As I stand here in the stone arena, facing my grandfather Sir Baron Youssef Dawntide Shadowflame, I can feel the warmth of the rising sun on my bronzed skin. The gentle ocean breeze tousles my unkempt, shoulder-length purple hair, a reminder that I should probably put more effort into my appearance. But at this moment, all that matters is the katana in my hand and the challenge that lies before me.
I am 18 years old now and I have been training with my grandfather since I was 7, honing my skills with the blade. My slender, slightly muscular frame, standing at 5'10", is a testament to the countless hours I've spent perfecting my technique. As I look into Youssef's steel-gray eyes, I see a lifetime of experience and wisdom staring back at me. Despite his 73 years, he stands tall and poised, his weathered hand gripping his katana with a familiarity that I can only aspire to.
My gaze fixates on my grandfather, my mind's eye envisioning the impending clash of our blades. Unbeknownst to me, my own dark blue eyes have taken on an otherworldly, dragon-like intensity as countless combat scenarios play out in my thoughts.
I know that I have much to learn from my grandfather, but I also feel a burning desire to prove myself, to show him that I am ready to carry on the family legacy. As we stand here, 12 feet apart, the dawn's golden light illuminating the arena, I can feel the anticipation building in my muscles.
The stone arena radiated warmth from the morning sun as I faced my grandfather. His stance was perfect, gripping his katana with practiced ease. No words were exchanged as we both knew what was coming.
He struck first, blade singing through the air. I reacted instantly, dodging his opening slash. We pause as we ready ourselves, I attacked, my katana arcing toward his side. He deftly sidestepped the blow.
We continued the dance, moving with practiced precision. My thoughts narrowed as I tried to read his body language for the barest hint of his next move. His body betrayed nothing, a stoic mask of concentration.
I aimed high, he parried with a harsh clang. The shock traveled up my arms as our blades ground together. Disapproval radiated from him, as I struggled against his overwhelming force. With a twist of his wrist, he broke the bind and I stumbled back.
My lungs burned and sweat stung my eyes as we continued the relentless exchange. His hair whipped about his face, jaw clenched in utter focus. I'd never seen such intensity from him. Every counter took the last ounce of my strength to deflect. Suddenly, he was past my guard, blade stopping just short of my throat.
"You hesitate too much," he growled, disapproval clear in his eyes. I flinched at the harsh rebuke, my grip tightening on the hilt of my katana. Shame burned in my chest as I met his gaze. I knew he was right. My movements were still too cautious, my attacks lacking the unwavering commitment he demanded. But the instinctive flinch, the momentary recoil in the face of aggression, was a reflex deeply ingrained from my very early childhood. Unlearning that hesitation, overwriting those fear-drenched lessons with the calm surety of a warrior, was a constant battle against my own mind.
We reset our positions and he quickly dashed at me again, not allowing me a chance to catch my breath. Desperation acted through me as I sought any opening in his defenses. But there were none to be found. He was inexorable, an oncoming storm I couldn't outmaneuver.
My foot slipped on a loose stone and suddenly his blade was at my neck. I waited for the cutting reprimand, but his eyes conveyed a startling lack of emotion. As if I wasn't even worth the effort of disappointment anymore.
"Again," was all he said, as we reset our positions once more.
This time I attacked first, abandoning any sense of self-preservation. If I held back at all, he would demolish me. My flurry of strikes battered against his defenses as I sought to overwhelm him through sheer aggression.
For a moment, it worked. I managed to drive him back, each blocked strike making his arms shake slightly from the force. But then I overextended, leaving my side exposed for a brutal instant. His pommel cracked against my ribs and I staggered, gasping for air that wouldn't come.
He closed in, eyes finally betraying a flicker of emotion, pride at having dismantled my feeble assault so effortlessly. I went for one last desperate lunge, aiming to catch him off-guard. But he simply batted my blade aside and shouldered me to the ground. The tip of his katana rested on my heaving chest as I stared up at him.
