Chapter 1.14-Interlude:

I looked at the mysterious boy as the doors closed behind him. I let out an audible sigh. I sat down in exhaustion from the events of the past hour.

How is this possible?

I turned to my wife who had picked up the knife and was still examining it. She felt my stare and without another word, proceeded to sit beside me. She laid the knife down on the table and started removing the small claws from her fingers.

Abram, Paul, and Mina remained standing where they were.

“Please sit everyone, there is much to discuss.” I requested. “First of all, Mina, can you please pick up the knife again.”

Mina did as I instructed.

“Now, seep your mana into it. Try to feel for the abilities sleeping within.” I instructed.

Mina closed her eyes and a small red light started emitting from her hand and into the knife.

“I think there’s a fire spell that slashes at my target with four claws.” Mina replied.

“Talons, not claws.” I corrected her. “That’s where the knife got its name. Your great grandfather, on his deathbed, poured all of his mana into creating this. After he died, your grandfather wielded this knife in battle where he became famous for the fire spell’s destructive power and distinct appearance when cast.”

Mina looked at the knife and stared back at me blankly. “But will it break like the others?”

I winced at the memory. Given Mina’s prodigious mana pool she broke two Valera artifacts as a baby when they couldn’t contain her uncontrolled mana seep.

“It shouldn’t, dear. Your great grandfather had a tremendous mana pool as well, just like you.” Vela replied.

“That’s true Mina. That’s exactly why we chose this to be your heirloom-artifact before it was lost.” I explained.

Mina’s usual blank expression suddenly cracked a bit and a rare smile played on her lips. “Really? It really won’t break?”

She picked up the knife excitedly and started focusing. I could feel the energy of her mana seep pouring into the artifact.

I held my breath.

Don’t break. Don’t break. Creator, please. Don’t let it break.

The knife was completely enveloped in a red hue. When suddenly I saw cracks starting to form on the edge of the blade.

The hue dissipated and the knife turned black as coal.

Mina sighed. She put down the charred knife. “You said it wouldn’t break.”

I looked at my grandfather’s knife and felt a deep sadness overwhelm me.

I’m so sorry, grandfather.

I couldn’t bring myself to reply to Mina or to even look at her. Vela sighed. “Dear, why don’t you go up to your room. We’ll… we’ll figure this out later.”

Mina curtsied to us and left the room.

“My lord…” Abram started.

“No,” I interrupted him. “It’s fine, Abram. I know that there is no salvaging it. But that was our best bet to address Mina’s problem.”

“But she has gained more control now, my Lord.” Abram said reassuringly. “She was even able to channel your flaming sword with it earlier.”

I sighed even deeper. “That’s because she doesn’t allow herself to feel anything. She knows what happens when her emotions run wild and her mana becomes unstable. But she can’t stay like that forever. She wants to join the Heroes Guild in the future. But she would be constrained to wielding enchanted weapons instead of artifacts like the other aspirant nobles. I don’t want my daughter to be at a disadvantage because of her gifts.”

“Gifts…” Vela said with disdain. “A curse more like it.”

I shook my head in frustration. “It is my own shortcoming. If I had more mana, I could have crafted an artifact for her myself.”

Vela touched my arm gently, and a wave of appreciation rose within me.

“We’ll stay the course for now, dear. She’ll keep taking lessons from Master Dean on controlling her mana. We’ll keep looking for skilled blacksmith-enchanters to let her compete with her peers.” Vela assured me.

“Yes, nothing’s changed.” I replied.

Vela looked at me with a wry smile. “Oh, something has changed. Our favorite retainers brought us a most intriguing gift.” She glanced at Abram and Paul who winced in response.

I gave her a puzzled look. “You mean the boy?”

“Indeed. The boy.” Vela said punctuating the words.

“He hardly has any idea what he did. I’m not even sure what exactly happened.” I said honestly.

“Hmm… Well, what we do know is that he’s capable of casting something that appears to remove the binding restrictions on artifacts.” Vela replied amusedly

“Is that even possible dad? I thought the rules on bloodline restrictions are absolute.” Paul whispered.

“There’s nothing in recorded history about this, son. It appears to be a unique ability, if anything.” Abram replied with a puzzled look himself.

“Exactly. Not only was he able to unbind the artifact from himself without forfeiting his life, but when Mina wielded it, she wasn’t subject to generational clouding. She’s three generations removed from Lord Edward, which should have resulted to a clouding of at least 30%. Isn’t that right, Abram?” Vela expounded.

“That is precisely correct, Lady Vela.” Abram responded.

“So this boy can cleanse artifacts? Make them brand new without any restrictions on who can wield it?” I said incredulously.

“There’s only one way to find out, dear. We must try to replicate the results. We have some dead artifacts in the vault, correct?” Vela said while standing up.

Dead artifacts. I don’t know what was worse. Having artifacts lose any use or purpose because the entire bloodline dies out, or being a noble family whose artifacts are all destroyed by one of their own.

I nodded at Vela who proceeded to walk out of the room, presumably to head to the vaults.

After a while she returned bringing a short sword.

I recognized it immediately.

The short sword of the Petrels family whose last heir died at sea.

Vela handed the short sword to Abram. “Take this and get the boy to remove the restrictions and bind it to himself.”

Abram stared at the short sword in disbelief. “My lady, I don’t even know how we would go about it. Natural magic must be learned from a master. Where would I even find someone to teach him?”

