A Dwarf's Tale: Will of a Silver Coin

I woke up to a rooster crowing. It was morning already. Standing up from the bed, I went before the mirror to examine my wounds. The two black eyes were still there, but vastly faded. What gaped my mouth wide open though, is that the two slash wounds and the deep spear wound has all but disappeared. Talma does great work! I stretched my muscles Normal soreness and stiffness, but I’ll live. I moved my hand to the back of my head. That welt, also vastly subsided. In fact, my head no longer throbbed, but simply a dull ache. Yes, the farmer’s wife, that retired priestess, does excellent work. I will truly have to work extremely hard at repaying all of their kindness to me. I smiled to myself. Yes, it is good to live with purpose again.

As my mind woke up along with my body, I recalled our conversation from yesterday. After a couple of days, I will have to go back to that underground tomb, and see if I can piece together more what had happened. There was no rush though-the dead don’t move. The best and immediate course is to help the living. Especially when the living, is this fine family here. I noticed that there was also a large shirt. It was roughly cut and sewn together from two human shirts. Again, Talma’s work no doubt. It was a simple sleeveless top. But that meant a lot to me. Putting on the shirt, I wasn’t surprised it was a good fit-she did examine my body after all. I left all of my weapons except for the axe and hatchet in a corner of the room. The axe and hatchet, will be useful in clearing a field. Emerging from my room, I heard the soft clanking of table ware from the kitchen. I went to the kitchen, as the smell of food with various spices ignited hunger inside of me. There was also another peculiar odor too. Not unpleasant, but there was a bit of bitterness. A tea perhaps?

“Good morning Tor. Would you like some coffee?”

Calvin greeted me and came up with two cups, offering me one of them. Inside, was an opaque type liquid, like a real dark tea. I sniffed it, and took a sip. It was not unpleasant at all. I also felt where the liquid touched different parts of my throat and gullet, that it was actually stimulating my body. I guess this coffee, is a real strong form of tea.

“Good morning to as well Calvin. And Talma, ma’am, I must say, your ministrations upon me yesterday has had excellent effect! I feel pretty damn good this morning.”

She smiled at me, but then stopped. She came over to me, lifted my shirt, and examined my disappearing wounds. “Tor, I am a decent healer. But, this isn’t just my work from yesterday. I was estimating about a week to two weeks for you to be in good form. In fact, I was a bit concerned when Calvin asked you to work in the fields, for fear of re-opening those wounds. However, the infection is gone, and your wounds have nearly passed. Two weeks of healing in one night?”

“Dwarves are a hardy lot my dear wife. Do you think their living in the mountains produce weaklings?”

“I know that dear husband. But I have treated various wounds from various beings for years. I have never seen anything like this before.”

Great, here we go. I just forgotten to refer to myself as a freak. But now, that word is hanging in the air. I tried to change the subject by holding up the cup.

“So, this is coffee? It is a pleasant drink, but never had it before. It reminds me of a real dark and bitter tea.”

“Yes, it is coffee. And I prefer mine with sugar. But I didn’t know how you would like yours. Please, help yourself.”

I spooned a bit of sugar into my cup, stirred it, and drank it. Ah, much better. “Mmm, that was good. Any chance for more?”

“That pot over there Tor. Help yourself!”

I poured more of this coffee into the cup, and spooned in some more sugar. This time, like good ale, I took my time with it. Also, the smell of eggs and bacon cooking, was causing my appetite to increase. The kids also came into the kitchen. We all greeted each other, and took our places at the table. Food was about to be served. And it was a fine meal too: along with the eggs and bacon, a serving of sweet breads and gravy included.

“Dad, after we are done working today, do you think you could teach us more about the swords and bows?” The eldest son David was asking of Calvin. I suspect, he was anxious about becoming a man.

“We’ll see David. We’ll see if you have enough energy after this field is cleared out! We are talking about over twenty acres you know.”

“Ok, how about tomorrow then, after chores are done?”

“It’s a deal son. It’s a deal.”

The young maiden Stella addressed me. “Do you know how to use weapons Tor?”

