Chapter 6: Disturbance

Michael walked through a forest of pure green, trees blossoming in the Autumn sun as he strode along the path he had long since memorized. There was a spring in his step, an extra bounce to each bountiful stride as he walked along the path, the flower and trees seemingly appearing in front of him. This part of the forest reminded him of his long walks at home, each step seeming to verberate around him. He could feel the forest, and he knew it like the back of his hand. This was his place, his happy place, his quiet place, and his thinking place. Nothing disturbed him here, none of the worries of his new life infiltrated his little path, for he was at peace.

He opened his previously closed eyes, viewing the active wildlife that scuttled about. Fauna, rabbits, snakes, if there was an animal living in the forest, it was out today. They all ran in front of Michael, giving him quite an entertaining view. It was almost as if he was in the eye of a storm, observing the chaos around him. The animals seemed to be running with him, accompanying him with a sense of comfort that he clung to desperately, unwilling to give it up. This was very different to the other times he’d walk through these woods, as the wildlife seemed to be docile, but every animal seemed to take part in the show today.

Is someone using a spell? He asked himself. Michael wanted to thank the person for making his walk so entertaining, and he looked around for the source of the possible magic. There was no sensation, however, that there was an ongoing spell, and upon searching, found no sign of life behind him.

That’s weird He thought. If there’s no one here, then what’s causing all the ruckus? A landslide maybe? A fire? He couldn’t see or smell smoke, so that couldn’t be the case. Nothing was happening anywhere, as far as he could tell. In fact, it even seemed like the trees themselves were frozen.

A cloud slowly drifted past the sun, and suddenly the forest seemed a lot darker. The trees were no longer vibrant and full of life. They were full of mystery and the unknown, and paranoia slowly began to overtake Michael. He started to move, throwing glances over his shoulder every several steps. He had a childish fear now, that there was something in the woods, in his comforting, safe woods that was not supposed to be there. There was nothing, of course, but the fear plagued him all the same.

He could feel imaginary eyes on his back, feeling like he was constantly being stalked by some unseen figure, whom he could not find. Michael’s breathing started to intensify, adrenaline forcing his scared brain to keep moving.

There is nothing here, it’s just your silly imagination playing tricks on you. He repeated the thought in his brain as he stumbled along the rocky path, but something told him otherwise. Something in his mind screamed to RUN.

He spun around abruptly, and saw no one, as expected. His eyes drifted to the treeline, searching the bushes, the leaves, and everywhere he could think. He fell to his knees, observing where one’s feet would lie, but found no footprints, no tracks, and still no sign of life.

Standing up, he turned to leave, but at the last second, his eyes caught something. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw… something. It stood impossibly still, not fidgeting or twitching in the least. He could not even see a centimeter of it, but he could see it all the same. There was something there, something that was not allowed. Michael stared at the pitch black spot that was barely visible, wondering if this was some visual trick or his own mind tricking him. The tension was so high that he could practically feel it in the air, seeping down the back of his neck and sending a shiver down his spine.

Just as Michael was tossing the event up as a trick of his own imagination…

It moved

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Michael was jolted awake, cold sweat running down his back as he sat up in his bed. His mind was still reeling at the dream, and he reached down to grab the blanket. He missed. Concerned, he looked at his hands, and they were jittering, as if he was constantly shivering. Why am I so scared? He asked himself, this time pulling the covers off his bed, quickly changing clothes. It was just a nightmare, nothing I should be afraid of.

It had been just two weeks since he was summoned to this world, and so far, nothing significant had happened. The heroes, while they were waiting for their tutors to finally arrive, were told that they should intermingle with the people that they would journey together with, and encouraged them to explore all exponents of the castle. The visit to Solaris, the city which surrounded the castle, would come much later, when they would participate in the training with a high ranking official. As for now, Michael and the other heroes were bored, watching the King and his court work all day. They passed the time by organizing meetings amongst themselves, where they shared stories and theories on their new home, as well as the wonders of magic. No one had been able to successfully use magic so far, which was expected from novices who didn’t know where to even start.

