Three years had passed since the day the young angel killed a person in his life.
After that attack, many corrupt soldiers were found and executed. The security was tightened. But on the idea of Emairis, the main branch of the family returned to the capital for the first time in 95 years. The hope and masters of the nation were back.
After the attack three years ago, the supreme commander, General Ednita, attended the council of the kingdoms and directly threatened Falvaria, saying that they had taken the particles from them, not the power. The economic pressure on Falvaria also increased. As a result, the attacks were stopped for the time being. But Cerfis remained alert.
Raftin remained the leader. And Marnis became his second-in-command. The three brothers were under the training of General Irfika. The second-in-command of the military.
They were back, and the actual fight had just begun.
The black sword glowed red. Patterns of a tree branch appeared, but in the next moment disappeared with a fuzz. Felmer was practising his magic, but he still couldn't control it. He had been training for three years, but there was no notable result except for the appearance of patterns.
"Ugh, I am not doing it," Felmer said to Flexin, shoved his sword in the ground, and began to walk towards the stable. They were training in the plain behind the stables.
"I wouldn't do it if I were you," Melfer said as he swung his sword, sending a golden magical slash through the air. Melfer was the only new friend Felmer had made since he came to the city. Melfer was an orphan; Marnis had adopted him, so he was also a step-brother.
"It is useless. I have been trying for the past three years, but I am always failing."
"Skill issue," Flexin said.
"Shut up," Felmer said. "Moreover, I had been getting some weird dreams."
"Weird dreams? What kind of weird dreams?" Melfer asked.
"Like glowing lights, a big statue with jewels, and some glowing magical particles," Felmer said as he drank water. "I told Father, but he said to ignore them and focus on the sword. And now both are swirling in my mind."
"That's what you are lacking. You are not focusing." Melfer said, put his sword in the sheath, and sat beside Felmer.
"I haven't been able to meet with the general for such a long time. He is rarely in the city, and when he is, he is busy."
"Well, he is the second-in-command of the army, so it's gonna happen."
"Do something yourself. He left his lieutenant here to learn from him." Flexin said.
"I have been trying to do so. But he can't understand my case. His methods aren't working for me." Felmer complained.
"You are amazing with the sword when you are not using magic. Your focus is amazing there. But, I don't understand what happens when it comes to magic." Lieutenant Torna said as he entered the stable. "Your focus splits a lot. I have told you. Focus on the enemy when using magic."
"You know I have been doing this for the past three years, but the only thing I have gotten is a glowing sword."
"Don't worry, the glowing sword will help in the night," Flexin said and laughed.
Torna smirked. "Well, then, there is nothing I can do. I told you the methods I know of."
Felmer moved his head sideways and sighed. He was frustrated. He had been trying for years, only to face failure.
Felmer got up and left the stables. He crossed the main street and, after some minutes, was in front of his house. It was rather a mansion, and in its courtyard, Emilia and Benny were practising archery, and Anna was watching them with a doll in her hand.
Felmer walked past them and was about to go inside, but he was stopped by his mother.
"Felmer, come here," Emilia called him.
"Yes, mother."
"How's your training going? You seem sad." Emilia said and stroked his hair.
"It's going fine." Felmer sighed. "But, you know, the problem with magic. The pattern appears, but it disappears fast. It is too frustrating."
"Hmmm…Well, you shouldn't lose hope." Emilia stroked his hair and pressed his head on her chest. "Don't worry, it will be fine." She said and kissed his forehead.
Felmer nodded and began to walk back inside, but he was called by Emilia again.
"Wait…Why are you so hasty? Here, check this." She said and handed him a poster.
"A sword competition? What am I going to do with it?" Felmer asked as he read the poster.
"Well, you are one of the competitors. So, be ready. Melfer and Flexin are participating as well."
"I can't even control my magic. What am I going to do?"
"You can use your sword?"
"Yes…"
"Then, there is nothing to worry about."
Felmer looked at her mother with a weird face. He knew she was serious, and nothing was going to change what she did. She has given their name already.
Felmer rested in his room and remained there till night. At night, after dinner, he went outside in the backyard and sat on the ground. Later, Emairis came there and stopped his wheelchair right beside him.
"What are you doing, son?"
"Just worried about my magic control. It is not working. And now my mother has put my name in the sword competition. I don't know what to do."
"The Gorbin family had a speciality." Emairis paused. "They injure themselves, like a small cut or something and use that blood as a weapon or something. I have forgotten you know."
"I can barely control my own magic. How am I going to do that?"
"Don't worry, son. Just practice and focus. Put your heart into it. Focus on the magic like it is your life." Emairis paused. "I wish I had the bones to teach you myself. You look so much like my brother. I wish that you become like or better than him." Emairis said and put his hand on his head.
Felmer saw a glow in Emairis's eyes. He was slightly smiling. This was the last memory of Emairis.
Felmer went back to his room and slept. The next day, when he woke up, the man of the past was no longer there.
Emairis was gone…forever.