The Lightbearer's Gift

Lilian pulled a pair of brown linen trousers, along with a cream-colored shirt out of her pack and tossed them at me. I awkwardly turned around and put them on. After a few seconds of tightening the string of the trousers I breathed a sigh of relief as I finally had on clothes.

I turned around to face my audience and not forgetting my manners, gave Lilian a sincere nod and said, “Thank you Lilian.”

She might have held a knife to my throat and threatened to kill me. But the feeling of clothes on my skin made it worth it. The only response Lilian gave me was a short exhale from her nose and a look of contempt.

Sten looked over to her and said, “I'll add it to your pay.”

“Now that you're dressed, be so kind as to demonstrate your supposed ability to shape the Ether.” Sarah said. I didn't much care for her tone but for the moment there was nothing I could do about it.

“Very well, I'll just fire some light at that tree.” I said pointing to a random tree near the clearing.

I walked over to it and once I reached within 10 feet, I gathered my energy, or was it gathering Ether? Regardless, my energy pooled to a moderate charge.

I turned around to look at the others in the camp. Everyone, even the large green woman, was staring at me in rapt attention. Sarah looked as if she was trying to peer into my soul.

“It's extremely bright so prepare yourself.” I warned and then fired.

While I thought the name daylight was a bit melodramatic, at that moment it felt perfectly accurate. Blinding white light lit up the forest for an instant. A small palm sized circle was scorched into the tree. Since it was dark out, I could see small red embers from the intensity of the heat.

The reaction from my audience was a bit underwhelming. Most were idly rubbing their eyes from the bright flash of light. Only Sarah seemed to have the level of shock I was expecting, but as soon as I noticed, she schooled her expression into a neutral mask. Lilian didn't seem surprised at all.

“Ha,” Sten said in a jolly voice, “Now that was something. Well Sarah, what do you think? that was light magic wasn't it?”

“No, he simply projected light attenuated ether from his palm; the ability to do that without any training is……………an accomplishment.” Sarah seemed to force that last part out.

I had a million questions piling up in my mind at that point, But I would have to shelf those for now until I could guarantee my safety.

“I can do that perhaps 6 times before I become exhausted. 7 if I don't mind being immobile.” I didn't want them to know the extent of my abilities, so I opted to lie. Best to keep my cards close to my chest if possible. I'll also keep the enhanced healing to myself as long as possible.

“So Sarah, now that you've seen his abilities, should we be concerned?” Sten asked, this time his jovial expression was gone.

“I can end him 5 times over before he can perform that projection.” Sarah said confidently.

“Lilian?” Sten asked.

“He doesn't have the ability to conceal his actions in the Ether. That much was clear when I caught him in the forest.” Lilian paused for a second then continued.

“Also, he has no martial or stealth training of any kind, so he poses little challenge to anyone without the Ether.” At that proclamation, the rest of the group seemed to relax.

“Alright people back to your posts.” Sten ordered. Everyone immediately went back to whatever task they were doing.

Lilian gave me a strange look before she went back to scanning the forest. She had given me that look several times and for the life of me I couldn't decipher what it meant.

“Come sit with me by the fire.” Sten said, immediately walking toward the fire.

‘He gives commands with the expectation of them being followed’ I thought to myself. It was surprising Sarah and Lilian followed his orders so quickly.

Once we were both seated by the fire he said, “Your story is quite strange, but for some reason I find myself believing it. However, before I can be certain I need to know everything.”

“Everything?” I asked.

“Everything you heard, smelled, everything you thought, when you encountered things in the forest.”

“Those wounds on your arms for example. I'm guessing the gobbs claws did it, however you said that it occurred only a few days ago.” I was just now starting to realize that there was a proper mind under that jovial expression.

He continued. “I’ve seen these wounds on others, and the survivors would usually show corruption after a few days. Yet here you are, nearly fully healed.”

I assumed that by corruption he meant infection. If I were to give him what he wanted, that would mean telling him about my anatomical knowledge and if I showed him that, he would likely be suspicious that I didn't notice the rapid healing of my arms.

“Alright then Sten, I'll tell you everything leading up to Lilian capturing me.” It was over an hour of grueling interrogation. That was sometimes not linear.

I'll be in the middle of regaling him with one tale and he would interrupt me to ask me about something else. or he would ask me something innocuous like the color of the wolf's fur or how many times I hit the goblin before he pounced on me. When I'm informing him about a completely different topic like my cutting open the wolf, he would suddenly ask something I already talked about 30 minutes ago.

It was clear that he was trying to catch me in a contradiction. The only thing I hid was the actual point at which I reached exhaustion while shaping Ether and some of the more technical insight I had into biology. I doubted a society that used swords and shields would understand microbiology or genetics.

He eventually brought up my medical knowledge. “So, all your medicant knowledge is based on humans? That certainly is strange considering you're an elf. How extensive is it?” He asked. I decided to act as if I knew I was already an elf instead of voicing my suspicions that this was probably a recent change. Adding more confusion to my situation was not something I wanted to do.

“I have knowledge of many ailments, their symptoms, and treatments. Everything from diseases, lacerations, broken bones.” I answered.

“I assume you know your numbers.” He asked.

I wasn't sure why that was relevant, but I answered him anyway.

“Certainly.”

Then came another conversation about numbers and mathematics. Fortunately, they use a base 10 number system, so it was simple to perform the few calculations he asked me to. Then he grilled me on some of my medical knowledge.

But it mostly pertained to treating common illnesses or battle related injuries. It almost felt like I was being interviewed for employment. It was clear he had some training, but what I knew was orders of magnitude greater than what he did.

