Chapter 4: Departure and Brothers in arms

Akira tore the envelope open with shaking hands. Tilting the envelope upside down, Akira dropped the contents on the table by his bed.

CLINK.

Under the flickering lamp light, Akira could make out a hand-written letter, and a silver amulet with the shape of a wolf's head. It's lips were drawn back in a snarl, and the lamp light gleamed off the sapphires that were it's eyes. Akira admired the amulet as it was the most lifelike piece of jewelry he'd ever seen. It called to him, 'fitting I suppose as I can now become a wolf.'

Setting the amulet to the side, Akira picked up the parchment, and unfolded it.

"My son, Akira, If you're reading this. I guess I wasn't able to come back for you. I told Curtis to give this to you when you reached eighteen years of age, and gotten your Blessing. I'm sure Skadi already told you, but we are hunted by Loki's monstrous spawn. They'll be coming for you soon don't tarry more than a week or they'll be upon you."

Akira was not surprised by this knowledge as he'd assumed it would be a week or longer before they reached him. He continued reading his mother's words with clenched fists.

"Akira I know you're probably upset with me as I couldn't be with you when you were growing up, but I and your father love you dearly. I left the front lines to give birth to you, and your father guarded you and I. Loki knew this was an opportunity so he sent 30 of his mountain trolls, and a troop of bat like gargoyles as a vanguard to take out your father. We managed to escape their pursuit, but your father stayed back to ensure our safety. You should have seen it, your father, Benjamin, tore through the ranks of Loki's trolls like they weren't there. Everytime his dual blades flashed a head would roll, and his arrow shots, like shooting stars, pierced through one enemy after another. Alas Loki's champions arrived, and I had to flee before you were caught up in it as the battlefield was no place for a newborn."

Akira was in awe at hearing of his father's prowess in combat, but also felt the weight of resolve to become stronger than even his father. A fire now burned in his heart, and he knew that Skadi was right that Loki wouldn't stop hunting him after hearing the efforts he put in taking out his father. Turning his attention back to the letter he continued reading.

"I digress, as you need Information more than anything now. That amulet is a family heirloom of your father's family, and is enchanted personally for those of Skadi's line. It allows the wearer to keep items inside of it, and it will automatically store your equipment when you transform into your wolf form. For its magic to take effect, you must place a drop of your blood onto it. It will make sure you are of the Wolfhame family line before bonding to you. Akira, hold onto it, but keep it hidden as it is well known to our enemies. Son, when you leave Focis, head for the Valorem Academy for the Blessed. It is the best academy for would-be warriors and mages. Tell them you are Benjamin Wolfhame and Julia Wolfhame's son. The headmaster there is a family friend, and will keep you safe until you are strong enough to venture out to join us."

With Love,

Your Mother,

Julia Wolfhame

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Tears stained the letter, as Akira cried. His mother and father did so much just for him to be brought into this world safely, not hesitating to put themselves at risk. Akira felt the warmth of their love for the first time in eighteen years.

Even though he'd lost everything in his past life, Akira had come to terms with it and was determined not to let this second chance be cut short. Akira unsheathed Wise Fang and without flinching brought it across his palm. Blood flowed through his clenched hand dripping down onto the amulet. With an almost magnetic pull, the blood flowed along the contours of the Wolf's head. Before disappearing as if devoured into the mouth of the wolf. It's saphire gemstone eyes blazed with light. Casting the darkened room into a spectrum of saphire hues. Akira felt a pull on his very being as if the amulet fused with him. Then, with an almost instantaneous change, everything returned to normal. But, Akira could tell by instinct that from now on until he decides to pass it on, the amulet can only be used by him.

Exhaustion set in as the day's events took their toll. Akira laid down in his bed to sleep, as his mind wanders through all the things he needed to do in the coming weeks.

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At dawn, Akira was up and dressed with his new cloak clasped around his neck. With his father's amulet tucked under his shirt, Wise Fang at his hip, and his bow with it's quiver on his back, he was as ready as he'll ever be.

Akira headed downstairs to say his goodbyes to the only family he had known since coming to this world.

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On the property line of his Uncle's farm, Akira hugged his family goodbye and turned to leave.

"Akira, you can always come back whenever you feel like it. We're your family, and you are like a son to me and Olivia." Curtis pulled Akira back into a bear hug that knocked the wind out of him. Akira then turned to his cousin.

"Cousin, you better come back to see us! I won't forgive you if you disappear without visiting even once!" Tears streamed down Amelia's face, but still she glared at him as if she'd hunt him down if he disappeared never to return.

"Akira, dear, be careful on the road, and like what my husband said, don't be a stranger. You are always welcome here." Olivia clutched her apron fitfully, before she strode forward to pull him into a motherly embrace.

Tears formed before Akira could wipe them away with his sleeve. Akira turned away waving as he walked the dirt path. With resolve, he sped up his pace on the road into town.

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At the General store Akira purchased provisions for the next week. Dried venison and hard tack not very tasty, but it'll do for the road. He also purchased a pack to act as a guise to cover for his magic amulet as he knows that's not a common item. A pot and skillet were tied to the pack with the spices he'd need to make a simple stew.

Akira's next stop was Thorin's Blacksmith, to say goodbye as the dwarf had been his best friend since he was 13. With a heavy heart, he walked to his friend's shop.

Unlike normal days around Thorin's Blacksmith, it was quiet--no hammering, no roaring flame. Akira was more than a little surprised as he could see Thorin leaning on his Battle axe with a pack at his feet.

"Ya thought I'd not accompany you, lad? Akira I've known you for five years. We are brothers in arms, and I will lend my axe to your cause even if you don't say a word."

Akira looked away embarrassed for a second, but asked, "How did you know I was leaving or needed help?"

"I'm a Blacksmith not a mind reader, lad. Curtis came by yesterday saying you'd be leaving to look for your parents, and that you would likely run into trouble." Thorin slung the pack over his shoulders, and hefted his axe. "Skadi is your goddess, eh lad? Well then we may be kin somewhere down the line as my God is Logi. He may be God of Flame, but he is still a Jotunar just as Skadi is."

"I thought that Skadi was a frost giant while Logi was a fire giant, or are all jotunar the same race?" Akira was curious as he'd been a fan of mythology of all kinds in his past life, but now he's living the myth itself.

"Aye lad, and they are a powerful race as most of their members are Gods or extremely powerful Demigods." Thorin Gestured with his axe towards the cobblestone street heading out of town. "Now, why dont we get a move on lad? I'd assume we're headed for Alverest first?"

"Yes, let's go! Alverest is the first stop, but I plan on going to Valorem Academy as my mother wrote in her letter that the headmaster's a family friend." Relief washed over Akira, and he'd willingly give up the lost travel time. It would be faster with just his Blessing without Thorin, but he'd still prefer having his best friend with him, and he knew that the older dwarf was a powerful warrior in his own right.