The Arcane Trickster

CHAPTER 4 - UNEXPECTED RESOLUTIONS

Asahel barely slept that night, only falling asleep when it was almost morning, he woke up 

almost at 10’o clock confused, it was rare for him to lose one morning of work, he was mentally drained from thinking all night about how to revolve his situation and finally decided to sell his dad’s old book collection.

Books were expensive so the entire collection could help his mother sustain herself in his absence, but he knew his mother would never agree to it, so he would do it in secret, he jumped out of his bed and exited his room.

He looked around his house and didn’t find his mother in the living room, by this time she generally would be sewing things there, so he checked her room and she wasn’t there too, Asahel was surprised, he didn't think his opportunity would come so soon, he walked towards the shelf where all the books were and started to look for the books he would sell.

Asahel rummaged through the books looking for ones that were easier to sell and would fetch a good price, as Asahel was observing the books, some of them caught his interest. He decided to take a few books, some of the information would be useful for him in the future.

-” Practical Manual of Medicinal Plants, Basic Cartography Guide, How to Read Maps and Locate Yourself on Trails, there are so many useful books here.” Asahel was engrossed in the books, he even found some books about basic alchemy.

Asahel kept looking at the books when he heard a knock on the front door, he instantly stopped what he was doing and opened the door, only to find Reynald waiting for him there

“So you finally woke up, huh? It’s so rare to see you sleeping so much.” Reynald said. “Leaving me doing all the work of moving things, you were lucky that father said that I shouldn’t  wake you up.”

“Moving?” Asahel was confused. “Hey, did you see my mother?” asked him trying to piece things together.

“Oh yeah, Lucia is in my house already, let’s finish this already, uncle said that he would teach me how to clean my sword today.”

Asahel was still confused but he helped Reynald move some of his mother’s clothes and furniture to his house, after all, knowing that his mother was in Reynald's house he could ask her directly what was happening.

When he arrived, his mother was talking and drinking tea with Reynald's mother.

“Who would have known they could grow so fast, Merthia?” Lucia was in a joyful mood. “A few years ago they were just little kids, now they are leaving us behind.”

“Oh, I’m so worried about little Reynald, at least Asahel knows how to take care of himself.” Reynald's mother in contrast was visibly sad, she dotted her only son

 to the point of spoiling, so the thought of him leaving her was devasting to her.

“You shouldn’t worry so much Merthia, Reynald will be with Derwyn, he would never let Reynald suffer.”

“Oh Derwyn, working in escorts groups is really hard, especially in those hard times, bandits are everywhere nowadays.”

The two ladies noticed Reynald and Asahel and greeted them, the two boys sat with them, Reynald was “tired” of moving things and said he wanted to take a break so Asahel decide to ask his mother what was happening.

“So, can you say to me what’re you doing?”

“Oh Dear, I forgot to tell you, yesterday when I and Reynald’s parents were talking about what you two would do, I said to them that you are looking to join the army.” Lucia said while filling two teacups for the boys, she looked to be in a good mood. “So Reynald’s dad worried about losing his helping hand, asked me to take your place in helping with the shop accounting.” 

“Oh, poor Asahel, Lucia you should’ve at least told him our agreement, he must have been worried about you.” 

“I told him yesterday to not worry, but he didn’t listen you know, I think he forgot he isn’t the only person in the family who knows how to read and write a little.”

Asahel's understanding of the situation became a little better, so he started piecing things together. His mother new job, Reynald moving her things to his house.

“Are you moving in with them?” Inquired Asahel.

“Yes, or are you trying to force your mother to stay in the old house and walk over here every day? besides, there is a spare room in the main house, you know Little Reynald is going to move out of his parent’s house soon too.” Lucia said looking to Reynald who was drinking his tea without a care in the world.

“Oh, so you finally decided what branch you will join?” Reynalds news was shocking to Asahel, after all, Reynald was really spoiled and his parents were super overprotective of him.

“Oh yeah I’m going to join my uncle’s escort group, he invited me to join him at his party so I could continue to receive his training and gain some experience.” Said Reynald with excitement in his voice, his uncle was his idol, so joining him was something that he would love to do, but he used to think that his parent would never let him go so soon.

Asahel was taken by surprise again, he always thought that Reynald was joining the military or the local militia, but after thinking about Reynald's future, being a part of his uncle's party was the best choice, after all, he was still young and could always join the army as a more experienced warrior later.

“Oh, never thought about you as a mercenary type you know? You’re always talking about becoming a knight, besides that, your mother will be so worried about her little prince.” Asahel said jokingly.

“Shh, don't even talk about this, I’m still afraid that she will change her mind.” Reynald looked nervous as he looked over at his mother. “ It was only uncle talking to her personally that she accepted it.”

Asahel and Reynald quickly returned to moving the belongings of Lucia, after two more trips back and forth they almost finished moving everything, only the books were left at Asahel's house.  As they were about to eat lunch at Reynald's house, Derwyn arrived.

“ Hey, Reynald we are training after lunch so take easy on how much you eat, if Asahel is interested you can join us too.”

Derwyn's announcement made the young men excited, especially Asahel who never fought seriously with anyone.