A Hymn of Blades

As Erend sat in the magical theory class he couldn’t help but think of the dream. He couldn’t remember how many times he had dreamt the same thing, but he knew it had to be quite a lot of times. Sure, he’d seen how armors worked in his father’s smithy, he’d even helped him fit one to a knight once. He’d never worn a breastplate himself though, so him knowing exactly how to tighten the straps so that it would fit him snugly hinted at him having visited the dream a great many times. At least enough times to know how he liked his armors to fit.

When it came to weapon handling however, he understood he was absolutely dreadful.

If I ever find myself in the dream again, I’d like to at least not be stabbed. A sword was too complicated for me, maybe I should try and find a spear… maybe try and keep my pi-

“Mr. Sulford, care to join in on the lesson?”

Erend was forcefully pulled from his thoughts. Professor Abrams had set his sights on him, there was no escaping the hiding he had coming.

“Yes professor. I’m sorry.”

“Since you seem to be so at ease, so much so that you can even daydream, it should mean that you are quite confident in the subject at hand. Correct?”

Erend stayed silent, his eyes darting around the room to find some sort of hint.

What even is the subject today? Surely they’re not discussing the assignment still…

He locked eyes with a classmate, Sandra, who seemed to be trying to spell something to him with her mouth.

C… O… N? What the hell is she even saying? Con? Some sort of convenience magic then?

“Of course, professor, I know a thing or two about con magic. We even have a few devices at home. Obviously I don’t know enough to laze around though,” Erend said confidently.

“A valiant effort, Erend. But nonetheless, incorrect. What kind of spells are we discussing today, Sandra?”

“Original spells, professor. Scholar spells,” Sandra answered with a sly grin and sent a wink Erends way.

Did she just sell me out?

“Correct. Maybe you can teach your classmate a bit about it after class. In exchange maybe he’ll even decide to grace you with his broad knowledge of con magic. In the meantime, Erend, I’d like you to go stand in the corner,” Professor Abrams said apathetically and leisurely pointed Erend toward the corner.

“Yes Professor,” Erend responded and got up.

“So. Where was I? Oh, yes of course – the scholars,” Abrams said as if struck by enlightenment. “As I trust all of you know by now, source bending – or casting – without the use of skills is an endeavor that only the most dedicated throw themselves at. The scholars, as we call ourselves, are a gathering of intellectuals that set out on a journey to better understand the source. With skills as the blueprint, we study the movement of source and impose our will upon it to replicate and create new skills. As Erend so kindly noted, there are some of us who use this hard-earned privilege to imprint source patterns on common tools, so that the tools owner can channel source through it to easily replicate the skill. We call the use of such tools; Con magic, short for convenience magic. And the tools; Con tools, short for convenience magic tools. Really quite simple. Questions?”

“Is scholar a common class to be offered in the awakening?” Sandra eagerly asked.

“Sadly not. To be a scholar is to throw yourself at the study of source, regardless of your class, and the path you walk,” Abrams said with a solemn nod. “Some, the lucky few, are offered a to go down a path of magic. The class most closely related to the practice of scholars is the wizard class. However the class is uncommon, and the people who are offered it are usually quite eccentric. If you wish to go down the path of a scholar you shouldn’t place all your hopes in receiving a magic slinging class. You can become sufficiently powerful to study the source, given enough time and patience, even with non-combat class.”

Another curious student, Joseph, raised his hand. “Exactly what differentiates a class from a path?”

“Good question. Paths are elusive and differ from one person to the next. But they generally refer to the path a certain class should take you. If you become a warrior, your path should generally lead you to more advanced classes that fit in the warrior archetype. But there are exceptions.”

“Like what?”

“For example, take blacksmiths. A vital part of any army, some develop skills of creating machines and go down a path more akin to an Engineer. Some swing their hammers around on the battlefield together with the warriors and develop a Battle Smith class. The possibilities are near endless, and as such, getting stuck with a class you don’t necessarily like doesn’t mean you have to go down its paved path,” Abrams said encouragingly. “Well, would you look at the time. That’s all we have time for today. Next time we see each other you’ll have gone through the awakening. I hope you’ll be more interested then, Mr. Sulford.”

“Of course, Professor,” Erend responded from his corner.

The class rumbled into motion as the students picked up their materials and made for the next lesson, history.

