Humayre: The Chronicles of Ronin Wilder

As Ronin made his way up the winding stone stairway, he searched each painting he passed. Every man or woman could have been his mother or father. When he saw someone with similar features to his parents he eagerly read the little brass plaque at the bottom of the painting.

“Are you going to stop at every painting?” asked Mr. Jones. “Because if you are I can go ahead and take my leave. I have much better things to do than standing around here waiting for you.” He folded his arms. “Come to think of it. You should be thanking me that I’m giving you a personal escort to your room. Your little disappearing act was a major inconvenience.”

“Sorry,” said Ronin. He was too mentally drained to say anything else.

“Come on then,” said Mr. Jones. “You’re on the second floor. First door on your right. We’re almost there.” He led the way up the stairs. Just before he stepped onto the second floor, he straightened a painting which Ronin never would have known was crooked.

“Here you are,” said Mr. Jones. He opened the door. “If you need anything, my room is on the first floor. You can’t miss it. You will see a bronze plaque above the door that says Master Server.”

“Thank you.” The numbness was starting to dissipate. Even though Ronin had a million questions, he didn’t have the energy to ask. He just wanted to sit down for a moment.

“Very well,” said Mr. Jones. “I will take my leave.” He nodded and headed back down the stairs.

The soft glow of candlelight flickered throughout the hall leading into his room. It cast an orange glow towards the entrance. Candlelight took some getting used to. It was nothing like the light from a light bulb. It was dimmer and required more effort from the eyes. At first it gave him a bit of a headache, it was hard to see clearly and he felt himself having to squint to pick out detail. But he quickly adjusted and now found the soft light quite comfortable. As he stepped into the hall the pleasant and unmistakable smell of burning wood filled his nostrils. The small hall wrapped around into a half circle obscuring his view of what was ahead, but he knew there was a fireplace waiting to warm his freezing hands somewhere in his new room. Dragging his hand across the stone wall, he noticed it was rough and cool to the touch. Candlelit sconces lined the walls of the short hall. The smell of wet stone was just noticeable. He loved the smell. It reminded him of rainy days out on the asphalt when he was a young boy at home with his parents.

The hall led into a circular room. The first thing Ronin noticed was Kevin sitting on a bed to his right. It didn’t bother him as much as he thought it might. Kevin being his roommate, that is. He was too numb. Kevin saw him walk in and gave him a nod, then went back to rummaging through clothing he had spread across the top of his bed.

Four beds lined the walls of the circular room. They were spaced evenly apart into a symmetrical formation. On the left side of each bed was a dark-wood book case. They were filled with leather bound books. On the right of the bed was a small wooden desk. A candlelit sconce hung over each desk just to the left of the window.

To Ronin’s left was a coble-stone fire place. It was six feet long, five feet tall and about four feet deep. To the left of the fireplace was a closed door. It was made of a dark wood. To the right of the fireplace was a large black metal box stacked full of firewood. A very sharp poker was leaned against the box. Hanging overhead was a chandelier. It was ten foot in diameter and sported hundreds of lit candles. One big fire hazard was the thought that sprung to Ronin’s mind. But, despite the archaic nature of it all, the room was surprisingly well illuminated.

Above every desk was a window. Four in all. Each had a different stained glass motif. A shield, a sword, a helmet, and a suit of armor. All seemed to come alive as the moonlight shone through them.

Ronin looked for where his section of the room might be. The bed next to Kevin’s had some books laying on top of it. Obviously that one was taken. Probably better that way, he might be able to stomach being in the same room with Kevin but not right next to him. The bed next to that one had a note on the pillow. Making his way to the note Ronin noticed how plush the pillows were and how soft the blankets looked. The duvet was a rich burgundy. The pillow shams where a matching burgundy but with gold stitching along their edges. It looked regal and expensive. Picking up the note, he read, Ronin Wilder.

