Chapter 3:
War and Separation
Kairos
I swung my sword, sweat flying with each strike. "One, two, three..." King Yadh nodded, a complex look on his face.
"Good... good. It took me years to master these techniques, but you're a quick learner, Kairos."
I huffed, bending over and panting. The fog swirled around us, tendrils curling around the ancient trees of the Whispering Woods. The water plane's surface rippled beneath my feet, reflecting the dim, misty light.
Yadh's expression softened. "Take a break and grab some water, okay?"
I dropped to the water plane, the liquid rippling beneath me, and nodded. The fog clinging to my skin, chilling me to the bone.
Yadh handed me a waterskin, and I took a long swig. The cool liquid revived me, and I glanced at Yadh.
"The war's gotten bad. The enemy pushed back the evil king's army. We have plans to move on from Brindlemark."
Yadh's eyes narrowed, his gaze intense. "I see. It's about time for you and your family to leave."
I nodded, unease creeping in. "Will you come with us?"
Yadh's hand on my shoulder felt heavy. "Unfortunately, I'll only put your family in danger. I'll remain here – this place isn't easy to enter. I should be safe."
I brushed his hand off, trying to hide my disappointment. "I figured you might say that."
The fog seemed to thicken, swirling around us like a living entity. Yadh's face was a mask, but his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness.
These past five years, Yadh had become like family. He'd given me purpose, taught me to wield a sword and harness my gift. I knew the road wouldn't be easy, but with my newfound strength, I felt a spark of confidence. He'd told me about his adventures, how he worked to become King of Eldoria – not just born into it, but earned it. The evil King's corruption of the system hung over us, a reminder of what we were up against.
“So what exactly is the plan to take back Eldoria?” I asked, my brow furrowed in curiosity.
“Well, once you're strong enough we'll storm the castle,” Yadh said, a hint of a smile on his face.
My expression turned skeptical, eyes narrowing. “Uh, are you forgetting that they have strong allies as well? Just because I am gifted doesn't mean we can just storm the castle without a plan.”
Yadh's smile faltered for a moment, before he replied, “We still have plenty of time to figure out the details.”
I rolled my eyes, my face set in a determined expression. “Easy for you to say – you're not storming the castle!”
So basically there is no plan. I mean, will I ever even get strong enough?
“Alright old man, I'm heading out,” I say, stepping off the glassy plane of water in the Whispering Woods. The ripples of our training session still shimmer on the surface.
Yadh smiled “Sounds good we will meet again.”
As I walked further and further I watched Yadh disappear into the fog
The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the cozy cabin as I recounted the events to my family. Outside, the trees creaked and swayed in the gentle breeze, their leaves rustling softly in the fading light of day. The family's eyes sparkled with excitement as they listened to my progress, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames.
"...and that's how I learned to feel and control my Pneuma."
The family's faces lit up – Mom beamed, Dad nodded proudly, and Alethea's eyes sparkled.
Alethea grinned, "That's awesome," she said, probably thinking about sketching the whole story later.
The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the earthy smell of the forest.
Dad leaned forward, "So that's the last of your training with Yadh. Don't worry, I'm sure we'll see him again."
I smiled, "Yeah, you're right."
Dad stood up and clapped his hands together, "Alright, we head out first thing tomorrow morning. Say your goodbyes to the cabin and the forest – I don't know if we'll ever be back."
The sound of crickets and distant hooting filled the air as the sun dipped below the treetops.
Everyone chimed in with an “Okay!” The family's voices echoed off the wooden walls, and the cabin seemed to sigh with a sense of nostalgia.
While the family said their goodbyes, I went to my bedroom, a small loft above the main room, reminiscing about my first meeting with Yadh. The moon cast a silver glow through the window, illuminating the familiar contours of my room. Afterward, we packed up and went to bed, rising early the next day to depart.
Right before we headed out, a unexpected visitor arrived.
Alethea yelled, “Dad! Someone's at the door!”
Arin's expression turned confused, “Who could it be?”
He opened the door to reveal a knight from the Eldoria army, his armor glaming in the early morning light. The forest seemed to grow quiet, as if holding its breath.
Arin asked, “Hello there, can I help you?”
“Hello, I am Recruitment Officer Eryndor Thane. We're here on strict orders to recruit any able men aged 24 and above. Anyone who resists will be put to death.”
Eryndor and two guards barged in, scanning the family and identifying each member's age. Behind Eryndor, a burly man with a scar above his eyebrow gripped a massive warhammer, while a lean woman with piercing green eyes held a shortbow at the ready. The cabin seemed to shrink, the shadows growing longer and darker.
