A couple of hours, many baths, and scrubbing later,
We finally felt rejuvenated and fit to enter the parlor of the estate.
Even a buff appeared that I forgot existed…
"Well fed, well rested, well washed."
Our gear had been placed in a magical chest that held an infinitesimal storage space.
“A part don’t mind if the damn things get lost…imagine what these folks would replace our gear with, boy.
Robert joked as we walked down the halls of Ronald’s family lineage.
Portraits of men with striking features shared between them.
It was now, with Ronald's hair pulled back that I noticed his icy blue eyes, as well as his blue veins that told of wizardry which coursed throughout his body, pulsing powerfully before me.
Behind the robe hid a striking figure.
I was surprised to have only noticed this.
"Don't be nervous now. They might bite, but that's the worst of it.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Besides… it’s me they will be upset with"
Ronald gave his best reassuring smile, but it fell flat and eased not.
Mahogany engraved doors swung open to reveal a foyer that could have housed another mansion within its walls.
All around, on couches, in the study, running about, the Descartes Tribe awaited
"I'm home."
Silence entered the halls.
Children experimenting with their forthcoming magic stopped mid-incantation.
Older folks turned aghast.
The air was stiff and chaotic as if it didn't even know the reactions to come
A booming voice shattered the silence.
For a mage, his presence was powerful.
It radiated a force of energy, a well of power, a dangerous man if turned foe.
“The wayward son has returned from his journey abroad…”
“Sorry for the delay…father.”
When I thought of Ronald, I never thought of young.
Yet, now, as he stood face to face with an angered father, I noticed forfor the first time that he could be no older than me…if not younger.
Did you find whatever it was that you prized more than the mantle of future Lord to the House of Descartes?!
I believe so…
Yes…and what may that be?
I found adventure…fought foes…encountered obstacles that I would have never dared face if I had stayed shut up behind these walls…
And companions that eased my journey and the growth of my soul as well…
His words were confident and pure, but they lacked a conviction that his father no doubt noticed.
Hmpff… I’ll be the judge of that..
Let’s go back out to the Gauntlet then..
Silence, gasps, and terror filled the room.
A woman spoke up,
The boy has just returned…don’t be...
With a raised hand, he hushed the gasps and stole the room once again.
There was nothing left to do but follow.
Readying my heart, and calming my spirit, I prepared for the worst.