"Kelric! Get off of me you brute! I'm the son of a Duke; I'll have you know!"
"If I'm your brother.. wouldn't that mean I'm also the son of a Duke?"
"Nope. You're adopted, doesn't count."
"You're an idiot."
His grin at me makes me forget the events of the day and pulls me into the past of how Harry and I would horse around. The thought is painful and saddens me a little as I get off Elias from where I pinned him down.
"Gods Kelric.. you've ruined my clothes. Why do you have so much blood on you?"
I'm a little sheepish as I reply, I forgot that blood was vomited onto me.
"Sorry.. that's from a couple people I killed earlier."
Elias instantly wanted to know more, and I gave him the story of what I had been up to since the Subjugation test.
"Gods damn dirty Kalabarians. Those people and their culture make me sick."
I nod to Elias's words; I agree with him wholeheartedly.
He looks at me with another teasing smile.
"Though Kelric.. I didn't expect you to have such a bleeding heart."
"Shut up.."
A knock comes from the door behind me and the butler steps in.
"It's quite late, I recommend that you both retire to bed soon so that you can see the academy's acceptance list tomorrow before the crowd is too large."
Elias nods.
"Thank you for reminding me, I want to see if Kelric was fibbing about passing today."
He smiles at my glare.
My eyes close as soon as I hit the bed today, the strain of using my rage twice today had exhausted me. My sleep is dreamless, and I'm awoken too soon. The clothes prepared for me today are the same as yesterdays and breakfast is just as good.
"Kelric. Could you show the barest hint of manners, you eat like a slob."
My mouth is full as I respond.
"I'm just showing my appreciation for how good it is."
"Your 'appreciation' could be a little less.. disgusting.."
I ignore him as I stuff my face and soon, we're out in the cool morning air.
When we reach the academy's entrance, a small group is already present. It seems that they haven't posted the results yet. Stares are directed at me, and it feels somewhat familiar to the looks the crowd in the arena would give me.
I do not like it.
Elias elbows me and I'm about to return the favor, when I notice what he was trying to get me to see. Marinah is walking towards the group with Kathlyn and hasn't seen me yet. Her appearance is enchanting today as her ears are outfitted with shining green gemstones to match her eyes. The grace in which she walks-
"Holy gods above… you're completely smitten with-"
I return his elbow then, much harder. I can't help myself as I stare, red hair flows gently in the breeze as her gor-
Pulling my eyes away, I have to admonish myself.
'You do not have the time to waste on something like this! Focus Kelric, there's something more important at stake here!'
I'm just getting myself under control when I hear Elias shout out.
"Heyyyy! Kathlyn! Marinah! Over here!"
I turn to look at the smug bastard who was trying to sabotage me. His voice is grating to my ears.
"No need to thank me, I'll always help a friend in need."
I accept my fate as the girls walk over.
Marinah's voice is small when she greets me.
"Good morning, Kelric."
"Uhh yeah.. same to you."
We stare at each other for a long while until Elias opens his stupid mouth again.
"Gods.. get a room you lovebirds."
I turn to stomp on Elias's foot, but he had taken precautionary measures this time and backed far away. His words have upset Marinah as her cheeks glow. I feel better knowing that she hates the idea of being with me, it'll make it easier to focus on revenge.
The crowd is quite sizable now and the rush of excited whispers make me turn. The older gentleman who came out the previous morning returns with a large scroll. The fence surrounding the academy is quite high, so I'm a little surprised as he effortlessly leaps up onto one of the thick stone pillars where the gate is hinged.
"If you're not on the list, you failed. Those who are, must return in three days' time so the home room instructors can bid on you."
His words irk me, and I do not very much like the thought of being sold or bought.
The scroll he's holding unfurls to reveal the names. A spring that I didn't see before, has a long thin piece of metal that presses along the top of the stone pillar. The old man pulls it back and clamps the scroll down.
