Realm of Ash Series: Soul Bond (Book 1)

CHAPTER 4 - ROLAND

Once brittle as a foal, Artimus now stood strong and tall like an ox.

The burley, strong willed father of Roland, wore his crimson crystal necklace every day keeping his promise to Nefario, as a reminder; a way out from his grievances if he ever needed it. This was enough to motivate the man into a world that he had accepted for what it was. His inner strength grew with resilience and never needed to make his wish. He committed to his choices and changes that came from the heart for his family, but no change large enough to ask of the crystal, and so he worked hard and smart alongside the community as the Blacksmith of the Amber Anvil in Blackwall.

"Roland! Your breakfast is ready."

Yelled Roland's caring mother, Emonie, and wife to Artimus. Roland had a different upbringing to Artimus and was raised in a humble, caring home in Blackwall, home-schooled by his loving mother.

Roland, ran downstairs, grabbed a wooden stool, and dove into his breakfast.

"Don't forget to feed the chickens before meeting your father at work later, poor things nearly starved to death last week!"

"Mhmm" Roland grumbled with a mouthful of food, as he ploughed through his porridge.

He finished his meal, got up and hugged his mother sitting opposite the kitchen table.

"I was hoping to meet up with Ulric later if that's ok. I haven't seen him in a while" Roland requested.

Feed the chickens, then we will talk once your father is home. You know how he gets with that family".

"Ulric isn't like his dad".

Emonie remained silent and pointed outside towards the chicken pen, to which Roland now reluctantly dragged himself towards.

Roland was raised well, but was a quiet young man, unfortunately sheltered so much from confrontation by his protective parents, it was hard to make friends anyway.

The boy stood up to stretch his back and gazed up at the enormous, grand oak tree looming over his garden, rooted on the other side of his back garden fence. He paused for a moment and squinted as the bright morning sun began to gleam through passing storm clouds, as the rain began to cease, smiling at the calm sound of rustling leaves in the breeze. The ambience was complimented with the clucking sound of chickens receiving their breakfast as he scattered the feed. Although disheartened, he beamed as a reminder at how beautiful and simple life can be, both with and without friends; an inner simplicity which he accepted as an unfortunate circumstance but welcomed as an independent solitude.

This humble reality stemmed from his father when he was a young boy too, Artimus, was wise beyond his years and could see the bigger picture of life. He grew his family empire honestly, working as a blacksmith to save enough money to support Emonie and Roland. Striving to produce stellar grade weaponry, armour, village development materials and even cargo and fishing supplies for the fisheries and travellers who frequented the small settlement.

It was honest work, and maybe enough to hand over to his offspring someday.

Roland, a respectful and driven young boy would arrive at work on time every day, throwing on his forging gloves, protective apron and got straight to work for his father as an assistant. It was not fame and fortune, nor was he born to be the best blacksmith, but he was a boy who knew to work hard and to help his father provide for his frail mother and live a happy life.

Roland hurried to work to hopefully meet up with Ulric collecting his usual order of fishhooks from the Amber Anvil.

Arriving at work he greeted his father.