Dreams

When Reniko woke up, he was confused, which did little to aid his piercing migraine.

“ By the stars, where am I?” He asked aloud, looking around. He was in a vast room with multiple beds with pale blue sheets and pillows. On nearby tables were medical supplies and herbs. A roaring fire was blazing in the stone fireplace, making the room warm. Sitting next to his bedside was Ishino.

“ Hey, you’re finally awake,” he said. “ How are you feeling? That was a large amount of Spirit energy you put out there. Especially for your age.”

“ Uh, fine,” Reniko muttered. He tried to set up and found he was too weak as if all the strength had been drained out of his body. “ What happened?”

“ You mean you don’t remember?” Ishino asked, looking surprised. “ You picked up a blade and conjured a large burst of Spirit Energy, which manifested into red lightning. It’s almost impressive.” “Almost” impressive? Reniko thought, raising an eyebrow. Students typically couldn’t manifest Morhal into an element until their third year of study, much less wield it as he had. One had to completely master the blade, make it apart if their very being as the masters at the Academy put it before such a feat was possible.

“ Yes, almost impressive indeed,” Ishino said, cocking his head to the left and smiling. Something about that smile made Reniko feel uneasy. “ Too bad you are simply pathetic. Truly pathetic.” Ishino’s voice grew harsher, colder and colder. His high-pitched voice deepened into that of a man that smoked multiple pipes in his life and echoed.

“ And here we thought we’d have a little fun this time. But you are the one to take on the mantle of Alloran? A weakling whelp such as you? You aren’t even worthy of your bloodline, much less the title of Curse-Bearer. It would seem the game will be over before it even starts.”

Reniko blinked in surprise as his mother appeared beside Ishino, wearing a look of disdain. When she spoke, her voice matched Ishino’s.

“ When we last faced the Curse-Bearer, it was Nemila of Frozenborrow. It feels like eons since we last left her lifeless and bloody. Of course, with her last breath, she imprisoned us. But she was a warrior without equal. For you to be her successor, we are sure she’d weep to know all her hard work to keep us locked away will soon be for not.”

“ Who are you?” Reniko choked out. Reniko’s grandfather suddenly appeared to his right, wearing his usual scowl.

“ Who we are is hardly of importance at this portion of the game, child. Yet we know you burn with the desire to know, so we shall tell you. You may call us Kimura.” Reniko’s blood ran cold when he heard that. Everyone knew that name. The Ageless One. The One True Evil. Lord of Corruption. The God-King of the Rur’khar.

“ H… how are you speaking? Shouldn’t you be imprisoned?” Cold, mocking laughter answered his question.

“ How little you understand. But then again, you are only a child and a simple one at that. But you speak truly; we are imprisoned. For now. But with the return of the Curse-Bearer means, I shall soon return as well. But rest easy, ‘Tis not the time for that. For now, we will let you rest easy. Sweet dreams, little lamb.” Before Reniko could say anything, his grandfather touched his forehead, and Reniko felt his eyes close.

When he opened them again, he found he was strapped to a stone bed in a different room. He found himself unable to move no matter how she’d he struggled. Standing above him was a figure wearing a black robe with a hood over his face. When he spoke, his voice was unexpectedly gentle.

“ Poor boy. You have no idea how special you are. Don’t worry; you’re going to bring about a whole new world where you will be king, and no one will ever be hungry or sick. It will only hurt in the beginning but then-“ Just then, loud agonized yelling filled the air followed by the furious yelling of a woman.

“ WHERE IS HE?!” The man sighed and backed away.

“ I must deal with this but never forget. You are special, little Reniko.” Once more, Reniko felt his eyes close. When they opened, Reniko was back in the infirmary of the Academy. Ishino jumped when he saw Reniko was awake.

“ You’re finally awake! I was so worried!” He stopped and looked down, embarrassed. “ Er, I mean, your mother was; she arrived a few days ago. You’ve been out for almost a week.”

“ A week?!” Reniko exclaimed, sitting upright.

“ Yeah. The masters were wondering if you’d ever awaken. You caused a stir. No one is sure what to make of it. The masters heavily questioned me. The whole Academy knows what happened. Even the Khan is here.”

“ My uncle?” Reniko asked, surprised. The Khan rarely left the village.

“ Yeah, and I’ve heard… rumors. Not good ones.” Ishino said, looking uncomfortable. “ From what I’ve heard-“

“ You’re finally awake!” Came a cheerful voice. Reniko turned his head to the entrance to see his mother hurrying towards her child to embrace him. “ I’m so glad. When I heard what had happened, I came as soon as I could. How are you feeling?”

“ I’m starving,” Reniko confessed as his mother wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tightly. His mother drew back with a big smile.

“ I’ll see about getting you some food. Coming Ishino?” Reniko gave him a questioning look, which Ishino responded to with a shrug.

