– A Visit from the Past
The morning sun barely touched the rooftops of Emberfall when a shadow appeared at the village gates. Kael noticed it first, a tall figure cloaked in deep blue, walking with a confidence that made heads turn. His father's face paled, eyes widening in recognition.
"Orin…" his father whispered, almost to himself.
Kael's heart raced. He had heard stories of Master Orin — a legendary mage-warrior, friend of his father, who had vanished years ago on a journey to the northern wilds.
"Kael," Orin said, his voice deep and calm as he approached. His eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned the boy as if measuring every fiber of his being. "I've heard about you. About your… difficulties."
Kael's cheeks burned. "I'm… not very good at magic," he admitted, gripping his pendant. "I can't even—"
Orin held up a hand. "I am not here to teach you fire or wind, boy. You have something most mages do not — determination. Discipline. Strength beyond magic."
Kael blinked. "Strength beyond magic?"
Orin smiled faintly. "Yes. Come with me. I can teach you the old ways — combat, survival, focus. You will learn to stand when the world expects you to fall. You will learn to fight even when magic abandons you."
Kael hesitated, glancing at his father. "What about… the villagers?"
"They will not understand. They never do," his father said softly. "But this is your path, Kael. Perhaps it is the one I could never show you."
That afternoon, Kael packed a small bag, slipping the silver pendant under his tunic. He followed Orin to the forest's edge, where the trees seemed to lean closer, as if listening.
"Why me?" Kael asked quietly as they walked.
"Because, boy," Orin said, eyes fixed on the horizon, "there is more to this world than sparks and flames. And there is more to you than anyone yet realizes."
As the village disappeared behind them, Kael felt a strange mixture of fear and exhilaration. For the first time, he sensed a glimmer of purpose — a chance to become someone more than the boy without a spark.