Dual Wielding

On the day he was to leave for Taravast, Wyn got up before sunrise. Though that wasn’t anything unusual for him, he always preferred to practice with his sword in the brief time before the sun crested over the Windfall mountains. He left his home without saying goodbye to his mother or brother, as they’d be seeing him off soon before he truly departed.

Much had changed in the month since the dungeon flood. For one, the founder’s tomb had stopped spawning monsters as promised, and the caves were left open to be mined for their resources. Many of these, in the lower floors, had never been extracted before, and were quite valuable. After consulting with several elders about it, the new treasures were expected to be beneficial for Straetum, even considering the loss of monster’s mana cores.

Besides that, Wyn was shocked at how much had remained the same. Miraculously, only twenty-four people had died in the attack, and many, many more had been injured, but they lived—by the time the month passed, most had recovered. Compared to the disaster from six years prior though, it was seen as a blessing of the spirits. Wyn supposed in a way, it was.

He and Corrin continued to train daily, becoming more adept with each of their abilities, though in truth there wasn’t much for Wyn to do. The spirit fire didn’t require much nuance to use from what he could tell; as a spirit blessing, it was something he understood how to do as naturally as breathing.

Corrin had begun to win more and more duels due to the impact of his mana channeling—something Wyn still hadn’t been able to learn. Spirit fire definitely had its benefits, but compared to the power and speed seemingly granted by mana, it wasn’t enough against humans, which it didn’t seem to affect. In fact, it had proven unable to harm even animals, apparently only effective against monsters and poisons.

As Wyn walked to the tree, he realized there actually was something he hadn’t tried. He called out to Eia through their bond. It was something he’d gotten better at recently. Within a minute, she came whizzing through the air, eventually alighting on his shoulder, seemingly never too comfortable with getting too far away.

“Can I help you Wyn?”

She seemed in a decent mood, he thought. Her legs were kicking lazily off the edge of his shoulder like a child sitting on a swing.

“Eia, do you know why I haven’t been able to use mana like Corrin?”

Her mood seemed to sour, “So rude. Not even a hello? How are you doing, Eia? Your hair is looking especially silky today. You were more polite as an eight-year-old.”

Wyn sighed, “I’m sorry Eia. This is all still new to me. I would really appreciate any help you could give me.”

“I’ll forgive you this time.” She perked up. “As for why you can’t use mana, I don’t really know why. Most humans are capable of it I think?”

They can? Wyn thought. That’s news to me, if so, why hasn’t anybody in the village learned how?

Eia scratched her head quizzically, “I’m afraid I don’t know much about how this all works. I was still young myself when we bonded. It’s for the best though, it’s gross.”

“Gross?”

“Yeah gross, mana shouldn’t be taken in by people in the first place, leave using it to us spirits.” She stuck out her tongue and made a face like she’d had a bad bite of food, “If you don’t use mana, it's all the better.”

“I see.” Wyn clicked his tongue. That had been unhelpful.

Eia hopped off his shoulder and flitted around his face, “Are you unhappy Wyn? Don’t worry! I’m way more useful than any of that stuff anyways!”

“And how’s that?” Wyn asked.

Eia froze, “Uh, I’m honestly not sure. But it feels true!”

Wyn let out a sigh as he reached the foot of the tree. “Well, thank you for the help Eia. I’m sure I’ll call on you again soon.” He bowed to her slightly, and she seemed to appreciate the gesture. She watched him for a bit, but soon fluttered off to chase after a squirrel in the branches above.

Wyn went through his forms as usual, and eventually Corrin showed up to spar as well. It wasn’t particularly notable—the day’s bout ending in a draw—but the fact that it was the last time they’d spar under the Spearwood wasn’t lost on him. He bid Corrin a brief farewell as his friend left to begin the final preparations for the journey, and a few minutes later, Wyn got up to go himself.

Just before heading back, Wyn stopped, turning to look up at the Spearwood. The regal tree stretched into the sky, alone on its hill, as it had always stood. One last time, Wyn enjoyed its cool shade, in which he and Corrin had stood so long ago. The mountain air was so fresh, he was going to miss it. For the last eight years he’d come here almost every day. What would he do now?

