Chapter 6 - Childhood V

Week after week, the punishments kept going. Sylas's legs trembled whenever he moved.

His skin was almost glued to his bones, and in many places without even muscle, recovery was hard. Despite the punishments, he had to guarantee that the job got done. Lacking anything could increase the punishments the family was getting.

At the end of the first trimester, Sylas and Freya were going to switch places, but Bryn interjected. He would not allow his mother to suffer any more than she already did.

They both needed her to take care of the family. She was the only one who knew how to cook and clean wounds. From that point on, Bryn started to switch places with his father.

Every time the whip cried, so did Freya. Watching her son and husband beaten so badly made her bite all her fingernails off.

For Bryn, the passage of time became a constant test of survival. He didn't want to give Lady Isolde the victory over his spirit. But he had never experienced hell before. His body shivered, but his eyes sharpened with each lash.

After weeks, father and son alternated who would be the victim of Lady Isolde's attacks. Both had scars, open wounds, infections, and misplaced muscles. The fields started to feel their unnatural state as well. The cattle were sparse, free to roam the whole farm.

Almost an entire year had passed, and it was now Rowan's anniversary. He was turning eight, an important age for nobles' houses.

On the day of his birthday, Lady Isolde had prepared a special present for his coming of age. As he walked out of his room, she approached him.

"Rowan honey, today you are finally eight. The age when we find out your potential and start to plan your future for real." She said.

"Yes mom. I'll follow you everywhere!"

With a malevolant smile, she continued. "As a present for your new step in life, I'll give you something to remember as a future noble. Today, you are the one doing the lashes. As they are the last round of punishment, we should do something special. You must do the usual ten lashes but on every single faun!"

Rowans eyes open wide. "Thank you, mother!! During the last year, I even dreamed about punishing those filthy fauns. Especially, Bryn, he stole my brother from me. I should have been the one my brother taught and talked to !" he said.

"Amazing my son, let's hope nothing in your education is wrong like with your brother. You must never forget you are a noble. Now come, let us prepare everything for your birthday."

"Yes Mom."

That morning, the sky was crying as the clouds roared. Bryn, Sylas, and Freya were waking up for breakfast. The only sound was that of the rain hitting the old wood and leaves at the top of the house. They had a small place in the living room to eat without worrying about the leaking ceiling.

Sylas's arms and legs trembled as he held the jar of water with one hand. Vegetables were all he had to replenish his strength during the last 12 months. The combined punishment had stolen his prime.

Bryn was better. One of the reasons behind Bryn's state was that his mother and father gave him extra rations, food, and medicine. He didn't know it at the time, but both his parents were still protecting him with everything they had.

Freya was the first one to break the silence.

"Bryn, I know this year was difficult. Everything should go back to normal soon. Our punishment is almost over, then you can develop faster with your growth spur."

"I'm fine, mother. I only worry about your father and you. I'm a kid, my body heals very fast and the guards aren't as bad when punishing me as they are on dad."

"I…", Sylas's mouth could produce little if no voice.

"Relax father. You took most of our punishment alone, you must rest and start to recover. Today I'll get the punishment, that way you can come back to your usual self faster."

"Our son is right, Sy, rest. I'll prepare your favorite today. Vegetable stew! Haha."

"How can you laugh about that mother… We haven't eaten meat or bread for the last entire year. Those Wycliffe's are barbaric. They will pay a thousand-fold for what they are doing to us."

"Don't you say a thing like that again, Bryn. That attitude is what got us in this situation."

"But mother…"

"No more buts. From now on, we endure."

"I know that my mother is trying her best to provide and protect us her way. But there is no way I'll allow that family to keep breaking our spirits. I could feel the numbness on my mind and body almost solidifying and preventing me from feeling how I am now. As history proved in my world, if you and your peers allow your mind to break, change won't come. People must create change." Bryn thought.

"Your eyes don't match what I said, son…" Freya said.

Ignoring her, bryn said "Let's go, today we end our suffering for a little while."

The path towards the guard station took longer every time. But today, Bryn's steps were strong as he walked in front of the family. His chest opened and his head held high.

"Sy, one day our baby will be a strong faun and leader. Look at him, he isn't even eight years old." Freya held Sylas hand.

"I'm proud of who he is becoming, but I fear suffering anymore will break him. Like the forging of a strong blade, if you temper it too much, it stops getting stronger and starts having cracks." he answered.

Arriving at the guard's station, more people had gathered than usual. Servants from all around the farm and mansion were there. All with smiles on their faces, even though their eyes looked empty.

