Moonlight illuminated the clearing, casting shadows that danced around Thalen, Elrik, and Soren. The trio, hands bound, looked a mix of guilt and terrified. The atmosphere in the clearing was tense as Ava continued to tend to Soren, ensuring he was out of danger.
She took a seat across from Arden, her face half-lit by the dim light. The remnants of their recent altercation were still palpable on her face. "You have some skills, Arden," Ava whispered, her gaze briefly shifting to the boys. Her voice held a mixture of surprise and grudging admiration. "Didn't see that coming. That was... impressive.”
The ground beneath Arden felt rough and cool, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions inside him. He sighed, his eyes resting momentarily on the subdued trio before meeting Ava’s. "There's something you should know," he began hesitantly, "I've spent a good amount of time with blades. Hours and hours of practice. My wife... she used to think I was mad."
Ava's eyebrows lifted, surprise lighting her features. "Your... dedication certainly proved its worth tonight."
His laughter was brief, more of a chuckle really, offering a slight respite from the evening's tension. "It was just a pastime for me, not something I ever thought would be put to this kind of test."
Her hand reached out, gently touching his. The unexpected mental whisper followed, “Don’t panic.”
Arden's brow quirked upwards, his eyes filled with intrigue as he processed the silent communication. “How did you...?” he began.
Ava hesitated momentarily, her thoughts echoing directly into Arden's mind. It was a risk, not all took kindly to mind magic presented. “Mind magic usually unsettles most,” she mentally conveyed, astonishment tinting her mental voice. “Yet you seem... unfazed?” Her eyes searched his, looking for any trace of the usual unease, but finding only curiosity.
Arden’s thoughts flowed easily, resonating with sincerity. “Why fear it? It's just another form of magic, isn’t it?”
A playful smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Didn't anticipate that reaction either,” she mused. Her demeanor shifted, the earnestness returning. “Before we leave for home, you should finalize your selection of skills.”
Drawing a deep breath, Arden nodded. The cool air tasted of pine and a hint of mystery. "I've given it some thought. For starters, I'm considering [Magic Missile]. I came across a variant of [Basic Shield] named [Maggie's Basic Shield]. It does call for [Mana Manipulation], but I've already mastered the basic version of it. As for my swordsmanship, I've been looking into refining it, though I haven't settled on the right skill yet."
Ava leaned in, nodding thoughtfully. "The [Magic Missile] and [Mana Manipulation] make sense. As for the shield, Maggie's Basic Magic Shield I have not heard of it. Can you describe its specifics for me?"
Arden took a moment to check the description. "Maggie's Basic Magic Shield is not 'basic' as the name might imply. It's a complex and potent skill requiring advanced mana manipulation techniques. When activated, it condenses and concentrates mana into a formidable barrier, adept at repelling even the fiercest of strikes. One of its remarkable features is its adaptability. The caster can modify its density and form, tailoring it to the situation at hand. To sustain it effectively, though, one has to weave and manipulate several layers of mana with precision and intricacy. While it provides an elevated level of protection compared to the standard magic shield, its upkeep demands substantial skill and concentration. “
She raised her eyebrow, clearly impressed. "It sounds demanding, but with your quick adaptability, you might just have what it takes. If you can master that shield, it'll strengthen your position significantly."
Ava's gaze shifted to the bound boys. Their earlier bravado seemed to have evaporated, replaced by a tangible uneasiness. Even from this distance, she could sense their apprehension. Mind magic was universally feared, and its practitioners were often met with deep suspicion and animosity. While their silent exchange might have gone unnoticed, she couldn't help but worry if her freezing of Soren had been too overt. If they had noticed, it might have been a grave mistake on her part.
The journey to the farm took longer than either of them had anticipated, especially since they only had one horse. On foot, they followed a curving path that meandered through the dense woods. While the landscape offered serene beauty, the weight of their decisions concerning the apprehended boys cast a shadow over any potential enjoyment. Ava had resolved to turn the boys over to her father rather than to the guards. So now they had to keep them close and constrained until they got home.
As they traveled, Arden found himself intrigued by his developing magical capabilities, almost amused at how quickly he had come to take his skills for granted and how much he enjoyed honing them. However, while the understanding behind his spells was becoming second nature, the act of casting still felt like a chore. He likened it to relearning how to walk. He had the knowledge yet translating it into action was proving challenging.
