PH1RE'S P.O.V
The morning sun filtered through the trees as we made our way along the dirt road. It had been surprisingly difficult to find someone to buy the Talisman since it only granted the most basic of skills, so Maya had to fund our trip until we found a buyer.
After several hours of walking, the outline of a small town appeared on the horizon.
"We should reach the town before midday," Maya said, breaking the silence.
I nodded in agreement, ignoring the fatigue in my legs. The thought of reaching the town kept me moving.
As we approached the town, the sound of lively chatter and the clatter of hooves grew louder. The town was bustling with activity, merchants hawking their wares and townsfolk going about their daily business.
"We should ask around for directions" Maya suggested, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the crowd.
"Agreed," I replied, though I couldn't help but notice how out of place we must look. Two teenagers, clearly travel-worn, with nothing but a single bag between them.
We tried asking a few people for directions, but most were too busy to give us more than a passing glance. The few who did stop to listen either didn't know where Mr. Thorne's residence was or didn't care to help us. Frustration started to build as we wandered through the town, getting more lost with each passing minute.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, an older woman pointed us in the right direction. "It's just down that street, dear. The house with the green door," she said with a kind smile. We thanked her and made our way to the house.
Mr. Thorne's residence was modest but well-kept. It stood slightly apart from the neighboring houses, with a small garden out front. The green door was distinct, just as the woman had said, with intricate carvings etched into the wood.
Maya knocked on the door, her usual confidence giving way to a hint of nervousness. We waited in silence, the minutes stretching out. Just as I was about to suggest we try again later, the door creaked open.
A tall, broad-shouldered man stood in the doorway, his sharp eyes narrowing as they landed on us. His expression was stern, but not unkind.
"Loid," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "I was expecting you."
"Mr. Thorne," I greeted him.
"You've grown," he said, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Who's this?" he questioned as he finally noticed Maya.
"This is Maya, a friend of mine," I answered.
"I would have preferred if you came alone," he said with a sigh.
"Well, what's done is done. Pleasure to meet you," he said to Maya.
"Likewise," she responded.
He stepped aside, gesturing for us to enter. "Come in. We have much to discuss."
We followed him inside, the warmth of the house a stark contrast to the coolness of the morning. The interior was as modest as the exterior, but it had an air of quiet elegance. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books and various artifacts that hinted at Mr. Thorne's vast knowledge and experience.
He led us to a small sitting area where a fire crackled in the hearth. "Please, sit," he said, motioning to the chairs around the fireplace.
"Would either of you like anything to eat or drink?" he asked.
"No, we're fine," we both said in unison.
"Very well," he said as he took the seat opposite us, his sharp eyes never leaving mine.
"I received your letter," I began, not sure how to start this conversation.
Mr. Thorne nodded. "Good. However, I must apologize for calling you here under false pretenses," he said with a solemn expression.
"Yeah! I kinda guessed so," I responded.
"Hmph! How come?"
"I did some research on you these past few years. A lawyer like you would have no problem securing the fortune of a merchant's family."
"Well, you're right. But in actuality, I wish it was something that mundane," he said, sighing.
"So, what's the problem? Does it have to do with me getting kidnapped?"
"Yes, and much more," he said, standing up and walking to his desk.
He took a scroll from the desk and handed it to me before sitting down. It had a seal on the head of the scroll which appeared to be a lotus.
"What is this?"
"That is your parents' will. They wished for you to open it when you were of age."
I looked to him, and he nodded as if confirming it. So, I ripped apart the seal and took out the paper inside.
"Please read it out loud," he said, to which I nodded.
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
From: Lilly and Oliver Herrett
To: Loid Herrett.
We of the Herrett Family name, of sound mind and body, do hereby declare that this is our last will and testament.
We hereby;
Revoke all previously stated documents granting any of our assets to a third party.
Grant full ownership and control of all said assets to our son and next of kin, Loid Herrett, at the age of Revelation.
