William comes to my side. "I'm going to the castle for a bit. Should I get you a book first?"
"William... Is this normal? Waiting like this?"
"Yes." William offers me my father's first spell book. I was working on it before. "Think of what they suggested with the goblins. Camping leaves you open to concerns, but it is also unlikely things will appear in a normal camping experience."
"Even if we pick areas of activity?"
"If you hunt, you'll find them. But the job here is to wait for them to attack. Goblins were a guarantee before. But several of the camps gained nothing else. Point should get attacks daily. With Cleaver's blood, those who would've attacked will pick elsewhere. But think back to our walk to the estate."
"People were... Light hearted."
"Exactly. The goblins may have several questioning if they should attack. The confusion of the goblins gave several others leeway."
"Really?" So the goblin battles were impactful. The more intelligent monsters would notice the difference. And wait. William nods. "Alright. See you later."
"I won't be gone long." William salutes and disappears.
I watch Ergra for a moment. They should have guard before returning to their home. Would they be willing to wait for Lucas? We can take them back after my time ends. I am getting special treatment for various reasons. As if the reason I am a knight is strictly because of my title and not my strengths. As if I don't have the history I do.
What do I do? It feels like a lie to suggest I lived in the lap of luxury. Even if I technically did. The confinement and the capture were also part of it. But those stories are being hidden. My parents treat me well, even. It can look like I had the best life.
This is part of Michael's test to become head. I had no idea about that. Although I'm glad he's going through difficulties before taking over Swifting. The issues there left my captured as a toddler. Odin was always going to be my mage trainer, but what use is a mage trainer when I can't access magic? Bringing him to the castle was for my safety even if they just called him my tutor. He taught me a lot about magic even if I couldn't do much with it.
"Your Highness?" Vincent draws my attention. I made it looked like I was reading the spell book. "Can you cast that spell from yesterday?"
"It's a ritual. Not a spell." I stand up. I use my sword. "A ritual can set off a magical item. My sword is magical, but I'm using my own mana to create the ritual's ending I want." I still need a magical item to work with. The sword just doesn't offer the answer. My mana can. "With the right mana flow and the right item, you can get any ritual to activate."
"He's not joking." Ryan says. I pause before starting to look over at him. He's kept distance all morning. Really... We're not close in any sense even when we're on the same team. "Lord Michael and Lord Lucas had me using the one here. I set it off. I don't have any magic."
Being my cousin, though... It feels weird he doesn't. It may have burnt out, though. Kill his magic, save his life. That's an option. I hope I can have full access soon. What would my life be like if it came to having my magic blocked completely because I can't handle it.
"That's impressive." Vincent motions for me to show off. The ritual is easy enough. I've done it before for them. Ergra is shocked by the golden glow, though. Vincent looks proud. "Everyone marked to my team gets it too."
When we cast it at the castle, it's marked to the capital. All supporters get it. Or we'll mark it to the guards or the knights. But if I mark myself... Who would get it? Those I lead? Those I trust? My team? It opens more questions. I'll want to practice more. When I targeted Daniel before, it only hit him, but that was back when Lucas was our leader.
Right now, it'll be interesting to see if William gains it. He's not here for it. Shouldn't get the golden sheen from that distance nor should it appear when he returns. That's my expectation.
"Last time His Highness did the spell, Cleaver showed up. But Cleaver isn't nearby. I would think he's attacking elsewhere."
"I wonder what spells my brother actually used." Ryan sighs. He's covered in golden sheen.
Ergra is the only one here without the golden sheen. "It is really impressive."
"What the protection? I can offer it to you." I hold up my sword. Ergra nods. I'm getting faster with the ritual, but it does take time and effort. If I cannot focus on the ritual, it won't work. It really is only useful when I can have space between me and the enemy whoever that is.
"How long did it last yesterday?" Ryan asks as I'm repeating the ritual.
"Until we clocked out so to speak. When I was given reprieve the spell ended. As if it was there as long as I was active. Same with the rest. Even those who were given reprieve after me, it lasted until they were allowed freedoms." Vincent stretches. "I think I'll give the area a brief pace. I won't be far."
"Did you feel something?" Daniel asks.
"No. Lyrie is in lead. She's good enough. Listen to her."
"As if they wouldn't." Lyrie has been a knight longer than us with a higher level. Of course we'd listen to her. Vincent holds out a mace while walking into the woods. The team is the same as yesterday. Lyrie acts as second in command. She has more skills than the rest. Vincent is well seasoned. Both act as quality leaders. Will they handle Cleaver after this is truly over?
I go back to my book. "Ergra, please relax. I would like you to stay here for now."
"I do need to return shortly, Your Highness. I have work to do."
"There's a reason Thomas made the comment." Lyrie starts whittling. Ergra looks nervous. "I'll have someone guard you on the walk back. Just give Vincent a chance to review things first."
"Vincent will guard?" I ask.
"Yes. Once William returns as well. I'll handle the camp. The three of you should be fine for the walk. Once Ergra is safe, William will bring you back." Lyrie pauses. "Assumptions."
"Okay. I'll wait here." Ergra sits down at my side. "What are you doing, Your Highness?"
"Studying magic. I have a lot to learn yet."
"Being young has its benefits. I look forward to learning a lot more."
"How old are you, Ergra?"
"Twelve. I've been working with the warhogs my entire life. I am technically marked as an apprentice." They sigh. "I like it, don't get me wrong, but I really wish I could study horses."
"I think you need to be fifteen to join a non family job."
"Aw."
"But you can gain citizenship at any age. You do not get any support from others. And at twelve you are only marked as a citizen without any requirements."
"Until fifteen?"
"Until you prove adult." I think of that. Fifteen is minimums. I'm older than Ergra even if they have more knowledge than me in this field. They grew up as a warhog trainer. "Why did you learn the language?"
"For horses." Ergra nods. So they seemed to be likely to get involved with humans anyway. "I'm happy I am given the chance."
I cannot even suggest adoption into the right family because who would adopt a goblin? "Visit with Raida when an envoy heads in. Ask about knighthood. We're required to handle horses."
"Do you think I can try?" Ergra bounces. "I won't let you down."
Maybe in Ergra's case, they need to handle a warhog instead of a horse. I'll ask questions of those around. But for now, Ergra needs to wait out time.
That's something I am stuck doing myself. Waiting out time. I pull the book back open. Studying will help.