Volume 01 - Chapter 1: A Chance Meeting Between Man and Blade (Part 02)

After signing my life away, she, the girl, Excalibur, or whatever she calls herself, demands I lead her out of the forest. Having recalled where the lake lies in reference to our farm, I navigate back to where I entered. Before leaving the concealment of broad trees, I halt and crouch, telling Excalibur to do the same.

“There had better be a good reason for our stopping.” She glares, kneeling on the sparse earth.

“See the man walking around?”

“Yes. What of him? Is he dangerous? A bandit of some sort?”

“Much worse—my father. He’s looking for me.” Many hours have passed since I bailed. Father’s expression is one of immense rage and disappointment. I’m allotted an hour or three of slacking off per week, but to waste half a day is unforgivable…at least to him.

“Your father? Why should he pose any threat?”

“If he finds us, our journey is over. We’ll have to sneak past.”

“What do you mean? Have you some trouble with him?”

“Well, I might’ve been in the forest to avoid work. I was and am still supposed to be tilling these fields.”

“…You mean to say I contracted myself to a lazy good-for-nothing?”

“Hey, I warned you. And lazy I may be, but I am not good for nothing. I’m good for all sorts of stuff. Farming, shoveling manure, entertaining children—you name it.”

“I require the skills of a knight, not a peasant.”

“Well, too bad. You’re stuck with me. Or rather, I’m stuck with you. And to ensure we stay stuck together, we can’t let my father catch us. If he does, he’ll likely toss you into the streets, chain me to a fence post, and force me to work until sunset.”

“That’s terrible. Is your father really so cruel?”

“To me, yes. To the rest of my family, he is kind and caring. A wonderful father worthy of respect. However, as I am the eldest, he insists on whipping me into shape for when I take over the farm one day.”

“Why not tell him you have no desire to do so?”

“And face his wrath? No way. Like you said, I…forget it, we don’t have time.” After my father stomps out of sight, we stand. “Let’s move; stay close.”

“I will once you tell me where we’re going.” She folds her arms.

“Somewhere to hide…the barn. No, the stables.” Father knows not to bother hunting for me there; the smell is unbearable.

“And after that?”

“I’ll think of something. Hurry up.”

“Do not order me around, servant boy. I’m only following you until I gather my bearings.”

“Of course. Forgive me, master. Please allow me to rephrase my poorly chosen words. Ahem, would you be so kind as to let me guide you away from this place before my father finds and beats me within an inch of my poor, miserable excuse for a life?” I bow deep.

“To think I bound myself to this fool.” She sighs, rubbing her temples. “Fine, lead the way. But know I will not tolerate your insolence for long.”

Smirking, I turn and creep across the fields, crouching, posed to lie flat in an instant. Excalibur follows close behind, shielding her eyes from the blinding afternoon sun.

We soon reach the stables. A sizable wooden building housing our horses and cattle. Two of my younger sisters feed and bathe them early each morning. We trail along its broadside until reaching the back entrance. Easing open the door, I peek inside, find no one, and step through, motioning for Excalibur to follow.

“Good. Let’s find a place for you to hide.”

“Only me? What will you be doing?” She stands far from the animals, scowling at each one.

“I need some things from the house before we can leave.”

“What things? Rather, do you even know where we’re going or what we’re doing?”

“Huh? Don’t you? Aren’t we going on a journey to collect your lost power or whatever?”

“We are, but in case you forgot, that wretched warlock trapped me at that accursed lake for three years. I haven’t the faintest idea where we are or where my fragments may dwell.”

“Then how are we supposed to…never mind, we’ll figure it out later. Come here.” I fling open a thin door to the room where we store hay. “Here, you can sit on it, lay on it, whatever suits you. It’s great for napping.”

“You expect me to allow any part of my body to touch this filth?”

“Not if you don’t want to. Either way, I need you to sit tight until I come back. If you hear anything, hide as best you can.”

“W-Wait, when will you return?”

“Soon. Very soon. I need only head home, gather my things, and make my escape.” At least, that’s the plan. I omit that most of my plans end in total, abject failure.

“…Fine. I’ll wait, but only because I have no choice.” She sighs, waving her hand in front of her nose to drive off the stench of manure.

“I’ll be quick.” I meet her stony gaze before shutting the door.

