Awakening Book 1: Rebirth [Editing]

Part 13: William

"You left this open all day?" Lyssa said to William in shock as she ran her fingers over the wound on his shoulder. He winced as she pressed, feeling the cut.

They were in one of the many dormitories inside the barracks attached to the east side of Watcher's Keep. To Will's surprise the dorm rooms were co-ed. He guessed the Sentinels had strict rules and doubted anyone got up to anything. But then again, there were a lot of teenagers in the initiate ranks.

The room was a long rectangle and had many single beds lined up along the two longer walls. Each bed had a trunk in front, just like his. It was the evening and everyone was in the rooms preparing for bed. He noticed many people staring at him and whispering to friends. It made him feel slightly uncomfortable. He hadn't spent much time in his room, and was only ever there when it was empty. This was his first day in the keep after all. He had spent the day training and exploring, so he hadn't had the time to introduce himself to any of the initiates. He guessed that he would have to tonight, when he returned to his room. He returned his attention to Lyssa.

"Yeah, it didn't really hurt," He said, shrugging. He winced again, his shoulder suddenly very sore.

"This could have gotten infected. I honestly can't believe it isn't," She said, waving her palm over the wound. Will could feel a tingle as the flesh merged together, seamlessly closing the gash. The relief was instantaneous. 

"You really have to teach me how to do that," He said.

"Oh, it's not so hard. I use a spell but I have been training in the use of my mind here. You just have to focus on creation. Will the wound to close. And you have to provide some power as well. The larger or more life threatening the wound, the more power required, and you need stronger concentration. I can't reattach a limb but some very experienced healers can. I think one of the elders has done it before, but that is just a story. Here, try it out on your bruises," She said, pointing to the many blue marks on his arms.

Training had been rough, but no one had been able to make him yield. Will felt pride in that, for he was not a soldier and the initiates here had been training for years. He smiled to himself at the thought. He shifted his thoughts and focused on his bruises.

He raised his right hand over his arm and began to think of creation. Creation, what can I focus on? he wondered. But then he got it. He imagined a seed sprouting its first shoot and instantly felt the power flow. His purple and blue marks began to fade away, returning to their original colouring.

He smiled, proud once again. He prodded his skin with his left index finger and found that no pain came. He was healed. He looked to Lyssa and smiled.

"Thanks. This will be very handy,"

"Indeed, especially where you're headed," She replied. "Oh, and you're welcome," She added, flashing him a smile. 

"And where am I headed, exactly? You promised to explain some things earlier. Are you still willing to?"

"Of course I am. Let's see, where should I begin? I'm guessing you know who we are and what you are?"

"Yeah, well enough. How 'bout you try explaining the war we are heading into."

"Sure. Well, you need to sit on the heart of the world, right? And right now, the Shadow Lords are down there, and have been for centuries. Those bastards are old and cranky and probably don't want to just get up and leave as soon as we arrive. So, we are gonna have to oust 'em. And after that, the evil things waking up are going to want to rule the world like they used to. So we are going to have to fight them too. And you hold power that will make all this go much smoother," 

"Hmmm, okay. What kind of evil things?" 

"You know, dragons, goblins, undying spirits. All the stuff from the legends. It was all real, way back before they were bound by the Shadow Lords. And they each had control over the world and they probably want it back,"

"Great, sounds like its going to be a wonderful adventure," Will said sarcastically.

"Oh don't worry it will. It's going to be so exciting," She giggled with delight. "The armies moving out, protecting the world from evil. Just like in the songs and legends!"

"Maybe, for give me if having the pressure of saving the world is putting me in a bad mood,"

"No, I get it," She put a hand on his shoulder. "I wouldn't want to be in your place, but I'm glad that it's you who we have. I saw you fighting, it was both beautiful and frightening. And you aren't some arrogant lordling either. I know you will be the hero we all need,"

"Thanks, I guess that makes me feel better. Well, I guess you know my story, what about yours?"

"Oh, it's not really that interesting. Same as anyone else's. Recruited by the Sentinels when they were young. Trained her ever since,"

"I'm sure there is much more than that. Come on, at least tell me where you're from,"

"Fine. I was born in the southern wilds, into a forest clan,"

"Well that was a great tale. Absolutely gripping. I loved the part when she actually told me something substantial about herself," He gave her a sarcastic smile as he spoke the words.

"Dig, dig, dig is that what you are going to keep doing?"

"Yes," 

Lyssa sighed hard, but gave in. "Fine, I don't know why it's so important to you though,"

"I just want to get to know you Lyssa. You are my first friend here. Granted I almost killed you and I'm surprised you didn't just run away but the fact is you didn't and here we are just talking about me. Can you tell me why this is so difficult?"

She sighed again. "I'm touched, truly. It was just a bad time, okay?"

"Why? Tell me what happened, please," Will said, doubting he would get a response. But to his surprise the girl began to tell her story.

"Well, as you have surely noticed, I have power. Magic is not a common trait, and rarely goes unnoticed, especially by the Shadow Lords. They send their Black Knights searching for children with power and lock them away before they can learn to wield it. Well, one faithful day the knights payed a visit to our little village. It wasn't the first time though, they came once every year but I always hid. But that day there was no hiding. I had been treating a wounded hunter as they thundered into the camp. Realizing my age they were furious I had been hidden from them. They labeled the clan as traitors and began murdering everyone," Tears began to well in her eyes, but she continued. 

"They killed my parents last, forcing me to watch as they tortured them with their black magic. Oh yes, the knights have power. They are the product of those black keeps, where they lock up the gifted children. And after they were done, they turned to me. I still don't fully understand what happened then but somehow I drew strength from my fear and my rage and I lashed out with my power. Then I ran. I fled into the forest, taking routes I knew they couldn't follow. They hunted me for days but they gave up, I guess they thought I was lost or dead. I had nowhere to return to anyways.

"I'm not sure how many days I spent wandering but the Sentinels found me. Hungry and scared they took me in and gave me a home. So now I am here, training to exact my revenge on the bastards who murdered my family and friends," Tears were streaming down her cheeks. 

Will stretched out his arms, wrapping them around Lyssa's trembling body. He pulled her close, and she rested her head on his shoulder. He moved his lips to her right ear.

"I promise you, we will tear each one limb from limb. They will regret the day they ever came after you as their life's blood pools on the floor beneath them. We shall never again live in fear, I promise," Even though it was a whisper, his words still carried weight.

"Thank you," He heard faintly.