“I know how to use various weapons young lady. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I want a sparring partner. I’m learning the staff and the mace. But, David here doesn’t like these weapons, mom is busy, and Steve, well, last week, I knocked him out. I don’t want to hurt my little brother again..”

Steve looked a little hurt hearing that. I winked to Steve. “It’s ok Steve. Give it another year or two, and you will grow into yourself. Sure Stella, I will spar with you.”

“Great. Dad, when can we get going?”

The enthusiasm of these teenagers made me happy. Their priorities were what I would do: make sure the work is done, and then, train to get what you want.

“I’m not going to get in the way am I Dad?”

“Not at all Steve! I need help with the horses pulling at the trees and rocks. Don’t worry son. We’ll all be fine. And with a bit of luck, we should be done before dinnertime.”

The plights of the youngest child. Too old to be called a child, yet, not yet strong enough to do all of the physical work. But, still so eager to help and to do his share.

“Calvin, it seems your farm is already quite sizeable. What do you need the extra land for?”

“Well, we make a living by weaving cloth and spinning thread from the sheep, and sell off extra meat from the other animals. But, our kids are nearing the time for advanced schooling. I wish to cultivate more crops to provide some extra money for them in their training. David, wants to be a warrior. Stella, wants to train being a healer. Both professions take extra money at Stalvinport. We feel that we have enough money, but, having extra never hurts. And Steve, in his spare time, he goes to see an old sage named Kosser. And he wants to be schooled in the ways of magic. Kosser is an old mage from far away. But, he has taken a liking to Steve and has agreed to train my youngest when he turns fifteen. His fifteenth birthday is six months away. So, with the field cleared, I’m going to use it as a grazing area for the sheep, and prepare it for next spring for cultivation. I’ll divide it up to 5 plots, rotating different crops within each season.”

Upon finishing his story, I finished my meal and my coffee. Gathering myself up, I sling my axe around my body. “Then, what are we waiting for. We have a field to clear do we not?”

“Yes, we do!” The kids were stumbling to stand up, they gave Talma quick kisses, and then headed out the door. Calvin embraced his wife, gave her a loving kiss, and left as well. I was almost out the door when Talma asked me wait a moment.

“Tor, please, watch over all of them in the field. I cannot explain why, but I have a sense that something is going to happen today.”

“You mean that the horde I told you about may show up?”

“No, it isn’t that. I can’t explain it. Just, keep an eye out please.”

“Yes ma’am. No need to fret.”

Walking outside, I went over to Griff. She slept outside, the blanket still over her. I petted that massive beaked head of hers. She cooed and enjoyed it. “Griff, watch after the place will you? I’ll be back later on today.” She stood up, and bumped my chest a bit. I guess that was her acceptance of my request. I then turned to catch up to Calvin and his kids.

We didn’t have too far to go. There were rocks of all shapes and sizes strewn about. Small saplings too. But I could see why Calvin wanted this land. The land was incredibly fertile. Steve was leading the horse around with the cart. The others started putting the rocks into the cart.

“Calvin, where do you want to put all of the rocks found?”

“Steve will bring them back to the farm. We can then use the rock to build a fence or a new barn.”

This made perfect simple sense to me. I started putting the rocks in the cart too. Mainly I went after the bigger ones. I didn’t want the kids or Calvin to strain themselves. I figured, I could put my freakish body to some good use other than fighting.

We were making good time. By noon, over half of the field was cleared of rocks. While they were taking a break, I took another horse with the cart, and started pulling up the saplings. I had my own idea. Griff seemed like she enjoyed the spot in the middle of the farm. Might as well bring her stuff to build a good nest and construct a lean to. In about an hour, the part of the field that was cleared of rock was also cleared of saplings too. I guided the horse back to Griff, and laid the saplings before her. When turning to leave, she squawked a bit, and started snapping off the saplings, picking out choice ones. Yeap, she is a hippogriff that got my meaning. It brought a smile to my face.

When arriving back in the field, there was a thicket of saplings. I started pulling these out, when I noticed there was something in the middle of this thicket. A rock, more like a boulder, the size of a small room, was in the middle of the thicket.

“Hey Calvin, you may want to see this.”