Pressing further on the subject he asked. “Why do you think your knowledge only pertains to humans?”

I didn't want to say that I suspected I was a human to begin with. So, I came up with what I thought was a convenient lie. “I can only assume I was raised by them, and all of my education was done using humans as a reference.”

“As to how an elf ended up in that situation is beyond me.”

Deciding to add more context. “That might also explain why I can speak your language; but not whatever language Lilian tried to use before switching to this language. What is it called by the way?”

“Standard Imperial Common or just common for most people.” Sten answered. He had relaxed considerably and now it felt like we were having a casual conversation instead of an interrogation.

“You speak Common well.” He idly remarked. “Is that the only language you know.” I was curious to know if he could understand my native tongue.

So, I answered truthfully “I know one other, it's called ‘English’”.

I actually knew more, but again I don’t want to complicate things.

“Anglesh.” Sten repeated, the word clearly unknown to him. “Let me hear some of it.”

“Can you understand any of these words?” I said to him in English.

Sten seemed to think for a moment and said “I've certainly never heard that language. doesn't sound imperial either.”

“Unless we find someone that can speak your language it's unlikely that we'll find where you're from. It's a large world after all.” He trailed off.

By this point most of the group was done with whatever task they were assigned and joined us by the fire. Throughout our conversation, members of the group would inch closer, trying to hear more information about me.

Sten didn't seem to mind the eavesdropping, so I wasn't going to make something out of nothing. While I had a million questions I decided to focus on my immediate situation. I needed to know more about my hosts and if I could rely on them to get me to civilization.

So, I started. “Sten, if I may ask. what kind of group is this? You seem quite well armed.”

“Ah, I suppose you would be as curious as we are.” Sten remarked then continued. “Were known as the Bronze Spears. One of the best mercenary companies in the Vernon Barony.”

Filing away the name Vernon Barony for now I asked. “Are you currently on some kind of contract or simply traveling?”

“Contract actually,” he said, as he reached into a satchel tied around his waist and pulled out a rolled piece of parchment.

“Here, see for yourself.” He said while handing me the parchment.

I'm sure he just wanted to see if I could read. Otherwise, why wouldn't he just tell me what was in his contract? Opening the parchment, I wasn't particularly surprised that I could read the text. I read it aloud.

“By the order of Baron Hardwin Vernon. The Bronze Spears have been hereby commissioned to eliminate the Goblin infestation plaguing the highlands.” The rest of the document contained detailed information on the location, times of the attacks and the possible numbers.

“Between 50 and 100.” I said surprised.

Assuming gobbs were just shorthand for goblins, the 11 mercenaries were going to attempt to eliminate a force possibly 10 times their size. But thinking about it for a moment, Sten could probably take 10 on his own, especially with his armor. And I have no clue what Sarah can do in a fight.

The rest of the parchment simply contained payment and completion time expectations. Sten looked incredibly pleased when I finished reading, which was quite disconcerting. He definitely has some aspirations for me.

I suppose the only thing now is to wait until he decides to ask me for what he wants; while pretending I don’t notice it. If he wants something from me so badly, he'll have to keep me alive to get it after all.

“As you can see, we'll be heading into combat soon since the site of the last attack is only a few days travel.” Sten said.

“The way I see it you have two choices. I can give you some rations and you can head to Miscle.”

Noticing my confusion, he continued. “It’s the closest Village to us; around two weeks travel if you follow the river.”

I didn't actually know how these people kept time, so I asked, “how does the empire define a week?” Sten replied simply. “8 days''.

I could think of easier ways to get myself killed. “What’s my other option?”

I knew what he was going to say before he said it, but I'll allow him to play his game for now.

With a smirk he said. “You come with us on this contract and help out around the camp to earn your keep. I don't offer free protection.” There was never any choice here, I suppose he wanted to at least give me the illusion.

“I’m sure my medical knowledge can be of use “I said.

With a slightly predatory smile Sten asked, “Should I take that as a yes?”

I nodded.

“Wonderful, I'll have Braela get you situated”. He said and then glanced at the sky, “Dual moons truly are a sign of good luck.”

His statement was so absurd that I had to verify it, and indeed there were two moons. Another moon about half the size was peeking out from behind the larger. It could be that it was simply farther away. Either Way this confirms my suspicion. I am not of this world.

Whatever force brought me here attempted to remove any vestige of personal memories, not my academic knowledge. I had some Information on the moon, among these including the lunar phases, tides, and orbital period. Most importantly there was most certainly only one moon.

I stared at the moon open mouthed for over a minute before Sten started snapping his fingers.

“Hello, are you there?” Realizing that I was getting some stares I quickly composed myself.

“You think you have never seen the moons before?” Sten said jokingly.

“It was simply mesmerizing, and I lost myself for a moment.” I replied.

“That I understand.” Sten remarked. “You only get to see a dual moon a few times per year.”

As if struck by sudden enlightenment he clapped his hands and said, “That's what we will call you.”

“Hm?” was my only response.

“Moon.” He clarified. “We can call you Moon since you seem so enamored with it.”

“And besides, they match your coloring; White hair and pale skin. Seems almost like destiny.” I couldn't come up with any meaningful objections for the name.

“Very well.” I shrugged. “Call me Moon.” Moon was as good a name as any I suppose.

With a smile he stood in front me, reached out a hand and said,

“A pleasure to meet you my name is Sten Barlow.” I reached out and grasped his wrist and replied.

“The pleasure is mine, Sten Barlow, my name is Moon.”