As the days passed, the household's anticipation grew even more intense, a tangible tension lingering in the air. Aleric, despite his fatigue, was acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. He could see the strain on his parents' faces, the lingering worry in Kara's eyes, and the way his siblings hovered nearby, unsure yet eager to offer their support. Every effort was made to prepare for the priestess's visit, and as the appointed hour approached, the Grimwald's gathered, their hearts heavy with unvoiced questions and silent prayers.
The entire household was a tumult of quiet whispers and nervous tension as they awaited the priestess's arrival. Lord Grimwald strode back and forth across the room, his steps heavy with unspoken worries. Josiah mirrored their father's anxious pacing, his footsteps echoing a tad bit behind the Lord's. It was almost as if their father had installed an invisible treadmill in the room, and Josiah was determined to set a new record for most laps completed.
"With the way you're acting, Josiah, I might as well start planning my own funeral. Seriously, just because you're next in line to be Family Head doesn't mean you need to literally walk in Father's footsteps. Take a seat next to Diana already. Diana, scoot over and make some space for our worrywart elder brother," Aleric said with a sigh.
Josiah scowled but obliged, sinking into the chair next to Diana, his usual composure frayed by the weight of the situation, his presence adding to the tense ambiance of the room.
Aleric shifted in his seat, glancing slyly at Josiah. "You know, Josiah, if this Patriarch thing doesn't work out, you could always try out for the role of overly dramatic hero in a play. You certainly have the pacing down."
Josiah paused his relentless stride, fixing Aleric with a look that was half-exasperated and half-amused. "Very funny, Aleric," he said, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
It had only been a week since the change in Aleric's behavior, but the family was slowly starting to get used to the new Aleric. The changes in the once lively and carefree six-year-old were profound and, at times, unnerving.
Gone were the days when Aleric would run around the estate with reckless abandon, his laughter echoing through the halls. In his place was a child who now carried an air of quiet seriousness, his demeanor more fitting of someone far beyond his years. His eyes, once bright with the innocence of youth, now held a depth that seemed to speak of lifetimes of experience, an enigma that puzzled his family and the staff of the estate.
And then there was the way he spoke. His vocabulary and sentence structure were sophisticated, and his tone carried a maturity that was at odds with his youthful appearance. It was as if a wise sage had taken residence in the body of a child, a notion that was as fascinating as it was unsettling.
The family had many whispered conversations about the changes they observed in Aleric. His father seemed especially concerned. Eveline, his mother, didn't seem to care much about the changes in her youngest, as long as her baby was okay and here with his family. Aleric himself offered no explanations, his enigmatic expression giving nothing away.
The transformation in Aleric was not just a topic of familial concern but also a subject of interest among the estate's staff, who whispered about the young master's newfound wisdom and eerie maturity. Speculations ran rampant, ranging from the influence of an unknown magical force to the possibility of a past life resurfacing. Even the family cat, Ashta, seemed to give Aleric a wide berth, casting wary glances his way as if sensing the profound change.
"Aleric, this really isn't the time to be making jokes," His elder sister's slight scowl was ruined by the worry in her eyes.
"Who's joking? "Aleric remarked innocently, leaning his head back to gaze at the ceiling.
Josiah gave him a reproachful look. "Aleric, this is serious. We're talking about your life and your well-being."
"Exactly," Aleric replied with a sardonic smile. "And what better way to face the possible revelation of my soul being irrevocably damaged than with a bit of humor? Laughter is the best medicine, after all."
Diana shook her head, her expression a blend of exasperation and concern. "Aleric, please. We're just worried about you."
Aleric sighed, his eyes softening as he glanced between his siblings. "I know you're worried. I'm worried too. But if I start taking this too seriously, I might just lose my mind."
Just then, the sound of a knock on the heavy oak doors interrupted their conversation, drawing their attention to the entrance of the room. A servant entered and announced the arrival of their guest.
