From The Ashes

Part Three

The walk back home was a quiet one. We all were still processing the fact that Eian was some kind of all power mage and we hadn’t known the whole time. It was a lot to take in and we really needed to have a conversation. As we entered our cottage we all silently took a seat in the living room. It was almost dark now and was starting to get chilly so we started a fire and got as comfortable as we could. Cass finally attempted to break  the tension.
  “Well, I guess Eian should have started the fire instead.” He said with a weak smile.
  “Yeah..we need to talk about that. Well, we need to talk about everything.” I said.
  “I actually had a few questions.” Cass said. “First, Rei, how did you not know he was so powerful?” He inquired. I honestly didn’t know how to respond. I started feeling guilty, like I should have noticed he was special.
  “Well, I guess I just don’t know a lot about magic in general. I didn’t know mages had specialties so I assumed Eian doing all those things was just normal.” I replied. “I tried to learn more but I couldn't understand any of Eian’s books. Some parts of them are even in a different language.”
  “No they’re not. I can read all of them, there’s no different language?” Eian said, confused.
“Okay, we’ll get back to that.” Cass said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Eian, why didn’t you know that you were special. Didn’t any of your books talk about specialties?” He asked.
  “Um, I kind of knew I was strong but not like Rose said. I just thought it was just because I read so much and I learned fast. But the specialty thing is new to me. All of my books are just on specific types of magic, they don’t mention anything about only being able to do one or two.” He said with a shrug.
  “Alright, now back to this different language thing. Show us one of your books, bud.” Cass said. Eian grabbed one of his new spellbooks off the coffee table and opened it in his lap. I leaned over his shoulder, skimming the pages.
  “There,” I said pointing to a paragraph at the bottom of a page. “This doesn’t make any sense.” The writing looked like symbols, but ones I’d never seen. They resembled letters but I couldn’t make out a single one.
  “Yes it does. It says ‘This spell’s origin comes from ancient Sedonia, modern day Wrenn, and was created by Edwyn Giles. All credit to this discovery goes to him and the Giles family and will be recorded in The Magical Registry.’ A lot of basic spells have a passage like this. I guess it’s so you know where the spell comes from.” I just stared, glancing between the page and Eian.
  “Eian..you can read this?” Cass asked, hovering over my shoulder.
  “Yeah, you guys can’t?” He asked.
  “No, honey this is definitely in a different language. We should probably go back to Rose for help.” I said. My mind was spinning. In one day I find out that Eian is not only an immensely powerful mage but he can understand another language and I didn’t even know what that language was.
  “Yeah okay, but can we do it tomorrow? I’m really hungry.” Eian said. I looked outside to realize it was almost dark and I hadn’t even started dinner.
  “Oh sweetie I’m sorry, it is pretty late. I’ll make us something.” I said. “Cass, do you wanna stay for dinner?” I asked.  I hoped he would. I honestly needed support right now.
   “Well, I’m already here.” He said, flashing me a warm smile.
  “Alright, I’ll make some dinner. You guys can hang out till I’m done.” I said.

  Dinner was nice but there was still some tension. It was a normal meal but something felt off, it was like we knew something big was about to affect all of us we just didn’t know what. After he’d finished eating Eian took a seat in front of the fire and curled up with his new book and Cass followed. He was so innocent and sweet.
  I was in the kitchen, cleaning up the dishes from dinner when a hand sudden on my shoulder startled me.
  “Wow, jumpy aren’t we?” Cass said.
  “Shit, you scared me. Don't be so sneaky.” I said, turning back to the sink. Cass laughed lightly.
  “Okay I’m sorry.” He said. “Eian fell asleep on the floor. Here, I’ll dry.” He said, standing to my right. I was happy to oblige and passed him a towel.
  “It’s a lot to process right?” He said, drying a large ceramic bowl.
  “Yeah, no kidding. My kid is a magic genius and I had no idea. For Gods’ sake I made him hide it. I mean who does that? Just because I’m so scared of losing someone I care about again I have to sacrifice their happiness? I’m so selfish. Oh and what about the language thing I mean-” Cass stopped me.
  “Rei, relax. You’re rambling.” He said calmly. I took a deep breath.
  “I just feel terrible. I should have known.” I said.
  “You can’t blame yourself. There’s no one to blame actually. Eian is what matters. What we need to do now is guide him and be there for him.”He said calmly.
  “Yeah, you’re right.” I replied. 
  “Oh, that is my favorite thing to hear.” He said with a grin.
“Shut up.” I said nudging him with my elbow.
  “But hey” He said with a more serious tone. “I really think he should go to the capital.” I didn’t say anything. “Listen to me Rei, he is special. He might even be the key to winning the war, or at least getting a leg up.” I snapped, slamming a plate into the sink. It shattered and I was surprised it didn't wake Eian.
  “He’s a child! None of it will matter if he ends up dead! I can’t just send him away!” Tears welled up in my eyes and my cheeks flushed. I hated crying. It made me feel weak. But it was too late. The flood gates had opened.
“Rei..” Cass said softly. He pulled me into a hug and I sobbed. The thought of losing Eian was too much. I gripped the back of Cass’ tunic. He stroked my hair, trying to calm my cries. “Reika, look at me.” He said. Reluctantly I lifted my head. He gently wiped a tear from my cheek. “There’s no need to get all worked up. He’s not going to die. I won’t let that happen. You don’t have to send him away either, you can stay with him. They can’t force him to fight anyway. We can at least take him to the capital  just to check things out. I’ll go with you okay? We can make a final decision tomorrow after we talk to Rose.  It’s going to be alright.”  I didn’t understand how he was always so composed. I couldn’t say anything. I just nodded and took a seat at the table. After collecting myself for a minute I finally responded.
  “Cass. Thank you. For always being here. I really have no idea where I’d be without you.” I said, my throat raw from crying. He smiled and took a seat next to me.
  “Of course. Thanks for always being you.” He said.
  “Oh yes, my panicky and overprotective self.” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes.
   “No Rei really. You’re amazing. I love you.” Cass said genuinely. I didn’t think anything of it, of course we loved each other, we were best friends.
  “Aw, I love you too.” I replied. “Now go carry Eian to bed I don’t wanna” I said with a smirk.