Sitting on his bed, Ronin immediately noticed how soft yet firm it was. He moved up and down. No screeching like his bed at home. He thought about it for a moment and defiantly realized Dick’s house was never his home. He glanced around. Contentment, a feeling he’d only dreamed of, only vaguely remembered from his days before Dick. The anxiety that had plagued him every day since he could remember was gone. Was this what home was supposed to feel like?

Studying the room Ronin noticed an open trunk at the end of Kevin’s bed. Curious, he checked to see if he had the same trunk. Sure enough, he did. His name was carved into the wood just above where a lock would go. He opened the trunk. It was filled with clothes and a pair of boots. The boots didn’t have any shoe laces and looked like slippers. Just like the ones he saw on the hot blonde back at the strange white building. Emptying the trunk’s contents onto his bed a feeling of excitement began to build inside of him. Two pairs of black pants, seven pairs of socks, seven boxers, five black shirts and two long sleeve shirts. Man, they really love black here. A loose piece of duct tape caught Ronin’s eye. A throbbing, itching, bruise-like pain attacked the ends of Ronin’s fingers. Until that moment he had all but forgotten about them.

“Hey,” said a kid. He was standing just inside the hallway.

Kevin looked up, he didn’t acknowledge the kid at all.

“Hey,” said Ronin. The surreal feeling that numbed his senses was all but gone. His parents came to mind but he quickly put them out of his thoughts. He could figure that all out later. After all, what difference did it make? They were still gone. This was his chance. Everything he had ever hoped for was coming to pass. Time to enjoy it.

“I’m your second year drop down roommate. I’m Gus. Gus Walker.”

“Ronin Wilder,” he said. He got off the bed and walked over to shake Gus’s hand.

“What’s up with the hands?” asked Gus. “You know what. Sorry. Never mind. None of my beeswax.” He shook Ronin’s hand. “Nice to meet ya.” He looked over Ronin’s shoulder. “I see Kevin here is still being a turd.” He paused, seemingly waiting for a response, got none and continued, “You know how I got your name?” He looked at Ronin shook his head then looked back to Kevin. “I had to go ask our good friend Mr. Jones.”

Kevin took what looked like a picture out of his pocket and laid it flat on his desk. He then emptied the rest of the contents of his pockets onto the desk. All of his new clothes were spread messily over the bed. He grabbed a pair of pants, a long sleeve shirt, a pair of socks and scrunched them into a ball which he then placed under his arm like a football. Making sure to avoid eye contact with Ronin and Gus, Kevin made his way to the closed door. He opened it flashed Gus a look then disappeared inside.

“What’s a second year drop down?” asked Ronin. Never had he heard of such a thing. Although, he wasn’t shocked, considering all of BrightWood seemed like a place from another dimension.

“Means I scored lowest in the house,” said Gus. “Not sure what they expected. They are training me to be an ambassador after all.” He shook his head. “I mean, how unfair could it possibly be. My skill set is not combat-oriented. If they put more merit into pursuits of knowledge and diplomacy I would have had the highest marks in this whole place.” He was worked up, almost angry. He exhaled. “But I digress. My purpose, at least in regards to you, is as a sort of liaison. I am to work closely with you and sunshine over there in the bathroom. Basically I am supposed to help you figure this place out.” He glanced at Kevin’s desk. “Which reminds me.”

Gus walked over and picked up the picture Kevin left on his desk. He held it up so Ronin could see it. A devilish smile came over his face.

“Wait,” said Ronin.

“What?” asked Gus. He turned the picture around so he could see the photo. “Wonder who this is. Hopefully someone special. Time to teach this guy a lesson.” The knuckles on his thumb and index finger flexed as he pinched the picture. His hands began to move in opposite directions.

“Stop!” shouted Ronin. He ran up to Gus and grabbed his wrist. “What are you doin?”

“What?” asked Gus. “You like that guy? He’s a rude idiot. He needs a little tough love.”

“And you’re the one to give it to him, right?” Ronin’s eyes burned with anger. “What did he even do to you? He was a little rude and hurt your feelings? You can’t just go around destroying peoples stuff. You can’t just do whatever you want.”

