Chapter 10
"Jasper?" A sweet voice of a woman rang through Reys ears. He hadn't heard that name in over two years. What shocked him most was the voice that said that name. Although he only knew that woman for 2 days, she was unforgettable. Rey turned to look at the woman who said his old name and his heart melted. For the first time in two years, he had seen his mother.
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Reys mothers name was Andrea. She was a maid for the head of the city. She had been working for him as a maid since she was 16 years old. Reys soon to be father, Jackson, took a liking to Andrea. Although he already had a wife, it was not uncommon for the husband to have concubines. Andrea wasn't one of those concubines and just happened to be a one night stand. They committed to eachother for one night only, but that one night was enough for Andrea to get pregnant. Nine months later Jasper was born.
Children bore by concubines were seen as illegitimate and had no rights as succession to the city. Andrea was just a maid and not a concubine so that was even worse. Jackson's wife was upset with Jackson. She had already gave him four children to succeed after him. She always treated him right and never said no to him or the kids. When she found that he had gotten one of the maids pregnant she was heartbroken. Although it was normal for their husband's to do this, she still felt as though she wasn't enough for him.
Due to Jasper not even being classified as a illegitimate son, he had to live his life out as a normal boy. But Jackson still had a soft spot for Andrea. When she asked that he provide support for Jasper, even if it was just a tiny bit, he obliged the request. Andrea was given a small home in a back alley for her to raise Jasper. Until he was old enough to start taking care of himself, his mother didn't have to work and would be provided all items necessary for Jaspers development. However there, was a catch. She was not to tell anyone of Jaspers relationship to him or she would be cut off.
Andrea raised Jasper alone for 10 years in that house. At first she was saddened that her son wouldn't know any of his family. Over time she got over this as some of the older kids made an effort to know their little brother. The one who got closest to Jasper was his older brother Ryan. Ryan was three years older than Jasper and of the boys they were closest in age. Jasper also had an older brother and sister other than Ryan. They were both one year and 5 years older than him. His oldest brother was set to take over the city when Jackson was inevitably unfit to rule anymore. He was trained from a young age on cultivation techniques and martial arts.
Ten years flew by quickly for Andrea and Jasper. Their life had been easy and smooth. Andrea had been back to work for a few years now but she always made sure to check on Jasper and make sure he was doing alright. Jackson didn't mind that she left work a few times a day as he knew she had priorities.
Her job at work went from being a maid to more of a caretaker. She took care of the younger children in the house. Jackson had three more kids after Jasper who were Eight, Seven, and Five. She took care of these children to help alleviate stress from Jackson wife. Being raised as nobility had an effect on the children though. They had a sense of pride like no other. This was due to their mother who taught them that people were meant to worship and praise them for they were meant to be strong. With their father as the strongest in the city, it was all hut guaranteed.
One day, Jackson requested Andrea come into work late. Seeing as it was late, she didn't want to leave Jasper all alone by himself just in case he woke up in the middle of the night. She brought Jasper to the family home where he played with the younger kids. They all were having fun until one of the kids felt disrespected that Jasper was treating them normally. In the middle of a game of tag, the oldest of the kids pushed Jasper down a flight of stairs rendering him unconscious.
After hearing a loud noise as if something fell from a great height, Andrea ran to investigate. What she saw brought a look of horror to her face. He son motionless at the bottom of the stairs. As fast as she came, she picked Jasper up and took him over to the family doctor. At first he refused until she told him that he was the son of Jackson. The doctor examined Jasper and found only a few bruises and a minor concussion. Jasper was going to be alright. The worried mother was instantly calmer. She was still worried for her son but knowing that he would be okay was enough.
Jackson told Andrea that she was able to go home in light of the events that transpired. She thanked him and took Jasper home, laying him on his bed. She kissed his forehead and even though he couldn't hear her, she told him that she would be right back. Andrea went back to the family home and stole some food from the kitchen. She quickly snuck out and brought it back to her home. When she got there, she was surprised to see Jasper awake.
After a long night and morning with no sleep, she said goodbye for the day as she had to go back to work. "Mama has to go back to work now, I'll be back to tuck you in for bed tonight. Love You!" Andrea left for work and whe she got there she got punished. Although Jackson had a sweet spot for Andrea, stealing was prohibited. He had one of the guards hit her leg multiple times with the flat side of the sword. She went home that night with a limp from the bruising.
Ryan, came home earlier in the day with news. The townsfolk around Andreas home were calling Jasper the "young prince." This news upset Jackson as this meant that Andrea told people of her sons relation to himself. He couldn't have Jasper, who wasn't a legitimate son of his ruin his name. Even if he was powerful, that would bring shame upon his legitimate sons which he couldn't have. During the next day, he had Andrea stay late for work.
Andrea pleaded to Jackson to let her go home to Jasper cause she had to make sure he got to sleep. Jackson kept giving her small things to do saying, "it's the last thing you have to do." After a long night of working, as she was about to leave she heard talk of a griffin attack on the town. Apparently some kid was taken away, rumor was that it was Jasper. Hearing this news Andrea rushed home. She searched for Jasper all around the house and local area but couldn't find any trace of him. She went to his room and laid her head on his bed, crying over her lost son. The last thing she had of him was his books that he had received earlier that day. Heartbroken, she cried throughout the night.
Back at the family home. The guards who had defended against the griffins gave Jackson the news. Jasper was successfully captured by the griffins and would likely be dead soon if he wasn't already. Jackson was emotionless as he congratulated the guards on their heroic effort in protection of the people. He awarded them a medal and gave them new titles as head guards in the city.
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Reys mother rushed to him and hugged him tightly. As she hugged Rey, she couldn't help but cry for she had been reunited with her son. Although hesitant at first, Rey hugged her back and couldn't help it as a tear flowed down his cheek. He hugged her tight and wouldn't let go. She was the main reason he wanted to return home, she was the reason he wanted to be strong. Now it was his turn to protect his mother!