Atem: the path of their lives

  Chapter 5

  Time well spent

  Jino‘s view

  To call the nights that followed Mister Arius‘ disappearance worrying and restless would be a great understatement.

  When we woke up after that strange evening, the only one that had returned was mom. She wasn’t as upset as when leaving, but she hasn’t looked the same ever since coming back. Asking her about what happened didn’t really bring us any meaningful answers. The only thing we learned was that as a captain of the rune knights, it had been her duty to investigate the existence of a potentially dangerous individual within the city and that her search hadn‘t produced any important results.

  Despite that, it would seem that the terrifying person clad in black we had run into before coming home was not very welcome in most populated places.

  What worried her more, however, was the absence of my teacher. He had originally gone to look for her but ended up missing himself. Once she heard of his abrupt departure and that he was still nowhere to be found, the first thing she did was scold dad for letting him go. The two then had a stormy argument that ended with both of them calming down and agreeing to take responsibility for whatever would happen next. After that, mom settled down and told us that we didn‘t have to worry, since she would work hard on looking for him and making sure we’re safe.

  And yet, I can tell that she’s still upset. Maybe she blames herself for something?

  ?Focus, Jino! This isn’t a game!“

  From that point onwards, many things started changing. Mom no longer spent as much time at home and instead patrolled the city for far longer than usual every day. When she was home, though, she would make us learn swordsmanship.

  The art of the blade, exactly as she had been taught by the Runic order. Or, at least whatever basics she could pass on to complete beginners.

  Lengthy and gruelling sparring sessions filled our mornings and afternoons. She would always begin by showing us the fundamentals on a makeshift training dummy, having us repeat exactly that until she decided that we were of passing skill, and then making us try to land a strike on her.

  Additionally, each session would begin and end with physical training. Laps around the garden, push ups, squats and sit ups. Those became our bread and butter.

  Oddly enough, we bonded far more with her during those times than we ever did while passing away time at home or just going on trips with her. Something felt right about it, as if a side of her we hadn’t ever seen before emerged when she picked up a sword and started instructing us. Stern, demanding, fierce, assertive and unwavering, yet still ever so loving.

  At least, that was how it went for me. Lear, on the other hand, wasn’t as fond of our sparring. He instead preferred much more to spend time chatting about economics and tinkering with runic tools alongside dad.

  Which is precisely what filled our middays and evenings.

  Dad, who until then had restriced himself to only showing us how he worked from time to time and advising Lear on how to haggle prices correctly, began teaching us what he knew best in earnest.

  How to charm people, convice others to do what you want them to, make sure you always earn more than you spend, keep your belongings safe while travelling. The workings of the market, basic arithmetics, conversation techniques, how to read body language and more.

  A different way of surviving in the world. Not one that relied on pure strength, but wit.

  Although I’m pretty sure I picked up more during Mister Arius‘ lessons than with dad…

  ?What are you thinking about? I could corner you at any point!“

  Exercise, train, rest, study. Exercise, train, rest, study.

  That was precisely how our days went for a few weeks. Naturally, we got tired of it extremely quickly at the beginning because we weren’t used to anything like it. Our bodies were too weak at first and Lear especially hated the start, saying that he “doesn’t want to make a living with a weapon in hand“. After some time, though, he got over it and started enjoying the time we spent together each day. Besides, it wasn’t like we didn’t have any free time. We would always spend two days off of our routine every week enjoying the weather and playing with friends, and if we looked too exhausted between sessions, we would be allowed to relax for the rest of the day.

  Yet, it didn’t take long after we adapted to that lifestyle for a tall hooded man to reappear at our house. Mister Arius.

  All of us were shocked at first and mom even nearly shed a tear from relief as she clearly saw his figure standing in our garden. I could see a great weight fall off of her shoulders when the two finally exchanged words and my teacher began explaining what exactly had happened while he was away.

  Apparently, the night he had gone out, for better or worse, he managed to successfully track down the man we had met that day. After trying to learn more about his purpose in the city, the warrior clad in black noticed him and the two had a brief skirmish before Mister Arius managed to run away.

