Summoner's Second Chance

Chapter 15

Trace was reprimanded for his actions the night before. His father, and even his mother was very furious at their son's action. In their heart, they are proud that their son had become a warrior, but on the other hand, they are still very worried about him. They do not want to see their son die an early death. Trace somehow managed to remain calm the whole time, but that is because his mind was somewhere else; the man who was capable of controlling Einherjars. "If that stone is the key to all of this..." The guards from the other day had paid him a visit early this morning. Their intention was to first express their thank you, and to inform him of the Black Moon.

Trace closed his eyes as cool spring breeze whisked past through him, carrying some strands of his hair and messing them. He looked up to the moon, and marveled in its beauty. Trace was restless, for the enemy he is searching might be closer than he once thought. He looked at his hand, and curled them into a ball. "Black Moon... I will make you all tell me what I want to know... If you are indeed the reason for my long suffering..." Trace closed his eyes, letting memories of his beloveds' blood fuel his anger. "Brother? Are you alright?" Trace opened his eyes, startled by the voice. Beside him was his sister, looking at him with eyes of worry.

Trace shook his head with a smile, pushing away the beast of vengeance that has once again appeared. "No Melody, I am alright." Melody nodded, but she knew better. Never in her life had she seen her brother that angry, it was enough to make her take a step back when she first entered the room. "Brother... If you say so, I will believe you." Melody walked closer, took her brother's hand, and raised it in front of her chest. "But if you need anything, anything at all, I will do it for you." Trace felt the anger in his heart subside, as her sister's warmth seeped into his heart. He pulled his sister closer, and held her tight. He closed his eyes, and rested his head on her shoulder. "Thank you Melody. I am blessed by the gods, for they have given me a sister like you." Melody smiled, and closed her eyes also. "Think nothing of it. The night you saved my life was the night I became yours, and I will do everything for you, even if it kills me."

Trace opened his eyes slightly and remembered back to the night when he was only eleven. It was a stormy summer night when it could've been a quiet night like any others. As he rushed his way to the mansion, he heard a loud crash. He spotted a carriage, drowning in the lake where he used to play. The horses was gone, and the driver had an arrow through his heart. Not thinking of his own safety, he immediately jumped onto it, and opened the carriage door that was not submerged. Inside, he saw a man, a woman, and a small girl around his age. The man and the woman was dead, an obvious knife wound going through their neck. Not knowing what death means, he tried to wake them up, but it was futile. Death had claimed their soul, and the only survivor was the little girl. Water is starting to rush in through the door, and Trace was only able to drag the girl out.

Trace carried the girl home, braving the darkness and enduring the cold water that unrelentingly batters his still immature body. His father and mother was met by a soaked Trace. His head to toe was soaked, and he is trembling like a leave, for the cold is unbearable. Scorpion immediately tells his whole household to take care of Trace, and the girl. Before passing out from the fatigue, Trace managed to squeeze out the details of where he found the girl, and what happened to her parents. From that, it was blur, for the fatigue and the cold made him have to rest for a week because of a fever.

"Come now Melody. Do not say that." Trace released his sister, and cupped her cheeks with his hands. "I saved you not because I want you to owe me your life, and I did not ask you to be adopted so you could be my shield." Melody gave Trace a sweet smile, and held one of his hand as she nuzzled it. "I understand... but this is one thing that I will still do, even if you told me no." Trace smiled as he sighed through his nose. He closed his eyes, and touched his forehead with hers. "Such a stubborn girl..." Melody closed her eyes and smiled, following her brother's lead. "Are you not the one who taught me to be stubborn, brother?" Trace laughed, and opened his eyes. "That is true. Well then, shall we go downstairs? Father and mother is probably waiting for us. Dinner is going to be served soon." Melody happily nodded, and followed behind Trace.