Feli stood in the middle of the city. Orbs powered by arcane magics were everywhere. The light of the city was so bright that it seemed like daytime, even though the day had already long come to an end. Such was the city of Cerulia. A resort with only the finest amenities.
Feli suddenly felt a tugging on his arm as his little sister started dragging him to one of the numerous restaurants. "Come oooon, Fee-lie! I want to try some of that! It all looks so good! Stop spacing out, will you?"
"What? Oh, yeah, ok sure. Hey, wait... I've never seen food like this before! Is this... a royal feast or something? Lobster, whole roasted pigs, turkeys, and fish, there's just so much food! I bet this place will cost a fortune to eat at! We can't go in there..." Feli started, coming up short when he saw through the window that his sister was already inside. "Man, I'm probably going to regret this."
An hour of fine dining, and Feli and his sister had reached their limits. Even having eaten sparingly of each dish, they still ended up full without having tried everything that was offered. When Feli went to the front of the restaurant and paid, he was surprised. Expecting it to cost two gold Medallions, he was ready for his purse to become significantly lighter. The man working the desk, however, told him it would only cost him three silver Marks.
"I don't regret that at all! Man, who would have thought it would be so good and so cheap! Well, I mean, three Marks isn't cheap in general, but I mean, considering the quality of the food, and the fact we could eat until we couldn't stand... plus, to think we got this meal paid for with the allowance!"
"Brother, are you talking to yourself again? You should really try to stop that. If the king sees you like that, you could possibly be in big trouble. Let's find a place to stay. After all, you only have a couple days before your duties for the king start!" Lorina exclaimed.
"Hey, wait a second, sis. I think you've got this wrong. I was called to tend to his majesty's personal horses, not serve him drink at his table. Still, you're right, I have to find us a place. Let's try somewhere over on the harbor. It's not quite as flashy over there, and perhaps we'll be able to find a slightly less... bright sleeping area." Feli responded.
During the walk toward the docks, Feli and Lorina were repeatedly distracted by trinkets and pleasures. Various delights lined each side of the streets, and all the people that shopped seemed to be enjoying themselves. Looking through windows as they passed, Feli and Lorina also saw buildings filled with colorful attractions, like the games played in taverns only better. Despite the fact he knew it would likely bankrupt him if he went in, Feli couldn't help but think it looked fun.
Reaching the docks, the last ship of the night was finishing the unloading of supplies shipped from the mainland. An enthusiastic man shot off the boat and went up to the edge of the city, the amazement gleaming in his eyes. Feli knew the feeling.
"Wow! I'm so very lucky! Here I am, in the fabulous city of Cerulia! Who would have guessed that Helen's sister had entered me in the lottery for my birthday! Who would have thought I would win, and the grand prize no less! Oh, the lights, they shine like the stars in the sky, numerous and beautiful! It is a shame that Helen could not come. I will have to make the most out of this time here, so I can tell her all about it when I return. I have... five days before I return. What good will it be if I wasted the first night asleep after such a restful boat ride?" The man exclaimed in unbridled enthusiasm.
Ignoring the man who was just beginning to enjoy himself, Feli led his sister over to a quiet seaside hotel. The sign read "Famous for allowing a rare view of the night sky over the sea", which didn't seem special to Feli until he thought about how rare it must be to see the night sky with all the lights of Cerulia. Going inside, Feli purchased a room with a single bed for himself and his sister. As they laid down in bed to get some sleep, Lorina seemed to be thinking about something.
"Hey, brother, that man seemed really excited to be here. Didn't he?"
"Yes, sis, he did. It's not often that anyone except nobles get to come here."
"So, who do you think that 'Helen' person he was talking about was?"
"I would guess it's probably his wife, or girlfriend... or perhaps his darling little sister!" Feli said with a giggle and a nudge, knowing that it was a preposterous notion. If Helen was his sister, he wouldn't have referred to Helen's sister the way he had.
"Yeah, maybe. Say, do you think it's good that we're here, Feli? I mean, it's so big for such a small island. It feels so much huger than our village is."
"Well, I don't know if this is the best place for us, and you're right it is big... but do you like it here, Lorina?"
"Hmm, I guess. Any place is a good place as long as I'm with you, though, brother!"
"Alright, but we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow, so let's get some sleep."
