Chapter 10: Awakening

His body was still tired, recovering from the ritual. Yet while his legs were screaming for rest, Breghen tried to keep his posture as good as he could. His eyes staring straight before them, his hands at his side, his legs a bit apart from each other, while the Drow Matron walked around him, softly humming.

Matron Nazira inspected the boy like she was inspecting a piece of meat. He had a decent height for his age and was showing a body that was promising for a fighter. 

In the back, Matron Sharadreza, Breghen’s mother was watching with hawk eyes to what her sister was doing with her son.

When Nazira finished her round, ending before the boy, she picked up his chin and turned it from left to right.

“How are you feeling?” She asked. Her voice had the sound of poison, if poison could have a timbre. It was feminine, but you could hear that this female would do everything for what she wanted, even if that meant in your unfortunate death. Plus her tone was a warning, a warning to not to disagree or disobey.

“I feel fine, Matron Nazira.” Breghen said, his eyes still staring in front of him. For not even a second, his eyes would wander to the Matron’s face. He was perfectly aware that it would result in another whipping. 

“Do you feel … different?” She asked, taking a step back to take another look at the boy.

“I …” He started, before he took a deep breath. “... feel strange. It’s like something is rushing through my body. Something I have no control over.”

“Good …” Nazira hissed, narrowing her eyes with pleasure. She was pleased with what stood before her. 

“He will go with me to Che’El’Dheorden and train under my name.” And the Matron turned around, to now face her sister, who returned her remark with a surprised gasp.

“Excuse me?” Sharadreza said, clearly showing with her tone that she didn’t agree with the just said fact. 

“You heard me.” Nazira said, her tone now darker, more commanding then the tone she used when she asked her questions to Breghen. “He will come with me. He will receive a much better training at Doh’Arn then here.”

“Are you implying that my training would not be good enough?” Sharadreza stood up from her throne, still keeping a certain graze. But her hands were shaking with anger.

“Dear sister, I do no doubt your fighting training skills, but …” Nazira’s red eyes turned back to Breghen, who was still standing like a statue on display.

“There will be other … things he needs to learn as well. The power he holds is … precious. And my clerics and wizards are more killed to teach him to control his newfound powers.”

Nazira walked back to Breghen. The boy, even while he tried to keep his face as straight as possible, couldn’t miss the mischievous grin that laid in the female’s face. 

“Don’t you worry, sister. I will compensate you for … your loss. Fifty of my soldiers will join your House to strengthen it. Make good use of them. And keep his treacherous father alive. It’s a stubborn one, that man. It will be my pleasure to break him.”

Her hand suddenly raised up, softly caressing the boy’s cheek. Breghen had to keep his breath with all his mind, to not show any sign that he was spooked by the sudden touch of the Matroness.

“Once this boy is ready, he will return … and break that traitor to pieces.”

“Very well.” Sharadreza said when she took back her seat. She had to admit that it was a fair deal. Fifty soldiers for just a boy ... A traitor's son, nonetheless. If he would die while under the name of Doh’Arn, then the disgrace would not fall on her name.

“When are you leaving?” She asked mixed with a slight hint. The earlier her sister was on her ground, the better.

“Now.” Nazira said, showing a grin when she turned around to face the Duscrain matron, raising her hand with a dark flare, like an invitation. 

“Take my hand, boy.” The Drowess commanded without moving her eyes to the boy, expecting him to take her hand. Breghen didn’t hesitate. He had learned to obey. So without further ado, the boy placed his hand in that of Nazira, to blink out of the room.

“Finally …” Sharadreza whispered ...