NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Bonds of Brotherhood
Norway, 980 AD
The first snow of winter fell softly outside as Magnus watched his brothers train in the great hall of their home. Twelve-year-old Magnus observed with quiet pride as eight-year-old Finn guided six-year-old Elijah through one of the more complex forms of the Mikaelson style. Three-year-old Niklaus sat beside Magnus, attempting to mirror the movements with his small hands.
"Patience, little brother," Magnus said softly, adjusting Niklaus's arm position. "Your time will come soon enough."
The firelight caught the determination in Niklaus's eyes as he nodded, continuing to study every movement his brothers made. Magnus had noticed how his youngest brother seemed to absorb everything around him, storing it away like precious treasure.
"Again," Finn instructed Elijah, his serious demeanor softened by genuine care for his younger brother. "Remember what Magnus taught us about flowing like water."
Elijah executed the move perfectly, his natural grace making the complex form appear effortless. Magnus felt a surge of pride - not just at the display of skill, but at how his brothers had embraced both the physical techniques and the underlying philosophy of unity he'd woven into their training.
"Well done," Magnus said, rising from his seat. "Now, let us try something new." He moved to the center of the room, his movements liquid smooth. "Watch carefully. This form represents the bond between brothers - separate yet united, like shadows at twilight."
As he demonstrated, his body seemed to flow through impossible angles, each movement precisely controlled yet appearing completely natural. It was a modified version of an advanced Ozunu technique, adapted to serve his purpose of strengthening his brothers' bonds.
"Elijah," he called, "join me."
Without hesitation, Elijah stepped forward, matching Magnus's stance. Together, they began the form - Magnus adjusting his movements slightly to complement his brother's natural rhythm. As they moved, something clicked into place, their movements synchronizing perfectly.
"You see?" Magnus said to Finn and Niklaus. "Each movement answers the other. No competition, only harmony."
Later that evening, as they sat around the great hearth, Magnus continued their education in more subtle ways. He told them stories - carefully chosen tales of brotherhood and loyalty, each one reinforcing the lessons he wanted them to learn.
Niklaus had crawled into his lap, while Elijah and Finn sat close by, all of them absorbed in Magnus's words. These quiet moments, Magnus knew, were just as important as their physical training.
"Remember," he told them, his violet eyes reflecting the firelight, "our strength lies not in our individual power, but in our unity. Together, we are unbreakable."
From the shadows, Mikael watched his sons with complex emotions playing across his face. Pride in Magnus's leadership, satisfaction in seeing his children grow strong, and something else - a growing recognition that his eldest son was forging something unique among his brothers.
The snow continued to fall outside as Magnus drew his brothers closer, each of them linked by bonds that grew stronger with each passing day.