Eryndor said, “Ah, a large family. Excellent. Let's see... Lysander Vox, 22, too young. Thaddeus Vox, 24, perfect. You're coming with us.”
Thaddeus's eyes widened, and he stepped back. “I...I don't think so.”
Eryndor's expression didn't change, but his hand rested on his sword hilt. “I'm afraid it's not a request, sir. The King's Legion needs skilled craftsmen like yourself.”
Orion, 25, stepped forward. “I'll go instead. I'm part of the scouting party – I can be of more use to the Legion.”
Eryndor considered, then nodded. “Very well, you can come too. Ciaran Vox, 20, too young. Alethea Vox, 22, too young. Lyra Vox, 50, not suitable for combat. Arin Vox, 52, a bit old, but...”
Arin's face darkened, his grip on his sword tightening. “I'm not going anywhere.”
The burly guard stepped forward, his warhammer creaking. “Shall we persuade him, sir?”
Eryndor held up a hand. “No, I think we've made ourselves clear. Kairos Vox, 19... Ah, yes. You're the one with the... unusual element.”
My eyes narrowed, but I stepped forward. “I'll go. I'm ready to fight.”
The female guard's eyes flicked to me, her expression unreadable.
Eryndor nodded, a small smile on his lips. “Ah, another volunteer. Very well, you can come too. Let's move, we have our recruits.”
I turned to Eryndor, my voice calm. “Can I say goodbye to my family before we leave?”
Eryndor raised an eyebrow, considering the request. After a moment, he nodded. “Very well. You have five minutes.”
I nodded, my eyes locking onto my family's. I walked over to them, trying to convey a sense of reassurance.
“Hey, Mom... Dad... I'm sorry about this,” I said, my voice low. “But I'll be okay. You guys need to leave Brindlemark, like we planned. Don't wait for me, just go. Stay hidden, and I'll find you when I can.”
Arin's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded, understanding the plan.
Lyra's eyes welled up with tears, but she hugged me tightly. “Be careful, okay?”
The guards started to move, indicating that time's up. I gave my family one last look, then turned to follow the guards.
As we were led away, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The cabin grew smaller in the distance, the trees closing in around it like a protective shield.
So Thaddeus, Orion, and I are the new army recruits. I'm still wondering why they let me join. As we hopped on the carriage, I asked Eryndor, "Sir, why'd you allow me to come? I mean, no one expects much from a dark user like me."
The carriage started moving, and Eryndor replied, "Your name's Kairos, right? Well, let me tell you, one of the strongest captains I know is a Dark element user and they are hard to come by. You'll be useful, don't worry."
I felt a surge of excitement. "Really!?"
Eryndor smirked. "Yeah, I'd bet my life on it."
I felt a newfound confidence. "Thad, Orion, did you hear that? – My dark attribute isn't a lost cause!"
Orion looked confused. "Why are you so excited? We just got drafted for war."
I pouted. "Don't be so gloomy about it." I took a deep breath enjoying the breeze. "Besides, we can't change the outcome, – so being mopey won't help."
After three days, we arrived at the army camp. Not many smiles there. The reality of being drafted was sinking in.
Eryndor said, "Alright, get some sleep. We'll whip you into shape tomorrow." He took Thaddeus to the forging station.
Orion looked worried. "Thad'll be fine," I said. "He'll just be doing forging like always, just in a new place."
As Thaddeus left, the separation hit us. That night, in our tent, Orion asked, "Kai, don't you miss home?"
I broke my meditation. "Yeah... more than anything."
Orion looked at me. "Then why don't you seem sad?"
"I am sad, – but – it won't change anything. – Yadh taught me to focus on what I can change."
Orion wiped away tears, and his voice perked up. "You're right." He giggled. "Yadh made you a real man, huh?"
I smirked. "You have no idea."
Orion asked, "So, are you gonna use Pneuma here?"
I sat there and thought for a bit "I'm not sure,– King Yadh said a gifted is born once every billion years, but he was vague about it. – What if it's actually a one in a billion chance? If that's the case, there could be another gifted out there – either our greatest ally or enemy." I said while getting under the covers with a worried look on my face.
Laying there for a bit Orion said, “Yeah that's true even if it is a one in a billion chance.”
As it got darker we talked for a bit longer eventually deciding to call it a night. Little did we know though, tomorrow was going to be a brutal day of training.
Sweat dripped down our faces as we stood in a straight line side by side “Attention!!” Eryndor yelled
“Sir yes sir” The new recruits and I yelled
As I looked to my left and right I saw the faces of the new recruits and some seemed familiar from neighboring villages. I then caught a glimpse of copper brown fox ears.