I'm very good at estimating, but actual math is beyond me. I can't tell how many people have passed as two rows of names sprawl down to the bottom. They didn't do it in alphabetical order it seems, because my name is at the top and to the left of someone I've never heard of.
Elias's name is further down the list a few spots and I have to use my fingers and toes to see that he's twelfth. Marinah's name is even further below his and I can't possibly know what number hers is.
Elias starts to make a weird noise, so I turn to him with an eyebrow raised.
"What is wrong with you?"
"K-Kelric.. how did you finish in first place.."
"Does the ranking of the names mean something?"
He looks at me like I'm stupid when I ask this.
"Yes.. it determines who had the best performance on the exam. You can't even read… why are the gods so cruel.."
I don't really hear his explanation because my body is currently not functioning. Marinah had flung herself on me after I asked my question.
"Wow Kelric! You got first place, that's incredible!"
Her closeness and the way in which she clings to me has my mind blank. She lets go after a moment and I notice she looks madder than ever as she stares at the ground.
'I didn't even do anything this time..'
Elias's voice cuts through the weird air between us.
"This calls for a celebration! Kathlyn, Marinah, meet us at the Frosted Rose around 5. After, we can have a small party back at my place!"
Kathlyn shakes her head at this.
"We can meet at the Frosted Rose, but father wants to meet the man who saved my life. He's throwing a ball tonight."
"Ugghh.. fine. We can do it my way tomorrow.."
I'm not really following the conversation, "Who saved your life recently?"
I guess I shouldn't have asked because the stares I receive are insulting.
"You did? Did you already forget what happened a couple days ago?"
"But I saved Elias.. not you."
"Hahaha Kelric you're too much. Of course you saved all our lives. That man probably would've killed the three of us if you weren't there."
Her words make sense to me, "Oh okay."
After ironing out a solid timeline, Elias and I head back to his house.
I think I might try sleeping around in that comfortable bed all day, but my conscious doesn't allow me the option.
"Hey, I'll be back in a little while."
Elias shouts after me as I walk down a familiar alleyway.
"You don't have to follow me; this will only take a moment."
"I'm coming with, so suck it up. How do I explain to Kathlyn or Marinah if you disappear all day like you did yesterday."
My sigh is loud as we bend the corner and take a left. The shabby healer's shop is dark as we near.
"Just wait out here for a second."
Elias grins and gives me a deep bow, "Yes M' Lord"
The shop is quiet, and I realize that it's still very early, the sun hasn't even risen above the city walls yet. There's a chime on the door and I hear the old healers groggy voice from a room in the back.
"Not open, unless you're dying, come back later."
"Sorry, I'm just here to check on the woman I brought in yesterday."
Footsteps sound behind a closed door until it opens and reveals the woman. She slept in her work clothes it seems.
"She's not here anymore, check the Madbell Inn, that's where I think she was headed."
After asking for directions and bickering with Elias some more, I push the door to the inn open. A young serving girl swiftly comes up to us.
"Breakfast will be ready in a few, do you want a pint, water, or milk?"
"Sorry I'm not here to eat, is there a woman staying here with three kids? She should've just come in yesterday."
The young woman immediately puts her guard up.
"N-no. Ain't no one like that here."
The door opens behind me, and a familiar voice calls out.
"Gods Kelric, why'd you ask like that? You sound like a thug."
"Elias, I told you too wait outside."
"Yeah, and I didn't listen, it's as cold as a Frost Giants balls out there." He turns his attention to the serving girl now, "My friend here just wants to check up on the family, no funny business."
He flashes a golden chain I've never seen before from under his shirt.
"Y-yes! At once M' Lord."
The whole display was unnecessary, because soon, three small pairs of feet are running at me.
"Big brother!"
"Mister Kelric!"
I'm tackled at the waist by the three kids and for some reason, I do not mind it. Placing my hand on the little boy's head, I pat it gently.
"I heard from the healer that your mother was doing a lot better."
"Yeah! Thanks to you big brother!"
