Explore Oren's Mind Control magic

"It's alright, lad. That old geezer doesn't know what he's on about..." Ishi spat.

I silently tied up my horse in the barn, fumbling with the reigns.

Ishi snatched the reigns from me and asked "You haven't said a word the whole ride back. You alright?"

"Why did he look so...afraid of me, Ishi?" I mumbled.

Ishi sighed, finishing tying the last of the horse's reigns. I felt his large hand on my back, steering me to sit down on a hay bale with him seating beside me.

"Look, Oren. I know this must be a lot to take in-"

"I just learnt this magic I suddenly awakened was a gift! Who gave it to me? And how do I even use-"

"Alright, that's enough." Ishi sternly stated. "You're getting too caught up in how or why you got this."

He leaned in, patting my back. "I know how you think about leaving this town, lad. I know how each day in those fields, you dream about something more."

"Did my mother tell you?" I asked quietly.

"No, she didn't. I can tell by your face - you've got the look of someone determined to make something of themselves. It was the same feeling I had at your age and what lead me into my dream life as a warrior. Despite my injuries, I don't question why Inferna would give me such misfortune. Instead, I count my blessings that I even had the chance to live out that dream." Ishi tells me.

I nod slowly. Ishi was right, this was what I'd always wanted - a chance to be something more.

"So stop worrying about all the details! I'm sure in time you'll learn but for now, the best way to find out what's happening is with some good old fashion testing! Not some advice from that crooked wizard."

Ishi stood, offering his hand to me.

"Let's go practice that new magic of yours, lad!"

It was over the next month that I really understood how important Ishi has been in my life. His words at the farmhouse had inspired something in me, and had also caused me to reflect on him in general. After my mother died, he gifted me a home, work and a safe place to recover. He even feed me while striking a deal with the debt collectors. I didn't realise until now just how much I'd taken advantage of Ishi's kindness.

And it was this that spurred me to train with Ishi. I felt like I not only owed it to myself to use this newfound magic to my benefit, but to also say thank you to Ishi. To not practice and discover the power of this magic would be an insult to all the hard work and care he's given me over the years.

We began training that morning, with Ishi instructing me to practice on animals. At first, it seemed I was only able to give simple commands - like "stop, go, jump" to the forest animals. But after experimentation, we discovered I could give more complex commands based on my emotions.

It was after I became frustrated at the lack of my progress on the second week did we discover it. I felt a sense of anger well up inside me and snapped at Ishi, telling him to "Leave me alone". After a few minutes, I realised Ishi wasn't behind me but had walked inside the farmhouse, informing me his body had obeyed my command to leave. I recounted my day in the forest with the goblin, as the fear and anger inside me must've allowed me to give the goblin such a powerful, deadly action.

Turns out I had several good triggers for my emotions from my traumatic past. The **** of my mother, the hard work in the fields, the feeling of guilt for Ishi's kindness - all these strong emotions were points I could draw on to use this magic. And after a week of practising on Ishi, I was able to **** him to do incredible things! I even was able to command him to fight (very briefly) as he had before his injuries, something we both took joy in seeing him dash and slash with the speed and power of his younger self.

The answers about my magic's true nature could wait. For now, Ishi and I had developed my magic to a point where I could effectively use in most everyday situations and combat encounters. Interestingly, no black shadows had formed when using my body control magic - one small detail that did bother me. Was there something I was missing to fully utilize my abilities?

Nevertheless, I felt a sense of growth within me at the month's end. During that time, I had practiced my sword skills with Ishi too, which had seemed to get better too. Ishi also ensured I was still able to read, write and barter well at the Shorm market. While these didn't relate to my magic training, Ishi ensured me it was still beneficial to take breaks from my magic to still practice in other areas.

We even saw the debt collector and Abby in the market, who seemed happy to reunite with her saviour. She gifted me necklace of sparkling gemstones - all small in value but showed how thankful she was to me. While I ignored the debt collector, I was glad to see a child reunited with their parent.

As we sat on the month's final day eating breakfast in the fields, Ishi turned to me.

"I have something for, lad." He said with an air of mischief.

I rolled my eyes. "This better not be some set up for a lame joke."

He laughed. "No, no. Take a look..."

Ishi reached over and pulled something from out of the fields behind him. Clearly meant to be a surprise hidden out here, Ishi produced to me a finely wrapped item in cloth.

"Go on, open it!" He encouraged me.

I gingerly took the item and unwrapped the cloth. As I gingerly unwrapped the cloth, I was greeted to the most gorgeous blade I had ever seen. It's gleaming silver shined brightly, catching the morning sunrise in its reflection. The hilt was strong and study, holding a small emerald within its centre. The scabbard matched the emerald's colour, with an all too familiar golden crest woven into the fabric.

"Ishi...this can't be?"

"It is, lad. This blade hasn't been touched since I retired from serving Averlon's royal family."

I couldn't believe it. All that came out my mouth was a stuttering "Thank you!"

"Don't mention it! And since you're leaving, I thought having such a blade to accompany you would be best!" He grinned.

I paused. "What do you mean?"

"Come on, Oren! If I've learnt anything over this past month, it's that your skilled enough with your magic and blade to finally begin achieving your dream!"

"But...what about you, Ishi?" I ask, feeling a sudden sadness inside me.

"I'll still be here! Trust me, where you'll be headed, you're going to meet much more interesting folk then this retired farmer."

I felt another pang of guilty towards the man who had accepted and nurtured me.

"Thank you, Ishi. I won't forget this...ever."

"Sure, just make sure you don't forget little ole me, huh?!" He joked, nudging me in the arm.

As we laughed in the fields with the sunrise as our companion, I savoured this final moment with Ishi. As the sun rose, he lead me to the farmhouse. It seemed Ishi had been preparing for a while - he had a backpack, food, water, map and some gold. Even one of the horses was ready for me to take. Along with his sword, I was all set to leave. The built up gratitude spilled over as I gave Ishi a farewell hug.

He blushed, stammering "Oh knock it off..."

Now on the horse, I looked over my shoulder to Ishi. As I slowly rode to the forest entrance, I saw his wavering hand and massive grin waving farewell to me. I returned it with a wave and smile myself, before urging my horse to speed off along the forest trail deeper into the woods. Behind me, the wheat fields and town of Shorm grew smaller again but this time, for good.

With the wind in my hair and spirit of freedom within me, it was time to begin my very own adventure...