“Taiga?” I mutter to myself.
"Good... good. It took me years to master these techniques, but you're a quick learner, Kairos."
I huffed, bending over and panting. The fog swirled around us, tendrils curling around the ancient trees of the Whispering Woods. The water plane's surface rippled beneath my feet, reflecting the dim, misty light.
Yadh's expression softened. "Take a break and grab some water, okay?"
I dropped to the water plane, the liquid rippling beneath me, and nodded. The fog clinging to my skin, chilling me to the bone.
Yadh handed me a waterskin, and I took a long swig. The cool liquid revived me, and I glanced at Yadh.
"The war's gotten bad. The enemy pushed back the evil king's army. We have plans to move on from Brindlemark."
Yadh's eyes narrowed, his gaze intense. "I see. It's about time for you and your family to leave."
I nodded, unease creeping in. "Will you come with us?"
Yadh's hand on my shoulder felt heavy. "Unfortunately, I'll only put your family in danger. I'll remain here – this place isn't easy to enter. I should be safe."
I brushed his hand off, trying to hide my disappointment. "I figured you might say that."
The fog seemed to thicken, swirling around us like a living entity. Yadh's face was a mask, but his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness.
These past five years, Yadh had become like family. He'd given me purpose, taught me to wield a sword and harness my gift. I knew the road wouldn't be easy, but with my newfound strength, I felt a spark of confidence. He'd told me about his adventures, how he worked to become King of Eldoria – not just born into it, but earned it. The evil King's corruption of the system hung over us, a reminder of what we were up against.
“So what exactly is the plan to take back Eldoria?” I asked, my brow furrowed in curiosity.
“Well, once you're strong enough we'll storm the castle,” Yadh said, a hint of a smile on his face.
My expression turned skeptical, eyes narrowing. “Uh, are you forgetting that they have strong allies as well? Just because I am gifted doesn't mean we can just storm the castle without a plan.”
Yadh's smile faltered for a moment, before he replied, “We still have plenty of time to figure out the details.”
I rolled my eyes, my face set in a determined expression. “Easy for you to say – you're not storming the castle!”
So basically there is no plan. I mean, will I ever even get strong enough?
“Alright old man, I'm heading out,” I say, stepping off the glassy plane of water in the Whispering Woods. The ripples of our training session still shimmer on the surface.
Yadh smiled “Sounds good we will meet again.”
As I walked further and further I watched Yadh disappear into the fog
The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the cozy cabin as I recounted the events to my family. Outside, the trees creaked and swayed in the gentle breeze, their leaves rustling softly in the fading light of day. The family's eyes sparkled with excitement as they listened to my progress, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames.
"...and that's how I learned to feel and control my Pneuma."
The family's faces lit up – Mom beamed, Dad nodded proudly, and Alethea's eyes sparkled.
Alethea grinned, "That's awesome," she said, probably thinking about sketching the whole story later.
The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the earthy smell of the forest.
Dad leaned forward, "So that's the last of your training with Yadh. Don't worry, I'm sure we'll see him again."
I smiled, "Yeah, you're right."
Dad stood up and clapped his hands together, "Alright, we head out first thing tomorrow morning. Say your goodbyes to the cabin and the forest – I don't know if we'll ever be back."
The sound of crickets and distant hooting filled the air as the sun dipped below the treetops.
Everyone chimed in with an “Okay!” The family's voices echoed off the wooden walls, and the cabin seemed to sigh with a sense of nostalgia.
While the family said their goodbyes, I went to my bedroom, a small loft above the main room, reminiscing about my first meeting with Yadh. The moon cast a silver glow through the window, illuminating the familiar contours of my room. Afterward, we packed up and went to bed, rising early the next day to depart.
Right before we headed out, a unexpected visitor arrived.
Alethea yelled, “Dad! Someone's at the door!”
Arin's expression turned confused, “Who could it be?”
He opened the door to reveal a knight from the Eldoria army, his armor glaming in the early morning light. The forest seemed to grow quiet, as if holding its breath.
Arin asked, “Hello there, can I help you?”
“Hello, I am Recruitment Officer Eryndor Thane. We're here on strict orders to recruit any able men aged 24 and above. Anyone who resists will be put to death.”
Eryndor and two guards barged in, scanning the family and identifying each member's age. Behind Eryndor, a burly man with a scar above his eyebrow gripped a massive warhammer, while a lean woman with piercing green eyes held a shortbow at the ready. The cabin seemed to shrink, the shadows growing longer and darker.