"Pathetic," he stated with disappointment. "you have to do better than this."
His words stung, but I couldn't deny their truth as I lay there panting, his blade poised above my thundering heart. Wordlessly, I accepted his outstretched hand and allowed him to haul me to my feet, the bitter sting of failure still sharp on my tongue. Yet beneath it, a spark of inquisitiveness flickered to life.
"Grandfather," I ventured, voice rough from exertion, "what's behind the relentless intensity today? Why are you pushing me so mercilessly?"
Youssef's eyes drifted, his expression remote as though his mind wandered elsewhere. When at last he responded, an atypical gravity weighed upon his words, sidestepping my query entirely.
"Imperial decree mandates your magical potential be assessed through an Affinicrystal examination. His Majesty the Emperor has explicitly tasked me with seeing to it that this obligation is delayed no longer."
My eyes widened at Grandfather's words, a sudden thrill running through me. The Affinicrystal test! In the whirlwind of daily life, I had completely forgotten about this long-awaited milestone. A chance to finally unravel the mysteries of magic that had been so meticulously hidden from me.
"The Affinicrystal test? Really?" I couldn't keep the excitement from my voice. "When will it happen?"
Grandfather's expression remained impassive, but I could've sworn I saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Concern? Apprehension? It vanished before I could be certain.
"It will happen when you make it to the Arcane Legion Institute inside the city of Luminaris," he replied, his tone carefully neutral. "A carriage will arrive at dusk to transport you to the city. After the Affinicrystal examination, you need to take the college's entrance exam."
I nodded, barely able to contain my eagerness. Magic had always been a forbidden topic in our household. Any mention of it was swiftly shut down, and all magical items were kept under strict lock and key. Even my insatiable curiosity about the subject was met with stern admonishments to focus on my other studies.
But now, at last, I would have the chance to delve into this long-denied realm of knowledge. The Affinicrystal would reveal if I had any magical potential.
A sudden thought struck me, and I turned to Grandfather with a questioning look. "Why now? What changed?"
He hesitated, and at that moment, I could sense the weight of unspoken secrets pressing down on him. "It is the Emperor's will," he said at last, his voice heavy with finality. "That is all you need to know."
I wanted to press further, to demand the answers that had been withheld from me for so long. But the look in Grandfather's eyes stopped me. There was a gravity there, a silent plea for me to let the matter rest.
Respecting his wishes I simply nodded, even as a thousand new questions whirled in my mind. I will soon face the Affinicrystal. And perhaps, in doing so, I would learn to use magic.
As the gathering storm clouds dim the waning sunlight, Youssef strides away toward the manor, abandoning me to my swirling contemplations and the approaching tempest.
I wrap my arms around myself, trying to ward off the cold and the unease that has started to settle in the pit of my stomach. The manor looms before me, a bastion of familiarity in a world that often feels foreign and daunting to me. I long to retreat into the manor's comforting embrace, to lose myself in the corridors and books. Yet a small insistent voice in my head whispers that change is inevitable. Growth often requires stepping outside of one's comfort zone, I know this. As the first drops of rain begin to fall, I square my shoulders and take a deep breath. I may not be ready for the challenges that lie ahead, but I'll face them nonetheless. For my grandfather. For myself. With a final glance at the darkening sky, I turn and make my way toward the manor, each step a quiet affirmation of my resolve.
I gazed at the leather trunk open across my floor, taking stock of the essentials I would require for the upcoming trip. The fundamentals were all stowed - additional blouses, breeches, undergarments, stockings. I tossed in several of my most treasured books as well, such as 'The Numerical Renaissance: Chronicles of Discovery' and 'A Discourse on Dragon Knowledge'. Realizing my extended absence, I also packed my penmanship tools, celestial maps, and my chess board.
My brain still spun from the bombshell Grandfather had dropped on me earlier. The Affinicrystal test. An opportunity to discover if I harbored any magical talent. I am full of anticipation at the prospect, although I still have unease over all this upheaval in my life.
