Chapter Six: The Truth That Severs

John thought about the little house he had grown up in. For over a decade almost every day had been the same. He had woken up every morning before sunrise, eaten a simple breakfast with his uncle, and trained till noon. They would both eat a small lunch, and handle the farm work before sunset. But John's favorite time of the day was after supper, when his uncle would teach him academics late into the night. John didn't know where the books came from, but his uncle always had new ones each night.

John had never been more than a few days journey from that house, and never for more than a week. His uncle had taught him to be practical and adaptable, but this happened so suddenly. John’s chest felt so heavy he felt like a stone at the bottom of a well. When John saw his house burning, it felt like the flames were licking his soul. John realized this part of his life had ended, but it was hard to leave such a comfortable life. John truly loved to read. There were so many interesting things in books, but John didn’t know when he would get a chance to read the books his uncle brought him.

John was lost deep in his thoughts when his uncle cut in. “It’s about time I explain why we’ve been hiding out here, and how your father died.”

“You’ve learned the basics of breathing techniques in our lessons. A person breaths the magic in the air, condenses it with the magic in their body, and circulates it, forming various symbols and patterns that strengthen the body. This is common knowledge, but there are different levels and types of breathing techniques. Mages use techniques that focus on enhancing the mind. The technique my family uses was originally meant to turn the body into lightning, but it was never completed. The better techniques are capable of affecting a person's blood line, making the next generation stronger and more talented in that specific technique. My own is like this, and so was your father’s.”

“One of your’ ancestors was a treasure hunter, and happened upon a book with blank pages. Although it was in the depths of a very ancient and dangerous ruin, the fact that it was blank caused the other members of his party to pass over it. Your ancestor was certain that the book had value, but no matter how hard he studied it he couldn’t figure it out. Your ancestor moved on, got married, and had children. One day he took the book back out while one of his children was sitting on his lap. He still didn’t see anything, but then the child started asking questions about the pictures.”

“Your ancestor spent countless nights with his child trying to understand the book. It was called the book of hidden truths. It was a magic tool meant to understand everything, created by a man with a greed for knowledge. The book was originally only meant to be read by the bloodline of it’s creator, but they had all died. The book wished to be read, but needed someone of a certain character. It had seen what the greed of it’s last owner had done, and did not wish to see the same events again.”

“The book passed on a breathing technique to the child, meant to help him see the truth. Unfortunately his father was too old to make any progress before he died, but the child made quite the name for himself. That is where the problem started.”

“With the success of the family people got suspicious. For a few generations these enemies were fairly easy to deal with, but your grandfather ran into some bad luck. Someone old and powerful took interest. That was what lead to the war where I met your’ father. Through that war a very powerful and dangerous organization caught wind of your families prophetic powers. Your father was far more skilled than his father. Not only did he escape, but he was also able to hide for over a hundred years.

“When I found your father again he didn’t look a day older physically, but the sorrow in his eyes overwhelmed me. Your father was always two steps ahead of his enemy, so he knew when the end was near. He could resign to his own death, but he could not hand over that book. He had learned enough about his enemy, and their plans. I fought along side your father for over a decade after that, preparing for you.”

“Your father brought you home one day. You were only a year or so old. It was then your father explained his final plan. He prepared a grand stage, baiting his opponent with one last chance. Pride clouded their eyes, and they took the bait. Your’ father sacrificed hundreds of people along with himself to activate a massive spell. You should have seen their faces, those evil fellows were so certain of victory. They stood back and watched as their minions fell by the dozens, waiting for the perfect moment. And then when I and your father were on our last leg they swooped in. Those grins on their faces disappeared as they watched your father end his own life. The magic activated and sucked those two nasty fellows in at the same time.”

John watched his uncle intently. Tears were streaming down his cheeks as a slight smile touched his lips.The feelings of sorrow and pride from this tale had completely engulfed John’s feeling of loss from before. “What did the spell do?”

“To be honest I don’t fully understand, but it was meant to hide you. I was the only one to walk away from that battlefield. I took the book and some other items, and left to find you. You had been left at a nearby village. You were only a year old then. I am to never mention your’ father’s name, his clan’s name, your true name, or the name of that wretched organization. I have to wait till the right time to give you the book, and I must part ways with you shortly thereafter.”

“Wait, what!” John was caught off guard again. The only family he had ever known was going to leave. This old man had always been by his side.

“Soon you will have to decide your’ own path.”

The sun had long set as the two approached a small grove to the side of the road. As John’s uncle jumped off his horse he grabbed a sack that was strapped to the side. From within the sack he grabbed a small book. John took the small book as the previous words still echoed in his mind.

“Make sure to keep this book secure at all times.” John was still in a daze as his uncle pulled two other items from his sack. “These clothes were your father’s. They are made from a rare leather, making them incredibly strong and flexible. They may be a little big, but you should grow into them. This sword is called the dagger of lies. It is a good sword with some form of magic within.”

“Why is it called a dagger when it is clearly a short sword?”

“I didn’t name it, I only know that me and your father went through a lot of trouble to retrieve it.”

John took the leather and the sword before he looked up at his uncle. “Must you really leave?”

“Yes I must. Do not mention anything I said to anyone, and be cautious. War is coming soon. You should head to the capital, and join the army. With your abilities you should be able to safely make a name for yourself. Now the time to talk is over, prepare some of that deer you caught. We should enjoy what time we have left.”

The firelight flickered as two men quietly ate. Once they finished they both lied down, their hearts as heavy as stones. A couple of hours later Thunder beard stood up, and took one last look at this boy who was like his own flesh and blood. A tear trickled down his face as he whispered, “I will miss you John.” The old man quietly disappeared into the night as a tear trickled down the face of the young boy. “Goodbye uncle.”