In the quiet of the night, as everyone else had retired to their rooms in pursuit of rest, Fredericko remained awake, his mind troubled by the weight of an impending decision. The question of who would inherit the Oathkeeper's Shadows lay heavily upon him, clouding his thoughts.
Suddenly, Roxanne's voice pierced through the silence, her tone urgent and concerned. "Babe, are you awake?" she asked, her words cutting through the darkness.
Fredericko, caught off guard by his wife's alertness, questioned, "You're awake?" His eyes reflected surprise at her presence in the waking world.
"I couldn't sleep," Roxanne explained, sitting up, her gaze locking with his. "We need to talk."
Fredericko's brow furrowed with concern. "Talk? About what?" he asked.
"The boys," Roxanne said, her voice heavy with emotion. "Especially Aethel."
Fredericko exhaled deeply, his eyes betraying a hint of understanding. "I see. So, what is it with the boys?"
Roxanne took a moment to gather her thoughts, then posed the question that had plagued her for some time. "Why did you choose to train Thorenz and not Aethel too?"
"Huh?" Fredericko's eyebrows knitted together in disbelief. "Are you being serious right now?" he asked, his voice a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
"Yes, Fred," Roxanne said, her tone unwavering. "Very serious."
Fredericko shook his head, a small laugh escaping his lips. "Hah! It's completely obvious! I can't believe you haven't noticed it yet."
Roxanne's voice hardened, her patience wearing thin. "Just answer the damn question!"
Fredericko took a deep breath, resignation settling in his eyes. "Alright, I'll tell you. The reason is the same reason why Mother didn't train Thorenz to use magic. Because Thorenz doesn't have magical powers. Training him would be a waste of time and might even hurt him. Similarly, Aethel was born with everything Mother was born with, while Thorenz took after me. He was born with the same superhuman strength I possess, if not more. In contrast, Aethel wasn't born with such strength. This makes Thorenz far stronger than Aethel physically but also far less powerful than Aethel in the magical department. Thus, just like Thorenz with magic, training Aethel as I've been doing with Thorenz would be a waste of time and could definitely hurt him. As his father, I don't want that, and neither do you. Are you satisfied?"
Roxanne cast a furtive glance towards the door, her eyes lingering on the shadows that danced beneath it. A small smile graced her lips as she responded, "Yes, I'm satisfied, now."
"Good, now go back to bed," Fredericko said, his voice softening with relief.
"What about you?" Roxanne questioned, her gaze searching his face.
"I'm busy," Fredericko replied, his tone leaving no room for further inquiry.
"What are you doing?" Roxanne persisted, her curiosity piqued.
"That's none of your business!" Fredericko said, a hint of finality in his voice.
Outside the room, unbeknownst to the couple, stood Aethel, his face soaked with tears of relief and joy as he listened to their conversation. "I'm sorry, Father," he whispered, the weight of his misguided anger lifting from his shoulders as he began to understand the depth of his father's love for him and Thorenz.
As the first rays of sunlight pierced the morning sky, Fredericko rose early, emerging from his chamber to find a surprising scene awaiting him. Roxanne, Aethel, and Thorenz stood together, an air of anticipation hanging between them.
"Er… what is going on here?" Fredericko asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
A gentle smile played at Roxanne's lips as she replied, "Babe, Aethel has something he'd like to say to you."
Aethel cleared his throat, a hint of nervousness in his voice as he began. "Father, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything – for doubting you, for my rudeness. I'm truly sorry for it all."
Fredericko released a heavy sigh, his eyes softening as he regarded his son. "Aethel, when you and Thorenz were young, the two of you were inseparable. You played together, ate together, did everything as a pair. However, when your magical powers awakened on your third birthday, your grandmother decided it was time to begin your training. This left Thorenz alone and longing for the familial bond he once shared with you. He, too, thought that your grandmother loved you more, but that wasn't the case. As you both grew older, I saw the potential in Thorenz – his strength, his spirit – and recognized a part of myself in him. I waited until you were both ten before beginning his training."
