—
Chapter 3 - New Dawn
Later, back at the cottage, The air was thick with the warmth of the setting sun, painting the world in shades of soft pink and orange. The garden in the front yard, lush with grass and adorned with flowers in full bloom, stretched out before the cottage like a patchwork quilt of vibrant life. A giant tree stood at the far end, its branches heavy with blossoms that caught the light as the breeze danced through them. It was peaceful here, as if the world outside couldn’t touch them, and everything was as it should be. The moon began to rise high, casting its pale light over the land. The quiet hum of the night was broken only by the soft rustling of leaves and the distant croak of a night bird. Marth sat at the edge of the garden, his legs drawn up to his chest, his fingers absently twisting a blade of grass. The stillness of the night seemed to press in on him, but his thoughts were far from peaceful.
Lumi slowed her steps, noticing his distant gaze. She approached and sat beside him, her presence a quiet comfort. For a moment, neither spoke. The soft breeze danced through the air, and the moonlight bathed them both in its cool embrace. Finally, Lumi broke the silence. “What troubles you, Marth?” Marth let out a breath, his eyes never leaving the moon. “It’s my father... I’ve gone and made a mess of things,” he said, his voice low. “I’ve not been in trouble like this before. Not like this.” Lumi tilted her head slightly, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and concern. “What do you mean?”
“I’m afraid of what he’ll do, Lumi,” Marth muttered, his voice tightening. “I’ve crossed a line, and I don’t know how to make it right. I... I think he’s going to punish me.” He looked at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty. “What if he gives me a beating? Or worse? What if he sends me away to work the fields, or locks me in the barn?” Lumi kept her gaze steady, though her lips twitched in a small smile. “You think your father would lock you away like some prisoner?” Marth shook his head, but the worry in his chest refused to ease. “I don’t know what to expect, Lumi. What if he’s madder than I think? What if... he can’t look at me the same way again?”
Lumi reached out and placed her hand on his, firm and warm. “You’ve made a mistake, but I don't think he’ll turn his back on you. He’s your father” Marth stared at the ground, the weight of his fears pressing down on him. “I don’t know, Lumi. What if I’ve gone too far?” She squeezed his hand, her voice soft but certain. “You’ll face what comes, Marth. And your father will see you for what you truly are, brave and courageous!” Marth sat in silence for a long while, the cool night air doing little to settle the storm in his mind. The quiet beauty of the moonlit world around him felt like a world apart from his fears. His father’s stern face, the weight of what he had done, loomed large in his thoughts.
Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet but steady. “I hope you’re right. I just… don’t know what to expect.” Lumi gave him a small smile, her eyes filled with quiet strength. “Whatever happens, you won’t face it alone.” Marth met her gaze, and for the first time that night, he felt the tightness in his chest loosen just a little. With Lumi beside him, he wasn’t as alone in his worry. The moonlight, and the night air, all felt a bit warmer now, as if the weight of the world wasn’t quite as heavy.
From the top of the hill, the unmistakable sound of boots on the path grew louder, pulling Marth from his reverie. He knew it was his father, even before he saw the familiar shape. Aric appeared, his silhouette cut out against the dimming light. The heavy weight of his armor and the burden it represented hung from his body, but Marth couldn't help but notice how his father moved—slower than usual, a hint of something... different about him.
Without a word, Aric began removing his gear as he reached the yard. He unbuckled his sword belt with a sharp, practiced motion, letting it fall to the ground with a soft metallic thud. His gauntlets followed, hitting the earth with a dull thud. He unclipped his cloak with quiet precision, before finally pulling off his body armor. The metallic clang of the armor as it hit the earth resonated in the otherwise quiet yard.
Marth watched, his heart heavy with anticipation, but unsure what to expect. His father’s movements seemed... deliberate, each piece of gear a reminder of the weight Aric had carried for so long. Aric sat down heavily on the grass, letting out a long, drawn-out sigh as his body sank into the cool earth. For a moment, it seemed as if the entire world paused. The air hung thick with the hum of the evening, the fading daylight illuminating his face. Aric, his gaze turned toward the sky, looked older in that moment. There was something about him—something unspoken, hidden beneath the tiredness in his eyes.
