The Rise of Sigmund the Sorcerer

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Family History

Early in the morning, I was back in the halls of Milkweed Academy before classes were to start for the day. Since I'd become the newest member of the school board, I had to be sworn in by the Headmaster with other members as witness. My father accompanied me on the trip back to the academy from Germany. He wanted to be in attendance for my swearing in ceremony.

As we turned into the academy's great hall, I looked up at my father as he marveled at the surroundings. His head turned left and right and occasionally, he paused to view something before catching himself and returning to my side. Like a child in a candy store. I found it humorous. This was his first time walking the halls with me and I was enjoying it.

Finding the Headmaster's office, I stopped at the doorway to straighten up my academy blazer and smooth out the fringe of my hair over my forehead. My father glanced at me and chuckled.

"You look fine, son!" He told me, catching my attention. I blushed.

"I just wanted to be sure."

"Are you nervous?"

"...just a bit. Ja."

"There's no need." My father assured me. "You were asked to be part of the board for a reason. You've already proven yourself with that examination. The oath is just accepting your seat at the table."

I knew that, but it was nerve wracking for another reason, entirely. As we stepped into the office together, my eyes fell on board members that were queued up to enter the conference room. More than a few of them glanced over to the door as I opened it and when they realized it was indeed me, the only youth in the room, there was instant whispers and chatter. This is what I'd been nervous about, the mumbling. I had past traumas with gossips and I just knew I wouldn't fit in here. I already felt isolated from the glances alone.

There was something else I'd taken notice of though, the looks my father was receiving. Questioning looks. Looks of curiosity. I wasn't sure what that was about, but surely he was allowed to view the ceremony. Right? I hadn't exactly asked, but I needed him for support. Even if he wasn't allowed, I would've had him at my side.

"Has Merlin arrived for the morning?" My father asked a green-skinned witch, who had been waiting with the other board members. She shook her head.

"No, not yet..." She sighed in annoyance. "Late as always, but you knew that, Freud! Haha! It's been years now. Same song and dance."

My eyes widened when my father's name hit my ears. Freud. How did she know my father's name? As far as I knew, my father had never been associated with any witches. Unless they'd spoken over the phone, by chance? I figured that was the case until the question from him had caught the attention of other board members.

"Freud?!" An older wizard in the que gasped. "As in Freud Nightbreed?"

My father laughed one of his hearty laughs, his cheeks burning in an embarrassed blush as other board members turned to look for themselves. With a couple of them gathering around him, my father reached out to shake hands as they seemed to come to their own realizations.

"Oh wow! What are you doing here?"

"My goodness! It's been ages!"

"I knew the name was familiar!"

"How wonderful to see you again!"

Again?! Was this not my father's first time here after all? I was beyond confused in this moment as my father stood in front of me, seemingly catching up with more than a few of the members of the board. How was this even happening? How did he know these people?