Chapter 4
Three years had passed since I'd first opened my eyes to this world. I was now three years old, and my mind was a sponge, soaking up knowledge and experiences like water. I could speak, albeit in simple sentences, and I'd even begun to read books, devouring the stories and adventures within their pages.
But despite the joys of learning and growing, my heart remained heavy with a singular focus: revenge. My father, Yozui, had hurt my mother, and I couldn't forgive him for that. Every year, on my birthday, he'd send his men to harm us, to try and capture us. But we'd always managed to escape, hiding deep within the forest, where the trees seemed to swallow us whole.
I remembered the sound of rustling leaves, the snap of twigs, and the hushed whispers of my mother and Liz as we fled from place to place. We'd move from one small village to another, always staying one step ahead of our pursuers. But I knew it was only a matter of time before they caught up to us.
My mother tried to shield me from the truth, but I'd overheard her talking to Liz about the attempts on our lives. I'd seen the fear in her eyes, the way she'd glance over her shoulder, expecting to see Yozui's men lurking in the shadows.
As I grew older, my anger and determination only intensified. I'd watch my mother, seeing the way she'd flinch at every sudden noise, the way she'd tremble when she thought I wasn't looking. And I knew that I had to do something to protect her.
I'd sit by the fire at night, listening to Liz's stories of magic and bravery, and I'd imagine myself as a great warrior, fighting against the evil that had hurt my mother. I'd picture Yozui's face, twisted in a snarl, and I'd feel a surge of rage and hatred.
"Temujin, come here, child," my mother called, breaking me out of my reverie. I looked up to see her holding a small, leather-bound book. "It's time for your lessons. Let's practice your reading."
I nodded, taking the book from her, and began to read, my voice stumbling over the words. But my mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of revenge and protection. I would make sure that my mother was safe, no matter what it took.
Liz smiled warmly as she watched Temujin struggle to read the words on the page. She'd known Shea since they were children, and when Shea had run away from Yozui, Liz had been the first person she'd turned to for help. As the daughter of a merchant, Liz had connections in many towns, and she'd used those connections to help Shea and Temujin find a place to stay, always keeping one step ahead of Yozui's men.
Despite the danger that lurked in the shadows, Liz's presence brought a sense of calm to their small household. She was kind and gentle, with a quick smile and a ready laugh, and Temujin adored her. She'd taken on a big sister role, helping Shea with childcare and teaching Temujin the basics of magic.
Liz had been surprised to discover that Temujin had a natural talent for magic, and she'd taken it upon herself to nurture that talent. She'd spend hours with him, practicing simple spells and incantations, and Temujin had proven to be a quick learner.
But what had really surprised Liz was the discovery that Temujin had three runes in his body. It was a rare occurrence, one that she'd only read about in ancient texts. She'd been hesitant to believe it at first, but as she'd worked with Temujin, she'd seen the evidence for herself. The boy's magic was powerful, and it seemed to be growing stronger by the day.
"Okay, Temujin, let's try something new," Liz said, holding out her hand. "Can you make this candle flame dance?"
Temujin's eyes lit up with excitement as he nodded, his small hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. The flame on the candle flickered and danced, responding to Temujin's magic. Liz smiled, impressed by the boy's control.
"You're a natural, Temujin," she said, ruffling his hair. "I think you're going to be a very powerful magician one day."
Two years had passed since Temujin had first discovered his ability to create sparks of light. He was now five years old, and his magic had grown stronger with each passing day. Under Liz's guidance, he had been practicing and refining his skills, learning to control the sparks with greater precision.
Temujin's days were filled with magic lessons, reading, and playing in the forest. He loved to explore the woods, chasing after rabbits and squirrels, and climbing trees. But no matter where his adventures took him, he always made time for his magic.
Liz had set up a small clearing in the forest, surrounded by a ring of stones, where Temujin could practice his magic without worrying about accidentally setting anything on fire. The clearing had become his favorite place to be, and he would spend hours there, experimenting with different spells and incantations.
As he practiced, Temujin began to notice that his sparks were growing larger and more intense. He could make them dance in the air, weaving intricate patterns with his fingers. Liz was impressed with his progress, and she encouraged him to keep pushing himself, to see just how far he could take his magic.
