by Za1d3
“Sorry about that.” The old man turned back to Kaidus and Adalina. “My grandson lacks decorum, I will be sure to discipline him appropriately.”
“No, please don’t. It is perfectly fine.” Adalina replied timidly.
“I do not know if you are aware, but your son is undoubtedly a powerful mage. Of what order though, I do not dare to guess.” The old knight stated, his voice unsure, almost frightened.
This time, all three people standing looked towards Kaidus, Thirn’s face intrigued by what the old knight just said, the other two were doubtful. Horan, having seen the display of power firsthand, had on a composed mask.
“Yes… we have been aware of it for some time.” Adalina spoke her voice reluctant.
All the knights were surprised at the sudden admittance.
“Oh? And how long have you known?” the old knight asked, his curiosity written all over his face.
Looking at Kaidus, she saw a stoic face. Then turned back to face the old man.
“We have known ever since his first birth cycle.” Adalina spoke, her voice low as if to hide the truth.
“….” The old man had nothing to say about her revelation.
“Preposterous!” a familiar voice chimed in from behind the chairs.
“VION!”
“Sir! Don’t tell me you are actually buying this!” the grandson retorted.
“Even if you are my blood, another word and I will-” the old knight was losing his temper.
“With all due respect Sir.” Horan cut in. “Though I do not doubt that this child may have killed the kalligor and saved us, thinking logically, I cannot believe that this child has been awoken to his abilities ever since his first cycle. It is just too unbelievable.” Horan added his own opinions.
“Is what you said true?” the old knight asked Adalina.
“Yes my Lord.” She replied. Not an ounce of hesitation in her voice.
“How is that even possible? The awakening into the power from Lagus requires; perfect synergy of both the person’s will and mind to the mana within the body. Even the youngest person ever recorded to have awoken to their power was already 14.” Horan stated in incredulity.
“It is the truth whether you believe me or not, my Lords.” Adalina reinforced her previous declaration.
“My mother is not lying.” A voice, childish but imposing snaked through the atmosphere. Swirling about, the voice held a low baritone in one ear, and a high tenor in the other.
All eyes shifted to focus on the boy that had been silent ever since the discussion began – including his mother.
Chapter 12 – New Road
“Voiceless incantation and Infusion of mana into sound…?” Horan muttered. His previously composed mask broken with surprise on his face.
The others looked in surprise at the mention of voiceless incantation.
“Incorrect. It is projecting my mana as sound. I can make you hear whatever I want.”
A voice echoed back, the child’s mouth never moved.
“I have never heard of such a thing before.” The old knight bluntly stated, amazed.
“Of course, I developed it myself.” This time, the boy had talked. His voice was normal and childish like the one he met them at the door with.
Having underestimated the child at every turn, the old man was speechless.
The other knights had heard, and were trying to wrap their minds around how one would develop a magic.
Adalina’s face was slightly surprised. She knew he had the ability to do such things with his voice, but never knew to what degree he had taken it.
“Now that we’ve established that my mother was telling the truth, is there anything else?” Kaidus questioned.
“Yes of course. Thirn.”
Brought back from his reverie, the old man called out.
The man call Thirn stepped forward and handed the old man a piece of folded cloth about the size of his palm.
The old man unfolded the cloth revealing a Royal Knight’s Insignia, showing it to Kaidus before offering it to him.
“Please take this. If you ever feel like you want to become a knight to protect the people, show this to any knight within Ferrent, and they shall see you through the proper channels.”
“Thank you.” Kaidus took the cloth wrapped insignia, giving a curt bow in return.
“I hear you are an accomplished reader, reading such tomes as Horinfals 8 Designated Principles, The Arkane Alchemist of Lies, The 14 Formations of Derzul’s Floating Castles, and such… That you also spend times discussing books with the owners of bookstores you borrow from?” The old man investigated after having sat down.
“I read what might interest me.” His reply short and simple.
“Also, that you are not going to school within the 3rd ward?”
“I had attended school, But the subject matters taught was well below my consideration. I had opted out so that others would be able to take my place.” Kaidus responding matter-of-factly.
“Hmmm….” The old man thought deeply for a second, then an idea hit him. “How about Zorin Academy within the 11th ward?”
“I’m sure Zorin Academy is restricted to nobles.” Kaidus replied with a shred of curiosity.
Zorin Academy was one of three where the best and brightest of Ferrent’s upper echelon attended. Zorin Academy in the 11th ward, Tiokin Academy in the 12th ward, and Hvsen Academy in the 10th ward.
“It is, but there are exceptions. Being Lord Knight of the 11th ward, I can create those exceptions. In my eyes, you Kaidus, a young prodigy would be considered an exception.” The old man attempted to entice Kaidus.
Kaidus turned to look at Adalina. She had been watching him, and gave him a weak smile as if giving him her permission.
“Your offering is tempting, Lord Ravon. I would love to attend even if just to scour the academy’s stockade of books, but without the means, I would have to gratefully decline.” Kaidus bowed as he declined the offer.
“There would be no such problems! I will sponsor you with the all the backing of the Ravon family.” The old man exclaimed, grinning and optimistic. The three people standing behind him just looked at each other silently.