“Let go of my wrist,” said Gus. “You’re just some Freshy who hasn’t even been Awakened. Do you know what I could do to you if I wanted to? I could snap your arm like a twig.” He stepped forward and moved his arm. Ronin tried to resist against his strength but the guy was freakishly strong.

“Let go of the picture and I’ll let go of your wrist.” Ronin was scared, scared of what this kid could do to him, but he’d rather be beat to a pulp than let him destroy Kevin’s picture. And it wasn’t because he liked Kevin or felt some sort of loyalty to him. Actually, at that moment he wasn’t quite sure why he was doing it. For whatever reason it didn’t matter, one thing he did know, Gus would have to make good on his promise and break his arm before he’d let go.

Gus dropped the picture and jerked his wrist out of Ronin’s grasp. “I’m not getting stuck with two idiot Freshys. You guys are on your own.” He turned and started to walk out of the room. As he disappeared down the hall, he added, “Idiots better give me my old room back.”

The bathroom door opened. Kevin was dressed in his new BrightWood clothing. They appeared to be a perfect fit. He nodded to Ronin. The picture was lying right next to Kevin’s bed. Both Kevin and Ronin’s eyes focused on the picture at exactly the same time.

Great. Now I’m really gonna have to hear about it. The look in Kevin’s eyes was not of anger though. Something about Kevin’s body language made Ronin rush to pick up the picture. He handed it to Kevin without saying a word.

“Thanks,” said Kevin. It was obvious he didn’t say it much. It was forced. Like trying to get a two year old to eat his broccoli.

“No problem.” Ronin was about to walk back to his bed and check out all his new stuff when Kevin spoke up.

“I heard what you did.”

Ronin turned to face him. He didn’t know what to say.

Crossing his arms, Kevin stared at the floor. “Picture is of my sister. She has this really rare cancer. Doctors only gave her a year.” He looked Ronin in the eyes. His face was hard, much older looking than sixteen. “They have a cure. But my family can’t afford it.” He shook his head, his eyes blazed with furry. “That’s our system. To let kids die. All they care about is money.”

“Man, I’m sorry,” said Ronin. He sort of understood why Kevin was so bitter now. He felt bad for him.

“That’s the deal I got,” said Kevin

Ronin shook his head, he had no idea what Kevin was talking about.

“You know. The deal we signed,” said Kevin. “My deal was they would get my sister the cure. I signed over my life so my sister could get the cure.” His expression softened. He looked like a sixteen year old again. “Happiest day of my life.” He stared at the picture of his sister. “But I won’t get to see her anymore. At least for a while. They have to take her to England to begin her treatments. She will be spending at least the next couple of years there and I will be here.”

Ronin just listened. He decided that he had judged Kevin too harshly. It was the one thing Mrs. Kinney wouldn’t tolerate. Don’t judge people. Just love them. Everyone is different. We all have faults. He had it memorized word for word. It was hard not to, she probably said it to two or three times a week.

Rubbing his hands together nervously, Kevin asked, “So. What was your deal?” His usual cocky disposition was gone, he looked vulnerable. A steely look of determination appeared out of nowhere. He stood up tall, his eyes focused, the confidence was back. “I mean, it’s your deal, you don’t have to answer. I was just wondering is all.”

“They paid off my foster caretaker,” said Ronin. “I am now a ward of BrightWood academy.”

“Foster care? Did your parents die or something?”

“Yeah…” said Ronin. “Or something.” He collected his thought then continued. “Just found out today that they went here. Turns out my whole life has been a lie. Parents lied to me, Dick lied to me. Now that I think about it. The only person to ever tell me the truth about anything is my next door neighbor.”

“Sorry to hear about your parents,” said Kevin. “How old were you when they died?”

“Ten.”

“I don’t know what I’d do if my parents died,” said Kevin. The room went quiet for a few moments. The only sounds were the crackling of burning wood. Kevin broke the silence. “Thanks again for saving my picture.”

“No problem,” said Ronin.