The medallion Arden wore was essential to his magical capabilities. Not only did it act as a reservoir, storing a substantial amount of mana, but it also generated mana at an astonishing rate—nearly a hundred times faster than a typical individual. Without this medallion, repeatedly casting spells, especially ones as intricate as [Maggie's Basic Shield], would've been impossible for him. Simple acts, such as manifesting [Maggie's Basic Shield], demanded ten units of mana, more than most people could muster in a week. And while maintaining the shield post-casting didn't require any mana, its upkeep demanded substantial concentration, which could be draining for Arden. The shield's mechanism was direct: one unit of mana blocked one unit of damage. But its unique trait, the ability to utilize a portion of an attack's energy, gave Arden a slight edge, recharging his shield just enough to make a difference.
This shield was basic in design, just a protective bubble. If an adversary managed to deplete its power, which took roughly ten units of damage, it would fail entirely. Yet, its layered defense against varying damage types was its saving grace, providing a challenge for any who tried to penetrate it.
Engrossed in his thoughts, Arden was almost caught off guard when Ava paused at the edge of the woods, pointing out to the vast expanse before them. "There it is," she declared, her voice tinged with fondness. "Home."
The sight was captivating, but it also defied Arden's expectations. The sprawling farm stretched out before him, fields of crops reaching to the horizon. But what caught his eye was the unusual configuration of the residences within the fortified walls.
At the heart of this estate was a farmhouse that more closely resembled a manor in its grandeur. Its wooden structure and thatched roof were a testament to a bygone era, yet they stood proudly amongst the other outbuildings, including recognizable barns and stables. Surrounding this core were buildings that defied easy classification—each a peculiar hybrid of farmhouse and modern terraced home, like architectural offspring born of a union between past and future. They were tightly knit but spacious, offering both privacy and community, all shielded within the wooden walls that featured an intimidating guard tower.
Workers moved across the fields in fluid, well-practiced rhythms, but even their movements hinted at a lifestyle of fascinating complexity. Their homes may have been nestled close, but their well-maintained gardens spoke to individual care and familial pride.
The fortified walls and the tower that rose like a sentry signified the undeniable importance of what lay within those walls. This was a place that safeguarded not just resources but a unique way of life.
Ava paused, her gaze lingering on the boys they had apprehended. With a sigh, she reached forward, deftly untying the knots that bound their wrists together. It was a symbolic gesture, releasing them from their status as captives. She met their eyes briefly, hoping her decision to treat them with some dignity would be appreciated. They nodded back, their expressions a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
As they approached the farm, the sounds of animals, the distant chatter of workers, and the scent of fresh hay enveloped them. A couple of children playing nearby stopped and stared, their eyes darting to the unfamiliar faces before scampering off, whispering excitedly to each other. It was clear that visitors were a rarity.
"That's my mother's herb garden," Ava said, pointing to a lush, enclosed area, wanting to move past the potentially uncomfortable situation and immerse Arden in the familiarity of her home. "She's an adept alchemist. Almost everything she needs, she grows right there."
Arden looked towards the garden, taking in the variety of plants and herbs. "I had no idea," he admitted. "When I met her, her magic was... commanding, to say the least."
Ava caught the hint of uneasiness in his voice. She leaned in closer, her voice low. "She is known as an alchemist now," Ava whispered, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.
Then, directly into Arden's mind, "But beneath that facade, she was one of the most formidable sorcerers of her time. Even though her powers are confined now, never underestimate her."
Feeling the gravity of her revelation, Arden took a moment to process the information. Ava, sensing his surprise, gently squeezed his hand in reassurance. "She's my mother, Arden. Trust me, everything will be okay."
\\\
Lila leaned against the wooden railing of the porch, allowing the gentle breeze to brush past. Beside her, Marcus, her husband, and Ava's father stood with a contemplative gaze fixed on the approaching figures. Arden had transformed remarkably since she left him. Gone was the disoriented young man she remembered. In his place stood someone radiating a newfound confidence, mirroring a seasoned traveler. His posture, upright and assured, showcased a transformation that spoke of lessons learned and challenges faced.
Intriguingly, he now bore a sword. It wasn’t just hanging aimlessly by his side either; the way he moved suggested it was now a part of him. It peeked out just slightly from under his surcoat, not fully hidden but not blatantly displayed. A subtle indication that he had adopted more than just the local fashion. Such a weapon on Arden was unexpected, and Lila found herself wondering about its origins and the story behind it.
