8 Father's Gift

"Maximus, how much time do you need to say your goodbyes to your family? You know what? You can bring them with you if you want. There is plenty of space in the carriage," said Faust.

"I have a Dual Master talent. That sounds so powerful. I wonder how strong I would be then? Is this the strongest talent in history, or are there realms higher than that? I should ask this man when we are on the way" thought Max. "Thank you Sire for your grace. I am grateful for your help."

"Stop that! This is my job, of course I will do it to the best of my ability. And don't call me Sire. Call be Mr. Faust. Or Uncle Faust. Yes, Uncle Faust is much better. Being an uncle to a Dual Master Talent. HaHaHa, I have been blessed" Spoke Faust.

"Yes Mr. Faust. I will return to my mother and ask her to prepare for the long trip to the academy."

As Max turned around and started making his way back, he heard Lily, a little girl from the village who was found to have a novice knight talent say: "Mr. Faust, can I also bring my family along to the academy? I am sure they would love to join me."

"It is Sire for you little girl. And no! We have no space to accommodate more people in the carriage" Answered Faust as he glared at the little girl with which she shrunk back into the crowd.

"Let me find mom first. She must have heard the news" thought Max. "In this life she is my mother and only family I have so I will make sure to take care of her and protect."

Looking through the crowd Max soon found Aeliana, but unlike what he expected, she looked sad, worry clear in her eyes.

"Mom, did you hear the results? I have a talent to become a Master mage and a Master knight. I will protect you. Also Mr. Faust said that you can come with us" Excitedly said Max while hugging Aeliana tightly.

As Max awaited a reply from Aeliana but heard nothing for a few seconds, he asked: "Mom, is everything alright? Why do you look so upset? I thought that you would be proud of me."

Hearing her sons worries, Aeliana slowly crouched to the same height as Max and looked at him lovingly. "My dear is going to become a powerful person in the future. Of course, I am happy and proud of you son. Any mother would be proud to have a child like you - so smart and caring. But I am also worried about your future safety. To obtain strength and status, you must make powerful enemies and defeat them. I am afraid that I cannot help you in dealing with them as I am too weak."

"Mom, what are you saying? I told you that I will protect you, so I will. And you are not weak. Look around you. Look at the villagers. You are helping all of them by treating them with your healing magic without asking anything in return. You are strong and benevolent. I am proud that you are my mother." Replied Max without any of his child innocence. In this instance he looked so serious, that Aeliana could see a shadow of Max's father in him. "Oh Leofrik, when can I see you again? Look how big our child has grown" silently thought Aeliana.

"Mom, let's pack. Mr. Faust said that you can come along with us. You can buy a small house by the academy so that I can visit every weekend and eat your delicious food" proposed Max while already packing his stuff.

"I am sorry Max, but I cannot leave the village just yet. The villagers here need me, and your father can return any day."

"Why are you talking about that deadbeat father of mine again mom? I have never seen him since birth, and he has not once come back or sent a letter. Don't let me see him because I will beat the crap out of him" Complained Max.

Slap!

"Don't you dare say that again. Or I will deal with you myself. He gave you life and he loves you very much. If he could, he would spend with you every day and train you into a fine warrior."

With that Max shrunk, as he was most afraid of his mother's fury.

"But why? Why would you stay here?" asked Maximus, not understanding his mother's decision.

"I am staying because it is not yet time for me to leave this place. Villagers need a mage to protect them, and I am currently the only one who can do that. You dad left when he was a chief, so it is my job for now to protect this village until your dad returns" Calmly Explained Aeliana.

"Now let me pack your stuff. You must not miss this opportunity to travel the world and become stronger. I will not forgive myself if you cannot even defend yourself. But let me remind you that if you do not visit me during your breaks, I will come to you and tell all of your friends how you used to wet your bed when you were a child."

Hearing that Max shuddered and made a mental note to visit his mom whenever he could.

Like this, Maximus and Aeliana started preparing things for his journey. The packed bag was twice as big as Max, but it did not appear to be heavy. Aeliana also cooked a lot of Max's favorite dishes so that he would not starve on the way, as the travel would take more than a week.

"Mom I will stand by my words and grow up to become a powerful mage to protect you and find father. I will also visit you when I have a break. I promise!" Said Max.

Looking at her now six-year-old son and hearing him proclaim such words happiness filled Aeliana. "Max wait! I almost forgot." Saying those words, Aeliana rushed into her room. It took half a minute for her to come back carrying a small wooden box. "Max. You are about to depart to the academy where you will make friends, enemies, and train to become stronger. Your dad, before leaving, left this box for you. In it lies a pendant. Carry it with you at all times as it will protect you and, in the future, when you are strong enough, you will understand its secrets."