Despite their failed attempts at magic, the heroes were very enthusiastic, and rather eager to learn this mind-bending ability. Mrs Hill even remarked once, “If only you had this energy during my classes, you all would’ve done so much better!” Speaking of Mrs Hill, She was very responsible when it came to overseeing and organizing the other heroes. As the only adult in the group, and one very experienced at whipping 16 year old slackers into shape, she became the one most of the heroes listened to.

Mrs Hill was very friendly with the students, helping them whenever they got sad or lonely, assisting in learning the history of the Aldenian Kingdom, if one of them had a task they needed help with, she was there.

Michael had just finished his morning rituals when he heard a knocking at the door. Instantly, his face turned to a frown, but he opened the door anyways. It was Alrune, the chief scientist accompanied by a rather gruff looking man. He was in his late twenties, perhaps early thirties, but he gave off the presence of wisdom. His eyes were the color of fire, and his beard was short, and not very wide, and he wore a black cloak, stretching past his waist before meeting with his leggings and boots.

The man looked around the neat room, his eyes showing indifference.

“Is this the kid? He seems a little scrawny for a fighter, but at least he is neat.” He stepped into the room and approached Michael, who stared with a calm expression on his face. “The name’s Johan, and I’ll be your tutor for the next little while. Nice to meet ya, kid.” Without waiting for a response, Johan left the room, beckoning Alrune to come inside.

“Sorry to bother you Michael, but you’re the last one on our list. Johan will be your personal tutor for magic. For the next few months or so you’ll be taught by him before you leave for the academy next year. It’s his job to make you up to the standards of the academy, and to be able to fend for yourself.” He grabbed Michael’s hand and shook it. “It must have been a bore, sitting around all day. I pity your situation, especially with all the excitement. From now on, you will be busy every day. Breaks are according to Johan’s schedule.”

Alrune similarly left the room, leaving Johan standing in the doorway. At his waist sat a one handed sword, perfectly cleaned and gleaming in the light. “Alright kid, let’s get familiar with your situation. What’s your class?” He turned the desk chair around and sat in it.

“My class is spy… sir” Michael hesitantly spoke to him, unsure how to address him.

“No need for the sir, I’m not one of those noble types.” He didn’t skip a beat, not even thinking to speak. “Alright, Spy huh? Seems like you’ve got an exciting future ahead of you. Well, that’s if you live long enough to get past your first mission. The King wants me to turn you into the greatest fire mage of the time, so excuse me if things get harsh.” He stood up, turning towards the door. “Come on kid, we’re going on a little trip”

What? Michael thought to himself. “Where are we going?” he asked curiously, watching the man’s back leave the room.

“First rule kid,” He spun around and stood in the doorway. “Don’t ask questions. Now follow me, and stay quiet.”

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Michael had followed Johan through the entirety of the castle, and into the castle yard, where he proceeded to enter another building. Smoke was billowing out through a chimney, and Michael could physically feel the heat of the surrounding air rise as he approached.

“Johan! It’s great to see ya! Come on in, come on in!” A voice echoed from the window, beckoning the two of them to enter the house.

“Charles, you sly dog! When I heard you were working here, of all places, I thought I had gone mad! It’s great to see you, old friend!” Johan swung open the doors, greeting the man with excitement, a surprising contrast to his previous behavior.

“You’re one to say that! I nearly shaved off me eyebrows when I heard tha’ Johan the Te-”

“Shush Charles, that’s behind me, and you know it. I’m just a mercenary now, a simple man.” Johan interrupted Charles, slapping him on the back. “I’m here to get something for the kid. If he wants to be my apprentice, we’re gonna need a good sword for him. Got anything good?”

Charles paused, staring intently at Michael for a good second. “Seems kinda scrawny, but a one handed sword seems right for him. I’ve got a few in stock, we can get him something basic, but I don’t know if he can pay for a custom sword, nor provide the materials for it.” He shrugged, turning back to Johan. “Who is he anyways?”

