《Stories from Talsweil - Calamity》


 Prologue - A warning

    A warning


    The signal bell was being rung, its noise sounding throughout the entire village surrounding it. This bell is only ever used to gather the villagers to a meeting. It has, however, never been rung before the majority has gone to work.


    All villagers, except for the one sounding the bell, woke up to the sound. Realizing their situation, they all got up and went towards the meeting. Normally, only one person from each household would go. That day was different however, everyone had to go.


    While gathering, there was but one topic of conversation.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°Did you also have the same dream?¡±


    ¡°That dream¡­¡±


    ¡°The warning from last night¡¯s dream¡­¡±


    A warning sent by a stranger through a dream.


    The village-meeting was unified in opinions. The warning everyone had received spoke of a calamity hitting the village by evening, so they had to escape. A warning like that, sent by someone that seemed like a powerful magician, would be foolish to ignore.


    Swiftly, the villagers prepared to travel south. They had to somehow reach the border to Reuroskohou in two days, or else, the calamity would take them.


    And take them it did. Fifty people, young and old, all passed away the moment it reached them.


    Perhaps, if the warning had reached them a day earlier, then maybe they would have had enough time to escape what became the largest corruption-outbreak to have hit the world. It took the lives of one hundred thousand people, equivalent to one third of Rohakohou¡¯s population.


    Had the outbreak not been stopped by Rohakohou¡¯s talented court-magicians, then maybe even the whole world would have turned into an empty wasteland.

 Chapter 1 - Antiques

    Antiques


    Eighty-seven cycles have passed since the greatest calamity to have hit Rohakohou was dealt with. Ever since then, a tradition came to be held on the 128<sup>th</sup> day every new cycle. The celebrations of Martin, the legendary mage, and his fellow court-magicians'' great endeavours in vanquishing the calamity.


    From the ruins of abandoned villages and towns arose new, sometimes bigger, towns. One such being Terefyu, which lies some twenty miles away from Rohakohou¡¯s capital Perefyon. The town¡¯s location is rumoured to be where the calamity was stopped from claiming more lives. Thus, for 8 days, starting at the 128<sup>th</sup> day, Terefyu is rife with celebrations. People travel from all over to watch the daily theatrics, participate in various games, buy wares from far-off places and generally enjoy the positive mood.


    When performed, the theatrical plays in Terefyu are especially popular. The plays change from day to day during the 8 days, all depicting different perspectives from the calamity. While each day gathers large audiences, the last day is always the most packed. Depicting the endeavours of Martin, from early meetings discussing the crisis, to the very end when the calamity is ended.


    ¡°We must capture it inside a crystal! Only then can we purify the corrupted mana and end this tragedy!¡± the actor playing Martin, here depicted as an older man with tattoos, yells within the council-scene. The audience is quiet, their gazes glued to the stage. Children especially looked at the tense scene with worry, having returned from other days where the plays ended tragically. Most adults are very familiar with the stories. Many of them have watched the eight-day plays ever since their childhood, yet they too appear just as invested.


    Each counsel-member in the scene agreed to permit Martin¡¯s request, which then led to the next scene portraying the preparations.


    ¡°The crystal we need is too big for any sort of travel¡­¡± Martin told his fellow court-magicians.


    ¡°But then¡­ how are we to capture it? Must we wait until the calamity reaches the capital?¡± one of the court-magicians asked.


    ¡°No, we cannot let it take any more lives. We must make a conduit¡­¡±


    ¡°A conduit Sir!? Is that not too risky?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but it is our only option¡­¡±


    Somewhere in the audience, two children stood up and left.


    The older one, a boy with long, black, curly hair covering his eyes, seemed somewhat troubled.


    ¡°Hey Anja! The best part is next, are you sure you don¡¯t want to stay?¡±


    The younger one, a short girl with two purple strands randomly having grown in her long white hair, shook her head. The boy sighed and thought to himself, ¡®I should be grateful she stayed for this long at least¡­¡¯


    Anja walked past all the celebrations and the boy anxiously followed. They entered the southernmost part of town, where celebrations are less prevalent, locally called the Old district. The boy became more relaxed when they exited the large crowds and walked up next to Anja and grabbed her hand. She looked at him but said nothing.


    They reached the centre of the Old district and walked up to a store named Marvola¡¯s Antiques. A jingle sounded from the doorbell when they entered.


    A woman walked out from a room behind a counter next to the entrance.


    ¡°Welcome¡± she said with a smile, but her expression changed after noticing the two young customers, ¡°Oh, is the play over already?¡±


    The boy shook his head, ¡°Anja decided to leave midway through¡­¡±


    Anja let go of the boy¡¯s hand and walked towards the shelves filled with trinkets and antiques. She looked at the first trinket on the shelf for a few seconds before moving on to the next and then the next one after that.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t she already go though that shelf earlier?¡± the woman asked the boy, who gave her a nod.


    The boy picked up a book from his satchel and sat down on a chair by the counter, ¡°I¡¯ll be reading here until the others are done.¡±


    She leaned over the counter, as if to try and see what the boy was reading, ¡°Speaking of, is miss Erica walking around the market area?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Symphy accompanied her while me, Kellja, Anja and Jonno stayed to watch the play.¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­ well I certainly wouldn¡¯t have been able to leave if I had been there. You really are a good brother Tserjil¡± she said to the boy.


    He opened his book and sat still for a moment, ¡°It would be bad to let her go alone¡­¡±


    She smiled ¡°Indeed¡±, then straightened herself out, ¡°Would the young master want a cup of tea?¡±


    Tserjil shook his head ¡°No, just some water.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Hmm¡­ maybe this one?¡± a woman with black, curly hair pointed at large chops of meat at a stall in Terefyu¡¯s marketplace.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The butcher who stood behind the stall looked at the meat she pointed to, ¡°Belanda mammoth? This meat is perfect for stews, amazingly tender if cooked right.¡±


    The woman turned her head over to a tall maid by her side, ¡°Let¡¯s take that one Symphy! Humla will surely make a nice stew out of it!¡±


    The maid nodded and turned her attention to the butcher, ¡°How much for the mammoth-meat?¡± meanwhile the curly-hair woman walked off to another stall.