Calvin came over, and saw immediately why I called him over. The look on his face was plain that he was a bit disappointed.

“Damn. It will take days to remove this one.”

“Why remove it? Wouldn’t it be better using these saplings, and build a crude structure to store different farm tools in?”

“Good idea. And, heh, I’m not as young as I used to be. In my younger days, I would be foolish enough to try to remove this boulder.”

I chuckled as well. Not only for the small joke he made about himself, but, it felt good doing good work, honest work. I finished removing the saplings around this boulder, and brought these back go Griff as well.

Griff, was making better time than we were. She already constructed the base for her nest, and now lining it with small branches, pushing dirt into this to build a small nest wall. I took out my hatchet, and started making a spear end to each of the saplings. I stuck the saplings in one half of the nest, and attached the tops to another sapling. I pulled this end down, and secured it with rope. Griff squawked at me, I guess giving her approval. I rubbed her feathered head a bit, and went back to the field.

There were only several acres more to go, and it was only mid-noon. We were going to be done before dinnertime. This was excellent to realize. Suddenly, Dave was excited. “Come here Dad, Stella, Steve!” I jogged over to him. I see why he was excited. Under this large flat rock, was a box with a lock on it. “What do you think Dad?”

“I dunno son. I dunno.” The box, more like a crude chest, looked like it has been there for quite some time. Calvin took a tool, and pried open the lock, snapping the rusted metal. Opening the box, we were somewhat blinded by the multiple hues and glints from inside. Inside the chest, was various forms of gold and silver coins.

“Wow! How much do you think is in here Dad?”

“Hard to tell. I do not recognize the minting of these coins at all. Seems very old to me.”

“Hey, maybe there are more of these boxes under other stones!” Stella exclaimed.

“Yeah! Let’s look” The eldest, David, took to a new vehemence of rock pulling. Even Stella was more excited about this than her future sparring session. I took pause to look at the coins.

What Calvin said was true; the coins do look very old. There was mixture of different stampings from different kingdoms on these coins. If I had to guess for the material worth alone, there would be about three thousand gold worth. But the intrinsic value of the coins probably is much more. I looked back at the hole the chest came from. I notice there is something else inside. Reaching down, I pick up a scroll case and a small silver knife inside of a leather sheath. The amazing part about it, is that there was not touch of any mold or rot upon the leather. I brought this to Calvin’s attention as well.

“The chest is not all that was in that hole. Scroll case, made out of petrified light wood, and a silver knife with a leather sheath.”

Calvin was intrigued, as was Steve. I pulled out the knife. The blade was thin, barely an inch wide. There was an intricate carving on the knife; a serpent wrapped around a human skull. The hilt of the knife, was made out of pure quartz as well. The sheath, had tiny rubies lined along the outer edge. Steve, took the scroll case, and opened it carefully. Inside, were papers, ancient papers, with ancient script on them. The scroll case and the papers, were also free from any rot or yellowing. Steve kept peering at the ancient text.

“You ok son?”

“Yeah Dad. I recognize a couple of these words, but I do not know what they mean.”

“How do you recognize them?”

“Kosser has a couple of old books with this type of writing on them. Maybe we should bring these to him? He might know more about it.”

“A good idea son. But we’ll do that later. Right now, we have to secure this chest, and bring all of this back to the house. Go get your brother and sister. Tell them we’re going back home. Mom needs to know about this too.”

“Right Dad. I’ll be right back!”

As Steve ran off, I turned to Calvin. “Something isn’t right about all of this. How long have you and Talma been here?”

“Damn near 20 years really. Why?”

“Just a feeling really. How far away is this Kosser?”

“About five minutes walk. He lives in an old broken mill south of here.

“Anything funny about Kosser?”

“Other than he’s old and typical of how old people act, no. In fact, he has a hard time hurting any animals or insects. We take him a couple of bushels of vegetables each week since he doesn’t travel often. He’s a vegetarian. He always acts so grateful, and offered to teach our kids the basics of reading, writing, and math. He has been teaching Steve about magic as well.”

“Yes, that makes sense. That is how he was able to put the worg to sleep yesterday.”

