Liron's head lurked out of his room, scanning for anybody still being there. The neighborhood held a small campfire before the midnight mass. After Emma and their mother had hugged it out, things had calmed down. They had wanted to go to the fire. Emma had taken her lute with her.
With the mass, nobody would show up to her playing in the pub, so she could play there a bit. Liron had excused himself, not being in the mood to go. Their neighbors didn't want him there either way. It was a miracle they let his family come. Emma had known what Liron was planning, but she didn't say anything. She just looked sad.
It had gotten dark, five to six hours until the mass. The hunt was about to happen. Liron had put on his thickest coat and backpack, grinning as he walked out of his room.
"You took your time."
Liron's heart cramped, and he wanted to use Harras's name in vain. "Mother, you are still here."
He turned around, seeing her sitting in a dark corner. She worked on some piece of clothing. "Well, I had a feeling you might want to go somewhere without telling us."
"Did Emma tell you?"
"No, she didn't. She didn't have to. Liron, I am not simple. You want to join the hunt."
Liron looked at his feet. "I didn't want to lie to you, but…"
"I know," she said, putting her work aside. She stood up, walking over to her son, stroking his hair. "I know, my boy. I'm not mad. Just… disappointed. You should have told us."
"I know, but I thought you would say no."
Marie didn't reply immediately, studying Liron. She looked so tired. "Liron, I know I can be harsh and angry but not because I want to be. I have to make sure you and your sister will be fine without me or your father. We live in a cruel world, son. A world that will not hesitate to do horrible things to you.
"The reason I am so hard on your sister is not because I don't believe she is special. She is. When she plays, she's like the wind. She's so good that it scares me. Folks like you and her, they will not get rewarded for what makes them special. It makes them a target. You were right when it comes to Eisenrahm. It's a shithole."
"Mother!" Liron said, shocked. "You heard us?"
Marie smiled. "Of course. You think these old walls are thick. Everybody in the street heard it. And you didn't make it that far. I am so proud of you. You have a good heart, Liron. A gentle one. Eisenrahm is a shithole. But it's ours. Everything beyond… is not. It's Empire, but it is as dangerous as the Sannara Desert or the Tainted Mountains.
"She might not like it, but staying here and starting a family will be the safest thing for Emma. It breaks my heart, but it's for the best."
Marie stopped, playing with a strand of Liron's hair, her expression somber. "I am sorry, Liron. I wished I could have offered you a better life. Things will not become easier. You know that by now. It's not fair, but it's the hand you have been given. You will have to prove yourself, son. You will have to show everybody that it's foolish calling you Ravenspawn."
Maria walked into her and Leo's room, returning with a sheathed knife. "Here, take this with you."
Liron took the knife, pulling it out. A beauty captured in steel. Love and dedication went into this blade. While plain at first sight, the more Liron studied, the more detail he found to admire. To lose himself in. "What's this?"
Marie smiled, seeing her son's reaction. "Your great-grandfather crafted it for your grandfather. It was his gift for his wedding. He wanted for him to have something special. Your grandfather wanted to give it to your uncle, but… it was not meant to be."
Marie put a hand on his shoulder. "Your grandfather would have been proud for you to have it."
Liron had never met his grandfather. He had died before Marie's wedding. Like most, he never made it beyond fifty.
"I want you to have it," Marie said. "May it offer you some of the luck that you have been denied. Harras knows you deserve it more than anyone else."
Liron wiped his eyes, having done enough crying. "I will make you proud, mother. I promise."
Marie shook her head. "There is no pride in a grave. Liron, just don't do anything stupid. You will do as you are told. You will help the men, but you are no warrior so don't have one's bravery, do you understand?
Liron nodded, standing firmer.
Marie smiled, this time not held back by any exhaustion. "Then you better go before I change my mind."
…
"Who the fuck sent you, Ravenspawn?" an older man from Eisenrahm asked.
Liron had seen him countless times, but he had never bothered to learn the asshole's name. "The same scumbag that convinced you to come, grandpa."
The old man's cheeks turned crimson. "You dare…"
"Yeah, yeah, sure," Liron said, walking past him.