While Feli slept, he had nightmares. A war had started, everyone knew about it. A fierce battle that raged on in the south. The battles had been escalating, numerous casualties on each side, and even worse, some sacrifices. In order to win these battles, it was rumored that King Feroas XXII had started sending the Spellbound into battle. The thing about the Spellbound was that they were living weapons. Concentrated arcane energies were bound to their bodies, dressed in fine armor, the Spellbound lost all memory of their pasts, and most of their connections to the present too. Incapable of emotion, showing little or no concern for their welfare. Pain meant nothing to them, and as such, they were nearly impossible to kill. The arcane energies flowing through them kept them alive even beyond what would normally kill a man. And in Feli's dreams, he saw them marching onward toward the southern border, striking down any who came in their way.
One by one, the Spellbound laid claim to thousands of lives. Those who lived to tell the stories of how the Spellbound came against them were often too scarred by what had happened to ever speak again. Feli sat in the silence of his dreams, watching the horrors around him, bodies bursting into flame, pillars of fire or ice appearing from nowhere to engulf enemies. The very earth itself opening up and swallowing legions of soldiers in an instant. Then, suddenly, Feli felt strange... he realized that he was a Spellbound. Feli hadn't been watching the horrors, he had been making them. Screaming at the thought of what he had done, of all those who had died by his hand, Feli woke to find himself in bed. The cool morning air wafted in through the window.
Lorina was awakened by the sound of Feli's screams. With a steady and reassuring hand, Lorina tried to comfort her brother. It had been like this for several weeks. Something was bothering her brother, and Lorina couldn't tell what it was. Regardless, she knew that it had been giving him nightmares so terrible that he had trouble sleeping. Lorina didn't know what it was about, but she was worried about her brother, though she didn't want to let that fear show. All they had was each other, and Lorina felt she needed to be strong for her brother. She owed him that for all the times he had been strong for her since their father died.
As Lorina and Feli spent their day in Cerulia, Feli kept focusing on the activities at hand. It was too risky for him to dwell on his fears and nightmares. Feli felt he needed to show his sister that he was having fun with her. He didn't want to disappoint her. Ever since their dad had died, they had to rely upon each other. Lorina was one of the only people Feli felt he could really trust, the one person he could talk to even when things got bad. Their relationship was strong, and made stronger still, like steel, in the forge of the hardships they had faced together.
In one theatre, Feli and Lorina watched professional actors perform the classic tale "Summer's Winter". Lorina loved the play, based off the story which she knew by heart. It had been Lorina's favorite bedtime story when she was younger. Although she didn't know how to read, she was trying to learn. Feli wasn't sure if she would ever need the skill, beyond the basics, but he encouraged her to keep working hard. He promised her that if she learned how to read, he would get her a present. While at the theatre, Feli found himself just as impressed by the detail and craftsmanship of the props, stage, and theatre itself. They sold bite-sized foods at the entrance, but they had to be eaten during intermissions, not during the plays themselves.
After the play was over, Feli and Lorina noticed that the man they had seen the previous night was part of the audience. Before Feli had a chance to warn her to mind her own business and leave others alone, Lorina had scampered off to speak with the still-energetic man.
"Hi! Did you watch the play?" Lorina asked with a huge grin.
"Oh, hello. Why yes, I did. It was one of my favorite bedtime stories when I was just a boy." The man responded. Feli approached the man, apologizing for his sister, who was starting to describe how it was her favorite bedtime story too.
"I really am sorry, my sister doesn't seem to understand that it is rude to start speaking to others without introductions when they probably have more important things to do anyway." Feli stated.
"Oh, no! I find your sister quite adorable! However, I suppose you're right, introductions are indeed in order. My name is Alexander, and what would yours be, mi'lady?" Alexander stated with a flourish.
"I am honored to meet you, my name is Lorina." Lorina stated with a curtsy. Feli, however, rolled his eyes at the lavish formality that they showed to each other for fun. When Lorina gave him a stare, Feli introduced himself, but not with the same flourish.
"So, how did you manage to get here, being that you don't look like a noble, I would guess you're on some business?" Alexander asked Feli.
"Yeah, I'm charged with maintaining the king's personal horses, and keeping his stables in order. I was chosen for my reputation of being the finest in all of our kingdom at understanding the needs and feelings of horses. The letter I received said he wanted 'only the best', as any king would. So, in a day or so, I'll have to head to the king's summer castle." Feli responded.