Vela narrowed her eyes. “You will do no such thing. In fact, you will not breathe a word to anyone about the boy’s abilities.”

Abram went pale under her withering stare.

“Vela, do not threaten him. His loyalty is beyond question.” I chastised her.

“Threaten him? Perish the thought.” Vela smiled. “I am merely reminding him that this matter requires the utmost discretion.”

“I’m sorry my Lady, but I am still unclear how I would go about this task.” Abram insisted.

I’ve always admired your bravery, Abram.

“It’s simple. He cast it earlier for fear of his life. His body appeared to react out of desperation by casting what he is capable of in the face of danger. Simply bring him close to death again.” Vela said as a matter-of-fact.

The three of us turned to her in horror.

“Dear. No. He will do no such thing.” I said meekly.

Abram nodded in support.

“Fine. Then we simply keep him here confined in the dungeons and force him to learn it on his own.” Vela replied with a displeased look.

For goodness’ sake, woman.

“We’re not enslaving him, Vela. Please be reasonable.” I pleaded.

Vela looked at me in anger and I felt the need to run away but I strengthened my resolve.

She sighed and shook her head. “As you wish. But if we don’t keep the boy close, he will be used against us one day.”

“I never said I was giving him up.” I replied coolly.

Abram looked at me and Paul clutched his arm.

“At ease, Abram. Nothing untoward.” I reassured.

Abram gave a sigh of relief.

“In fact, I will have to ask more of you.”

Abram gulped, and I proceeded to tell him my plan.

Chapter 1.15:

The next morning I woke up in a soft bed.

My mind started racing to recount the events of the past day.

I absent-mindedly touched my face and was relieved to find that the scratch marks had completely healed.

Lily’s healing magic is amazing.

I got up and started changing back into my clothes which had been cleaned and pressed.

I heard a soft knock on my door.

“Master Adi. Lord Chase requests your presence in the dining hall for breakfast.” Lily said on the other side of the door.

“Ah yes! I’ll be right there.” I replied.

I quickly changed my clothes and bolted down the staircases where Lily was waiting for me at the landing.

“Right this way, young master.” Lily said with a small bow.

She led me to the dining hall where everyone was already seated and eating.

“Ah! There he is.” Lord Chase exclaimed.

“Good morning, Adi.” Abram greeted me.

I saw Paul smile at me while Lady Vela and the girl named Mina continued eating.

I felt really out of place, but I headed towards Paul and took a seat right beside him.

The maids soon brought me food and I started helping myself.

Suddenly, Lord Chase cleared his throat and I choked on the piece of bread I was swallowing.

“Ahem. Young man. Adi. I know we gave you quite a fright yesterday.” He looked at Lady Vela reproachfully. “But we’ve been discussing it. How would you like to stay here with us?”

My mind started racing at his words.

“So… does this mean… you are my parents?” I asked.

“We’re afraid not, Adi.” Lord Chase responded with a sad look. “But regardless, you can stay here in the manor. We could give you your own room. Maybe even send you to the academy for formal learning, if that’s what you’d like.”

I looked at him and considered his offer. Despite my earlier fear, I began to hope that this could all turn out alright. I then turned to Lady Vela and saw a predatory glint behind her smile. My blood turned cold and the part of my face that she scratched seemed to tingle.

“No… it’s okay. I don’t belong here. I’ve caused enough trouble.” I said meekly. “I’ll just go back to North Haven, maybe back to the orphanage.”

The two nobles exchanged glances and Lord Chase let out an audible sigh. “Of course. We won’t force you. But if you change your mind, our door is open.”

He then turned to Abram and gave him a look, to which Abram nodded.

Breakfast went by in silence, and shortly after we said our goodbyes to the Valera family and set out from the manor.

I sat in the back of the caravan deep in my thoughts, fighting back my tears as I thought about having to return to the orphanage.

I’m all alone again.

Abram and Paul were also quiet until we left the city gates of the Roost. Abram then pulled the caravan over to a stop.

“What are you going to do now?” Abram suddenly remarked. I looked up at him and saw that both he and Paul had worried looks on their faces.

“I… don’t know. The knife was my only clue. I guess I really am just an orphan.” I replied.

“Well, Lord Chase asked me to give you a regular stipend to take care of yourself. So at least you’d be more comfortable.” Abram said while scratching his beard.

I looked at him and nodded, “that was nice of him.”

“Yeah… but rather than that… and only if you were willing, how about you just stay with Paul and me.” Abram offered.

“Really? Would that be okay? I don’t mind really. I think I can be a good apprentice.” I said with some level of excitement.

Paul looked at Abram and nudged him.

“Ah well, yes. That too.” Abram said with an embarrassed look. “But I was thinking you’d stay with us more of as a…. Uh… part of our family?”

It took a few seconds for me to process what he had just said.

“You… want to adopt me?” I said incredulously.

Abram nodded.

“And… you’re okay with this?” I asked Paul.

“Yeah sure, why not? I’ve always wanted a brother.” Paul replied with a big smile.

“I don’t know what to say…” I said while looking down.

“How about you say, ‘yes’?” Abram said while tousling my hair.

“Yes!” I shouted and I jumped up to give both of them a hug. The dam broke and the tears I’ve been holding back burst out. Soon I was bawling like a baby in their arms.

“Welcome to the family, son.”

-End of Chapter 1-