  Turns out that man, for whatever reason, is in Merat only for my teacher’s head.

  The next day, more guards patrolled the streets than usual and having decided that it wasn’t safe enough to return because he could endanger us, he hid himself and waited for things to calm down before coming back.

  Needless to say, just like mom, he too stopped spending as much time at our house as before. He only rarely gave me lessons and taught me as he had before, mostly just stopping by to check in with how we’re doing and to tell mom what he had learned when out, and while I never would have expected I would start missing his lectures, I had grown used to the man who had appeared in my life as suddenly as he had left. Especially after he had shown me what exactly Numen was capable of.

  Just who exactly was that stranger for him to have such an impact on my parents and Mister Arius? And why would he want to hurt the latter?

  ?I said, focus!“

  In a haze, a brown rod-like object passed out of my field of vision and by the time I realized the meaning of the words shouted at me, mom’s wooden sword struck me in the shoulder, making me drop the one I had been gripping.

  ?Ow! What was that for?“

  ?How many times must I tell you not to wander off in thought in the middle of sparring? You’re too careless, Jinas, and that’s precisely what is holding you back.“

  A mild dull pain spread throughout the left part of my body. Not too great, yet just enough to be efficiently annoying. I lowered myself to the ground in order to sit, gently holding a hand over the part of my arm that had been struck.

  Can’t believe the level of control mom has with that thing. I thought I’d be a goner for a second.

  Next to me, a figure whose face bore a slight resemblance to my own laid on the ground, fiercely trying to catch his breath.

  ?Come on, Jino, that’s already the 3rd time today! We haven’t come close to even touching her yet!“

  Lear said in ragged breaths, spreading himself all over the well cut grass growing in our garden, practice sword already long out of his hands.

  ?You know… maybe if you didn’t drop out of the fight so early each time, our chances would be a bit better.“

  ?Hey, I did what I could! I keep trying my best, but I can barely keep up with the two of you. Besides, what if you tried matching your pace to mine for once?“

  ?And then what? Overwhelm mom with our snail-like speed?“

  I chuckled and smiled at him before laying down on the ground, listening as Lear grumbled under his breath only to start laughing alongside me moments later.

  The sky stretched out in front of me like a canvas of blue and white, the clouds forming a beautiful and awe inspiring scenery of many distinct and imaginative figures as birds and trading ships flew through the air. A warm summer breeze gently caressed my hair as I slowly regained energy.

  This is nice. Days like these are the ones I’m the fondest of. I wish I could somehow stay in this moment forever…enjoying this feeling of safety and comfort, of leisure and good company. I can’t quite explain it, but it feels… right.

  ?How long are you going to keep laying around, you two? We’re not finished yet.“

  A warm and commanding voice akin to a current of flowing water that sweeps up everything in its path broke me out of thought. Feeling emboldened and obliged to continue upon hearing those words, I instinctively rose up to my feet.

  Lear, on the other hand, was quite hesitant to do so.

  ?Mom, haven’t we had enough for today? I can barely stand…“

  ?You need to push yourself in order to grow, honey. This will be the last bout for today, then you’ll rest.“

  ?Right…didn’t you say that before this one though…“

  Despite being persuaded, however, he still seemed unmotivated and whispered something to himself. Seeing that, I walked over to him and extended out a hand to help him stand up.

  ?Hey, cheer up. Tommorow’s a day off, so mom wants to work us extra hard while we can. Let’s just give this one last go.“

  He looked at me exhaustingly and sat still for a moment before letting out a loud sigh and taking my hand.

  ?Fine, I’ll make you take back that remark you made earlier. Just don’t expect too much.“

  Having said that, we both grabbed our practice swords and stood readily, waiting for someone to make the first move. I gripped my weapon with all the remaining power I had left and felt its rough wooden texture grind against my palms.

  Both of us stood in a firm stance. As mom saw that, she smirked and prepared to swing her sword down in a vertical arc in order to signal the start of the duel. She looked tireless and eager to let out some of her strength again.

