Chapter 16:

Training

Ymirra

“They escaped with Torsten.” Sigrun informs Brynja and Eiric the moment she receives the news from Astrid.

“Haha, I never doubted them. I begged to go but they said I’m best here, you save a whole village alone once and they think it doesn’t make you nervous anymore. They did say anything else?”

After escaping Solgrad, the four captains of the revolution fled north and away from sanctuary. The four will be chased, losing Torsten is a grave loss and Solgrad’s nobility will not allow the invasion of the kingdom to go unpunished. Not only will the people of the kingdom gain new fear because of it, but the nobles fighting for the throne will use it as an opportunity to push the current royal family out.

The expected chase is two months by Torsten’s estimations; only then will they return to Sanctuary to prepare for the upcoming battles and possible war now that all camps have been abandoned.

“They’re right about being chased for some time, but I doubt the kingdom will refuse to set sights on us. I know you three have been training since arriving here, it’s time I test you myself. What do you say?”

“I’d love to. I want to help as soon as I can.”

“And you will, young Eiric, you have the same fire in your eyes that your parents have had since I met them. Get Vilgur, I’ll meet you at the training grounds.”

“Eiric, don’t push yourself today.” Sigrun said.

“It will be ok, I’ve been doing well the past two weeks.”

“You have, but I’m just worried.”

“I’m ok, I promise.”

“Ok.”

Vilgur, Eiric, and Sigrun arrive at the training ground where Brynja waits for them. She wears her custom armor and holds a shield at her side.

Since arriving two weeks ago, the younglings continue to train with each other. They understand how much they must improve but find it difficult to do so without proper tutelage.

Eiric checks his stats screen every hour, wondering what he can do to hasten the improvement of his stats and level that grow at a snail’s pace. He’s weaker than those beside him, much weaker. Sigrun’s warning was because of the past two weeks of his desperate training.

“I only wish to see where you stand. I do not expect much, the talent to be on a high level is rare, even I am surprised by Leif’s skill. But hard work can surpass talent, do you have the will to train as such? You may think you do, but you may be terrified after today. So, I will apologize now, if you do not have it then I at least want to save the children of my best friends. Begin.”

“Tveir Spear!” Sigrun summons two large spears of ice that fly for Brynja.

Vilgur disappeared the moment Brynja ordered them to begin, he’s in perfect sync with his sister as his small impromptu shield will hit Brynja the moment the spears of ice pierce Brynja. Their attack is perfect, the fruits of their father’s training, but still too slow.

Eiric is crushed into the ground by Brynja. Unlike the other two, his reaction time lagged far behind that which is necessary to gain distance on Brynja. He grabs Brynja’s leg but gathering strength is difficult as he struggles to breath.

He failed, his weakness proof that he cannot match the demon younglings, and that he is far from what he needs be to help anyone.

“Hm?” Brynja covers her eyes as Eiric flashes light into her eyes, “Light magic, how rare.” Grabbing Eiric by the leg, Brynja tosses Eiric away as the other younglings rush to help.

Vilgur and Sigrun attack once more, more spears and a larger shield created with the time bought by Eiric. Their attacks are overwhelmed however, Brynja’s body growing to four times that of a normal human.

With a wave of her arm, her shield is summoned to her side, her next swing blasting Vilgur into a nearby tree.

Brynja stares at Sigrun. “A mage tends to stay farther from battle. Is it because of him?” Brynja picks Eiric up in her hand, “Your love could lead to death if you are careless. Eiric, this is the reason I have asked to spar. These two have potential, and you do as well. But, whereas their potential can be realized with difficult training, yours cannot. We cannot risk training you because of the nature of your blessing. Do you want to put them in danger?”

“I’ll get stronger.”

“You think that will be enough. What if you turn?”

“I’ll become stronger! So that I can protect them. I’ll beat the curse of the blessings!”

“And if you don’t? Say you become stronger, that very strength could be what kills them. Do you believe they can trust your words.”

“Then I’ll become stronger.” Vilgur stands, his right arm shattered but his smile wide, “I’ll become so strong Eiric can never get past my shield. Get stronger Eiric! I’ll stop you if I must!”

“Sigrun?”

Sigrun smiles. “I don’t want you to push yourself too far, Eiric, but I believe you can stay yourself. And, should the worst come, Vilgur and I promise to bring you back. That means I too must become stronger. Tveir hands of wailing.”

The area Brynja stands in becomes black, hands of shadow reaching for and scratching her legs.

“Shadow magic this powerful?”

Brynja tosses Eiric aside to fight back the swarm of attacks summoned by Sigrun.

“Tveir sword.” Eiric summons a sword of light and dashes around trees, cutting each with a single slice as Vilgur gathers each into a massive shield.

“This is more than enough.” Above Vilgur’s raised hand is a shield even larger then Brynja, at his command it drops above her head.

Against most opponents, the attack would mean certain defeat, but the younglings are introduced to the level they must surpass today.

Brynja’s body grows, large enough to dwarf even the massive shield made by Vilgur.

“Hahaha, not bad at all. Very well, I’ll train you all, but this may be a fate you regret!”

After the battle, Eiric takes Vilgur to have his arm healed, Brynja asks Sigrun to stay behind.

“Your magic is impressive; Leif will take a liking to you. But, that magic of yours. Forgive me, you may not know the nature of it.”

“I do. And you’re right. Shadow magic can only be used by those with great grief, it grows stronger with the more the user holds. You wonder where its strength comes from.”

“Forgive me, I have lost family as well.”

“You’re right, that would not be enough. Please, don’t tell anyone.”

“I will keep this to myself, but do not allow it to consume you.”

“I must.”

After training, Eiric and Sigrun spend time walking around the village with Eydis.

With the moon high, most of the village has resigned to their homes, the sounds of the river and buzzing of cicadas all the younglings can hear as they walk along the moon reflecting water.

Sigrun holds Eiric’s free hand and stares off into the water. “Eiric, what was I like in your world?”

“Like you are now, though we were so young. I remember when you arrived at the orphanage you walked right over to me and introduced yourself. We spent a lot of time together after that.”

“Which Sigrun do you like better? Think carefully about your answer.”

“You’re the same person to me. Even if you don have those memories, I can carry the fondness of them for both of us.”

“Do you have a favorite memory?”

“I cherish them all, just like cherish the moment we have now. But, one time, you couldn’t sleep. You said you were afraid for some reason. I was able to help fall asleep.”

“How?”

Eiric caresses Sigrun’s hair. “I stayed by your side until you did.”

Sigurn wipes away a tear. “I think I’ll have problems sleeping tonight.”

“Haha, I can help then. I’ll read a bedtime story to you and Eydis.”

“Hear that Eydis, make sure to cry later tonight.”

“Egh… agh.” Eydis hides her face with her tiny hands.

“Aw, don’t worry, I’ll change you.” Eiric said.

Sigrun remains by the river as Eiric rushes to change Eydis under a tree.

“No matter how many times we meet, I’m sure I’ll always fall in love with you.”

“Sigrun!”

“Hm? Need help?”

“I love you too!”