Awakening Book 1: Rebirth [Editing]

Part 2: Jack

The teenager stood on the edge of a frost covered cliff. His cloak was billowing in the wind, revealing his worn leather jacket and thick woollen pants. The wind blew the hood from his head, revealing short black hair. It shifted back and forth with each gust of the icy breeze. His cheeks were white and frostbitten but had a rosy tint from the cold, and his quick breaths produced a light fog.

The light layer of snow crunched as he shifted his feet. He peered over the edge of the cliff, examining what lay below. He spotted the little village far below him, the clan all amassed outside the huts, waiting for him to jump.

It was his sixteenth birthday, his coming of age. Every boy from the clan must jump from the cliff and trust the elders to catch him. His was different. He possessed power and his rite of passage required him to use it. That would be the only way for him to truly be a man.

He balled his fists, steeling himself for the drop. He was confident in his abilities but not in his ability to use them under the circumstances. The chilly air nipped at his ears, telling him to jump. He took a few more deep breaths and muttered a small chant of bravery. He took a step forward and began to plummet towards the ground below.

Fear gripped him as he began to pick up speed. He watched as the village grew in size beneath him. The boy shook his fear and let his instincts take over. He let his magic flow around him, harnessing the air. He could feel his speed slowing as the air pushed upwards beneath him. He let a bit more energy flow, fearing he was still going too fast.

The village was huge beneath him as he pushed hard to bring his body to a stop. When he finally halted, he was floating three feet off the ground. He did a little flip to entertain the crowd and landed on his feet.

Everyone around him cheered, proud of his success. They would have someone to become a new elder, even if he wasn't a native to the mountains. He had been brought to them when he was only three and fostered in the village. They had always treated him as one of their own and that was the way he liked it. He was glad they had been so welcoming and warm, especially in the dark times that had befallen the realm. The hunters always brought back stories of strange things in the woods, and some of the men had disappeared entirely. Having someone to be the elders' successor was comforting to the village. Having someone with power in the clan meant protection.

They began to chant his name, "Jack, Jack, Jack,"

Grand Elder Pyut came forward from the crowd. His brown hands were covered in ceremonial white paint and were held out in front of him. He began to chant the coming of age rite. It was no simple song however. Power sparked at the tips of his fingers as he spoke, charging and enchanting the paint.

The old man walked with strength in his strides, despite his age. Jack suspected it had something to do with magic but had never asked, afriad of being rude. The elder clasped Jack's face in his hands and pressed, transferring the paint onto his face.

The white paint left lines where each finger had pressed into Jack's skin, leaving a design. He could feel the tingle of power against his skin. Slowly, it would seep into his skin leaving permanent marks. The elder stepped back and examined the boy. He inspected the lines of paint and spoke when his decision had been made.

"You bear the mark of the warrior!" He proclaimed to the crowd. Cheers and hoots erupted from the villagers. A warrior hadn't been born into the clan in years.

Pyut turned his back to Jack. A young boy ran out from the crowd and handed the elder a wooden staff. 

"As a new man you are granted a weapon when at this coming of age. The winds have told me are a warrior and I have already witnessed your control of power. This weapon was deposited with you when you arrived here and now you seem to have grown into it. Here, take it," The elder said, his voice sounding strong and official. Jack found it odd, since the elder's voice was usually soft and calm. It only sparked more curiosity about the elder's history.