Dread Mage

Vell had left Sonder very practical clothing; pants, sweaters and robust boots; sturdy and warm and it the sweater even had holes for the sword in her chest.

In these circumstances and considering Hrygo's expectations, any outfit was preferable to a dress.

And Sonder put them on, and then lay down on her bed.

She didn’t have enough time to look through the contents of the trunk and they were at the bottom, hidden by books, which she also took out and organized.

She didn’t know exactly when Hrygo would call her, but she had a strong desire to delve into one of the books Vell had left behind and after that to eat something.

Her appetite seemed to have partially returned, or perhaps it was her conscious understanding that eating was necessary for her to gain strength.

She felt as if her body was slightly adjusting to meet her needs.

Was this how her body worked? She didn’t understand any of it herself, but as she was a rather unique being right now, there weren’t many that would know the answers.

While grappling with these questions, she picked up a book.

The chosen book's title was 'Essential Guide for Young Mages'.

She hadn't chosen it for its title, although an essential guide was something she was keen on reading, but for the author's name, a single word, Accismus.

She had heard that name before when Vell had used it to gain access to the Garrion hideout.

The only facts she knew about the man were that he was a renowned wizard mercenary or something similar, and that he was a gnome.

Beyond that, he was a complete mystery to her, but it didn't matter. She just wanted to read.

And so, she read.

She didn't get very far before she felt a watchful gaze on her and turned her head to see Hrygo standing in the doorway.

“Is is time already?” She asked.

"Not yet, you still have some time. What are you reading?" Hrygo inquired as she took a seat next to the bed.

"A book on magic that Vell left for me."

"Do you aspire to wield the seithr?" Hrygo questioned.

“If that means being a wizard, then yes, I do."

"Is seithr the reason for the sword in your chest?" Hrygo probed further.

Sonder expected the question, though she thought it would have come earlier.

She responded, somewhat uncertainly, "Yes…?"

In reality, the sword had lodged itself in her chest well before magic entered the picture, but it was the magic that kept it there.

"We have an old warrior in the village, he has an axe head lodged in his skull and an arrow piercing his abdomen. He's been like that for years now, since I was about your age. Perhaps you can exchange stories about how you both came to be this way."

“I’d rather not talk about it,” Sonder said.

Hrygo nodded and let the topic pass.

"We lack shamans or wizards. We are inept at the unfettered arts. If you seek knowledge here, you'll find none."