He grasped my hand. "I’m so proud of you."
I frowned as I embraced my father’s hand. "Father, are you dying?"
"What?” He shook his head. “No. I can say kind words if I want to."
Grinning, I turned to go inside. "I didn't even know you knew the word kind."
"Funny. Now I forgot what I was going to say,” Father responded, following me.
"Damn it all," I mocked, squinting my eyes to match his.
He blinked. "Is that supposed to be me?"
"Why yes, it is, Father. Spitting image, I assume." I was going to get away with as much as I could tonight. After all, I didn’t know when this good mood would return.
He ignored my impression. "Serena, whatever you're cooking smells delicious." Turning back to me, he asked, "Thought about what you want for your birthday?"
"I did. Sleep."
"Then sleep you shall have."
* * *
True to my Father’s word, I received sleep. An abundant amount of sleep, from which I didn’t wake until early the next afternoon. Sometimes, birthdays were good. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my eighteenth. I stretched and got dressed for the day. I stumbled to my humble dresser filled with my clothing. Still waking up, I walked outside to find my brothers helping unload goods my father had picked up to sell or keep for himself. We had a barn full of random junk he always brought home. It had been getting less as the years went on. He claimed all that junk was part of our inheritance when he passes.
I smiled at them, enjoying the view.
"Ah, what a wonderful day!" I called out.
"Why don’t you get over here and help?" Gabriel snarled.
I made a lousy attempt at hobbling around. "Ah... I think I just hurt my back."
At that moment, Father headed down with another box. "Leave your brother be. It’s his birthday."
"Little shit," Gabriel mouthed to me.
"Who me?" I faked a frown and went to look for Mother, which earned me a smile from Ian. My gaze landed on Father. "Do you know where Mother is?"
He nodded toward the barn.
I gave a deep bow.
Father snorted. "Always the showman."
"I do try." I walked off whistling a tune my mother would sing to me when I was young. It always calmed me down. Coming around the barn’s corner, I went to the open door and found mother sorting through more junk.
She glanced up at me. "Ah, Noah. Just the person I was looking for."
"Really?"
"No. But I’m glad it’s someone. Help me lift this." It was a long black box that a person could fit inside.
I wrinkled my nose. “Um, it’s my birthday, remember?”
“I don’t care,” she replied.
"What is this anyway? Is it a coffin?"
"I don't think so.” Mom shrugged. “Maybe? I don't know.” She pointed to the end that was closest to me. “There. Grab it."
I took a side and lifted it up, so we could make it look somewhat organized among the other wooden crates.
"That did nothing for the aesthetics of the place," I said dusting off my hands.
"Go away."
"Yes, Mama."
She threw a wet rag at me, I smiled. I threw it back, causing her to stumble. She let out a loud laugh. She stopped me from leaving by striking up a conversation.
"Ready for tonight?" Mother asked.
"Not really. Also, can I ask a question in return?"
"Of course." Mother turned her back and picked up another box.
"What is Father planning?" I asked as my foot fiddled with the loose dust.
"That obvious?" She turned back to me.
"No... he is acting completely normal." Mother sighed at my words.
"It’s bad news, I’ll tell you that. He hasn’t even told me."
I walked towards the door. "That is bad news..." I said.
"But try and make him happy, Noah. We both know he is never like this. It’s pleasant when he is this way."
"I know, Mama."
I decided that I needed more sleep. I walked back to the house and went to my room. On the way, I received more glares from Gabriel. He was so against me receiving special treatment.
After a long day of sleeping, it was time for my birthday party. My family went to town by way of Father’s wagon. We all hopped out one by one and instantly went our separate ways. It wasn’t a big place, compared to crossroad towns, but it was ours. Each house or storefront was held together by stone and wood. I followed the dirt paths etched into the ground and ended at the square that was erected in the middle of the town for dancing. Tables lined the streets. Every person I passed by cheered at me while giving me tankards of ale. It was my birthday, after all. The birthday of a seventh of a seventh didn’t come around very often around these parts. I drank down the ale with one of my father’s friends and finally navigated the tables and made it to the dance floor, already two drinks in. Tomorrow was going to hurt.
"Hello, Noah."
I turned around to see the town jewel: Raina
"Hello, Raina. You look beautiful this evening." If I were being honest, she really did. I scanned her up and down, imagining what I would look like wearing her bright yellow dress. She became flush from my stare, so I looked away "Sorry. I didn't mean..."
"No, it's fine. As long as it’s you."
Wait, did I hear that right?
Before I could say another word, I was dragged onto the dance floor by Raina. She reeked of alcohol, but it didn’t bother me. It was my favorite part: the dances. It was the only time I could somewhat be myself. I could just let the music fill my ears. True, I couldn't do much twirling, but it was still fun. I grasped Raina's hand and accepted the proposal to dance.
The music got louder the closer we moved to the middle. Raina and I danced like it would be the last time for both of us. I didn't care that she was a girl. I was just using her anyway. This way I could dance without suspicion. More ale found our hands as the night went on. Beautiful banners and lanterns lit up the night sky. It was the biggest celebration I had ever seen and only became more spectacular as the night went on. We circled the floor, taking short breaks and then finding the floor again. But my fun was going to come to an end. I saw my father dodging dancing couples.
