Early the next morning, Henry and his family woke up to a loud pounding at his parents’ door. Every thump made his head ache more. Yesterday, after his mother and Heather calmed down, the family celebrated his achievement.
“Urgent, clan meeting open the damn door,” an insistent voice. “The patriarch requests all clan members meet in the Great Hall in an hour!”
“We're up,” David groaned opening the door as a rush of cool air swept into the apartment,
“Sorry, sir,” apologized a young Bearkin. “But I cannot leave until I alert a blood relative.”
“I’m up,” Henry yawned opening his door. He groaned as he stretched from the fatigue of last night. With a weary sigh, he shuffled towards the front door.
The small cub quizzically looked at the man before subtly sniffing the air. Despite looking human, the cub could instinctively tell the person before him was a full-blood Bearington Bearman. “Uncle, the patriarch wants you to arrive early so he can introduce you to the clan,” the cub said before bowing and running off to the next house on his list.
As Henry rubbed the sleep from his eyes, the weight of the cub’s words settled upon him. The realization that he was now considered a Bearington by blood brought a mix of excitement and finality.
With a deep breath, he returned to his room to dress. After a quick breakfast hastily prepared by his mother, and a quick kiss goodbye to Heather, he set out towards the Great Hall, in the main family manor. Along the way, they passed other members of the clan, their faces a mix of curiosity and anticipation as they made their way to the meeting.
As they entered the manor, the maids ushered to an empty room to wait. He didn’t have to wait long for the patriarch to appear. Henry could feel the patriarch examining his body and bloodline’s infusion. Unlike last night, he felt intimidated being near the patriarch. No, a better way of saying it was, that he felt his blood being suppressed by the patriarch.
“Good I’m glad to see everything went well last night,” the patriarch said patting Henry on the shoulder. He motioned for Henry to follow him as he led him into the Great Hall. His smiling “grandfather” demeanor from last night was gone. He now resembled a stern general ready for war. His navy and gold dæmon sparkled triumphantly. In his left hand, he grasped a golden spear, that resembled a royal scepter, and strapped to his back was a large golden shield.
The crowd quickly quieted when the patriarch walked out. This was the first time Henry saw the extent of the clan, in its entirety. Hundreds of Bearmen and women filled the hall, their eyes fixed expectantly on the patriarch.
With a deep baritone, he cheerfully addressed the hall, “This is our newest clan member, Henry Brown. My grandson has returned to the family.”
Soon a rejoining of applause spread throughout the hall. The clan stood on their feet to welcome the patriarch’s grandson home. After the applause settled down, Henry bowed to his new clan and quickly moved to take a seat.
With a somber tone, the patriarch spoke again. “Now to the matter of why I summon you here, I just received news from his majesty, that the refugees have taken up arms and began rioting.”
The news of the refugee riots cast a somber mood over the Great Hall, the gravity of the situation evident in the furrowed brows and concerned murmurs that rippled through the crowd. It didn’t take long before clan members began shouting.
“How did those bastards get weapons?”
“Those fools! Don’t they realize this further destabilizes the capital’s defenses?”
“I agree, we never should have let in those insects!”
“At this point, the refugees are nearly half our population. We can’t fight two wars at once!”
Just before panic slowly began to set in, the patriarch’s voice cut through the tension like a clarion call, commanding the attention of every member present. Once again, Henry could feel his bloodline being suppressed.
“We do not yet know where they acquired their weapons, nor the reason for the riot. However, his majesty is asking the clans to help subdue the rioters. With most of our troops stationed outside the capital, we must put a stop to this before the Lion King learns of it!” he declared, his tone stopping further discussion. “We must protect our lands and our people at all costs.”
Nods of agreement rippled through the crowd, the resolve in their eyes reflecting their commitment to the clan. Henry too felt a surge of determination.
The patriarch outlined the plan of action, detailing strategies for quelling the riots and ensuring the safety of the clan’s borders. After the meeting adjourned, Henry found himself surrounded by fellow clan members offering words of welcome and support. Henry couldn’t help but feel a sense of victory stirring within him. Whatever trials lay ahead for Woodhaerst and Ironwood, he knew that he would face them head-on, drawing strength from his allies and new clan.
After the meeting, he made his way back to his parents’ apartment. When he arrived, there was a spread of breakfast food on the table, and his family was already eating.
“Welcome back,” David said, handing him a plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs, meat, and diced potatoes.
It smelled heavenly, and Henry hurriedly sat down and began eating. Between bits, Henry filled them in on the clan meeting.
“Riots?” Heather said worriedly. “Do you think the iron and gold you loaned…?”
Henry nodded, confirming Heather’s worst nightmare.
“What’s the plan?” David asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
“The king and clans are planning a coordinated attack. The soldiers on the front line were put on high alert. I was assigned to guard duty at the front gate,” Henry explained.