The rest of the day went as it normally would. Getting sent to stand in the corner was in fact very embarrassing, therefore Erend focused more on the teachings and decided to save his daydreaming for after-school hours.

Erend spent his lunch joking around with Charles, and before long the day was over. As Erend stood by the gate, waiting for Charles to say goodbye to his class.

He’s always been the social type.

Surprisingly Sandra walked up to him and said:

“Sorry about class, you know how it is, right?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Erend responded and thought, I did, in fact, not know that was ‘how it is’.

“I knew you’d understand! See you tomorrow,” Sandra gleefully said as she hurried past him with a smile. As she walked off a scent of flowers brushed past him.

Erend stood, lost in thought for a bit, before Charles hurried up to him.

“What was that about? Didn’t take you for a womanizer.”

Erend rolled his eyes, “Well, she sold me out. Abrams had me stand in the corner for the rest of class as a result.”

“Yeesh, rough. Wanna plot your revenge?” Charles asked as they started walking home.

“Hmm, I guess? Any suggestions?”

“We could send her a false love note. The guys in my class have been talking about how she has a crush on Theo. We could make the note out to be written by him and tell her to wear something weird if she feels the same way.”

Horrified, Erend looked at his friend.

“A joke, it’s a joke. Calm down,” Charles said, raising his hands in defeat. “Obviously we won’t actually enact the plan. Unless…?” he continued with a grin.

“No! No ‘unless’. Absolutely not.”

“Alright, alright. No fake love notes, we’ll just…”

“You’ll do what?” came a gruff voice from behind them.

Charles and Erend froze, slowly turning around as Charles tried to come up with an excuse, “Uhm, you kno- Oh. It’s just you.”

“Thank god it’s you Albert. I don’t even want to imagine what someone from school would say about us if they heard that.” Erend said, releasing the breath he’d unknowingly held.

“Just me? Ouch. You awaken before your friends, and this is how they treat you. Growing up sure is tough,” Albert said as he walked up alongside them. “So, how’ve you been?”

“Forget about us! What about you? Last we heard you’d been employed by some shipping company?” Charles asked.

“As a guard,” Albert added smugly as he patted the large axe on his back. He was tall and had lost most of his boyish features, replaced by a square face and a chiseled jaw. His shoulders were broad, his hair dark and cut short.

“Last I heard he hasn’t even left the island yet,” Erend quickly said.

Albert deflated, “Why can’t I have nice things, Erend? I just wanted to gloat for a little bit… Soon you’ll both awaken as well, then I won’t be able to brag anymore.”

“Sorry, it just slipped out,” Erend said with a snicker.

With renewed vigor Albert continued, “Company says we’re setting off soon though, to the trading city Arkanno. They said I’ll probably get to meet a few Hillsmen, maybe even someone from the federation!”

“See Erend, that’s the kind of adventure we’ll be missing if we walk in our fathers’ footsteps. Imagine seeing demonfolk from the federation with your very own eyes,” Charles turned to Albert and continued. “It really does sound fantastic man, congrats.”

“Thanks! Though nothing’s set in stone yet,” Albert said with an almost annoyingly large smile plastered on his face. “So I take it you’re both a little nervous then?”

“Not so much nervous as unsure,” Erend added.

“Aw, look at you, trying to put on a brave face for uncle Albert. Very cute.”

“Asshole.”

“We talked about it this morning. I’m not sure I’ll stay sane if I live out the rest of my days in a colony. I want to experience the world, the multitude of planes. I’d like to see what my limits are, you know?” Charles elaborated.

Albert nodded along with a sagelike expression. “Wise words from one as young as you.”

Both Erend and Charles rolled their eyes with a collective sigh.

“But you fail to see how you could travel the world as a baker, or a smith. And you could push your limits with tradesman classes like that as well. No shame in that. When push comes to shove, it all comes down to your personality. I mean, I’ve never been a creative, and studying source never interested me, so becoming a warrior just made sense. It’s quite simple, honestly.”

With a stunned expression Charles muttered to himself, “Did he become smarter by choosing the warrior class? No, it makes no sense…”

“I heard that,” Albert spat.

“Annoyingly simple, yet uncharacteristically wise,” Erend added as he nodded along to Charles muttering.

That’s probably why dad didn’t immediately support my becoming a smith. Maybe he doesn’t think it will suit me.

“Anyway, this is me,” Albert said and pointed toward the harbor, “See you guys around. Come by whenever, absolutely make sure to come after you’ve awakened and we’ll spar for a bit.”