Brushing my worries aside, I refocused on readying myself for the trip. I selected my favorite clothes. Then, I secured my Katana to my hip, a beloved present from my Grandfather for my eighteenth birthday just yesterday.
As I organized my attire and belongings, the echo of steps rang out in the corridors. The entry to my room groaned ajar and in walked Grandfather, his expression indecipherable.
"How's the packing coming along?" His voice sounded rougher than typical, each breath accompanied by faint rasping.
"Almost done," I answered, my brow creasing slightly. Grandfather's complexion appeared more ashen than usual. Shadowy half-moons underscored his eyes.
"Excellent, excellent," he whispered. Perspiration gleamed dimly on his brow.
My scowl intensified. "Is everything okay? You look..."
Grandfather dismissed my concern with a flick of his wrist. "It's of no consequence. Merely fatigue."
I observed him intently. His expansive shoulders, once emanating vigor, now drooped exhaustedly. Though he concealed it skillfully, I could discern agony sparking in his eyes with every breath.
"Shall I summon the physician?"
"That won't be necessary. Some rest will set me right." Grandfather drew nearer and surveyed the items in my trunk. "You appear to have matters well under control. I realize the path before you will be arduous, but never forget, a Shadowflame yields to no one."
I nodded my head in acknowledgment trying to respect his wishes, all the while a lump formed in my throat. Ever since my sixth birthday when my father was banished, my grandfather had instructed me in swordsmanship, espionage, governance, and our lineage. His tutelage infused me with strength and purpose. As I prepared to depart for the Arcane Legion Institute, I felt an icy dread start to slither through me knowing that this could be our final encounter.
"There is one last thing," Grandfather said solemnly. He unclasped the jet-black cloak draped around his shoulders, the one bearing our family crest and a gift from the Emperor.
The family crest has a striking design, featuring a bold black shadow at its core, intricately shaped into the silhouette of a phoenix, surrounded by vibrant flames in hues of black, purple, and gold. A motto in an ancient language surrounds the phoenix and translates to 'Bound by honor to kin and sovereign, cast shadows in reverence to the Emperor's Flame. Glory to the Emperor and Honor to the Shadowflame'.
With reverence, I received the cloak from Grandfather's hands, rendered mute by the gravity of the gesture. The bestowal of this heirloom could only signal one thing. He wants me as the next family head when he passes away. My fingers followed the elaborate embroidery of our emblem as I made a solemn vow to myself and my grandfather to honor our heritage.
"Thank you, grandfather. I won't fail you," I managed to utter.
A smile graced his features, but it seemed shadowed with unspoken worries. "You never could," he reassured me, though his eyes hinted at the weight of the mantle I would eventually bear.
With that, he left me to finish my packing. I folded the cloak reverently and placed it on top of my things before closing the trunk. Hoisting it up by the handle, I took one last look around my room. I have many memories in this house, from playing hide-and-seek in the library as a child to long talks with Grandfather in the astronomy tower. Part of me wasn't ready to leave it all behind.
I descended the staircase and entered the gathering hall, where I spotted Grandfather, hands clasped behind his back as he peered out the window, lost in thought.
Without turning around, he informed me, "Your transport awaits."
Pausing, I inquired tentatively, "Are you certain you'll manage in my absence?"
"Far greater tempests have failed to shake me. Now, be on your way."
We regarded each other for a long moment. Then Grandfather hugged me in a fierce embrace. I returned it tightly, breathing in his familiar scent of herbal medicine, grappling again with how much I'd miss him.
Pulling back, he held me at arm's length. "Make me proud."
"I will," I promised.
Hoisting my trunk, I prepared to depart when an authoritative voice rang out from the entrance.
"Did you truly intend to leave without bidding your mother farewell?"
Turning, I saw Dame Cressida Shadowflame marching into the gathering hall, adorned in her signature indigo tunic and breastplate engraved with our family crest. Her azure locks were pulled back in a bun, and her palm rested on the hilt of her long sword as she offered me a smile.