"Excuse me, Raina, may I borrow my son?" my father asked.
Raina laughed. "But of course, sir."
Father grabbed me by the shoulders and took me to the platform where the band was playing. The town leader was also there smiling at me. My father asked the band to stop as he handed me a fresh ale.
"Excuse me, everyone."
The crowd gave us their attention.
"I would like to thank you all for coming out to my son’s birthday party." My father raised my hand in the air, making me spill some of my drink. "But as you all know, there is quite a surprise in store!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
I was too drunk to really care what was going on. My father embraced me. If that wasn't enough to sober me up, I don't know what was. My gaze roamed the crowd for Mother, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Pulling away, I asked, "Father, are you okay?"
"Best I’ve ever been," he whispered into my ear. "Now, if you will, Keeger." My father held his palm out towards Keeger. The old village head walked towards me and handed me an envelope. It was wrapped in seven fine red silks. I opened each one and read the letter out loud.
"You have hereby been accepted to the royal academy under the designation of the seventh son. Congratulations, Noah Olsen." My voice cracked the longer I spoke. I looked up and the whole town was looking at me.
There was only one choice now.
I screamed, "Yes."
The crowd went crazy.
What the hell was I going to do?
"It’s a gift from all of us. The village saved up enough money for you to go your first year. But after that, it’s up to you to get a sponsor and finish." Keeger said with his head held high.
Faking a smile, I thought, I hate you Keeger. "Thank you so much, Keeger." The music started again, and my father grabbed me and shoved me back on the dance floor as he laughed in joy.
"Enjoy this celebration, boy! For it’s a night to remember." I had never seen such pride in his eyes. He’d dreamt of this day since I was born. But, could I really go through with it?
“Thank you, Father.” I gave a halfhearted bow in thanks as I walked off the floor, ignoring Raina. I was halfway out of the village when Ian found me. He tried to stop and talk to me and but I just brushed him aside.
I started to run. I needed time to think alone. I ran all the way back home and fell to my knees, screaming. The time had finally come. Everyone would find out my secret. I heard the footsteps as Ian came up from behind me.
"What’s wrong with you? And why are you screaming?" He panted. He must have been behind me the whole time.
"Oh, nothing... I'm just excited." I looked up to the sky, breathing hard.
"You can cut the bullshit. What’s wrong?"
I turned around to face him. I swallowed, not sure how to answer. Screw it, just tell him.
"I'm not ready..." Came out instead. I wasn’t ready to let go of the secret yet, it seemed.
"Of course, you are.” He came over and grabbed my shoulder. "You are the best of us all."
"But my powers haven't even manifested. I will be torn apart up there."
"That is true." Ian let go and started pacing. "We will just have to figure out a way to get around that. But these are problems for tomorrow. Come back with me. Dance with Raina and forget your problems."
"No, I'm pretty sure they are problems for tonight and Raina... There’s so much more." I looked to the sky again and ran my hands through my hair. I just wanted him to know. "Look, Ian, there is something I ha—” My father’s wagon rumbled up the road and I was cut off by arguing between my mother and father. They had come back as well. Their shouting overcame the sound of the horse’s hoofs connecting with the ground.
"This isn't good,” Ian said.
"See, he is already here. Ian, go back to the celebration." My father commanded.
"Yes, father." Ian patted my back and went back to the celebration.
"You come here." My mother said.
I jogged over and my parents dismounted.
"Your mother seems to think you aren't ready and she made that quite clear to the entire village," father screamed.
My mother just clenched her jaw.
"What are your thoughts?" My father asked me. He placed his hand on my shoulder.
I bit my lip, not knowing how to respond.
"Out with it." My mother added with her hands on her hips.
"I don't think I'm ready." I closed my eyes, ready for a punch that never came.
"Is this about your powers?" he asked.
"Yes,” I lied. “It’s about my powers." My father let go of me and crossed his arms.
"They will be here any day now."
"But what defense will I have against trained mages?" I pleaded.
"Is that your only concern?"
"It is,” I lied again as my voice softened.
"Good, follow me.” He nodded toward my mother. “Both of you." He marched us toward the small barn. I got as close as I could to Mother.
"What do I do?" I whispered.
"You cannot go. Everything will have been for nothing." She replied. We made it to the barn and Father grabbed the long black case we had organized earlier and then placed it on the ground in front of me.
"Here, open it." He said while standing proud.
I went to a knee and opened it, not knowing what to expect. My hands grasped tighter and pulled open the top. I wasn't expecting this. A set of leathers sat perfectly laid out in front of me. But these weren’t ordinary leathers.
CHAPTER THREE
Raina
Speechless, I stared into the case.
"How did you get this?"
"I traded for it, of course."
"Father, this is..."
"I know. Enchanted leathers. They are really beat up, but the owner says they still work...sometimes."
Enchanted leathers, a way to avoid magical attacks, or at least soften the blow. Father was right about one thing., they were beaten to shit.
"I know they aren't the prettiest or most noble looking—"
"They’re perfect,” I said. “I like how they represent where I come from."