“Marth,” he began, his voice low but understanding, “I understand... I understand why you reacted the way you did. You were trying to protect your friend. But that doesn't make what you did right.” Marth’s confusion was palpable, his face creased with uncertainty. Lumi, sitting quietly beside him, looked at Aric with equal curiosity, unsure of what his father meant. Aric continued, his tone thoughtful. “Gregor… he reacted the way he did out of jealousy, I think,” Aric explained. “He sees your magic, your talent. It’s not something most people are born with. You’re lucky, Marth. More than half the population can’t use magic. They’re in awe of it. And Gregor, he might’ve been scared—scared of what he didn’t understand." Marth’s brow furrowed as he tried to absorb his father’s words. He glanced at Lumi, who was still processing everything as well. “Your magic is a gift,” Aric said, as if the words were meant for both of them. “The gods and The Greater Will granted you this gift for a reason. Your mother has always used her magic to heal, to help others. But magic... it's not meant to be used in anger. In the right hands, it can protect the weak, just as the strongest men of history protected those who could not defend themselves.” Aric paused, his eyes softening as he looked at his son. “You did what you thought was right, but you have to learn to control your emotions, especially when you’re dealing with something as powerful as magic.”
Marth and Lumi sat in silence, absorbing his father’s words. The guilt still lingered, but there was also a sense of understanding growing between them. “This is a learning experience for both of you,” Aric continued, his voice softening. “But maybe it’s time, Marth, for you to receive true guidance from someone who knows magic better than I do... Someone who can teach you how to use it with purpose.” Marth’s heart leapt in his chest, and before he could stop himself, he jumped to his feet, a grin breaking across his face.
“Are you serious, Father?” he asked eagerly. “You mean, like a real teacher?” Aric smiled, nodding slowly. “Yes, I’ll speak with your mother tonight. We’ll arrange it. You’ll have someone who can help guide you on your path.” Marth, filled with excitement, turned to Lumi, who was beaming with joy at the thought of his new opportunity. "Thank you, Father," Marth said with gratitude, his voice filled with a new sense of excitement.
Aric entered the cottage, carrying his armor and sword with a sigh to his bedroom. Lysandra sat in bed, a blanket covering her legs, the glow of a candlelight flickering beside her. She was holding an old tome in her hand, but her attention was focused on Aric as he set down his gear beside their bed. “Aric,” she said softly, “how was the day? How is Marth?” Aric took a deep breath before speaking, recounting the events with Marth and Lumi. He explained what had happened in the village, the confrontation with the bullies, and how Marth had reacted. Lysandra’s expression shifted from worry to shock as she listened.
Stolen story; please report.
"Where is he now?" Lysandra asked, her voice full of worry. "Is he hurt?" Aric chuckled softly, shaking his head. “No, no. He’s fine. He acted out of concern for Lumi, but that’s not the point. I spoke with him. I told him the importance of controlling his emotions, especially when it comes to magic. He understands.” Lysandra’s eyes softened as she listened, but she wasn’t convinced. “I think it’s time we get him a proper teacher,” Aric continued, sitting down beside her. “He’s shown great potential, and I believe it's time he learns how to properly harness his gift.”
Lysandra hesitated for a moment, her fingers tracing the edge of her blanket. “I know he has great potential, but I’m afraid...” Aric placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice gentle. “I know you’re worried. But Marth’s ambitions have always been bigger than this village. He needs to learn how to defend himself, to be ready for what lies ahead.” Lysandra was slow to voice her concerns, but they were there. The look in her eyes, that careful, cautious gaze, told Aric she wasn’t entirely convinced. "You really think it's time?" she asked, the question soft but heavy.
Aric nodded. "I’ve watched him, Lysandra. I’ve seen what he can do. But it’s more than just raw talent. It’s control, discipline. And that's something we can't teach him here. He’s strong, and too eager. It's dangerous without the right guidance." "I know..." Lysandra’s voice trailed off, the weight of the decision settling between them. "I know he’s been learning from you and I. But you’re right, he needs more." She paused before continuing, her gaze turning to Marth, who was outside playing in the yard, his laughter ringing through the air. "We do have connections at the Altios Academy. It’s where his talent will be best nurtured."Aric exhaled slowly, the decision already made in his heart but still carrying the burden of its implications. "I’ll write to them tomorrow."
The days that followed were a blur of preparation, but soon enough Aric had penned his letter. It was direct, the words deliberate as he composed the missive. The connection to the royal family might open doors, but Aric knew it would be Marth’s skill that would make the difference. In his letter, Aric described his son in a way that would catch the attention of any seasoned mage, yet he held no false hopes about what would come next. He wrote with the conviction of a father who believed in his son’s potential, tempered by the knowledge that any mentor taking on Marth would require an immense amount of patience and understanding. The letter traveled across the land, leaving Marth’s fate in the hands of the Altios Academy. Now, all that remained was to wait.
In the distant halls of the academy, Professor Brimrire was accustomed to the weight of responsibility, yet when Aric’s letter arrived, it was just one among many. The flood of correspondence that arrived each day was enough to overwhelm anyone, filled with hopeful requests and promises from across the kingdom. But as Brimrire read Aric’s words, a spark of curiosity ignited within him. He had long known Aric’s name, recognized for his skill both as a knight and adventurer. At first, Brimrire felt skepticism stir within him; the royal connections were intriguing, yes, but what truly held his gaze were the claims of extraordinary magical talent. The academy had trained many students over the years, but few with such an unblemished potential. He knew well the weight of Aric's reputation and the risks in taking on a student of such promise. And yet, his curiosity was piqued. Without further hesitation, Professor Brimrire took his quill and began his response, this time reaching out to someone he trusted—an old acquaintance, capable of handling the so-called prodigy.