Calvin nodded. “Kosser says that just wants to live the end of his days studying. He found some books, as Steve mentioned, in a cave not far from here. He believes there was some ancient town or city here in a time past. I never was one to have any interest, but I can respect when the elderly wants to do this as a hobby or project until their time comes.”

Steve came back with David and Stella as well as the horse and cart of rocks. They were mildly disappointed that they didn’t find anything else. “Dad, we’ll be out here tomorrow to finish the fields. Stevie told us you wanted to go back to the house and let Mom know what we found.”

Calvin nods to David. “That’s fine son. We did more today that I have expected, even without this chest, scroll case, and knife.”

“That was in the hold too? What does it all mean? Can we keep it? You and mom own this farm and land. It is ours by rights! Isn’t it?”

I thought Stella was being a bit over dramatic, perhaps she wanted some of the wealth for herself. But one look on her face, that wasn’t the case. I guess she wants to make sure that her parents didn’t have to keep working so hard for them, that providence has given this family a break. Maybe that is the case. Maybe this day is one of luck and quiet celebration for them.

“I think so Stella. But, we will have to go to Stalvinport to file a claim. Also, we will have to get this appraised as well. But for now, let us get back home.”

All of the kids nodded. We made our way back to the house. Griff, was really into her nest. She was gathering up long grasses in her beak, and tossing the grasses on the roof of her lean-to nest. Also, I noticed that the rest of the worg was devoured. Only the fur and bones remained. I went over to Griff, and picked up the worg pelt. I also cleaned the area of the worg bones.

Calvin and the kids unloaded the rock from the cart and put the horse back in its pen. The smell of dinner cooking wafted in our direction, bidding us further to enter inside. Entering in the house, Talma smiled and greeted all of us. That is when Calvin set the chest down on the table.

“What is this Calvin?”

“We found it. We uncovered a large flat rock, and this was inside.”

Talma opened the chest, and exhaled an excited sigh. The glint of gold and silver, even inside, danced against the cooking fires. She went through several of the coins, peering at the markings. “I don’t recognize the marks. But the coins are old. Very old, nothing remotely resembling today’s mint marks.”

“Yeah, I thought that too. Also, found this knife and this scroll case in the same hole.”

“It could have been a thief stash, and then something happened to the thief years ago and it was never recovered.”

They nodded to each other. It was the most probable explanation. Also, thieves use light weapons such as knives and daggers. These weapons do not interfere much with their abilities of stealth. Perhaps it is truly good fortune that falls upon the Randoss family. I guess only time will tell.

“Dad, can I take the scroll case to Kosser? Maybe he can tell us something about it.” Calvin looked towards his youngest. I caught a glimpse of the extreme worry in his eye. I know about parents being over-protective, but this is getting a bit much I think. A mother, I can completely understand. Talma had every right to play mother hen if and when she sees fit. But this is unusual coming from a father. And it was the same look of concern I saw from Talma yesterday. Maybe they feel he just can’t handle it? Looking Steve over, I do not think that is the case at all. It is still because he’s too young. Being the youngest, he will be forever too young to do anything I fear. I made my mind up then and there.

“Friend Calvin, I think Steve has a good point. If this old man Kosser can give us any clues, it would be a good idea. I’ll go with Steve to see this sage for myself. Who knows, he may have some additional information for me as well.”

Calvin looked at me, that look of worry disappearing. “All right. Sure. Steve, mind Tor will you? And no more worgs!”

“Yes sir, no more worgs. Tor, I’ll get my things. I’ll be ready in a minute.”

I nodded to Steve, as he headed off to his room. “Might be a good idea to clean up too Steve. Old people don’t like to track dirt and grime into their house. Speaking of which, I best do the same. Pardon me a minute.” Taking my own advice, I went and toweled off. Ok, maybe they do think Steve cannot handle himself. But to handle a worg, that’s asking much from anyone. Is this area scoured with such creatures? I was fully expecting the rest of his pack to appear. But none came. In fact, there were no predators in this area. I haven’t even seen a fox. Then again, I’ve been here only for the third day. I righted my hatchet and axe. I considered taking the bastard sword too, but decided against it. It would do little good coming to an old man’s domicile ready to take on an army.