“ We've gotten acquainted,” he said, then followed Reniko’s mother out of the infirmary. Reniko yawned and slowly closed his eyes once more.

Reniko found himself standing in a wide-open field. He recognized where he was, a farm that belonged to the Doraki clan where those who were not warriors worked. He stood there, feeling the afternoon sun on his face, then jumped when he heard his name being called, carried by the wind.

“ … Reniko.” The boy ran through the field until he came to a small brown farmhouse. He sprinted down the dirt path that led to the front door and breathlessly opened it. Inside he was greeted by a small, spotless dining room with a man sitting at the table. He had a weathered face, lush brown hair, and green eyes.

“ Well, come here, child. It’s almost time for dinner. I made your favorite stew.” Reniko did as the man commanded, sitting at the chair opposite of him. The man gave Reniko a friendly smile.

“ Now, isn’t this nice? A man and his boy, enjoying a nice evening meal together.” Reniko looked down as a bowl of stew appeared in front of him. It was red, thick and meaty, and stank like carrion. The man asked after tucking into his own large wooden bowl. He ate ravenously, as if he had not eaten in days, drops of the stew’s red broth flying everywhere.

“ What’s wrong, aren’t you hungry?” The man asked Reniko with his friendly smile without bothering to wipe his face.

“ I… I don’t know if I can do it,” Reniko said. The man’s smile faltered.

“ What do you mean? This has all been prepared for you. I’ve worked on it so hard for you.”

“ Yes, but… why?” Reniko answered.

“ You should be flattered.” The man said, narrowing his eyes. His joyous tone started to ebb away. “ Everything being for you isn’t enough? Were you expecting even more?”

“ No, but I never asked-“

“ Never asked!” The man suddenly shouted, standing up abruptly. His bowl tipped over, its content spilling over the edge. “ You were chosen! Chosen! Of course, you never asked! You ungrateful…” the man closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, he gave Reniko a weak smile.

“ By the Ageless One, look what you did. You made me get upset, and you know I don’t like getting upset. But when you try to deny everything that has been done for you, it makes me angry.” The man sighed, then fixed Reniko with an evil stare. “ But you have always been more trouble than you’re worth. Why did the Ageless One have to curse me with a brat like you? I have tried to be faithful to him; I really have. So why?”

The man walked to his left until he came to an open window. He leaned over it, staring at the field.

“ Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so damn devoted to the God-King, you know? Then I’d be able to feed you to the wolves and be done with it. But by his scriptures, I am bound. And because of it, I must present you as an offering. It’d just be so easy just to get rid of you.” The man then whirled around. “ The least you could do is make things easier.”

“ But-“ Reniko started.

“ No buts!” The man yelled. “ I’ve had enough of your chatter, you stupid child! Eat the stew I’ve so lovingly prepared for you like the good father I am!” The man marched over to Reniko and seized his hair, jerking his head upward. A sound akin to a secret began to fill the air. Each second it got louder and louder, forcing the man to raise his voice even more so he could be heard. He grabbed Reniko’s spoon and began to force stew in his mouth.

“ Devour the stew and let Him devour you! Devour the stew and let Him devour you! Devour the stew and let Him devour you! Devour the stew and let Him devour you!

Devour the stew and let Him devour you!

Devour-“

“ Reniko! Reniko! Wake up!” Open his eyes and blinking rapidly, Reniko noticed his mother wearing a dark brown cloak. Ishino stood next to her wearing a dark blue cloak, both wearing worried faces. “ Oh good, you’re up,” his mother said in a hushed whisper. “ Hurry, get up!” Confided, Reniko sat up and swung his legs to the side of the bed. It was dark in the infirmary as night had fallen; the only light they had was the candle Ishino held.

“ We don’t have much time, but we have to get you out of here,” his mother explained.

“ What’s going on?” Reniko asked. His mother didn’t answer at first as she hurried to a window and pried it open. As she was attempting to force it open, Reniko could make out footsteps in the hallway.

“ Kikhol! They are coming!” Ishino whispered urgently, his eyes wide as saucers and blowing out the candle before setting it down. Reniko was shocked to hear him use the Meideir word for honored mother, used for when a child was formally adopted. Reniko’s mother hurried back over to the boys and yanked Reniko to his feet. She dragged Reniko to the window while motioning Ishino to follow them.

“ Hurry, Reniko, climb through! Then stick to the bushes! You don’t want to be spotted,” his mother said urgently. Wanting answers but sensing he wouldn’t get them at the moment, Reniko compiled, thankful the infirmary was on the first floor. He climbed through the window and dropped down, laying on his belly to remain out of sight. His mother and Ishino joined him a moment later.

“ Quickly!” His mother hissed in his ear before pulling Reniko away. She pulled him out of sight of the infirmary window, Ishino close behind. Reniko then heard two gruff male voices.

“ Ah, Damn it! Did the brat get away?”

“ It must have been that woman. I knew allowing her to take part in the council was a terrible idea. That is her son, after all.” Reniko could then make out the voice of his grandfather.