Albert walked off with a wave and his signature toothy grin as Erend and Charles said their goodbyes to him. They walked in silence for a bit until Erend broke the silence.

“What do you think?”

“About?”

“What Albert said.”

“Makes sense to me. Made me a bit more sure of what I want. I’ve never been much of a baker, and tradesman classes never really resonated with me.”

“So, a warrior then?”

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see what I get to choose from. And you?”

“Still not sure. I spoke with dad about working with him as a smith, he didn’t necessarily disagree with me becoming a smith, but he didn’t readily agree with it either. Makes me feel he might not think I’m cut out for it.”

“For what it’s worth I think you’d be a kick-ass smith,” Charles added and gave him a solid pat on the shoulder. “But an even more kick-ass warrior, or something cool.”

“Thanks,” Erend said with a laugh, “I’ll have to think a bit more about it.”

The miscolored pretzel sign revealed itself as they turned a corner.

“Alright, see you tomorrow!” Charles said as he skipped up the steps to the bakery.

“Yup, see ya!”

Erend locked his eyes on his shoes as he walked the rest of the way home.

No point in brooding, Erend thought, and instead started thinking about his dream.

Since I’m shit with a sword maybe something crude would be easier to use. Albert uses an axe, surely that can’t be too hard if he’s able to use it. I mean he’s a great guy, but far from a genius. A spear is safer though, doesn’t force you into close quarters, more room for error…

Erend arrived at home and had dinner with his father and Elle. They spoke for a bit about their days until the sun started to set. After some time Thomas helped Elle get to bed and then returned to the kitchen. As he sat down, Erend decided to ease the weight that had been weighing on his mind.

“So, I’ve been meaning to ask…” Erend started, interweaving his fingers. “Since I’ll be awakened soon and all. When will you tell me about mom? It feels like you always just dodge the question and I just… I feel like I need to know.”

“Erend…” Thomas sighed. “You’re right. I’ve been selfish. But you must understand, I don’t know much more than you about her disappearance. I can only help you understand her background.”

“That’s alright. It’s all I wanted.” Erend said with a smile. “I’m real happy I asked you now. I thought you’d just dodge as usual.”

“Hurtful, but I understand. We’ll speak of it after your awakening. I need you to be focused. Think about what you want.”

“Can’t I just ask one tonight?”

“You’ll have to wait, that’s the deal.”

“Alright… I spoke with Charles and Albert about the awakening earlier today, they think I’d be more suited to something not quite in line with a tradesman class.”

“And what do you think?”

“I’m not sure yet. I think I want to see the world. But the thought of leaving you and Elle… I don’t know.”

“Don’t rush it. Don’t think about us and do what feels right for you. We’ll support you whatever decision you make.”

“Thanks,” Erend said with a soft smile.

That night, Erend went to bed with a smile on his face, and a weight of his shoulders. He stayed up for a bit, organizing his thoughts and prioritizing the list of questions he wanted to ask. Obviously, he wanted to know what Thomas knew of Therese’s disappearance, but he also wondered what she’d done, what her class was. Honestly, just the thought of talking about her again felt great.

With merry thoughts Erend drifted off to sleep and found himself in a familiar dream.

***

The booming sound of hoofs storming across the muddied plains made Erend aware of his dire situation. Cavalry was moving toward him, and the army around him, with a frightening speed. This time, however, he wasn’t as surprised as previously.

He looked around, taking in the all too familiar scenes around him. He could hear the mutterings of a soldier, in disbelief of their situation. The disconcertingly familiar smell of urine filled his nose. He gave the ground a few stomps, the soggy ground of mud gave way under his boots.

He took hold of the straps fastening his breastplate and gave them a good tug to make sure they were secure and tightened to his liking – they were.

Erend caught a glimpse of the captain who cursed something under his breath as he regarded Erend. He pulled out the beautiful sword, slowly pointing it toward the charging enemy and yelled, “PIKES AT THE READY!”

Without missing a beat Erend mimicked the movements of the other soldiers.

Shit, right, I need to find a spear. The pike is way too long to work as one.

The approaching cacophony of hooves and thunder grew ever closer as Erend caught sight of what he was looking for. It wasn’t hard, considering that each and every one of the charging cavalry soldiers pointed a spear at him.

A barked order broke his concentration, “BRACE!”