The Prophecy of Moonlight

Chapter 5

Lucius woke up the next morning. He was expecting to wake up in his bed at the orphanage, and it took him a moment to remember his surroundings and why he was there. Memories of last evening and night flashed back to him, and he held the bedpost to steady himself. After a while of standing there, Lucius realized that he felt at ease and even excited to explore the tree and its inhabitants. Getting up and stretching, he opened the door of his room and surveyed the hall. Outside, a boy not more than nine was dozing off by the wall next to his door. At the sound of the door opening, he startled awake and quickly got to his feet.

"I'm so sorry! I-I-I was just, uhm,....." The boy's squeaky voice trailed off.

Lucius couldn't help but laugh at the boy's look of guilt. "It's fine. I didn't know they'd give me my own personal escort. What's your name?"

"My name is Jaxon, sir," said the boy.

"No need to call me 'sir.' Just call me Lucius," said Lucius.

"Um, okay. Lucius," said Jaxon hesitantly, as though not entirely sure whether or not it was acceptable.

As Jaxon shifted from foot to foot awkwardly, Lucius decided to ask, "Where can I go to wash myself?"

Jaxon perked up, glad to be of assistance. "Follow me." He headed off, trailing through the winding passages as unhesitantly as Beatrix. Obviously, the boy knew his way well.

Pretty soon, Lucius had made himself presentable and was standing in the Dining Hall, wondering what to do. There were not as many people as before, but still plenty. They were all seated in their own groups at various tables, eating and conversing. Lucius didn't know where to sit. Jaxon, who had grown considerably more comfortable with him, tugged at his sleeve.

"Al said he's saved a spot for you."

Leading him to a table close to the pavillon, Jaxon escorted him to a particularly rowdy group. Lucius saw Al immediately and recognized some of the others from the night before.

Catching Lucius's eye, Al announced, "Here he is! Give him a round of applause!" The wizards clapped loudly and Lucius sheepishly took the empty seat Al offered. Jaxon had already left.

Gradually, Lucius began to enjoy the food and the conversation. The wizards were a warm and clamorous bunch, but Lucius appreciated their humor all the same. When he was done eating, Al turned to him and said, "Aaqil said you were to start taking a few lessons of magic."

Lucius was surprised. "He did? He didn't mention it last night."

"Just said this morning before he had to leave for some urgent business." As Al said this, Lucius looked at the pavillon. The same people were there as last night, but Aaqil's seat was empty.

"So, if you would like, you can start with me first. I'm not only known for being able to talk to animals. You see, I also happen to be one of the best swordsman you'll find in this entire tree," said Al, pretending and failing to be humble.

Lucius was amazed, but imagining Al in a ferocious, serious sword fight with someone did make him want to laugh. All the same, he'd never wielded or even seen an actual sword before, so he was excited and nervous about learning.

"Sure, I would really like that," said Lucius, rising from the table and following Al.

Lucius stood facing Al, both with wooden practice swords in their hands. Lucius had caught onto the techniques fast, and Al had decided that he was ready for a bit of practicing.

"Come at me," said Al, standing in the ready stance.

With lightning speed, Lucius, surprising even himself, came at Al and feigned a strike towards Al's right. He pivoted and instead stuck at Al's chest. Al parried, though with some difficulty. Lucius kept moving, flitting around everywhere striking and parrying as needed. His mind was working faster than normal, and every opportunity and strike seemed to stand out clearly. Before he knew it, he had Al pinned to the ground, swordless.