Eryndor said, “Ah, a large family. Excellent. Let's see... Lysander Vox, 22, too young. Thaddeus Vox, 24, perfect. You're coming with us.”
Thaddeus's eyes widened, and he stepped back. “I...I don't think so.”
Eryndor's expression didn't change, but his hand rested on his sword hilt. “I'm afraid it's not a request, sir. The King's Legion needs skilled craftsmen like yourself.”
Orion, 25, stepped forward. “I'll go instead. I'm part of the scouting party – I can be of more use to the Legion.”
Eryndor considered, then nodded. “Very well, you can come too. Ciaran Vox, 20, too young. Alethea Vox, 22, too young. Lyra Vox, 50, not suitable for combat. Arin Vox, 52, a bit old, but...”
Arin's face darkened, his grip on his sword tightening. “I'm not going anywhere.”
The burly guard stepped forward, his warhammer creaking. “Shall we persuade him, sir?”
Eryndor held up a hand. “No, I think we've made ourselves clear. Kairos Vox, 19... Ah, yes. You're the one with the... unusual element.”
My eyes narrowed, but I stepped forward. “I'll go. I'm ready to fight.”
The female guard's eyes flicked to me, her expression unreadable.
Eryndor nodded, a small smile on his lips. “Ah, another volunteer. Very well, you can come too. Let's move, we have our recruits.”
I turned to Eryndor, my voice calm. “Can I say goodbye to my family before we leave?”
Eryndor raised an eyebrow, considering the request. After a moment, he nodded. “Very well. You have five minutes.”
I nodded, my eyes locking onto my family's. I walked over to them, trying to convey a sense of reassurance.
“Hey, Mom... Dad... I'm sorry about this,” I said, my voice low. “But I'll be okay. You guys need to leave Brindlemark, like we planned. Don't wait for me, just go. Stay hidden, and I'll find you when I can.”
Arin's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded, understanding the plan.
Lyra's eyes welled up with tears, but she hugged me tightly. “Be careful, okay?”
The guards started to move, indicating that time's up. I gave my family one last look, then turned to follow the guards.
As we were led away, I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The cabin grew smaller in the distance, the trees closing in around it like a protective shield.
So Thaddeus, Orion, and I are the new army recruits. I'm still wondering why they let me join. As we hopped on the carriage, I asked Eryndor, "Sir, why'd you allow me to come? I mean, no one expects much from a dark user like me."
The carriage started moving, and Eryndor replied, "Your name's Kairos, right? Well, let me tell you, one of the strongest captains I know is a Dark element user and they are hard to come by. You'll be useful, don't worry."
I felt a surge of excitement. "Really!?"
Eryndor smirked. "Yeah, I'd bet my life on it."
I felt a newfound confidence. "Thad, Orion, did you hear that? – My dark attribute isn't a lost cause!"
Orion looked confused. "Why are you so excited? We just got drafted for war."
I pouted. "Don't be so gloomy about it." I took a deep breath enjoying the breeze. "Besides, we can't change the outcome, – so being mopey won't help."
After three days, we arrived at the army camp. Not many smiles there. The reality of being drafted was sinking in.
Eryndor said, "Alright, get some sleep. We'll whip you into shape tomorrow." He took Thaddeus to the forging station.
Orion looked worried. "Thad'll be fine," I said. "He'll just be doing forging like always, just in a new place."
As Thaddeus left, the separation hit us. That night, in our tent, Orion asked, "Kai, don't you miss home?"
I broke my meditation. "Yeah... more than anything."
Orion looked at me. "Then why don't you seem sad?"
"I am sad, – but – it won't change anything. – Yadh taught me to focus on what I can change."
Orion wiped away tears, and his voice perked up. "You're right." He giggled. "Yadh made you a real man, huh?"
I smirked. "You have no idea."
Orion asked, "So, are you gonna use Pneuma here?"
I sat there and thought for a bit "I'm not sure,– King Yadh said a gifted is born once every billion years, but he was vague about it. – What if it's actually a one in a billion chance? If that's the case, there could be another gifted out there – either our greatest ally or enemy." I said while getting under the covers with a worried look on my face.
Laying there for a bit Orion said, “Yeah that's true even if it is a one in a billion chance.”
As it got darker we talked for a bit longer eventually deciding to call it a night. Little did we know though, tomorrow was going to be a brutal day of training.
Sweat dripped down our faces as we stood in a straight line side by side “Attention!!” Eryndor yelled
“Sir yes sir” The new recruits and I yelled
As I looked to my left and right I saw the faces of the new recruits and some seemed familiar from neighboring villages. I then caught a glimpse of copper brown fox ears.
“Taiga?” I mutter to myself.
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