Today we leave for the in-laws, been a while since we last visited Euel and Iyvani. I know Avaline has been missing them. Plus, they haven’t seen Olvior since he was still in diapers.
“Ava! Is there anything else that needs to be packed before we leave?” I shouted from upstairs as she prepared breakfast.
“No, my love, Olvior and I finished packing last evening. Did you remember your things from academy?” ugh. I always forget something at work.
“No- we’ll just have to make a stop there after the market.”
It’ll be quick, the academy is on the way to the north gate anyway.
After breakfast Olvior helps me finish loading the carriage while Ava locks up. “Here, toss me the big one.” He goes to lift it, but it's too heavy. I don’t recognize the bag though. “Ava? What is this bag?” I asked not knowing what to expect.
“It’s your alchemy equipment.” Confusion painted across my face.
This is supposed to be a family trip, no work, no politics, just family. “Ava I can’t- “
“We all know if you don’t bring it, you’ll just find some crazy way to work on it. This way: it’ll be safe and you can do it on non-family time.” she smiles and Olvior chuckles, like he does every time Avaline is stern with me. He reminds me so much of myself when I was younger.
“Funny huh?” I jumped from the carriage and placed my hand on his head then gave it a gentle shake.
“C’mon help your mother with her bags.” "Yes sir!”
Olvior is a good boy, he dreams of being an adventurer when he grows. It’s grueling work but it pays well.
“Alright let’s get going, before Iyvani bites my head off for being late; yet again.”
The market is busy today; we had to park our carriage at a lodge on the main road. “Five silvers?! Pfft, outrageous! How could they charge that much to park a carriage?” Ava and Olvior remain quiet as I go on my rant.
“Everything! All my materials have doubled in cost.” I shouted. “Okay now Nephra. You are drawing eyes.” Avaline's tone splitting
“I may have been a bit too loud.” Rubbing my head
Prices have been going up everywhere, food, water, due to all our import routes being attacked by demons. They first made their appearance over Twenty years ago; it took a while for the information to spread to the entire continent. Countries have been able to ward them off for now, but it gets worse by the year. Nowadays you can find all types of stuff made from demons though; potions, armor, weapons and a lot more.
The City of Inkuse has one of the most prominent markets in the country, about Three-Hundred Kilometers west of demon territory.
“Father, may we look at swords please?” Olvior asks with a glint in his eyes.
“No, you still have to learn the shield and spear.” Ava looks at me, as if telling me to agree.
“Ava, my love. Olvior has been doing well in his training. Maaaaybe; we can get him a sword to practice in his spare time?”
Avaline rolls her eyes and says “Fine. But you will be making sure he does not hurt himself.” I smiled at her and silently agreed.
“Yes, yes, yes!” Olvior jumping around as we make our way over to the weapons store.
The shops in this district are towards the higher-end of shopping; with the raise I received we can splurge a little here and there. The store front is amazing, green cloth with its trademark inscribed in gold. Its glass has perfect clarity to see some of the more expensive items. Olvior grabs the door and bells ring.
Ring Ring
“Hello, my name is Doro and welcome to; Retro & New Co. Weapon shop. How may I help you today?” The shop keep was a man maybe a couple years older than me. He looks happy, full of joy and brightness, glad people are still so lively in times like this.
“Yes sir, I'm looking for a sword for my boy. Something nice.” I said while giving him a pat on the back.
“Well since he’s still so young- a short sword would be best. Let’s take a look over here.” Doro showed Olvior over to the short swords.
“Anything you might want Nephra?” Ava asked. I took a quick look, but nothing caught my eye.
“No, I don’t think so. I do need to purchase some parchment from the general.”
“Well, let’s take a look around. Something might stick out.” She wrapped her arms through mine and we walked the shop together.
We walk around the outer edge of the shop where we can keep an eye on Olvior.
“Oh Mythril; looks like he has expensive taste like his mother!” followed by the sweetest giggle.
“Yes, and he deserves the best just like his mother.” I smile, pull her close and give her a kiss on the head.
“Hya! Hya!” Olvior is sounding off proudly as he swings the sword.
“The sword might be his Nephra- look at his eyes!” Seeing Olvior happy brings her joy and it’s the thing I love about her most.
The care she gives the to not just her family- but to the world.
“How does it feel Ol?”