But what truly captured Lila’s interest was the invisible aura enveloping Arden. Despite her restrained powers, her inherent mana sight detected no traces of uncontrolled mana around him. Such control was akin to the mastery of the most seasoned magicians — an unexpected and slightly unsettling revelation.
By Arden’s side, Ava seemed...different. Occasional, covert glances towards Arden, tinged with a mix of uncertainty and shyness, were so unlike the Ava she knew. Lila's brow raised in silent query. Had they become more intimate? A mental note was made to address this budding relationship. After all, Arden, despite being a mystery, was undeniably handsome. A fact even a mother could objectively admit.
The boys trailing behind brought a frown to Lila’s face. Waves of guilt and bitterness radiated off them, their sullen expressions, and the ever-so-slight drag in their steps indicative of some misdeed. Whatever they had done, Ava had clearly intervened, leading to their current predicament.
Seeing her daughter approaching, Lila called out, "Ava, dear, who have you brought to our doorstep?" Her tone was light, teasing, but her eyes remained sharp, taking in every detail.
Ava laughed, the sound light and airy, but there was a hint of nervousness Lila hadn't expected. "You remember Master Arden, Mother. And the others... Well, let's just say they've been a bit mischievous."
Lila's gaze settled on Arden, a playful smirk pulling at the corner of her mouth. "Master, is it? " She paused, letting the implications of the title linger in the air.
Arden's face flushed slightly, and he bowed in a gesture of respect. "It's good to see you again, ma'am."
She chuckled, "Oh, drop the formalities. After all, you've been through with my daughter, I believe we're well past the need for 'ma'am'." She paused, letting her words hang in the air before adding, "But I am indeed curious about a few developments."
Sensing a deeper conversation on the horizon, Ava interjected, "Perhaps we can delve into these matters over some food? Traveling through the woods hasn’t been kind to our stomachs, and I'm sure Master Arden would appreciate a hearty meal."
Lila nodded, her eyes never leaving Arden's. "Very well. A meal it is. It'll give us all a chance to catch up."
Lunch had passed in a blur of casual conversation, reserved for reacquainting and the treading of safe topics. Yet, the atmosphere carried a subtle tension, stemming from Lila's intent to "address" the boys not only about their perplexing confrontation with Ava but also regarding “some developments” she'd hinted at earlier. The situation left everyone, particularly Marcus, in a state of puzzlement as he tried to piece together what had transpired.
The topic of Arden's swift disarmament of Thalen and his impressive handling of the boys captured Marcus's attention. His eyebrow rose in a mix of surprise and interest. "I'm eager to see this talent of yours firsthand."
Arden responded with a touch of humility. "I have had some training. Yet, to label myself an expert would be a stretch."
Marcus grinned, a hint of playful challenge in his eyes. "Then how about a friendly spar in the yard? It's been ages since I've engaged with a fresh opponent."
Jumping into the conversation, Ava's voice dripped with playful sarcasm, "Oh, what an unusual day! My father, wishing for a duel? Arden, you must've truly caught his eye."
Lila smirked, glancing between Marcus and Arden. "Isn't it something? A seasoned warrior finding intrigue in the moves of a fresh talent. This is going to be one heck of a show."
Marcus strode with purpose to the backyard, not bothering to see if Arden was following. Upon arriving, Arden was met with a vast training yard. A two-story wooden building encircled the yard, the upper level featuring a balcony that overlooked the space below. Training racks, brimming with weapons of varied sorts — from swords to maces, spears to shields — adorned the perimeter.
"Orin!" Marcus called to a nearby boy.
As Orin rushed to fetch Marcus's request, Arden recognized it. He thought to himself, That's an arming sword. Commonly used by medieval guards. A versatile, single-handed weapon, ideal for close combat.
Marcus gestured towards the weapon rack, instructing Arden, "Choose your blade."
Making his way to the rack, Arden's thoughts were already on tactics. His gaze settled on a broadsword, esteemed for its extended reach. Trying one, he immediately felt its imbalance. Noting a young assistant nearby, he inquired, "Have you another like this?"
The lad promptly produced two similar swords. Arden tested both, ultimately opting for the one showing the most wear — its blade telling stories of numerous training sessions.
Marcus's eyes appraised Arden's choice. "Good pick," he remarked with a nod of approval.
