Chapter 13: A Time For Celebration

Chapter 13: A Time For Celebration

Landar

Days later, my family and I stood in the main chapel of the temple complex. The man in white robes officiated again, as my sister walked down the center aisle. Tomas, Elsbeth and I stood watching as a procession of dozens of children who were coming of age this month walked down with her.

Sixteen years old was the age of adulthood in this kingdom. It was strange to my modern sensibilities, but I knew my history. Back on Earth, when life expectancy was abysmally low, you were considered an adult by about sixteen in most cultures. And they expected you to have children and a family shortly after.

I still didnt think it was right, but I was just one person. It takes a long time, and a lot of education, before you can get things like that to change.

My back itched, and I reached to scratch it only to find my mothers hand wrapped around my wrist. Be respectful, Landar, and pay attention.

I gritted my teeth and did as I was told. She was right. Tabitha had been an amazing older sister, and she deserved nothing but my respect and attention at these types of events in her life. And I didnt want to give Elsbeth any more reason to be pissed off at me than she already had. I was on thin ice as it was.

Still, my skin hadnt gotten used to the rough clothing yet, and itched like crazy. I squirmed, trying to ignore it. After a few minutes of desperate fighting to pay attention, I felt blissful release as my mothers long fingernails scratched at the exact spot that was bothering me.

Ill never know how mothers can do that, I thought as I fought to stay on my feet, my knees trying their best to collapse under me at the sheer bliss of having an itch along my spine scratched.

Now, pay attention, she whispered, and I refocused.

Tabitha was resplendent in the gown she and my mother made. It was white, like her seventh day dress, with blue and green stripes in various patterns. Well made and cut to fit her.

But her dress was not the only one in the crowd of several dozen teenagers that stood out. The colors and designs were wildly different from person to person, a product of each being made largely at home, or by commission. Each was unique, though the care that went into them was plain to see.

Very little is factory standard around here, I thought as I happily observed the convocation up to the altar. Perhaps thats something I can introduce to this world? Standardization saved a lot of lives back on Earth I knew. Providing medicine, clothing, food, and shelter cheaper and in greater quantities than ever before. Of course, it came with its downsides as well. But perhaps magic can help ease those issues?

The ceremony itself was pretty simple. Each of the teens walked up to the altar and placed their hands on it, while the white-robed priest guy said some prayer. A few seconds later, the priest guy would yell out their perceived foundation levels.

Tabitha wasnt the first, but she was near the beginning of the procession. My family might not have been very wealthy, but service, it seemed, was highly valued by the archduke. So she had the honor of being near the start.

She walked up to the table and placed her hands flat on its surface. The priest placed his on top of hers like he had everyone else before.

Physical foundation: Strong. he proclaimed. Mental foundation: Normal. I felt a pang of annoyance at that. Perhaps it was my Earthly, and very American bias, but calling someone average intelligence in public seemed pretty rude.

Spiritual foundation The priest hesitated for a moment, then let go and called the two black-robed priests forward. They touched my sisters hands for a moment before letting go and conversing about the issue.

They sent a runner off, and a few minutes later Mother Margaret came waltzing in, her eyeglass to her eye as she glared balefully at everyone but the children. When she got to the altar, it didnt take long for her to do her thing. A few minutes later, after the three men tried to convince her of something, she turned and shouted the outcome.

Spiritual foundation: Perfect!

The crowd gasped. It was a polite gasp, but it felt out of place. Mother Margaret bent down and whispered something in her ear as two clerics came and escorted us away as they had with the other families whose loved one had finished their ceremony.

But instead of going into the extensive garden area where they were holding a small party for the children and their families. We found ourselves back in that small, spartan room with the table, chairs, and bookshelves.

Mother sighed a deep, bone weary sigh. Yes, I think I can. Honey. She grabbed my sisters hand and held it with a sad smile on her face. No one knows what creates or improves a spiritual foundation. But some people think its connected to lineage, that its passed on through bloodlines.

Exactly, Sigvald interjected. Therein lies the problem. Those who have powerful spiritual foundations are sought after, particularly by mages as mates. Either willingly or unwillingly. Concubines, slaves, wives, it matters little to those trying to breed powerful children.

Tabithas eyes went wide as she realized what the priest was saying. Before she could speak her fear my mother spoke. But there are options, dear. Dont you fear. The church has a place for anyone with such a foundation. And they have the means to protect you from such people.

Doesnt the duke also want students with strong spiritual foundations? My father asked, but the priest slowly shook his head.

If she had a higher than normal mental foundation, she might have been able to earn a scholarship with the dukes academy to learn to be a mage. But unfortunately such slots are few, and I doubt the duke will waste a spot on someone with only average academic potential. However, there are other options.

What are those? Tabitha asked. Her voice was shaky, but she sounded strong for a teenager who had just discovered her entire life plan had been thrown out the window.

There is the church. A life of service is not such a bad thing. But the church would also be willing to facilitate a wedding contract between you and a noble or sufficiently powerful magic user. There are mages who are interested in ensuring their childrens magical potential, who are good people.

I can understand that. Tomas said. You want to give your kids the best possible shot at having a better life than you did. Nothing wrong with that.

Sigvald nodded. Yes. Though most who take a keen interest in such things as bloodlines have other motives, we will help facilitate a search for one who would be acceptable as a match.

Those are her two options? I asked before I could stop myself. Become a nun, or marry some wizard who only wants her to have as many powerful kids as she can? Those seem like pretty stupid options.

Tabithas face went beat red, and both mother and father shot me death glares.

Sigvald nodded. Its true. Neither is ideal unless you wanted to become a member of the clergy to begin with.

How long do I have to decide? Tabitah asked. Her embarrassment fled as Sigvald talked. Do I have to choose today?

No, you have a bit before you will be forced to choose. Ill enroll you in the initial seminary here, so you can learn some of the basics of the church. Before you take any oaths, or join any of the priesthoods. The classes start in a few weeks, but it will buy you time and grant you protection in the interim. You will be shadowing Mother Margaret for the first week, the second week will be book study with one of the elder priests, and then the last week will be your week of service. While you are enrolled, you are under the churchs protection.

What about the other option? Elsbeth asked. Can her father and I work through potential matches?

Yes, I will assist with that directly. Come here at the end of every day, and Ill have a list of potentials along with their terms. We can go over them and perhaps interview a few of the suitors.

What will we do with Landar? Elsbeth asked. Calmer, now that a plan was laid out in front of us.

Mother Margaret let out an evil cackle. I suspect hell be able to entertain himself here, in this room. With the books we have stored here. Right, boy?

I felt my face burn, but I nodded eagerly. I would enjoy that.

The rest of the day, I felt like I was walking on air. Despite my sisters predicament, having access to the library in that room, such as it was, meant I could help protect her sooner rather than later.

Despite the looming problem we faced, it was a day to celebrate for sure.