“That woul-” Kaidus started
“Of course he’ll attend, my Lord.” Adalina spoke
“Adalina?” Kaidus was surprised at her sudden announcement.
‘Adalina’ He had not called me by that in many years. She thought to herself. “It’s fine Kaidus. I have Anise with me. You should go and see what the academy has to offer. Don’t worry about us, you can always come back when you want, you know that.” She comforted him with a smile.
“Of course… mom.” He spoke as he gave her a smile back.
“Lord Ravon, if you will, please allow me to attend Zorin Academy.” He bowed in gratitude.
“DONE!” with a great loud voice, the old man shouted. “I will find lodging for you along with the required paper works and my sponsorship. Everything will be ready within 4 days. Expect a courier with an 11th ward entrance letter and a carriage for your belongings. He will bring you directly to me, where we can finalize your sponsorship and admittance.” The old man spoke, a great big smile on his face.
“I understand.” Kaidus spoke, affirmatively.
“Well then, that about covers everything.” The old man voiced as he got up
“Master, Zorin Academy claims some of the most powerful magic students within the kingdom, are you sure he will be able to compete with his sound magic?” Daaro asked the old man.
“He is not limited to sound, Daaro. You saw yourself he can invoke voiceless incantations.” The old man replied.
“I still cannot believe that, master.”
“… Are you calling all the knights who witnessed it liars? Spellblade Daaro Sinstal. Because if I were you, I would watch what I say next.”
“I do believe them master, I do not doubt that they saw what they saw. It’s just, I cannot grasp my head around the possibility that
this child managed such a feat.”
“He brings up a good point Commander, I myself am intrigued by everything that has occurred. A demonstration of a similar magic that defeated the Kalligor would easily clear any doubts” Thirn backed up Daaro’s argument.
Standing in front of his seat, the old knight looked at Kaidus entreatingly.
“Would it be too much to ask for you to prove my assertions?” the old knight asked.
“I will not have others label my benefactor a narrator of false tales.” Kaidus spoke.
Within seconds, a twig zipped down from his room halting in between everyone.
“Watch carefully, I do not have another stick.” He warned, his eyes locked onto those behind the old knight.
As soon as the warning was finished, his hair started emitting streaks of light.
With a single thought, the stick started imploding into itself, then bits and pieces of the stick tore away, and in an instant, thousands of tiny fragments of what used to be a stick hovered in the air. Kaidus extended his arm, and the thousands of fragments swirled around it as if to slice it up, before flying back to the middle of the spectators. With a single thought, the pieces burst into thousands of tiny flames in the air, and vanished completely.
Everyone had been mesmerized by the display, and all lacked the proper words to put their thoughts into form.
“Yaaay! Agin Gai! Do it Agin!” Anise cheered as the lightshow came to an end.
———–
Kaidus was currently riding a carriage through the 11th ward heading towards the Ravon Estate. They had passed the gated checkpoint into the nobility ward not long ago and he was reading a book he brought along to pass the time.
Adalina had packed him three set of clothes – two of them were brand new and purchased for this occasion. He was currently reading the book Life and Death of Malizur Lize Daran Fotbusen – It was the book he had obtained from the Tales Corner bookstore. In his pocket were three green fers that Troyle had given him – four full days’ worth of Troyle’s wage, along with a small satchel containing paper and ink that Troyle purchased for him the day before.
The Ravon estate was a huge plot of property towards the center of Ferrent, bordering the walled gates into the 13th ward.
The Ravon Manor stood in the fore of the walled estate while the backyard contained a large garden. As the carriage pulled up to the mansion, a familiar face came out to greet him.
“Good afternoon Lord Kaidus. Master has been expecting you.” Daaro greeted him with a wink. His previous doubts about having Kaidus, a 7 year old boy attending the academy all but disappeared.
“Good afternoon Lord Sinstal, and please it’s just Kaidus.”
“Well then Kaidus, please leave your possessions in the carriage, it will wait here until we are done.” Daaro spoke as if reading his mind. “Please follow me, I’ll show you to the Master’s study.” he turned around and walked towards the manor.
Looking around, the huge manor felt more like a castle to Kaidus. The manor was extremely large and had a courtyard that was divided into three sections. One for training, one for relaxation, and the other contained a small garden with a pathway through it. Passing the courtyard, Kaidus could see there were many people outside socializing and training.
“Does everyone live here?” He asked Daaro indicating the people in the courtyard, trying to act as much of a commoner as he could.
“Some. Most come here for training and instruction from Master Ravon and Sir Horan.”
“I thought Lord Gelrin doesn’t give lessons, is it his son Lord Huin?”
“Yes indeed. Master Huin Xoras Ravon, the Lord Knight’s son and Vion’s father is the instructor.” Daaro answered as they walked.
“Master, Kaidus has arrived.” Daaro spoke as he open the door to the study.
“AH! Good! Come take a seat.” The lord waved him forward to a chair.
“Zorin academy has already been notified of your admittance. You will be staying in a boarding house allocated to the academy for student use. Is that fine with you?”
