5 years have gone by. I'm not sure what happened to those raiders that made us leave our home, but it's been uneventful here in Terrin. I'm not allowed to leave the house– probably on my father's orders. I guess there might have been more to the seers' vision.
There is a library in the mansion. However, the books consist of illustrations and fables from the past. Nothing educational. So in my free time, I do push ups and sit ups. There isn't much else to do in this house, so what better way to spend my time since I'm pretty much grounded.
I've learned to talk, but my wet nurse is all I have. I've tried talking to her, but she completely ignores me and only does her duties of feeding, washing, and keeping me 'happy'. Is ignoring me also part of my father's orders? So much for keeping me happy.
One day, I decide to sneak out of the house to be free of this boring life. I didn't want to be found walking around so I sneak around the village. Peeling a corner, I see some children aiming stones at a stack of stones. Are they trying to knock them over?
"Hey."
I walk over to them and they all turn to me in unison. They take a step back and look anxious in my presence. Why? The bigger boy in the group steps out of the group.
"I am Hammond, son of Guido. As the biggest one here, I order you to go away Demon!"
'Are you serious?'
I look at Hammond with a look of utter shock and anger. Demon is a little much, isn't it?
"Why do you call me a demon?"
My fists clench as I ask. They notice my anger and in unison take a step back again. Hammond's bravado seems to be waning as sweat twinkles down his brow.
*Shing*
The sound of a dagger leaving its scabbard rings out into the air. Hammond points the knife at me.
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"War rages on and men run rampant in the land in search of wealth and honor. And then there is that demon child in our midst. Hammond, you will begin to learn how to fight. "
Hammond shivers. His dream has always been to become a great warrior like his father.
"Take this dagger. A sword would be too heavy. Carry this every day no matter the circumstance, become accustomed to its weight, and gain strength. And If that child ever leaves the safety of the Lord's house, no one will look for him. And if you ever run into him, make his life difficult. Kill him if you want. I give you my permission."
The dagger in Hammond's hand feels heavy. With much care, he tucks it into his rope belt.
"Thank you, father. I will not fail!"
As Hammond leaves, Guido's face sports a devilish grin.
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The other boys feel braver with their friend holding a weapon. They encircle me to prevent my escape. A gleam of light passes through each of their eyes as Hammond looks at me.
"Demon, today I, Hammond the Brave, shall kill you and gain honor."
He rushes forward in an attempt to stab me. Startled, I sidestep a moment too late and he manages to leave a shallow cut on my left arm.
'All I wanted to do was relieve my boredom! Why did I do to deserve this?'
I look around and the boys aren't giving me an escape route.
"STOP! Why are you doing this?"
"Because you are Demon spawn! Take honor that you die by my hand."
Hammond lunges toward me again. I can tell he isn't skilled with a dagger, but it's still a dangerous situation! I lower my body and space out my legs to prepare myself.
As his dagger reaches me, the world slows down and I can see everything around me in slow motion. I sidestep to the left and with my right arm grab his right wrist.
Bending his arm behind his back, I grab his right shoulder from behind him with my left hand and take him to the ground. The dagger drops to the ground.
"...Demon...he is a demon. RUN!"
The boys all stare at me in shock and run away yelling demon. I get off Hammond and run away before I'm discovered in this weird situation.