“ It doesn’t matter. They couldn’t have gotten far. Find them.” Reniko’s mother pulled her son further away, her free hand clutching something Reniko couldn’t make out in the darkness.

“ Mother. What happened?” He asked.

“ Keep your voice down!” His mother snapped before stopping suddenly as they were about“ Ishino,” she whispered. He nodded and clutched down, slowly, cautiously peered over the side of the academy they had reached, then looked back.

“ It’s clear; we should be able to make it to the woodland and the road from here.”

“ Thank the stars,” his mother breathed before looking at Reniko. “ Listen to me and ask no questions, for we have little time. Due to your actions, our clan’s Council of Nobles has met. They fear you to be the Curse-Bearer. Thus they elected to kill you, which is why we are fleeing. I have hired a private carriage to take us to a boat that will take us to the kingdom of Addenfell. But we must hurry.” Reniko’s eyes widened at that. Kill him?! Why?!

“ But-“ he started.

“ I said, ask no questions!” His mother hissed at him. “ Ishino informed me of what you did. I do not know whether you are the next Curse-Bearer, but the mandate has been passed. As long as you remain on the Island of the Meideir, you will never be safe. Ishino tried to speak on your behalf after delivering his account, but the Council decided. So he is coming with us. He is the only one I can trust. Your uncle cannot save you; due to ancient laws, he is forbidden from intervening. Now hurry.”

His mother jerked him forward, and the three sprinted for the nearby woodland.

“ Over there!” He heard a man call forward by the sound of running footsteps. Reniko’s mind was racing as the trio entered the woodland. They crashed throughout the thick undergrowth, the sounds of dead leaves and twigs being snapped underfoot echoing throughout the night. They stopped when they came to a dip in the forest floor where Saishi instructed the boys to lay on their stomachs. Reniko and Oshino did as instructed as Reniko’s mother cautiously peered around.

“ Okay, we’re safe for now, but we have to be careful. Shadow Wardens will be combing this forest looking for us. Follow me and don’t say a word,” she said. She slowly led the way, letting go of Reniko’s wrist. Reniko followed his mother, shaking, his breath visible. It was a cold night, and the wind wasn’t helping matters. The trio walked for what seemed like ages before Saishi stopped and motioned for the boys to get down on their stomachs. Reniko’s mouth became dry when he heard his mother draw a sword and creep away.

He and Ishino lay there on the forest floor, Reniko desperately trying to hear something. He thought he heard voices and gurgling but was unsure. He had a sudden thought of his mother being attacked by another warrior and he and Ishino being discovered. His fears were soon dashed by the sound of hurried footsteps and his mother urging him and Ishino to stand up. When he did, Reniko was able to make out three bodies on the ground thanks to the moonlight peeking from behind a cloud and his mother with streaks of blood on her face.

“ Come,” she whispered, leading the way. As Reniko got closer, he realized they were bodies of Shadow Wardens. “ I did what I had to,” Saishi said, answering his unasked question. Reniko starred in morbid fascination. He hadn’t seen a dead body this up close before. The stillness of the body made him shiver, and he was glad when his mother pulled him away.

After more hurrying through the forest and avoiding Shadow Wardens, they arrive at a gravel road with a carriage. Saishi ushered the boys inside before going to speak to the driver. Reniko looked at Ishino.

“ Do they truly wish me dead?”

“ Yes,” Ishino muttered, looking at him. “ Forgive me. I tried to tell them you defeated that Rur’khar, but they would not hear if it. They are convinced you are too much of a threat to let live. The coming of the Curse-Bearer signals the end of days. So I went to your mother.” Just then, Saishi entered the carriage and sat next to Reniko. After a few moments, the carriage lurched forward. For a while, no one spoke then Saishi looked at Reniko.

“ Tell me, when you slept, did you dream of anything?”

“ What?” Reniko asked, confused.

“ Did you dream? If so, I need to know.”

Reniko was confused but told his mother of the dream where Kimura had spoken to him and of the one he had of Merdera. His mother’s eyes widened as he spoke.

“ Then it is true,” she whispered once Reniko had finished. “ You are indeed the bearer of curses.” The carriage then came to a stop, and the driver opened the door for them.

“ You have arrived,” he said, moving out of the way so the trio could edit. Reniko and Ishino exited first, then Saishi. Reniko’s attention was drawn to the boat at a dock. They had been taken to an old pier that had once been heavily used back when the Meideir clans traded with other kingdoms, before The Age of Endless Wars, which saw war after war sever all alliances the Meideir clans had with outside forces. Since then, it has become mostly forgotten.

An odd sound behind him caused Reniko to look back at his mother, pulling her blade out of the carriage driver’s stomach. She let the body drop and walked past the boys towards the boat.

“ Say goodbye to this island, then get on board,” she said. “ For this is the last time you will ever be on Meideir soil.”