“It fits me father! Can we buy this one!?” His excitement is contagious.
“Of course Ol, whichever one you choose!” An all-teeth smile swung across his face and I followed suit.
“Now do you have a sheath for this Doro?” I asked.
“Yes. We have a dozen or so-" He looks at the sword. "that would fit this sword nicely.” hands clasped behind his back.
"You go choose Ol. Come find us when you are finished. I need to help your father find a gift for himself.” Ava pushed me toward the trinkets.
Every single piece here looks as though it was constructed by master craftsmen, carved insignias with pinpoint precision. Stamps that were painted with astounding detail.
“Would you look at that!” My eyes widen as a piece catches my eye.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
It’s a glove with Mythril stones embezzled from fingertips to wrist. It has an odd pattern.
Ava leans over “It’s wonderful! Though, it does look like those-" She tilts her head. "alchemy circles you’ve been working on. Doesn’t it?”
It does, eerily similar.
“Father!” Both Ava and I are startled.
“This one is the one I choose. Look how the hilt glows!” He draws the blade in one swift motion SSSCHK and like he said, sparks tiny enough to do no harm; sprung from the hilt.
“That’s wonderful Ol.” Ava went and hugged him. "This is perfect. Isn't it Nephra?"
"Yes it is." I gesture toward the front counter. "We must be going soon."
He nodded then strutted to the counter.
“Something have your fancy sir?” Doro asks. A question he already has the answer to.
“Yes, where is this glove from? Who designed it?”
“That is from a Craftsman in Eduson; named Terati Usolf. Well known for their masterful arts.” I look over at Ava, and she just smiles and shrugs her shoulders.
I slowly turn my head to Doro and regrettably ask “How much?”
“Thirty gold pieces.” I swear I could feel my pockets just get heavier.
“Fifteen” I said
“Thirty-Five” he replied promptly.
“Twenty-Five” I held my stare.
“Forty.” His face smug.
“Now let’s stop this. We will pay the Thirty gold pieces Sir- Doro. Or- we will just go to another shop. Whom are willing to give us business at a fair price. Why not take Twenty-Five percent off the sword and sheath as well. Under the faith of good business.” Avaline interjected.
Doro and I lock eyes onto her- then slowly look at each other and silently agree.
“Your total is One-Hundred and Eight gold pieces.” My jaw dropped.
I did end up getting a beautiful silver and gold pendant. I haven’t gotten a nice gift for Ava in a while and she deserves the world.
Doro holds out his hand. “Okay, okay.” He counts out the gold and then writes out a receipt.
As we’re leaving he says, “It was a pleasure doing business with you Director. Peranze.”
I pay it no mind anymore really, being Vice-Director at the Academy has its pros and cons.
Id prefer if I wasn’t recognized but it comes with the job.
We stopped at a couple more shops to grab parchments, groceries for the in-laws’ house, and some tests from the school for Ava to grade. She knew she would be working on this trip as well. Ha
Ol is still marveling over his new sword, and Ava is resting. After the stop at the academy, it should only take us about another three hours to reach her parents. We approach the gates of the Academy of Alchemy: Avelyne, the oldest academy and the most prestigious in all the continent.
“My Love.” I speak softly to not startle her and gently shake her awake.
“I'm going to grab my things. I'll be right back.”
“Okay my love," she yawns "Ol and I shall wait here.” I kiss her then pat Ol on the head before I exit the carriage.
I point to one of the guards.
“Post extra guards. Write this in your reports so you can be properly compensated.” I pause “Only those who are posted.” Sending a piercing glare. Guards often try to finagle the system and help others get extra pay. But I can’t afford that right now, my budget is already tight.
“Yes Sir!” They reply in unison.
Every time I walk through these halls something else seems to amaze me. The architecture is brilliant; way before its time. Crystalline structures carved into the walls, pillars that stretch from the ground floor to the very top of the Thirty-Two-story work of art.
Now that my office is on the top floor it does become a drag sometimes to make the journey, but I appreciate it; nonetheless.
“Hello Director Peranze.” Jeeni says as she walks past.
“Hello Jeeni.” One of our top students, she runs some after-school courses to help struggling students.
I look out from the staircase that runs on the outside of the academy. I see smoke in the distance. Another fire near at the east gate; that’s three this month. I really hope they find who is responsible soon.
