The followers - part 4

The followers
Part IV

“Kids don’t run too far away like that again, you don’t know whom you might meet here.” Limeh encouraged the children as they met again outside the stables.

“I know mom.” Feuor replied and had another seed.

“So where should we be off to first then?” Chao-Li asked everyone as soon as they had gathered.

“I have some orders I need to deliver.” Limeh said as she looked into the large bag with various Light Armors.

“As do I, I shall accompany you Limeh.” Naom’Chi added.

“Alright then it seems as its you and me and the kids then.” Feier’an said.

Limeh and Naom’Chi took a left in the next intersection heading for the market place, the common place to meet the customers. It was not just ordinary Homins whom had got their eyes opened to their good craftings after some time, even merchants had found that their goods were well tradeable in foreign lands. So the marketplace was where they usually headed unless a special request to deliver to another place was made.

Chao-Li, Feier’an, Feuor and Nih’na headed the other way to start with. They wanted to have a look at the town itself, perhaps have something to eat before they wandered the marketplace. They walked through some small avenues, even though it was not the usual place, there still was plenty of booths along the street with merchants. It was one of the reasons they had chosen to take this route; among these merchants the more rare and stranger items could be found. As they were walking slowly along the street chewing some candy now and then they heard the echo of a voice not far away. Soon they found a larger intersection where booths were set up in a ring around a fountain in the middle.
Next to the fountain stood a Matis man holding some pamphlets as he was handing them out while shouting “They are weary for now, but they will retaliate, they will strike back. Join Defencia Academia today and do your part to keep the village safe.”

“What is this Academia you speak of ?” Chao-Li asked the man as they came closer.

“It is a institute where young warriors, fighters, mages and magicians will undergo basic training before they will enter the Ruins.” He replied proudly as he held out a pamphlet. Chao-Li accepted the gift and gave it a good look.

“What’s the requirement and whom are you talking about?” Feier’an asked thinking that it might just be some crazy talk from a pale white skinned man whom might have had just too much sun.

“The Kitins of course, the Kitins are just waiting for their chance to strike back at us.” He replied with a look showing that he was amazed that he had met Homins whom didn’t know what threat was upon them.

“But that is ancient history, The Karavan and the Kami drew them away. That is why we can walk on this lands today. I know as I came from one such refugee.” Feier’an said now a bit agitated over the fact that the man had scared the children.

“Calm down Feier’an. Even though it seems as a faint lie he still is right.” Chao-Li said with a calm voice as he had finished reading the pamphlet. “It says here that Defencia Academia will tutor Homins no matter what age and help them find their abilities. But that it is only in preparation ?”

“Yes, perhaps you have not been knowing nor hearing the words from the main lands but they are roaming there. We have set out as many as we can in order to hold the towns and cities clear. But our numbers allows us just that, to keep them at bay. Therefore it was decided that, those whom so wishes, were allowed to be taken into pre-training.” The Matis man said and his eyes almost glowed as the was talking about a cause for which he burned.

“But you do not provide a full training ?” Chao-Li asked the man.

“No, we can only harness the basic foundation of a Homin. To see what they can do and help them train towards their abilities.” The Matis replied as he handed out yet another pamphlet to a passing Homin.

“I see, where can one register and when is a suitable time for this?” Chao-Li asked. Feier’an and the children just stood there looking at Chao-Li.

“Whenever the time is suitable for you good sir, and the place is not far away from here. Pass through two arches then take a left and you shall see the gates of the Academia.” The Matis man said, excused himself and walked away.

“Chao-Li, what are you thinking. You have that look again…” Feier’an said.

“Well, he is right and you know it. Perhaps it is what is best for our children. You do remember the way we met don’t you.” Chao-Li replied still looking at the pamphlet, his ind was full of thoughts.

“Yes, you are right about that I guess. But the children ? What about them ?” He asked.

“I want to be a fighter dad, I want to wield swords and pikes!!” Feuor added all of a sudden. He had only heard parts of the conversation but what little he had heard he had seen his chance to live his dream to become like one of the town guards.

“uhm..” Was all Feier’an could say before Nih’na interrupted.

“And I want to learn the ways of the magician father.” She said.

“I have practiced dad !” Feuor grabbed the dagger that Feier’an had in his belt and started to wave it around.

Feier’an almost lost his jaw when he saw his son grabbing the dagger, still he could see that that the boy were capable to handle a small weapon such as a dagger. Feuor kept on swinging the dagger but did not notice the board that was standing leaned towards the wall, it hit him right over his hand as he did a circling motion.

“Ouch” He said as he dropped the dagger. Feier’an picked it up and placed it back in his belt and was about to go see to Feuor’s hand when Nih’na ran by him.

“You klutz, you should be careful. Let me see your hand.” She said as she took hold of it and placed her free hand above the small wound and chanted. There was a small blue glow emanating from between the hands and it was as if it sucked up the blood as it disappeared the stronger the glow became.

“Did you know of this Chao-Li ?” Feier’an asked as they both looked at the children.

“No, I did not. But it seems as this is something that fate might have a role for.” Chao-Li replied as they walked up to their children. “I see that you have inherited your mother’s skill of heal Nih’na.”

“Dad, I … I just read in one of her old books..” Nih’na said trying to excuse her behavior as she had not told her parents of what had happened that day when she had showed Feuor.

“Do not feel shame Nih’na, you seem to hold a natural hand for the healing arts. Your mother will be pleased to hear this.” Chao-Li comforted her as he looked at Feuor’s hand. “Feier’an your son is in good hands indeed, not a scratch is left.”

“Well, isn’t that the twist of fate then.” He said as he came up and looked at Feuor’s hand. “Indeed there is not a thing left to be seen of the wound. Thank you Nih’na.”

“What do you say about this Chao-Li ?” He asked.

“I think we should enjoy the rest of the day here as we intended in the first place. Then this evening we should all sit down and talk about this.” Chao-Li said as he folded the pamphlet and placed it in his side bag.

“Yes, sounds fair. Let’s enjoy it as much as we can. When we get back home your mother will probably bash me into a pile Feuor.” Feier’an said and laughed.

They continued their travel through the alleys and the streets and were soon accompanied by their mothers whom had sold every little part of their merchandise and even had time to bargain for some other affections. It seemed as the time passed this evening what had been said and happened came more and more natural.

Years will pass.