“Goodbye.” He whispered, with a bittersweet smile, and then he turned and left.

***

Wyn looked around his room one last time, the trip to Taravast was a long one, and it would certainly be a while before he and Corrin were able to come back. The wood beneath his feet creaked as he ran his hand along his desk. His father, still protecting them even from the realm of the spirits, had left them quite well off. Thanks to him, Wyn’s mother had been able to afford a nice wooden desk and a couple of books for Wyn’s thirteenth birthday, perhaps the largest present he’d ever gotten. He would miss his small collection of books, built up over the years, but he couldn’t take them with him. Not that it mattered, he’d heard the academy had one of the largest collections of books in the world. He couldn’t wait to see it, but he wondered if it would feel the same. Probably not… but that didn’t mean it couldn’t be better.

He rapped his knuckles against the wood softly before he sighed and made his way downstairs, to where his family was waiting. He ducked to avoid the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs as a small figure flew towards him, almost tackling him down.

“Are you sure you have to go?” His younger brother, Elry looked up at him with pleading eyes.

Wyn ruffled his hair, smiling softly, “Yeah, but I’m going to miss you lots. The next time I see you, I’m sure you’ll be way bigger!”

Elry puffed out his chest, the effect was ruined by his sniffling though, “Yeah! I’m gonna come to Taravast too! Give it a few years and I’ll be even stronger than you!”

“I look forward to seeing it.” Wyn said.

He turned to his mother, her hands were clasped at her waist, a faint smile on her face. He wrapped her in an embrace.

“I promise I’ll make you proud mom,” he said.

She ran her hand through his hair as she held him tightly, “You already have Wyn. And I know you’ll make for an incredible knight. Just don’t forget to come back home every now and then to see us. I’ll worry otherwise.” She held him at a distance, giving him one last lookover. He noticed some redness around her eyes, but her smile was wide and proud.

“Oh, Wyn.” His mother walked into the kitchen before coming back a moment later, pressing a basket into his arms. “It would be a shame for all that work to go to waste, right?”

“Ah… I almost forgot.” He chuckled, clutching the basket tightly.

“I left something else in there too, make sure to thank Elder Terris while you’re there.”

“I will.” Wyn nodded

After one more quick hug, she let him go, and he walked to the door.

As he crossed the threshold for the last time, Wyn took one final look back.

“Take care, I’m going to miss you both!” he said.

“Stay safe Wyn! And make sure to resupply before crossing The Grass Sea!” His mom replied, waving him goodbye. He briefly composed himself and strode into town.

The pack on his back was heavy as he walked to the edge of Straetum, though he couldn’t tell if it was due to the load of supplies, or his own reservations about leaving. He ran through the mental checklist in his head, two weeks rations, a second set of clothes, a bedroll, fire starter, cloth tarp, medicinal herbs, a knife, compass, a few other odds and ends, and of course, the sword on his back.

The church was ahead of him, though their meeting spot was slightly to the south on the road heading out of town. He’d left early, just enough to do one last thing before leaving.

A quick visit to a grave.

How long has it been since I’ve been here? Wyn thought.

He reached into the basket his mother handed him and smirked, she’d put a small bottle in with the other contents of the basket. When he uncorked the lid, the sharp scent of alcohol filled his nose.

Guess I’ll stop there first.

He walked towards the newest wing of the cemetery, but to his surprise, he couldn’t find Elder Terris’ stone. After some searching, a thought occurred, and he walked over towards another familiar location. There, in an older wing, sat three gravestones, side by side. Fenfreth oversaw the cemetery; he must’ve gone out of his way to make it happen.

“Reunited huh?” Wyn said sadly. “I’m glad.”

He knelt in front of the largest headstone. There was only really one thing he wanted to say, “Elder Terris, thank you. You always liked to joke about how Corrin and I had surpassed you long ago, but if it hadn’t been for you, I’m certain we never would’ve gotten to that point. I still think you give crappy advice though, it’s pure luck that last one made any sense.”