  All right, here goes nothing.,

  ?Well then, bring it on–“

  ?Woah woah woah, calm down. How about the boys take a break before you go at it again, eh?“

  Her booming shout was casually interrupted as dad walked into our intense stand-off and hurriedly stopped us.

  ?Dear? We’re in the middle of something her–“

  “Dad!“

  Seeing his saviour arrive, Lear suddenly dropped the weapon he held onto the ground and jumped at him, wrapping arms around his neck.

  ?Get back here at once, Lear. We aren’t done–“

  ?Haha, that’s my little haggler! I‘d bet you’re as tired as king Augur’s army on the seventh day of its march!“

  ?If only! you don’t even know!“

  Eyes darting around and a frown forming on her face, mom stood aside as Lear continued his banter with our dad, visibly annoyed by being cut off three times in a row. Not minding her, dad continued his abrupt interruption by turning towards me.

  ?What about you, Jino? Wouldn’t you care for something a bit less physically taxing? I can see that you’re still raring to go, but it’s about time for us to have a look at those items I brought from the guild. I have to return them soon, you know.“

  Now that he mentions it, I could use some rest. Besides, I definitely don’t want to go up against mom alone…

  ?Alright, I’ll get a change of clothes and come back. What did you bring this time?“

  He smirked excitedly, almost as if he had just struck the deal of his life.

  ?Hah, now that’s more like it. I brought along an old discarded axe with a rune and a wand invoking a warm wind used for drying clothes. Other than that, there’s also an old chainmail and a pan for cooking, both with engravings. I’ll teach you two how to remove engraved effects from equipment today.“

  Four runic tools today, huh? Dad‘s been pretty busy with administrating and overseering the Traders guild‘s goods lately. I think they appointed him as one of its executives a year or so back. Must have made quite a name for himself…

  Still, for him to get his hands on so many high value pieces of merchandise every day, something must be going on.

  Lear must have had the same thought, yet as always, voiced it before I could fully understand the situation.

  ?Hey, dad, how come you brought so much stuff again? Is the guild amassing stock because of rivals? I guess not, since Merat dominates our kingdom’s market. In that case, is it because of the eastern war?“

  ?Well, looks like nothing escapes you, my boy. Sure, the Emperor has requested more weapons and goods from us for his soldiers, but more importantly, there are rumors of a new labyrinth being found. If they’re true, adventurers will be looking to buy a lot of equipment, so we need to be ready.“

  ?Makes sense, makes sense.“

  Nodding appreciatively, my little brother looked on with interest and an amused expression.

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  So that’s it. Pretty keen of Lear to catch onto that so quickly.

  An exasparated sigh resounded from behind me. Distancing herself from our conversation, mom walked in the direction of the house. As she approached the door, she turned around and called out to us.

  ?Alright you three, I’ll start getting ready to prepare dinner. In the meantime, you should–“

  ?Greetings. It has been a while.“

  Being interrupted yet again, mom turned around with an irritated expression, ready to give the person unfortunate enough to earn her ire a piece of her mind. When she saw the man behind her, though, she came to a stop.

  That same man got a good look at her face and then lowered his head in atonement.

  ?My apologies, miss Claire. It was quite untactful of me to discontinue your speech. I was merely eager to see you all again.“¨

  Standing at least a head taller than mom, he straightened his robust back while still retaining a respectful posture towards her. The person who appeared as unexpectedly as always was none other than my mentor himself.

  ?Oh, it’s…it‘s you, Arius. Don’t worry, it’s fine. I’m just glad to see you’re doing well.“

  A bit taken aback by his presence, mom slowly regained her composure as they exchanged words, stepping back in order to allow the others to get a good look at him.

  We all then greeted him in order of seniority and took a few steps closer.

  ?Argenti, hey! Been a while since you last appeared!“

  ?Mister, it’s good to see you again.“

  ?Good day…Sir?“

  An unexplainable aura swelled around him, obstructing his features and making it difficult to get a good grasp of the man. It felt as if that mysterious air somehow clouded my mind and judgement, scattering a fog over my senses.