A tall, ethereal figure draped in deep midnight robes entered. The priestess of the Temple of Night entered, her presence commanding and serene. Her eyes, as dark as the depths of the ocean, seemed to see through everything. Aleric's eyes widened as her realized she wasn't human.
Is this what Dark Elves look like? Damn, how can someone be this hot? His body might have been six, but his mind still appreciated the view. Aleric let out a wolf-whistle in his mind, before realizing he should probably keep his thoughts respectful, just in case a certain someone was listening. This was Her priestess, after all.
The priestess's gaze swept over the assembled family, her serene demeanor a stark contrast to the palpable tension in the room. She took a moment to absorb the atmosphere before speaking.
"Lord and Lady Grimwald, I have come as requested," she greeted them, her voice carrying a soothing yet authoritative quality.
Lord Grimwald stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Thank you for coming, Priestess. We are in desperate need of your wisdom."
The priestess inclined her head gracefully. "It is my duty to assist where I am needed, and please, call me Miova. I understand there is a situation with your son?"
Eveline's voice trembled as she spoke. "Yes, Priestess Miova. Aleric has... been through quite a bit recently. He was kidnapped four weeks ago, though no ransom demand ever arrived. He returned to us a few days ago, weak and unconscious. We couldn't wake him." Tears began streaming down her face, and she clutched Aleric to her, seemingly afraid of him disappearing again.
Kara then stepped forward and began to explain what she had discovered in her role as a healer.
Her voice was steady as she recounted her findings. "When Aleric returned, his physical condition was quite severe, and evidence of torture was plain to see. I was trained to be a wartime healer, Priestess. I never thought I'd see...signs of that, on a child. It's a small blessing that he doesn't seem to remember any of it." Kara whispered, intending for only Miova to hear. Fortunately, Lady Eveline was currently smothering Aleric with her cleavage, and Lord Grimwald was trying to convince his wife to let their son breathe.
"But luckily, I managed to heal it with magic. Only a few scars are left." Seeing Miova frown, Kara realized she may have sounded boastful, so she hastily resumed her report.
"However, when I examined him using Healer's Insight, his spirit seemed almost fractured. I've never encountered anything like it before. It's effecting his mind as well. There are moments when he seems entirely himself, and others when it's as if he is someone else entirely."
The priestess nodded thoughtfully, her eyes never leaving Aleric. "I believe I may know what's going on with the boy. Souls that traverse across the realms can experience great turmoil. Such occurrences are rare, but not unheard of. If he was indeed subjected to some kind of soul ritual, especially against his will, it's a miracle he isn't braindead or possessed."
Miova approached Aleric, her gaze piercing yet gentle. "May I?" she asked, extending her hand.
Aleric hesitated but then nodded, allowing her to place her hand on his forehead. A soft, almost imperceptible glow emanated from her touch. He felt a strange sensation, as if tendrils of energy were gently probing his very essence. He caught a hint of Aranya's flavor in the taste of it.
Minutes passed, though it felt like an eternity. Finally, she lowered her hand, her expression inscrutable. "There is indeed a foreign essence within him, intertwined with his own. This is no simple matter, but I sense his soul is quite resilient. Even as fractured and damaged as it is, the strength I sense would be impressive for a battle-hardened warrior, much less a six-year-old nobleman's son, no offense young master." Aleric just shrugged. He wasn't sure whether it was a compliment or an insult, but it likely didn't matter.
Then Miova paused, considering her words carefully. "First, we must understand the nature of the foreign essence. It could be a fragment of another's soul or something more sinister. I will need to perform a ritual to stabilize his spirit and prevent further harm. It will also allow me to more closely examine Aleric's core. After that, we can begin the process of figuring out what has happened to your son. It will require patience, and the young master's full cooperation."
Aleric's parents exchanged glances, a mix of relief and apprehension washing over them. Lord Grimwald spoke with a steady voice, "What must we do to prepare for this ritual, Priestess?"