The ground had changed to mud. Pools of water all around. The steps were hard, but that didn't stop Bryn's resolve. The eight-year-old walked as if the muddy floor was out of marble.

In the center of the grouping, there was the station where they would chain him to. Next to it, Lady Isolde, Rowan, and the guards chief. Today, with all the servants present, both cat-like people were here as well.

Lady Isolde got up in front of everyone and started to speak, grabbing the attention of all present. "Today is the last day of punishment for the fauns. But it is also a very important day for everyone. My dear Rowan is turning eight years old. With his coming of age, we will combine both events. Today as for Rowan's birthday he will be the one to deliver the lashes. As for the last round of punishment, we will do 30 lashes, 10 for each one of you. That way, you will remember that your status is not and never will be like a noble."

Bryn's body trembled as he heard each word coming from the Lady. His hands clenched with fists, as he bent the knee.

"My Lady, I would like to ask you to spare my mother and father. As the future head of our family, I wish to be the only one receiving the lashes." He said.

Gossip was everywhere, and people couldn't keep their fake faces anymore. They were all thinking the same thing, could they or their sons display such resolve?

Lady Isolde was swift on taking control back from Bryn's hand.

"Great words from a Faun. Let's hope you remember them after the lashes start. Guards, prepare everything. Rowan, get the whip ready."

"Yes mom! Today only gets better and better. Now I can take my sweet time with you, Bryn!" Rowan said looking back and forth between Bryn and Isolde.

One step at a time, Bryn walked towards the two poles. Facing Rowan head on, he walked as if those words had no relevance at all. He turned his back to the guards and nobles and extended his arms sideways, waiting for the chains.

The clanking of the cuffs closing. The clinging of the chains. The constant thunders.

Bryn's face was engraved on the memory of them all. For a moment it was like they were looking at a seasoned warrior, not bothered by what awaited him. He looked up to the clouds, held his head and eyes facing all who were watching, and smiled.

For many who were there, all sound stopped as Bryn smiled.

What broke the silence was the sound coming from the whip lashing at his back.

The snapping sound was even louder than the thunders.

**Schta** 

"Yes, Yeeees!! Feel the pain I felt as my brother preferred to spend time with a lower life than as you." Rowan said.

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

"HAHAHAH"

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

"What an amazing feeling this is, mother. Thank you!!"

**Schta**

**Schta** 

"Enjoy your present, my son. Remember with every lash that we are much different than them."

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

Rowan's face contorted with a disturbing mix of pleasure and cruelty as he delivered each lash. His eyes now gleamed with a sadistic intensity, while a sinister grin tugged at the corners of his lips. The power and dominance heightened his addiction to this twisted act. It transformed his visage into a chilling reflection of his dark desires.

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

Rowan's performance was the main show for all but four people.

Bryn's clothes were now gone. His back bore the brutal marks of the lashes, welts, and bloodied streaks tracing the path of each strike.

His body stood tall with an unwavering resolve. A testament to his inner strength. Despite every muscle clenching and his cheeks twitching his eyes remained defiant. Radiating an undeniable nobility that transcended the physical torment inflicted upon him.

Sylas and Freya were trying to be as strong as their son, but the mind had betrayed them. Hugging each other with the power they could muster. No one could tell if they were wet from the rain or the amount of tears running from their eyes.

Now, next to them, were both cat-like guards. Stoic and indifferent at first. They began justifying the noble's actions. Believing that the servant must have deserved such a punishment.

With each lash, a newfound respect blossomed within them. They marveled at Bryn's unwavering strength and resilience in the face of brutality. Recognizing a level of fortitude rarely seen even amongst fighters. Their once passive expressions evolved into a mixture of admiration and discomfort. Grappling with the conflicting emotions stirred by this unexpected display of inner nobility.

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

**Schta**

"Bryn, it's almost over. I'm so sorry you have to endure so much." Freya said, hiding her face in Sylas shoulder.

Sylas heard his wife, but no voice left his lips. His watering eyes and low head just looked at Bryn. Even crying he couldn't stop looking at Bryn, absorbed by his menacing eyes.

"Hahahah, amazing... Amazing!" Rowan roared.

"Focus, son, you only have 3 lashes left." Isolde said.

"You are right, mother, I'll make them count."

Moving his body in a swinging motion, Rowan started to increase the speed of the whip.

"THREE…".

**SCHTA**

"AHHHHH" Bryn agonyzed.

As the whip tore the flesh for what felt like a hundred times, Bryn couldn't take it anymore. The amount of pain was too much for anyone, much less a child."