    Once the meat had been paid for and packed into a bag, the maid carried the bag along with two others and caught up to the woman ogling a golden necklace.


    ¡°This would look good with the dress, right Symphy?¡± the woman asked her maid.


    ¡°I am sure it would, miss Erica.¡±


    ¡°Okay buy it!¡± she said before happily walking over to the next stall.


    The two of them continued through the market like that, occasionally-¡­. often buying something. In the end, Symphy was carrying six bags filled with things Erica found interesting.


    ¡°Hey Symphy, do you think the play is over by now?¡± Erica stopped to ask the maid.


    Symphy looked up at the sky, the sun could be seen just above the rooftops ¡°I believe it might be, and if not, it should almost be over.¡±


    Erica smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s go get the kids then!¡±


    ¡­


    The town-square was not as crowded as it was during the play. Those who stayed were mostly kids who played around and acting as if they were Martin from the play, heroically saving the land. The theatre-stage was being brought down, its parts brought back into the towns storage where it will be ready for the next cycle.


    Erica and Symphy arrived.


    ¡°Do you see them anywhere Symphy?¡± Erica asked while trying to look around the area herself.


    The maid gave her glasses a push then glanced around for a bit, ¡°I can see young miss Kellja and Jonno over by the fountain.¡±


    Slight concern grew in Erica, ¡°Are Tserjil and Anja not there with them?¡± Symphy shook her head and Erica scratched hers, ¡°Let¡¯s hope they haven¡¯t gone back to Salsana¡¯s¡­¡±


    They approached the two kids sitting by the fountain. The first one to notice them was a boy with blonde hair and freckled cheeks. He stood up and lightly kicked the curly, black haired girl next to him.


    ¡°Ouch! What was that for Jonno!?¡± the young girl looked at the boy with anger.


    He pointed towards Erica and Symphy who were quickly approaching them, ¡°Our moms are back, weakling¡­¡±


    The girl hit Jonno in the arm. He moved back and held his aching arm for a moment before letting it be, ¡°I barely even felt that! Weakling!¡±


    ¡°Jonno!¡± Symphy, having walked up to the kids with a fast pace, said the boy¡¯s name with a heavy tone.


    He met with Symphy¡¯s stern gaze, then the girl¡¯s, ¡°Sorry Kellja¡­¡±


    ¡°You better be, freckles¡­¡° Kellja said with a grin. The boy frowned.


    Erica reached them and walked up to Kellja, ¡°Now, do not be mean sweetie!¡°


    Kellja glared at her mother, then said with a monotone voice ¡°¡­ Hey mom, Anja left midway through the play. Tserjil went with her to that store she¡¯s obsessed with.¡±


    Erica starred blankly for a moment, processing the information her daughter just shared, then sighed ¡°Every time we¡¯re in town¡­¡±


    The young girl crossed her arms, ¡°Can we just leave those two and go home, please?¡±


    Erica ignored Kellja and looked towards her maid, ¡°Symphy, you can go and prepare the carriage home. I will go pick up Tserjil and Anja¡­¡±


    ¡°I will go and handle that now then, miss Erica¡± Symphy bowed, ¡°Young miss Kellja, Jonno, come with me.¡±


    Kellja smiled, ¡°Thank Tahwoi I won¡¯t have to go back to that store again!¡± and followed Symphy.


    In but a moment after the girl had spoken, the atmosphere around the trio turned cold when Symphy grabbed the girl¡¯s shoulder, ¡°We do not say those names in public, young miss.¡±


    Kellja¡¯s eyes went wide and quickly pointed at the boy who had absentmindedly followed his mother, ¡°Say that to freckles too!¡±


    He turned to look at the accuser, then Symphy, ¡°I never say that! Kellja is lying!¡°


    Symphy looked into the boy¡¯s eyes, ¡°We will speak of this later¡­¡±


    ¡°But momma¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts¡¯, we will not speak of this now¡± Symphy said with a strict tone before walking off towards the west part of town. Kellja¡¯s and Jonno¡¯s eyes met and the young girl stuck her tongue out. The boy didn¡¯t bother trying to get back at her, instead just following his mother.


    Erica had yet to leave the square, having witnessed the two kids quarrel while considering if she should intervene. While she watched, the petty accusation Kellja made got Erica to think, ¡®Is she blaming Jonno for the one time I slipped and said those names? I should probably speak to her about it.¡¯


    When the group of three finally disappeared from her view, she managed to slip out from the strange petrification that had come over her then slowly turned to walk in the direction towards the Old district.


    ¡­


    Erica stood before the door to Marvola¡¯s Antiques, considering if it is okay to enter or more appropriate to knock.


    ¡®What would Symphy do?¡¯


    Having pondered on that question to herself for but a moment, she opened the door and entered. The store-owner, Salsana Marvola, stood behind the counter and read a notebook. She looked up when the bell jingled and met Erica¡¯s worried expression.


    ¡°Ah- welcome miss Erica!¡± Salsana straightened herself up and bowed.


    Erica was about to talk when she spotted Tserjil on a chair next to the counter who stood up, put the book he read back into his satchel, then walked towards the far end of the store. She watched him walk off without a word.


    Her attention returned to the owner, ¡°Th- thank you for taking care of those two, Salsana. I hope they haven¡¯t caused you any trouble like that¡­¡±


    Salsana interrupted, ¡°No there has not been any trouble here at all, there is no need for you to worry!¡±


    Erica sighed and seemed to calm down, ¡°That is good to hear.¡°


    Tserjil reached the far back of the store, where he found Anja. She held a small statue in her hands, turning it around, inspecting every detail. The statue was then lightly put back on the shelf when Anja deemed it uninteresting.


