One week later

In the training chamber within Karim’s room, the metallic clangs of iron being moved rang out. The sound was originating from Karim dead lifting four hundred kilograms, dropping the bar and repeating this sequence of motions over and over again. He remained in this state until eventually he tired out, his knees buckling from the pressure of the weight on his body thus triggering him to fall on his face.

The fall didn’t hurt him, but he was completely exhausted barely able to move a finger.

‘This really isn’t enough’ He thought to himself helplessly.

Despite his efforts, the unknown force within him remained unsatisfied with his progress. It would not be long now before the threats rolled in.

‘I need enhancements to speed up my training.’ He thought. Karim knew what was needed to accomplish this desire, but it would take a bit of time as his situation was uncommon. For enhancements to be used by a thirteen-year-old great care needed to be taken, luckily for him his mother could easily help with that. Not that his father or the Old master could not, just that it was more convenient for his mother to handle it.

Thinking up to this point, Karim’s thoughts drifted towards the awkward encounter a week ago in the garden when he had gone to meet Kufu.

When he arrived, he found Kufu happily playing with his sisters but as soon as he approached the atmosphere quickly changed. The girls, one year, two years and three years older than him respectively and spitting images of their mother minus the red hair, distanced themselves from him leaving only Kufu to warmly welcome him.

Kufu and the girls were cousins, their mother being the King’s sister thus the two sides had interacted with one another since they were young growing quite close. Karim on the other hand despite being their brother, had had pretty much zero interaction with them not to mention that their mother despised his existence for reasons that were obvious.

His return had cast a shadow in their hearts, the welcome he received evidence that their status and his would forever be different, a fact that their mother had twisted, planting seeds of dislike in their psyche. After all, only a son of House Night could inherit the position of Master and although his sickness had given their mother, Asandra, hope that as long as she could have a son Karim would be forgotten and her child would ascend to the seat of Master.

Unfortunately, Karim’s sickness disheartened Nazil not wanting to have another child for fear that something similar would occur and with Karim’s recovery now as well as his displayed great talent, Asandra’s hopes were swept under the rug.

Noticing their discomfort and Kufu’s confusion, Karim shook his head, flashed Kufu a smile and said, “I’m tired from the journey, I’ll head in to rest.”

“What? But you just got here.” Kufu questioned, unamused.

“There’ll be a next time, I’m home now so you can come see me when you’re free.” Karim replied.

“Hmph. Now that you’re back it’s your turn to come and see me.” Said Kufu, puffing his cheeks.

“Sure.” Karim smiled.

He took one last look at the girls before departing. Their mother had already ruined any hope of a relationship that they could have. This castle was as he’d expected, cold. It then suddenly occurred to him how lonely his mother must have been and the pressure she must have endured whilst he was away.

Her background although fearsome was not one of Kings nor was she the Lady of another Noble House, she was instead the daughter of a merchant family.

Binguni housed many powers, all of them strong in their own right. The Hayawani respected strength and combat power, thus military might and right to rule resided in the hands of the Royals and Nobles. However, there were certain entities that in some respects could match the Noble houses in status, one of them being the three great Merchant families. The most powerful of which was the Chawi family.

The root of their power? They controlled almost all trade of spirit medicines. How? The head of the Chawi family was universally regarded as the foremost authority in the field of Spirit Alchemy. Just like spirit beasts evolved by absorbing spiritual energy, so too do spirit plants and a myriad of other things.

These plants, materials and organisms all contain different effects, some unique that can both aid and harm the Hayawani and it is Spirit Alchemists that take these materials risking life, limb and sanity to experiment, creating medicines, poisons and all manner of concoctions that allow the Hayawani to prosper and thrive. Because at the end of the day, the Hayawani too get sick, injured, and have special conditions or needs that require specific treatments that only Spirit Alchemists can provide.

Korina’s last name was Chawi, her father was the son of the current Head of the family thus her status although not as great as Asandra’s was still formidable. Unfortunately, though, hers was a political marriage, not that she wasn’t interested in Nazil because she was, he was after all he was the Head of a Noble House.

Influential, strong, charismatic, of Noble status, were her requirements and he ticked every last box. As her family were merchants, the marriage was more of a sign of alliance rather than a consummation of love.

Karim’s birth was at first cause for celebration for both families but needless to say his sickness did not exactly help relations. His recovery and talent on the other hand was a pleasant surprise bringing much joy to the Chawi family but even more happiness to Korina.

………..

Struck out of his recollection of past events by guilt, shame colored Karim’s face black. His experiences changed the way he perceived himself as well as the things around him.

The thirteen-year-old part of him had several excuses to justify his behavior, chief among them being the curse he had to bear by being born with the terrifying force inside his heart, but Karim chose to suppress these thoughts instead blaming himself.

It took a long time for his emotions to calm down but once he was no longer exhausted, he lifted himself off the ground and left the training chamber.

..

Meanwhile in a different part of the castle, Nazil’s study to be exact, Korina and Nazil were conversing.

“How’s Karim settling down?” he asked.

“Good, he sent the maid I assigned him away and asked for Sherry to serve him but other than that there have been no problems.” She said.

“That’s good.” Said Nazil inwardly sighing in relief. Despite all the troubles the House was facing, his greatest concern remained that his son would relapse.

“Did your father agree to create a custom program for Karim?” He then asked.

“Of course. Father is very happy that Karim has recovered. He is busy as we speak, tailor making medicinal enhancements as well as the requisite prescriptions as we speak. He even said Grandfather will lend a hand.” Said an excited Korina. For even that emotionless Grandfather of hers to be moved by Karim’s talent, she could not be more pleased with her son.

“That’s good, very good. Once they arrive, I’ll have Lark develop a training regiment for him so that he can maximize their effects. He’ll also begin educating him as the next Head, it’s time he started learning these things.”

“Yes, yes…thank you.” Korina said, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Why are you thanking me? He is our son.” Nazil bitterly smiled.

Sighing he stood up and moved to her side and embraced her, “You’ve suffered.”