Pausing, Fredericko gazed at his sons with pride. "Now you understand what Thorenz felt during those years you spent under your grandmother's guidance. He was always alone. But as long as you both understand the reasoning behind our decisions, it's fine. I want you to know that I love you both and am proud of all that you've accomplished. Yesterday, Thorenz defeated ten armed thugs without using his sword, and Aethel, you've been going around rescuing people from danger. These are incredible feats, and as your father, I couldn't be more proud of you both."
Aethel and Thorenz rushed forward, throwing themselves into their father's embrace. Roxanne watched with a warm smile, reflecting on the sweetness of the moment.
"Now then, Thorenz," Fredericko said as the boys pulled away, "continue your training. Were you able to cut through the boulder yesterday?"
"Yes, Father," Thorenz replied, his eyes shining with determination. "I succeeded."
Fredericko nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "That's good. Today, try cutting through steel. You'll find it waiting for you in the forest."
"Alright, Father," Thorenz said, turning to leave.
"Aethel," Fredericko called out, "since you've mastered all that your grandmother taught you, please help your mother in the house."
A mischievous smile played at Aethel's lips as he replied, "No, thank you."
Catching everyone off guard, Aethel cast a grateful glance at Thorenz before racing into the forest. "Thanks to Thorenz, I have a new training regimen," he called over his shoulder. As he delved deeper into the woods, he vowed to unlock the hidden potential of his diamond-like eyes, determined to grow even stronger.
Thorenz followed his brother into the forest, the twin boys setting out on their respective training journeys.
"Boys are sweet," Roxanne mused, her gaze lingering on the path they had taken.
Fredericko nodded, though a hint of concern remained in his voice. "Yes, but who among them will inherit the Oathkeeper's Shadows? In the wrong hands, the sword could bring about great ruin."
Roxanne considered the question, her eyes brightening with an idea. "Perhaps you should set a test for them. Whoever wins will inherit the sword."
"Hmmm, I'll think about it," Fredericko said, mulling over the suggestion. "Thank you, honey."
"Anything for my love," Roxanne replied, leaning into his embrace.
As the couple held each other close, they retreated to their chambers, a renewed sense of hope and determination guiding their steps.
A year had passed, and the once young boys had grown into strong, capable men. As they made their way home from the forest, their training for the day complete, a comfortable silence settled between them.
Breaking the quiet, Thorenz posed a question. "Aethel, how is your training coming along?"
Aethel let out a sigh of frustration. "I'm confused. I haven't been able to unlock the powers from my Roogan."
Thorenz's curiosity was piqued. "Roogan? What's that?"
A small smile played at Aethel's lips. "Oh, it's a name I came up with for my eyes. Anyone who possesses these eyes will know its name – Roogan. Sounds cool, right?"
Thorenz nodded in appreciation. "I love the name. But not being able to tap into its powers is a problem."
"It's not like I'm not trying," Aethel said, a hint of sadness tinging his voice. "I wish Grandmother was still alive."
Thorenz thought for a moment before making an observation. "You know, I never once saw Grandmother use her Roogan."
Aethel's brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Simple!" Thorenz said, counting on his fingers. "It could mean one of two things. The first is that she never unlocked the powers of her Roogan, which would explain why she never used it."
Aethel considered this for a moment before pressing on. "And the second one?"
Thorenz hesitated, his eyes meeting Aethel's before he spoke. "Well, the second one might scare you and possibly make you stop training to awaken it. What if she unlocked it, but the power was too great and difficult to control? Maybe it was powerful enough to destroy a part of the planet. If that's the case, she might have been scared of using it, which would also explain why she never trained you to use yours."
Aethel felt a shiver of fear run down his spine as they walked home, Thorenz observing his brother's reaction with concern.
"I hope you won't stop training." Thorenz said.
"Of course, I won't," Aethel replied, attempting to sound confident despite his unease.
Thorenz couldn't help but worry, though he kept his thoughts to himself. He's putting on a brave face, but I can see the fear in his eyes. I hope my hypothesis about the Roogan is wrong. If it turns out to be correct, I fear for the world.
As the twins approached their home, they found their father waiting for them.
"Father?" Thorenz called out.
Fredericko's voice was firm and resolute. "Both of you, get ready. Tomorrow, I'm sending you both on a journey. It's a test to see who inherits the Oathkeeper's Shadows."
"Alright, Father," Aethel agreed, a mix of nerves and determination filling his voice.