    ¡°Anja¡­¡± Tserjil said her name quietly. She looked up at him, much to his surprise. He continued, ¡°Mom is here now, so we have to go.¡±


    She pouted but took his hand and followed him back to the store entrance.


    Erica saw the two kids appear from behind the shelves, ¡°There you are Anja! I was so worried when we couldn¡¯t find you back by the square!¡± she said while opening her arms for a hug. The young girls annoyed face changed into a smile. She let go of Tserjil¡¯s hand and happily jumped into Erica¡¯s embrace.


    Salsana leaned over the counter, ¡°Did you find anything interesting back there Anja?¡± she asked. Erica ended the hug, curious to know the girl¡¯s answer. Anja looked at Erica, then up at the clerk and shook her head.


    ¡°That¡¯s a bummer¡­¡± Salsana said while looking away, her expression almost breaking into a satiric smile from the sheer amount of times this has happened. The repetition of this very situation always has Erica worried. Whatever it is that Anja is looking for, they can not even really try to help her find it. Erica wants to help but communication has not been the young girl¡¯s strong-suit, rendering everyone in the dark for what is going through her mind.


    Erica sighed, ¡°We should go now, the others are waiting by the carriage¡± Anja looked at her as she stood up and started jumping while holding her arms up, ¡°I am not strong enough to carry you sweetie¡­¡±. Erica held out her hand for the young girl to grab instead. Anja took her hand with a smile.


    Erica put her other hand to heart, ¡°Thank you once again Salsana¡± she said with a small nod.


    The clerk smiled, ¡°You and your family are always welcome here, miss Erica.¡±


    With a jingle from the doorbell, the three left Marvola¡¯s Antiques.

 Chapter 2 - Afternoon

    Afternoon


    ¡°There they are!¡± Erica exclaimed upon seeing Symphy, Kellja and Jonno waving with differing levels of enthusiasm next to their carriage. Herself, Tserjil and Anja had wandered around the stable-area for a few minutes while trying to find the rest of their group through the crowds. During this time of the celebration¡¯s last day, many were preparing to return home. Merchants and travellers from far off places, however, usually wait until the day after before they leave in caravans, some also hire mercenaries for protection.


    Once the three came closer to their ride home, Kellja entered the carriage with haste to take the best seat. Jonno was about to enter after her but couldn¡¯t before Symphy stopped him.


    ¡°Wait for the others¡± she said, which had him frowning. Erica, Tserjil and Anja were close enough to hear them.


    ¡°It is fine Symphy, there is no need for him to wait¡± Erica intervened.


    The maid looked at her and slightly bowed, ¡°I am sorry miss Erica. However, I think it is important that my son learns proper manners for his position.¡±


    Not interested in waiting for the adult¡¯s permission, Tserjil and Anja entered the carriage. Watching them, Erica was thinking about whether such strict rules should be imposed on children.


    ¡®I suppose Symphy knows these things better than me, no need to question it¡­¡¯


    She turned her attention back to Symphy, ¡°I will sit in the front with you, so¡­¡±


    The maid nodded, ¡°You may take a seat Jonno.¡±


    Annoyed, Jonno slowly entered the carriage in a poor attempt to elongate the time. Symphy just stared him down, unfazed, and closed the carriage-door behind him.


    Inside the carriage, Kellja was sat furthest in by the window on the back-side with Anja glued to the window on the seat right across her on the front-side. Tserjil sat next to Anja, reading the book he had put away earlier in the store. Annoyed, Jonno sat down next to Tserjil, making the front-side of the carriage somewhat cramped.


    ¡°There is more space next to Kellja, Jonno. Or are you interested in reading with me?¡± the boy asked without looking up from his book.


    Jonno crossed his arms, ¡°It¡¯s easier to look out the window from this side¡­¡±


    ¡®Kellja will start to bother me if I sit next to her¡­¡¯ he thought to himself, the incident from earlier still fresh in his mind.


    A small sigh escaped Tserjil, ¡°¡­ well, I have a book on mana-theory if you happen to become bored of watching the scenery.¡±


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡±


    Outside the carriage, Symphy climbed up on the driver-seat. Before sitting down, she helped the high-heels wearing Erica up. Once the two of them were sat down comfortably, Symphy turned to knock the carriage wall. Tserjil knocking back from the other side, signalling that they were ready. She grabbed the reins connected to two Kohou deer, one of the larger deer-breeds, and whistled.


    Thus, they were off.


    Erica took a deep breath and gave Symphy a smile ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to see what Humla will make with all these groceries.¡±


    The maid smiled, ¡°Something that will surely fit your taste, that much is certain.¡±


    ¡°Indeed¡± Erica thought quietly for a moment, ¡°By the way, you two can still go on a break. Have you considered it?¡±


    Symphy shook her head, ¡°There is no need for that, both of us are happy to work. Also, Jonno needs to learn now when he is still young.¡±


    ¡®He¡¯s still only 3? cycles old though¡­¡¯ Erica forcefully kept her smile up while thinking, ¡®Maybe that¡¯s normal among commo-¡­¡¯


    ¡°Did young miss Anja cause any trouble at the store?¡± Symphy interrupted Erica¡¯s trail of thought.


    Erica giggled anxiously, ¡°No trouble at all, luckily.¡±


    ¡°That is good, miss Erica, that last incident must have taught her¡± Symphy¡¯s calm expression seemed to twitch just remembering. Erica became tense.


    Symphy noticed, ¡°I am very sorry miss Erica. I should not have brought that up¡­¡±


    ¡°Salsana is too kind for this world¡± she mumbled.


