It was two days before Jame had returned and when he did he was confronted first by Captain Nun. He first flagged James down to which forced him to stop at which point James got down from his carriage to see what was the problem hoping his family was safe.
"Is everything okay Captain Nun? How was the hunt?" asked James worried for his family's safety and well being.
"The hunt went well the men and boys of the village brought back a good deal of meat that will more then hold us over through this winter." replied the captain placing a paw on his shoulder before adding, "This has to do with your son."
"What happened to Marcus?" asked a even more concerned James.
"Nothing yet but it has come to the attention of the whole village that he uses magic and many of the villagers have motioned to exile you and your family but in truth it's really only your son that has to go." replied Captain Nun.
"Wait you're kicking me and my family out of the village that my ancestors founded and built?" asked a slowly angering James.
"Well not all of you have to leave. The village elders understand your heritage here as well as your importance as both our only black smith and carpenter. We know you and your wife hold an important role and are only asking that you find somewhere for that thing to live." replied the captain.
"Captain Nun you've never liked my son and know I see you get what you finally want all because of the fear of the elders that weren't even born when the witch wars took place. My son has done nothing to earn exile and I'll let you take this to the council of elders next they meet that if he goes so does my whole family." replied James as he took the leads of his horse to start leading it and the carriage to his home.
"James we were once friends and trust me I've never wanted to see you or your family banished and yes your son scares me but trust me when I say I'm on your side in this. In fact I know your threats wont do anything. They've already sent a request to the Lord of the land for a new black smith as well as a carpenter." sadly explained the captain, "Please my friend there has to be someplace better for your son then this place. If he leaves willingly then he could still return to visit you from time to time."
"He's seven! I'm not going to kick my son to the world at the age of seven nor will I rip him from his mother's arms." replied James before turning to face Captain Nun before sticking his finger in his chest and adding, "And if you or the elders try it will be my blade they have to cross and old friend you remember which of us is the better swordsman. Don't you?"
"Yes James I do and that's why I don't get why you play with that old family forge when you could've been a great knight or guardsman." sighed the captain "Just please consider what I've said and talk it over with your wife you most likely have until the end of winter before a replacement arrives."
With that Captain Nun turned and walked away heading back to the gate. He really did hate to have to enforce the council's wishes this time, but he had no choice. It was their way or banishment. The saddest part is that Marcus' grandfather was one of the members on the council who strongly pushed for banishment. This was something James knew all to well.
Once back to his forge James took his horse to the stable and tied her up for the night and was about to head into the house only to stop as he noticed the fires of the forge burning. This caused him to turn and investigate which upon arriving he found Marcus staring into the flames as he melted what he assumed was some scrap metal.
"Son, what are you doing?" calmly asked James as he approached his son.
"Oh sorry father it started as just thinking but then I started to melt some scraps to make some armor pieces while thinking." replied Marcus still looking into the forges' flames.
"What you thinking about son?" asked James as he pulled up a chair to sit next to his son.
"What's best for you and mom." replied Marcus turning to face his father, "I messed up and forgot to tell Rebekah not to mention anything about my magic to the villagers and now they want to kick the whole family out or just me. Now this is all you and mom have ever known so it's best if I go to the mage academy in the city."
"Son I wont send you away all alone." replied James trying to control his anger.
"Dad, I don't want to leave either but I know the village elders will most likely let you stay if I go." replied Marcus, "After all it's my magic they are afraid of not the family."
"You know you'll never be able to convince your mother to let you go." sighed James seeing that he couldn't talk his son out of his decision.
"It was hard to convince her but in the end she saw that it was what would be best for you both. This way you don't have to give up the family forge and mom gets to keep her family home." explained Marcus with a smile before prepping the liquid metal to be poured into a flat sheet mold.
"So she's okay with it?" asked a confused James.
"No she's not okay with it daddy but she understands that I don't want you and her to suffer. Plus she know that Joy and Rebekah will be with me and she can always come with you when you come to sell the things you've made." explained Marcus "It's okay daddy I'll be okay."