Phantom Hunters | Saphir Casters Academy

25 | Mother's Melody

XXV | MOTHER'S MELODY

    Kael whirled around on his chair when he heard a knock at the door. He looked down at the paper on his desk, filled with random sketches for his sigil core.

    "Coming," he called, turning the paper over before getting up to get the door. He cracked it open, but flung it wide when he saw his brother.

    "Kly! What are you doing here?" Kael grinned widely.

    Kly chuckled. "Good to see you, too, little buddy." He held up one gloved hand. Between his fingers was a white envelope, a red seal holding it shut. "Mail for Kael Smaradine," Kly said in a formal tone. "Should I leave it at the door?"

    Kael laughed. "Who's it from?"

    "Guess," Kly said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. He took a seat on Kael's bed, while the latter dragged his chair across to sit closer to him.

    "Aunt Lana?"

    "Of course! Who else?" Kly handed the letter to Kael. "Well, open it." 

    Kael took the envelope, flipping it to see Lana's pretty handwriting. He tore open the corner of the flap before forcing his finger across the top to roughly tear it open. He pulled out the letter and discarded its shell on the bed.

    He felt a pang of homesickness at the familiar smell of Lana's perfume on the letter. He swallowed nervously and unfolded the parchment.

Kael,

I hope you are well in the Saphir Casters Academy. The farm has been quite quiet without you. I think Hont misses you, but he'll never admit it. Even I must admit that I miss the banter the two of you had everyday even though I always had to yell. Hont talks to Vovy, and sometimes I think he expects a response.

    Kael laughed quietly. He could imagine the bear of a man exchanging beastly words with the old dog, expecting her to respond in kind.

Kly told me that there is an important even coming up in the near future. I have sent something with this letter that may serve as moral support. I hope you have made many friends and grow to be a responsible and proper boy.

Since I am not there with you, I will write down my advice to you here:

Brush your teeth at least twice every day. Make sure to change your underwear once a day, every day. Do not leave your clothes crumpled on the ground as they will smell and tear without proper care.

    Kael guiltily looked at the pile of clothes thrown haphazardly in the corner of the room.

Eat healthy, and do not skip meals even if you feel like it. You are a growing boy that needs all your nutrients. Don't forget to drink your milk at every meal. It will strengthen your bones and help you grow to be as tall as your brother.

Remember that behind you, you have me, Hont, Afia, and Kly to support you. Don't hesitate to ask for help. A strong warrior knows when he is in need of support.

Finally, I will leave you with this:

BE CAREFUL. You are about to learn how to run a dangerous career. If I could help it, I would go right now and drag you back home. But as it is, I can't, so I can only hope that you are safe.