The hunt had been announced a week ago. While they were sparse on the details, it was clearly communicated that they would kill a wolf pack. Every man who was thinking something of himself had shown up. Refusing to participate wouldn't just be selfish but also cowardly.
Thus, the hunting party brimmed with inexperienced dorks, knowing nothing about fighting or hunting at all. Everybody present had never joined the army, which in and of itself was regarded as a sign of weakness and fear. They all took every opportunity to prove themselves. The folk that had joined the military didn't tend to return, though.
Despite the dozens of men wearing all the same, Liron stuck out, hostile glances following him. Beside the men from Eisenrahm, the soldiers had joined, too. They radiated with more confidence than the townsfolk, feeling at ease with their weaponry.
"Next," one of the soldiers called, eyeing Liron as he walked forward. For a second, he did nothing but watch before shrugging, handing Liron a spear. They didn't have the resources to equip the town with anything better, but letters from the holy scripture adorned the spear. Liron's heart leaped inside his chest. One of the Warpriests would accompany them. Their holy powers would strengthen the spears. Liron wouldn't experience the Battlebliss, but his weapon would have Harras's blessings.
After having received his spear, Liron's step felt easier, more confident. The looks of the others bothered him less.
"Liron, there you are!"
Liron smiled, embracing Dieter. "I promised I'd make it."
"Damn, and I ass doubted you! How did you make it past your sister?"
"She isn't my boss. I can do whatever I want."
Dieter raised an eyebrow, his entire expression shifting to mock him. "Sure," he said, putting an arm around Liron, pulling him closer. "By the way, I think you will be happy to hear you won't be the eye-catcher for a change."
Before Liron could say anything, Dieter pointed towards the Alchemist. Liron couldn't believe his eyes, his spear nearly falling out of his hands. Hair, as black as the night. A shade lighter than his, but still. Another Ravenspawn.
Those present kept their distance. The Alchemist didn't care, though. He just stood there, reading through his notebook. His confidence around him, wearing it with a nonchalant ease. Harras himself could threaten to smite him down, and he wouldn't appear impressed. He might not care about the attention, but he noticed their eyes on him.
Seeing Liron had a similar effect on the Alchemist, staring at him dumfounded. The confusion vanished, replaced by a childish delight. Like a boy who had seen a new toy. The alchemist strolled over, one hand holding the book, the other in the pocket of his robe.
"Well, I've heard the rumors, but I didn't believe it," the Alchemist said, standing in front of them. "So I'm not the only outcast here, huh?"
Liron always prided himself on his quick thinking. He wouldn't come up with the wittiest things to say, but they could hold up to scrutiny. But his mind refused to work. He had noticed it from a distance, but up close, there was no denying it. The Alchemist was utterly beautiful.
His face had clear, defined features, a chin strong enough to shatter every fist that would dare to try. His eyes glowed with a silver light, everything reflecting in them and becoming better from it. Any artist who could capture his appearance in a statue would call themselves a genius. But despite his clear masculine appearance, he had strong feminine aspects to him. His lips were thick, his eyelashes long and his nose small. His pale white skin was soft as if it had never known any impurity.
The Alchemist also knew how to clothe him and had the money to do so. His white shirt was of the finest quality, its craftsmanship obvious even to a layman like Liron. He wore his pants higher than anyone else, but this only emphasized his larger stature, a head taller than Liron. His coat was massive, yet it appeared as light as a feather. It was crafted out of a grey fur, nestling against him like he was born with it. The way he dressed could make one believe he feared only a colder gust of wind and nothing else. His coat and clothes would have some heater woven into them. All noble people had them, walking around in thinner robes than Liron could. The less one wore, the wealthier they ought to be.
Yet, despite his stunning looks, his hair drew the attention. Unlike any Ravenspawn should, he didn't hide his shame. No, he displayed it so the whole world could see it. His hair was longer than any woman's, reaching his lower back. Furthermore his hair seemed to experience a form of grooming that one might afford on their wedding on a daily base. It had volume to it, no strand falling out of line, all combed backwards, so it wouldn't protrude in front of his sight.
"Ehr," Liron said. "I guess so."
Some of the Alchemist's curiosity died upon hearing his response, but some was still there. "You from this town, boy?"
