Chapter 12 "Wendepunkt" - Peripeteia
[Time Skip // July 7th ]
[Chapel, herbal garden]
It was just one of those summer days that seemed never-ending.
Despite wiping the sweat off his forehead, Leonhard didn't mind it. Tending to herbs in the monastery garden with Brother Matthias was a good moment of calm for his busy and exciting life recently. The perfect way to end this full day.
Instead of having classes, he was able to help out the younger children read and recite Latin verses. The following hours after that were spent alongside ink and paper. Because he knew, that for the next few decades he would be dependent on writing with feathers, he took great pleasure in practicing his handwriting. He had seen many manuscripts, most of which were written with beautifully and precisely. A skill he had very much lacked in his previous life. Now, however? He seems to absorb knowledge and skills like a sponge. He blames his young brain.
His diligence afforded him the title "little scholar" by the Nuns.
Consistently calm and disciplined. One of the many reasons for his popularity within the Chapel. He had found a good home here. Despite its pros and cons, he felt that these generous people gave as much if not more than they received.
Within the Chapel, he was around Edward as much as he hung out with the young ones. Always helping, or with one book or another in his hand.
But even Leonhard felt that something about his development felt off. Sure, young brains learn more easily. Yet sometimes he found himself impressed by his own ability to memorize course work or entire pages from long literary texts.
Ever since Edward came back from his nonconclusive excursion, his words, Leonhard made sure to keep a disciplined mind. This forced him to prevent visible magical outbursts - and instead contain them to within his body with great control.
The chores became easier over time, despite his young and undeveloped body. He didn't have time for other athletic pursuits. Hence his surprise when he could outlast the others when they jointly pulled weeds out of the herbal garden.
Regular meditation before falling asleep and after waking up allowed him to enter and exit his mindscape with ease. It was by no means something he could casually do whenever, but in silence and comfort – within 10 seconds tops. This was an achievement he felt very proud of.
The mirror within himself didn't experience any change, aside from gaining a slightly stronger outline. He postulated it to be a consequence of growing up. Not by much, but visible, nonetheless.
What fascinated him the most though, was the effects that internalizing his magic had on his academic results. He knew himself to be of decent intelligence in the past. And even now, that hasn't really changed. No, the most obvious difference was his ability of rote memorization. A skill that helped him for every class, for example recall names of historical figures mentioned in passing. It was utterly amazing for the people in the Chapel to see him pull out random facts from the depths of his mind. The other children, especially the rambunctious Bart played games and asked him all sorts of questions. Every day.
But Leonhard was a good sport about it.
He knew his memory got better the more time he spent in his mindscape, studying his inner mirror. Despite the lack of great change, it was his safe space. When he caught himself slipping, like random books falling and opening on just the page he needed, or during a moment of absent mindedness a particular herb in the garden grew a little too fast for his liking, he made sure to center himself. He entered the vast expanse of his inner consciousness and went over his day and experiences. He was very certain that nobody had caught on. He routinely checked his surroundings whenever he caught himself in a moment of accidental magical expression.
Despite the great fear within, he still pushed himself every single day to practice. In his room, away from prying eyes. He even made sure the others respected his strict knocking policy when it came to entering his premises.
He always perfected a certain skill to the point where he could control the environment with barely any thought. And then he moved from one exercise to the next.
From holding a leaf in his hand and wanting it to be cut in half. After a few weeks he went from intense focus to putting the leaf in the palm of his hand, putting his other hand on top and exhaling onto his joined hands. Only to open them and reveal a cut leaf.
He attempted similar things with another element. He got in some physical fitness lifting a slightly heavier rock. It was just heavy enough for him to require both hands. And with his improved memory he dove into concepts of modern science. Namely gravity. And that's how he began his practice with decreasing and increasing the weight (and in his mind) density of the rock. He only dropped it once onto his toes when it got too heavy. But practice makes perfect and Leonhard accepted no less. For failure had the possible consequence of death. Intolerable.
Leonhard collected some herbs that the Chapel used in harmony with boiled water to create a tea that reduces headaches.
'Yes indeed, chamomile still reigns supreme'
His mind drifted again to other exercises he trained to hone his control. He went back to his candle exercise. This time, alongside a big bucket of water he practiced not only decreasing the size of the flame but also increasing it. After singeing his eyebrows only three times he had also mastered that. And once he finished the gravity manipulation of stones? He would move onto water.
'The good thing about all this control, is that concentrated effort into a smaller area of effect actually did increase the impact I have. Perhaps it the regular practice as well. One thing is for certain. I am getting better and faster. I am getting stronger. With enough hard work, anything is doable. As Nelson Mandela said in the distant future. "Everything seems impossible, until it is done". That was one man who knew what he was about. But this does make me wonder about wands…how would it affect my spellcraft? Wand and staffs are known as a "focus" for magic, maybe that word is meant literally? Time will tell'
Aside from improving his magical prowess and active safety net, he increased his social presence.
