Black and White (part 2)

Jäwell learned how to be in the militia, he was a strong man and had no issues with the physical exercises. He had a bright and glorious future in the army ahead of him.

Every time it was about dueling, he was the best. The commander gave him a sword, and Jäwell manipulated it as if the object had no weight. He was naturally gifted in everything physical.

"I will show you what I can do, old man," Jäwell claimed laughing. 

But the commander had many issues to fight him, the young man was used to the tools of the farm. Heavy axes and hammers forged his powerful arms. The commander finally kicked Jäwell in the ribs and pushed him on the floor. He was surprisingly panting and sweating.

"I would never think I would have to be serious with a recruit. Congratulations. If only you could be as smart as you are strong, you would be commander in no time," the commander claimed with a grin while giving a hand for Jäwell to stand up. 

It was true that Jäwell was not exactly passionate about studying, he was asked to learn how to read basic words and write at least his name. This was the most complicated thing that was given to him to do. 

Jäwell became more and more popular among the men. He was nice and caring to others. During the group exercises, he was the one who helped the weaker to succeed. He was a great leader. The other soldiers followed him and his ideas, especially the ones involving girls and booze. For sure, Jäwell knew how to do the best of life and enjoy it fully. 

The commander saw his capacities and reported it to the general in charge of the militia. Very soon Jäwell was followed closely by the hierarchy as he was excellent. 

A semester passed as fast as the blink of an eye. Jäwell had his first permission to go outside. He didn't even take the time to say goodbye to his teammates and ran outside the city as fast as he could. He ran to his family, his heartbeat was extremely fast. 

When he joined the militia, he didn't expect to be shut down for so long for his training. He couldn't wait for another second to meet his brother. He was very frustrated at not running faster. His only pack was a small bag of coins that he had kept carefully and the special medicine he had bought at the barracks clinic for his brother. He tightened his grip on the bag of herbs, excited to bring it home. 

When he arrived at the farm, everything was very quiet and the door opened. The expression on his face changed abruptly.

He passed the door, his blood turned blue. He froze a moment before falling to his knees. His mother was lying there. Dead. After the shock passed and he was able to think again, he realized that a knife had been put into her chest. She seemed to be dead for a long time judging by the mess and the dust around. 

He swallowed and started to search for his brother. Miroïr was nowhere to be found. He went into the village and caught the first person he saw. When he asked what happened, the person became livid and ran away. Jäwell tried to speak to other people but they all ran away as fast as possible far from him, avoiding any contact. 

Jäwell took back his bag and ran to the capital. Merik was coming often, he would know what happened. Two hours later he reached the herbal shop and found Merik. Before he had the time to say anything, the man took him in his arms and cried. 

"Jäwell, I am sorry. Come, Miro is there, he is alive." 

Jäwell felt so relieved that a tear escaped from his eye. Merik took his hand and conducted him in the back room. Merik was rich compared to the rest of the population, and still, he had only one little room to live behind his store. 

He had the luxury of having a wooden bed frame instead of sleeping on the floor. Veggies were hung in nets on the ceiling. Jäwell entered and was terrified to see his brother in such a condition. 

The young man lost half of his weight, his bones were appearing more than ever. He was barely breathing, his red eyes were fixing the ceiling inert. He didn't seem to realize Jäwell was there. 

"What happened, Merik? Tell me!" 

Jäwell couldn't stand this anymore, he thought that was a nightmare. He would awaken and never go to the militia. He would stay with them.

"It started with an accident. A man came to the farm and harassed your mother. Seeing her alone, he tried to force her. Miroïr stood up and killed him." 

Jäwell couldn't believe it.

"How is that possible? He cannot carry himself! Anyway, he was right to do it, what happened to turn out so bad?" 

Merik watched the floor, searching for his words. 

"The problem is not that he killed him, it's the way he did it. Miroïr only looked at the man with his red eyes and the man started to scream. He ran towards the village for cover but Miro followed him. Blood poured from his eyes, ears, and mouth, the man died screaming with blood coming out of all his orifices. People were terrified. They did not understand what had happened. They came back the next day for an explanation but it was too late. Miro had changed. People had headaches next to him. They ran away but came back with weapons. Your mother sensed that it was going to get out of hand, so she asked me to come and take your brother to hide him for the night. When they arrived, Miro wasn't there, they got angry and finally it happened. Things escalated too far and too fast. I explained to Miro¨what happened and he could not stand it. He became silent and stopped eating. He has been like that ever since. Jäwell, I'm sorry..."

Jäwell took his brother in his arms, he couldn't believe it but seeing Merik's genuine expression, he had no choice but to accept it. 

"Miro, I will leave the militia, don't worry. You will never be alone anymore. I am here now." 

Miroïr turned his face to his brother, he was deformed by the pain. 

"I am a monster, Jäwell. I killed him and our mother died because of me. Your life is a mess because of me. I have enough Jäwell." 

Jäwell couldn't support hearing it anymore. He gave coins and plants to Merik. Then he left, for sure, he had to leave the militia as fast as possible to live with his brother and take him out of this dead end. 

He went to the commander in the afternoon and explained the situation to his superior, omitting some details. The man accepted the departure of Jäwell, and all the men in the barracks were deeply touched. They tried to convince him to stay but Jäwell made his decision. The commander came to him with a letter from the King while saying goodbye for the last time. 

"Give this to the blacksmith." 

Jäwell didn't ask questions, the next day he went to the blacksmith and gave the letter. 

The man welcomed him, he read the letter and asked him.

"Did you read this letter, young man?" 

Jäwell smiled a bit. 

"I don't know how to read, Sir, do you need anything else? May I leave?" 

The man laughed loudly. 

"Jäwell, it is written I should hire you as you are an incredibly good element, it has the seal of the King himself."

Jäwell couldn't believe it. "Why would the King have made a recommendation?" he thought. The man continued.

"Do you want to work for me? I don't pay much but you would have a room and you could bring your brother to live with you. I am ok with that." 

It was too beautiful to be true. He accepted immediately. He needed only one hour to bring his brother to the room and start to work. Jäwell was truly happy. He did his best to learn as fast as possible. 

In no time he became a blacksmith himself and was able to forge elements without help. The blacksmith was very happy to work with him, he even decided to give him more commissions with time.