One sunny afternoon, Temujin stood in the clearing, his eyes fixed on a small rock in front of him. He raised his hand, and a spark of light erupted from his fingers, striking the rock with a tiny burst of flame. The rock sizzled and crackled, and Temujin grinned, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Liz watched from the edge of the clearing, a warm smile on her face. "Well done, Temujin," she said, clapping her hands together. "You're getting stronger every day."
Temujin beamed with pride, his eyes shining with excitement. He was eager to see just how far he could take his magic, and he knew that with Liz's help, he could accomplish anything.
As Temujin grew older, his natural charisma and leadership skills began to shine through. He was now seven years old, and his confidence had grown exponentially. He'd spend hours listening to Liz's stories of great leaders and warriors, and he'd imagine himself in their shoes, leading armies and conquering lands.
One day, while playing in the forest, Temujin stumbled upon a group of children, roughly his age, who were being bullied by a group of older kids. Without hesitation, Temujin stepped forward, his eyes flashing with determination.
"Leave them alone," he said, his voice firm and commanding.
The older kids snickered, but Temujin stood his ground, his small frame radiating an aura of confidence. The bullies, taken aback by Temujin's bravery, backed down, and the younger kids thanked him for his help.
From that day on, Temujin became a sort of hero among the village children. They'd gather around him, listening in awe as he told stories of his adventures and the magic he was learning. Temujin's natural charm and charisma drew people to him, and soon, he had a small group of loyal followers.
There was Jochi, a quiet but fiercely loyal boy who'd been one of the kids Temujin had saved from the bullies. There was also Borte, a fiery and determined girl who'd been impressed by Temujin's bravery. And then there was Khasar, a burly and good-natured boy who'd been won over by Temujin's sense of humor.
Together, they'd explore the forest, playing games and having adventures. Temujin would lead the way, using his magic to create sparks and illusions, and his friends would follow, mesmerized by his charisma.
As they played, Temujin began to realize that he had a natural talent for leadership. He could inspire and motivate his friends, and they'd follow him without question. It was a heady feeling, and Temujin reveled in the sense of power and responsibility that came with it.
Liz watched from the sidelines, a warm smile on her face. She'd always known that Temujin was special, but she was amazed by the way he'd taken to leadership. He was a natural, and she had no doubt that he'd go on to do great things.
Temujin's days were filled with learning and play, but his nights were spent listening to his mother's stories of their town and the people who lived there. He'd ask her questions about his father, Yozui, and the way he ruled with an iron fist. Shea would hesitate, unsure of how much to reveal, but Temujin's curiosity was insatiable.
One evening, as they sat by the fire, Temujin asked his mother about the town's guards. "Why do they obey Father?" he asked, his eyes narrowed in thought.
Shea sighed, her eyes darting around the small clearing. "They're afraid of him, Temujin. Your father has a reputation for being ruthless, and many people fear what will happen if they cross him."
Temujin's face scrunched up in thought. He'd seen the way the guards looked at his mother, with a mixture of pity and fear. He'd heard the whispers in the market, the way people spoke of Yozui in hushed tones.
"I want to help the people, Mother," Temujin said, his voice filled with determination. "I want to make sure they're safe and happy."
Shea's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her son. She knew that Temujin was too young to take on his father, but she also knew that he had a good heart. "You can start by making friends, Temujin," she said, smiling. "Get to know the people in the town, and they'll begin to trust you. That's the first step to making a difference."
Temujin nodded, his mind racing with ideas. He'd start by making friends with the other kids in the town, and then he'd work his way up to the adults. He'd show them that he was different from his father, that he cared about their well-being.
As the days passed, Temujin made a conscious effort to befriend the other kids in the town. He'd play with them, share his food, and listen to their stories. Slowly but surely, he began to build a network of friends and allies, people who would stand by him when the time came.
Liz watched Temujin with a keen eye, seeing the way he interacted with the other kids. She knew that he was building a foundation, laying the groundwork for a future challenge to his father's rule. And she was proud of him, proud of the way he was taking the initiative to make a difference.
"Temujin, come here for a moment," Liz called, beckoning him over to where she was sitting. "I want to talk to you about something."