    ¡­


    After getting quite a distance away from Terefyu, Anja could no longer see the town from the window next to her. Dissatisfied, the girl stood up and went over to the carriage-door¡¯s window which didn¡¯t have a glass cover. Anja stuck her head out, looking oh so longingly back at the town.


    Find me¡­


    ¡°Get out of the way Anja!¡± an annoyed Jonno shouted to the young girl. With a sad expression, she went back to her seat.


    Tserjil gave Anja a nudge, ¡°We will return to town the next moon, so don¡¯t be sad.¡± She pouted and crossed her arms in response.


    ¡°Freaking weirdo¡­¡± Kellja sneered. Anja looked at her, still pouting. Tserjil and Jonno said nothing, even acting as if they never heard her say that.


    Angry when she didn¡¯t get any sort of response, Kellja instead shouted, ¡°Anja is a freak!¡±


    ¡°Come on Kellja, we¡¯re trying to rel-¡­¡± Tserjil started speaking until Jonno interrupted.


    ¡°You¡¯re the freak.¡±


    A knock came from the front of the carriage, ¡°Do not fight in there, kids!¡± Erica shouted with a strange tone, ¡°If we hear any of you causing trouble back there, none of you will receive sweets!¡±


    Kellja clicked her tongue.


    ¡°Stop causing trouble now¡­¡± Tserjil said to his rowdy sibling.


    ¡°Me? Anja is the one that causes trouble¡± Kellja said, her face contorted in disgust.


    The now annoyed Tserjil sighed, ¡°Stop being such a bully. Unlike you, Anja clearly never meant to cause others harm.¡±


    ¡°¡­ may Tahwoi take you¡± Kellja mumbled. Tserjil couldn¡¯t care less about the hurtful remark, being leagues more interested in reading his book.


    While the kids settled down, Erica, in frustration, had her hands pressed to her face.


    ¡°Miss Erica¡­¡± Symphy looked at her, worried.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe her¡­ how did it come to this¡­ where did I go wrong¡­ she used to be so sweet¡­¡± the horrified mother mumbled.


    Symphy cleared her throat, ¡°She¡­ if you don¡¯t mind me saying this¡­¡±


    Erica calmed slightly and turned to look at the maid, ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I was thinking that she reminds me of you, when you were that young¡­¡± Symphy said while avoiding her friend¡¯s eyes.


    Hearing that, Erica thought for a few seconds, ¡°True¡­ I was not that pleasant myself.¡±


    The maid took a deep breath and said, ¡°I¡¯m sure she will come around and become as sweet a lady as yourself¡± then smiled.


    Erica giggled, ¡°Thank you, we can hope.¡±


    ¡­


    Over an hour had passed since they left Terefyu. Erica and Symphy were happily chatting with each other, while the kids stayed relatively quiet inside the carriage. Kellja had picked down a pillow from above the seats and rested, which had the other three quite relieved.


    Jonno was still looking at the scenery outside, his eyes barely stayed open as he grew tired. Tserjil still read his book with Anja leaning in next to him, seemingly also trying to read.


    The carriage was passing by one of the many fields where farmers were getting as much work in for the day as possible, when Jonno eyes went wide.


    He pointed at something flying above the forest across the field, ¡°Is that a Hippogryph!?¡±If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Fern hell teh fuhrei¡± Tserjil mumbled without looking up from his book, ¡°It¡¯s a common gryphon unfortunately. There¡¯s a scar across its left eye, I recon it was attacked by a stronger male since it¡¯s mating-season.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s cruel¡­¡± Jonno frowned.


    ¡°Not the cruellest out there though¡± Tserjil added, ¡°but I won¡¯t tell you about that now¡­¡±


    ¡®Crueller than fighting over something dumb like that?¡¯ Jonno thought to himself. He was pondering the question for a bit, then realized something else entirely.


    ¡°Was that a new spell you used? I don¡¯t recall us learning it at home yet¡­¡± Jonno asked Tserjil.


    He was quiet for a while before answering, ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡­ I learned it from a book¡­¡±


    Unsatisfied with the answer, Jonno continued with another question, ¡°Which book?¡±


    ¡°Actually, I forgot which book it was.¡±


    Jonno frowned, ¡°You never forget about your books¡­ at least¡± he held his hands in a begging position, ¡°teach me that spell when we get home please!¡±


    Tserjil sighed, ¡°You know I don¡¯t have that authority, ask mother or sir Jorwen.¡±


    Anja interrupted by tugging at Tserjil¡¯s arm and put her finger on the book he was reading, wiggling the page.


    ¡°Ah- sorry I¡¯ll turn it¡± he turned over to the next page. Jonno looked at them, ¡®Can¡¯t even share his discoveries¡­ damn genius!¡¯ then leaned back on the seat and turned his gaze back to the scenery outside. One landmark caught his attention, a tall hill topped by an old tree.


    ¡°Oh, we¡¯re entering Fader-territory now¡± he mumbled. ¡®Almost home, I¡¯ll ask Jorwen then.¡¯


    Anja looked out the window and smiled, then reached her hand over to Jonno.


    He wondered what thought might be on her mind, ¡°You¡¯re happy to be getting home? But you were so sad about leaving¡­¡± She nodded vigorously. Jonno frowned, ¡°You¡­ you really don¡¯t make sense at all.¡±


    Tserjil took Anja¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°You¡¯re looking forward to dinner?¡± which made her smile even more while shaking her brother¡¯s hand.


    Jonno frowned, ¡°So that¡¯s all she wants¡­¡± then turned to look out the window to hide the smile he held back.


    The carriage was nearing a crossroad, one road went left while the other continued straight for only a bit before it ended by a gate made of Wolberrian felbroth-steel.


    Atop the gate was a sign, Fader manor, the carriages destination.


    Before they even passed the crossroad, the gate began to open.


