Since he was small Anthony always had a strange way of sleeping. At first he thought it was all a dream, his body lifting up into the air and flying around his room playing with his toys, and reading books he already glimpsed. In time he moved beyond one space and started traveling all over his manor even in his sleep. It wasn’t until he heard a story from his maid Eau that he began to understand exactly why his dreams were not like anyone else.
It started like an ordinary day at the manor, the maids were talking about the dreams they had of moving around the continent. Each one had a dream of traveling to some exotic location or place to one degree or another but had settled in the Empire to work and make a living. Young Anthony was in the same room listening to them talk, but became curious about their discussion.
“I have dreams where I’m floating all over the house.” A simple question which garnered much laughter from the staff, but Eau garnered another explanation.
“My mother would say you have a restless spirit young master.” She smiled. “It’s an old tale from the mainland that said anyone who has dreams like that has a restless spirit that’s waiting to get out. When I started having the same dreams, my father enrolled me in Water Mage training. He believed that it was a sign that spirit could be tamed to control the element of water to become a great water mage.”
“And now here you are, doing laundry and serving sparkling water to the upper class.” Delia, the fire mage, laughed in a good manner. “Maybe he can help you wash the dishes sometimes, it’s not glamorous but the pay is well.”
“Pay no mind to her young Master.” She placed her hand on her shoulder. “Your spirit is greater than you think, you just need to figure out how to use it. Just remember to use it wisely.” After that Anthony started helping out Eau with the dishes.
As time passed he found himself working in the National Archives discovering an interesting research article about 5th Circle Water Mage Craft and the concept of Dark Senses. With the ability to control weather and cause dark clouds, blizzards, and snow, Water Mages need to navigate. So they developed a special sense to move around even in the dark, the highest master of Water Mage craft. Even with their eyes shut they could sense movement, hear sounds, and see things that normal human eyes could not comprehend. This reminded Anthony of what had unintentionally managed to master on his own. This wasn’t quite like dark vision as his body could rest even when his spirit was wondering freely.
Astral projection, as he called it, came naturally to him, it always had as easy as breathing, but there were some restrictions. He could read in his sleep, but only books he had read or had a good glimpse of. He could only see outside his body, although only within a hundred meter radius of currently position. Lastly, if there was any danger near his body he could always sense it and would immediately jump back to his body in an instant.
The night of his trip to Iasera, it was not ominous, but rather tranquil. With the moon as his ally watching him from the starry sky, he decided to spend his time re-reading his old notes in his astral state. All the while he wondered if this technique could be taught to others and was not just limited to only himself. From out of nowhere he heard a rush from the brush as a dark shadow stepped out into the moonlight. It looked to be the shadow of a deer foraging through the brush, but he felt no malice as it peaked its head out from the cover.
Curious, Anthony’s spirit form floated over to catch a sight of this creature. In cases of using his astral form to view animals or greater beasts, mostly instinctively shy away. Whether it was animal instincts or a strange unknown sense he tried not to get too close, but strangely this shadowy deer appeared to approach him.
Slowly, the creature walked out into the light of the moon above revealing its truest form. At first Anthony thought it might be the silvery glint of an Alum Deer or a Silver Stage, but this deer had bluish fur, and horns that look like long crooked branks for antlers. Anthony didn’t know what it was, but sensed no malice as it walked past him and wandered over to his resting body near the carriage. It lowered its horns up him, a sharp row of spikes pressing against his chest that could thrust forward at any minute.
His spirit instinctively reacted to try to return to his body sensing immediate danger, but when he got in the direct contact of the spirit something held him at bay. It was like a strange force was pushing him away rendering him immobile as he watched the blueish deer raise its antlers and press its snout against his chest. A strange light force generated from its horns as the whole of the woods was covered like a lightning flash. The light covered his body bright as fire, as if his very soul was being engulfed by a living star.
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“By the Flames?!” Anthony woke up in his real body, trusting forward from his rest in fright.