Wyn laughed softly, but his heart wasn’t in it.

“Either way, from the beginning to the end, you were the best mentor I could’ve asked for, and I’m really, really going to miss you. I’d love to sit and chat all day, but I think you’d scold me if I did, so I’ll just say it one more time. Thank you. Also, my mother gave me something to bring for you, so I hope you like it.”

He reached back into the basket and pulled out the bottle, setting it down next to the grave. Then, a moment later, he thought better of it.

“You know what? After all this time you shouldn’t be drinking.” He picked it back up, a smile tugging at his lips. “Just enjoy the time with your family. You deserve it. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it doesn’t go to waste, I promise.”

After putting the bottle into his traveling pack, Wyn got up and headed to the next grave. Though he hadn’t been in a while, he knew exactly where it was. Just a normal, nondescript headstone, mixed in with the rest of the crowd of those that had died in the first flood.

Wyn took a deep breath, steadying his shaking hands. Unlike with Elder Terris, he had no idea what to say. After spending a week thinking about it, he never figured it out.

“Hey dad… it’s been a while.” He paused. “I just wanted to come say hi, and let you know how I’m doing. I think the last few times I was here I might’ve lied a bit. I know it’s funny right? Lying to my dead father, what’s even the point? Anyways… I really am doing better now; I’m going to become a Spirit Knight like I always said. You saved me that night, and I’m going to make it worth something. Sorry I wasted the last six years, you probably weren’t too happy with that.”

Wyn wiped his damp eyes, reaching down for the basket and placing it next to the stone. He unfolded the cloth off the top, revealing its contents: the products of a month of testing and work.

“I uh… I made some bread for you, it’s special though see. I used my own starter for it, it took a while to get the flavor right, and it’s not as good as yours is, so I’m sorry if you don’t like it.” The words spilled out of him, and he forced himself to slow down, taking another deep breath.

“But it’s mine. And I wanted you to be the first person to taste it.”

Wyn stood up, brushing the dirt from his knees. “I’m sorry, I probably won’t visit for even longer this time. But while I’m gone, just keep an eye on mom and Elry for me. I’ll be back as soon as I can, and I’ll be strong enough that no one will ever be able to hurt us again. I love you dad.”

There was so much more he wanted to say. So many more things he wanted to ask. But they stuck in his throat like water behind a dam. But he couldn’t leave without getting one last thing out.

Wyn smiled. It felt so good to smile. “Dad, I just want you to know, I’m happy.”

***

Wyn sped up to a light jog as he saw Corrin and the old man up ahead on the road. Surrounding Corrin were the kids from the orphanage.

One of his younger sisters was hugging him tightly, fighting back tears, “Come home soon ok Corrin! We’re going to miss you!”

Corrin tousled her hair lightly, “Of course Sarah. I’ll be back to visit as soon as I can. Keep Ezra out of trouble, ok?”

Ezra pouted at that statement.

“I will!” She said, finally letting go of him and stepping back over towards Fenfreth.

Corrin noticed Wyn approaching and waved over, “Hey, I can’t believe I’m earlier than you for once.”

“I would certainly hope you beat me Corrin, I live on the other side of town,” Wyn deadpanned.

Corrin stuck his tongue out, “Whatever, a win’s a win.”

Wyn clicked his tongue, but then chuckled. “Whatever you need to tell yourself.”

Fenfreth looked Corrin up and down, “You’ve got your water, your extra boots?”

Corrin rolled his eyes, “Yes, we’ve already been over all this.” The pack on his back was almost as large as Wyn’s, but Corrin was smaller, so it almost looked comical. Nobody else in town would be able to carry so much, but even before the events of the summer, they hadn’t been normal, and Corrin assured him that with mana included, it was no problem.

One of the younger boys, Kenin, grabbed the priest’s sleeve, “He’ll be fine pops. Even if he messes up, Wyn is with him so I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Corrin turned to the boy with a look of betrayal on his face.

