By noon, the kids were in the courtyard, being taught proper etiquette by Sherry. Jacob was able to distract them by having Sherry start their lessons as Martha was resting. The baby was being cared for by Millie in the nursery, the other maids are tending to Martha, making sure that she rests and recovers well. Jacob was in his study writing letters to his friends and to Martha's parents as he decided to have a party to celebrate his 3rd child's birth.
He was planning to tell Martha later at dinner, but now as he was alone, he couldn't help but think of what his Father said before. He stood up, walked to his bookshelf, and fished out a very old book.
It was one of his Father's favorite books. It was about a time when magic existed in this world when people could fly when there were monsters roaming around the world, and when they, the people had to fight to keep control of this land, he couldn't help himself from reading the book. It was his first time even opening it, but his son's eyes piqued his interest.
"When different colored eyes appear again in the world, a big change will happen, was it?" he thought out loud.
"In a time where we had to fight for survival, everyone had to do their share." The first page read, by the side there was a signature. "Alfred De Leon, Phoenix of the Desert" Jacob's eyes widened "This book was written by a De Leon?" his ancestors maybe?
He was curious now; he had to find out, what was this book?
"Day 1: Today was the first day I went out with the group to go hunting, it was kind of boring, I only got to observe from a distance, I only saw the beast go down, didn't even get to fire my bow, why am I even writing this? If only Dad didn't need this, I wouldn't even bother."
"Day 2: Dad said I only need to watch for now, that I'm still green, I'll get the chance in the future he said. Well I think they just want to take the glory themselves"
"Day 3: I almost died today, went for a vital strike on the beast, I missed, I felt so dumb. I almost got stomped to death, good thing Dad was there, he saved me. Guess I'll start listening to him more."
Jacob's eyes widened with shock. It was a diary! It recollected the time where the author had gone out to hunt, it said that hunters always had to document what they encounter, it was so that in the future, the next generation of hunters won't have to go through trial and error.
It was an ingenious way of recording history, although it only contained the perspective of one person, it was still valuable to the future hunters at the time. With something like this implemented, it would lessen the odds of people dying to unknown causes.
Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 10, Day 20, Day 34, Day 45…
"Day 51: Today was my 16th birthday, geared up and went hunting on my own, it was late at night when I got back. I was hauling a mid-sized beast, Mom thought I looked handsome, said I was gonna be a lady killer with these looks and I don't even doubt her!"
"Day 52: Mom was right! I am a lady killer!"
"Day 59: I awakened today, I don't know how to feel about this, we're just commoners, but this changes things, I miss my girl"
"Day 65: A minister came today, said I was destined for great things, said he wanted to work under me, said I was gonna be a powerful man"
…
"Day 720: I practically own the town now, I wish I didn't, now I have to talk to those plump nobles too."
"Day 1201: I never knew what awakening meant before, but now I do. These eyes are a curse, but also a blessing. With these eyes, I can lead people to fight those creatures. But with these eyes, those same people die, and the worst part is, they feel thankful for their death. Maybe because they contributed to the world? I need to get stronger, I can't lose more people."
"The eyes! What are these eyes!" Jacob thought, are the eyes related to my son? It was the first time the eyes were mentioned in the diary. Maybe the author didn't bother to record the hows or whys because it was common knowledge then? But, now, it was a problem for him. He didn't know what it meant.
"Day 1321: I finally did it! I can unleash hell on them when they attack next time"
"Day 1350: I beat them back all by myself! I didn't lose a single man today"
The more Jacob read the more he couldn't believe what he was reading, flames, beasts, monsters, unknowns. What the hell happened back then? And why are there no monsters now? And what secrets do those eyes hold? This is unbelievable.
I have to keep reading.
…
*knock* *knock*
Jacob woke up from his thoughts
"Master Jacob, dinner is ready, Lady Martha is looking for you" he heard Millie's voice from the door. Jacob opened his curtains to see that it was already dark out. He took the book and put a marker on where he last read.
He had been so absorbed that he had skipped lunch. And though he did put up a sign that he was not to be disturbed, it didn't really apply to the orders of his wife.
"I'll be right there" Jacob replied as he finally put down the book.
Arriving at the dining room, Jacob saw the kids sitting properly, Elise by her mother acting ladylike, and Clay sitting at his left side looking refined, well as refined as a 7-year-old can be. He was genuinely impressed. He took a look at Sherry and she flashed a smile that shook him. He remembered his etiquette lessons before and shuddered at the thought of what he went through. He saw his kid's smiles and knew they didn't suffer much.
He took his seat, and asked: "How are you feeling dear?"
"Better than this morning, but still a bit lightheaded" Martha smiled.
They enjoyed a delicious dinner and prepared for bed. Jacob went to the nursery with Martha to check on Curtis and Millie.
"Honey, do you believe in magic?" Jacob suddenly asked as they were walking.
"Why would you suddenly ask that?" Martha answered feeling puzzled.
"Nothing, just a passing thought" Jacob replied. "Well, it was magic that made me fall for you" Martha smiled
Jacob gave a laugh and said, "I'm pretty sure I made you fall for me the moment you saw me."
"You wish" Martha laughed enjoying Jacob's company.
They arrived at the room and saw Millie lulling the baby to sleep.
…
This Morning
Arghhh who spanked me?
Where am I? Last I knew I was on a plane, on the way to a business conference. What the hell happened?
Who is that? Wait, I can't move! Huh? Someone is carrying me. Wa-wait, what the hell is happening?!?
Who is that lady? Ughhh I'm feeling sleepy, why the hell am I so tired!? Ahhhh no, I'm losing consciousness. Uhhhhh.
…
I slept like a log, that was one hell of a dream, wait, what is that? Huh I still can't move. Where the hell is the flight attendant that was supposed to wake me up?
"HELP HELP" What?
Nothing is coming out, what was that? Wait somebody is coming, who is that? What is that costume?
Wha-what?
She just picked me up, what the hell I'm 110 pounds!
What, is that a milk bottle?
No-no-no-npppmt.
Huh, this actually tastes good. Oh, that tastes good. Wait it's out? I want more!
Hey stop doing that! No! ughhh CAN'T! LOSE! TO! SLEEP! But I'm full and so tired though….
Guess I'll take a nap. That was a good drink.
…
WAIT! I'M A BABY!