Chapter 15
The princess pestered him with questions as they walked back to town. Well, he walked while she rode on Vaettr. “How do you have an inventory? Why do you have a hell cat for a pet?” were among the few she fired off in quick succession.
Sighing in frustration, Xane set about answering her questions as best he could.
“I’ve had inventory for as long as I can remember.”
“What about your hell cat, what is her name again? Vetter?” she asked.
“I found her as a baby and raised her. And her name is Vaettr.” Xane replied, trying his best to keep the irritation from his voice.
“You’re a child who can use healing. How is that possible?”
Xane just shrugged, not wanting to tell the girl he had met a goddess who had given him his abilities. Instead, he asked her a question of his own. “What’s a princess doing out here? Shouldn’t you be home in your palace?”
The princess went silent for a moment, and Xane could feel her eyes on his back. He was about to say something when she answered.
“I was sent here to meet with the one who discovered the kingdom’s new mithril mine and offer our gratitude.” Xane’s eyes went wide as his mouth became dry.
“Oh” was all he said before falling silent and letting the girl continue to ramble. Almost an hour later, they stepped out of the trees to find a commotion at the town gate. The princess gasped as she slid off Vaettr’s back and ran toward those gathered. Xane could only click his tongue as he followed after her.
When he got close enough, he found the girl was kneeling next to a woman in shining armor laying on a stretcher with an arrow sticking out of her stomach. Tears stained the princess’s cheeks as she clutched at the woman’s hand.
“Someone please help her.” She cried. Captain Alder’s wife Mary kneeled beside her.
“I’m sorry we can’t remove the arrowhead, if we heal her while it''s still inside…” the woman trailed off. Hearing that, the princess lost all sense of composure and started bawling like a baby. Xane’s eyes swept over the woman and he noticed the arrow shaft was bent and cracked just above where it entered her body.
“Cut it out and then heal her.” He found himself saying. Everyone gathered turned to him with incredulous looks.
“Xane we can’t do that. Healing potions will only do so much, and this is beyond what they can do.” Mary said, as she tried to suppress the tears in her eyes.
“I… can heal.” He said. Seeing the look she was giving him, he pulled his knife and cut a wide gash on his arm. Before anyone could fully react, he was already channeling the golden light of his healing into the wound. A moment later, everyone watched it close up before their eyes.
The princess grabbed him by his freshly healed arm, her eyes sweeping over where the wound was moments before. Fixing him with her gaze, she asked. “Please, I beg of you. Please heal Talliah.” Xane looked around and found many expectant eyes fixed on him. Nodding in acceptance, he knelt down next to the wounded woman with his knife in hand.
Taking a deep breath, he sunk the tip of the blade into the wound and dragged the blade down, opening up the woman’s stomach with one hand as he kept a grip on the bloody stub of the arrow shaft protruding from her gut. Setting the blade aside, he worked the head of the arrow free of the flesh and began pouring healing energy into the gapping wound. Slowly the flow of blood became a trickle as her punctured innards healed over. A feeling of lightheadedness swept over him as his mana drained away. With his free hand, he reached into his bag and fished out a potion, dropping it as his mana bottomed out.
The princess, apparently recognizing the pale blue potion, quickly snatched the bottle off the ground. Ripping the stopper free, she brought it to his lips and helped him to drink it. Within seconds, the sputtering light of his healing flared brightly, renewed by the fresh infusion of mana. After a few more minutes of him channeling his healing and another mana potion, the woman’s wound had closed.
Before he could collapse from the exhaustion that he felt, he found himself being hugged tightly by the girl and she cried into his shoulder.
“Thank you, Xane…” She said between her sobs. On the ground, the woman began to stir.
Once again, Xane found himself sitting on the stool as Marcus watched him. Left alone with his thoughts, he finally felt the weight of the day’s events. Tears welled up in his eyes when his thoughts stopped at the memory of the four dead men. It didn’t matter that they had kidnapped a girl or that they were about to kill him. He had stilled killed them, and once again had blood on his hands. Before he knew it, Xane had his face buried in his knees as he cried.
He didn’t know how long he sat like that, curled up into a small ball atop the stool. He didn’t even remember when the quartermaster had tried to speak with him. All he knew was that somewhere deep down, he had lost a piece of himself.
Eventually his sister came to collect him after having a hushed conversation with the man. With tears still falling down his cheeks, he clutched Delores’ hand as they left. Walking in silence, they eventually came to a stop as she crouched in front of him.
“Xane, I know you have the mind of an adult, but you are still a child. I know you went through something horrible today. Just know that no one thinks badly of you because of it. You did what you needed to do in order to survive.” She said before hugging him tightly as he began to sob into her shoulder. Eventually his tears ended, and he pulled away.
“Feeling better?” she asked, while he wiped his face with the back of his sleeve.
Nodding to her, he took a deep breath and sighed.
“Xane, the princess and her guard are going to have many questions. Questions that I won’t be able to answer because of my oath.”
“It’s okay. You can tell them what you need to.” He said, accepting prompt to absolve her of the oath when it appeared. “Here, I’m sure you want this back.” She said, handing him back his satchel.