"Please, just call me Miova. I am not one for formality outside of necessity. I have most of everything we need with me. The Goddess must have guided my hand this morning; this is not the bag I normally bring for house calls," the Miova replied, her tone gentle yet authoritative. "I will need a space free from distractions. Is there a quiet room where we can perform the ritual?"
Lord Grimwald nodded. "We have a ritual chamber on the east wing of the mansion. It is secluded and often used for meditation and training purposes."
"Excellent. Ah, I'm afraid I'm missing some Belladonna and Nightshade. I assume these are things you have on hand, my lady?" Miova directed her words at Lady Eveline, her eyes never leaving Aleric's frail form. "I will take care of the preparation, but the ritual itself will be rather intense for little Aleric. Moreover, he will have to enter a state of deep meditation to remain attuned to his inner self. At his age, we may need to medicate him in order to induce that state of mind."
Surprising the priestess, Aleric spoke up with a voice that carried both determination and confidence. "No need to go that far, miss. I know how to meditate, so we can skip drugging me." His words, though unexpected, were resolute, and Miova momentarily paused, her gaze locking onto his with a mix of surprise and admiration.
She had not anticipated such resolve from the young boy, especially given the gravity of his condition. Aleric's parents exchanged a look of both pride and concern, their son's strength of will evident even in the face of such daunting circumstances. Miova, after a moment's consideration, nodded slowly, acknowledging his bravery.
"Very well," she said softly, her expression softening just a touch. "If you are confident in your ability to maintain the necessary state of meditation, we shall proceed without the medication. But remember, Aleric, this will require all your focus and inner strength." The boy nodded firmly, his eyes reflecting a determination that seemed to eclipse his years.
Then Miova glanced at the other adults, "Then we must begin at once. Time is of the essence, and the longer we wait, the greater the risk to your soul."
After guiding their small group to the family's ritual chamber, they watched as the priestess began to draw intricate symbols on the marble floor with a piece of white chalk she had retrieved from her mysterious bag. Each symbol seemed to pulse with a faint, otherworldly glow. Kara assisted by arranging candles, gemstones, and crystals around the perimeter, the flickering flames casting eerie shadows on the walls.
"Aleric, please sit in the center of the circle," Miova instructed, her voice calm and soothing.
Aleric moved to the designated spot, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation. He folded his legs beneath him and closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing. She began to chant in a language that seemed both ancient and powerful, her words resonating through the hall and touching the very core of Aleric's being.
He was plagued by doubts, uncertain whether the 'foreign essence' she detected was his transmigrated soul or some malicious force. He was slightly worried that either way, his new life would be in jeopardy.
As the chant progressed, Aleric felt himself drifting into a state of profound tranquility. The world around him seemed to fade, replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace and clarity. His mind wandered through memories, some his own and others foreign, merging and intertwining in a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Miova's voice grew louder, more commanding, and Aleric felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. It was as if an invisible force was pulling apart the tangled threads of his soul, seeking to separate the foreign from the familiar. He winced as a sharp pain shot through him, but he remained still, trusting in Miova's abilities.
Suddenly, the room was filled with a blinding light. Aleric's eyes flew open, and he found himself surrounded by a shimmering aura. The symbols on the floor glowed brightly, and the candles' flames danced in response to an unseen wind. The priestess stood before him, her eyes closed in deep concentration, her hands raised as if guiding the energy within the circle.
Aleric felt a presence beside him, warm and comforting. He turned to see three faint, ghostly figures sitting in the circle with him.
He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the reality of the moment. The presence of the three figures, though unsettling, also offered him several clues about what was going on inside himself. Something told Aleric that these specters were somehow an integral part of him. The identity of the first two made that the only explanation that made sense. It was the third figure that sparked confusion.
