread along the sides all the way to the top of the front carriage to the last of the rear carriages.
The journey went on for over an hour with rather peace, as the mother kept an eye and an ear for the happenings outside of the carriage, the father wrote on paper with quill and Tidus quizzed with his sister on potential test questions.
“Alright little brother, you gotta do well on the test so you can go to classes with your big sis alright?” Sarah explained cheekily.
“I’ll do perfectly well, I’m much more concerned for you, however. Therefore I think I shall quiz you first, but I suppose we can start with something more entertaining than history or ethics… Where does magic originate? A full answer would be best.” Tidus smiled at his sister.
“Oh come on, I’m pretty smart for my age you know! You’re the weird one here.” she sighed before continuing on in a bored monotone voice. “Magic originated from the other world, through the gates that opened thirty-five years ago.”
The boy reacted in a childish humor.
“And? Come on now, you’re going to look like the school dunce if that's the limit of your knowledge on the subject.” As Tidus mocked her into continuing.
“Of course I know more than that! I'm just testing you!” Sarah blushed in embarrassment “It is a form of energy which can be sensed but not seen in the air and be utilized through the use of gems, without the use of gems humans are incapable of using even the simplest of magic. Gems are what grant us our ability to use magic, and the gems come in different elements, like fathers ice or mothers fire or my lightning.” She finishes off with pride, though she isn’t able to make use of her gem aside from a bit of static.
Their parents had her absorb a rare lightning gem through a small wound. They had used one that they gained on their expedition that they gifted to her on her birthday, as while it would bring greater wealth it was best used on their children. The absorption doesn't always end in success as they had attempted to have Tidus absorb a lightning gem as well, but it didn’t take. Likely as he was too young.
“Well that's good enough, maybe you’ll even pass. Though you should mention the rarity of gems, our parents went on a year long expedition to the other side and only ended up with four fire gems, three wind, four earth, two water gems and finally two lightning type gems.” Tidus explained.
“Come onnnn, can’t we play a game or something? I already studied for a full week prior! It was hell you know!” She complained in utter agony.
Tidus laughed. “You don't gotta be so dramatic y'know, I just don’t want my big sis scoring too bad on the test. I might get embarrassed.” He was having fun at her expense as he grew much pride in his intelligence from the constant praise from his tutors. “Very well, what do you want to play?”
The ride continued on as they played I spot and with their small toys, occasionally messing with their parents. That always led to one of them being put in time out.
soon enough they arrived at the town between their city and the capital, Wolfden, an apt name for the slave trade capital of the kingdom.
There was little trouble as the guard let them pass the line of commoners and enter the city freely they even lead their carriages to the wealthy part of town, where they would stay for the night and head to the capital tomorrow.
“Would you kids like to check out the market while we are here?” His father asks as the servants arrange their rooms.
“Edward, don’t you think they are a tad too young to be entering such places?” Danielle chastises her husband.
For a moment, Edward takes her to the side to speak in a hushed tone. “Dear, they are going to the capital soon, it is common for nobles to bring slave servants along, and this may be a good opportunity for the children to find followers of their own.
She sighs. “Very well, just let me talk with them for a moment first.” She returns to her children, crouching down to eye level.
“Listen kids, we are going to go to a place that isn’t very nice, but it's something that is allowed by the king’s law, some of them may be criminals and others might be people going through a rough patch in their lives. Whatever their situation they may be in just remember that they are people just like you and me. Your father and I were commoners once, until grandfather was granted nobility for our family. You understand what I mean don’t you?” She finished her speech before taking both of the children's hands and following their father to the slave market.
Tidus nodded his head in understanding, the situation reminded him of the philosophy with nobles, but instead of being differential he should instead expel a feeling of superiority to his underlings.
After a lengthy walk, they reached the market, which was bustling with slave traders, the rich, and the enslaved.
“I don’t like this place very much..” Sarah complained at the sight of the dirty slaves with the rags and hollow eyes.
Tidus felt equally disturbed by the notion of having another capable of selling their lives. His teacher had taught him that in order to understand his servants he has to put himself in their position, try to determine their desires and such.
“Father, I have some coins. May I hire some?” Tidus had been selling his sculptures or gifting them to others as he made them, allowing to make a pretty penny alongside his allowance, which he has only used to purchase clay, books, and a few toys. His economics teacher had taught him the importance of saving for important purchases and the life of another human seemed to be one.