“You probably noticed that I don’t make friends very easily. On account of my winning disposition and all.” Both he and Ronin chuckled. The energy in the room became lighter, and both boys had smiles on their faces. He continued, “I don’t have friends, except my family. Don’t really trust people.”

“I have that same problem,” said Ronin. “Mrs. Kinney. My next door neighbor. She’s kinda like my Grandma. She’s always trying to get me to trust people. Hasn’t really worked though.”

“Well. No one has ever had my back like that. Not trying to get all mushy on you, but, from now on, no matter what, I’ve got your back.”

Despite all the crazy stuff happening everything was going to be okay, Ronin could feel it. He nodded to Kevin and said, “Likewise.”

“Okay then,” said Kevin, smiling. “I know you want a hug or something but that’s not gonna happen.”

They both laughed.

“Anyway,” said Kevin. “What’s the deal with this place? No electricity. Nothing mechanical works? How’s that even possible?” Kevin looked like he had a million more questions and might burst if he didn’t start getting answers. “And what this Mayre stuff?” He shook his head as he glanced around the room. “And do you really believe these guys are from an alternate dimension?”

“I don’t know,” said Ronin. “This is all pretty crazy. I’ll tell you one thing I do know. This place is like heaven compared to where I’m from. I’ll take aliens or whatever they are over my foster father.”

“One question at a time Freshys,” interrupted Gus. He was standing just outside the hallway. “Turns out I’m stuck with you people.” He sarcastically laughed, then continued under his breath, “Apparently if I don’t play nice I’ll end up doing triple time guard duty.” He examined Ronin and Kevin, seemingly sizing them up. He rolled his eyes. “So. One question at a time. On your mark, get set, Go!”

Kevin looked at Ronin and said, “What’s the deal with this guy?”

Ronin laughed. “I don’t know. But let’s try not to insult him. He might actually have something useful to tell us.”

“Alright, alright,” said Kevin. “You’re the boss.”

“Yeah. This whole talking about me like I’m not in the room isn’t going to work for me,” said Gus sarcastically. He looked back down the hall like he might leave but instead shook his head and walked to his bed. He took in a deep breath and exhaled. “We got off on the wrong foot. My fault. Let’s start over, shall we.” He laid down on his bed and tucked his hands behind his head.

With a confused look Kevin examined his watch and tapped the face of it with his finger. “So what’s up with our watches and phones not working?” he asked. “I mean. I get something going wrong with a phone. Maybe some kind of magnetic or electrical interference that somehow made it stop functioning. But my watch is purely mechanical.”

“Mayre,” said Gus. He stared at the stained glass moon-light on the ceiling.

“Okay,” said Kevin. “You mind elaborating?”

“That’s a big word for a sixteen year old Freshy,” said Gus. “Elaborating. You hear mommy and daddy use that word and then look up what it meant in the dictionary?” He smiled. It was a cocky smile.

“I’m sorry,” said Kevin, in a very calm voice. “Did I confuse you? I can dumb my vocabulary down to a second grade level. Unless you think that might be too advanced?”

Ronin chuckled.

Gus sat up. His face was red, but it was obvious he was trying hard not to show his anger. “Real funny.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be helping us?” asked Ronin, looking to Gus. “I mean. If you’re so miserable maybe we can help you out. How ’bout me and Kevin go down to Mr. Jones and explain to him that we are just too annoying for you. And that maybe they should place you with someone who won’t bother you as much.” He looked at Kevin with a sly grin. Kevin smiled.

“No, no,” said Gus, his voice was panicked. “Everything is fine. No need to bother Mr. Jones.”

“Fine,” said Ronin. “So instead of being a jerk, how about you start actually doing what they put you in this room to do?”

“Fair enough,” said Gus. He paused, his gaze was blank, it was as though he were trying to think of what to say next. He looked to the ceiling, and then back to Ronin and Kevin. “Mayre. That’s what you wanted to know about right?” He looked to Kevin but continued before Kevin could respond. “It’s hard to explain. Mayre is an energy. But it’s more than that. It doesn’t adhere to the natural rules of our plane of existence. The closest thing I could compare it to would be our idea of what magic is.”

