Spell Binder

Chapter 2: Coming of Age

I ran around, looking for the flash of her hair. I focused, knowing she was around. I saw it then, a glint of gold in this otherwise dreary landscape. I chased after her, feeling panicked. This was my last chance to catch her, to see her, this girl I didn't know. I ran faster and faster, feeling my lungs burn. She disappeared again. Not slowing down I looked around. I felt something catch around my ankle, pulling me down. I cursed bitterly as I attempted to pull my foot free. Laughter, in front of me. I look up startled, to see her hand closing around my wrist, pulling me up. Darkness crowds my vision as I desperately look up to see her face. I make it to her chin before my vision fails. Her hand leaves my wrist. . She's gone. . . I stumble up, wanting to call out, but unable to because I didn't know her name. The darkness swirls around relentlessly, laughing. . .

I wake up to an escalated heart and sweat on my skin. I wipe my face on my blankets. It was illogical to be experiancing this from a dream. I didn't know who I was chasing. I didn't know her name, or her age, or even what her face looked like. I rub my face and stand up, pulling clothes out of my dresser. I dress quickly and head downstairs.

My mother is cooking breakfast, my father is reading the paper, my little brother is rolling toys across the floor, making them talk. I can't help thinking a little bitterly what an average and domestic scene. I try not to sit down too heavily at the table as Mother puts my food down. "Good Morning Tristan, how are you?" she asks with a smile. "I'm fine," I reply quickly. I have no good reason to worry her. My father lowers the paper momentarily to call to my brother "Finn, sit down and eat before it gets cold," as the four year old dropped his toys. Finn bounds up and snatches a fork, promptly stuffing his face. "Tristan, have you seen Valentine?" My mother inquires, setting down another plate, just as my older sister appears. She sleepily descends, brushing red hair off her face. She's only a year older than me, but her calm and collected bearing makes her seem older. "Ah, there you are dear," Mother says with a smile. 

It's wrong of me to wish to leave here. Or is it?

With a silent sigh, I start eating. I look around. Finn is eating with the zeal of a wolf, Father is frowning at him, Mother is talking to Val. I'm rarely spoken to, as the middle child, I don't even look like my parents that much. Finn looks like my father, Valentine looks like my mother. Val will move out next week, Finn is starting school in a month, when he turns five. I'll be an adult soon, Then I'll leave. I feel a pang of guilt. My parents are sidetracked yes, they're busy because of their success. I shouldn't wish to leave. 

I'm the first one to finish eating. As I get up to wash my dishes, Valentine calls out "Hey Tristan, isn't today the Aging Day?" I pause for a moment. "Yes, I suppose it is," I reply, drying my plate slowly. Aging Day is the day where young people of various ages move forward in society. Five years olds get their first spell book, ten year olds get their first staff, fifteen year olds move to specialized training, and twenty year olds prove themselves worthy of moving forward to the highest level by completing a challenge that can last up to two weeks. Today, I fall into the latter-most category. Val caught on to my silence. "Relax," she said, "My challenge was just to run delivery for the government leaders for a week to 'teach me obedience and stamina'" she snorted, earning a look from Father. "Valentine, the government is a wonderful institution, and the new leader needs our support," he gave me a pointed look and folded his newspaper. "well, Malarie, I should get going," He gave mother a quick kiss and went out the door.

I tuck a muffler around my neck and pull on my gloves and coat before stepping outside. When I open the door, a cold gust of wind blows in. I step outside, already shivering. I hated the cold, it's rarely ever cold here in the south, snowed less than that, but the residents of the city were always miserable when it did. It looks like we're about to get some. I cast a longing glance toward the fire inside, then walked forward to the ceremonial building.