"I thought something was wrong with the kid. He was enduring too much. It turns out his mind had left his body since the first few lashes and only returned now. Poor kid." one of the cat-like guards thought.

Bryn's screams and cries for help filled Rowan's sadistic desires like gasoline did with fire.

"Yes, scream!!! More!!! TWO…"

**SCHTA**

"AHHHH"

His body was now writhing in so much pain that the shackles danced between the poles and his hands.

"ONE AND THIR…"

**SCHTA**

**SCH…

As the whip was flying for an extra lash, neither of the cat-people guards could control their reaction. Bryn would take a long time to recover from the punishment received. That is if he could recover at all. Giving one more lash than the agreed-upon punishment was too much after the child had suffered so much.

One looked at the other and without exchanging any words, they moved.

The backswing of the whip was over as it was already running towards Bryn's back. That was long enough for both cat-like guards to interject.

One focused on the whip, he held the coming strike as if it were a silk string.

The other focused on the agonizing child in both poles.

Few could perceive their movements, but both Lady Isolde and the guard's chief could.

"HOLD. Chief, what do your guards think they are doing?" Isolde said. Her tone matched her menacing eyes. 

"I'll have to ask them, my Lady. You know, these lower races. You two, How dare you interrupt the punishment set by Lady Isolde?" The chief asked.

Kneeling and looking down with one hand on the ground and the other on their chest, one of the two spoke up.

"My Lady, chief. We did no such thing. We were afraid that by giving lashes above the agreed upon punishment, it would be unfitting of her Lady's fairness." One of the guards answered for the two.

Only when they started talking did the spectators realize the situation had changed. Rowan and Bryn were not the only ones in the middle of everyone. Two guards kneeled, one of them with the whip in hand and the other next to Bryn's body.

Bryn was now free from the shackles and lying belly down on the mud.

"This one is quick with his tongue. He acted in a way to disrespect Rowan but was able to do it with enough grace so that only we would realize. Also, he used the proper words, so the spectators would have the impression he was defending my honor… I'll have to handle him another time." Isolde thought.

"Good. The punishment was for 30 lashes. Any more would be unnecessary." she said.

"But mother, I still want to punish that puny faun!" Rowan tried to argue.

"Do not worry, my son, there will be opportunities soon enough…

Everyone, as I said one year ago, the punishment for the faun family is over. Now, Everyone back to work!" She said.

Everyone started to disperse.

The chief guard kept looking back and forwards from the cat-like guards and Lady Isolde.

"My Lady, do you wish me to punish both guards? I can think of clever ways to make their life miserable."

"You still have a lot to learn, chief. They proved to be cunning and smart. Most of all, they proved that their fear and respect are still above personal interests. We must find good jobs for such characters."

"I could never think so far ahead, my Lady. You are a genius."

"Now come. We must be quick to arrive at the mansion. I have to arrange everything for Rowan's ritual."

"Yes, my Lady."

The only ones that stayed in the rainy mud were Freya and Sylas, trying to pick the unconscious Bryn off the floor.

"Uahh huuu" Freya cried her eyes out as she hugged her son's body.

"It will be alright, my love, I can feel his breathing. He is a strong boy." Sylas tried to console her.

"I was the one who told our son to lower his head and endure. Now look at him. How is this the proper way for us to survive?!! Tell me, Sy, could I have done anything to prevent this?!"

"You are not at fought here, Frey. Life is not as black and white. We must do whatever we can to offer a better life for our son. We did the best we could until now, but we will still have to do better."

Freya and Sylas carried Bryn's unconscious body until their home, so he could rest and start to recover.

As the days passed, a notice for all families at the farm arrived. All those whose sons and daughters were 8 or more years old would have to take part in a caravan to the city. The trip will take place 2 weeks from now.

It was a costume for every child to take part in the ritual once they came of age. 

Poor families had many children because of the ceremony. If one of the children had good potential, it could increase the status of the whole family.

In noble houses, a similar situation happened. Every child who turned eight had a chance to increase their power and influence. In the Wycliffe family, both Aric and Eamon showed good potential.

Lady Isolde hoped that Rowan's potential would be even better. He was sure to have the blessing of strength. That was a guarantee to become a good royal knight.

Neither Sylas nor Freya had great potential uncovered by their rituals. Still, they were not thinking about that when the letter arrived. Neither were they considering Bryn's potential. Their combined attention was on Bryn's improvement.

