Sanctuary

Two weeks after leaving home, Eiric and the escaped villagers arrive at Sanctuary.

A walled camp made into a safe haven for blessed, Sanctuary is protected by the walls made by the kingdom, and the many volunteer guards that come from families with blessed children, or those forced into camp under the control of the kingdom.

Eiric and the villagers are welcomed by a large group of people holding gifts. Soldiers rush out to protect them, scouts soaring high above them making sure they weren’t followed.

Although the location of sanctuary is well known, the kingdom hesitates to attack given the strength gathered at the village. An attack would require large numbers that they have been unwilling to spare for years.

“You must be Eiric.” A tall woman in a brown strap dress greets Eiric, “Your mother has told me a lot about you, this must be Eydis. What a beauty.”

“Hello. I’m sorry, I’m not sure who you are.”

“Oh! My apologies, I’m Brynja. Your mother sent word using little Sigrun there, I wanted to go myself but she wouldn’t let me. Guess we’re in the same boat, but, Eiric, you will be safe here, I guarantee it.”

Brynja, known as the pillar of the revolutionaries, is one of the five captains of the group. Her greatest strength is her durability; she’s tanked five rune spells from Alvis himself with only minor injuries and held the collapsing walls of her old camp which allowed everyone to flee without incident.

Brynja pinches Eiric’s cheek. “How interesting, you don’t show any signs of turning. How old are you?”

“14.”

“Really?”

Brynja had two blessed children. Both turned by the time they turned 15 with signs showing at only 10. Although there is no definitive age for signs or complete turns, many begin around the age of 12, with no one going further than 14 without clear signs of turning. She’s well aware of the signs, and of the resolve one must carry to give their children the peace of passing by their parent’s hands before causing harm to anyone.

“Maybe there is a chance then. There are many blessed kids inside that would love to meet you, it will give them hope. Can you do this for me?”

“I can, I’d like to meet them.”

“Great, they’re likely all in training.”

Eiric arrives at the training grounds of sanctuary near the western walls of the camp. 11 children no older than 9 train here, many using their blessings to practice with.

“Oh! You’re Eiric!”

“You’re popular.” Sigrun said as she took Eydis from Eiric, “I’m going to take a seat.”

The children surround Eiric, all asking questions but leaving him no chance to reply to any in their excitement. All of them understand the dangerous fate that awaits them, Eiric is a ray of hope for them in their new lives.

“What’s your blessing?”

“Mine, it’s called Master of Light. It helps me use light magic which is rare, but it also has other confusing effects. What about you all?”

“I have water mastery!”

“Me! I have clairvoyance!”

“I have green thumb!”

“Oh! Sigvald, show your blessing!”

“Ok.” Sigvald holds a sheathed double-edged sword. The hilt glows and magic swirls around the blade ready to be commanded by its bearer. To Eiric, the blade holds the same dreadful pressure as Keldan did during their fight. “It’s called Tyr, but I’m not able to draw it yet. I chose it because I thought it was cool, but they say when we use a blessed weapon we turn in time. Eiric, how do you remain yourself?”

“I’m sorry, I’m still not sure myself.”

“Maybe it has to do with will.” The youngest of the group said, “Sorry, I was actually much older than most before reincarnating. I’ve read stories about reincarnation and was hoping that would help. It has helped with stats and the like, but nothing else.”

“It helped with stats?”

“Yes! Maybe you don’t know. We’re able to train our stats effectively since we have access to our stats screen, I’m going for an intelligence build and the more I read the more it grows, but it seems increasing our level is a must. But it’s difficult to do so without going out and fighting monsters. We’re too young here, but by the time we can go, it may be too late.”

“I never thought of focusing on certain stats, I didn’t get to read much other than what the orphanage or village had.”

“Orphanage? Eiric, if you don’t mind me asking, how old you were you when you passed?”

“I was six.”

“Six! That… I see.”

“How old were you?”

“67. Everyone here died no earlier than 30. That could be a factor, but we have no control over it.”

“Does that mean we’re doomed to turn?” Another of the blessed children said, “I’m afraid of hurting those I love here.”

“Hey, don’t worry. We have to keep hope, Eiric is living proof that it’s possible. Say, Eiric, does your demon friend have any ideas. They’re born with blessings as well, right?”

“Nothing so far, the demon clan is difficult to find unfortunately.”

“Hmm, maybe we can make that request once this is settled. For now, everyone has recommended we avoid using our blessings. There have been cases where overusing the blessing has led to a quicker turn. Eiric, if you can find anything, please let us know.”

“I will.”

Eiric joins Sigrun and Vilgur who sit near a fire and eat. The people of their village are still settling in, exhausted from the journey but in high spirits now that they have reached a safety. Once the captains of the revolution return, they’ll be ready for whatever command is issued.

“Aw, you’re such a cutie.” Sigrun said as she feeds Eydis, “Eiric, how did meeting everyone go?”

“Good, it’s nice to meet others like me. Although, they’re much older apparently. They also hope the demon clan could know of a way to help, but I told them we don’t know where they are.”

“Sorry, but we were born outside the demon clan.” Vilgur said, “Mom and Dad left the demon clan at a young age in hopes of making friends with the other races. The demon clan hasn’t been seen in years.”

“Dad has searched, he said he has a lead on where they could be. We’ll ask more about it when he returns. For now, don’t worry too much. Vilgur and I are here for you. Here, get some practice for the future.” Sigrun hands Eydis to Eiric alongside a bottle of milk.

“Still hungry? Mom gets mad when we overeat, but I won’t tell.” Eiric said.

“Agh!”

“Make sure you control how much she gets by tilting the bottle.” Sigrun said.

“You must be really good with kids, Eydis already likes you.”

“Of course, I had to deal with Vilgur after all. Compared to him, Eydis is a sweet little angel.”

“Hmph, maybe it was because you were using me to learn. I’m sure you know, but Sigrun can be quite mean, Eiric, you should see the way she yells at me at home. I’m sure she yells at you as well.” Vilgur said.

“There have been times she’s been mad at me. I can tell; you’re mad at me now.”

Sigrun avoids eye contact with Eiric, “You can tell?”

“I’m sorry, I know you overheard. But I’ll do my best, I want to say with you for as long as possible. Just like I promised.”

“You did promise.” Sigrun plants a kiss on Eiric’s cheek, “You won’t turn, I won’t let you, I promise.”