Chapter 4

  Caspian and Rolund walked through the streets of the Sorcerers Guild grounds. Caspian, after eating and a few minutes to rest, was able to start walking by himself. He gaped at all the sorcerers as they journeyed past him. Most wore simple garments and robes in the safety of the grounds, but some who had just returned from missions wore intricate armor of silver and gold.

  “Woah!” Caspian breathed, staring at a woman carrying a house sized boulder over her head as if it were a paperweight. She glanced at him and smirked, winking before making her way towards a large storage facility.

  They continued walking, passing more and more sorcerers as they neared the center of the city sized compound of the Sorcerers Guild main territory. Towering pagodas and vast tents of thick material grew more and more common, as well as massive open fields filled with weights, sparring weapons, and sorcerers. They were sparring, training with weights, and meditating in large groups.

  “These are some of the many fields used for training sorcerers.” Rolund explained, noticing Caspian’s excitement. “Sorcerers are trained vigorously for years until they are ready to go out on missions of their own.”

  Caspian nodded along, still gawking at the vast fields. He nearly bumped into someone as he walked, but was pulled out of the way by Rolund as they continued down the road. Tdey eventually lost sight of the training fields and found themselves in the center of the grounds; surrounded by large buildings of stone and quartz mixed with smaller carts laden with food, armor, magical items, and more.

  Rolund moved to be ahead of Caspian, leading him through the large crowd and into one of the many buildings. Inside was a vast room lined with oak and a simple stone floor, tables sat scattered throughout, some had sheets of paper and quills, others had a few magical items. At the far end was a desk with a man sitting behind it, he seemed almost bored as he read a book that looked older than anything Caspian had ever seen.

  Several young people were in the room, ranging in age from about 10 all the way to their late teens. They messed around with many of the items in the room, a few were throwing small pebbles back and forth while two meditated in the corner.

  “What is this place?” Caspian asked Rolund, his gaze confused and slightly worried.

  Rolund turned to him, placing a comforting hand on the boy’s shoulder and giving him a warm smile. “This is the youth care center. I too have many responsibilities which you can't be with me for. It will only take a short time but until then you’ll stay here.”

  Caspian looked up at him, worry growing on his face. “You’re… leaving?” His breathing quickened, his hand moving to grab Rolund’s arm tightly. “No… I…”

  “Hey hey hey. It's gonna be okay kiddo.” Rolund said hastily, lowering himself to be eye level with Caspian. He reached out his aura and gently brushed it against the boy’s soul, carefully giving him feelings of support. “It won't be for long, and I trust everyone on the grounds with my life.”

  Caspian’s breathing slowed as he felt his chest warm with the feelings of support. He opened his eyes and wiped away the tears that had formed, loosening his grip on Rolund’s arm. He took a few shaking breaths before nodding slowly, his gaze drifting towards the floor in shame.

  Rolund hesitated for a moment before wrapping Caspian into a hug, completely enveloping the small boy. Caspian’s rugged breaths barely made it out as he returned the hug, his arms not even reaching Rolund’s back.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  “I promise you.” Rolund whispered to Caspian, his voice soft and determined. “I won't abandon you. Ever.”

  Caspian watched as Rolund walked out of the building, waving back at the boy before disappearing into the bustling crowd. He took another deep breath before turning to face the others, none of them seemed to care about the newcomer. Caspian walked carefully between the tables, manevuring his way to the desk where the man sat.

  “Um. Hello?” Caspian asked meakly, his small frame growing even smaller when the man turned his attention to the boy.

  “What?” He asked, his voice matter of fact. His long blond hair was pulled into a tight pony.

  Caspian opened and closed his mouth for a few moments, this seemed to annoy the man who lowered his feet from the desk to stand over Caspian.

  “Stop doing that.” He said, his towering figure causing Caspian to have to look up.

  Caspian stared at the man, his eyes wide and hands shaking. The man stared down at him with an angry glare, his hands layed on either side of the desk in a way that Caspian felt surrounded. His breathing started to pick up in speed again, his chest tightening and sweat dripping down his face.

  “Spit it out already!” The man yelled in annoyance, he waited for a second before slamming his hand against the table.

  The noise was like the sound of the carriage being destroyed, him being sent flying. He touched his arm where he had landed, the pain seemed to be there despite his wounds having been healed. The man loomed over him just as the bandit had, the sick look in his eyes took up Caspian’s thoughts again.

  He began to hyperventilate, his entire body wracked with fear as his legs gave out. He collapsed to the ground and pulled himself against the side of the desk, flashes of the moment occupying his brain. No, he thought. Not again. No no no no no!

  He grabbed his head and curled in on himself, tears once again forming in his eyes as the panic attack overtook him. He barely felt or heard anything for what felt like an eternity, the memories pulling him further and further into his distress.

  “Caspian!” He heard the shouting voice, and his name, but he couldnt recognize who was talking to him.

  “Caspian! I'm here! It's me!” He slowly began to understand the voice, it was Rolund. He wasnt shouting, he had been gently coaxing Caspian out of his panic attack. Caspian practically jumped into Rolund’s arms, croaking sobs escaping his throat.

  “What happened?” Rolund asked after Caspian had calmed some more. Caspian didnt pull away, still shaking in Rolund’s embrace.

  “He… he scared me. Made me think about it.” Caspian whispered shakily, the tears still wet on his face.

  He felt Rolund’s grip around him tighten and his gaze shift upwards, towards the man seated at his desk again. The man made a noise that sounded to Caspian like fear and heard him stand again.

  “Can you tell me,” Rolund said carefully, his voice barely hiding his boiling rage. “Why you thought it wise to trigger a young boy’s ptsd?” The man squeaked with terror and Caspian noticed the air around him was thicker than normal.

  “I… I-” The man started, only to be cut off by a slamming sound and groans of pain.

  Rolund stood, Caspian in his arms like a baby needing to be put to sleep. He turned and began to walk away. Caspian could see through blurry eyes that the man was now embedded in the wall, cracks ran the length of it and the man lay unconscious.

  “What happened to him?” Caspian asked quietly as Rolund carried him down the street.

  “He just needed a nap, kid. Don't worry about it right now.” Rolund said, his voice soft and soothing.

  He carried Caspian to his cottage, nearing the outstretches of the grounds. Rolund brought him inside and into a guest room.

  “Youll be in here tonight.” He whispered softly, laying Caspian down in the bed. He got up to leave but Caspian called out to him.

  “Wait!” Rolund turned. “Can you… stay with me? Please?” He asked hesitantly, pulling the covers up. Rolund smiled softly and returned, sitting down on the bed.

  “Of course.”