Edward was momentarily surprised at his willingness to participate in slave trade but the word ‘hire’ rather than ‘purchase’ put him more at ease. “Very well, I will go with you for a closer look while your mother and sister can look around with us or shop in a less vile environment.”
His sister, put off by the feel of the area jumped at the opportunity to leave. Grasping at Danielle's sleeve she spoke. “Cmon mom, let's go look at the clothing stores!” She pulled her along as they said their goodbyes, planning to meet back at the inn after shopping.
“Alright son, I’ll follow your lead.” Edward pat’s Tidus’s head.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Tidus quickly walks into the nearest slave shop, with an even strut and a superior attitude on his face, not even offering the door guards a glance before strutting into the large building, Where an overweight and balding adult approaches his father.
“Greeting sir, how may I help you today?” The man takes on a subservient attitude as he addresses Edward.
Before his father has a chance to explain how he isn’t the one purchasing, Tidus speaks up. “You are addressing the wrong person, I am the customer you are to serve today.” He glares up at the fat man and thinks to himself ‘It’s rather difficult to be authoritative with such a size difference..’
The shopkeep looks down to the child to see the odd swirl of colors glaring back at him, though the Iridescent eyes are shocking enough, something else about it leaves cold sweat down his spine. “Of course sir, I apologize for the inconvenience, how may I serve you today?” He manages to quickly adopt a professional attitude, as no matter the customer's size it is the size of their coffers that matter.
“Good, Tell me the prices of child slaves, preferably near the age of eight.” He spoke, as followers around that age were capable of being taught and not too far older than himself.
“Well, young master that would depend on the gender, males are generally around four to seven gold while females tend to lean towards six to ten gold. And then there are those who are specially abled with certain skills which are much higher.” The pig did not explain why, though Edward could guess for himself.
Tidus glanced over his coin pouch, only having a total of thirty gold coins. “Very well, bring me five slaves valued at six, And I do recommend you bring the best available for that price, along with the conditions of no living family members.” He glared at the man as he suppressed his disgust.
“Very well, young master, I shall return momentarily.” The man walked away from the odd child as fast as his fat legs could carry him, something about the child’s eyes telling him not upset this customer, therefore he gathered the best he could manage at six gold and even a few at seven.
Shortly he returned with five children in chains behind him. “Here they are young master, I took the liberty of adding in two valued at 7 as well, however, I will sell them all to you for thirty.”
Tidus stepped towards the children, There were three boys and two girls. “Tell me your names?” He asks them with a calming smile.
The first to break their stupor at the site of his strange eyes is a boy with brown hair and tanned skin. “I am Jacob, and I am nine years old.”
Following him is a small redheaded girl. “I am.. Sonya. eight years old.”
The third soon followed, an energetic child despite his situation. “Hi, I'm eight as well. My name is jack” From his attitude and the look the shopkeeper gave him he appeared to not have been a slave long.
“Jacob, Nine” The tallest one stepped forward, he had dark hair and black eyes.
The last one, a small girl black-haired and a pale girl stood silently, staring back at him fearlessly unlike the rest.
The slave trader stepped forward “She’s a mute young master, but she is a bright child I swear!” She was the only other child priced around that price with his conditions, the rest cost nine to ten.
Tidus glanced over them one by one, they all seemed somewhat capable, especially the mute. Though the attitude may be bad if treated wrong, as the only thing binding them were chains. Magic binding colors are artifact found in the other world, and cost much more than all of them combined.
“Very well, hand me the keys and I’ll give you the gold.” Tidus requested his side of the deal in a show of dominance.
“Of course, Young master.” He smiled ingratiatingly and handed him five rusted keys and slips of ownership papers...
He glanced over the keys and documents before sliding him into his pocket and pouring the pouch of coins into the trader's hands, a few coins falling to the floor which forced him to pick them up. “Have a fine afternoon.” He nodded to the man before beckoning for the children to follow him and his father out of the slave district.
The children followed, occasionally giving Tidus a curious glance as they walked, unsure of his intentions in purchasing them.
Soon they reached the inn they were staying at, where Tidus asked his father to stop before turning to the other children.
He gave them a friendly smile before speaking up as he reached into his pocket, pulling out the slips and keys. “I understand that you all were stuck in a terrible environment, and I apologize on behalf of the kingdom for allowing such things. However, your troubles are over.” He took the keys and handed each of them to the correct set of chains which they unlock. As they stood and shock at what to do with the keys he tore the slavery papers to shreds.