“Hey Mr. Peranze. Thought you were going on vacation?” Reunar asks with a slight tilt of his head.
“I am just grabbing a few things and then leaving.”
“Oooooh, well I hope you have a good Vay-cay Mr. Peranze. Tell Mrs. Peranze I said hello as well.”
“Will do. Have yourself a good night Reunar. No goofing off! Finals are approaching!” He throws up a thumb as he prances away. Reunar is also one of our best students, but I would have never guessed it; based on how he behaves.
"Finally; my office". I really wish there was a way to get up here faster.
The doors to my office are massive and I’m exhausted. Luckily the architects designed mechanisms that open the doors for you. I press the button and walk in.
“There they are.”
When I grab the spear my hand tingles and I notice the circles on the glove seems to overlay perfectly with my spear. I recall something my mother told me.
“Mother what are these for?” as I hold the spear in my hands. “That is my gift to you Nephra. Those carvings are yours and yours alone.” She said as she rubbed my head. A loud explosion sets off in the distance.
I look from the window in my office, and the fire had got worse. It’s spread to about a quarter of the eastern district. I need to hurry back to the carriage.
As I am running down the stairs, people are beginning to panic, students, professors, all grabbing their personal effects and making their way to the exits. More explosions erupting in the east. I couldn’t blame them; even I had begun to panic. I’m racing and I see the fire spreading and spreading
“UGH!" I wish there were a faster way down!
Frustration is now starting to replace panic.
I get to the ground floor; there are about a dozen or so guards posted by the carriage.
“What’s the report?” I asked one of the guards.
“No reports have come as of now, Sir.” I look at my family, and they're in a panic.
“Send a messenger to the north gate and let them know we are on our way. After we leave seal the inner gates to the academy. Allow those in need of refuge, but no one leaves.”
“Yes Sir!” no sense of fear on his face. It reminded me of my father.
“What's your name?” I ask him. “Guelna. Sir.” He replied proudly.
“Guelna, thank you for protecting my family. I ask you to do the same for the academy.”
He saluted me then proceeded with his orders.
I’m riding the carriage to the north exit as fast as possible. Thankfully this is an emergency route so there’s not much residential traffic. I look back and Ava is holding Ol, and I can’t help myself but to worry. I glance over at my spear and shield trying not to think about the last time I had to use them.
Another explosion “Ah!” Both Ava and Ol scream, this one closer than the others.
Were almost at the gate; when we hear someone yell
“Demons! Demons from the east gate!” screams followed by another explosion.
Screams; screams that reminded me of the day I so longed to forget.
“HEEEELP!” I hear from the distance. Screeching. Piercing my ears.
“No please! Gods no!”
Followed by the sound of flesh being torn apart.
They’re close. I look back again at Ava and Ol, she’s trying to console him. Beads of sweat now running down my entire body.
I remember when I lost my family before. I cannot handle something like that again.
“It’s going to be okay, were almost to the gate!” My voice is shaking. Hands trembling. Protecting my family is the only thing on my mind.
The gate is in site. But the fires have reached the emergency road. I see our escape in grasp but for some reason this sense of dread would not fade. “Open the gate!” One of the guards’ hollers to the operator when he notices us.
The Iron gate slowly began to rise.
BOOM
An explosion ignites in a building right next to us. Wood comes flying past my head. A few pieces hit me and go through the liner of the carriage.
“Are you two okay?” “Yes, we are alright" Ava spoke and I could hear the fear in her voice.
The gate now fully opened, granting us access to the forest up north. Maybe One-Hundred Meters from the gate, not even. A Demon burst through the building and clips the back of the carriage.
“Wooooah!” I say trying to regain control of the horses. Ava and Ol scream.
“Look forward! Do not look back!” I yell to them as I whip the reigns. Trying to muster every bit of speed that I can.
Going against my own advice. I do look back.
Just as horrifying as I remember- a Demon. Memories replaying in my mind. Rhythmic thumps in my chest.
Mother. Father. Retra.
I hear the beast claw and chomp at the carriage. Ava and Ol both screaming.
I must protect them
The only thought in my mind.
The beast lunges again and tears half the liner off the carriage. Then before I realized, multiple soldiers charged the beast allowing us to escape through the gate.
Shaking.
The memories flooding my entire body.
What do you think I can improve on?