The two men took their positions, initially adopting matching stances. Arden then subtly transitioned to a more defensive posture, redistributing his weight and adjusting his sword to counter an immediate assault.
Marcus caught Orin's eye, nodding subtly towards Arden. "Pay attention to that stance, Orin. It might serve you well."
The atmosphere in the yard was thick with anticipation. Lila and Ava, along with a few household members, had taken up vantage points on the balcony. The sun gleamed off both their swords, reflecting their tension.
Marcus did not wait for Arden to strike first but lunged with a swift, assertive motion, signaling his intent to take the full measure of Arden.
Arden, taking advantage of his broadsword's reach, danced in and out, aiming for quick touches against Marcus. The rhythm of his movements was reminiscent of a long-forgotten style, one that Marcus couldn't quite place but found momentarily perplexing. As Arden continued, he incorporated intricate binds and leverages, causing Marcus to momentarily recalibrate.
"An old dance of blades?" Marcus quipped, narrowing his eyes, trying to decipher Arden's style. "You bring echoes of a forgotten era to this yard."
Arden's internal thoughts raced. Maintain distance, anticipate his rhythm, and exploit any overreach. The lessons from his training played like a mantra. But Marcus, with a depth of experience Arden could not yet fathom, began to dominate. The older warrior read Arden's intentions, parrying effortlessly and pressing Arden into a defensive posture. It was like trying to surprise someone who had seen every trick in the book – and written half of them.
Their dance intensified, the sound of metal clashing in rapid succession echoing throughout the yard. Marcus launched a series of strikes, each more intricate and swift than the last. Arden felt the pressure, the weight of Marcus's experience pressing him back.
As Marcus began to decipher Arden's unique style, he launched a feint to Arden's left before pivoting and striking towards the right. Anticipating this, Arden managed a swift block but was immediately met with a low sweep aimed at his legs. He jumped, narrowly avoiding the move, but this opened him up to a rapid overhead slash from Marcus.
Arden barely raised his sword in time to catch Marcus's waiting blade. The two locked eyes, both warriors' weapons pressed against one another. It was a tense moment, filled with the realization that had this been a real battle, Marcus could have ended it.
Breathing heavily, Arden chuckled, "You've got moves I've never even seen before."
Marcus, easing off and stepping back, smirked, "A mix of many lands, many battles. Every opponent teaches you something new."
Catching his breath, Arden nodded appreciatively, "Then today, you've been a most enlightening teacher. I hope to one day grasp even a fraction of your expertise."
Marcus responded with a touch of warmth in his eyes, "You presented quite the challenge. From where did you derive your techniques?"
Arden, still panting, replied, "We had a group where we practiced under an instructor periodically. "
Joining the duo, Lila's smirk betrayed her amusement. "It appears my daughter has chosen the company of a man with quite a unique past."
The gathered spectators, having keenly watched the display, burst into applause, having been thoroughly entertained by the unexpected turn of events.
"Now my dear, have you had your fun?" Lila's voice was gentle, her eyes twinkling. "Let's retire inside and continue our conversation."
They made their way to the house, a structure that Arden still couldn't help but consider a mansion. As they moved, the gentle wind and the distant chatter of the spectators faded away. The grand wooden door opened to reveal a back room bathed in a warm amber light. Someone had thoughtfully laid out an array of refreshments: crystal pitchers filled with cool water and wine, the latter catching the sunlight and glinting invitingly. Arden felt a surge of gratitude at the sight; his parched throat was eager for relief.
"Ava, would you do the honors?" Lila's voice had a hint of ceremony as she pointed to a delicate rod placed on the table. It was a close resemblance to the one they'd used in the clearing.
As Ava reached out, her fingers grazing the rod, Arden couldn't help but observe the intricate runes etched onto its surface. The moment she activated it, the air seemed to thicken, a shimmering field enveloping the room. The outside sounds were immediately muffled, leaving an almost tangible silence.
Lila, her gaze sharp and piercing, turned to Arden. "So, you noticed the shift in the atmosphere, did you? Tell me, what did you perceive?"
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Well, it certainly blocks sound. But there's more to it... It doesn't just prevent eavesdropping; the gaps in the shield are too pronounced for that. Instead, it feels like an alert system, signaling when magic attempts to breach the perimeter."
A hint of surprise flashed across Lila's face, her eyebrows arching ever so slightly. "You perceived all that?" She glanced at Ava, a silent question in her eyes. "Perhaps you can explain..."