Time pa.s.sed quickly as Brian's birthday arrived in a blink of an eye. His birthday celebration wasn't lavish like Vincent had expected to be. It was a simple celebration attended by a teacher and his four disciples. Rigrit, Nelson and Rachel each presented a gift to Brian who had sparkling eyes as he opened everyone's presents. He then looked at Vincent with eyes full of expectations. Vincent became embarra.s.sed as he had not prepared any gifts. The only birthday he had ever celebrated was his own. His mother would cook him a delicious meal and that was supposed to be his present. He had never thought that a birthday celebration called for the attendees to prepare and present a gift.

"I haven't prepared anything. I will get you a gift tomorrow." Vincent said nervously as he looked at Brian's face to see how he would react.

"Oh okay. I will look forward to it. You have to make sure its special." Brian looked a little dejected. He seemed to have been expecting a present from Vincent as well.

Vincent felt a bit guilty but it was soon washed away by the merry atmosphere. At the end of the celebration, Master Rigrit turned solemn and stood before Brian. Brian too sensing the serious ambience turned solemn.

"You turned 10 today Brian. You have been in my tutelage for half a year now. It is finally time for you to walk the path of wizards. You are permitted to cultivate mana from tomorrow onwards. Study earnestly like you have been for the past half year and I am sure you will turn into a fine wizard."

"Yes master. I will continue working hard."

"Here, this is the letter sent from your family and this is their present to you." Rigrit handed Brian an envelope and a box wrapped up elegantly.

The celebration thus ended in a serious tone. Everyone went to their own rooms as servants began cleaning up after their mess. Brian held the letter tightly while Vincent looked at him and the letter he was holding enviously. He hadn't felt the absence of his mother after coming here. He had been too busy learning and was accompanied by Brian and Rachel most of the time. He had also been subconsciously avoiding free time and would tire himself to sleep or bury himself in books until sleepiness took over him.

Watching Brian tear apart the envelope excitedly and laugh giddily as he read the contents made Vincent miss his mother. A melancholic feeling took over him and he just tossed around on his bed until he finally fell asleep. He dreamed of the days he spent with his mother. One happy moment after another replayed in his sleep. She smiled like usual and listened to Vincent reading stories happily. Her face contorted with pain as she broke down. Tears streamed down her face as she stifled her cries and spoke, "Being the evil wizard must be nice. He can eat delicious food, wear luxurious clothes and doesn't have to worry about anything. His children won't have hard time as well. I am sorry Vincent. Mama can't give you anything. Mama doesn't have anything to give you at all. I can't even stay by your side anymore. Promise mama that you will live happily."

Vincent wanted to say that she didn't have to worry anymore, that he had a master who was a wizard of the 4th circle. He wanted to a.s.sure her that he was doing fine and that he had people who took good care of him. He had so many things he wanted to say to her but he could make no sound. It felt as if a knot that could not be undone had formed in his throat.

The silence unnerved him. He wanted to say how happy he was to see her again. He wanted to convey his feelings of grat.i.tude and love towards her but he could not make a sound or move his body. He hated the silence. He wished for it to end. His wish was soon fulfilled but not in a way he had expected. Whistling sounds rang out all around him followed by dull rattling noises. Multiple arrows flew through the air and headed straight for Vincent and his mother. He wanted to move his sick mother and take cover but he couldn't bring himself to put any strength into his legs which felt like jelly. Arrows kept raining down until Vincent and his mother were hit and he woke up with a jolt. He was sweating all over and his heart was racing.

He couldn't calm his heart down. He tossed around only to hear whistling sounds in his head. He closed his eyes but could only see arrows piercing through the air towards him. He felt powerless and scared. He lit the lamp and opened a book he was reading. Even turning the pages became difficult as his hands wouldn't stop shaking. He read the book and shut everything out.