“Is the boarding house within the academy?” Kaidus asked to make sure.
“Yes, the boarding house is a part of, and within the academy.” The old man clarified.
“Then that’s fine.”
“Then these.” The old man slid two official looking documents forward.
“This one is your admittance letter.”
Taking the paper, Kaidus read it from top to bottom to check for any discrepancies or hidden agenda within the document.
“The document has been magically infused to correspond to whoever synchronizes with it, allowing them entry into the academy without any problem. If you would, please infuse some of your mana into it.” The old man explained.
As Kaidus willed his mana into the letter sitting on the desk, the piece of paper shone with a blue light, and then as if dissolving, it vanished completely. A cold sensation formed on the back of his hand, and then a symbol appeared.
“Good. That symbol is an enchantment that allows entry into the school without setting off the perimeter alarm for intruders.” The old man told him after confirming the symbol.
“And then this.” The old man handed him the sponsorship letter.
Again, Kaidus took the paper and looked through it thoroughly to make sure there was nothing else besides the promise of sponsorship before setting it back on the table.
“Hahahah, a cautious one aren’t you?” the old man laughed, having read Kaidus.
“Just making sure there is nothing to bind me, Sir.” He replied back with a wry smile.
“Bind you? BWAHAHHAHAHA! Surely you jest boy, it is I who should be diligent in making sure you do not bind me to your will!” the old man laughed heartily.
Daaro on the other hand, even though knowing they were joking, was edging his hand towards the sword on his waist.
“Ahem! The price of admittance for 3 years at the academy has already been paid for. That document will allow you to draw from the Ravon House treasury for anything you may need. Like before, please infuse your mana into it.”
Kaidus infused his mana into the document. This time, it shone lightly but did not vanish. The old Knight stepped forward and muttered a quick incantation infusing his own mana into the paper – it shone brightly for a second, and then went back to normal.
“That will authenticate the document for whenever you require it.” The old man told him. Going back behind his desk, he took out something from a drawer.
“Also, if you will,” The old man held out a badge with the emblem of a sword and helmet. “Because of your exceptional circumstances, many will undoubtedly look down upon you. Wear this, and they will recognize those who are behind you.” The old man made a low bow, as he offered the badge to Kaidus.
“I am grateful for your consideration Lord Ravon, but I wish to push through the academy with my own strength. I hope you do not mind if I humbly decline your generous offer of support.” Kaidus answered with a bow of his own.
“No, of course not.” The old man replied in understanding. “We have finished our business… but, how about having dinner and resting here in my manor for the night?”
“As I am a person who lacks manner and proper etiquette, I must graciously decline your offer.” Kaidus replied, attempting to claw himself out of staying.
“BWAAHAHAHAH! If you lack manner and etiquette, then my grandson must be a broken halfwit! I implore you, please join me for dinner. I would love to hear about your family.” The old man was unwilling to let him slip out of his grasp.
Kaidus could hear Daaro who was standing by the door behind him trying to hold back his laughter.
“If you insist, Lord Ravon.” He replied with a smile on his face. “What about the carriage out front?”
“I insist, and thank you for the honor.” The old man asserted, grinning.
Ringing a bell on his desk, moments later, a young man opened the door.
“Yes Sir
?”
“Fon, show Kaidus to a room in the West wing. Also, send someone to bring in his belongings from the carriage out front. He will be relaxing here for the night.”
“Yes Sir. Please, right this way.” Fon ushered Kaidus to follow.
“Feel free to wander about the estate Kaidus. I will send someone to call you for dinner.” The old man spoke.
“Until dinner then, Lord Ravon.” Turning to Daaro, “Thank you for the guide, Lord Sinstal” Kaidus replied with a curt bow as he walked out of the old man’s study.
“First time I have seen you so gracious towards someone else besides his majesty the king.” Daaro spoke to his master after Kaidus had left.
“Live long enough, and you too will learn to discern people Daaro. You would do well to watch your tongue around him.” The old man spoke, unamused by his disciple’s keen statement.
He had forged the writ of sponsorship to require a substantial amount of mana before it would activate, the child had instantly fulfilled the requirements of the infusion. While he himself required the help of an incantation just to seal in the child’s rampant mana.
Chapter 13 – Encounter
Making sure that his belongings had arrived in his room, Kaidus decided to look around the estate.
The manor had been made out of cut stones melded together by magic unlike the buildings in the 3rd ward. The manor itself looked like four different buildings connected together by arched passages, and had a large courtyard in between the four different wings. From what Fon had told him, the west wing was for guests, the north wing was where the Ravon family resides, the south wing for the knights and those who were currently staying in the manor to train, and the east wing was where the servants and guards quarters are.
Having walked around the manor for a good while, he eventually ended up in the training area of the courtyard.
Many young students were repeating sword forms while a few of the older and more advanced ones were in pairs and sparring under Horan’s watch.
While observing,
“Hey!” a voice called out to him. Turning to look, he saw a tall teenage boy with bluish hair entering the courtyard along with a few other boys of the same age, each of them holding a wooden training sword and shield. Looking to be around 15 years of age, the group of boys stalked towards him.