The Ever War: Chapter 1.9.2

James looked up as his son and the Sage walked in. Behind them, Ca'lel walked in, her light blue robe flowing about her. The three sat at the larger table, and James was pleased to see them talking and mingling with other races. It was a good omen that they were adjusting very well.

Josh sat at the table. The Jilds were hastily speaking to him, accidentally slipping into their natural language, which consisted of words, whines, and a strange barking sound. The Katars mostly spoke in what Josh thought to be English, until they pointed out that English was actually based off of the Vi'gero's basic tongue. However, the Katars, when speaking to each other that was not a part of the table's conversation, used their native language. Now, their language was very interesting indeed, and Josh found himself listening to it out of fascination. The language was spoken both slow and quickly, a very strange combination. Along with it, were a few guttural sounds, such as a sound that resembled a mew, but at different pitches, words, and facial expressions.

As Josh listened, he realized that he could understand a few of the words. His train of thought was broken, however, when Sarah nudged him. "Huh?" he asked, his attention returning to the table. Jakul chuckled. "I asked if you were ready for your training this afternoon?"

"Oh..." Josh broke off. "Yeah, I am looking forward to it." The Jild burst into laughter.

"You talk just like a school child!" The Jild howled with laughter. His mate elbowed him in the side, a smile on her face.

"You shouldn't poke fun of such an important figure, my love. After all, your pupil has already taken on Dark Dragon and came out without a scratch!" she nuzzled her mate's neck and cheek.

Josh's face went red. "I still wouldn't say without a scratch."

Ca'lel gave him a smile. "The point is, young one, that you came out of a fight with a very powerful Dark Creature without any serious injury. No broken bones, no gashes. No missing limbs for that matter. You came out whole and complete. More so, am I right?"

The table had gone quiet. Josh nodded. "Yes. There was one thing that I didn't mention yesterday."

The whole room was listening now, waiting with baited breath. Ca'lel smiled. "And that would be?"

"I summoned the Wings." he said. The rest of the room was silent, but Ca'lel just sat back, satisfied. "I thought as much. Your eyes gave it away."

"What?" Josh asked, puzzled. Ca'lel's face grew sad, and her smile faded.

"I knew Jerard very well. He was my brother." She answered. She looked at him again, and her smile returned. "Young as you are, both as a human, and especially as a Child of Light, you already have the look of a warrior in your eyes. You can already feel it, can't you? My brother could. That longing to walk. To fly. To travel the worlds, carrying out whatever you must."

Josh slowly nodded. "Yeah, I can feel it. It isn't that strong right now, but...it just feels like I'm supposed to be out there...doing, I don't know...something."

James sighed. "All in good time, Joshua. That is why you are here, for now at least. To learn about your new responsibility, as well as the laws of the Ever Road itself." He smiled at his son's expression. "Oh yes, there are rules to the Road. However, your powers are developing at quite a remarkable rate. Jerard wasn't nearly as advanced as you are, and he was older than you when he received the Mark of the Wanderer. He was older still before he became the full fledged Arbiter of Justice, yet you have already performed your first cleansing, not too mention slaying one of the foulest beasts ever spawned from the Dark. You truly are different. As are you, Sarah." He turned to her. "You have already shown great aptitude to magic. Sophie would be proud were she able to meet you. To already have such strong magic only affirms my theory. The War is about to intensify. The Dark One is preparing an attack; probably the greatest attack he has ever made."

Josh wiped his mouth. "Then let's get started. If what you say is true, father, then we need to begin as soon as possible." Sarah stood to her feet.

"Yes, can we start? I really wish to get a better look at the library." Her eyes shone with joy despite the coming trouble.

James chuckled. "Yes, you are a sage of sorts already. Always eager to get your nose in a good book. Luckily, we have a lower room filled with them. Come." And he led them from the room.