It was the day after the dire wolves had attacked our campsite. Though the only serious injury was quickly healed by Bella, the group was noticeably more subdued. Once or twice, I caught my father’s hands edging to his sword whenever a sudden noise happened, or an animal rustled a bush. Noises that the previous day we would have ignored became magnified and the tension put everyone on edge.

One thing put a smile on everyone’s face, though. My father had profusely thanked me for saving his life during the fight with the wolves, and mother was very impressed with the strength of my wind magic.

“Lucina would have been impressed, too,” mom said. “I’m sure of it.”

I looked over at the wind mage, who was quietly sleeping on the wagon bench. “Will she be alright, mom?” I asked with concern.

Mother patted me on the head. “Of course, Gil. We’re going to have to rest for a few days before crossing the Liru river, but she’ll be healthy as a horse after a few days rest. Now, make sure to be quiet and don’t bother her rest,” she warned.

We sat in silence for a while, then we started to hear some whispering outside. I leaned closer to the wagon entrance, trying to decipher what the hunters outside were saying.

“I’m telling you, Frank, this one’s better! It’s perfect for his size!” My father’s urgent whispers grew louder and louder as he spoke.

“Michel, how many times must I tell you? Your swords are simply too small! I’m just looking out for your son, man. A big blade gets all the ladies.”  I could feel Frank’s eyebrows wagging on the last line, though for what reason I still did not know.

Mother rolled her eyes, then poked her head out the wagon. “You gentlemen done talking yet? Just show Gilan the gift already, won’t you?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Ahem. Gilan,” my father began. “It occurred to us that, if we ever run into a problem again, it would be prudent to at least give you a weapon to defend yourself with.”

He pulled out a wrapped bundle about two thirds the length of his longsword and held it out to me.

“We were going to give this to you once you learned the basics of swordsmanship with the Knightly Bards,” dad explained. “But it’s more important that you’re safe.”

I took the bundle in my hands, eyes widening at the weight. Unwrapping the bundle, I gazed at the dull red sheathe and the simple leather hilt. Though it didn’t look fancy, one look was enough to tell me that this was made by a master craftsman. Not that I wanted a fancy sword, anyways. Father always said that the only thing an expensive looking sword did was attract bad attention. “Can I unsheathe it?” I asked.

My father nodded. “Go ahead. Careful, though. Don’t cut anyone’s head off,” he said with a grin.

As I slid the blade out from the scabbard, my eyes widened in surprise. The heavy weight, which had dragged down on my wrists, suddenly fell away. I could feel a sense of mass at the tip of the sword, but as I lightly swung the tip of the sword through the air, it felt as light as a feather.

“It’s all in the sword’s balancing,” Frank explained. “A good sword’s hard to come by, and that blade in your hand’s quite a good one. “

Looking at the blade gleaming in the sunlight, I suddenly remembered Frank fighting last night, sword ablaze. On impulse, I willed a bit of mana into the sword, and then commanded it to ignite. A wisp of smoke rose from the base of the blade, and then a tiny flame, barely larger than a match, ignited on the steel.

Frank suddenly understood what I intended to do, and immediately burst into laughter. “You’re still a bit off from igniting your sword, yeah? Don’t worry, Gilan. I’m sure you’ll get there one day, but for now, leave the fireworks to the professionals, OK?”

At the word professionals, mother rolled her eyes but otherwise remained silent, assenting to Frank’s assertions. She patted my back. “Alright now, put the blade back into the scabbard before you hurt yourself,” she said. “You’ll learn the basics with your dad and Frank, and then you can worry about enhancing it with magic.”

Sighing, I slid the sword back into the sheathe, clipping it onto my belt. The weight felt just right, as if I had finally found something I didn’t even know I was missing.

In the driver’s seat, Ajax raised his voice. “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for arrival. We’re almost at Dunby’s Ford.”