The first resembled Aleric as he had been back on Earth—a scarred and angry young man dressed in all black. His eyes were filled with a mix of defiance and pain, reflecting a troubled past that seemed to haunt him. He stood with a tense posture, as if ready to fight or flee at any moment, a stark contrast to the serene atmosphere created by the priestess's ritual. His presence exuded a sense of unresolved conflict and inner turmoil, and he simply gave Aleric a short nod, before looking around with caution and suspicion written across his face.
The next was a young boy, who looked just like Lord Grimwald, but with Lady Eveline's hair and eyes. The young boy had soft, jet-black curls that framed his delicate face, a striking contrast to the intense emotions that played across his features. His eyes, a brilliant shade of sapphire blue, mirrored the deep sorrow and longing within him as he gazed at his parents. He clutched a small, well-loved toy in his hand, a remnant of a childhood abruptly stolen.
The third individual was completely unknown to Aleric. The old man was dressed in long, flowing robes adorned with intricate patterns of gold and silver threads. His hair was a snowy white, and he had a long, wispy beard that flowed down to his chest. His eyes, though aged, sparkled with wisdom and a hint of mischief. The wrinkled face underwent a drastic change just as he caught sight of Kara, and Aleric knew exactly what kind of mischief he wanted to get up to.
"And who are all of you supposed to be?" Aleric demanded, knowing it was probably a dumb question but asking anyway.
The young man in black scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Isn't it obvious? We're the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future."
Aleric glared at his past self, and the man just smirked at him. "We're all parts of you; or rather, we are now. Merged together to form whatever it is you've become. I guess the Goddess didn't want to go into the details of her little offer."
The young boy, still crying, looked at Aleric with a mix of confusion and sorrow. "I don't understand. Why are we here? Why can't I be with my mom and dad?"
The old man raised a hand, having finally torn his gaze from the healer, his voice calm and measured. "Let us not quarrel, young ones. We are here together now, connected by a fate yet to be revealed. Our pasts, no matter how diverse, now serve a common purpose. Perhaps this union was the only way for our souls to find peace. Regardless, it seems our destinies are now intertwined." The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully, his voice gentle yet authoritative.
Aleric looked back and forth between the figures, trying to piece together the significance of their presence. His mind raced with questions, but none more pressing than understanding what this all meant for his own identity.
"Why did the Goddess do this?" he wondered aloud, his voice trembling with the weight of uncertainty.
The old man regarded Aleric with a twinkle in his eye and a serene smile. "It could be that the Goddess saw potential in uniting our souls. Each of us carries strengths and wisdom that you can now draw upon. We may be fragments of what once was, but together, we are whole."
The young boy stepped forward, his eyes still glistening with tears. "Maybe if you're me and I'm you, then I can still be with Mama and Papa, and Josie and Dee-Dee too."
Aleric clenched his fists, frustration building within him. "So, what does this mean for me? Am I just a collection of lost souls?"
The young man in black looked at Aleric with a serious expression. "I don't think any of us really know for sure. I do know one thing though. The Goddess has some explaining to do." The spectral assassin then appeared thoughtful.
"It also means we might have a fighting chance this time. We really are more than just a weapon now; we are also a boy who has never experienced pain or hunger, only the love of his family; and an old man who seems to have lived a full life." He said as he pointed to each specter in turn.
The old man smiled broadly. "By the end, I had a harem of over 50 beauties. There was very little strife among them, and each one gave me many children. I eventually ended up with over a thousand grandchildren!"
The spectral assassin snorted and rolled his eyes. "A very fulfilling life then."
"You must have died a virgin."
"What'd you say to me, you old pervert?"
"I'm not a pervert, simply a man of culture."
"That's just another way to say pervert."
"And that kind of response is what tells me you're a virgin."
"...What's virgin mean?"
"..."
"..."
"You explain it to him, oh mighty man of culture."
Aleric ignored the specters bickering, as his mind raced as he tried to process the gravity of the situation. The implication that he was a vessel for these disparate souls unsettled him to his core. He was overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions emanating from the figures around him - fear, anger, curiosity, amusement, and wisdom all mingling within him like a chaotic storm.