Lindsey’s gaze hardened, “We’re trapped. All I want to do is leave, and never look back,” she sighed dejectedly. Reaching out to grasp Henry’s hand, her expression filled with both worry and love, she cautioned him, “Be careful out there,” she implored, her voice soft but filled with emotion.
Seeing his wife’s worried look, David suggested, “Lindsey why don’t you take Henry to Basilica, I’m sure he’d love to see what his mom does at work. Since you’re both druids, I’m sure Henry could learn a thing or two from his mother.”
Henry watched his mother’s gaze bright and baiting, the worriedness replaced by hope, as her eyes twinkled in anticipation. She spun her head around excited to hear Henry’s answers.
“I’d enjoy that.”
“Then it’s settled. While you two are out, Heather and I can chat. I’d like to hear more about Woodhaerst and Ironwood.” David clapped.
As they entered the basilica, the scent of incense hung heavy in the air, mingling with the soft murmur of prayers and chants. The façade of the basilica was adorned with elaborate stone reliefs depicting scenes from the clan’s history and mythology, each intricately crafted to tell a story of valor, faith, and sacrifice.
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Henry couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as they entered through the grand arched doorway. The interior of the basilica was vast and cavernous, with towering columns stretching upwards towards a vaulted ceiling adorned with colorful stained-glass windows. Sunlight filtered through the vibrant hues, casting a kaleidoscope of colors upon the polished marble floors below.
The walls were lined with tapestries and paintings depicting scenes from the clan’s religious texts and sacred rituals, each one a masterpiece of artistry and devotion. Candles flickered in ornate candelabras, their warm glow illuminating the faces of the faithful as they knelt in prayer or offered sacrifices to the gods.
Inside, the basilica was alive with activity. Druids moved about with purpose, tending to the needs of the church and offering guidance and support to those who sought it. The news of the refugee riots had spread quickly, and it seemed that everyone was on edge, their thoughts consumed by the riot.
Lindsey dressed in her drab drown priest hooded robe and simple belt led Henry through the hallowed halls, her steps sure and steady as she navigated the familiar corridors. Along the way, she introduced Henry to the other druids, each one offering a warm welcome and words of encouragement.
Despite her longevity as a priest, she wore the robes of novitiate. Just another reminder of his mother’s malicious treatment in the clan. Henry swore to himself that one day, soon, his mother would look down on all those who mistreated her.
As they reached the heart of the basilica, Lindsey turned to Henry with a smile. “Welcome to my domain,” she said proudly, her eyes shining with pride. “Here, we commune with the spirits of nature and seek guidance from the gods.”
Henry listened intently as Lindsey explained the rituals and traditions of the druids, his curiosity piqued by the ancient wisdom passed down through the generations.
System Message:
The Goddess Demeter is pleased you have learned priestly rites: Initiating, Mending, Offering, and Closing. Reward: Plus 5 Authority with the Church of Earth.
Up till now, the harvest sacrifice was the only religious ceremony he’d seen. He was more accustomed to hearing Priestess Thera pray or give him sage advice than give a liturgy. But, thanks to his mom, he learned how to open ceremonies, heal minor wounds, offer sacrifices, and close ceremonies. More importantly, he knew, that besides spells, the Church of Earth had cantrips, prayer books, and rites.
“Mom, how many rites are there in the Church of Earth?”
“Hundreds, but I’m only allowed to conduct these few.”
Henry could tell she felt a moment of embarrassment before she let him to the artifact chamber. He a glass wall sat five divine relics.
He felt a sense of excitement wash over him as he gazed upon the relics, and just for a brief second, he thought about stealing them. One divine artifact was enough to make him a billionaire in the real world. He could picture the frenzied bidding war when this went on auction.
Yet, the more he thought of the relics and rites he couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude towards his mother, Thera, and the Goddess Demeter. Amid uncertainty and turmoil, the Church of Earth provided him with a sense of stability and an anchor in this crazy world.
It was then in his moment of reflection, a soft familiar chime called out to him.
System Message:
The Goddess Demeter smiles upon you. She is happy with your devotion and steadfast support to the Church of Earth. Her followers have found a haven, a beacon of hope through your faith and leadership. Congratulations, Demeter has appointed you the first Warden of Woodhaesrt.
Reward: Plus 10 gold, +5 fame, +1 unique skill
As the celestial light bathed Henry, a sense of pride and purpose swelled within him. The weight of his ancestors’ legacy and the trust bestowed upon him by Demeter fueled his determination. With a newfound resolve, Henry pledged to honor his lineage and fulfill his duties as Warden with unwavering devotion. With Demeter as his goddess, he was ready to safeguard his towns and people.
“Unique skill?” Thaddeus gasped excitedly.
