Chapter 11. Coming Storm

It had been 3 months in total since Shawn had started working and training. Another long and arduous month had passed. The weather was getting colder, it was now the beginning of winter.

The boy seemed to have a knack for fighting that impressed the old man. Shawn was tired day in and day out from his training, the good thing about the entire experience was that he ate more than his fill every day.

A worrying phenomenon was taking place in their small city however; children were going missing while muggings increased. Shawn's grandfather seemed burdened by the danger, fearful that he would pass and leave Shawn a more vulnerable target than he already was.

Shawn was surprised by his grandfather's influx of emotions. Sometimes jovial and in the mood to reminisce, sometimes silent and stoic, while other times fearful and remorseful of leaving Shawn. Shawn knew that his old man's approaching death brought out many emotions, but fear was one that surprised him. Even when he almost died to nobles he only asked the boy what he learned from the experience.

Shawn came to learn that his grandpa was the acting head of their clan. A man that was powerful, in charge, and courageous. He now lay bed ridden waiting for death to snatch him from his only child.

Shawn was doing everything in his power to learn on his job and get as strong as possible. He was considered dependable at his job and was even learning things about serving customers. His savings were increasing bit by bit which added a small amount of comfort to the boy.

One day after his work at the tavern, Shawn had walked in to see Tabitha along side his grandpa. His grandfather had a solemn face on as he looked at Shawn and beckoned to him. Shawn walked to him and the two stared at one another. His grandfather asked Tabitha to go outside as he spoke to his boy.

"Child…I will be heading home to the afterlife soon. I grow weak, remember your name brat. Remember that I love you, your mother loves you, and even that vermin called your father loved you. I pass the torch to you boy, tear your dream from fiction into the land of reality. Use what I have taught you to survive, and remember your beginnings." The old man touched Shawn's glabella and a light flashed in Shawn's eyes. After transferring something to Shawn, the old man's arm went limp. Shawn fell asleep following his grandfather's actions; the last image of his grandfather was his smiling face, as if proud to see the child he had raised.

Tabitha walked in to find the boy asleep on the ground and the old man having passed on. She sighed and took the pack which held everything the old man had of value and lifted the skinny boy.

She then took out a talisman and stuck it on the door. A flame engulfed the humble cottage; smoke however did not rise in the air as a small formation rose beneath the cottage. Shawn's little home disappeared in a matter of minutes along with the last of his family.

Shawn awoke to a dizzying headache in an unfamiliar room. He noticed a certain pack laying across the room by a small table. It was the emergency pack his grandfather always hid. He got up and checked the contents. Inside laid the jar holding his life savings, a book holding a lock, a small journal, some odd looking clothes, and a small pouch.