Isaac idly chewed on the tip of his pencil as he read through a book on trade routs and taxation rates and how they apply to the different regions, what got taxed what and the different caravan’s and their respected city-states. He was only half paying attention, it was late and he was tired. He dropped his pencil in the spine of the book, pushed his chair away from the table, and stretched his head back, leaning against the back of the chair. After letting out a tired sigh, he stood and, pushing the chair back under the desk, made his way to the study door. He was hungry and wanted to get a snack before heading off to sleep.
The door handle was cold to the touch. He gently threw the latch, trying to be as quiet as possible, and opened the door a crack to peer out into the hallway. He didn’t see anyone and opened the door enough to stick his head out. Looking both ways, he found the hallway empty. He opened the door a little more so he could squeeze through, then turned and closed it just as gently as he had opened it, thankful for the well oiled hinges. His father hated doors that squeaked, saying that it was a product of poor upkeep and had ordered them oiled once a month.
Isaac darted quietly, moving on the balls of his feet, towards the next intersection. When he reached it, he slowed to a halt. He gently crept up to the edge and peered around the corner. Good, he thought, no one’s around here either. He took one last look over his shoulder before making the turn, once again moving quickly, but quietly.
Before he was able to fully turn his head around to see where he was going, he ran into something. He was unprepared for the abrupt halt and as a result, was knocked down, landing flat on his buttocks. Isaac rubbed his back and looked up into the eyes of his father who towered over him, his arms folded across his face a displeased expression on his face.
“Isaac,†he said in a deep, commanding voice, “what are you doing out of the study?â€Â
Isaac rose carefully to his feet, still rubbing his back. “Well, I uh… I mean, I…†A piercing look from his father silenced his mumbling and Isaac immediately stood at attention, his back straight, his arms at his side, his eyes downcast. “I was hungry, sir, and it is late.â€Â
Kajyn raised a bushy eyebrow, his ears perking up a little. “Tired, is it?†Isaac nodded. “And hungry?†Again the child nodded. Kajyn rubbed his bearded chin in thought between the index finger and thumb of his left hand. A small smile came to his lips. Clearing his throat, the deep sound echoing down the empty hallways, Kajyn clasped his hands behind his back and began to walk a slow circle around his son.
“What are the major city-states?†He quizzed in an authoritative tone.
Isaac’s head straightened. “Gridania to our direct west, shrouded within the Twelveswood. Ul’dah to the south in the desert land of Thanalan and Limsa Lominsa, far to the west by the Rhotana Sea. To travel there, one must pass The Cieldalaes islands, through the Straight of Merlthor’s lower tip.â€Â
“And the surrounding country side?â€Â
“The land of Vylbrand; O’Ghomoro. All grassy plains, cousin to Coerthas wherein lies Ishgard, the city state who stands neutral in the threat of the Empire, home of the Dragon Slayers. Agalatia’s Spine is the largest mountain range in the region.â€Â
Kajyn continued pacing, completing another circle around his son before coming to a stop in front of him. “Aren’t you forgetting one?â€Â
Isaac looked up to his father, at a loss for an answer. He quickly scanned his brain, trying to remember all he had learned in the few weeks since he had started studying. Then it hit him. His ears perked up and his head straightened, his smile beamed.
“Sharlayan, in the north western region of Aldenard; Dravania.†Isaac thought for a moment. “Oh, and of course Ala Mihgo, our home, located in the central region of Gyn Abania.â€Â
Kajyn slapped his hand on his son’s shoulder, giving it a firm shake. “Very good my boy, very good indeed. You learn quickly.†He let out a deep, throaty laugh. “You’ve a bit of your old man in there after all!â€Â
Isaac smiled, squinting one eye as his father tousled his hair with a large hand that nearly covered the entirety of Isaac’s scalp. Isaac’s nose and eyes more resembled his mother’s than his fathers, while his sister, Ailith, was the exact opposite.
“Now, what’s say we go pay the kitchen a visit, eh? I hear there’s some left over almond pie and honey scones.â€Â
The entire castle rumbled with a low, moaning roar. Both Isaac and Kajyn looked down the eastern hall. Bits of stone fell from the ceiling, trailed by a coma of dust that rained down over their heads.
“Father, what was that?†Isaac asked, moving slightly closer to Kajyn’s leg.
“I’m not sure, must have been a small—“ This time, an explosion could be heard and the halls shook so violently, Isaac was knocked off balance. Kajyn’s powerful arm shot out and caught Isaac. If not for his father’s quick reflexes and good balance, Isaac would have again met the floor.
“Come, boy.†In one swift motion, Kajyn picked Isaac up in one arm and carried him down the hall as another explosion rattled the confines of Ala Mihgo.
Quote:Q24: Will monsters also take fall damage? A24: Monsters are monsters, so no...