Until lunch was ready, Father and I spent the time studying the Arcane Arts. He always had this dazzling way of describing magic that made learning all the more enjoyable. Today's lesson was the Arcane Wall. A barrier meant to deflect magical attacks.
Father raised his hand and closed his eyes. "Arcane Wall... Protect me from harm."
A blue light shined in his palm and from it, a small hexagonal barrier was generated from his palm. "Now Ragi, I want you to tell me the concept that I've just shown you."
"O-Ok. Well, first you have to create an image of the spell in your mind. Then you have to speak the spell into existence. The last bit... Uh... The last bit..."
"...You must channel your magical power into the spell. It's alright son, you certainly remembered a lot. Go on, try it.
I held my hand out this time. Looking at the barrier my Father created. I tried imagining the barrier in my head. Making a barrier is the most basic spell anyone was taught to do.
"Arcane Wall," I chanted trying to call forth the magical power within my body. But sadly there was nothing. To even the tiniest form of it.
"It's alright Son. Calling one's magical power is sometimes difficult for some. But even if it's not much everyone has it."
"Even Saint Augustine?" I asked.
"Yes... Even the Saint did so. Though he could not use it."
While knowing that didn't make me feel better completely I still appreciated it.
"Speaking of Saint Augustine... Lord Auberon mentioned you met Roland Sinclair's daughter."
Father raised his brow, now having the largest smirk I'd ever seen. "So our little boy is becoming a man eh?"
Mother scurried out of the kitchen picking through the entryway. "What!?"
"U-Um it's not what you think," I said. "I was just showing her your tomes. We just met."
"But you spoke to a girl!?" Mother asked.
"An older one at that," Father answered. "Rory Sinclair. Daughter of Roland Sinclair and next in line to become Grand Cross of Divine Ark. She's one of my Students."
"Daedalus, we shouldn't be encouraging this. We've been trying to lay low for years."
"Lord Auberon Thermidor was just at our doorstep. The time for secrecy has passed. If anything, it's probably a good thing."
I wondered why Mother had been so worried about everything. She had to know I'd eventually be discovered. The two almost continued their disagreement until they remembered I was present.
"Look dear, I understand you're worried. In truth, I am worried as well. But the circumstances have changed."
Mother seemed conflicted for a moment. She came over to me and knelt taking my hand into hers.
"Ragi... I'm so sorry..."
Tears began to fill her eyes, but I didn't understand why. Could I have done something wrong?
"Listen... No matter what happens you must be cautious ok. Your Father and I wanted to raise you to be a good person. This world is cruel and we if hadn't found you..."
She couldn't muster the words. They seemed to get stuck in her throat as she sobbed.
"What your Mother is trying to say Ragi, is that people are very different from the two of us. We love you so much we'd gladly trade everything we had for you. But not everyone will love you the same... They'll either love you differently or not at all... And some will even come to hate you."
Father placed his hand on my head and as I looked him in the eyes I could see a veil of sadness.
"No matter how you live your life just know we'll always love you. So always trust your mind and your heart."
"I will Father," I answered. "I will..."
Once he got his answer, Father clapped his hands and reached for his cup. "Now. I do believe lunch is almost ready and I still have to hear about my Boy's first encounter with a girl. So go on ahead and wipe your Mother's tears and... Oh, she's already gone..."
Looking back to where Mother used to be, she'd already been back in the kitchen. Stormbloods were fast.
"Now... Are you going to see this particular flower again anytime soon?"
I'd thought about it and remembered if she'd even mentioned it. "Wait... She did say she'd see me later."
Father's brow raised again. "Ah, meaning she'll be here tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes... Her Father will likely hear of her asking Lord Auberon to escort you home. A bit inconvenient but it still works out..."
Oh, well I'd gone and caused Father some more trouble. I'd likely get scolded by Mother again later."
"Wait... Why would it be an inconvenience."
