//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Of Druids And Ponies // by Crackshot //------------------------------// “You did WHAT!?” she asked him, a look of shock and disbelief upon her face. “Now you see why I was so eager to keep this between us? But please, don’t take me for some petty murderer. It was… an accident.” “How in the name of Celestia do you accidentally kill your own father!?” “Well, this will take some explaining. It was actually how I had discovered I had magical abilities. I was a lad of 12.…….. ******************** “Jonathon! Jonathon Wolf-blood, come down here this instant!” he yelled. He was becoming tired of his sons seemingly endless shenanigans. At first it had been tolerable, but this was the final straw. “y-yes father?” asked Jonathon timidly. His father was a very intimidating man, especially when he was angry. He wasn’t sure what had happened, but he was certain his father was going to blame him for it. “Now, I know your mother is sick, and you need a way to vent your frustrations, but letting all the cattle free is intolerable! Do you know how much it will cost to replace them?!” he asked. Jonathon was shocked that his father would assume he had done it. “I did nothing of the sort! Why do you assume I am to blame for everything that goes wrong around here?” “You are the only one with motivation to do such things my son.” “Oh, and none of your elven slaves do?” “They are not slaves, you ignorant brat! The signed a contract!” “One they could not read, father! Honestly, if you are going to defend such actions, at least try to use a better excuse!” “Ignorant child! I have half a mind to strike you!” “Why don’t you then? You know as well as I do, that is how these talks always end, so just get it over with!” Jonathans tone was becoming angrier with each passing word, which angered his father even more. “HOW DARE YOU! I AM YOUR FATHER, AND YOU WILL SHOW ME RESPECT!” he yelled, drawing back his hand to slap his son. However, Jonathon was dead set on not letting the blow land. As his father brought his hand down to strike him, he caught it in a firm grip, much to his fathers surprise. “YOU UNGRATEFUL PEICE OF SHIT! RELEASE ME, THAT I MAY BEAT SOME SENSE INTO YOU!” he yelled. His son, however, could not hear him. He was lost in some sort of trance. Suddenly, he felt a hot pain on his arm where he was being held. Suddenly his entire sleeve burst into flames, catching both father and son of guard. “What is going on? Father, what happened?!” but his father was unable to answer, as soon he was entirely engulfed in flames. “Did I do this? No, no I couldn’t have!” he said to himself, not knowing what to do. He panicked and ran, not knowing where he was going, and not caring. Eventually he couldn’t run anymore, and he collapsed, falling asleep where he lay. When he awoke, he found himself in a prison cell, with a guard outside. “Oh, you’re finally awake. Good, we were about to just dump your body outside for the birds. But now it seems we have to give a trial first. Speaking of which, that’s right now. Good luck, murderer.” he said, causing chills to run down Jonathans spine. The guard opened the door and ordered him to get up, which he did immediately, hoping cooperation would get him a lessened sentence. He was led to courtroom, a very large and ornate place. However, there were some things missing. Twelve to be exact. There was no jury, there was no legal arbiter for this case for either side. Only his story against the judges decision. He hoped it would be enough. “State your name.” J-Jonathon Wolf-blood, sir.” “Do you know just why you are here before me today, master Wolf-blood?” “N-No sir, I do not.” “you are here to answer for the crime of murder, young master. You killed your father in cold blood.” “WHAT?! I did no such thing! Honest! I’ll tell you wh-” “SILENCE! We have witnesses to your kin-slaying, your word means nothing!” “But I didn’t kill him!” “Oh really? What proof do you have?” “He burst into flames! I don’t know how, but he did! There’s no way I could have done that….. Unless….” “Unless you are magi, mast Wolf-blood? I do believe that is the only way it is possible at all. In which case you are also guilty of witch-craft! I’ll have you burned at the stake, sorcerer!” yelled the judge. Jonathon cried. How could this be happening? Why did the gods see fit to punish him for no good reason? “I hereby find the accused GUILTY of all charges! Gods have mercy on your soul.” “No, NO!!” he yelled as the guards took hold of him. “I’VE DONE NOTHING WRONG!!!” he thrashed against the guards, bashing them into walls, doing everything he could think of to escape. Then suddenly one of the guards gloves ignited. He had to release him to put the fire out. He took his chance to throw the other one into a wall and run for his life. He made it out the front door, then the archers began firing at him. Most of the arrows missed, but one of them managed to find its way into his left knee just before he ran out of range. He limped for days in the forest, not knowing what to do or where to go. Then he heard a voice. “Child, are you alright? Oh, no of course you aren’t, you’ve an arrow in your leg, and your running through the forest. Sit down, and try not to scream.” said the voice. Jonathon looked behind him to see an old man in earth colored robes standing there. He decided he had nothing to lose, so he might as well do as he says. He slumped down against a tree. He was confused though. ‘why would I scre-’ his thought was cut short as the old man ripped the arrow from him. “By the gods, that hurt!” he said, trying his hardest not to yell. “yes I know. I’ve been in your shoes before. I sense a great power within you boy. And also great regret. I can offer you a way to redeem whatever wrong you have done and teach you to harness your power. The training will be difficult, but well worth the ultimate reward.” said the old man. He contemplated this offer. Learn how to control his magic and redeem himself for his fathers death? “I want to know everything you have to teach me.”