Leaving my room and re-emerging with the Randoss family, Steve indeed changed clothing. He had on a robe. A simple brown cotton robe, but a robe nonetheless. Well, he is aspiring to be a mage. That’s why Calvin and Talma are fearful for him. They are fighters, a warrior and a battle healer. David and Stella are aspiring to follow the path of their parents. Steve is the ‘odd man out.’ Well, I knew nothing of magic, hell, I didn’t know much at all. What I did know, is that no matter what profession you aspire to take, each person must be able to survive in life.

“Lead the way Steve. We’ll return by sunset.”

Steve nodded and quickly kissed his mother. I went outside, and checked on Griff again. She is still mussing about her nest, but, it looked like it was near done from where I stood. The nest was in an oval shape eight foot by six foot. The saplings, were interwoven in such a way, that if there was minor flooding, I don’t think water could get inside. Also, the lean to roof, she modified it that it blocked and covered nearly three quarters of the open area. Hippogriffs, seemed to be intelligent and grand creatures after all. Of course I appreciated her size and strength, not to mention the beak and claws. But she is very intelligent as well. In fact, it seems like she decided to take up residency here at the Randoss farm. Looking around, I can see why. Griff may be the reason why I haven’t seen any farm predators. Her territory and her hunting grounds.

Turning around, Steve started walking towards the south. I caught up to him. “So, this Kosser, what can I expect of him?”

“Oh. Tor, he is a kind man. I asked him once how old he was, and he said he’s old enough knowing he’s got more days past than days to come. I would say he’s about eighty years old. We invited him to come to stay nearer to us, but he refused. It isn’t that he doesn’t want company, but he keeps saying about his studies have to continue. He’s been our teacher for five years about reading, writing, math, history as well. David and Stella always had a hard time learning. But, for me, it was easy. So, I would get done with my tasks quickly and started to look at his other books. I guess he saw that I had interest in learning while my brother and sister only wanted to learn enough to satisfy my parents. Anyways, he taught me about symbols and runes. He taught me some magic. Of course, I cannot do much yet, but it doesn’t matter. Magic fascinates me. He showed me how magic is all around us, the energy ready to be used, like a crafter ready to craft. With his help, I figured out how to make forever fires. That’s why the kitchen’s fire never goes out. Dad also wants me to make one for the barn this winter too, to help keep the animals warm. I was worried about how to make that happen. See, I had to have some gems to make the spell. I didn’t know if Dad had the money for the gems, but we don’t have to worry about that anymore now do we? Maybe Dad will go to Stalvinport tomorrow. If he does, I will have to make a list of what I need to make a forever fire in the barn.”

“Kosser had a few of the gems. That’s how I was able to make a fire for the house. But I don’t think he has anymore. I was sad and told him I would pay him back. He doesn’t want money though. He said that my mom’s food and cooking was good enough for him. Sometimes, he would read and write for hours, seems like he was translating from an old book into a new one. Then, there are times he would throw away the book he was writing, burning it, and then starting a new one. I really do not understand what Kosser is doing. I mean, if he is translating, why not keep what you have translated, and just rip out the page or pages you were working on and burn them? He is only fussy at himself, sometimes he cusses himself out. Me and my siblings, he hasn’t even gotten angry once. Even when we do wrong or bad, he has never raised his voice. But, I see him get so angry at himself. And I really don’t understand why.”

“He also likes the broken ruins to the south. Or at least, he spends a lot of time in them. Kosser looks over things, digs at certain spots, finds something, then goes back to his house. Sometimes, he tells me, he would spend days researching about some cloth that he has found, or bits of metal from rusted armor and weapons. He also found a couple of old books. I think that is what he has been translating, those old books. I just don’t know why he has been doing it. I help him as much as I can, but sometimes, it is just finding more paper, or bringing more ink. But I don’t mind. He takes breaks to show me how magic works, how to find materials for the spells. He helps me say certain strange words to make magic appear.”