“As I have said, Lady Strom, Xane just showed up in town a year ago. We have no idea where he came from or how he got here.” Mayor Unger was saying when Xane and Delores entered the room. “Ah, the young man himself. Lady Strom, this is Xane and his sister, Sergeant Cartwright.”
“Sister?” the woman knight asked, looking the two of them over. “I thought you said he was alone.”
“I adopted him, your Ladyship. It’s… a long story.” Delores said, pausing at the end.
“I’m told that this… child not only rescued the princess and killed four bandits. But also can use healing spells?” the knight asked, unable to accept what had happened. “How is that possible?”
“It is believed that Xane has access to the system. Especially after his many deeds since his arrival.” The mayor said from where he sat behind the large table.
“Deeds?” the princess asked from where she sat hidden by the knight.
“Your highness, to date he has slayed over a score of goblins in one night. Along with the goblin lord that was in their midst. Including a fair number since that time. Fetched the herbs needed to save the Conner’s child and battled a level 50 hell cat while doing so. He is the one who discovered the mithril vein, and lastly. He is the one that saved both yourself and your personal guard.” The mayor explained while keeping his eyes on Xane. The knight’s eyes went wide as she watched him while listening to the mayor.
“What of you Sergeant Cartwright. As his adoptive sister, you would know more?” the princess asked.
“From what I have learned. Xane doesn’t remember much before he woke up in his cave north of town. It seems he was… traumatized by his family. To the point where he became fearful of women. I was the first to speak with him when he first showed up. Somehow I managed to earn his trust, your Highness”
“His cave?” the knight asked.
“It wasn’t until late fall when began living inside town.” Delores said.
“How did he manage to live on his own for so long?”
Delores took a deep breath as she glanced towards him. “Xane, is an awakened, your Ladyship” the silence was broken by the sliding of a chair. The princess stepped out from behind her guard and walked up to him. Clutching the strap of his bag with both hands, he struggled to not step back as his anxiety threatened to take hold.
“Sir Xane, I wish to thank you for saving my life and all you have done until now.” The princess said with a regal tone that differed from the way she spoke at their first meeting as she bowed.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“I too wish to thank you for saving my life as well. And on behalf of her majesty Queen Moradania, invite you and your sister to the royal palace.” The knight said as she stood and gave him a fist to chest salute. Xane looked up to Delores, then back to the expectant princess.
“When?” he asked in a low voice as he kept his eyes on the ground.
“It will be in two weeks'' time, when reinforcements arrive from the capital.” The lady knight said.
Later that night, he was alone in his room, sitting on the edge of his bed. Lost in thought, when Delores knocked on his open door. Entering his room when he didn’t answer, she sat down next to him.
“Are you going to be okay?” She finally asked. Xane took a deep breath and nodded as he worried at his hands.
“Come on, you’re sleeping in my bed tonight. I can tell it won’t do you well to be alone.” She said, placing a hand over his. Xane wanted to protest, but knew she was right. Moments later, he was laying with Delores holding him from behind falling asleep.
That night, the nightmares that usually found him when he was stressed never came. Instead, he rested peacefully throughout the entire night. The next morning, they awoke to find someone waiting outside their door.
Xane opened the door to find Charlotte standing outside shooting glares at the princess. Behind her, Vaettr sat patiently with Wraith on her head. Behind the princess stood the lady knight that was giving the cat wary glances.
“Xane!” “Sir Xane!” both girls cried out happily before shooting each other jealous glares. He was about to duck back in and shut the door when Delores came up from behind.
“Your Highness, Charlotte, what are you doing here this morning?” she asked
“I came,” both girls said in unison before stopping and glaring at each other. The lady knight glared daggers at Charlotte before Vaettr directed a low growl at her.
“Sir Xane, I came to request you escort me around town today.” The princess said first with a triumphant expression.
“I wanted to see how you are doing? Papa told me something bad happened yesterday.” Charlotte said, giving him a look of concern. Which caused the princess’ expression to fall.
“I’m fine Charlie, thank you.” He said before turning to the princess. “Your Highness, I don’t mind as long as Charlie can come along?” He said, hoping his condition would give him an out. All he wanted to do was head out and clear his head. The princess glanced over at the other girl before turning back to him.
“I believe that is acceptable.” She said with a bright smile.
For the next few hours, Xane was pulled, tugged, and practically dragged through the town’s bustling market. From time to time, he swore he heard a snicker coming from behind. Each time he turned to look, he would find the knight averting her eyes as she restrained a smile. During their time shopping together, the two girls were quickly becoming friends.
Xane managed to escape when Charlie was called away by her parents and the lady knight took the princess away for business with the mayor. Finally alone, he called for Vaettr and was rushing out the town’s gate minutes later.
The sun was high overhead, as a bank of clouds passed lazily by. Xane let out a pleased sigh as he floated into the pond. He let all thoughts of the princess, Charlie, the lady knight, or the upcoming trip to the capital. The princess, or Julianna, as she kept insisting he call her. While sweet, she had taken it on herself to try to “help” hem as she called it by sticking to his side like glue, while in town.
