This was a day I would never forget, but I didn't know it then. I had been training for several hours, trying desperately to use the spell tomes I had stolen the other day from an old wizard's cabin. No fire, no electric, no dark. Nothing was working. I threw the books onto the floor out of frustration, but by the time they had landed, J'khar was glaring at me, standing in the doorway.
"Zaszi, you're only twelve. You're not expected to know magic yet." he said.
I groaned in response. He looked down for a second, as if contemplating something, then spoke again.
"The boss needs you."
My ears perked up in surprise. "The boss? Why would he need to talk to me?"
"I don't know, but you better get your ass over there." he said as his eyes narrowed once more and his voice turned harsh.
He left my cabin along with me a few seconds later. It was a windy and snowy December night, and I wrapped my cloak around myself to stay warm. As I walked through the bandit camp, I noticed it was much less busy than usual, most likely do to the cold. The only person outside was Miczek, working the forge. Regardless, I made my way to the boss's cabin. His cabin was much bigger than the others, and had a bear's head fitted above the door. I walked in nervously, my tail not moving.
"Zaszinoszczą," I heard him say my name.
I quickly looked up at him. "Yes, sir?"
He then looked at me with a toothy grin. His brown fur shone under the candlelight and his golden eyes were staring right into mine. "My dear Zaszi, I've been impressed with how you've been performing lately. You seem so dedicated to our clan."
I smiled and waved my tail "That is because I am! I have started to learn magic!"
He chuckled. "Yes, dear. I know, I know. But I'm afraid that must be put on hold for now." At the sound of this, my face fell and my heart started racing. I didn't want to be put back in the cell.
"S-Sir! I'm so sorry! I promise I won't-"
Before I could finish, he had stood up and put his tail over my mouth.
"You're not in trouble, I'm just going to give you a different responsibility," I quivered and started to relax a bit. He continued.
"Recently, we raided a black market auction correct?"
"Yes," I said. "The auctioneer screamed like a burning pig." He chuckled at my comment.
"Well, of the wares we recovered is this." He set down a basket with a blanket covering something inside of it. "Go on. Take a look." Slowly, I pulled the basket towards me and pulled off the sheet. What I saw next made my jaw drop.
"A kit?!"
He smirked. "Yes... And you're going to train him into a warrior."
I stared at the kit. His fur was jet black and he was too young to open his eyes. He squirmed in response to the loss of warmth, so I put the cover back over him. "B-But I'm only twelve!"
He frowned. "Zaszi, we're running short on members and you're the only one here fit to care for a child."
I knew it had to be done, but I never expected to become a mother at such a young age. I took the basket in my arms. "But how will I feed him? I haven't reached breeding age."
He thought for a moment, he clearly hasn't thought of this. "Ask Mażi for warm milk, but I know you will be changing soon. There is no need to fret." After this statement, he looked my body over. I began to feel uncomfortable. I held the basket up to my chest.
"I'll do it. I'll make him into a warrior. Whatever you say, sir."
He grinned. "Wonderful," he said, tail waving "I'm sure you'll make a caring mother."
Before, he could say any more, I left, carrying the basket in my arms, and walked back to my cabin. I shut the door with my tail and sat down on my bed, setting the basket next to myself. I took a deep breath, then took the cover off the kit once more, picked him up, and set him on my bed. I laid on my side and watched him. He walked on all fours and was about the size of a normal kitten. He stumbled around for a little, then started to whimper and mew. I frowned and pulled him close to my chest, and before I knew it, he was sleeping. Something about that moment really captivated me. I knew this was the start of something big. I stroked his head.
"Rzłwyn..." I said partially to myself and partially to him. "Your name is Rzłwyn."
Still holding him close, I laid my head on my pillow and turned out the light. I closed my eyes and curled up, trying to surround him with my warmth. Slowly I drifted into unconsciousness.