  Seeing our puzzled expressions, Mister Arius must have done something special as he lowered his hood, since whatever was messing with my head disappeared. The atmosphere changed and we could finally get a clear picture of him as everyone visibly relaxed.

  Dad was the first to comment on that.

  ?Woah, that’s something. Pretty impressive cloak you got. I knew there was something off every time you went out. I bet you could get some ridiculous money for it, but you do know wearing stuff like that is illegal in cities, right? You don’t want to get caught wearing it.“

  ?Indeed. Yet, it is precisely what lets me not get caught.“

  The two then exchanged looks before smiling at each other.

  It’s not often these days that he shows up. Does he want to show me something again?

  ?Mister, what brings you here?“

  Meeting me with eyes that seemed to reflect the infinite expanse of the night within them, he spoke concisely.

  ?As you have surmised, It is time for another lesson. I want to take you somewhere not far from here, just along the city walls. Would your parents find that acceptable?“

  ?Wouldn’t that be a bit dangerous, considering the current situation?“

  Mom asked assertively.

  ?No need to fret. I have already taken the neccesary precautions to guarantee our safety. The path I mapped out is undoubtedly secure.“

  Pausing for a moment, she thought hard and turned towards her husband.

  ?Hm…well, I trust your judgement. What do you say, dear?“

  ?They can go, sure… but what about the tools I prepared…“

  Dejected and knowing fully well not to waste Arius‘ time, dad took a few steps back and looked at the ground in a dispirited manner.

  ?It’s settled, then. You two can go, just make sure to get back before dinner.“

  ?You have my thanks, Miss Claire. I will make sure to do precisely that.“

  Woah, so we’re really going! It’s been a long time since we’ve practiced with Numen.

  ?Alright, let’s head out right after I get my stuff, Mister!“

  My teacher nodded at those words and we both entered the house to gather our things. Lear followed soon after to see what dad had prepared for us. The only ones who remained in the garden at that point were our parents. Breaking the silence between them, the woman with flowing dark blue hair quipped at her husband.

  ?So, how does it feel to have your lecture cut short?“

  ?I get it now, honey. I’m sorry…“

  – –

  A wide and lush scenery of green spread all around me as far as I could see. The trees shimmered gently in the distance, as if being caressed by a tender hand. A few faraway mountains pierced the clouds with their hazy peaks, the most prominent among them, God’s hand, forming an imposing structure that seemed to stretch on and on with no end. Birds sung without a care in the world, creating a distinct harmony in the air, yet not ruling the character of the enviroment. A great deal of adventurers, travelers, nobles and businessmen alike scurried all over the main road leading to Merat, while the rest rode on boats and ferries on the river not far away from there.

  Simply put, nothing obstructed my view from atop the city walls. As we walked around them for a while, the man so eager to mentor me came to a stop at a point with even more impressive sights than before. Ever since we had climbed the stairs leading to the walls‘ top floor, he stopped using his cloak. Apparently, it requires a great deal of concentration and precise control of Numen to maintain its effect over long periods of time.

  ?What do you say, Jinas? A spectacle to behold, no?“

  ?Yeah, I haven’t seen anything like this before. At least not from this high up.“

  ?I am glad, then. One can rarely come here, given that only guards are permitted to do so and the frequency of their patrols.“

  ?What? In that case, won’t we get in trouble if they see us?“

  ?Not today, I am afraid. Truly, some of the forces stationed here are looking for me, however the bulk of them are engaged in quelling one of the Teral and demi-human uprisings taking place in a remote part of the kingdom. They will have their hands full today.“

  ?Oh, I see…“

  Hands folded behind his back, he looked solemnly into the distance, as if searching for something, or someone. In that moment, despite being surrounded by a bustling city, he looked terribly lonely. The wind blew lightly against his clothing and hair, spreading them behind him. He always seemed like the introverted type, but I hadn’t seen him feel like that ever before.

  ?…I’m sorry to hear that, Mister. I hope they’ll be fine.“

  ?Yes, Jino. So do I.“

  Taking a deep breath, he continued while still facing the horizon.

