Chapter 14

“Prrr, well? Are you going to just stand around like a lemon, or are we going to start making our way to Madame’s dwelling?”

Cat Sith’s words brought me back to my senses. Mother said that she wanted Cat Sith to escort me to “Granny”. I hadn’t truly decided on whether I was going to involve myself with all this, but I was beginning to feel as if I didn't have much choice.

“Prrrrrr, didn’t you hear what my mistress said? It’s not safe for you here anymore. Start collecting what little belongings you can carry and let’s go. Prrrrrr, you smell so bad! I was wondering why the very sight of you irritated me, now that mistress unsealed your powers, i finally know why.”

“W-what do you mean it’s not safe? Will Caliban’s people be able to track me down now that my powers are no longer hidden?”

“Caliban? Prrrrahaha, he’s the least of your worries boy. It’s only a matter of time before, they come.”

“They?”

“The Bane”

“The what?”

“The Bane. Elementalist or Mages as you call them, attract the Elementals. Witches and Warlocks on the other hand, they attract the Bane.”

“I don’t understand?”

“Prrrr, in layman’s terms, a Bane is a creature that forms a pact with a Witch or Warlock. In exchange for sustenance, the Bane offers its services. I am said creature.”

“Ah so you’re the Bane that serves my mother?”

“Prrr, I am one of many. The amount of Bane a Witch or Warlock can have a pact with depends solely on the strength of said Witch or Warlock.”

“I-I see.”

“Prrr, it also depends on affinity, the reason why I can’t stand the sight of you is because our affinity is bad. It’s made worse by the fact that your powers were sealed for so long. The stench of your magical aura is strong. Look, I’ll prowl the perimeter and ensure that no blood thirsty Bane makes it through to you, make the necessary preparations and call for me when you’re ready to go.”

With that, Cat Sith disappeared as if he was never there to begin with. Bane huh? I took my Mother’s locket into my hand and gave it a squeeze for some reassurance. I guess it truly was no longer safe here.

I gathered some clothing and other bits and pieces and placed them inside a bag. I scurried around the house, ensured that every door was locked and made sure that all valuables that I couldn’t carry where hidden. I rounded everything off by grabbing my fathers old log book and placing it inside my bag. I had no idea what use it would be, but the sentimental value alone was enough for me to want to keep it close by.

I walked downstairs and placed my hand on the front door knob, when I remembered something or someone, Astoria. The whole reason I opened the locket, was to see if I could somehow go with Astoria to the White Mage Academy. It all felt so long ago that I almost doubled back.

I stood in place and pondered what options I had. Leaving without saying a word to anyone wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t like I had much choice. I also had to wonder whether Pendragon would be able to identify that I was a Warlock now that my powers were unsealed.

A few moments passed and I heard voices, my heart rose into my mouth. I heard Astoria and Pendragon’s voices from beyond the house gates. They were coming here, why? Why were they coming here?

“Ahahaha, this is his farm? Wow, he has a very robust growth cycle.”

“Hmph, is that so.”

What the hell are they doing here? Better yet, how long have I been gone? It feels as if it's only been a few moments but could it have been longer? I ran to the window and spotted them making their way to the front door.

“*knock* *knock* hello! Anyone home?”

Damn, what should I do? Maybe if I pretend I’m not home, they will just go away, so much for prowling the perimeter Cat Sith.

A few moments passed and the voices from behind the door disappeared, just when I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the door burst open and Astoria’s fiery expression appeared.

“I was getting tired of waiting.”

“Ahahaha, sorry to bother you but…”

Pendragon stopped mid sentence and glanced at the locket around my neck. He took one good look at me and smiled as if coming to some sort of realisation. The way he was looking at me was beginning to make me feel uneasy.

“On second thought, nevermind, come along Astoria, we’re leaving.”

“What? Isn’t he coming with us? What did we come all the way here for then?”

“Ahaha, just a pit stop on the way to the Academy, come along, we need to stop at another village on the way.”

“Wait...Could you leave us alone for a bit, Arthur.”

Astoria’s words took us both by surprise. Pendragon thought about it for a few seconds and nodded, he then proceeded to walk back toward the outskirts of the farmhouse. I invited Astoria inside and closed the door behind her. I led her into the sitting room and an awkward silence befell.

“So you’re going with him huh.”

“...”

“I’m surprised you got Gladus to come around hahaha.”

“Come with us…”

“W-what?”

“I don’t care if you have affinity or not, you should come with us. Together we can get revenge on those filthy Orc and Imp.”

Astoria had a mad look in her eyes. Her face was showing a look of pure hatred and I could tell that she was beyond the point of being reasoned with. It was out of character for her to openly make a request, so it was difficult to respond by using humour as a shield like I usually did.

“I’m sorry Astoria, but I can’t.”

“Why not!? I said that it doesn’t matter that you don’t have affinity, so why?”

Going by how Pendragon reacted to seeing my locket, I could tell that my kind wasn’t welcome in the world of Magefolk. The fact that he turned a blind eye to his realisation of my true self was troubling though.

Astoria was beginning to lose her patience and was seconds away from storming out.

“Fine! Rot on this God forsaken farm for as long as you want. This is the last time that you will see me Calcifer Hemlock, goodbye.”

Astoria got to her feet and stormed toward the front door, she took one last look at me before opening the door and slamming it behind her.

I sat back in my seat and took a deep breathe. Something told me that this wasn’t going to be the last time that I saw Astoria and Pendragon. However, it would most likely be the last time we met on somewhat friendly terms.