chap: 1

The clash of our swords echoed louder than the barn animals. Despite our countless training sessions, I struggled to keep up with Grandpa Jerad. After a fierce exchange of slashes, our swords paused, and I seized his wrists to stop him from striking again.

I locked eyes with him and asked, "I'm getting better, aren't I?"

Suddenly, I was slammed to the ground, my vision blurring from the impact.

"Don't be so confident, boy," he said, his blade now pointed at my chest as my vision cleared.

"When you're in battle, you must—"

"Never be distracted, I know," I interrupted, tired of the same lecture.

"To your feet, boy," he commanded, withdrawing his sword.

As I stood, a sharp pain shot through my ankle. "I think I sprained my ankle. You must have twisted it when you kicked me."

"You're weak, boy. There's no place in this world for the weak. In battle, show no weakness and, most importantly, no fear," he growled with disdain.

"That's enough training for today, Jerad. Dinner's ready," Grandma Lucy's voice called, breaking the tension.

"We'll be there shortly, Lucy," Jerad's tone softened for her, the only person he ever showed tenderness.

"Get washed up; it's time to eat," he told me, for once not calling me "boy."

"And don't be long. Lucy won't start eating without you, and you might need her to look at your ankle," he added, reverting to his usual form.

"Albion, I see you're getting better with the sword. One day, you might even surpass Jerad," Grandma Lucy said, clearing the table.

"Don't be delusional. This boy surpasses me only in fear and weakness," Jerad scoffed.

"Oh, come on, dear. It wouldn't kill you to praise him from time to time," Grandma Lucy said, kissing my forehead. "Albion, fetch me another candle; this one is about to fade."

I searched for a candle, but the chest was empty. As I closed it, I saw a figure illuminated by moonlight and the lamp it carried. The sound of horses' hooves echoed through the yard.

"The candles are all gone, Grandma Lucy. Are we expecting anyone?"

"Certainly not," she replied, as Grandpa Jerad dozed at the table.

"I saw someone outside," I said.

"Perhaps a lost soul seeking direction. Find out what our late-night traveler wants," she suggested.

I opened the door to reveal a cloaked stranger. From his broad chest and the bit of beard visible, I knew he was a man.

"State your name and business, stranger," I demanded.

"Not the welcome I was looking for, but the name is Philip. It's nice to meet you again, Albion. I wish to speak with your caretakers," he said, pulling back his cloak to reveal elven ears.

"Again? How do you know my name?"

"Who is it, boy?" Grandpa Jerad's voice came from behind me.

"A man named Philip. He wishes to speak with you."

"Let him in," Jerad ordered.

They asked for privacy, so I stayed outside on the steps. The night was peaceful, the animals asleep, and the house quiet. My mind swirled with questions: How did he know my name? What did he mean by "nice meeting me again"?

"We will do no such thing!" Jerad's voice shattered the calm.

"Calm down, dear," Lucy soothed him.

Their voices became hushed again. What business did Philip have with my grandparents?

"His birthday is next week. Give us until then; we owe it to him," I heard Lucy say.

Birthday? Owe it to me? What were they talking about?

"I'll be back after his birthday to take him to Salvanoir. Good night, ma'am," Philip said as he left.

I was called inside. As I entered, I saw worry etched on Grandma Lucy's face.

"Albion, we need to talk," she said.

Philip's lamp faded into the darkness, the sound of his horse growing distant.

Seated at the table, my grandparents stared at me. It felt like I was in trouble.

"Life isn't fair, Albion. We must accept the harsh truths and move on," Lucy said, wiping a tear.

"What are you talking about? Why was that man here?" I asked, fear creeping in.

"Lucy, the boy isn't ready. We should wait," Jerad interjected.

"We'll tell you when the time is right. You're dismissed."

"No! I want to know now!" I shouted, slamming my hands on the table.

Jerad frowned darkly. "You have no right to behave like this, Albion," Lucy scolded, her sadness turning to shock. "As Jerad said, you're dismissed."

I stormed to my room, feeling guilty for my outburst. Grandma Lucy, usually so kind, had never been so cold. What was happening? Where were my parents? Where were they planning to send me?

My mind swirled with questions, frustration pounding in my head. Slowly, exhaustion took over, and I fell into a troubled sleep.

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