Nick

When I was younger with the time I had to myself I would explore the city getting as much money with the other boys as possible but I’d also explore the mine.

Everyone had their own system to find the best veins, we may have all worked together but no one wanted to share or give up the good spot. It was common knowledge not to bring much extra after your quota in the off-chance someone else thought they could get lucky with your spot.

If you weren’t strong enough to push them out you’d lose your spot and nobody wanted that. So it was my goal to scout the best route before I turned thirteen and was given my pickaxe.

Since it’s been almost ten years since the creation of the mine there were many, many different paths. Only simple broken a dilapidated signs spread around to keep you from being lost.

With the old age of the mine it wasn’t surprising many sections were lost and forgotten with no one to replace the torches and signs the dark areas lost interest.

But I didn’t. I kept searching and searching. The best way to spot mana crystal in the wall was to feel the warmth. Normally the earth was cold - you could even freeze to death if you weren’t smart - but around the crystals, it was slightly warm.

I didn’t find anything for months but one day in a long-abandoned tunnel near the surface, someone had found a vein. Thinking it was completely harvested, they left. I could feel the warmth though. I knew there had to be something if only a tiny bit. Normally a tool made with mana crystals was used to locate the location of a new vein (or experienced miners could track them as I had.) This was so the slaves could always keep mining but it was first come first serve and I was at the bottom of the list. I knew I wouldn’t make much even if I passed the quota.

Now that I am old enough, though, I split from the crowd and went back to the cave I found so long ago.

As I reach the spot only being able to tell because of the heat I start to clang against the wall. Chip by chip the stone started to fall. Normally I’d be exhausted but I kept going for hours with the excitement of my first vein pumping through me.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

As I hear the call bell for shift end I am proud of myself, I’ve collected more than the quota, meaning I’d get paid and have a meal on my first day mining. Not many others could say they accomplished the same.

As I walk back to the main hall a sudden gust of wind blows by me. Not cold and chilling but warm and welcoming. I stand for a moment in bliss, but I slowly realize… I am underground how is it that I felt the wind? And more confusing why hadn’t it stopped?

After a few moments, the wind disappeared like it was never there. I was left standing in the cave shocked and confused but filled with joy and happiness the warmth brought. Collecting my thoughts I slowly go back to the crew.

I handed the guard my find, and he looked at it with pride in his eyes.

“I’m impressed Peanut, these are high-grade stones you found, especially on your first day! I’ll tell the cook to make sure you get some extra bread.”

Overjoyed, I finally felt like my life in this pit wasn’t hell anymore. I finally found happiness down here, if only a tiny bit I had hope again. With the coins in my hand, the first thing I did was go up to the city. I wanted something of my own, with these coins at last I could have it.

Normally slaves weren’t allowed to walk around freely but those who worked in the mines were allowed to spend any time after work doing as they pleased. That means going to the bar or market was possible if you had enough gold. Our slave collars kept us from running off.

If you didn’t return back to the mine once work started the magic stone within the collar would force your body to return to the owner. If you tried to break the collar or stone it would kill you and if you tried disobeying orders the guards could use a command to slay you where you stood. Most miners didn’t ever do anything against the guards because none of us wanted to lose our privilege to roam free after work.

As I was walking through the stalls looking for new clothes or something I could afford with my first pay, rubbing my neck feeling the cold metal, I was thankful for the freedom I had an the gold in my hand. Only slightly noticing I had passed the church, or I should say tiny shack. It was well kept which is surprising for the slums of the city but the walls didn’t look damaged and the roof was well maintained.

After the announcement to the King of Avadin that God was unpleased with the people for lack of prayer and offering every city put up a building for him, in case God's wrath would reach them as well.

I normally never even noticed or cared about the church but as I walked by the door started to rattle, blowing open and closed with the wind. Confused and like something dragged me towards the entrance I went towards the building. As I walked in there wasn’t anyone or anything inside just an empty box resting on top of a table. As I walked close to the box I could see an intricate design like ruins from a race long forgotten. The mana crystals I mined would be used in creations that use runic magic but these designs looked nothing like those on the stones.

On top of the box was a small hole carved in, reaching into my pocket I pulled out the copper coins I had just earned.

Looking at the coins in my hand I knew what had to be done. Walking back to the mine with nothing doesn’t sound fun but I knew the coins were meant to be here. So dropping them in the box, watching as they passed by the carvings with only a tingle of regret. I bowed my head.

“Dear Lord almighty God who watches over me, I thank you for the luck and blessing I have received on this day. I pray that I may find my family and I may feel your love once more. Amen.”

Tears forming in my eyes I rub them away, barely noticing a warm wind drying them up I walk out of the church and back to my bed. As I reach the door I take one last look behind me, I smile and felt like God was in the church with me smiling back. I turn fully to the box and bow my head low, uttering a small but genuine thank you.