Taking every word in, I wonder how this Kosser will react with me. Also, it looks like I will be quite bored in his company. It doesn’t matter though. We are not coming for a social visit. We have some questions that need to be answered. It remains to be seen if this old man can provide any of those answers.

As we were walking, the rocky formations started taking form. Also, old brick and occasional glass could be seen here and there. It looks like this was an area where there was an old town long ago here. Anything remaining of wood was no longer present. We were coming upon a lone surviving structure however. It was an old building; I couldn’t even begin to guess the age. It wasn’t a mill, but a squared tower of some sort. It was maybe an old captain’s tower or an outpost. It was a full three stories in height and about forty feet square. The window glass was fairly new, as well as the door made of hard maple. We came up to the door and Steve knocked on it four times. “Eh, who is it?”

“Master Kosser, it’s Steve, with a friend.”

“Steve is it? Ok, come on in Steve and Steve’s friend”

Steve opened the door, having a little trouble because of the weight. I expected to see a ruined mess inside and it would be dimly lit. However, this was far from the case. Half of the inside was a very nice school setting, several desks and a board with chalk in the corner. I imagine this is where the schooling of the kids took place. The walls were lined with various books on shelves, and several chests on the floor among them. The other half, was a modest kitchen in the far corner, with a living area in the near corner, a fire burning low in the hearth of a brick fireplace. There was a certain elegance to this if you are a mage. But nothing extravagant was present. In fact, there was a certain symmetry and logic to how everything was placed. Back from the kitchen, I could smell some vegetables cooking in a small pot. The pot was cooking with a very low blue flame burning. I can assume it was a magical flame.

Kosser was in a robe, brown cotton as well. He had a couple of adornments, a necklace made of multiple small silver pieces, and a couple of rings on his hands. He was old, no less than eighty years old as Steve described. He was reading one of the many books that adorned this dwelling, reclined comfortably in a cushioned chair.

“Eh, Steve, it is good to see you again. And you sir, a dwarf? Mighty big for a dwarf I see, arms that could pick apart a stone wall and legs to bring it down.” Kosser set the book down and got up, his advanced age showing. He extended a ancient hand, but a hand free of any disease or blight. “I am Kosser, and you are?”

I took his hand and shook it gently. “My name is Tor sir.”

“Tor eh? Well, yer name suits ya a bit that’s for sure.”

“You know Dwarvish?”

“I’ve dabbled with the texts. I could never get the tongues right.”

I nodded. So, dwarvish was known in these lands. That was already useful knowledge.

“Master Kosser, I have a favor to ask. This scroll case, we found it this afternoon. I opened it and recognized a few of the texts. But we couldn’t read it. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind looking at it.”

“Scroll case eh? Let’s see what you got my boy.” Steve offered the scroll case to him. Kosser carefully examined it, his hands almost caressing the case. I guess scroll cases are to mages that good weapons are to warriors-they are objects to be admired. He opened the top of the case, and brought out one of the papers. He looked it over for a minute and then turned to Steve. “Where did you find this?”

“On our farm. We were clearing rocks, and there was this large flat rock. When we got it up on the cart, we noticed this scroll case inside.” It was curious that Steve omitted the chest of coins and the knife. But I could see Steve was again looking at the parchment. His mind was on the information contained in those papers.

“Hmm, I see, I see.” Kosser walked over to a table, and removed the other parchments. Six in all. All containing these strange glyphs. “Very curious, curious indeed.”

“Kosser, sir, any idea how old these papers are?”

“Well my boy, I am not sure. But, these are about the same type of writing as what I have been here studying. Looks like your farm was part of this town too.”

I piped up. “And what town would that be Kosser?”

“Cloverdale. Pretty big town it was too. It was here maybe five hundred years ago. But now, all old and broken down. Kinda like me. Old and broken down.”

“You are old yes, but, broken down? One cannot keep a house like this if you were broken down.”

“There are many ways to be broken down Tor.”

“If you say so Kosser.”

“Och, I’m rude though. Would either of you like something to drink?” Kosser waved his hand dismissively, and two goblets moved from a shelf to the table. “Just think of whatever you want to drink when you hold a goblet, and it will appear.”