    Erica stared in the gate¡¯s direction, ¡°How perceptive¡­ is Ukoan on duty right now?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Symphy was quiet for a moment before adding, ¡±miss Erica.¡±


    The gate was open for them to pass through when they reached it.


    A man with a short beard stood by the road, he nodded at Symphy when their eyes met. Unlike any of the carriage¡¯s passengers, the man had antennas atop his head. Next to him stood a dog, it also with antennas that swayed while the tail waved excitedly.


    ¡°Anything new since we left, Ukoan?¡± Symphy asked.


    He nodded again, ¡°Sir Jorwen was summoned to a meeting in the capital, supposedly urgent. Other than that, nothing much¡± he said and shrugged.


    ¡°Did he mention how long he will be away?¡± Erica asked with a troubled expression.


    Ukoan shook his head, ¡°Ask back at the mansion, I only spoke with Sir Jorwen as he passed through here.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Erica was about to say something but stopped.


    When Erica didn¡¯t finish up a sentence Symphy nodded at Ukoan, wished him good luck for the rest of his shift then signalled the deer to continue forward.


    As the carriage began to move, Anja was waving at Ukoan from behind the carriage-window. When he turned around without noticing her, she sat down with her arms crossed while pouting.


    ¡°Jonno¡± Tserjil said, ¡°I think I can help you learn that spell later, if you¡¯re still interested.¡±


    The younger boy looked at his peer, his eyes lit with excitement, ¡°Of course I am! Thank you!¡±


    Tserjil smiled, ¡®It¡¯s better that I help than let him wait for Jorwen to return¡¯.


    Anja leaned forward, no longer sulking over Ukoan, and smiled at Jonno. He starred back at her, ¡°Huh, what now?¡± he asked before she leaned back and excitedly swung her feet back and forth.


    ¡°Uh, hm... are you still reading, or should I turn the page?¡± Tserjil asked her, she shook her head, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡­


    The mansion stood tall before them as they parked the carriage.


    ¡°Welcome home miss Erica¡± a maid said as she bowed, her curly and long golden hair almost reaching the ground. Another maid took Erica¡®s hand and helped her to the ground.


    ¡°Thank you Seyi¡± she said with a smile to the maid, then looked at the one bowing and gave her a nod towards the carriage-door. The maid acted quickly and walked over to let the kids out. Symphy got off the carriage by herself and walked over to Seyi.


    ¡°Go and un-pack the meats and greens to their respective storages, and then move the carriage to the stable when you are done¡± she instructed her


    ¡°I will handle it¡± Seyi said before she went to work.


    ¡°Welcome home young master Tserjil, young miss Kellja, young miss Anja and Jonno¡± the other maid said as she helped the kids out.


    Tserjil was the first to exit, ¡°Thanks¡± he said while she gave an appreciative nod. Anja jumped out and waved before walking up to Tserjil.


    ¡°Wake up Kellja...¡± Jonno said with an annoyed tone.


    ¡°No¡° she murmured.


    He turned to the maid by the carriage-exit and gave her a pleading look. She smiled sympathetically, then waved for him to come.


    ¡°Thank you Lelitte!¡± he smiled.


    ¡°We can¡¯t always follow the rules¡± she whispered with a smile.


    As Jonno ran after the other two, the maid waited before asking Kellja ¡°Young miss, do you want to head to the stable?¡±


    She was quiet for a moment, ¡°Yeah...¡°


    ¡°I will tell Seyi then¡± Lelitte said before closing the carriage-door.


    Symphy picked some bags filled with dresses and jewellery, then followed Erica and the kids who had already entered the mansion. The lobby had been lit up with crystals, as the sun and its child had begun to set. The crystals had three differently coloured glows to them, suggesting three people had helped lighting them up.


    While Erica was walking to the right towards the kitchen, likely to meet Humla, the kids and Symphy walked up the wide staircase in the centre of the lobby. The maid walked to the left down the hallway on the second floor while the kids continued up another staircase to the third floor.


    ¡°Do you have time to teach me now?¡° Jonno asked Tserjil.


    He was quiet for a moment, then answered ¡°I think we have some time before dinner, should probably be enough...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a simple one?¡±


    ¡°I think so...¡° he said, uncertainty haunting his tone.


    The three of them walked to the furthest corner of the third floor left-wing, where a smaller staircase led them to the fourth floor. That floor was mostly filled with furniture used by older generations which no one wanted to throw away nor put where others could see them. A good place for some peace and quiet.


    They sat down on a mountain of pillows near one of the few windows, a place where they had relaxed many times before. Anja reached into an old cupboard next to her and picked out a book, which she went on to read.


    Tserjil took out a notebook and pen from the same cupboard, then wrote down some words.


    ¡°So, you know ¡®hell¡¯ and ¡®teh¡¯ right?¡° he asked Jonno. The younger boy nodded.


    Tserjil continued, ¡°The word ¡®fern¡¯ means something like... to point out, more or focus¡± he wrote down what he explained while talking, ¡°and ¡®fuhrei¡¯ means eyes or sight. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, so you just focus in on one thing far away?¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡± Tserjil ripped the page he wrote on from the notebook and handed it to Jonno, ¡°Focus far and see is what I would translate the spell to.¡±


    Jonno thought for a moment, ¡°Sounds simple...¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it really is now that I think about it¡± Tserjil said as he massaged his neck, ¡°and it should be easy to practice up here.¡±


    ¡°Right! I¡¯ll master it here and now!¡± Jonno almost yelled, barely containing his excitement.


    ¡°Good luck¡± Tserjil smiled before again picking up the book he had been reading all day.


    ...


    Symphy rang a bell out in the courtyard. After a while, Erica¡¯s three kids all gathered in the dining-room. The table was set with four plates and chairs ready for the family. Erica was already present in the room, ready to take her seat. Tserjil and Anja arrived not long after the bell rang, while Kellja took some time.


