2 Chapter 2 - Routine

The world shook with roaring vigor, startling Sala from the world of dreams. On closer inspection, Sala realized that the world itself had remained remarkably still, and the culprit of the shaking was most likely the man holding the edge of his bed.

"Unghhh... Kane, what... What time is it?" Sala stuttered, clearly disgruntled.

"Well, I'd say noon, quite a bit later than dawn, when I told you to be up." Kane looked down at him with a face that seemed to spell out dissatisfaction. "The chickens are fighting with the deer, the kettle bugs burrowed into the rabbit pen, and Meadow has made an absolute mess of the kitchen."

Sala grimaced, as he realized the work already cut out for him.

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Sala spent the next few hours calming down angry animals, filling a tunnel, and giving Meadow a lecture that probably would be forgotten soon.

Life on a magical creature farm wasn't too bad. Magic supplies were never in low demand, so business always thrived. Plus, aside from daily chores, there was an abundance of free time. Sala's only gripe was that he was never allowed to interact with the produce.

Meadow grunted and nestled herself next to him, with a expression of faux regret. Sala knew full well she learned her fair share of civilized tongue, enough to know what she did wrong at least.

Meadow was a Bristle Boar, with fur that could scratch stone. She had been bought for about 26 pence as a calf, and definitely earned her keep. The only problem was that she made her share of messes around the farm as well.

Sighing, Sala returned to his room. Simple furniture filled out what little space was there, with several books and trinkets laid out. After severe begging and agreeing to do both Kane's and his own share of chores, he managed to convince him to get a few magical items and textbooks at the market. Opening "The Novice's Guide to Forming Mana Wells," Sala flicked the pages up to his bookmark and read aloud.

"Upon gathering mana, a conscious effort must be made to construct a basic Well. From creation, it will gather mana on its own, acting separately from the creator. Later on, those treading farther down the magical path may be able to make possibly many more, with individual elemental aspects, or reinforce already created Wells." Sala rubbed his temples, intaking the information.

"To begin constructing a Well, one must develop a sensitivity to magic, generally called simply sensitivity or attunement. Meditation is invaluable to this, and one must practice daily until they are able to influence Mana."

Sala had no problems sensing mana. If anything, that was the least of his problems. Much to his chagrin, he had absolutely no luck in moving the iridescent particles. If there was at least some give, he could feel some inkling of improvement or accomplishment. With things the way they were though, the only thing keeping him going were the stories he'd read as a child.

Remembering the legends that pervaded his dreams, he turned his attention toward a different book. The cover, although worn, could still be deciphered as "The Chronicles of King Remi, Volume One." Although it was a secondhand copy, and not exactly in the greatest condition when he'd received it, Sala took great care of it. Tracing the familiar pages gently, he recounted the tale.

"Before his conquering of the Wilds, before he united the Midlands, and before his journey to a higher plane, Sovereign King Remi was born to a family of commoners. Even as a baby, he was blessed with natural Mana Wells, an almost completely unheard of phenomenon.

From early childhood, mysterious events were ever present. Sometimes, Remi or a member of his family would wake up to find that wooden furniture would have grown roots, or the kettle above the fire would have its shape change. Most amazingly, one day, while asleep by the furnace, the fires wandered out of their containment and wrapped themselves around him. The blaze acted like a gentle blanket, only keeping him warm, without burning him.

Years later he would go on to lead a war in territory of the Savages, deciding the fate of..." Sala continued reading silently, in a stupor, unaware of the changes in his body.