Searching for a Cause
Chapter 1: Hungry for a Challenge
To fire at another target under the blistering sun was not what Rolf had in mind for today. The monotony of training just couldn't fulfill Rolf's urge for a real challenge... Of course, practice makes perfect, and Rolf wanted to be a champion, but life without challenges was rather boring. After all, living life as this mere mercenary was hardly fulfilling.
Two years had passed since the epic fight with Ashnard, and, to be honest, a lot had happened. Many parts of Crimea were rebuilt, but many other parts were still being rebuilt, and a new Queen had been installed on the throne. New Alliances were being forged, and the old ones were strengthened.
With all these critical things going on, Rolf began to feel like he was becoming a spare part. He wasn't important anymore, wasn't really a hero any longer. Rolf needed to test himself and see the world, while he still had the chance. He was young, only fourteen, and he should be having fun... But he wasn't, and now was the time to get going!
Packing up his bow and arrows, he walked away from the targets and into the fort. He had to do something... But what? And when?
Later that day
Since morning Rolf had been pondering what he should do. It all came down to two choices: either he could stay here and hope to be tested OR he could leave and come back when he was pleased and felt he had fulfilled that urge to do something with himself.
Sitting around the mess hall, slowly chewing his food and mulling over his options, he started to notice things he hadn't noticed or even cared about until now. Upon the large oak table was a carving by a younger Boyd. Heh, that was typical of him. Even today he would still do such a thing. Various maps of old were worn and had faded with time and sunlight. Some of the training weapons his eyes spotted were tiny, one he saw was one that he had used when he was younger and smaller. The others were axes, swords, lances, bows, and knives. Each person decided on which ones they were comfortable with and were then trained in the use of that weapon. Others were only ever brought down when they were needed in due course.
In honor of Ike's birthday, his 25th, a huge feast had been prepared. Oscar, Mist, and Rhys had been in the kitchen slaving away getting all the food ready. The two masterpieces were a grouse with all the works, and a gorgeous cake. The grouse was amazing: Roast potatoes, every vegetable you can think of and gravy that wasn't too runny or too thick. The second was a heavenly cake of Ike's trusted sword Ragnell with blue flames coming from it. It did look amazing and all the work and effort that had been put into had certainly been appreciated by the birthday boy.
He was smiling and hugging his sister making jokes even Soren had joined in regaling at how he used to be like with a knowledgeable Titania nodding her head at him every so often.
Rolf began to feel doubtful. These events weren't helping in making his choice because he knew he had to leave, but did he really want to miss out on a future with them? The more he thought about it the less he was paying attention to his food and not tasting it. He had told himself earlier that no matter what he would say something and then leave, but seeing that everyone was really happy here, it just didn't seem fair... But, then again, who said life was fair?