Fredericko continued, "Go inside, eat, and go to bed early. First thing at dawn tomorrow, you move. Dismiss!"
"Alright, Father," the boys said in unison, watching as Fredericko walked away before entering the house together.
In the quiet of their shared room, the night's stillness wrapped itself around the two brothers as they conversed in hushed tones. Aethel's excitement was palpable. "Father is going to test us to see who will inherit the Oathkeeper's Shadows. I can't wait! Are you excited too, Thorenz?"
Thorenz's response was measured and calm. "Not really."
Aethel's brow furrowed, his disbelief evident in his voice. "Why not? Surely you don't want to miss out on the opportunity to become the next master of the legendary Oathkeeper's Shadows, do you?"
Thorenz paused, considering his words. "I'm not really interested in power, honestly. As long as our family stays together and lives happily, I'm content. Besides, it's peaceful now, unlike during Father and Mother's time when humans faced off against the giants. What would we even need a weapon as powerful as the Oathkeeper's Shadows for in these peaceful times?"
Aethel's curiosity was piqued. "Don't you want to be stronger? You know, more powerful than Father?"
Thorenz shook his head, his voice steady. "Such things don't interest me. I just want peace."
Aethel regarded his brother with surprise, studying his face. "Well, that's your choice. But as for me, I want that black blade in my hands. With my magical powers, the Oathkeeper's Shadows, and the untapped potential of my Roogan, I'll become incredibly powerful."
Thorenz considered Aethel's words, a thoughtful expression on his face. "True, but what would you need all that power for during a time of peace like this?"
Aethel fell silent for a moment, deep in thought, mulling over Thorenz's question.
"See? That's what I'm talking about," Thorenz continued. "The power is of no use when it's peaceful, so I don't want it."
Aethel's response was hesitant, his voice laced with uncertainty, "Well, we could just stay ready for when trouble comes around."
Thorenz considered Aethel's words, a thoughtful expression on his face. "That's an interesting way to look at it, but I still don't want it. I hope this peace never fades."
"Either way, I can't wait," Aethel said, undeterred by his brother's logic. "Goodnight, Thorenz." He blew out the flickering candlelight, casting the room into darkness.
"Sleep well, Aethel," Thorenz replied, his voice a whisper in the shadows.
As the remnants of their conversation hung in the air, the brothers settled into their beds, anticipation for their father's test weaving its way into their dreams.
As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the sun rose in the sky, bathing the earth in a warm, golden glow. The humans in the nearby settlements began their day, tending to their various tasks such as farming, caring for livestock, and hunting to provide for their families.
Fredericko's family, too, rose early to prepare for the brothers' impending journey. Aethel and Thorenz each carried a weapon and a small bag, filled only with a few essential items and a change of clothes. Food was not a concern, as they were confident in their ability to hunt and forage for sustenance along the way.
Kneeling before their father and mother, Aethel posed a question. "Father, why do I need a weapon? Couldn't I just rely on my magic?"
Fredericko offered a knowing smile. "A weapon can come in handy in unexpected situations. It's always better to be prepared for anything."
Thorenz, his brow furrowed in thought, inquired, "Father, what is the purpose of this journey?"
Fredericko's gaze shifted between his sons, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Your task is to journey out into the world and discover if there are other humans beyond our knowledge."
"Is that all?" Thorenz asked, exchanging a curious glance with Aethel.
"That's right," Fredericko confirmed. "Aethel, you are to venture towards the south, while Thorenz, you will head north. Once you've completed your task, I will choose my successor to inherit the Oathkeeper's Shadows."
At these words, the brothers' eyes took on a new intensity, fully grasping the gravity of their mission.
A warm smile spread across Roxanne's lips as she addressed her sons. "No matter who inherits the sword, I will always be cheering for both of you. Remember, you are brothers first and foremost."
"Right!" the brothers exclaimed in unison, their resolve strengthened by their mother's words.
Fredericko gazed at his sons with pride. "Alright, are you both ready?"
"Yes, Father!" they chorused, their voices filled with determination.
"Go!" Fredericko commanded, and the boys set off from their home, each heading in their designated direction. Aethel ventured towards the south while Thorenz made his way north, the test to determine the next master of the Oathkeeper's Shadow had officially begun.