Kona snapped back to reality. The waterfall, the rocks, the trees, and the chirping birds. Everything was still there.
The boy's head was spinning, and his breathing was quite heavy. What in the world had just happened?
"Master Doran, I don't feel so good... Did I make it?"
Doran, who sat still on the other side of the stream, was giggling, a wide smile stretching his deep wrinkles:
"Ah! You sure aren't, young boy! Well, I suppose that some fatigue is acceptable. After all, you've just proven the existence of magic."
"I... Wait... I DID IT!?"
Kona's eyes instantly widened, and the boy jumped upright in excitement. Had he actually made his eyes glow!?
Doran, pushing onto his stick, gently stood up.
Seems like you're already feeling better, uh?
"Yes, boy. You've done it. This... This is a marvelous achievement, indeed. Something so great that words cannot describe it."
Doran wasn't the kind of man to start jumping around in excitement, but deep inside he felt his old, adventurous heart beating like never before.
This is incredible. This kid... This changes everything. To think that magic is real, and alive among us...
As you know, Doran was an old scholar. Not only that, he was a wise, experienced man.
Discoveries like this one always stir up trouble, he knew this much. His mind, instead of letting itself sink into a lake of joy, started pondering.
We have to be careful, this could be dangerous. Kona is just a child: if the world finds out a sorcerer returned, who knows what could happen to him. I'm sure many high profile figures would try to steer him their way, or worse, use him...
Kona, who was now studying his hands, as if trying to find a way to have them shoot fire, was visibly steamed up:
"We have to tell everyone, Doran! I'm a mage! A real mage! I'll go tell my father!"
The smile slowly faded from Doran's face.
"Kona. Sit down, son."
The boy was now visibly confused, and tilted his head slightly:
"Why aren't you excited, Master? I'm a sorcerer! You saw me!"
"I know, Kona. That's exactly what worries me. If word spreads that a mage has arrived, well... It's a bit complex, but I'll try to be short. Magic is a powerful force. Legends of the past talk about Sorcerers so powerful they could rule entire countries on their own, or others that could single-handedly annihilate armies."
"That's incredible! I can become the next king, then!"
"It is incredible, yes. But imagine this: what do you think would happen if powerful people found out a person with such outlandish potential was born?"
Kona opened his mouth to answer, but Doran kept going, raising two fingers:
"There are two possible outcomes: either they try to kill you, or they try to gain your trust. You may think that the second option is fine, but you'd be wrong: you see, in high-class environments, making 10 friends also means you'll find yourself 100 enemies. It's a dangerous context for a kid like you."
Kona, frowning his brows, looked down:
"But then... I can't tell anyone? Not even mother or father?"
The white-haired kids' tone felt quite irritated.
"Well... I suppose we could tell them..."
He's just a kid...
After walking the old man back home, Kona immediately started running towards his house. But then, passing by the village's cemetery, the boy slowed down, coming to a stop.
He then proceeded to turn. He was now facing the looming arch of the cemetery's entrance.
I didn't even go ask how they're doing.
The pale young man took a deep breath, as he proceeded to enter the burial ground.
Once inside, he was alone, a forest of tombstones surrounding him. He made his way through the cemetery, looking around for two specific slabs. It didn't take him much time to reach one of the more isolated corners.
There, two little stone tablets, right next to each other, were waiting for him. Kona exhaled, mentally preparing himself.
"Hey guys, how are you doing? I'm sorry, I've... I've been a really bad friend lately. I didn't even come to your funeral; what kind of friend does that?"
Tears were now streaming down his pale cheeks.
"I'm really sorry. I came to apologize, but I guess it's a bit late for that."
At that moment, only the sound of the wind, twisting between the tombstones, could be heard.
"A-Also! have some great news guys! Turns out... Turns out I'm a Sorcerer. Can you believe that? A Sorcerer! A Mage!"
For a few minutes, the kid stood still, as his tears wet the grass blades.
"I am sure... I am sure that the Gods have given me this gift for a reason. It must be..."
Then, the young man took a deep breath. The fresh air of the evening filled his lungs, and for a moment even the wind stood silent, as he spoke with trembling voice:
"I, Kona Valent, First Mage of Gerga, solemnly swear to honor you with my life."