“…xane…”
Pausing in his musing, he would have sworn he heard someone calling him. Having gotten no warning from either Wraith or Vaettr, he quickly dismissed it. His mind had just slipped into a meditative state.
“Xane.”
There it was again, someone calling his name. But he was alone, and the only ones who knew where he lived were Delores and Thresh.
“Xane, Oh my!” The princess’ excited call turned into a started cry. Xane’s eyes snapped open as he floundered in the water before going under. Coming back up, his eyes fell on the red face of the princess standing next to a smirking knight. Spitting out a stream of water as he glared at the woman, he started walking out of the pond.
The woman’s smirk turned serious as the mark on his chest came into view. While the knight watched him, the princess had turned to face away. Looking away from the two, he stepped onto dry ground. Before the woman could take a step, four walls of stone shot up from the ground. Surrounding him and affording him a moment of privacy before they fell away. Using his inventory, he dressed in an instant.
“Good afternoon, your Highness, Lady Strom.” He said, biting back his irritation.
“Xane, how many times must I ask you to call me by name?” The princess asked.
“At least once more, your Highness.” He said, giving the girl a stiff smile. “Besides, I’m certain your knight would take my head if I dared otherwise.” He added, giving the woman a scowl. Turning, he started walking away when the knight called out.
“Boy, wait!”
“Xane.” He said, coming to a stop still facing away.
“What?”
“My name is Xane, not boy.” He said angrily, spinning around then gesturing to the girl.” She’s Princess Juliana Moradania and you are Lady Talilah Strom. Now that’s settled… just leave me alone.” He finished throwing his hands up in the air and turned away.
“Xane, I’m… sorry. You saved my life, and I failed to show you the proper respect for that.” The knight said, bowing her head to him. Letting out a deep breath, he turned back to them.
“So, if I may ask. Why are you here?” Xane asked, crossing his arms across his chest.
“I…I wanted to see your home, but was afraid to ask.” The princess said while looking down at her feet. After a few moments, he rolled his eyes and shrugged.
“Guess I don’t have a choice if her Highness requests it.” He said, clearly unhappy about it. Seeing the girl tense up at his words made him feel worse.
“Your Highness, I’m sorry for my outburst. The two of you… caught me by surprise.” He sad., getting an embarrassed smile from the girl as the knight smirked and averted her eyes.
“Thank you, Xane, but as you said. We caught you by surprise, especially so far from town.” The princess replied, accepting his apology.
“Well, if you want to see my home, it’s this way.” He said, motioning with his head to the north.
“Before that, Xane, will you let me see your sheet?” The knight asked. Xane gave her a narrowed eyed glare as he mulled over her words. Letting out a breath, he access his menus and showed her.
<table width="423">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Name
</td>
<td width="212">
Xane
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Age
</td>
<td width="212">
7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Level
</td>
<td width="212">
25
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
experience
</td>
<td width="212">
5673/26000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Hp
</td>
<td width="212">
7600
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Strength
</td>
<td width="212">
76
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Agility
</td>
<td width="212">
86
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Dex
</td>
<td width="212">
84
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Intelligence
</td>
<td width="212">
94
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Wisdom
</td>
<td width="212">
94
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Constitution
</td>
<td width="212">
76
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Defense
</td>
<td width="212">
208
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Luck
</td>
<td width="212">
15
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Mana
</td>
<td width="212">
940
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Mana regeneration
</td>
<td width="212">
94pts per sec
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Skill points
</td>
<td width="212">
33
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Skills
</td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Archery lvl 5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Compacted Mass
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Crafting lvl 3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Double Dip
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Healing lvl2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Identify lvl5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Fletching lvl2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Herbalism lvl9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Mining lvl3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Trapping lvl3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Earth Manipulation
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Animal Empathy
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Body Reinforcement lv4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Multi shot lv3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Dodge
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Night Sight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Poison immunity
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Predator''s aura lvl 2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Stealth +5 (+60)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Elven Trail
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Wall runner
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Item Granted Skills
</td>
<td width="212">
Stealth +55
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Precise Shot lvl9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
special
</td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Arrow rain lvl3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Power shot
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Boons/Blessings
</td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Amora''s enhanced blessing
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Blooded (obsidian dragon)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Soul bonded
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Spells
</td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Harden Earth lvl 5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Soften Earth lvl 5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Raise Earth lvl 5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Shape Earth lvl 4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Move Earth lvl 7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Bonded companion/s
</td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Persephone (obsidian hatchling)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Wraith (dusk raven)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212">
Vaettr (hell cat)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211"> </td>
<td width="212"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="211">
Titles
</td>
<td width="212">
Hell Cats'' Bane
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The knight''s jaw dropped mere seconds after her eyes went out of focus. Xane would have called her slow if it wasn’t for the fact he could see her eyes reading over the details multiple times. Slowly she slumped to her knees as her eyes came into focus. When they locked on him, he could see a trace of fear.
“You don’t even have a class?” the way the woman made her statement sounded more like a question.
“Yeah, I still have to wait eight years for that.” He replied, giving her a look that said, duh!
“And you have been blessed by the goddess and have blooded.” She said.
“Aw crap, I forgot to hide that.” He said with a face palm.