Cursed Turrim

Chapter 1: The Blacksmith

Every day for the past year, I've woke up before the sound of the clocktower bell which would afterward solemnly chime throughout Falsum, marking the start of a new day. Mages from the Magus Guild were already casting spells to imitate the sun on the crystal ceiling. Another beautiful, normal morning in Falsum.

Slowly, but definitely, I've been counting the days to my sixteenth birthday. The days leading up to it made it feel as if time was just dragging on before I could come one step closer to starting my dream. Especially the last twenty-four hours, which even none of my friends could help cure the horrible disease known as boredom.

My name is Val Socitus, and I'm a year younger than all of my friends in my group, and we have been waiting for the day that I finally turned sixteen. Why? Well, the answer is quite simple really. Now that I was considered an adult, we're going to explore the Turrim of course! For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to climb the tower with my friends, it's all of our dreams, and today is the day that we are going to become adventurers!

I put on my ragged undershirt and quickly rush to get my legs through brown, worn breeches. The first step, completed.

Second Step, run to the washroom to make sure I beat the rest of the kids there. After all, I have a busy day ahead of me.

"Val! Where in Deorum's Earth do you think you're going so fast?" An eerie, bone-chilling voice called out to me from down the hall, catching me on my way out of my lovely abode. Sister Pulchra, also known as the Witch of Socitus Church, or at least among my friends and me. Sister Pulchra may be beautiful like her name suggests, but her personality is completely stuck up. If I had a copper piece for every time I've heard someone bad mouth her, I'd have enough to buy one of Falsum's Treasures! Assuming they're for sell that is.

"Sorry, Sister Pulchra, I'll slow down," I'm careful to be calm and respectful. If I put up too much of a fight, it'll just be more trouble than it's worth.

"Hmpf, just because it's your birthday, don't be getting cocky, Boy," Pulchra's tone hadn't changed, but I swear I saw a smile creep on her lips. The unusual sight made me shudder as I rounded the corner and found myself right by my destination, and luckily for me, it was unoccupied.

In the washroom, as per usual, I fix my bedhead with large amounts of water and comb my dusty, brown hair; however, the back of my head isn't as willing to work with me, but I can't wait around all day just to fix something as minor as a cowlick.

I finish getting ready by rinsing out my mouth with water, slipping on my sandals, and praying to the Deorum.

Step three, leave the church and go meet up with my friends. Today, we were going to the Magus Guild to get our Adventurers License. I started off by running towards the Shopping District, and from there I slowed down to walk.

I stopped to catch my breath and noticed the merchants lined strategically along the street to offer their samples to returning adventurers. Unlike those who stayed in Falsum, the alluring chime of the clocktower bell marked the end of the day for those who explored the Turrim.

"Get ya' apples here!"

"Come on up adventurers!"

"You need it, we keep it!"

Adventurers would be flowing into town like a wild herd of sheep, some would stop by the nearby merchants, and others would tiredly march to their home.

"Hey Val, today's y'er big day, huh?" I'd recognize that rough, raspy voice anywhere. Lacus Vulcan, he was the local blacksmith, but usually, I'd find him fishing in Falsum Lake. He was an excellent blacksmith who took in a lot of custom orders, and someone who I'd call a friend.

"Yessir! I'm actually going to the Magus Guild right now!" I was happy to see him, he had this wide smile that his unkempt beard covered. He wore smithing goggles atop his bald head that he kept covered with a rag. According to his wife, he had a soft spot for kids, so I'm hoping he doesn't start treating me differently now that I'm sixteen.

"Well, I'll be darned. I've been looking after you since you were just a small little puer, or maybe it was you looking out for me!" The blacksmith let out a hearty chuckle and patted my shoulder with his large, hoarse hands and with each pat I felt myself bounce up and down.

"Yes, it has been quite a while, Eques Vulcan, thank you for taking care of me after all of these years," I was grateful for his continuous care in the years leading up today. If it weren't for Eques Vulcan, I'd have suffered a lot of lickings from Sister Pulchra. My friends and I were quite a few troublemakers and had a bit of a name for ourselves.

"Haha! It's been a pleasure, Filius," Filius was something he called every now and then, though I wasn't sure why. Eques Vulcan extended his thick hand and took mine in it and shook it vigorously. For someone being at such an old age, he was always full of energy.

"As much as I'd like to continue, Eques Vulcan, I think I should take off,"

"Ah, right, but before you do I have a gift, please give me a second," he bent beneath his booth that he had set up for adventures, and when he came back up, he laid a cloth on the table no bigger than his hand.

"This is for you little puer- oh, sorry, I guess you aren't a kid anymore," He let out a booming chuckle and nudged me to unveil what was under the cloth. I was a bit nervous as a gripped the silk-like rag that soaked the sweat from my hand. I tugged on the cloth and the hilt of a blade was revealed, and I revealed the rest of what was the most beautiful dagger I ever laid my eyes upon. The hilt had fancy engravings that swirled in distinct patterns all the way up to the guard, which was finished by a black steel blade. Next to it laid a sheath made out of a boars hide and a piece of rope that would be used to tighten the blade in its case.

"W-wow! Thank you so much Eques Vulcan, I'll definitely pay you back when I get the chance!" I tied the hilt to my belt and fit the blade into its sheath. It fit perfectly. I was so excited that I forgot for a moment that I was supposed to go to the Magus Guild.

"Ah! Sorry, I should really go!" I was upset that I had to leave without giving all of my thanks, but I'd make sure to thank him lots later.

"Don't worry about it boy, and happy birthday!" Esques Vulcan an understanding smile as he waved his goodbyes.

I ran down the street and heard the alarming clock tower bell ring yet again, noting that another hour has passed. I was late!

A man a few buildings ahead had just opened his door and was holding it open for his wife, lucky chance! I picked up my pace, and before he closed the door I ran through it, "Excuse me, sorry, in a rush!"

I dodged the kitchen table and hopped out of the open window on the opposite side of the house. I could hear the man's uproar on the other side of the building, and he clearly wasn't happy. Though thanks to my detour I saved myself time.

A few blocks and alleys later, I arrive at the Magus Guild building, but before approaching it I take a look at myself in a glass window as I catch my breath. My hair was all over the place and back to a mess, and the beads of sweat running down my face didn't help my cause either. However, I was finally here, and my determination hasn't wavered.