Over the next few days, Sir Aldric gathered the group to announce a new part of their training. Starting immediately, each boy would spend an hour each day learning to recognize characters and words.
He explained that much of the knowledge surrounding the stages of Luminis was recorded in ancient scrolls, accessible only to those who could read them.
Luca and Finn studied together to understand characters. Luca also shared his experience on how he reached the essence flow stage with Finn.
Six months passed, and in that time, most of the group had succeeded in reaching the Essence Flow stage. The boys were stronger, sharper, and more confident than ever. Sir Aldric gathered them together one day, his voice steady and encouraging.
"To those who have reached the Essence Flow stage," he began, "you have taken an important step toward your future here. Your progress is to be appreciated. To those who have not yet reached this stage, remember that your journey is far from over.
As long as you reach the Essence Flow stage before seventeen, you will be given the same opportunities as the others. And even if you do not, there will still be roles for you within the Drakemore family."
The reassurance from Sir Aldric lifted the spirits of those who had yet to reach Essence Flow.
Sir Aldric turned to those who reached Essence flow stage "You are given two weeks to spend time with your family. It might take a year to see them again, since you will be travelling far".
All of them were surprised, there were some murmurs of uncertainty. With that the instructor Aldric dismissed them.
Luca and Finn prepared to go home. They both found a cart heading to their village and both split the cost of travel, returning home together.
Luca stood in front of his house, his mother Rhea upon seeing him, ran to him and hugged him. Luca returned the hug.
"This isn't your usual time of returning home. Anything different?", she asked.
Luca said "Mom, we were given two weeks of leave".
Rhea face lit up. "That's wonderful! You go and take a bath, I will cook something for you".
Luca hesitated, unsure of how to tell her that he wouldn't be home for almost a year but decided to hold off for now. After they ate dinner, they talked about the interesting things that had happened in their lives. Luca cherished his time with his mother.
The next morning, Luca woke to the chirping of birds. He went to train in the woods near his home. After finishing his sword practise, he worked on his Luminis training. Though the practise of Luminis was much harder during the day compared to the night, he didn't stop.
He believed that if he slacked off simply because he had an advantage, he'd be left behind. He also he wanted to progress further in his Luminis training.
After finishing his practise, Luca took a bath in the river and went home. "Mom, I am hungry," he said.
"Just a minute," Rhea replied. "The food will be ready soon. I just made some chicken soup that you like."
"Yay! chicken!" Luca exclaimed.
They enjoyed their meal, and after a while, Rhea turned to Luca with a gentle expression. "Now, can you tell me what you were hesitating to say?"
Luca knew he couldn't hide anything from his mother. "Mom, the instructor said that we will be travelling far, and the return journey could take a year. I won't be able to see you for that time".
Rhea was surprised and there was hint of sadness in her eyes but it was quickly replaced with a soft smile.
"It's alright," she said. "Training is important. Do you need anything for your travels?" She began searching for some money but was quickly stopped by Luca.
"Mom, I didn't even spend the money you gave last time and I still have my salary. I don't need anything more. I was thinking of giving you some" said Luca.
Rhea smiled warmly "Your mother can still look after herself, and you, young man should buy whatever you need at your age. After having a family, you won't get this chance again".
"Geez! what a nagging mother I have," Luca teased, exaggerating his tone.
"Come here, you!" Rhea said, running after him.
"You can't catch me! Haha!" Luca laughed as he ran away.
******
Two weeks passed and the time to part had come. Luca gave Rhea a hug and said "Mom I will miss you".
Rhea, tears forming in her eyes, hugged him back and replied "I will miss you too, my son."
With a heavy heart Luca, bade farewell to his mother and joined Finn on their way back to Drakemore.