Suddenly, Aleric felt a powerful surge of energy as the priestess's magic took hold. The old man reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Aleric's shoulder. "You are strong, young one," he said, his voice a soothing balm amidst the turmoil. "You will find the path that's right for you. Be cautious, but don't let it hold you back. Balance is the key to a happy life."
The young man in black scoffed once more, crossing his arms defiantly. "Balance? That's rich coming from a man with a harem that big. I bet some of your wives didn't see you for months. I doubt you know the meaning of moderation, much less balance. Besides, we're nothing but broken pieces, how do you expect us to find balance?"
The old man's eyes narrowed as he turned to face the young man in black. "Moderation may not have been my strong suit in life, but wisdom often comes too late," he retorted, a hint of sadness in his voice. "We are broken pieces, yes, but even broken pieces can form a mosaic. It is the effort to find balance that matters, not the perfection of it."
The old man turned back to Aleric. "The way I see it, each of us give you something you need. The little boy's incessant curiosity, my bottomless love of life, and even Mister Angry's ruthlessness and caution."
Aleric experienced various emotions but recognized that each perspective had its validity. He closed his eyes and sought inner balance, attempting to reconcile the different pieces of wisdom provided by the spirits. The old man's comments on balance made a significant impact on him, even as the young man's skepticism remained present.
Miova's chanting grew louder, drawing Aleric's focus back to the present. Her melodic incantations reverberated through the chamber, intertwining with the glow of the arcane symbols etched into the stone floor. The air hummed with magical energy, and Aleric felt a profound shift within his soul, as if the very fabric of his being was being woven anew.
A sudden, blinding light erupted from the symbols, flooding the room with a brilliant radiance that forced Aleric to shield his eyes. The souls' voices faded into the ether, leaving a serene silence in their wake. As the light dimmed to a gentle glow, Aleric cautiously opened his eyes to find the chamber transformed. The tension that had gripped him was replaced by an almost tangible calm.
The priestess lowered her hands and opened her eyes, her fierce concentration giving way to a serene, almost ethereal calm.
Aleric gradually rose to his feet, feeling both puzzled and uneasy, even more so than when he first awoke to this world. He glanced at Miova, who responded with a smile. Her expression conveyed confidence and sincerity, which helped calm Aleric's thumping heart.
"You have taken the first step, Aleric. For now, your soul and spirit are stabilized, but this is a temporary measure. There is a foreign essence preventing your fragmented pieces from properly healing." She turned to the anxious parents holding each other and the healer nervously wringing her hands. She gave them a nod, indicating it was okay to approach.
Aleric's parents rushed to his side, their faces etched with a mix of relief and concern. His mother, with tears glistening in her eyes, gently touched his cheek. "My little darling, you have been so brave," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "No six-year-old should have to go through so much as you have. I am so sorry, Aleric."
"You haven't even awakened yet," his father said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "And already you are facing challenges that many would crumble in front of." Lord Grimwald placed a reassuring hand on Aleric's shoulder, his eyes filled with pride.
Aleric nodded, not entirely sure how to respond to his parents. The priestess cleared her throat to get their attention. "We should discuss what happened during the ritual, and what I found when I probed Aleric's soul."
They all turned their attention to Miova, who took a deep breath before continuing. "Your son has a unique and complex soul composition. During the ritual, I discovered that there is an ancient binding spell laced within his essence; one designed to keep multiple soul fragments tethered together but not fully integrated. This foreign essence is what prevents the complete fusion of his soul."
"From what I can deduce, Aleric's soul endured significant trauma sometime in the last six months. We must approach his recovery with utmost care and empathy." Miova looked down, as if gathering her thoughts on how to properly explain to the concerned parents. "There are rips in the barrier around his soul, allowing the memories and personalities of his past lives seep into this one. There also seems to be a binding spell, keeping those rips open."