He touched his chest and every part of his body but found no wounds or even an impression in his skin. Looking around, he saw not a trace of the strange creature that he swore he saw only moments ago, not even a disturbed leaf. No tracks, no scent, not even so much as a broken twig as if the creature had not been there from the start.
“Hey, what’s going on out there?” He heard Selene’s voice coming from inside the carriage.
“I thought I saw something, but...” Anthony looked around but could not spot a sign.
“It was probably a bad dream, go back to sleep.” She mumbled before quickly returning to resting in the carriage.
Anthony had not explained his process of his sleeping to Selene, if he had she would have realized the mistake of that statement. If it was a dream, then why did it seem so real, so vivid? Had there been a blue deer or was it simply a trick played upon the peculiar madness of the moonlight. Regardless, he decided it was best to stay on guard and continue to preserve his energy for the following day. What he didn’t notice was the strange glow under his leather gear that came from the stone he wore across neck. The silky blue amulet that had been given to him by his maid Eau, seemed to have new life building inside it. In his rested state, not even Anthony could see the amulet’s light as it melded perfectly in the light of the moon sky above.
Night turned into day, and the trio continued their journey. They rode as quickly as they could, not even stopping to catch the sights. By the afternoon the group had made it to the city of Iasera. It was a bustling metropolis, some calling it the heart of the middle states because of its direct vicinity to every border of the Duchy. From the low states, to the luxury states and everywhere in between all manner of class and character appeared there. That also made it a popular place of trading and commerce, with a large river port that ships could travel through the continent.
Their destination was the largest building in the financial district. A heavily guarded complex with people wearing the finest vestments walking in and out across rows of glass windows and finely polished steel doors. From their lodging they traveled to the doors of this place marked with a large sign with a sun and moon and giant “M” with the words “Bank of Menander” stamped below it.
Zoe wore her finest gown with her white long hair wrapped up in a bun with two sticks to tie it up. A silken sash across her waist made of finest fabric draped her waist matching her long red dress. Selene wore her finest attire, a formal dress that she had not used since her business days in Iasera. A simple black dress made of black myrrh ant shells cut short to reveal her fine leather shoes. Even Anthony disregarded his usual hunter’s leather armor and utilities in favor of a more formal look. A suit made of grayish fabric that although was light and durable had strength that made it also utilitarian. It was one of the only reasons that Anthony chose to wear it, but found it more stiffening than worn leather gear.
“Feeling nervous, kid?” Zoe asked as they stood outside the doors of the Bank.
“Not really, I’m just not used to this flaxen fabric.” He stretched his arm and legs to get used to the feel. “I assume it was some kind of cotton, but the feel is different in some way.”
“It’s Iron Bear, or more specifically the effects of iron bear fur mixed with flax or cotton plants.” Selene simply said. “When treated by wind and earth mages common plants can absorb the fibers, making it more durable and resistant than regular clothing, a valuable commodity in the clothing industry. Mostly it’s made for security guards and private defense forces for formal occasions.”
“I thought Iris was the bright one when it came to precious minerals.” Master Zoe laughed.
“I know a lot about what’s valuable.” She adjusted the sleeves and straightened her hair. “Let’s get this over with, we’ve got an uphill battle ahead of us.”
They walked into the bank office, with the best intention. Although they had no appointment, all it took was a flash of Selene’s pin to confirm that she was an important client. That and a confirmation from a former subordinate, now the bank manager, was all it took to realize that Selene had returned to see her brother.
“Your brother should be very happy to see you, Ms. Menander.” The bank manager led the trio down the bank’s hall.
“I’m sure my brother has become very ambitious since he took over as executive officer.”
“It’s amazing, people thought his investment in Free state trading was risky, but it turned a major profit. We don’t know what it is, but I’m sure your parents would be proud to know the Menander Bank branches are now stronger than they ever were.” He opened the door with a bow, and the trio stepped into the office.
It was time to meet Selene’s eldest brother Tychon, whom from Selene’s description he was more of a wolf than a shepherd. Anthony was reminded of his youngest sister who was much the same way, but did not want to jump to conclusions until he met him in person. After their meeting he realized that Selene’s wisdom was not all unfounded.