The Catastrophe

It was the calendar year 439 late at night when sounds of metal clashing could be heard all over the estate.

The head butler woke me up. "Young Master Jack, wake up."

Yawning, I asked, "What's the matter, Ralph?". It took me a while to understand what was happening, but when I saw his worried expression while holding my newborn sister, Sylvia, in his arms, I could guess it was another "event." These things happened every so often, but it was always small thing here and there like almost getting run over by a horse or other kids playing ball and getting hit by a stray kick. This time, however, it was so much more. Ralph, the head butler and Ex-Royal guard, was worried, full of bloodied wounds with his sword in his right hand.

"..ck.....Jack."

Suddenly, I jolted awake, looking around to see my sister, worry written all over her face, asking, "Is everything alright? You were murmuring in your sleep again."

"It's fine, sis, just a bad dream. Anyway, what time is it?" I asked, trying to change the topic.

"The sun is about to rise," she answered with a smile.

It's been 5 years since that tragic incident, and it is still as vivid as if it happened yesterday.

"Alright, today we can spend the day however you want and eat whatever you wish."

"Won't that set us back, brother?" she asked, worried about the gold.

"Today is your birthday, so we can do whatever you wish. What kind of lousy brother can't make his sister's birthday special? After all, I have been taking on requests lately for this exact reason, so don't be shy or worry about money and just enjoy today."

Tears welling up her eyes, she hugged me and said, "You are the best brother." I felt something inside of me break. Maybe it was my heart seeing that sweet, innocent girl suffer because of the cruel fate.

This, however, only reinforced my will to become strong enough and avenge my parents.

So we spend the day strolling around the capital browsing stores and buying snacks from street vendors having fun chatting and laughing.

"Ouch, didn't your parents teach you manners, kid?" said a drunk man after bumping with me.

"I am sorry, mister," I said. After all, I wasn't paying attention either and was at fault, too.

"Ye think a sorry will cut it kiddo? If you pay me 30 silver as compensation, I will let forgive you. Otherwise, don't blame us brothers for being impolite."

"You think you can bully people because you have advantage in numbers?" I asked while gripping the hilt of my sword.

Suddenly, fear filled their faces, and I couldn't make out why. I let my grip as I felt a tug at my shirt when I turned to look, and it was my sister pointing at a scary looking man about 2 meters tall wearing armour with intricate designs and a dragon on it.

The man kept walking till he reached us and asked, "Is everything alright here?"

"Gr-greetings, Comnander!" The three brothers saluted.

"What is this foul stench?" asked the tall burly man while his gaze fell on the three drunken brothers and the puddles formed beneath them. "After being suspended from the corps, you are still here doing the exact same thing that got you suspended in the first place. Guards, come drag these 3 clowns to the dungeon and punish them in accordance with the law."

He then turned around and greeted me with a smile. "Greetings, Young Master Jack, your father would be proud to see the fine man you have grown to be. As for your little sister, she takes After her mother, she will definitely become a great beauty once she matures."

"Greetings, Uncle Mick. It has been some time since we last saw each other, but you seem to have lost some hair."

"Not only did you grow older, but you also learned how to tease your uncle. It seems like you need a lesson." He said while he prepared to smack me with his sheathed sword.

Parrying his sword, the Commander said, "Not bad, you have a lot of potential. Why not join the army like your father?"

"I wish to join the magic academy Uncle so I can not become a soldier."

"You little rascal, do you need a recommendation?" he asked with a warming and sincere smile?

"Thank you, but I would prefer to join through my efforts alone." I answered with a smile and holding my thumb up.

"In that case, I will be at the assessment in a week to snack you should you fail." He said, patting my head and messing my hair.

The Commander turned to leave, and while walking away, he waved his hand and said to me, "Give my regards to your uncle and aunt when you go home."

"It is almost noon, and we had to return or aunt might get mad and ground us." I said to my sister, who seemed happy.