Aleric's mother gasped softly, clutching her son to her chest more tightly. "Is there a way to remove this binding spell?" she asked, her voice a mix of hope and fear.
The priestess slowly nodded. "Yes, but I advise against it. Instantly removing the spell would destabilize his soul, leading it to collapse. No one can survive that, My Lady."
Kara, who had been silent throughout the ritual, stepped forward. "There might be a way to gradually weaken the binding spell," she suggested cautiously, her eyes meeting Miova's. "If we can find the origin of the spell, we might be able to unravel it slowly, giving Aleric's soul time to adapt and heal."
Miova nodded thoughtfully. "It is a possibility worth exploring. However, it will require time, patience, and a deep understanding of ancient magic. We must proceed with utmost caution. I also recommend various training and meditation methods be added to his daily routine."
His mother, her eyes wide with concern yet filled with unwavering love, asked, "What does this mean for Aleric? How dangerous is this process?"
Kara stepped closer, her gaze steady and compassionate. "We'll need to start with gentle exercises and spells to gradually weaken the binding. It won't be easy, but we'll proceed step by step, monitoring Aleric's progress closely."
Miova continued, "We will need to gather more knowledge about the origin and nature of this spell. It is ancient and powerful, which means it was likely cast with a specific purpose in mind. Understanding that purpose will be crucial in our efforts. I will consult the ancient texts and reach out to the elders who may have more insight on such bindings. This will not be a solitary endeavor; we will need the wisdom of many to navigate this delicate process."
Eveline, though visibly shaken, took a deep breath and said, "Just tell us what we need to do."
Miova gave her a gentle smile. "For now, focus on providing him with a stable and loving environment. Encourage him to practice the meditation and training techniques we will teach him. This journey will require inner strength and resilience. We can help him remove the binding, but Aleric himself is the only one who can mold his soul back together."
Aleric took a deep breath, his patience fraying at the edges. He felt like they were ignoring him and disregarding any input he might have.
"I am right here, you know. Instead of talking around me, you could try talking to me. I might be young, but I'm not an object without an opinion of my own." He finally cracked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
The Priestess turned to Aleric, her expression softening. "You are right, Aleric. This journey is yours, and your voice is crucial in this process. How do you feel about the steps we've discussed?"
Aleric looked at her, his frustration still simmering but tempered by her acknowledgment. "I don't want to be treated like I'm not even here. I can handle this, but I need to be part of the conversation."
Kara nodded in agreement. "You are indeed a vital part of this, Aleric. Your input and feelings will guide us in making the right decisions. We will ensure that you are involved every step of the way."
His mother, tears brimming in her eyes, reached out to him. "We're sorry, Aleric. We only want what's best for you."
Taking a deep breath, Aleric felt a sense of validation that had been missing. "I don't have an issue with the meditation and training. Just promise me that you'll let me speak my mind and will listen to what I have to say."
The Priestess smiled warmly. "We promise, Aleric. Your strength and determination will be the keystones of this endeavor. Together, we will find a way to free you from this binding spell in the safest way possible."
Aleric's parents exchanged determined glances. The room's dim candlelight cast long shadows on their faces, but their resolve shone brightly. With a shared sense of purpose, the group began to discuss the next steps, their voices blending into a harmonious plan of action.
Aleric felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. Despite his resolve to stay attentive to the discussion about the next steps in their plan, he could feel his eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment. His mother, sensing his fatigue, gently wrapped her arms around him, offering a comforting embrace. The warmth and security of her hold, combined with the dimly lit room and the low murmur of voices, created a soothing environment that Aleric could not resist.
As he nestled into his mother's arms, the tension that had gripped his body began to melt away. His breathing slowed, becoming deeper and more even. The voices around him, though still discussing the critical details of the journey ahead, faded into a soft, indistinct hum. Aleric's last conscious thought was one of contentment, feeling at peace for the first time.