"Y… yeah…"
"I've seen better, but I have seen so much worse. Your hostel is some of the finest I have ever visited. Boy, what is your name?"
"Liron Sturm."
"Liron? Interesting name," the Alchemist said, his smile broadening. He had a faint accent, but Liron couldn't place it. He had never met someone from the different regions of the Empire. "My name is Angin Antera Asseltoch. Tell me, Liron, after the hunt has concluded, I will stay in your lovely town for a few days. I have some work to occupy myself with, but I wonder, what can one do if bored? I'm not often in Nordland and would like to gain a better grasp of it."
"Well… do you like drinking?"
"No."
"Working in the forge?"
"Never have, but I dare to say no."
"Well… maybe you could try both at the same time. It does look funny."
Angin laughed, short and dry. "I like you, Liron. You have a shrewd mind. Without one, you won't make it far as a Ravenspawn. Well, it was a pleasure…"
"Wait," Liron said, his throat drying up. He would never have an opportunity like this. He needed to ease in it, or he wouldn't succeed. "I… I have never seen an Alchemist before. But… but I've heard they don't fight that often. So, I wanted to ask, what you are doing here?"
Dieter hadn't thought too much about the same question. But now that it was asked, he was dying to hear the answer.
Angin pulled his hand out of his robe, resting it against his hip. "Well, you are correct, young Liron. My colleagues aren't known for their bravery or thirst for adventure. They prefer the comfortable solitude of their study. Unlike them, I don't fear dirtying my hands. Believe me, an Alchemist can be a fiercer warrior than the best Wizard."
"Really?" Liron asked. He didn't need to fake his surprise.
Angin grunted, his face twisting in disgust. "Of course. Those maniacs enjoy a better reputation than they deserve. A drunk beast equipped with a sharp blade and an empty stomach would be a more trustworthy comrade. Believe me, young Liron, you would rather not be near such unstable company."
Angin cleared his throat, calming himself. He patted the bag at his side. It had the size of Liron's torso, filled to the brim. "I am a known acquaintance of combat, but my priority for tonight shall be in our support. Should you or anyone else receive an injury, I will be there to lend a healing hand."
Liron nodded, his hands sweaty. While intriguing, the conversation hadn't taken the direction he wanted. A seamless transition would be impossible now, but he had no other choice. At least bluntness would be expected from him.
"Say, Angin, do you travel a lot?"
"Of course," the Alchemist said. "I am but a humble servant of the Divine Empire of Harras's Scion. I go where I am needed."
"How did you become… like this?"
Angin blinked. "How did I became an Alchemist?"
"Yeah… that, and how did you enter into… like, becomin' a humble servant?"
Angin's expression turned a shade sadder, understanding dawning on him. "Unfortunately, young Liron, I didn't choose to become one. I was born into a noble family. My dearest father chose and trained me for such an occupation."
"Oh," Liron said. He shouldn't have expected anything else, but still… he had hoped.
Angin rubbed his neck, looking sideways. "Well, young Liron, I like you, and I will be in desperate need of a guide while being in Eisenrahm. As far as I am aware, tomorrow should be free for you. I fathom you work in the weapon manufactory based on your previous comment. Would you kindly lend me a hand? My assistants are not here, and my work might require two pairs of hands."
"Could they need three?" Liron asked, hope rising again. "My twin sister would love to help, too."
Angin turned his head, looking at Liron in a new way. Intrigued and pleased. "Ah, I see. So this is what's going on."
"What?"
"Nothing. I would be delighted for you and your sister to visit me tomorrow. Well, young Liron and…"
"Dieter," Dieter said. He had forgotten he was there, too.
"Dieter, most pleased. I have to return to my notes. But once the hunt begins, I would like to walk with you two. I have yet not found a fitting conversation partner, but I dare to hope I have found what I was looking for."
Liron frowned. Something about the way Angin said the last part was off. Like there was a hidden meaning to it. The minute shift in his eyes seemed to confirm his suspicion. "Of course," Liron replied.
Whatever Angin had tried to say, he believed Liron to understand, appearing satisfied. "Perfect. Until then."
As Angin walked off, Dieter shook Liron's shoulder. "Damn, that was crazy. What did I tell you? This man is something else."
"Yeah," Liron said. "He is."