Johan gained an annoyed look. “The kid’s my apprentice, and one of the future heroes. I’ll pay for a good sword if I have to.” He opened a satchel hanging at his waist, as if he was already prepared for this moment. He reached into the bag, placing several bars of a gleaming metal on the table. “Whaddya say about making a good sword for him?”

“Aye, that’d do for a good one. I guess I can get it out tomorrow, since it’s a special order. Don’t bother about payment either” He stopped Johan as he saw him reach for his coin purse. “Consider this a gift for yer new apprentice. And for my friend. Now leave me to the smithy! I have work to do!”

Michael was shocked. Why was he getting a sword? He was going to be a mage right? Upon relaying his curiosity to Johan, he didn’t reply, instead walking out of the smithy, and leading Michael to an open arena.

“Alright kid, your training starts now!” He grabbed a wooden sword from a weapon rack, tossing another to Michael. “This place is the training grounds, where soldiers learn to fight! This is going to be your new home, for the day at least.” He motioned to Michael. “Hold up your sword kid.”

Michael raised his sword, his two hands grabbing the hilt of the blade. He held it shakily, unused to its weight, but still enthusiastic. He bent his knees, preparing to fight. He was confused, however, when Johan shook his head and scowled.

“Kid, you have a one handed sword! You’re not trying to churn butter! Stand up straight, light on your toes! And for god sakes you’re supposed to only use one hand!” He scolded Michael, as if he was supposed to know this information already. “You can’t just stumble around like a headless chicken!”

Michael corrected himself, standing up straight and holding his sword by his side.

“Good! Took you long enough!” Johan said, brandishing his own sword. “Now, let’s begin!” As he said that, he approached Michael.

Michael clumsily swung his sword at Johan in an overhead arc, hearing a sluggish Whoosh! In the air. Johan tilted his body to the side, bringing up his sword and stabbing his wooden sword into Michael’s stomach.

“Ouch! Ooh that hurt!” Michael doubled over, clutching his stomach. Not even a second passed when Johan hit him again, smacking his shoulder with a Thump!

“If that’s what it takes to disable you kid, you’re dead meat as soon as you step outside the castle. Get up, and let’s go again.” He looked down at Michael’s figure with unforgiving eyes, and Michael could swear he saw a demon in them. He got up, holding out his sword, only to get hit in the legs, forcing him back to the ground.

“Again!”

Michael once again fell to the floor

“Again!”

He was getting angry now. Was there even a chance for him to attack?!

“Again!”

Michael was pissed.

“Get up! Again!”

Infuriated, Michael stepped forward in a thrust, stabbing his sword towards the man causing him pain. Right before it reached Johan’s stomach, it was swatted away, and with another slash he fell to the ground once more.

“That’s better! You must not wait around for your enemy to attack. Your enemy will just wear you down if you focus on defense. A swordsman like us relies on their agility, their ability to dodge, and their stamina. If you cannot master these things, you will die. Still, you must learn to defend as well. Blocking and parrying attacks can follow up into counterattacks, which leave your enemies defenseless. Again!”

_____

The rest of the day repeated like that, a constant stream of getting knocked down and getting back up. Finally, the sun was setting upon the horizon, leaving an orange tint in the training grounds. Johan swung a horizontal slash at Michael, but before the slash collided with Michael’s bruised shoulders, his own sword met his, deflecting Johan’s blade. It was quickly followed up by Michael’s swing, intending to catch Johan off balance, but he merely dodged to the side once more, using his boot to knock Michael to the ground.

“You’re a fast learner, kid. I’m glad I was assigned to you. You’ve got a long way to go, but by a few months, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Well done kid. Go to your room and get some sleep, you’ll have a few hours before we continue.”

Michael’s hopes were dashed at that, slowly lugging himself off the ground and wiping his dust-filled clothes off. He rubbed his bruised arms, limping in the direction of the castle. He didn’t bother to say goodbye. He knew he was going to be out here again soon.

“You might want to see the infirmary, by the way. They will heal your injuries, free of charge. And for the abyss sakes take a shower! You smell like goblin shit if it sat out in the sun for a few weeks.”

“Ugh” Michael had been ruthlessly beaten. If he had to keep going…

It was going to be a long night...