I head toward the house. The discovery of all seven of my siblings playing in the front yard crushes any hope of entering unseen. Three brothers chase each other, sticks in hand. Four sisters recline on the porch, some reading, some knitting, each dangling their legs off the side. Panicking, I hobble forward, one hand on my stomach, the other gripped tight across my mouth. The eldest of my sisters, Sumire, spots me and runs over, holding up her long, teal skirt with both hands.

“Leo, you’re back. Father’s been looking for you…is something the matter?” She leans close, worry in her bronze eyes.

“No. I mean, yes, I’m…sick, yes, quite ill, a stomachache. I’d better lie down.” Hunched over, I groan for extra effect.

“…Really?” She squints, frowns. “Fine, fine, I can see you’re in pain. Here, let me help. You can borrow my shoulder.”

"No problem. I can make it to my room.”

“Oh no—if you want me to play along, we’ll do it my way.” Sumire grins, the same wretched curving of her lips my mother makes when none of the boys will do as she says.

“…Sure.” I let her wrap my arm around her wispy figure.

Fake heaving, I’m led into the house, past my mother stirring an enormous pot of beef stew in the kitchen, and up the stairs to my bedroom.

“There. I’ll tell Mother and Father what’s happened, so rest easy.” She flashes a genuine smile.

“Thanks, Sumire. I’ll be better tomorrow for sure.”

“Whatever you say.” After a slight bow, she leaves, shutting my door behind her.

Not that I’ll be seeing any of you tomorrow…Oh? Why didn’t I think of this earlier? I’ll be leaving. Probably for a long time. I might die during this absurd quest. Not seeing my family for a while might turn into not seeing them ever again.

Guilt rips through my gut. Now I really am sick. I fly onto my bed, face pressed into sun-soaked sheets.

Is this a good idea? I want to leave. I don’t want to run this stupid farm for the rest of my life. But to leave my siblings behind and force one of them to take my place. Could I be so irresponsible?

One will have to suffer my share of work. We all have our own tasks. Were I to leave, the others would be forced to pick up my slack. I couldn’t do that—could I?

No. I have to. I must. I bound myself to Excalibur, and she bound herself to me. My family may depend on me, but they’ll still have each other. Excalibur doesn’t have anyone.

Her life spent trapped at the lake must’ve been painful, lonely. Rude and bossy as she’s proving to be, she possesses an irresistible aspect defying description. One of serenity or royalty, instilling me with the desire to treasure her, keep her safe and pure.

No matter the guilt devouring my heart, no matter the suffering I cause to my family, and no matter how afraid I am to leave this safe, familiar life for one unknown and possibly fatal—I will leave.

Not just for Excalibur, but for myself. She said I could become great, and I will. I’ll prove to my father I was born to be more than a potato farmer.

Whether my decision is the right one, only time will tell. And with my luck, that time will prove short when I wind up dead in some ditch a day’s walk from the farm…

But for now, there is much to be done. I shoot to my desk. I’d prefer an in-person goodbye, but must settle for writing letters. One by one, I write a brief farewell letter to each sibling from the oldest to the youngest.

Only when teardrops distort the words do I realize I’m crying. A quiet, miserable sob. I keep writing, not bothering to wipe my eyes. Blind, I write another to my mother and the last to my father, apologizing and saying goodbye. I refrain from adding I plan to return someday, for I’m afraid it may become a lie.

I pace the room, grabbing things at random and tossing them on the bed. Clothes, shoes, a knife, what little coin I have left, a threadbare bag to hold it all, and finally, from my desk drawer, a necklace Sumire made for me. A simple one; nothing more than a thick, brown string looped through a ring of fake silver. Pulling it over my head, I tuck the ring inside my shirt, enjoying the cool metal pressed against warm skin.

After packing my bag and tucking the knife into my boot, I lie down, stare at the ceiling, and am made aware of today’s millionth mistake. Escape is impossible. By feigning illness, I must wait until nightfall, when everyone has gone to bed. Excalibur won’t be happy about this—not one bit.

Dread drowns my spinning mind, but is soon washed away by catharsis. The reasons for which are three. One, I’m in bed at midday, exempt from work, free to laze about as I please. Two, I’ll soon be free of the curse called heredity. And, three, the thought of my moody master stuck in those stinking stables all day brings a smile to my face. One of which I’m not proud, but a smile nonetheless.

I close my eyes, stretch, and enjoy the gentle spring air rolling in through my window, lulling me to sleep.