The Spellbook of Sidis [EN]
A story set in a post-magical monarchy flowing the unbridled banner of "Unity". Two souls, a girl with no roots fighting for her purpose, and a boy with no purpose fighting against his roots, shall travel against the winds of fate, unsure of what awaits them.
Chapter 1: The Faithful
Scene 1: For All to See
One first step. Such an afternoon was the perfect occasion for the people of Rithnor’s bustling capital city to regroup and engage in the most mundane activities. For some, it may be as simple as basking in the unobstructed sunlight. For others, maybe their time will be better spent walking through the vending streets, looking for the deal of a lifetime. In the city’s largest plaza, however, dozens of citizens formed a thick crowd, seemingly circling two men atop the wooden floor. The first man stood upright, his hands behind his back, and his smile large enough to see from several meters away. He wore an outfit all too familiar to the locals. Wearing a brown suit accompanied by robes of a similar shade, the man proudly displayed the orange kindling flame etched onto the fabric nearing his chest. This was the outfit of a House of the Holy member, the organization that writes, passes, and enforces every law. The man wasn’t any low-ranking member either, although most knew him as Father Eightfold, the head priest of the capital’s Central Church, and the prime spokesperson of a higher being. Eightfold didn’t enjoy showing himself to the public, but whenever he would, it would be to carry out his duty. Today, he appeared to everyone for a public execution. The second man in the center of the crowd was much older, and no one could make out his face. He stared at the wooden floor beneath him and was sitting with his legs folded, in a pose that would’ve made him too numb to move hours ago. His long and unkempt beard could almost touch the strangely cold ground, but he dared not move a single inch. The executioner raised a single hand at the crowd, from the one arm that wasn’t covered by his clothing. Upon seeing this gesture alone, the people went silent. Visibly pleased, he finally started speaking, in a calm and thoughtful tone, almost reassuring. He took a second step forward. The Faithful Showlover: Father Eightfold (The Spectator) “Eons ago, the Kingdom was graced by the Goddess of Unity’s gaze, allowing our people to display its strength in the countless battles we fought. I am rightfully convinced everyone here is aware of this fact and has been since the day you underwent baptism.”, he gazed down at the older man, his smile only widening at the poor sight. He then took a third step. “One could then understand my surprise when this baptized man fell under my watch and when I learned what he held close to him.”, he said as he dived into his suit with a hand, and pulled out a thick and dusty-looking book. “An alchemy spellbook.”, he brandishes the book and stands still, allowing for the spectators to witness the crime. The crowd piped up immediately as they spoke to each other in surprise. “I need not remind you that alchemy has been outlawed for decades ever since the Kingdom’s last war against the Old Masters. It would seem, however, that one of them has escaped our grasp for all this time, and has been living amongst the righteous people of Rithnor.” Eightfold took a fourth step, turning to his right as he did so. “Aldfrid Sidis, a man who lived on the outskirts of the capital city, in a quiet house. His picturesque exterior only reinforced his safety, as he has lived as a silent, retired man for nineteen years.” The crowd became even rowdier, as some showed genuine surprise at the identity of the old man. He was known to be someone peaceful by the few who encountered him, and none could’ve imagined that he would be a criminal. The priest spoke again, prompting everyone to go silent once more. He took a fifth step and pulled out his own spellbook, his smile waning. As he opened it, the wooden floor under the two men started shaking ever so slightly. “I must provide you all with my most sincere excuses. For the House of the Holy has let this man live his life free of worry. I can hardly even believe myself for not suspecting anything. Do not fret, however. I shall ensure that the Kingdom remains safe from the ATROCITIES that alchemy brought onto the land.”, he visibly completely lost his cool, and his smile had completely faltered by this point. “We swore to remain united. As we did, we acknowledged that weeding out the PUTRID, DISTASTEFUL people is the best course of action. No pity shall befall on the corrupted.” He took his sixth step. As he did so, the wooden floor shook harder, until vines burst out of the wood. Four vines, each grabbing the old man with relentless force. The alchemist did not react, however. Eightfold sighed, and his smile flourished once again on his face. “As is tradition, I will not forget the good this man brought to the world. Before retiring, Sidis was a father of many, as he founded and directed the Orphanage of Lugis during his prime years. Today, the orphanage stands as one of Rithnor’s most graceful sights, and it still raises unlucky children to this day. He might have even raised some of you, and this act of charity makes him a man worth remembering.” As quickly as he took his sixth step, he then took his seventh. More vines came from the ground and soon covered the entirety of Aldfrid’s body, leaving only his head visible. Those who had already witnessed similar events knew well. This was a habit of the priest, as he liked to finish every execution in precisely eight steps. This was what led to him gaining the nickname of Father Eightfold. “But.”, he continued as he closed his spellbook and held it firmly in front of him. “As honorable as one may be, some crimes will never be forgiven by the Kingdom, and the responsibility of carrying on this final act of justice has fallen onto me. From today onwards, a thorough search shall be conducted to ensure no alchemy user remains on these blessed grounds. I hope this serves as an example of how all good men can show a display of crookedness.” “May his soul rest in peace, and may his rest bring peace to us all.” The old man lifted his head, taking in the sight of the crowd staring at him. He could only watch for so long, as the end neared. Eightfold took his eighth step, and the alchemist could only mutter a small surprised gasp before dropping down on the harsh splintered wood.
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Chapter 1: The Faithful