  ?Man still hasn’t evolved past the necessity for needless violence, and just like I am hunted for my vesper blood, Terals too are culled and feared for their past. Their abnormal appearance is enough to make them a target for most common folk, unfortunately. In response to this, they take up arms and defend themselves along with their families, just like a human would. Naturally, the other races pressure them even further due to that, seeking to extinguish all embers of rebellion. It is a vicious chain of death.“

  I know he’s right, but doesn’t that contradict the history he taught me? They’re persecuted for their past slaughters and treachery because people fear they’ll repeat them. Even that demi-human girl from before stole money from a man at the inn. Aren’t their fears justified?

  ?But, Mister, don’t they deserve it for what they did? Because of their betrayal in the second Great runic war, hundreds of thousands died. Isn’t that what you said?“

  The air suddenly became rigid. Hearing those words, Mister Arius turned his head in my direction and skewered me with an intense gaze. For a while, I swore I could feel a tiny sliver of anger in the eyes of the ever so stoic and docile man.

  ?Did I also not say that they did so for the sake of their own survival? Had they not broken off from the alliance and sided with my people, they would have been the next ones to face extinction. They are merely a people determined to live, yet are still being driven out of this continent in a senseless war for events long eluding the current generations. The Emperor and the Church are the same, always looking for a scapegoat to rally against. Unlike them, we must not form our opinions of others based solely on their past and our one sided view of them. If we are to live in a world devoid of meaningless conflict, we must learn to forgive as well as to accept our differences. The cycle of hatred must end.“

  ?…“

  A long silence settled over us. Whatever I had seen in his eyes just a few moments ago was already gone by the time he finished talking. My body felt heavy and a mix of emotions swirled inside my stomach, the strongest one of them being remorse. Seconds changed into minutes as I stood motionlessly before getting a hold of myself again.

  I didn’t mean to make you sad or angry, Mister…I’m just…

  ?I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.“

  ?Remember what you heard. You will meet many people during your life. Some of them are bound to be of uncertain character or history. Do not allow yourself to brand them as others do without attempting to learn the truth yourself. Use your own eyes and ears, child. Your own head. Be better than those before you.“

  ?Yes, sir. I’ll do my best.“

  Turning around completely, Mister Arius faced me with the usual face I had been used to. Stern and calm, but this time with a slight smile.

  ?I should also apologize, Jinas. Being able to control myself at all times should be expected of one such as me. Besides, that was not why I have brought you here today.“

  He walked over to the inner side of the wall and kneeled down. A dim blue glow illuminated his face as he brushed aside dust from a spot nearing the structure’s top. There, an unfamiliar symbol carved into the stonework revealed itself. Much larger than any my teacher had ever shown me before, nearly as big as my head, it seemed almost odd and out of place in such a location.

  A rune? Why would there be something like that on the city walls?

  Kneeling still, he turned towards me.

  ?What do you see?“

  ?A rune, a huge one at that.“

  ?In that case, what inscription does it bear? Can you read it?“

  The etching seemed old, far older than I could appreciate. At the same time, or maybe due to it, I was only barely able to make out the syllables represented in it.

  Even so, reading in the language of the words was never my strong point. I liked to think that it was because I had practiced it only a few times with Mister Arius before.

  ?It says…Cōn…stāns. What does that mean? And why is it on a wall out here?“

  ?That, Jinas, is yet another application of runes. Up until now, you had only witnessed the usage of nouns within them, but adjectives and adverbs are also words capable of being utilized by them. One such adjective is etched into the wall here to fortify its structure.“

  Word classes, huh? Yeah, I think I learned something like that during one of the lessons…

  ?Alright, but the inscription – what does cōnstāns mean?“

  ?It means firm, or persevering. Great masters of the craft engraved this here hundreds of years ago to improve the wall’s stability and, to a degree, alter its truest nature to that of an even more resilient object.“

  ?Alter its nature? Like what? Is it something like the rune we have on our hearth?“

  ?No, your hearth simply creates fire through the use of a basic noun such as Ignis. In such a case, the properties of the used object remain the same, since it is only utilized as a medium for external effects. Here, however, only the qualities of the wall itself change, making it more robust.“

  ?Huh, is that so…“

  Stepping back, I looked at the entire scene from a bit farther away and scratched the top of my head.

