10 - Family and Tutors

Father was in his office as the servants hurried about preparing for supper. When Alister entered, there were a few stacks of paper that the black-haired man was sorting through. His eyes glanced at his child before his face followed suit. He smiled brightly like a proud father, "Alister! I heard of today from some of the servants! It sounds like things have been eventful for you. Are you well?"

Alister gave a nod, "I'm alright, father."

"I heard of the reaction of the priests as well. I'm pleased to hear you've got the talent for both divine and magic arts. You have many avenues open for you in the future," he said, but before Alister could respond he held up a hand, "I will keep the temples at bay. You are far too young to be swept up in their messes. We respect the temples and the gods, but I will not allow it to be anyone's choice but yours what path you lead. Your mother is concerned, but I will take your opinion on your own life before any other. God, priest, physician, or otherwise. I stand with you, son."

Alister was taken aback. His father held the air of a leader as he spoke, so sure in his defense. He didn't even have to explain the situation. No questions asked, his father was there for him.

"I… thank you, father," he whispered, choking back tears, "Thank you. That means more than you could know. You have taken these changes with me in more stride than I have myself. And you have accepted me… you are not shying away even though I have changed from just your little boy… You have strength in you that rivals kings, father."

"I don't care of the circumstances of your past. What matters to me is the now. You are my son, and that is what you will always be. I will not lie, the past week has been difficult to process… but I am stalwart in my decision. Full recall or not, whether you've changed or not, it doesn't change that you are family. We just have to adjust to fit your newfound maturity," he aptly responded, smiling at him like he wanted to cry, himself, "I would give you the world if it were in my power. Even after you've awoken you've been nothing but model and polite, kind to those around you. Try not to worry so much. Put trust in us… put trust in your family."

Alister managed a nod, wiping away tears with his arm, "Y-yes… I will… hah. I guess I don't need to tell you what happened in class. You seem to know everything already. Shall we have dinner, father?"

"I suppose it is around that time, isn't it? Let's eat. I have more to discuss with you," he stood and ushered Alister to the door and out to the dining hall.

After the food was placed in front of them, at the table that was too large for just three people, they started to eat, and his father continued the conversation.

"We've decided to seek out private tutors," he started after swallowing a cut of steak, "I really wanted you to be educated with the rest of the village kids, but given the change in circumstances I no longer think it's appropriate. Physically you are still only eight, but mentally… you said you were over a century old… There isn't much for Delia Koll to teach you. To fill the gaps between your past life and now, to learn of politics and history, magic and temples, it's all more advanced than what you would learn with her, I'm afraid."

"If you'd tell us how you died in the past," his mother added, "we could be even more prepared."

"Dear, don't press him for it. It was likely traumatic."

Alister frowned, "Yes. Traumatic. You could say that. I will just say again, I died fighting. For these tutors, might I know more of them?"

"Of course," he set down his glass, "There are two of them. With the registration the physician had to make of a full recall, these two are coming from the capital. Both of them are on recommendation from the king."

He saw Alister's raised brow and chuckled, "I don't know them personally but I knew their parents. One is a woman, her name is Fiera Odelline, she goes by Ode. She is one of the best magic tutors in the nation. The other is a man, a scholar by the name of Jacob Destil. They are both very capable people."

Mother spoke up again, "With them, it would be a breeze for you to get into the magic academy when you're older."

"When do they arrive?" Alister asked. He was eager to see how magic had progressed. He had seen nothing impressive yet, but these people… they could be different.

"In the next day or two. They're traveling by carriage. It's a long ride even if you don't get into trouble along the way."

"Oh? Are monsters of concern on the roads?" He struggled with his knife for a moment. Stupid body.

"Through certain areas, yes. You've luckily never had a run-in with one. The village hunters deal with small monsters daily," Father explained, "Your tutors will go into detail I'm sure."

Two days passed. Ode and Sir Jacob arrived, exhausted from the journey. He could tell by their sour expressions toward him that they disliked being sent here. It was another two days before he got to formally meet them for lessons.

Wearing a tiny vest and nice shirt and pants, like a small version of his father, Alister bowed deeply to the tutors.

The young woman had white hair like he did, in a tight braid that trailed halfway down her back, with eyes that were as blue as the sea. The man was very tall and muscular, with brown hair and eyes - Father mentioned that he was a knight as well, apparently. Alister couldn't fathom why they'd send such an esteemed person to teach a kid in the backwaters of the nation.

"Miss Ode, Sir Jacob. I'm honored for your teachings," he finished bowing and stood straight.

Ode scrunched her nose for a moment, "Duke Severin, thank you for entrusting your son to us. We will do our best."

His father, who had come to see him off to his first lesson (despite it being in the same house), smiled and nodded. He thanked them before he left, shutting the door behind him.