Huh? Really? I took one of the goblets and thought of chilled mushroom ale. And amazingly, there was a fluid that appeared. I sniffed it. Chilled mushroom ale. I drank it slowly, emptying the goblet. This old man Kosser, if nothing else, I liked the fact that he has this goblet. Steve took the other goblet, and it had a smell of a hot tea inside.

“I cannot make out what these say. I can read small portions, but the rest, I don’t know.” Kosser looked at Steve. “My boy, I would ask you if I can keep these for now. I would like to know what these say.”

“I guess that’s ok. Tor, is it ok?”

I nodded. “I do not see any harm at all. In fact, if Kosser is half as good as his goblet is, he should be able to figure out what these papers have to say.”

“Thanks for the compliment young dwarf. I have been studying Cloverdale here for years.”

“What is it you are searching for?”

“Business.”

“Erm, you need people for business.”

Kosser looked at me. “Guess I was a bit vague. I am looking for something to fulfill a promise I made long ago. I don’t have much time left on this world, so I want to settle a promise made.”

“Ah, personal business. Good enough for me old teacher. Do you mind if I had a look at your books?”

“Not at all. Feel free.”

I nodded. I could see that Kosser was more intent in the parchments and Steve with him rather than entertaining me. That was fine though, I could entertain myself. I walked over to the school part of the small building. There were various books on various topics: school text books, books on how to smelt metal, different books on plants and herbs, even a couple of cooking books. There was a small red book: Guide on Tanning. Tanner’s book? I picked up the book and started strumming through the pages. Interesting. The book gives the basics on how to tan different hides and to work them into various pieces: armors, cloaks, shields, even hafts for weapons. This could be useful. I sat down at one of the desks and started reading.

“Well lookie here. Your friend Tor has found himself a book to read. I wish David and Stella were more interested in reading. Liking what you are reading Tor?”

“Yes I am liking it Kosser. I know Steve asked a favor, but now, I am asking one. I am staying with his family for a while. Would you mind if I borrowed this book? I do not have any money, but I am willing to work for the favor.”

He came over and looked at the cover. “Tanner’s book. It has been a long time since anyone has picked that up. And of course you can borrow it. Staying with the Randoss’s? That’s good to know. You do not need to give me anything. But I may ask you for a return favor soon.”

“Of course Kosser. I would be glad to trade favors.”

“Good good! But it wouldn’t be a trade. I’d be asking for a favor from you. You both have already giving me something: a mystery!”

I smiled. He was truly a good old man. Here, we came to ask him for favors, and he feels like a kid with a huge gift given. I stood up, and offered my hand. “It is good to make a new friend Kosser.”

He took my hand. “Aye, it is good to make a new friend. I do not get many here. If there is any other books you want to borrow, just let me know. Knowledge, only works, when shared to others and used by others.”

Yes, truly, a old teacher and sage. I liked this old man. Just like I am growing fond of the Randoss family. Perhaps, what happened to me several days ago, was a new life, a new beginning. Hard working family, a kind old man, a hippogriff. All nice and important aspects. Also, I got to thinking. I need to still account for my brethren’s demise. It would be difficult to do without having friends, and a starting point. The farm and this sage’s library, was a good starting point. Both the Randoss family and this sage do not care about money as well. Which was a good thing since, I had none at this point and time. I nodded to Kosser, and continued to peruse about his books. Kosser took a couple of books from the shelves, and went back to the table with Steve.

Another book had my attention: bowmanship and fletching. I also took this book. I do not recollect any knowledge about bows. At the time of my brethren’s demise, I could see broken crossbows. But, I have not seen one bow among them. Crossbows did not do my brethren much good in surviving. Perhaps, as with a new life, it is time to learn new knowledge, skills, and habits. I sat down at the desk again, reading the tanner’s book.

A couple of hours went by, when I saw that the sun was starting to set. I got up from the desk. “Steve, it is about time we started to head back. I told your father we would return by sundown.”

“Ok Tor.” I could tell he was slightly disappointed. But, he got up, and bowed a bit to Kosser. “Master, thank you for your help.”