  I think I get it. Well, at least sort of. Even so, I have a feeling there’s something odd about this that I’m not realising…

  Mister Arius must have seen me looking puzzled as a calm voice broke me out of the trance I soon found myself in.

  ?Is anything unclear, Jinas?“

  ?What? No, it’s fine. There’s just something I’m trying to figure out, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.“

  ?It is of no matter if you cannot yet comprehend its complexity. In due time, you will unearth and grasp all manner of the truths around you through experience.“

  ?Right, and if I still don’t get it, I can just have you explain again.“

  ?I would not be so sure of that…“

  ?What do you mean? Do you want to stop teaching me?“

  ?Not that, child. There is one last reason I brought you out here.“

  ?And that would be?“

  He looked at me with his usual serene expression for a while. Then, if only for a moment, he smiled warmly and took a step closer.

  ?Tommorow, I am leaving Merat. The preparations are already all set.“

  Leaving? That can’t be…

  ?No way! You just returned, Mister!“

  ?There is no need for such agitation. The time I have spent here with your family has been far too great and as such the danger I have exposed you to far too large. It would be unwise of me to linger here much longer.“

  But, I don’t want him to leave. He doesn’t come around much often anymore, however he’s still my teacher. Someone I’ve grown close to. I don’t want to lose him.

  ?Then…just how am I supposed to study alone? Numen, runes, history, languages– you know there’s no way I’d dive into any of those on my own. You can’t just leave!“

  ?Perhaps not as of now. One day, however, you will find yourself mature enough to do so.“

  ?Maybe that’s true, but still! I– I don’t want you to go…“

  What’s with me, I’m so lame. Why am I getting so emotional over this? I feel more childish than Lear, damn it.

  I made a somber expression as a warm breeze washed over the both of us, brushing through my teacher’s hair. Judging from his silence, he seemed a bit taken aback and surprised by my reaction. Even so, it didn’t take him long to respond.

  ?It seems you have grown more fond of me than I would have ever expected. While such a truth is not unpleasant to me, it makes our parting that much more unfortunate…“

  Another pause was soon followed by his eyes setting their sights on me intensely, as if trying to look into the farthermost reaches of my very soul.

  ?…for both of us. Trust me, I know the depth of your sorrow very well. Alas, this will serve as my final lesson to you before we reunite again. Even if you were to forget all of our prior conversations, remember this.“

  ?Remember what? That you’re leaving?“

  ?Precisely. Life is a cycle of arrival, change and departure. Countless people will enter your life and change it in ways you would have found unthinkable before and just as many of them will disappear without you having the time to realise how much they meant to you. That is the cruel and beautiful truth of reality.“

  ?I don’t like that at all, what’s so beautiful about it?“

  A fire seemingly lit up in his eyes, engulfing the endless night and expanse of stars depicted within them in a show of emotion. It was the first time I had ever seen my teacher speak with passion capable of consuming even his ever composed side.

  ?The beauty of life lies in its evanescence, Jino. Were it not so fleeting and ephemeral, we would not appreciate it as dearly as we do. Just like everyone we meet, it is momentary and passing, which is precisely what makes it worth it. The places you visit will change you, as will your experiences and the ones you meet. And after some time, they will all be gone. One day, you will come to understand. Life will mold you. Until it does, you must not forget to cherish that which you take for granted. That which crosses your path. And once you can treasure it, you must find within yourself the strength to let it go, for true beauty cannot last forever.“

  ?That’s…that’s just like you, Mister. To say such cool stuff before leaving…“

  ?There is much more I would like to tell you, yet there is no time. We must return before nightfall. You may come see me off tommorow.“

  ?Alright then, I’ll definitely come…“

  Will that be the last time I ever see him?