“You are all free to go, no chains or laws bind you to serve another man now. However I offer you a choice, you may follow me and the Aenward family, go with us to the capital. I will have you taught, so that you may eventually follow me and raise yourself above your position in this world, Do well enough in your studies and loyalty and I may grant you a magic gem, so you may train in magic. If not you are free to leave, return to whatever family or goals you may have” He did his best to make his speech inspiring, as while slaves would have their use, loyalty was more important and he could truly gain their loyalty with this ‘choice’.
Silence reigned for moments before they undid their shackles. All but one agreed to follow him, even the mute nodded her head in excited agreement.
Jacob, the tallest one bowed his head in gratitude and spoke. “Thank you for your kindness, but I can’t go. I swear on my family that I will find you in the future to repay this kindness.” He had a willpower in his eyes that was uncanny for a nine-year-old. It was a shame as if he were willing to follow him then he would grow to be a great addition.
Tidus nodded his head, taking him to the side away from the others and pressing his last gold coin into his hand. “I wish you luck, and look forward to our reunion.”
Jacob nodded in gratitude before hurriedly walking into the crowd, while Tidus returned to his father and new servants.
Most of the people who came with the family were staying at an inn at the lesser side of town. Only a few knights were staying at the family’s location. Edward called for one of them to bring the children to the other servants, while Tidus requests that any servants capable begin teaching them to read.
“You did well today son.” His father patted his head as they entered the room the family had rented. It seemed that Danielle and Sarah had not returned from shopping yet.
Tidus flopped onto one of the three beds of the large room and emitted a loud sigh. “That place was seriously gross. I feel like I need a bath just from that man breathing.”
Edward laughed, “Do you really plan on giving them magic gems? They’re truly expensive you know.”
“Don’t worry dad, I won’t touch the family’s, and them being rewarded with a gem is entirely up to their effort. I’ll need to make sure to occasionally remind them.” He laid there in silence with his eyes closed before heading to take a bath.
While he was bathing his mother and sister returned, new clothing in hand. When he exited the shower he made his sister study with him, despite her tired protests.
The night grew and the family went to bed…
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Tidus turned in his bed, dreams of creatures he never knew of, horned giants covered in black fur, their heights surpassing the tallest of trees, horned wolves with metallic fur, and snakes with the body length of a mile and the width of a house.
He awoke with a gasp and a cold sweat, rubbing his eyes he noticed an odd glow from his hands.
Thin tendrils of iridescent light spread forth from the tips of his fingers. The sight almost drove him to scream in shock, but he felt an odd sensation from them, as if they were an extension of himself. Carefully he wove them about, shifting them by will to form a cat, stiffly walking step by step through the air, as he had seen the strays he had used as a reference for his sister's sculpture before. His practice was quickly interrupted by a scream.
“Iyaaahh! What is that! Rainbow Cat!” His sister screamed, waking both his parents.
“Wh-wh-what happened?!” His mother spoke, sitting up almost fully awake, quick reflexes born from their expedition.
His father was already out of his bed and on his feet, staring in shock at the light which quickly scattered from the sudden scream that broke Tidus’ concentration, the light scattering. “What was that Tidus?!”
“I-I don’t know! It just happened!” He still felt the energy, except now it hovered in the middle of his chest.
Danielle quickly lit the lanterns in the room with her magic as the knights in the room over burst through the door, his father swiftly dismissing them away.
“Can you do it again? Is it magic?” His sister asked him again excitedly, hopping over onto his bed with bright eyes.
“Uhm... It’s still there… I can try.” He moved the energy through his body, through his arms and out of his palm, where it gathered up into a ball of misty Iridescent light.
Edward and Danielle stepped over, everyone looking over the ball of energy closely, his parents occasionally glancing at Tidus’ eyes.
“I can sense magic from it... But no element I know of will do anything like that. With untrained fire or ice, there would be a warmth or cold, not this odd... Shapeshifting.”
Edward brought his wife to the side and spoke quietly, Leaving Tidus to make shapes with the energy for his sister.
After a few minutes, they return. His mother “Dear, when we get to the capital… We want you to show this to the Academy leaders. They may be able to help you understand it.” Unknown magic without a gem origin would lead to great prestige for their family, And the school would be able to help him understand it better.
“But do not let them try and control you. I trust you to work for your own and the family’s benefit.” His father added in, always dedicated to raising his family to higher nobility.
Tidus nodded his head. “Of course dad, I will definitely show them all what I am made of.” He spoke with a new fire in his eyes...