    When all four of them sat down, Symphy rung a small bell. A few trays carrying dinner were rolled in by a chubby woman, followed by Jonno who carried a single plate with pastries. He put the plate down on the table where everyone could reach it, while the chubby woman started serving from the tray. Each person received a different sized portion, Tserjil and Anja¡¯s being similar while Erica¡¯s was slightly smaller and Kellja had the smallest.


    Working or waiting; they were all quiet, adhering to proper dinner-etiquette.


    The chubby woman finished by filling up everyone¡¯s glasses, then her and Jonno both walked back to the kitchen. Symphy rung the small bell again before walking out from the room herself, and so the family started eating.


    ¡°Tomorrow we¡¯ll get to try Belanda mammoth¡± Erica said, breaking the silence. Anja looked up at her, seemingly wondering what manner of thing she spoke of.


    ¡°Would be interesting to see one of those someday¡± Tserjil said.


    Erica looked at him, ¡°That¡¯s quite the journey...¡°


    ¡°Yeah¡± he said, ¡°I had some ideas of maybe travelling there while passing the Wolberrian marshes.¡°


    The mother thought for a few seconds then made a displeased expression, ¡°You would have to pass through Tahwoi-worshipping territories then...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve decided against it¡± he quickly said.


    ¡°Good¡± Erica smiled.


    Anja was the first to finish her portion, while Kellja was first to leave the dining room. And once the other two finished, Anja left the table and entered the kitchen where Jonno and the chubby woman were.


    Inside the kitchen stood another, smaller dinner table which Jonno was cleaning. The chubby woman stood by a desk and wrote some notes. Two antennas atop her head twitched, and she turned around to look at the youngster approaching.


    ¡°Did you enjoy the food Anja?¡± she asked with a smile. The girl nodded.


    Tserjil came into the kitchen, ¡°Thank you Humla for the food¡± he said while approaching Jonno.


    ¡°You¡¯re very welcome young master!¡±


    The younger boy looked up at his peer and frowned, ¡°I have to help out down here¡± he whispered once Tserjil was close enough.


    ¡°Oh¡­ I see¡± Tserjil said while scratching his neck. Since his plans of teaching Jonno more had been postponed, he turned and walked over to Humla and Anja. The young girl was watching him with a smile.


    ¡°Shall we go out into the garden and read?¡± he asked her. She looked at him for a few seconds before nodding, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go then.¡±


    Before they walked off, Humla pat Anja on the shoulder, ¡°Here¡° then handed an extra pastry to the youngster. The two smiled at each other before Anja went after Tserjil.


    ...


    The sun and its child had already set beyond the horizon, so naturally only the night sky and its pale orb was out to shine. To make reading easier however, Tserjil brought with them a bag of crystal, which he began filling with mana when they reached a cosy place to sit in the garden. The crystals gave off a bright pink glow, which worked well enough for reading, but Tserjil did not look content.


    He looked at Anja while holding an empty crystal in his hand, ¡°Are you sure you still don¡¯t want to try and fill one of these?¡±


    She frowned and shook her head in an exaggerated manner.


    ¡°Too bad, I really like purple, much better than pink...¡±


    The two of them opened their respective books while reading quietly, with no distractions.


    From the second floor of the mansion, Erica watched the them. The grin on her mouth would suggest that she¡¯s content, but her wrinkled forehead instead showed concern. Even though their conversation at dinner had been brief, she couldn¡¯t help but think of it.


    ¡®Neither he or Anja would safely be able to pass through Tahwoi-worshiping territories, they stand out too easily. I hope they realise that...¡®


    Symphy came walking down the hallway towards her, ¡°Miss Erica, I¡¯ve asked around and it seems no one knows how long Sir Jorwen will be gone¡­¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± was Erica¡¯s reaction, not even bothering to look at the maid.


    ¡°Miss Erica...¡± Symphy got concerned, ¡°Are you feeling well?¡±


    She turned to the maid, ¡°I¡¯m fine, just getting tired I guess.¡°


    Symphy was quiet for a moment, ¡°If you need help tucking in, I can go and ask any of the other maids to come.¡±


    Erica smiled, ¡°That sounds like a good idea¡± she was about to walk past the maid before turning around, ¡°I¡¯d prefer if you send Lelitte.¡±


    The maid bowed, ¡°Understood.¡±

 Chapter 3 - Manners

    It was early morn on the 159<sup>th</sup> day when a carriage escorted by knights arrived at Fader manor. The carriage bore Rohakohou¡¯s royal sigil depicting a deer and the Mage alliance¡¯s mark of Hallwoi. The group was granted entry to the manors.


    As the carriage parked outside the mansion itself, Symphy alone was prepared to greet the arrival. She was about to open the carriage-door when one of the passengers opened it from inside. A formally dressed man exited.


    His tired gaze met Symphy¡®s, ¡°I need some tea...¡±


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, she turned heel and hurried to meet his request.


    The man waved farewells to his fellow passengers as the carriage begun to roll off on a journey further south.


    He soon wobbled into the mansion¡¯s kitchen to see if his request was done.


    ¡°When did you last rest, sir?¡° Symphy asked him as she handed over a cup.


    ¡°It¡¯s more appropriate to ask when I last had a good night¡¯s sleep... which was the night before I left. Haven¡¯t had a chance to sleep for longer than one or two hours at a time.¡°


    ¡°Has it really been that hectic?¡°


    ¡°What do you think? My role has not been easy.¡°


    Symphy poured the tea into his cup, ¡°I see. You should probably take a nap then before returning to your usual duties.¡°


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t know if I can handle holding a lesson now. Will you tell the Countess?¡° he smelled his tea and took a small sip, relaxing as the warmth passed down his throat.


    ¡°I will tell her¡± Symphy said while nodding.


