As War Unfolds: an act of valor

Chapter 1

I stare into the mirror, my eyes looking at my appearance. Long jet black hair reaching my chest, a few freckles on my pale face, and red eyes starring back at me and my half naked self.

I take a deep breath and pick up the bandages from the table. I wrap the bandages around myself, binding my chest. Luckily I have a small chest so it's rather simple. My hand picks up the shears that sit on the table, my eyes still staring into the mirror.

With a few swift snips, my hair is cut to the style of a boy's. I pull on Randall's old tunic and look at myself again. I look much like a boy the age of 18, a year younger than me.

"Do I really want to do this?" I ask myself out loud. I then shake my head, "Of course I don't want to, but I need to."

I now understand Randall's decision three years ago. Mother isn't getting better and the doctor's raised his price. I need to do this, for Randall, for Mother, and for my poor Father.

I pull on the leather jacket my father out grew and sling my pack over my shoulders. With one last look at my bedroom, I turn and leave.

My parents think that I'm going to a mage's college to increase my skill of healing where I'll pick up a few jobs and send money. Father has ordered me to focus my abilities on healing so I can come back and heal Mother.

I step into Mother's room and look at her sleeping form. A small smile graces my lips as I cross the room to her. After pulling the quilt back over her shoulder, I give her a quick peck on the cheek.

I brush her hair from her face and say, "I'll see you soon."

I leave the room before tears can spill.

After scribbling down a farewell note to Father and Mother, I leave the house, heading to the pavilion.

A few boys who I recognize from school stand in line at the pavilion. The wagon sits next to the pavilion, almost full. I stand in line behind Axel, keeping my head down. Axel steps us to the table and signs his name. I step up next only to be stopped by Sir Orson.

"Come back in three days," he places his hand on my shoulder, keeping me from continuing. "Cart's full."

"But Sir." I protest in my best boy voice, but he speaks before I can continue.

"I said, come back in three days." he shoves me off the pavilion.

I hit the ground, back first, dust being kicked up around me. I conjure up the only spell I can do well. I summon a small flame the size of a small rock.

It's to late, he's already turned around. Sir Gillion who sits at the front of the wagon sees me and his eyes widen.

"Orson," Gillion says in shock, "Turn around."

Sir Orson turns around as told and looks around. His eyes land on me, his eyes portray fear.

"I heard you needed battle mages." I smirk, playing with the fire.

"What's your name, lad?" Gillion asks.

I had thought of this part, "Al Killian."

"Sign him up, Orson." Gillion orders.

Still not speaking, I watch as Orson writes down my name.

A smile plays at Gillion's lips, "Climb aboard lad."

I snuff out the fire as I stand. There's no room in the wagon so I stand on the back step, holding onto the backing.

"I didn't know Alaine had another brother." Axel says to me.

"You going to call me a freak too?" I raise my eyebrow.

"Course not," he looks nervous, "We're comrades now."