Soren, the highest populated region of Hosontropia. There are numerous shops, offices, and huge buildings. The roads are busy with spiritiz carriages. Amidst the glamour of this metropolis, a young boy, not more than eleven, worked tirelessly, cleaning the entrance of the smithy.

  “Why are you still cleaning the doorway?” A huge man, with a dangling beard, came out of the smithy. He was covered in sweat, his arms were brawny and filled with bruises, he had rough voice.

  “The Nobles will be arriving soon. Wrap it up, rug rat.” He looked at the boy with commanding eyes.

  The man was about to go back inside, when the boy spoke up. “It’s Gordon.”

  “Huh?” The man turned around.

  “My name is Gordon. Not rug rat.”

  The man picked up Gordon by the collar of his ragged shirt. “Listen kid, I feed you, clothe you, and let you stay here.... Talk back to me again and you’ll know the true meaning of being an orphan.” He dropped the boy down. The man went back inside the smithy.

  “One day Mord, one day I’ll show you what I’m capable of.” Gordon whispered while snapping the broom into two.

  Gordon was born into a poor family, in Soren. His mother died a few months after his birth and his father went missing in the Great Forest. He had no friends and family. He would steal from others and do odd jobs in order to earn his food. That was until he got caught stealing from Mord’s smithy. Mord wanted to hand him over to the authorities. But his wife, Yvene, wanted to take in the child. She somehow convinced Mord to use him as a chore boy and instead of giving him money, they would give him food, clothes, and a place to stay. From then onwards, Gordon started working at the smithy. Working near the fire, and lifting heavy weapons and materials for three years shaped Gordon into a toned young man.

  Gordon was about to go inside, when he saw five spiritiz carriages, enter Soren. Hearing the carriages, Mord and Yvene came out of the smithy and stood beside Gordon to get a look at the Nobles. They’ve only seen Lady Belzi, once or twice, during different festivals. The other nobles were unknown to them.

  Each carriage was being guarded by soldiers. One by one, the doors opened and the nobles revealed themselves. In the meantime a crowd of people had gathered, surrounding the nobles.

  “Ugh, Nobles, always acting high and mighty.” One of the voices from the crowd whispered. Fortunately the Nobles didn’t hear it amidst the chattering noise of the crowd.

  Suddenly, everyone went silent. A loud voice circulated throughout the crowd.

  “People of Soren. I am Belzi Morgan, the Lady of Soren. Recently, an incident had occurred at the entrance of the Great Forest. Twenty one representatives of the Spiritiz Council were brutally murdered. But there is no need for any unnecessary fear or worry. We, the Nobles of Hosontropia, are looking into the matter personally. All we ask is for your cooperation. If you have any information about anything regarding this incident, or have seen anyone indulging themselves into suspicious activities, please do not hesitate and let us know.”

  The nobles looked around and saw the crowd staring at them in complete awe.

  “Are we some sort of spectacle to them?!” Ryoner questioned Belzi.

  “Calm down Lord Ryoner. They’ve never seen any of you before. They are just mesmerized by your presence.”

  Ryoner felt a little proud of himself after hearing Belzi’s answer.

  “Let’s go to my mansion. It has been a long journey. I’m sure everyone would like to get refreshed before starting the investigation.” Belzi looked at everyone with a bright smile on her face.

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  The nobles entered their carriages and headed towards the Morgan Mansion.

  -

  Mord had sent Gordon to buy some materials for the smithy, in the afternoon. This was Gordon’s favourite task. He could roam outside as much as he wanted and make up an excuse, when questioned for his late return. Gordon was looking at the view from the bridge, lost in his thoughts.

  “Agh, goddamnit!”

  Gordon looked downwards. He saw a boy, probably about his age, black hair, frail body, holding a handful of pebbles, and trying to throw them at a distant rock. But every time, he either missed the rock, or his throwing strength proved to be insufficient. Gordon got off the bridge and approached the boy.

  “What are you doing?”

  The boy immediately threw the pebbles down and turned around. His face was marked with fear.

  “Is there anything on my face?” Gordon asked him.

  The boy was slowly backing away.

  “Hey calm down.... I won’t eat you.... I just wanted to know what you were doing.... That’s all.”

  “I- I was t- trying to channel my sp- spiritiz.” The boy answered hesitantly.

  “Oh cool... What’s your name?” Gordon had an excited look on his face. After all he doesn’t meet many children of his age.

  The boy’s answer was short. “Voldar Vistara.”

  Gordon gave him a big smile. “Nice to meet you Voldar. I am Gordon.” He extended his hand.

  Voldar gave him a light smile and shook his hand.

  “Can you teach me how to channel spiritiz?” Gordon looked at Voldar enthusiastically.

  Voldar gave him a gloomy look, “Unfortunately, I cannot control my spiritiz yet.... What I was doing just now, was nothing more than a failed attempt.”

  “Then don’t stop until you succeed.” Voldar looked up. Gordon was serious.

  “Go on, try again.” Gordon said, while he sat down on the ground.

  Voldar picked up a pebble. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on channelling his spiritiz through his hand. He felt a little tingle on his palm. Voldar thought he had successfully channeled his spiritiz and gathered it inside the pebble. He opened his eyes, just to find a bug crawling around his palm. He shook it off disappointedly. He kept on trying for more than an hour, but had no luck.

  “Man.... You really weren’t kidding when you said you can’t control your spiritiz.” Gordon came up to him.

  Voldar’s face became sombre.

  Gordon felt sorry for him. He tried to cheer him up. “ Hey, I’m sure you’ll master it one day.”

  During this conversation, another boy, walked up towards them.

  “So this is where you were.” Both Voldar and Gordon looked towards the boy.

  “You left without saying anything.” He put his arm around Voldar’s shoulder.

  “Who’s the blondie?” The boy asked pointing towards Gordon.

  “Well if we are addressing each other with our hair colour, you must be brownie.” Gordon said jokingly. Both of them looked at each other and laughed it off.

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Azoth, Azoth Rydam.”

  “I’m Gordon. Nice to meet you.”

  “And last name?” Asked Azoth.

  “I have none.” Gordon said casually.

  Both Azoth and Voldar were a bit surprised. Seeing the looks on their faces, Gordon decided to tell his story......

  “I apologise. I was rude for asking your last name.” Azoth looked guilty.

  “It’s all good. No worries.” Gordon shook it off.

  “Oh, I completely forgot why I was looking for you in the first place. Lord Volzen has summoned you.” Azoth saw Voldar’s soft smile disappear into terror.

  “Well it was nice to meet you guys. It’s getting late, I should head back. Let’s meet again sometime.” Gordon said as he took his leave. The other two bid him farewell.

  “We have to hurry. I don’t want to face my father’s wrath.” Voldar’s voice almost broke as he thought of the consequences. They hurried off to the Morgan Mansion.