The old man nodded sagely, “Hmm, you’re probably right…”

“Not you too, why am I being ganged up on?” Corrin groaned.

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble,” Wyn bowed, before dodging a punch from Corrin.

“Thank you Wyn, I would appreciate it. Also, I have a brief matter to discuss with you.” He pulled Wyn aside and pulled a cloth pouch out of his cloak. “I’m afraid things have been so hectic lately I only got to this two days ago, but Elder Terris left everything he had to you. This pouch has his money, which I’m sure you’ll need on your journey. The rest of his belongings though, what would you have me do with them?”

Wyn took the pouch and put it away without looking inside, it was heavy and likely worth a lot.

Thanks. He sent a silent prayer to his mentor.

“I don’t need the belongings,” Wyn said, “Unless you find something you think I might really want, you can sell the rest and use the money for the church. I know you’ll put it to good use.”

Fenfreth bowed slightly, “Thank you. You’re a fine young man Wyn.”

Wyn nodded with a small smile, and then looked up at the sky. The sun had risen a good way over the mountains, it was about time they got going. He found Corrin speaking to Elder Irym, several of his siblings still holding onto his legs.

“You ready to go?” He asked.

Corrin looked up, checking the sky as well. “I guess it is about time.”

They said their final goodbyes, Corrin hugged the old man a little longer than usual, and some of his younger siblings from the orphanage had tears streaming down their faces even as they waved them on.

But the pair began to walk down the lone dirt road which stretched off into the countryside, towards their futures.

“Wyn!” A voice cried out, he turned to see his mother and brother waving from the town limits. Apparently they'd decided their earlier goodbye wasn't enough. “We love you! Have a great trip, you too Corrin!” They cried out, voices already fading.

He almost teared up, but he smiled widely and waved back. “I love you guys! I’ll make sure to write!” A pat on his back from Corrin reassured him as they kept walking.

Wyn noticed one thing missing from this picture though, “Hey did you ever tell Khaeli how you felt?”

Corrin looked into the distance, his eyes slightly cloudy. “Yeah… rejected. I really hoped she’d be here to see us off though.”

Wyn frowned, he would’ve expected as much as well, but something must’ve gone wrong.

“Waaiiiiit,” a voice cried out. Wyn turned to see a figure racing towards them from the edge of town. He recognized that flaming red hair.

Khaeli stumbled to a halt, nearly tripping as she panted with her hands on her knees.

“Spirits! I can’t believe I almost missed it!” She wheezed.

“Hey Khaeli, I was wondering where you were,” Wyn said casually, realizing Corrin had gone still as stone. “I was hoping—”

He was cut off as she threw her arms around them, dragging them both into a hug. Her arms weren’t long enough so it was a bit awkward, but Wyn obliged. “I’m going to miss you guys. It really won’t be the same around here without you.”

Wyn got misty eyed yet again, “Yeah. We’re going to miss you too.”

Corrin nodded.

“The two of you are going to go on to great things, I absolutely know it.” Her eyes met Wyn’s, and he was shocked by the utter confidence they seemed to possess. She really did believe it. But when she glanced at Corrin, Wyn noticed her eyes soften, and she looked at him almost—

Ah. So that’s what this is about.

Taravast was a long way away after all.

“When you become amazing knights,” She spoke quietly, “Try not to forget about the rest of us. Come visit some time?”

Wyn grabbed her hand with both of his, “We will Khaeli. We’ll even drag you out to Taravast to visit at some point. It’s a promise. Oh and, I’ll take care of Corrin, don’t worry,” He winked.

Khaeli flushed and took her hands away, trying to clear her throat. “Well, thanks for that. Send a letter when you make it and we’ll stay in touch.”

“I will.” Corrin finally said.

The three of them stood for several breaths, and then Khaeli took a step away. With one hand behind her back, she waved goodbye. Wyn turned a second before Corrin, waving over his shoulder. “See ya Khaeli, and may the spirits light your path.”

A moment later, Corrin caught up. When he did, Wyn placed his hand on his best friend’s shoulder, and the two walked together towards what lay beyond.