Professor Brimrire: (Writing earnestly) "Dear old acquaintance,
I have received a letter from a former knight, and his request regarding a young boy has intrigued me greatly. His son, a child of remarkable magical potential, is said to possess extraordinary talent, though I have yet to see it for myself. His connection to the royal family is a curious factor, and though I remain cautious, this could very well be the beginning of a relationship that benefits both the child and the Altios Academy.
I would like to request your assistance in assessing his abilities. Should the boy prove worthy, I trust the academy will offer him the proper education, as well as the future he deserves. His power, if real, could serve as a bridge between the kingdom's elites and the academy's halls.
I will trust in your judgment, as I have for many years. The compensation for your efforts will be substantial.
Yours in magic, Professor Owen Brimrire."
The days felt longer after the letter was sent. Each one dragged by like the fading daylight of late fall, while the family waited for any word from the academy. The cottage, usually filled with the gentle hum of life, seemed quieter now, as if even the wind had slowed to match the anxious rhythm of their days. But then, just as the first chill of fall touched the air, and the leaves began to transform into their fiery hues, the long-awaited letter finally arrived.
Aric entered the cottage holding the thick parchment, its ink precise and the seal unmistakable. The Altios Academy had responded, and as he brought the letter inside, the atmosphere shifted. It was as though the entire room paused in anticipation. Marth’s eyes widened with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, his heart racing as his father carefully unfurled the letter, scanning its contents. Aric’s voice broke the silence, reading aloud the words that would change Marth’s life.
The message was clear and concise: Marth was to receive a tutor, one who had been handpicked by Professor Brimrire himself. The tutor would stay with Marth only until he surpassed the rank of apprentice. Afterward, the academy would evaluate his progress, and based on reports, there might be opportunities for further education—greater chances for Marth to grow as a mage and develop his talents.
Marth’s joy could no longer be contained. His face lit up with an overwhelming sense of triumph and anticipation. His father lifted him into the air with ease, the weight of pride filling the room. "This is just the beginning, son," Aric said, his voice thick with emotion, holding Marth aloft as though the very sky had become his new limit. Lysandra, who had been sitting at the table with baby Kael in her arms, smiled warmly at the sight. Her eyes sparkled with joy, her gaze soft and affectionate as she watched her husband and son. There was a quiet pride in her expression, but beneath it, a protective instinct—Marth’s life was about to change, and the world beyond their cottage would demand much from him.
Elysia, who had been sitting quietly nearby, jumped from her seat, her small feet bouncing with excitement as she rushed toward Aric and Marth. She wanted to be part of the joyous chaos, to feel the warmth of this moment, and with her infectious energy, the room seemed to brighten even more. "Look at you, Marth!" she laughed, almost in awe, wrapping her arms around him.
After the celebration, when dinner had been eaten and the laughter of the family still lingered in the air, Marth heard a soft knock on the door. He excused himself from the table. Marth opened the door to find Lumi standing there, her eyes bright with curiosity. The excitement on Marth’s face was all she needed to see. "You’re here!" Marth said with an infectious grin, rushing out to meet her, eager to share the news. "I will be receiving a magic tutor!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with the kind of hope that only comes when a dream begins to take shape.
Lumi’s face lit up with a mixture of shock and joy. She threw her arms around him in an excited hug, her heart swelling for him. "How great, Marth!" she exclaimed, her voice full of wonder and pride for her friend. Marth laughed, feeling the warmth of their friendship stronger than ever. "I’ll be able to teach you everything I learn!" he said with the kind of enthusiasm only a child could have. Lumi pulled back slightly, her excitement dimming just a little. "I don’t know, Marth," she said softly, her eyes avoiding his. "I don’t share the same talent you do. Maybe... maybe I won’t be able to learn as quickly."
Marth’s face softened, his smile unwavering. He reached for her hand, his gaze steady and filled with determination. "Lumi," he said gently, "I know you can do it, because I will be there to help you, every step of the way." Lumi’s heart fluttered at his words, the sincerity in his voice touching her deeply. She looked up at him, her eyes now filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Marth," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
For the first time in her life, Lumi felt truly seen—not for her differences, but for her potential. And with that moment, the bond between them only deepened. With the promise of a new chapter ahead, Marth’s gaze turned toward the horizon. The road would be long, but he was ready. And with that, this chapter of his childhood closed, and the journey of the next one began.
