Chapter 9
Oaths and contracts
It took some time to find my family amidst the Festivalâs celebrations. The crowded streets and hastily constructed maze of vendor stalls made navigating the town a slow and frustrating endeavor.
As I searched, I eventually pushed past the heart of the celebration and into the quieter outskirts, where flickering lanterns gave way to deeper shadows. The festivalâs glow still reached this far, but the noise had softened, replaced by the distant hum of music.
After half an hour of searching, I finally spotted a lone figure sitting beneath a lantern. Even in the dim light, I recognized the familiar shape of my little brother. His shoulders were hunched, as if weighed down by some unseen force that bore its weight upon him. I hesitated, unsure what kind of reception I might receive.
âSeth,â I called as I made my way toward him. âIâve been looking everywhere for you.â
Seth didnât respond right away. He rubbed the back of his hand against his eyes before lifting his head to look in my direction.
After a brief, awkward silence, I decided to come right out with it. âAre you upset with me? I know this must be a lot, but I..â
âNo, Iâm not upset with you,â Seth interrupted. âI know you better than anyone. Why would I want to force you to be something you donât want to be?â
I stared at him, completely caught off guard. I had assumed he was furious, that he had stormed off in anger over my choice earlier today. But now, standing before me, was my little brother, more understanding, more mature than I had given him credit for.
âLook, Sam, I know youâre different from me, and I donât hate you for that. Youâre my big brother and I wouldnât trade that for anything. I donât want us to end up like Dad and our Uncle.â
Seth met my gaze and held out his hand. âI know Iâm not a man yet, but I want us to make an oath to each other. Just promise me youâll write and visit when you can. And if either of us ever needs the other, weâll be there, no excuses, family first.â
I took his hand firmly, shaking it without hesitation.
I smiled as I felt the sting of unshed tears in my eyes. âAnd Iâll be here for your Choosing Day if Iâm able.â
He gave me a stern look. âYouâd better be. And youâd better be here for my wedding, too. I fully intend to marry Olivia Johnson as soon as Iâm able. Youâll likely be an uncle before long, so those kids better know who their Uncle Sam is.â
I laughed and sat down on the bench, leaning my head back to stare up at the night sky.
âDo you know where Mom and Dad went?â I asked, looking up at the night sky.
âThey headed home together,â Seth said, scrunching his face irritably. âWe both had a pretty heated argument with that stubborn old man, but heâs dead set on keeping his word. Heâs likely going to send you off first thing in the morning.â
I let out a repressed sigh.
âYeah, I figured as much. I made my choice, so I might as well face that conversation now and spare myself the anxiety of waiting.â
I glanced over at Seth, who, despite everything, was looking longingly toward the festival.
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âYou should go enjoy yourself while you can,â I teased. âOtherwise, some other fella might swoop in on your Mrs.â
Seth scowled and jumped to his feet. âYou really get on my nerves,â he grumbled, then, without warning, pulled me into a tight hug. âI know we arenât the hugging type, and yeah, that was awkward, but I doubt Iâll see you again before you leave. Good luck, Sam. And you better write home when you get the chance.â
Without giving me a chance respond, Seth turned and took off running toward the festival.
Alone on the bench, I took a moment to organize my thoughts. Dad might send me away as soon as I get home, so I needed to make a plan. When emotions get high its hard to think clearly so I figured I had better prepare now before things get heated.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out Uncle Lucianâs letter. He had instructed me to keep the blank page and to read it again after I had taken my first steps onto the path. As I pulled out the previously blank page, I immediately noticed a change. Just like on the path, golden script now covered the paper.
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The Last Will and Testament of Sir Lucian J. Garner
To All Whom It May Concern,
Let it be known by this solemn declaration that I, Lucian Garner, of sound mind and body, do hereby set forth my will and final testament, establishing my sole heir and beneficiary, my nephew, Samuel Jacob Garner. This document shall serve as the indisputable decree of my wishes, to be enacted upon my passing or in the event of my declared absence beyond a term of five years, as determined by the Duke of the South Shores.
Article I - Sole Beneficiary Let it be established that Samuel Jacob Garner shall inherit, in full and without contest, all rights, claims, and possessions herein detailed.
Article II - Inheritance of Property All lands, structures, and dwellings under my ownership, particularly my estate and holdings in the South Shores, are hereby transferred to Samuel Jacob Garner. He shall possess sole authority over their use, management, and dispensation.
Article III - Inheritance of Possessions All items, heirlooms, tomes, armaments, relics, and stored wealth contained within my estate or otherwise in my possession at the time of my passing shall transfer in full to Samuel Jacob Garner. No claim shall be made upon these holdings by any other party, be they kin, council, or sovereign, without his explicit consent.
Article IV - Rights and Responsibilities As heir to my estate, Samuel Jacob Garner assumes all privileges, duties, and debts associated with my holdings. He shall have the authority to govern, lease, or bequeath the estate as he sees fit.
Article V - Dispute and Challenge Should any individual seek to contest this decree, they must provide irrefutable evidence of fraud, coercion, or incompetence in its drafting. Failing such proof, the challenger shall forfeit all claims to my estate and holdings.
Article VI - Executor of the Will In the event of my death or disappearance, this will shall be enforced by the appointed Executor, the Honorable Duke of the South Shores, or an entrusted representative thereof.
Final Declaration I, Lucian Garner, affix my hand and seal to this document, binding it under the laws of the South Shores and the tenets of the land, so witnessed on this day. This contract is magically binding and copies of the contract will be automatically signed within the vaults of South Shore and the capital city of High March upon completion of the signer.
Signed,
Sir Lucian Jacob Garner
(Title Redacted)
10th of Winters Rest, 80th year of House Lysanderâs Reign.
(A blood stamped seal of a winged serpent above a round shape was imprinted underneath his signature)
Witnessed and Ratified by:
Percival William High Tower
Duke of Salt Brine, South Shores Region
10th of Winters rest, 80th year of House Lysanderâs Reign.
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Would you like to sign this contract? Yes / No
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I stared at the document, awestruck. I had no idea how it had appeared, but here it was, a fully detailed legal contract granting me ownership of Uncle Lucianâs holdings in the South Shores region in a city called Salt Brine.
At the bottom of the page, the words pulsed faintly, flickering in and out of existence, waiting for my response.
It was interesting as the prompt reminded me of the screen that had manifested on the path. So I did the first thing that came to mind, I placed my finger on Yes.
In response, a sharp pain lanced through my fingertip, and I winced as a single drop of blood welled up. The parchment drank it greedily, the ink shifting as my name, title, and the date scrawled themselves across the page in deep crimson letters.
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Signed
Samuel Jacob Garner
Harvester of Wheat Hollow, The Belt
15th of Summers Reign, 85th year of House Lysanderâs Reign
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