Shadow Walk

The seasons soon passed by as I live peacefully with my family. Since I have turned four, I began to explore the library extensively. Information is key to knowing about the world and the living creatures that live in it. It's the same concept here as it was back in my past life. Without knowledge, I would not have been able to survive as long as I did.

I studied the language of this world and read more on ley lines and elements that Father did not cover on. I cultivated the ley lines and practiced with my dual elements secretly. I do not want to bring too much attention to myself if possible.

I started to train my body with strengthening exercises and techniques from my past life as the notorious assassin. I think back to when I was reborn and recall the strange footwork father exhibited. I believe mother called it shadow walk. It is similar to my silent footwork except more powerful? I don't really know how to explain it. I do have theories since ley lines are the power source and magic exists in this world, shadow walk must be related.

Aerik and Kaon has been busy with school and cultivation. They also have private lessons with father in swordfighting and running a dukedom. Aerik never seemed to be that interested in running a dukedom but I see him at night experimenting with herbs and elixirs instead. Kaon enjoys the swordfighting lessons with father so he comes home a lot after school finishes.

At first, I was not allowed to go to the training grounds because it's dangerous. Ever since I gained the ability to walk and talk, I would sneakily hide and observe the lessons from a distance. I might have gotten caught a couple of times by mother or the staff when I would pop out of my hiding place, itching to go train.

Mother began teaching me how to be a lady. She and the tutors gave me private lessons. As a noble, I have to start learning about dancing, etiquette, and the likes. Since she is my mother, I accomodate her. I actually do enjoy the music lessons but I do tend to skip some of the other lessons like sewing. I do not have the patience for that and pretty soon my mother took that off the lesson plans.

When she noticed that I keep going to the training fields, she confronted me one afternoon while we were beginning my music lessons. "Freya, we need to talk about those visits to the training fields." I never had to face this kind of situation before so I froze in place, not really knowing how to respond. Mother orders Il'wara to bring us tea while she lead us to the parlor.

Mother continues on. "Although I don't mind you going to the fields, it is much too dangerous for you to go when your father, brothers, and even the guards are training. You can get hurt if you are in the wrong place and wrong time." I contemplate her words silently but I do not agree with her. The training grounds were part of my old life and habits die hard.

Mother can sense my hesitation. She looks like she does not know how to proceed herself since I was not cooperating. Father was currently walking past when he noticed our stalemate. "Is something the matter?"

Mother sighs. "Freya is interested in going to the training fields but she might get hurt. Do you know how many times I caught her?"

Father had a thoughtful look then turns his attention. "Are you interested in learning?" I wonder if that was a trick question. I fidget in my seat while glancing at mother but nod.

"Cassian! Although I agree that she will have to learn to defend herself but she is a four year old child." Father keeps staring at me and must have seen something on my face because he wraps his arm around mother.

"Then Freya can just watch. At least we will know where she would be without her sneaking around. Would that be agreeable for you both?"

My eyes sparkle. Mother thinks about Father's proposal then finally nods.

After that day, I would happily finish my lessons and go to the training fields to watch the sessions. I became close to the guards there and my brothers would personally show off a few moves. When everyone goes to bed, I cultivate and practice the moves I have seen that day.

One afternoon, Father gathered both my brothers for a private lesson. "Today we are going to train shadow walking." I can feel excitement boiling in my veins. Finally!

"You have both been practicing the footwork during the training sessions and have been cultivating a while now. You probably have seen improvement and can use both skills effectively as separate skills. However, shadow walking combines these two elements. It's also a skill where you tap into a different realm. It is a difficult concept to explain but shadow walk is one of the skills unique to my side of the family."

I was thinking about what he said when Aerik then asks, "If it is unique to your family, is there a guarantee we would be able to learn it?"

"Good question, Aerik." Father looks pleased. "Indeed it's a unique skill, but it is a teachable skill passed down through generations. It is one where my family is able to achieve the title of baron and be able to work for the royal family. There are some family guards that were taught this skill so they will come help you train sometimes. Other than our family and the selected guards, I want you all to keep this secret." He glances at me and I nod my head in agreement.

Father then demonstrates shadow walking. It was just like how I remembered. It is a type of footwork with energy from cultivation condensed to the feet. Father's footsteps become silent and quick. I notice that he appears when there are shadows. Is shadows a part of the skill?

Aerik and Kaon attempts shadow walking, but they can't seem to get it. They would do the footwork and condense their energy to their feet so it seemed like they were doing it correctly. They were becoming frustrated which is rare for my eldest brother.

"I don't get it!" Kaon shouts as he falls once again. Aerik keeps trying over and over. Sometimes I can sense he is close to shadow walking but then would lose it.

Father demonstrates multiple times. I realize there were similar techniques from my past training and the shadows were actually significant to the skill. A skill that utilizes aspects of footwork and condensed energy, I think carefully. Relationship to shadows and father's explanation about entering another realm.

I condense my energy to my feet and reach out my senses. The next moment, I finally understand.

I stand up from my seat and walk over to my father and brothers. They turn around toward my direction as I approach with light footsteps.

"Can we play a game of tag?" I say with a slightly playful tone. Aerik and Kaon seem unsure what to say but father laughs. We look at our father with varying expressions.

"You should always listen to a lady's request," he says as he calms down. My brothers think a bit before accepting my request. Before they can move, I also add a condition. "Please come after me." They were once again stunned. I can see from their expressions, they were wondering what I was up to.

I wait for their response. Finally they nod. "Don't blame me if you get caught Freya," Kaon warns playfully. Oh you don't have to worry about that. We are going to play the game without any special abilities.

Aerik smirks. "Are you sure you don't want a head start?" I smile in reply instead of responding. Father watches from the sidelines.

"Ten... Six... Four," my brothers counted down. I remain in place. I glance at my father at the corner of my eye. He looks confused at my lack of movement.

My brothers finish counting only to see me in the same spot. They pause. I start making my move. I use the footsteps uniquely trained in my past life. I call it Illusionary Steps. My brothers then move in the next second but they couldn't catch me.

I drop hints along the way as I practically danced on the field, escaping my brothers. Eventually Aerik begins to notice before stopping Kaon. All of us were breathing hard.

"I think I get it. Kaon, did you notice the shadows on the ground? There's something about it that relates to shadow walking." Kaon catches on, getting excited. "Oh I see," he says activating his skills. I see both my brothers achieve shadow walking. I beam happily at their accomplishment.

Father joins in and continues the training. At some point, I went back to take my seat. We had a celebratory dinner that night.