"Oh, well, that's nice. Perhaps I'll see you and your sister again before you head off."
"Actually, my sister will be staying in Cerulia proper. At the inn by the docks. Mainly because she doesn't have an invitation to be at the castle. I will still visit her frequently, though. I won't let her be lonely."
"It's ok, I can take care of myself, brother! You always worry so much about me. I'm not some little kid anymore, though." Lorina exclaimed. Feli looked at her with a raised eyebrow as she flashed a brilliant smile in his direction.
"You better be careful who you share that smile with, or someone will totally try to steal your smile and sell it for treasure!"
"It's nice to meet you both, Feli. Lorina, stay safe. I do hope to see you again soon. I'm due back from this vacation soon. My wife will no doubt be missing me terribly, as I do her." Alexander replied, taking one last bow before heading off into the city once again.
Feeling that it was a bit late for them to still be awake, Feli took his sister back to the harbor for a good night's rest. Once again, Feli was struck by how bright everything was in the nighttime because of the lighting of the city. Once they got back to their room, Lorina got ready for bed and then sat on the bed and asked her brother a question.
"Brother... you keep waking up at night sounding really scared of something. Is something bothering you?" Lorina tried to hide her fear for her brother, but it still showed to him. Years of having to rely on each other had taught them how to tell how the other was feeling.
"It's the war. I don't want anything bad to happen to you, sis."
"Liar. Tell me what's really bothering you!"
"I... don't want you to worry about me. Besides! I'll be working for the king very soon! Unless something terrible happens to him, I'll be fine!" Lorina could tell that her brother was attempting to hide how he felt too. She also took no comfort in how he phrased his defense, because with the war, something could happen to the king at any time.
Lorina decided to let him be and go to bed. That night, while Lorina was asleep, a man dressed in dark blue robes came to their room, and quickly escorted Feli to the King's summer home. Feli was sad that he had to leave in the middle of the night, but he decided to visit her when he had a chance.
When Lorina awoke the following day, all she saw was a purse of silver marks and a few gold medallions. The absence of her brother alerted her to the fact that he had gone to the stables either late at night, or even earlier in the morning than she got up. She understood why, though. The horses needed care early in the morning so they would be ready for the king even if he needed to ride out early in the morning.
Feli performed his duties with the horses. As usual, he started by introducing himself to the horses, and showing them he was gentle but firm. Then, after feeding them, he took them each out for a short trot around the outer courtyard to help them limber up. Once they had some time out of the stables, Feli gave them a nice morning breakfast and a gentle brushing.
Once his morning duties were over, Feli visited his sister briefly, apologizing for leaving in the night, but spending lunch with her early so he could get back to the stables to muck out the stalls. His sister seemed to be doing a great job taking care of herself. She had cleaned the room, made the bed, purchased some food at the market, and had prepared a light lunch.
This routine continued for a few days, but later that week, Feli was interrupted in the afternoon by the advisor-mage to the king and one of the castle handservants.
"This is the boy I sensed, get him cleaned up, and bring him to meet with His Majesty, the king." Sorey, the advisor-mage instructed the handservant. Feli was then dragged away to a hot bath, and given fine clothing suitable for presentation to the king.
When Feli was led into the audience chamber, Sorey addressed King Feroas XXII about the boy standing before him.
"Sire, this boy you see before you is the talented one I felt walk upon the isle. He was your stable boy, but I think he could be more useful to you in another role."
"Explain, Sorey, and quickly." Feroas XXII replied.
"Boy, your name is Feli, is it not? You are duty bound by your king to become a mage. You have the talent, and His Majesty has need of your power. You shall receive training. You are allowed to write one letter to your loved ones, and then you shall join us in serving the king."
Feli was stunned, he felt the blood draining out of his face. He had a feeling the mage he would become would not be on the level of Sorey. Nevertheless, what choice did he have in this matter? The king would either use him as he wished, or kill him. So, he wrote to his sister, but delivered the letter himself.
"Brother! I didn't expect to see you again so soon! Oh, no! I don't have any food ready for you!" Lorina exclaimed.
"No, don't worry about any food. I cannot stay. I came to give you this letter. You are not to open it unless you do not see me again in a cycle of moons."