    He forced on a smile, ¡°Thank you¡± then walked off towards his room.


    On his way up the stairs to the second floor he was stopped by Tserjil.


    ¡°Welcome back Malse¡± Tserjil said.


    He turned to face the boy, ¡°Not going to call me sir?¡±


    Tserjil scratched his neck ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was necessary right now, sorry sir.¡±


    ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t matter to me personally. But in the future, it¡¯s important that your always address people with their appropriate titles¡± Malse said as he continued up the stair.


    As his tutor left, Tserjil sighed before entering the kitchen. Symphy noticed him.


    ¡°Young master, why are you up this early?¡±


    He stood quiet for a few seconds before answering, ¡°I noticed that sir Jorwen arrived.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes indeed. Did you happen to overhear our conversation?¡±


    He nodded, ¡°We had other plans for today anyway, so there won¡¯t be an issue.¡±


    ¡°Do you now¡­¡± Symphy smiled.


    ¡°Secret plans¡± he smiled back.


    Symphy straightened herself out, ¡°You¡¯ve heard this many times before, but remember not to venture out too far. Now, do you want breakfast, young master?¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Fetch!¡± Jonno shouted as he threw a pen. White and purple hair disappeared into the bushes after it. Many sticks could be heard breaking at the total disregard for what was in her way.


    Minutes passed.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have thrown it there¡­¡± Tserjil said, annoyed.


    Jonno shrugged, ¡°She looked like she wanted a challenge¡­¡±


    The two of them sat on a stone, watching the dense shrubbery for movement.


    ¡°Should we look for her?¡± Jonno asked, worried.


    Tserjil stood up, ¡°No, she¡¯s on her way back now.¡±


    Jonno looked up at him, grimaced but said nothing before he too stood up.


    A being that could only be described as a shrubbling emerged from the shrubbery, holding a broken and dirty pen up to Jonno. He looked at the pen, then tried to look for the girl¡¯s face under the muddy hair and leaves that had stuck to it.


    ¡°Anja¡­¡± he sighed, then wiped her hair back to reveal the smile underneath, ¡°You can keep the pen.¡±


    She pouted, then threw the pen back into the shrubbery.


    Tserjil then held out his hand to her, ¡°Anja, can you walk me please.¡±


    From pouting she went back to smiling and grabbed his hand, muddying it. Tserjil didn''t mind.


    They continued through the forest until they reached a tall hill. Tserjil and Jonno were panting halfway up the hill, while Anja seemed unbothered. They reached the old tree on top of the hill and sat down next to the thick trunk. Jonno unpacked snacks from a satchel and distributed them equally between the three of them. Anja happily began chewing hers down while Tserjil decided to wait.


    ¡°There doesn¡¯t seem to be anyone around so can you help me get my earbinds off?¡± he asked Jonno while brushing his hair up into a ponytail.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The boy shrugged and responded, ¡°If you think it¡¯s okay, of course¡° then got up and walked over to help. Tserjil let go of his hair so his hands wouldn¡¯t be in the way. Jonno untucked the band attached to rings at the tips of Tserjil¡®s long ears, then put his hair up with the band.


    With his ears free, he moved them around a little, ¡°That¡¯s better, they were starting to hurt since I forgot to take it off before bed yesterday.¡°


    ¡°That sounds uncomfortable...¡± Jonno said with a grimace. Once again in his life he appreciates not being born with ears like that, far as he knows there are mostly downsides. He¡¯d much rather have antennas like his mother.


    Feeling comfortable, Tserjil took a bite of his snacks after having enjoyed their fragrance. Things always seemed to taste best when they sat by the tree, even though there was one last company they lacked, probably for the best. She¡¯s not been the same since last autumn.


    Anja had finished her snacks and began removing the now dry mud from her hair and clothes. Jonno gave her a helping hand and together they managed to remove most, leaving only discoloured patterns from the mud that had soaked in.


    ¡°Hopefully that can be washed away¡­¡± he said, uncertain and weary. Her clothes were much more luxurious than any the servants had and the thought that he might be responsible for destroying them were troubling.


    She looked him in the eye, pat his shoulders then jumped happily in place.


    Jonno worked his brain, trying to interpret her charades, ¡°You had fun?¡± and she nodded vigorously. He smiled, happy that he was able to understand for once.


    They didn¡¯t stay for much longer on the hill. Just before leaving, Jonno helped Tserjil fasten the earbinds.


    As the two younger kids started walking down the hill, Tserjil waited a bit and whispered something when they couldn¡¯t hear. He then followed.


    ¡­


    A three-legged rodent was struggling through a pile of hay in the stable.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± a girl wondered out loud while watching the small creature with a concerned expression. She grabbed it just before it disappeared.


    ¡°Just let it be, Kellja. It won¡¯t leave the stable anyway¡± an older boy brushing a young deer said. She listened and let go of the rodent.


    ¡°How did it even lose a leg?¡± she asked him.


    He sighed, ¡°How would I know? It probably lost it out in the woods somehow before finding safety here.¡±


    She looked at him as he talked but her mind was absent. Once she snapped back from her thoughts, she walked over to the young deer he was brushing and pat it.


    He stopped brushing and looked up at her, ¡°Do you want to try?¡±


    Kellja shook her head.


    She was about to leave the stable when he stopped her, ¡°If you see my mom, tell her I¡¯ll stay here until late tonight.¡±


    She agreed to his request and left.


    The weather was pleasant. She recalled her brother mentioning taking a walk through the forest, which she used to go along on all the time. Her, Tserjil and freckles. She would always help her brother read his books when he was tired. They spent many good times together until Anja appeared.


    She hated how that girl acted, and somehow everyone had changed for the worst since she came into their lives.


    Kellja arrived at the mansion and entered. She met Seyi, who was dusting off some decorations by the entrance-hall.


    ¡°Hey Seyi¡± Kellja greeted the maid, who turned around.