“Okay,” said Kevin. “So how does that explain my watch?”

“Mayre has given us Humayre certain gifts. One of those gifts is called TS or Technology Suppression,” said Gus. “Once you have been Awakened you will be able to generate a field of energy that disrupts any sort of technology. That’s why you don’t see any electricity here. Literally no technology will work. Watches, lightbulbs, phones, anything with any sort of advanced mechanical feature will not work.”

“How are we able to use this Mayre?” asked Ronin. “I mean, if it is from another plane of existence, how are we able to use it?”

“When the worm hole was opened Mayre flowed from their plane into our plane. Mayre is all around us. However it only effects a very small portion of the human population. Those who are effected can be unlocked. The unlocking ceremony is known as the Awakening. Once you have been unlocked the Mayre will flow freely through your bodies. This will give you the ability to TS, although you won’t be taught how to use this gift until your third year.”

“So there is no electricity because all the students who have been unlocked use this power to block technology? Or is it something they can’t control and that’s why nothing works?” asked Kevin.

“It’s fully controllable. But the students aren’t the ones causing the TS at the school. There are artifacts which were created by the Vein that were brought into our world when the migration occurred. We have one of these artifacts. It feeds off all the students TS energy and projects it over the school. It covers a two mile radius. This is a protection. The same protection the Vein used to defeat the Rahvein in their world. Anyone who might want to harm the inhabitants of the school would have to do so with their bare hands.” Gus chuckled. “Or bows and arrows. No guns. No tanks. No advanced weaponry of any sort will work on these grounds.”

Kevin and Ronin were silent.

“Yeah,” continued Gus. “I had the same reaction. It’s a bit much to take in all at once. That is why they have drop down students. Mr. Wetstone and company discovered that new recruits handle hearing this sort of life changing information better from peers their own age. It helps to ease the initial shock. Anyway, on to the most important aspect of our gifts.” He smiled. “This is the neat part. Once you have been awakened your body will go through changes as well. You will become stronger, faster, your mind will process external stimuli quicker. In other words, you will develop enhanced physical abilities which will turn you into formidable warriors.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Gus,” interrupted Ryan. He was standing just inside the room with two other young men with him. “By the looks of these two, they won’t last a week. Maybe two of the most pathetic Freshys I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

“R… Ryan,” stuttered Gus. “Wh… What are you doing here?” His eyes were wide. He looked afraid.

“You two get out,” said Ryan, pointing to Kevin and Gus. “We’ve got business with this Freshy.” Ryan and his thugs had their eyes on Ronin. “We’re gonna give him a nice BrightWood welcome.”

Gus flew off his bed and just about ran out of the room.

Ronin and Kevin looked at each other.

“It’s okay,” said Ronin, his voice trembled. He knew what they were there for. Guys like this were a dime a dozen at his old school. “Take off. No reason for us both to get pounded.” He was trying hard to be brave, but his voice cracked as those last words left his mouth. It took every ounce of concentration to steady his shaking hands. The last thing he wanted was for Ryan to see how scared he was.

“No,” said Kevin, nonchalantly. “I’m good. I missed my class welcome at my last school and you know what? I really regretted it. I felt like I really missed out.”

Ryan’s eyebrows furrowed. He punched the stone wall with his gloved fist. The stone cracked. Just before he let loose the blow, Ronin thought he saw a feint green glow come from the crevices of his gloved hands.

“Wow,” said Kevin. “That was incredible. Is that what you’re gonna teach us with this…” Kevin made quotation marks with his fingers. “Welcome.” He gave two thumbs up. “Because if it is. I am all in.”

“Time to teach these two a lesson,” said Ryan. He nodded to his two friends.

The three thugs stormed towards Ronin and Kevin. They were so quick neither Ronin or Kevin were able to get off their beds before they were on top of them.