  ?Once again, your worries are misplaced. This will not be the last time we meet.“

  ?Really? If you say so, I’ll believe it. Let’s go home, then.“

  ?Indeed. Come.“

  Finishing our conversation, we moved to descend the stone stairway leading down into the streets. Mister Arius put on his hood again and I sensed a strange and inexplicable feeling when standing next to him, as if I had a hard time imagining his face and thinking about him. Yet, it was far easier to make out his features and realise who he was than before.

  I wonder why that is…wait, how did he know precisely what I had been thinking just now? Was it just a hunch? I swear, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand him.

  And just like that, we left the sturdy walls behind and navigated back home through the slender streets of one of the largest cities of the Pelagus continent.

  – –

  The old wooden bed in my room creaked as I sat atop it. A sense of relief and easiness washing over me, I put away all of my belongings and laid down.

  It was late evening when we got home from the city walls and by the time we finished dinner, it was already time to sleep. The exhaustion of a day filled with exercise and walking set in and I was just about to doze off, but a familiar voice kept me up.

  ?…and it was totally defective, believe that! You should have seen the look on dad’s face when he realized he would have to return it in that state.“

  ?I can only imagine, but don’t you think it’s a bit late for talking? You’re too overexcited about the smallest of things, Lear, and I’d like to sleep early tonight.“

  This isn’t only my room, after all. Lear sleeps on the other side of it…

  Grumbling, he quietly said something and crawled under the blanket carefully prepared on his bed.

  ?Come on, I just wanted to tell you what I did while you were gone. You, though, haven’t said anything about what you did outside with Mister Arius since you returned.“

  ?As I said, I’ll tell you all tommorow once we see him off. I really don’t want to sleep in and miss his departure just because I stayed up late.“

  Right, he’s leaving in the morning and there’s nothing we can do. He wants to disappear before the streets get busy, but not while it’s still dark so as to not raise suspicion. This sudden leave of his was the only thing we disscussed during dinner today.

  Honestly, I’m not even surprised by him anymore.

  ?Okay, but that’s a promise. I’ll finish the story tommorow.“

  ?Great, we’ll have enough time for it later.“

  I turned over and closed my eyes. Minutes passed as I laid motionlessly while trying to fall asleep. My thoughts, however, wouldn’t let me do that.

  Does it really have to be this way?

  An eerie silence permeated the room, as if mentally connecting me with my brother and telling me he too wasn’t asleep. Moments turned into ages and Lear’s meek whisper finally broke the air of anxiety around us.

  ?Do you think he’ll come back one day?“

  ?Of course, I’m sure he will. In the end, he’s our teacher.“

  ?Right, I’ll miss him, though.“

  ?Me too buddy…goodnight.

  ?Goodnight Jino.“

  I tried closing my eyes again and soon found myself falling asleep. The worries both of us were keeping in must have dispersed after that brief exchange. Only one final thought crept up in my mind.

  I know what was puzzling me earlier, back atop the walls. How come the inscription has remained in the stonework for so long? Every rune I had seen before always disappeared after a while. That’s odd, I’ll have to ask someone later…

  – –

  Something tickled and irritated my eyelids. I slowly opened them to see what, but I could already tell based on the faint heat that seeped into them. Sun rays filled the room and signalled the beginning of another day. I yawned a little and got up to sit.

  ?Good morning, is it time already?“

  Just like me a while ago, Lear was still asleep. Looking through the window, I could see the sun coming up, hovering comfortably high above the walls of Merat.

  Huh, it’s pretty bright outside for this time of the day…

  I looked around to search for the clothes I took off before sleeping yesterday and found them tossed beside my bed. Slowly putting them on, I became more and more awake as I kept realising the situation I was in.

  But, there’s no way it would be this sunny so early in the morning, is there?

  ?Mom, dad? Good morning, should I go get ready?“

  Calling out into the hallway hesitantly, I fell into despair as no answer came back and the severity of what was happening set in.

  You’ve got to be kidding me…

  ?Lear! Wake up! We’re going to miss Mister Arius!“