"Come to me," she beckoned, her jade eyes gleaming.
Abandoning my trunk, I dashed into her welcoming embrace. She cradled me near, caressing my hair.
"My little celestial star, embarking on his next quest," she whispered. Mom had frequently been absent on military expeditions. Our reunions were euphoric but ephemeral.
Withdrawing, she clasped my shoulders. "You've matured so much. I'm certain you'll bring honor to our family."
I inclined my head, not having faith in my own voice. Swallowing hard, I said, "I wish you could accompany me."
Cressida exhaled. "As do I. But my obligation is here now, safeguarding our territory." Her visage steeled a flash of the fighter within. "Remain alert at the Arcane Legion Institute. Not all are deserving of trust." Her tone was apprehensive as she spoke the last sentence.
"I will, Mother."
After more intense embraces, I lifted my trunk again and proceeded to the waiting carriage outside, their words resounding in my thoughts.
Sir Baron Youssef Dawntide Shadowflame observed with a pensive gaze as the carriage transporting his grandson vanished along the avenue lined with trees, leading away from Eventide. Beneath his austere exterior, a profound melancholy burdened his soul.
"Numerous ordeals await him," a gentle voice remarked from behind.
Youssef pivoted to behold his daughter, Cressida, observing him with apprehension in her jade eyes. Although pride surged within him at the formidable lady she had transformed into, he couldn't resist still perceiving the diminutive lass with pigtails who once scampered barefoot through the gardens.
"Indeed, though I believe Kepler's intellectual fortitude will guide him through them," Youssef responded.
He motioned for Cressida to stroll alongside him. They slowly started traversing the well-tended gardens encircling the Shadowflame estate.
"Nevertheless, must we conceal from him his authentic essence?" Cressida inquired. "He assumes the Affinicrystal examination will be normal, oblivious that he wielded immense might from the instant he entered the world."
Youssef exhaled heavily. "You comprehend as well as I the peril that awareness would present. From the moment you delivered him into this realm, we have taken measures to suppress his abilities, for his own protection and that of others."
Although they had eliminated enchanted objects, limited access to books on magic, and hindered Kepler from ever actively employing magic, both recognized the tremendous mana residing within Kepler. Such abundance manifesting naturally denoted him as an extreme rarity among humans, a Bloomchild.
Cressida compressed her lips, conflicted. "The Affinicrystal will reveal everything. Its fragments will substantiate what we've kept hidden his entire existence."
"A crucial revelation for him to progress," Youssef stated resolutely. "Kepler must comprehend why his power must be stringently regulated. The Institute can assist in educating him."
"We should have informed Kepler earlier," Cressida murmured. "Permitted him to acclimatize to the reality."
"To know is to be enticed," Youssef remarked ruefully, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Our obfuscations were essential to safeguard him. The Affinicrystal assessment will compel the issue, but the Institute will steer him. He must tread a different path than the rest of this family."
Cressida positioned her hand over her father's, deriving solace from his unwavering presence even as uncertainties lingered in her psyche. She reflected on Kepler's youth, recollecting the atypical flashes of discernment and perception that hinted at something grander dwelling within him.
"He will ascend to the challenges before him," Youssef affirmed staunchly as if discerning her apprehensions. "Shadowflames do not readily fracture, and Kepler possesses a resolve more formidable than he recognizes."
Cressida nodded gradually. Kepler's inherent sensitivity and acumen differentiated him from other men of their lineage. He will require the resilience and foresight to navigate the revelations ahead.
The initial droplets of rain started to descend as Youssef looked up to the darkening sky. He experiences an odd sense of tranquility settling over him despite the brewing storm - or perhaps due to it.
"We have bestowed all we can to equip him," he declares as thunder reverberates in the distance. The storm surges onto shore, carrying with it gusts of wind and sheets of rain.