    ¡°Welcome back young miss Kellja¡± she bowed.


    ¡°Jeph wanted me to tell you that he won¡¯t be back for dinner¡± she quickly said before turning heel and walking away.


    The maid said something, probably her appreciations, but Kellja didn¡¯t bother to listen. She had other things to do. No more distractions.


    ¡­


    The next day, during midday, the Fader-children and Jonno had gathered in the garden along with Erica, Symphy and Malse. It was their first lesson since the celebrations in Terefyu.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve been studying well¡± Malse told Kellja, who was smiling proudly.


    They were sitting on a blanket, the four kids holding a notebook each. Malse had just read through Kellja¡¯s notes, the third of the group to have her read. Both Jonno and Tserjil hadn¡¯t written much in their books, or well, in Tserjil¡¯s case it was blank.


    Jonno felt a bit ashamed about not having studied much, spending the time their teacher was away as a small vacation. He usually worked hard to compete with Kellja for the most praise.


    Malse looked at Anja, who was scribbling on in her notebook.


    ¡°May I?¡± he asked her, while holding out his hand. She looked up at him and smiled, handing her notes over.


    There were no notes, however. Not surprising Malse, all that had been scribbled onto the pages where unintelligible lines that looked like poor attempts at writing. No matter his efforts, she still couldn¡¯t even form the simplest of letters.


    Malse often wondered weither she really couldn¡¯t write or if it¡¯s intentional. He is leaning on the former, but the latter would make him more hopeful.


    He gave her a weak smile, then handed back the notebook.


    ¡°While there is slim to no improvements, your efforts are endearing...¡± when he said that, Anja looked at him with an expression that was hard to read. She somehow looked disappointed.


    Having looked through the four kids notes, Malse cleared his throat, ¡°So, I have an idea of what we can study today. In your case though, Kellja, a few of the things you¡¯ve studied will be repeated. I will try to keep it fresh though.¡±


    The teacher went through a pile of books next to him and picked up a thin one.


    ¡°Ninety cycles ago, the new Empress of Helmelidro started her conquest after leaving the Kohou alliances. Though they are still ¡®allied¡¯ and wont attack any of the Kohous, there are no expectations to provide military support from either party. What sort of benefits do we share with Helmelidro?¡± he hadn¡¯t yet opened the book, but provided that short summary and question from memory.


    Kellja was quick to answer, ¡±Ease of trade and travel.¡±


    Malse smiled, ¡°That and-¡°


    ¡°-we share research¡± Tserjil finished. The teacher nodded.


    The lesson went on, Malse going through the differences brought about in the country with the new Empress rise to power and her continued leadership in present day.


    While the others were talking, Anja watched as butterflies flew about the garden around them. Erica was looking at the girl from the bench her and Symphy sat on not far from the kids. She recalled how during Anja¡¯s first few lessons, they would try to make her to participate. When they quickly noticed that she struggled with participating, they stopped. Erica had a feeling that the girl was listening anyway, despite looking distracted.


    Humla walked out a backdoor leading to the kitchen, carrying a tray of desserts. Anja was the first one to notice her, quickly jumping to her feet and approaching the maid. With a smile, she was handed one of the desserts.


    ¡°Enjoy¡± Humla said. Anja nodded, then walked back to the others. When Kellja and Jonno noticed her holding a dessert, they too hurried over to grab one. With most of the weight now removed from the tray, Humla had an easier time carrying it to Tserjil and Malse, who still sat on the blanket. Unlike the younger three, the latter two thanked the maid for the desserts.


    Only one dessert was left on the tray, which Humla brought over to Erica.


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ll pass¡± she said.


    ¡°Do you want to save it for later?¡± Humla asked. Erica did not think long, promptly refusing it.


    With that answered, Humla turned her gaze to Symphy and smiled.


    The other maid smiled back, then looked at Erica.


    ¡°I won''t mind¡± the countess quickly said.


    Symphy took the last dessert from the tray, ¡°Thank you honey.¡±


    When the lessons finished, Jonno spoke of the disappointing lack of practical training.


    Malse sighed, ¡°There is no need for that every lesson, Jonno. Also, I thought it best to focus on political study now that you have had such a long break.¡±


    The young boy pouted.


    ¡­


    Summer passed.


    Autumn passed.


    Late winter, on the 868<sup>th</sup> day. It was the day of preparation. After the end of the current cycle, the Faders would spend the next one celebrating the coming of age for all three of the kids. Even though Tserjil would have celebrated his much earlier, they decided to wait so that they wouldn¡¯t have to spend two cycles celebrating.


    Erica and Jorwen spent the whole day planning while the kids received their first break for winter. Anja was spending the whole day outside, playing around in the snow alone. The other kids were inside, tired of winter and doing their best to pass the time.


    The lone girl outside was lying flat on her back in the snow, looking up at the sky with a melancholic expression. The Faders haven¡¯t had the time to visit Terefyu since the celebrations early in the current cycle, so she was looking forward to the 128<sup>th</sup> day of next cycle. But that was some time off.


    In her melancholy Anja watched as the large, purple eye in the sky moved about. It was looking for something. The snow around her was dark and empty, a vast black sea ready to swallow anything it touched.


    She floated about in the sea.


    A tall human-like figure walked past, not bothered by the sea.


    Is this your space? The figure asked Anja. But she couldn¡¯t speak. No words existed.


    The tall figure wandered on, the eye in the sky watching until it disappeared.


    ¡°Young miss!¡± someone shouted. Anja sat up and looked towards the mansion, where Symphy stood by the open backdoor. She waved at the maid with a smile.


    ¡°You should come inside, it¡¯s almost dinner!¡± and with that, the girl¡¯s spirit was lifted from whatever state she was in. Running towards Symphy and the warmth of the mansion, the sky above her was white with light snowfall.