Father sipped his drink first. As he finished it he began to cough again. I'd slapped him on the back a few times to try and help.
"Ugh... Sorry, Son... Anyways... Your Mother and I are having guests tomorrow. I'm sure you'll know who they are."
"Oh! Is it Mister and Misses Miura again?"
"Better... The Miuras and Sister Schild."
"Why both? It's usually just one or the other."
"It's because they're bringing some special people just for you Ragi. I'm sure you'll meet them at some point tomorrow. They've been very eager to meet you."
I wondered who would Father and Mother's old companions would bring to meet me. Then there was Lord Roland and Lady Rory too. There'd certainly be a lot of famous people coming to this little home. Maybe this was my chance to make it up to Father and Mother. I could help to prepare for visitors.
Just as I was about to sprout from my chair and get started, Mother returned with two bowls in her hands. The bowls each had small blue tails sticking out of them.
"Oh boy! Dragonewt stew!" I shouted
"Oh, Gods... Dragonewt stew." Father gagged.
"I won't hear a word of complaint today," Mother snapped. "Besides this should make you feel better."
As she handed us our bowls, I dug right in. I never knew why Father disliked Dragonewt stew so much. The Dragonewt itself was usually cooked pretty well. The tail was the best part as it was pretty crunchy and salty to boot. Then the carrots and potatoes were always sweet which gave the dish some variety.
Mother went back into the kitchen for her bowl and as she returned Father finally started to eat his stew albeit very slowly. Before Mother ate she started at the fireplace for a moment. Taking in a deep breath she exhaled a small bolt of lightning lighting the wood on fire. The wood splintered as it was struck with the bolt and Father created another Arcane Wall to protect us from the debris.
"Thank you, dear," said Mother.
"Anytime honey."
As we finished our Lunch, Mother and I helped Father into their bed. For the Afternoon I'd help her prepare the house for guests. We usually would just set the table for dinner but with as many people as we'd have to move it into the living room. Though I wouldn't do much moving.
Mother was plenty strong, even stronger than Father in most regards. Grampa Farid even has trouble beating her in arm wrestling, and I'd never seen a Dragonkin as big as him. If we had the time, Mother would've wanted to spar today. I'd never once seen Mother lose, not anything. Even though I'd escaped being tormented by the skin of my teeth, thinking of the training I'd receive from Lord Auberon. Maybe I would have a chance.
As we were finishing up I'd been setting the table only to notice the single-edged greatsword and staff mounted above the wall. The blade itself was colored red and the guard was shaped much like one from a cutlass or saber.
"Now little firelight... You know you can't wield those just yet," Mother said.
"I-I know... But I want to be like you two."
"I haven't seen you this motivated in so long. Is it a girl?"
Even though that probably was the case, I didn't know. I tried my best to hide the sudden flush of red that filled my cheeks. "N-Not entirely... I just wanna hurry up and grow into it."
"You cannot rush things little firelight. Patience is a warrior and a mage's best quality."
"You think maybe I could use one when I come of age?"
Mother thought for a moment. Her tail swayed back in forth as she did. Then it somehow wormed its way over to me wrapping around my body and pulling me back to her. Mother hugged me once more.
"I'll tell you what... If you can beat me when you grow up. I'll let you have that sword."
"Really?"
"Sure... Old Razorwing has been through so many battles it's practically etched into the blade. I'm sure it'll be good for you... Now... Run along, I'll finish up here. You've got a busy day tomorrow."
As Mother let me go she began pushing me toward the stairs. "B-But Mother... Why can't I stay up and help."
"Even Heroes need sleep little firelight. You know if you don't then Abraxas will find you."
I tensed up hearing that name. Before Mother could get another word out I scurried up the stairs. The Hero slayer wasn't going to get me no matter how many times Mother said so.
Climbing into my bed I threw off my shoes and covered myself pretty well. No matter what I never wanted to meet that horror.
Tomorrow would be a bright new day. One filled with excitement I hoped.