5 Years Later
Time flies when you're growing up with a secret.
In just five years, I've gone from a helpless baby to a five-year-old who can run, jump, and even cause minor magical disturbances when I throw a tantrum.
I know I've got insane stats and even more insane gifts waiting to be unlocked – none of which were in the novel, by the way.
Meant I had to be up there with the main character himself somehow.
"Julian, breakfast is ready!" My mother's voice floated up the stairs.
I paused dramatically posing in front of the mirror.
Seeing that my body without working out had changed a lot.
Ah, how I've grown.
Gone is the scrawny kid from my past life, replaced by a healthier, more robust version.
This body has potential indeed.
huhu...
A grin reached across my face as I ditched my pyjamas for a simple tunic and shorts – standard fare for kids in this world, apparently.
Today's the day I finally escape the confines of our little house.
My Mother has been overly protective these past few years, but I've finally worn her down with my puppy-dog eyes and promises of good behaviour.
Here's a quick recap of my situation: We live in the quiet village of Nefta, smack-dab in the middle of the Aethel continent, as far away from the kingdom's capital as you can get.
My mom, Erica Uzziel Godford (though she only uses her middle name), works as a maid for a noble family in a nearby town.
I know from the novel that the main character, Kaelan, is somewhere in a neighbouring town, probably swinging a wooden sword and dreaming of adventure.
In a few years, we'll both be taking the entrance exam for Aethel Academy, where the real story kicks off.
Speaking of the story, I can practically recite the whole thing by heart.
Kaelan starts as an underdog, but quickly rises through the ranks, charming every girl in sight and defeating every villain with his overpowered abilities.
Honestly, it gets a bit repetitive after a while.
But that's not for me to worry about right now.
I've got my own path to forge.
Besides, there's no guarantee that things will play out exactly like in the novel.
After all, I'm a variable, an unknown factor in this world.
I skidded into the kitchen, my nose filled with the delicious smell of fresh bread and honey.
"Julian..." She turned hearing me walk through the arched doorway.
My mother smiled and ruffled my hair. "Someone's hungry," she says.
"Always," I reply with a cheeky grin, ready to devour whatever delicious creation she's prepared.
With a practised hop, I hoisted myself onto the sturdy wooden chair my mother had crafted.
Two years in this world, and I'm still surprised by her ingenuity.
You'd think a maid in a medieval-esque world would be serving up gruel and stale bread, but no, my mother is a culinary wizard.
"This is a new recipe I just made up, enjoy it!"
My eyes widened as she placed a steaming plate in front of me.
Golden-brown pastries oozing with savoury filling, a side of plump berries glistening with dew, and a steaming cup of fragrant tea.
I've always loved food, but this? This is a feast fit for a king.
"A-amazing, mother..." I stammered, my mouth already watering.
Her face beamed and her emerald eyes sparkled with pride.
"Make sure to eat all of it, Julian. You're a growing boy, and I know how much energy you have."
I noded eagerly, shovelling a pastry into my mouth.
But my mind is already racing ahead.
I've been cooped up in this house for far too long, my explorations limited to the small garden out back.
It's time for a change.
"Mommy," I say, my voice still a little wobbly but determined. "Can I go outside today?"
Her smile falters slightly, a hint of worry clouding her eyes.
"Outside, sweetheart? Where do you want to go?"
"Just to explore," I say, gesturing vaguely towards the window.
"The village, the woods... anywhere."
She seemed to stop for a moment and hesitated, her fingers tightening around the dishcloth she was holding.
I know she's worried. She always is.
But I'm tired of being treated like a fragile doll.
I'm thirty- ehem... five years old, for goodness sake!
"Please?" I pleaded, giving her my best puppy-dog eyes. "I'll be careful. I promise."
She sighed, a soft smile returning to her lips.
"Alright, Julian," she relented.
"But you must stay close to home and be back before sundown. And no wandering off into the woods alone, understand?"
"Yes, mother." I nodded finishing the meal jumped down from my chair and ran to the door.
As I stepped out into the warm sunlight, I took in the sights of Nefta Village.
Rows of tidy houses, built of smooth, painted timber and topped with neat tiled roofs, lined the cobblestone streets.
The blacksmith's forge stood proudly at the end of the road, a plume of smoke rising from its chimney.
I could hear the cheerful chatter of villagers going about their daily lives, and the sweet smell of baking bread wafted from the bakery across the square.
"Julian!" My mother called.
"Yes?"
"I'll get one of the elders to watch over you, give me a moment."
WHOOSH!
Right before my eyes, a gust of wind blasted past me and from the moment I turned my head towards the door everything organized from the entrance was now a ruin.
Track's of my mothers steps were nothing but a trace as she dashed towards the village.
I knew very well she wasn't ordinary.
***
[5 Minutes Later...]
"Julian!"
My mother's voice rang out, and I saw her returning up the pathway to our house, accompanied by an older man with a kindly face and a shock of white hair.
"Here is Mr. Hinerick," she said, still catching her breath. "He'll be looking after you while you go exploring. Make sure not to cause any trouble for him."
She hurried into the house, grabbing her usual maid uniform and a brown coat to cover it.
"Okay, see you later, Mom," I said, waving as she rushed off.
"Ah, you must be the young one all the village ladies talk about," said Mr. Hinerick, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
I turned to face him, studying the man for any hint of what my mother saw in him. He didn't seem too old, maybe in his sixties, with a weathered face and a gentle smile.
"Mhm..." I nodded, still a bit unsure.
"For someone your age, you're awfully quiet," he chuckled. "But don't worry, I'm just an old man who likes to tell stories."
"Sure..." I replied, though my gut told me there was more to this elder than met the eye.
"So, young Julian," Mr. Hinerick began, a twinkle in his eye, "where shall our adventure take us today?"
I pointed eagerly towards the east, towards the towering silhouette of High Peak Mountain. "There!" I exclaimed, my voice still a bit high-pitched but full of enthusiasm.
Mr. Hinerick chuckled, stroking his white beard. "Ah, the Whispering Woods. A bit of a hike for a young lad like yourself, but I suppose a bit of fresh air won't hurt."
He paused, his expression turning slightly more serious. "However, those woods can be unpredictable. There are... creatures lurking in the shadows, best avoided by those who aren't prepared."
I tilted my head, curious. "Creatures?"
Mr. Hinerick nodded. "Goblins, mostly. Mischievous little buggers. But there have been rumors of more dangerous beasts as well."
My heart quickened with a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was the kind of adventure I had been craving!
Mr. Hinerick seemed to sense my eagerness, but his eyes held a hint of worry. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, worn map.
He traced his finger along a path, then looked at me with a gentle smile.
"Tell you what," he said, "I'll let you explore to your heart's content, but I'm afraid my old bones can't follow you too far."
He placed a hand on my shoulder, a warm glow emanating from his fingertips.
"This little enchantment will let me keep an eye on you. Just promise not to stray too far from the main path, alright?"
I nodded, a little bewildered by the tingling sensation on my skin, but eager to get going.
Mr. Hinerick smiled. "Very well then, young Julian," he said.
"Off you go. And remember, stay on the path!"
With a nod, I turned and raced towards the Whispering Woods.