“My boy, there is no need for thanks. And if you have to be back, you have to be back. It is simple as that. I’ll be here, and it will give me time to figure out this puzzle you brought me. Maybe, when you are done with your work on the farm, you can come back here to help me.”

That brightened Steve’s mood. I could tell that he was this old man’s apprentice. “Sure Master Kosser! I’ll talk to my parent’s and ask them!”

“Then, it is all settled then. Have a good eve to both of you.”

I shook the old man’s hand again. “Sir, it is a good pleasure to meet you.”

He shook my hand back and gave a wave. Then, he went right back to the parchments. Whatever we brought him, it has his pure attention now.

Opening the door and then leaving, we started walking back to the farm. “I can see you have real interest in the magical arts Steve.”

“Yes! I love it. But, my parents do not like it very much.”

“I could tell. They are only worried about you.”

“Well, I wish they wouldn’t worry so much. I can understand why they worry. They told me when I was a baby, I was very sick. They told me that I nearly died a dozen times with sickness.”

“Was there a plague in the area?”

“I don’t know. My father doesn’t tell me much about it, and my mother gets very upset when the subject comes up. So, I just let it go. I just wish I could spend more time with Master Kosser though.”

“Well, I have a piece of advice Steve. It is called ‘give it time’. Consider these points: you are their youngest, you were sickly as a young child, and you have want to go into a profession they do not know. Your father is a warrior, your mother is a healer. David and Stella want to be those things too. But, you do not. You want to be a scholar, a part of the mage order. Your parents have seen battle. They want you to be stronger, tougher. Your parents, do not see the one thing I see though.”

“What is that?”

“You are getting to be an adult. Sometimes, it is better to give thought to problems than it is to just see and do. You try to figure things out. You do not mind working, but your desires are elsewhere. You desire to figure things out, rather than just take it as it is. And, you wish to give your parents a good and comfortable life. You know that they have worked hard and continue to work hard. But when they get older, just like when you get older, you want it to be your turn, and in your way. So, that you can give them a good retirement.”

Steve nodded and was thoughtful as we were walking back. “With you borrowing Kosser’s books, you will be staying with us for more than just the few days you said?”

I nodded. “Yes. You and your family are good people. And while I do not have money, I can help out on the farm.”

All of a sudden, Steve hugged me. Also, I noticed he was crying a little. I was confused. “I, never got to thank you for saving me. I hated how my parents were treating me, thinking I am weak. I do not want to be weak. I want to be strong. But there are other strengths! With Kosser, I can see a different way of becoming strong. I do not like to fight, like my brother and sister likes to fight! I thought I was dead the other morning. My last thoughts were ‘if I could only fight like my family could! But I am nothing a weakling is all I am!’ And when you saved me, and been with my family, I thought there was another fighter, someone else that doesn’t understand me. I thought only Master Kosser understands me. But, you do understand me. And now that you are telling me you are going to stay with us, I’m happy, and realized, I do not have to be afraid anymore, or, lonely.”

I understood now. The youngest child, was in a prison. With the old man, he saw a salvation. Where his family was protecting him, they were smothering him, blocking what he had the potential to be. I hugged Steve back a bit, and then, set him up on his feet. “Steve, I understand. Dry your eyes. You are not alone anymore. I do not understand the ways of magic, and probably never will. But I do understand about strength of will, and to be able to survive. Let go of your anger towards your family. They love you, and only want to protect you. They are only blinded because they want to protect you. Look, you want to be a scholar, but even scholars, have to learn how to protect themselves and their craft. So, take a moment, straighten up, and think. What do mages use?”

Steve composed himself again and thought. “Well, there are staves, there are daggers. But my dad has tried to teach me. I cannot seem to get it. I don’t know what else I could use.”

“Well then. We will try again. I’ll try to help you young man.”

He grinned at me a little with his tear stained face. I could see the emotions of fear, anger, and self loathing disappear quickly. “Thanks Tor. I mean it. Thank you.”

I put my arm around the boy’s shoulder. “You are welcome. Now, let’s get back to the house. I have a huge appetite brewing. But more importantly, we both have some work to do now.”

Just as the last rays of the sun was setting, we walked up the small path to the house, where his family were waiting for us.