A bad feeling

All the training and studies were brutal. We had moved on from general studies, which included history, arithmetic, and literature. I was expecting to start learning languages, but it turns out that the whole continent speaks a single language, known as ‘common’. There used to be other languages before ‘The Blessing’, but they are all lost now. Everyone, humans, elves, dwarves, and beast folk, speak common now.

Since we finished our general education, we moved on to more specific subjects. We now study subjects in governance, law, and military strategy. We were also required to pick one musical instrument to master. Arti was excited about that, but I was feeling dreadful. In the end, I chose to play fiddle, because I liked how rough it sounded. Our music teacher was not impressed by my choice but said nothing. I imagine he thought that fiddle was a commoner's instrument. What a pretentious prick. At least he was happy with Arti’s choice. He decided to learn piano.

We also kept up with our martial training. I decided to follow Owen’s advice and continued my training in hand-to-hand combat, swords, bows, throwing weapons, and polearms. That is a lot of weapons to train. Owen said that once I get proficient in them, I can ease my training in some of them and concentrate on a select few. I decided that I wanted to master hand-to-hand, swords, and throwing weapons. In a year, I improved significantly. Even though, Owen still goes easy on me, I can hold my own in a mock battle with him. Arti’s swordsmanship could use a lot of improvement. His current level is that of a trainee. He, however, does exceptionally well during our archery training. Better than me, even. As Owen promised, our ranged weapons instructor knows what he is doing. I train throwing knives with him and am also getting very good at it. On top of that, Arti and I started learning horse riding.

Recently, our schedules got filled even more. That is probably because we will soon be approaching our 12th birthday which is a big deal for nobility. The 12th birthday is what is known as ‘the debut’ for children of nobility. It is the second public appearance, after the ceremony, of a young noble. Noble families of children, who turn 12, throw huge celebrations, usually in the shape of balls and banquets. As the children of the royal family of the Kingdom of Astria, this will be a grand event. It was the first time that the nobility of this kingdom would see their princes, the oldest of whom would become the future king. To prepare for such an event, dance, and etiquette lessons are added to our busy schedules. Arti and I wake up early and go to sleep late in order to cram everything within a day.

It is currently late in the evening and I am lying on my bed reading on trade law between each nation. Fascinating reading. I reach a good stopping point and close the book. Just then, the door opens and Arti walks in carrying a bundle of books. He plops on his bed and sets the books on his nightstand.

“Finished with your healing magic training already? I didn’t expect for another hour,” I tell him from my bed.

“Yeah, Emerik saw that I was minutes away from collapsing from exhaustion and let me go early.” Arti yawns and reaches for the top book.

“You are going to study even though you can barely keep your eyes open?” I frown.

“Better now than early in the morning,” he replies and opens the book.

I stand up from the bed and make my way towards the door. “I am going to hang out with Tia. Feels like I haven’t seen her in ages.” I open the door and make my way out.

“Tell her I said ‘hi’,” Arti shouts after me before I close the door.

I turn right and start walking down the corridor. I pass a couple of guards on my way to Tia’s room, which is located at the end of the corridor, next to Mom’s room. I reach the door and knock. I hear steps getting closer on the other side and the door opens. Tia is momentarily surprised to see me before suddenly lunging at me and tackling me by the waist with a high-pitched voice screaming, “Big brother!”

“Shhh, Tia,” I try to quiet her down. “Mom could already be sleeping.”

She pipes down but continues to hug you tightly and rubs her cheek against my chest. “I missed you so much, big brother.”

“I know. I missed you too,” I pat her on the head and make my way inside the room with her still glued to me. Once you finally close the door, she eases her grasp on you.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages,” she pouts. “Are you tired of me?”

“No,” I vehemently deny that notion. “Arti and I have been swamped lately with all the preparation for the debut ball coming up.”

“No fair. I miss my big brother,” she continues pouting. “Stupid ball…” she mumbles.

I chuckle and sit on her bed. She swiftly sits beside me. “How are you doing?” I ask her.

“I’m okay,” she answers. “Lessons are hard. Mom told me today that we will be starting practicing future sight magic. She has finished her research.”

“Good,” I pat her head and she beams at me. “Have you had any dreams like the ones you had lately?”

“Hmmm,” she hums thinking. “Not exactly like that but something did happen last night. I had a nightmare, but it didn’t feel like it was ordinary. I don’t remember what was in it, but I woke up feeling very scared. Like something bad was going to happen soon. But nothing bad happened today, so maybe it was just a nightmare.”

It could but if Tia says that her nightmare felt different from ordinary, there might be something to it. “Maybe. Just to be safe, be sure to lock your door for the night, okay?” I peck her on the head.

“Okay, big brother,” she smiles happily at me.

I stand up from the bed. “I better go to sleep now. I am beyond exhausted,” I say stretching my back.

“But you just sat down. Don’t go yet,” she begs looking with pleading eyes.

“Sorry, Tia. I really need to go to sleep,” I smile wryly.

“You can sleep here. My bed is big,” she begs.

“Not tonight, Tia,” I say apologetically.

“Okay…” she looks down.

I pat her head. “Don’t worry, I will visit you soon and we will play together, okay?”

She smiles at me. “Okay, big brother.”

I hug her one last time and she hugs me back. “Sweet dreams, Tia.”

“Good night, big brother.” She says back.

She releases me and I exit her room. Once I close the door behind me, I exhale deeply. It is so hard saying no to her when she looks at me like that. I make my way back to my room. When I enter, I see Arti asleep on his bed with an open book lying on his chest. I pick up the book and set it on his nightstand. I fish the covers of his bed from under him and put them over him.

I then go to my bed and get dressed for bed. Before getting in, though, I pick up the dagger that is hanging on the wall near my bed next to my sword and put it under my pillow. That nightmare Tia had could mean nothing. Or it could mean something really bad. Better be prepared, just in case. With that done, I get in bed and fall asleep almost instantly.

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