System Message:
New Active Skill: Guardian of Nature. At higher levels able to summon multiple guardians.
Stat Increase: +1 to INT, +1 WILL, +500 EXP
Level 1: Novice Level 1
Effect: Summon a creature within your territory to answer your call
Cost: 10 WILL/second
After reading the message he pumped his fist in joy, and finally, he got his first attack magic skill. While wardens were powerful druid warriors, he had yet to receive a single attack spell. With this spell, he gained significant offensive power, and that was the downside of the play style.
Lindsey watched as Henry’s lips turned into a wide grin. “Why are you so happy?”
“Thanks to you teaching me the Church of Earth rites I learned a new skill!”
“That’s terrific! Which holy spells did you learn mending, purify, sanctify?” asked Lindsey, her eyes sparkling with excitement, mirroring her son’s happiness.
“Neither. The skill is called Guardian of Nature, it lets me summon a creature to defend my territory.”
For a moment, Lindsey looked stunned hearing the skill’s description. Then joy, panic, and worry all mixed as one as she processed the information. “Any summons? What if you summon a high-ranking creature and it attacks you? Or does the creature refuse to assist you?”
Henry’s excitement dimmed a little, after listening to his mother. In truth he knew only a few powerful creatures in his territory, namely the forest kings, however, he didn’t know them well enough to summon them. The only ferocious monster he had a relationship with was Arachnia, the Spider Queen.
“Let’s go someplace private, where you can test out your new skill.”
Henry followed his mother outside the basilica to a small hidden alcove outside. The alcove was isolated inside an almond grove. A worn gazebo with a stone bench looked like they had seen better days. He could tell this forgotten space, once meant a great deal to someone.
“Before you came back into my life, this is where I would sit and think about you. I wonder how you are doing? What your life was like? Did you have a special person in your life? And if you missed me, like I missed you. But knowing you’re here all my stress is gone and my heart is at ease. I’m so happy we’re reunited.”
“Me too Mom,” Henry agreed squeezing her tightly.
“Forgive me, crying like this in front of you. Go ahead, cast your spell. I want to see who you summon.”
Henry thought of the Arachnia and cast [Guardian of Nature]. Soon a spider the size of a small elephant with a black hairy body, black eyes, and milky white fangs phased into existence. At once, the giant spider reared on his back legs and launched forward fangs out to strike.
“Arachnia, it’s me! The Lord of Ironwood and Woodhaerst,” Henry said holding his hands high to show he was weaponless.
Seeing the large spider appear before, Lindsey turned ghostly white, and her limbs stiffened. So frozen in fear, she had to remind herself to breathe.
“Are you planning to kill me? Is this a trap?” she chittered murderously.
“No, I summoned you here, to ask for your help?”
“Help? Our agreement was for my dungeon. Adventures for your settlements’ peace and prosperity.”
Lindsey, despite being deathly afraid of spiders, looked repulsed by her son’s arrangement with the spider.
“Yes, we are allies, but I want to increase our partnership. I wish to summon you to defend my territory. With this new arrangement you’ll be able to secure more food for your nest,” Henry negotiated.
“Is this tasty morsel your offering to secure the deal?”
“No, this is my mother. She means you no harm. Do we have a deal?”
“…You have proven to be a trustworthy ally. Our arrangement is amended. I’m sure my children will be happy to receive more nourishment. Just make sure the offering is substantial. Farewell…”
And with that Arachnia phased out of existence, and the alcove returned to its serene isolation. Now, sooner had she left than a new screen appeared.
System Message:
Congratulations, you the 280th player to contract a summoned creature. Reward: none. As a Druid, you can summon your guardian to protect your territory:
1. Woodhaerst
2. Ironwood
3. Brown Earldom
4. Bearington Estate
‘Alfred why is the Brown Earldom and Bearington Estate listed?’ asked Henry confused as to why the barony and estate were listed.
“Since you are recognized as a relative of the Brown and Bearington families, their family property is by extension considered your property,” Alfred explained.
‘Wait, are you saying because the emperor recognized me as belonging to the Brown family, and the patriarch recognized me as a relative, I’m entitled to both properties’ inheritance?” Henry's eyes twitched in trying to understand the complexity of this world’s property laws.
“That is correct, sir?”
“Henry snap out of it!” Lindsey yelled. “It’s almost time for you to go on guard duty.”
“Mom, I’m fine, I’m just trying to understand this system message that says I can summon Arachnia to defend the Brown Earldom or the Bearington Estate?”
Lindsey's eyes quickly widen in surprise, before sharping into a piercing stare. “Wait? How do you know about the Brown Family?”
On the way to the gatehouse, Henry filled his mother in on the battle outside Woodhaerst, meeting Emperor Regulus Albus Aurelius van Conifer, the award ceremony, and his legal skirmish with the Brown family.