Even my mother’s face turned from anger to astonishment. She matched my wide eyes looking at the grand gift. Enchanted anything was rare, ever since the kingdom started regulating what people could and couldn't have. Eventually, items just disappeared. Mages stopped focusing on enchanting, and it became somewhat of a lost art.
Father stared after her for several moments, then said, "I know you don't think you’re ready, but I believe in you. Will you please accept these gifts and go to the royal academy?"
My fingers traced the broken in leathers. I felt every crack and loose strap it held. I tried to think of another excuse but came up with nothing.
"Of course, I will, Father." I heard my mother let out a sigh next to me but I was scared to meet her eyes.
He gripped my shoulder and squeezed. “Come, let us be done with this and get some sleep. That party is more for everyone else anyway."
I nodded and shut the long black case.
* * *
I awoke the next morning not wanting to get out of bed. I was informed last night that I would be leaving the day after next. All that remained was one day of freedom. I was given the day off, again. I didn't want to wear my new leathers because it would make the nightmare complete. Well, I wouldn't really call them ‘new’.
I dragged myself out of bed and got dressed slowly. My hair was short, just past my ears, common for a young man of my age to have. It was easy to maintain and quick to fix. Along with my hair, I had tanned skin and a flat chest. My muscles were firm, yet still small to match my body. I looked in the mirror to, trying to convince myself I was still a woman. I shook my head and came back to my main concern. If I stayed inside all day, I’d just think about tomorrow. That wouldn't do. I put my boots on and walked out of the house. There was nothing to be seen, and even the wagon was gone. They must be in town helping everyone clean up after last night.
I decided to go to my favorite spot down by the river. It didn't take long to get there considering it was between the town and our house. I cut through the forest and took in the scent of pine. I walked further and I could hear the faint sounds of the water crashing into itself. I walked to the bank of the river and took in the sounds of the forest. Birds chirping, the running creek, and the light breeze that touched my skin.
"I'm going to miss this." I let out a deep breath and stuck my hand in the water. It ran between my fingers, cooling my hand.
Very rarely do I get time alone, and when I did, I went to the river. Out here I could go swimming and fantasize about whatever I wanted. Once, I got caught by my mother in the river, completely naked. I ended up coming back with more bruises than I left with.
I kicked off my boots and set them against a tree. Next was my leather top, leaving only my wrappings and light tunic on. My toes found the water first and I reeled back at the cold temperature.
“Only one way to get used to it.” Taking a few steps back, I jogged and jumped in and the cold water rushed over me. At first, goosebumps filled my body but it calmed and became refreshing, especially after these past day’s events.
The more the water cleared my mind, the worse my thoughts became. "How am I going to do this? Someone will eventually find out."
A tree branch collapsed under the pressure of a foot and footsteps approach from the direction I just jumped from.
"Find out what?"
I looked toward the bank and saw Raina crouching next to the river.
I lowered myself so only my head could be seen, hiding my wrappings best I could.
; "Ah, Raina. What a great surprise. What are you doing here?"
"Well, I was bored with cleaning and was on my way to your house to visit with you, but I saw you cut into the woods. So, I followed." She smiled.
“You’re excited you found me, aren’t you?”
“Very much so.” A smile covered her face. If I had only left earlier, she wouldn’t have seen me enter my secluded spot.
"Not to sound rude but what did you want to see me about?" I had to hurry up this conversation so she could leave, and I could relax again.
"You just ran off last night and I wasn't done dancing. I was left to some other heathens, including your brother, Tanner. Just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm fine. Thank you for checking in on me. I really appreciate it. But as you can see, I'm swimming and would hate to dampen your clothes."
She bit her bottom lip and looked around. "Does anyone ever come out here?"
"No. That’s why I'm here." I inflected my voice to make sure she understood. She didn’t.
Unstrapping her pale, blue dress, she let her clothing slide to the ground.
I backed away from her going deeper into the river. "Raina, what are you doing?"
"What does it look like, silly?" She looked around one more time and jumped in, wearing nothing other than her undergarments. I swallowed and was left with nowhere else to flee to.
That didn’t stop Raina from chasing me. "Why do you run, Noah?"
"Oh, no reason. I’d hate for bad rumors to start." My voice became higher as I panicked.
"Not rumors if they’re true,” she whispered to me. Raina’s arms circled around my neck.
"But they aren’t!" Raina’s arms tightened, leaving even less space between us. My face became hot and I could swear I was sweating in the cold water. She came closer and I could feel her chest pressing on mine. Her eyes met mine, mixed with her biting her lower lip.
"Noah... You are leaving tomorrow. You know how I feel about you. The whole town does. So, tell me, why do you run?"
"Running? Who's running? I'm just swimming." My voice came out faster. "But who knows? Maybe there are other guys who might better appreciate you, since I am leaving tomorrow as you said—" I was cut short as her lips touched mine. I grabbed her arms and pushed her back. My arms pushed against the water as I swam around her, gaining more room. "Look, Raina. Your feelings are appreciated. But right now, I just have a lot going on."
The Prisoner of Fate Page 2