"Brother, what is this letter about?"
"This letter.. is about my love for you, and my hopes for you should something happen to me in service to the king. But do not open it, promise me, until the time is right you will leave it sealed. If I come back and see it open, I will not be pleased."
"I... ok, I promise." Lorina hoped she would not regret the decision, but she wanted to give hope to her brother, whom looked grim. Feli gave Lorina a hug, and went back to the castle.
For four weeks, Feli was given instruction in magic, but he could not cast any spells. The words were there, but he felt no connection to the arcane energies when he said them. During his studies, he recognized one of the people in the room with him. Out of all the people being trained (for many were all taught at once), the person whom he recognized was none other than Alexander.
Alexander and Feli spoke occasionally to each other, but while they were training, they were so busy they had little time. At night, they were given lessons in swordsmanship through magical means. One of the castle mages cast an enchantment on them and the veteran swordsman, and then as the veteran went through the sword forms, their bodies moved to match the motions.
On the last day of training, they were given a tome, and they were instructed to cast the first spell in the book. Everyone thought it was preposterous that they were expected to do this when they had never had success casting spells before. Everyone drew the magical circle for themselves, and were instructed to start the incantation.
The tomes began to float in the air, the codices flipping through pages, and glowing as light flooded from the pages piercing each person with their own arcane energies. Feli felt the energy engulf him, flooding him, his body feeling empowered. He felt a distinct link to the arcane, and then the energy started rushing through his mind, his thoughts so full of information he couldn't make sense of it all. It flowed so fast that his own thoughts got caught in the rush.
Lorina waited patiently for her brother a cycle of moons. On the last day, she waited up for him, but it was late and she fell asleep. In her dreams, she saw her brother, smiling at her and she cried. The next day, she didn't see him either. She waited, and that evening just before sunset, she sat at the dock, holding the letter in her hands. As she opened it, she heard someone approaching from behind her.
There was a sound of soldiers marching, and she saw that among them was her brother. He didn't notice her, however. He was wearing shining armor, and marching with several others, including Alexander. Shoving the note into her purse, she ran to greet her brother, so happy to see him that she didn't care if he was mad at her or not.
When Lorina grabbed her brother's hand, pulling on it, he looked at her and jerked it away, placing his hand on his sword hilt. He turned back and kept walking toward the boat, and with all the other men in armor, boarded. Lorina was sad and angry, but then she realized why she had been given that letter.
Opening it once again, she tried to read it. Feli had kept the words somewhat simple, so she understood most of it.
"Sister, I'm sorry for what I have done. If you are reading this, it means I am gone. You may have already seen me. I must go fight for the king. I'm a spellbound now, and probably don't recognize you anymore. I love you more than anything. I hope that you will become a wonderful woman, strong and caring. I will try my best to remember you no matter what. Some day, I may remember you. Please, stay safe. I miss you already, Feli"
Breaking down, Lorina cried as if she had never cried before.
Feli got on the ship. Turning back for a moment, he thought the girl who had grabbed his hand looked familiar, and somewhere in the swirl of arcane magics and knowledge, he felt like he knew everything about her, but then he also felt the same way about many things, so he ignored it. When the boat reached the mainland, the sun was setting. As Feli and the other Spellsworn (as they were self-titled) disembarked from the ship a woman came running up to the man in front of him (whom also seemed familiar). The woman cried and grabbed at his arm, and the man stopped walking. He turned his head slowly toward her, but his eyes did not see her.
The woman looked deep into his eyes. A moment later still crying, she began speaking to him.
"Spellbound. You're a spellbound now" she stated as the tears in her eyes dried, "and I suppose that means you'll be marching to the front lines soon." Naturally, the man didn't reply. He had no reason to answer to her. He wasn't asked a question, and he didn't know her.
The woman let go of his arm, and the Spellsworn marched again, due south. The sun glinted off their armor as they marched. Feli thought for a moment on how strangely women acted around them. Crying, saying ridiculous things. How could she not realize the proper term was "Spellsworn", not "Spellbound"? Suddenly, upon thinking that word, a flash of emotion came across Feli. It seemed too familiar, and he felt fearful and sick, but a moment later it was gone.
Feli had left his sister that day in the city of tears. They would not meet again.