On the date of Erthris in the month of Oesterius during the 13th year of the rule of Emperor Lucius. With the God Kosmos, our Lawyer, and Lilah Herrett as our witnesses.
LAST REQUEST.
Loid, it's us, your parents. We hope you never have to read this, but if you do, we want you to know we love you, and it was never our intention to leave you in this world. However, it is now up to you to finish our work.
Find your Aunt and tell her the petals have fallen before it's too late.
19/12/25
15/31/43
With all the love in the world,
Your parents.
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As I read the will, I felt my chest tighten. Even six years later, the fact that I wasn't actually their son but someone who took over his body still gnawed at me.
"Loid, you okay?" Maya asked when she noticed my behavior.
"Yeah! I'm fine" I responded.
Maya glanced at me, her concern evident, but she didn't press further. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "So, you've got an aunt. Do you have any idea who she is or where to find her?"
I shook my head. "I didn't even know I had an aunt until now. This is the first I've heard of her, but then again I have amnesia"
Mr. Thorne, who had been silent during my reading, cleared his throat. " I was hoping you would have regained your memories by now. Your Aunt Lilah is... difficult to find, to say the least. She's been off the grid for quite some time. However, your parents left some clues within that will, specifically those numbers."
"19/12/25... 15/31/43," I repeated, staring at the parchment as if the numbers would suddenly make sense.
"I was present for the will and testament, but your parents wrote the last request themselves. I don't know what date the numbers refer to or how they can be used to find your aunt. However, your parents were clever—they wouldn't have left you with nothing. I believe those numbers are tied to something significant, something that only you or someone close to your family would understand."
I let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing my temples. "So, what now? Do I just start searching the world for this mysterious aunt based on a hunch?"
"No, that's my job. It's much too dangerous for you. My concern right now is keeping you safe while I search for her."
"Are you sure about this? Don't you have a practice?" I asked.
"I know Lilah. She could be anywhere. I'm the best choice to look for her. I initially thought you were being attacked for being related to her, but from your parents' last request, it's probably more than that. That's why I put you in that orphanage in the first place."
"The orphanage? What about the orphanage?" Maya asked, her eyes narrowing.
"It's a special place," Mr. Thorne began, his voice taking on a somber tone. "A special division of nuns under the church takes care of orphaned children whose parents had enemies. Didn't any of you ever realize how almost every child had an above-average background? The world is a terrible place, and even those who are not born are already targets by a lot of people. The orphanage itself is usually enough to deter most threats. The church and nobility would be after the head of anyone who dared to attack it. Although, the fact the Cerphurian military knew you were there means... Well, enough about that."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "I want you to join a guild," he said, looking me directly in the eyes.
"Huh?" I exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden suggestion.
"Coincidentally, your aunt and I were part of the very guild I'm talking about."
"Wait a minute. I thought you were trying to keep me safe. Why do you want me to join a guild?" I asked, confusion and unease gnawing at me.
"It's the best course of action right now. You need to be in an environment where you can be protected by those with strength. It would also be a great help if you could get stronger for when I find your aunt. I can assure you, wherever she is will be hard to reach."
I took a sharp breath at the mention of getting stronger. I would be lying if I said I hadn't realized I was have to eventually but the idea of getting stronger not only seemed impossible with the spell I had but was something I actively wanted to avoid.
"I can vouch for the guild leader," Mr. Thorne added, his tone more reassuring. "You will protected. But if you have reservations, I can make other arrangements."
I hesitated, weighing my options. The thought of joining a guild was daunting, especially given my current circumstances. But the alternative—being left alone and vulnerable—was just as frightening. I also didn't want to stress Mr. Thorne more than necessary by making him go out of his way to find another solution.
Maya, who had been silent throughout most of the conversation, finally spoke up. "Maybe it's not such a bad idea, Loid. If he thinks this place can help you... I think we should consider it. Plus, I wanted to join a guild eventually"
I looked at her and then back at Mr. Thorne. "What's the name of the guild?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
A small smile tugged at Mr. Thorne's lips, "They're called the Red Ravens."