Prologue (2/3)

Stans Aburriah was in total shock to the point where his vision was blurry and he felt supremely dizzy. He had never seen so much money in such a long time that he felt like he was dreaming.

Stans was getting up to chop the firewood that his son Juda had gathered the night before and had been about to start when the very same person walked up to the house around 7:00 in the morning without a single barrel. Right away he knew something was wrong as Juda never failed to bring in water and never lost a barrel, so for him to suddenly come home without it clearly meant something had happened. Though what problem someone as strong as his son could have, someone who could eliminate Fantasia with ease, he didn't know. Trained Magicians never really attacked others even when provoked as they were quite prideful so that couldn't have been it.

Setting down his axe, Stans brought his son inside and closed the front door. He noticed the small clothbag gripped in Juda's left hand but said nothing about it as he went and brought his son back a cup of water from what remained of the water from yesterday. After giving his son the water, he gathered up his family for a small meeting, both his wife and his 13 year old daughter were brought out to sit at the kitchen table.

Once everyone was settled, Stans had his son tell them what had happened while he was out gathering water. Juda, without hesitation, told them everything but the way he told it was very off putting. He described everything as if it was a normal day, even when he went over having nearly been killed, he spoke as if it wasnt anything unusual. Stans was beginning to become more then a bit concerned for his son when Juda dropped the small sack right in front of him.

"This was from the guy," Juda said with small smile. "I guess he was sorry he broke my barrel. Or because he was sorry he wasn't able to kill me, I dont really know. I dont need all these coins so I'll let you guys have it."

Stans hands were shaking as he slowly undid the tie on the clothsack, his heart racing while he held his breath. He opened it up and took a look inside and almost immediately fell back into his chair, his heart rate increasing even further. He never imagined that the clothsack contained platinum coins, the highest currency in literally the entire world.

Copper, silver, gold, and then platinum. Every 100 copper equated to 1 silver and every 100 silver equaled 1 gold. However every platinum coin was worth 1000 gold coins, enough to last the Aburriah family for a whole decade and there was a whole clothsack full of these coins. They would never have to worry ever again.

Stans glanced at his son, his green eyes staring into Judas almost glowing blue ones. He knew his son was telling the truth as he almost never lied and even if he did, he was a terrible liar, always making a face when he did so. His son wasn't a thief either as he was far too kind and trusting to actually steal something. Still, it was hard to believe a random magician would throw so many unbelievably valuable coins at Judas feet....unless he was young and inexperienced.

Juda Aburriah, his own son, was at most above his own age group, outclassing them with ease. However, unless the standards for magicians had fallen drastically, even a regularly trained magician would easily flick Juda aside like a bug as they were elites, chosen for their skills in magical combat. Additionally, no one could throw around a bag of coins like that unless they were either royalty or nobility. Commoners could never get more then ten platinum in their entire lives, let alone a whole sack full of it. In other words, the attacker was an inexperienced noble or royal with vast amounts of magical power. It all fit perfectly, except for what they were doing in the forest wiping out Fantasia.

Stans thoughts were interrupted when both his wife and daughter began rummaging through the bag, counting the number of coins. His wife, Amanda Aburriah, was on the verge of crying with each coin she pulled out, one of her hands covering her mouth. His daughter June counted in wonder as she placed the coins into stacks of five. Stans could feel his heart skip a beat at the thought of finally giving his family the life they always wanted.

Then he looked at Juda, who was also watching the two of them count the coins with a warm and gentle expression, an expression he always wore whenever he was around them. Stans felt as if something was stuck in his throat as he watched his only son take pride in helping his family without asking for a single coin in return.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Stans closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Once he felt calmer, he opened his eyes and cleared his throat loudly, breaking the spell that had fallen over the family, snapping them all back to reality.

"Juda, would you mind going outside and chopping the firewood for me?" Stans asked politely. "I'd do it myself but I'd like to talk to these two in private."

"Sure, I don't mind," Juda said without hesitation. He didn't even ask what his dad wanted to talk about even though he was obviously curious. He simply left to go and do the task he was asked to do without a single question, shutting the door behind him.

Stans turned his attention to his wife and daughter, who had both finished counting and were now looking at him with confused expressions. They didn't know what was so important to discuss that Stans had to send Juda out of the room but they assumed it was because of the coins. However they had no way of knowing that Stans had already made up his mind on what to do with the coins.

"This is difficult to say," Stans said as he leaned forward, crossing his arms and placing them on the table. "You may disagree with what I'm about to say and thats okay as its ridiculous. However its something that I truly desire."

Stans face grew serious as he looked from Amanda to June, his clear and calm. "I want to send Juda to school. To learn things and to make friends instead of being taught by someone whose lost his edge over the years. I want to send him to Mastik Academy."

There was silence at the table. No one spoke for a period of time as what Stans said began to sink in. Mastik Academy was the most prestigious school in Restaka Kingdom and perhaps the most expensive. It was well known for producing some of the most famous magicians in the world and contained top notch teachers plus the latest up-to-date knowledge in every subject. The cost alone was astronomical so it was mainly a school only nobles and royals could get into with commoners rarely getting in. The cost of enrollment alone was 20 platinum coins, not including room and board which was an additional 18.

"I know it's expensive but with the amount we have we could definitely send him," Amanda said as she placed a hand on Stans arm. "I agree with what you said. Juda deserves this chance more than anyone. He's helped us for so long without receiving anything in return. Its time we gave something back."

"I agree as well," June said with a smile on her face. "Big brother always helps me whenever I need it and he always looks after me when I'm sick or upset."

Stans smiled softly as he gathered the coins up and placed all forty of them into the bag. "I'm glad you all agree. It's still early so if I go now, I can have him enrolled and in school by the end of the week. However, don't tell him about any of this until the after I'm finished. If you tell him then he'll try and stop us. You know how he is."

Stans tucked the pouch into his pocket as he stood up. "I'm heading out. I shall make my deepest wish come true with this, that my son, Juda Aburriah, will become a magician. I want him to live a life he deserves and to help other people who need it."

Turning around, Stans headed to the door and walked out, a frim grip on the pouch deep in his pocket.