Elias grumbles to my side, "Ohhh so he can be your brother, but not me."
"That's good. All right, I'll be going then."
The eldest girl hugs me tightly and looks up at me with her watery blue eyes.
"Whaaaatt! C'mon and have breakfast with us mister Kelric. Preettty pleeaasee.."
"Alright.."
Elias stops snickering at me when my glare meets his eyes.
While I'm not very hungry, I'll never say no to food. Halfway through the meal, I notice someone slowly making their way down the stairs. I get up and go to her side, bracing her body in my arms.
"Good morning miss, hope you don't mind we started eating without you."
She seems shocked to see me, and I stiffen slightly as she pulls me into a deep hug. She's quite a bit stronger than she looks and she's all smiles when she releases the embrace.
"You're a good boy Kelric, a very good boy."
Her fingers stretch out to pinch my cheek and I feel embarrassed at the display. Usually, I'd get upset when someone looks down on me, but this woman is full of tender care.
She's trying to put something in my hand, but I do not accept it.
"That money is for you and your family. Please stop trying to give it back."
Her voice is a yelled whisper at me.
"But Kelric! Do you understand just how much gold this is! This is more coin than-"
"I know and it's yours. Just make sure to keep it hidden."
Her stare is piercing, but I don't back away from it. Finally, she just reaches out and pinches my cheek again.
"You blessed boy.. come on, let's not keep the kids waiting."
Elias smoothly worms his way into the ragtag group and the meal makes me feel relaxed.
For some reason the little boy and Elias got into a bragging contest, about me. It was so absurd that I had to stop listening to the stories about my feats of strength. My heart feels light in the presence of this struggling family and a piece of me feels fulfilled when I see the look the old woman gives me.
I've never known a mother, but she seems like a good one.
There are a chorus of tearful goodbyes as we leave.
Outside, the air has warmed up a little and Elias and I head back to his house. Until he stops and smacks his forehead.
"Gods, I'm so dumb."
He narrows his eyes at me when he sees me nodding to his words.
"We need to make a stop at the tailor again; I know for a fact you do not have any formal wear for tonight."
"What about that suit? Can't I just wear the same one?"
He shakes his head like he pities my intelligence.
"No, my simple-minded friend. That's a Jilliar suit meant for dining. You need a Jaxar style for the ball."
"That sounds.. idiotic."
"It is.. but we nobles must keep up appearances. The more coin you waste, the higher your standing is."
He shakes his head a little in disgust.
"Still, it's better just to play along. Come on then, follow me."
At the tailor's shop, the portly man doesn't check my measurements this time and heads to the back after Elias makes his order.
I cringe when I see the new suit and turn to Elias.
"I'm not wearing that."
"Stop being a child, it's not that bad."
To say the suit is extravagant, would be an understatement. There's a complex pattern of symbol embroidery with golden stitching placed upon a dull black. The coat tail is long and the lapel at the breast is huge, almost reaching the shoulders.
The pants aren't even really pants and are cut off at the knees. Long socks are supposed to stretch up and tuck the fabric inside. The cuffs on the jacket are large, you're supposed to wear some type of retaining band to keep them in place while they poof about. I'd rather fight in the arena naked again than wear this.
Elias's eyes light up and he says the one thing that could convince me.
"I think Marinah would find you quite dashing when she sees you in this."
I hang my head in defeat as we walk out of the tailors with a new suit hanging over my arm. Times flies by after we make our way back to his house. Elias re-explained Glory War to me and read aloud the command cards so I could play.
It's fairly easy to remember which card does what, each one has a corresponding image.
For example, the 'Archer Squad' card has a picture of multiple bows while the 'Cavalry Charge' has a horse with a lance atop it. A few mistakes had happened however, once I confused the 'Commander' card with the 'Hero' one and sent my leader into the front lines. I lost that game almost immediately.
It's actually very fun and I don't really want to stop playing, even though I haven't won once.
My sigh is loud as I look at the new suit when the butler tells us it's time to get ready.