Freya stayed next to her son ever since the last day of punishment. Changing the clothes on his wounds. Using water to control his temperature. Giving him soup to make sure his nutrition would not suffer while he was unable to eat. Every day, she asked for him to come back to her, and still nothing happened. It was as if Bryn's life was hanging by a thread. His body started to show signs of recovery, but his mind still hadn't come back to them.

In Bryn's mind, that day was different from anything he had ever experienced. When the lashes started, he could hear Rowan's sadistic spirit coming to life. He could feel pain from the cuts, bruises, and lashes. But at one point, his vision started to fade and all he could remember was the mantra he used to focus.

"Be strong, do not show weakness, hold your head high.".

Soon his consciousness faded from the rain, from the noises and pain he was feeling, and he was back in England. His parents were with him, still alive, and he was Jordan again.

"Mom, Dad, is that you? You have no idea how much I miss you!" Bryn asked the image of his parents from earth.

"We miss you too, honey." His mother answered.

"You would never believe the dream I had. First, there was a pandemic, then you died. Then I died, but I didn't. I can't explain, but I became a faun for some reason. It was very confusing." Bryn said.

"Son, look around us." His dad was the one to speak this time.

As his father asked, Bryn realized that everything else had no focus.

"So it wasn't a dream? That means all I went through was a real? I'm suffering so much. I wished to help people after you were gone, but in the end, I couldn't." Bryn asked.

"There is still time, son." his dad complemented.

"You are not here to take me with you? I'm tired of trying. Tired of failing." 

"Sweetheart, those who achieve the most are usually the ones with the harsher stories. There are still people who rely on you." His mother asked.

As she said it, Bryn could see Freya and Sylas taking care of his body. His back still had scars and bruises, but it had improved a lot from what he remembered. Freya spent a long time next to him, talking to him, feeding him.

"Are they you two? Are they a second chance?" Bryn asked.

"How do you interpret something we didn't think possible? All I can tell you, son, is that those two treat and care for you as much as we did. Take care of them…" His dad said.

As his father was finishing his sentence, Bryn's mind faded again and all he could hear was his Freya's voice.

"Please, Bryn, we will be better. I promise I'll never let something like this happen again."

As Freya was speaking, crying and laying there with her head on Bryn's lap. He regained his consciousness.

"What about all that you said about enduring mom?"

"BRYYYN !!! THANK THE HEAVENS YOU ARE OK! SY, COME!"

"What is happening? BRYYYN."

"Ahh, please a little less strength on the hug. I'm still hurt, you know?"

"You were almost dead, young man. Stop being so ungrateful." Freya said.

"Son, we are so glad you are alright. We thought..." Sylas couldn't finish his sentence.

"There is no need to worry, I'm fine. See?"

Legs and arms elevated a little from the bed and fell back down instantly.

"Stop moving, you are still not back on your feet." his father said.

With Bryn back, the family had their first dinner where they cherished life for a long time.

"Bryn, you are now eight years old. Do you remember when we talked about a time you would have a growth spur?" Freya asked.

"Yes, mother, what is this about? I'm still recovering, and growing is not going to happen in a few days."

"Let your mother continue, son." Sylas placed his hand on Bryns forehead. 

"As I was saying. Lady Isolde ordered all families with children of the age of eight years old or more to take part in a caravan to the city. It will be the opportunity for you to take part in the coming-of-age ritual."

"What is that? I don't believe in religion or anything."

"The ritual is an ancient ceremony. It will allow you to understand your birth potential. But even more important than that, unlock many possibilities of development for you." Sylas answered.

"What do you mean, father?"

"It is hard to explain with words what happens, but I can assure you it is never bad. At most, you will keep being the same faun we know and love..."

"Well, anything is fair game from now on. If I list all the crazy that happened until now. I reincarnated, enslaved, and saw my dead parents schooling me about taking care of my new parents. I doubt anything can scare me more." Bryn thought.

"If you say so, Dad. I believe you. What do I have to do?"

"Nothing. At the time of the caravan, we'll all go to the city together." His mother said.

"Fine, so until then, let's share our meal and enjoy ourselves." Bryn said.

At the mansion, Lord Aric and Lady Isolde were having a similar conversation with Rowan. They explained the importance of the ritual for the family. Rowan needed to understand that after the ritual he would become a young adult as well.

The next morning came, and all the families headed towards the mansion.

Bryn was back to walking with one of his arms around Freya's shoulder and the other one holding a tree branch. Sylas was carrying a bag of fruits and a canteen of water next to them.

All servant families arrived, and the guards arranged them in the carts.

Soon out of the mansion came Lord Aric, Lady Isolde, Rowan, and Evelina. As soon as they entered the carriage, the trip towards the city started.