During these months Leonhard made sure to stay close to the monk Edward. His request hadn't gotten quite his desired results. The man had seemed a little out of it, but was otherwise the same reliable fellow. And Leonhard made sure to wiggle his way into his scholarly heart. Something he did for all the inhabitants of the Chapel. Even Ezekiel, who had been rather distant of late. Leonhard didn't think he suspected anything. But it was better to keep your friends close, and your (potential) enemies closer.
'May not have worked for Jon Snow the way he intended it, but yeah. I must make do with what I have.'
When the time came, he would need as many people on his side as possible. And the months kept creeping by.
Looking at the sun starting to set, Leonhard decided to call it for the day. They had done enough, and more exposure to sunlight would be harmful for Brother Matthias.
"Make sure to go ahead Brother Matthias alright? I just want to finish this final row and then I'll be right behind you." Leonhard spoke, interrupting the peaceful silence between the two of them.
"Oh, has that time already come? Very well. I shall be on my way now. Trust me, you don't want the Sisters to be out of tea. They'll be upset and grumpy with you. Not even that cheeky smile of yours will save you." Brother Matthias replied after standing tall and stretching his back
Leonhard couldn't resist the opportunity: "Yeah I am aware, its that time of the mon-"
He got interrupted with a playful slap of bundled herbs to the back of his head.
"Now don't you let them hear you! Trust me, that is a mistake you only make once…" The older monk said with glazed eyes as he went into the cool shade inside the Chapel.
The herbal garden itself was at the entrance to the Chapel. Because of that, upon doing a final checkup of the orderly and well growing plants, he noticed them. Actually, he heard them first. The squeaking sound of the gate being opened gave it away. There, three strangers stood in clothes most definitely too warm for the summer.
'Is this their evening wear? Doesn't matter, I might as well ask if I can help.' He trotted along to the front.
A short distance away Leonhard could see the silhouettes of three individuals standing at the entrance.
Two adult men stood at the front. Their bodies containing hidden tension, eyes scouting the perimeter. After a short inspection they turned to each other and nodded. These men were clearly professionals.
Behind them stood an elderly man, his back slightly hunched and despite his exhaustion he seemed fully aware of his surroundings. Upon seeing his two associates nod, he walked between them and entered the property of the Chapel. He took in the architecture and herbal garden with an intellectual curiosity until his eyes landed on the boy.
Mucking around in the dried mud with bundles of herbs in his hands. The child's straw hat covered his face until he too looked up at the strangers. Now he needed his hands to cover the sunlight from blinding himself.
Leonhard decides to approach the small group. He immediately noticed their cleanliness. In the 1600s personal hygiene was a luxury afforded to the wealthier people, not the regular commonfolk or peasants that visited the church every week.
No, these were clearly important people. Knowing this, he did his utmost to be polite and spoke with a tone befitting his station as somebody ranked lower in society:" Greetings kind sirs, and welcome to St. Benedicts Chapel. How may I help you gentlemen today?"
The oldest of the visitors took a moment to look at the boy from top to bottom. Seeing his patched clothes and dirty hands he took a step back and replied with a cautious tone.
"Hello there… child. We seek the individual in charge of this… facility. Summon them for us, would you?"
Leonhard nodded in reply to his request and said politely, "Of course. I ask for your patience please. It will take but a minute. Would you like to come inside?"
As the older man agreed, both of his companions shared a pained look, but moved ahead of him to pave the way.
Leonhard guided them to a private room where the Chapel receives guests and went to Edwards office.
'He will know how to deal with this. I don't know who is usually in charge of things like this. It's not like we at the Chapel have a strict hierarchy… might be seniority but who knows. But these strangers, they sure aren't dressed right for this kind of weather. Long clothing in this summer heatwave? But then again, they looked super clean and had all their teeth. Could be some stupid noble rule I don't know about… maybe they want to commission a painting? Oh well, it is Edward's problem now.'
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After arriving at Edward's office, where he takes care of daily paperwork and the likes, Leonhard enlightened him about the situation.
"Nobles? It wouldn't be the first time, but normally they come with a declaration of arrival many days prior. No, it most likely isn't that. Nonetheless, I shall see what these people need. Remember this, Leo. Never turn away a person in need. No matter what their station in life. Before Gods' eyes, we are all equal." Edward lectured.
"Yes, Brother Edward." Leonhard answered in a monotone voice. This was a saying the monk had repeated many times over the last few months.
Just as they left his office they walked into Ezekiel. It looked like he had been waiting for them. For once, his eyes were wide open and he had his fists clenched behind his back.
"Oh! Brother Ezekiel! Good to see you, do you have any particular query? If so, I must ask for your patience. Young Leo and I are on our way to entertain some guests that just arrived." Edward spoke to his fellow Brother.
Ezekiel took a moment to inspect both the monk and the child. Although his eyes stayed on Leonhard a little too long.
"Well yes, actually I would like to join you. I… happened… to hear one of our youngest here greet these… strangers. I would like to offer my wisdom if you would have me?" Ezekiel replied to Edward. He seemed very deliberate with his choice of words. Almost like he was hesitant to talk about it.
Edward didn't think twice about it and welcomed him along.
And thus Leonhard guided both monks to the reception room. Despite feeling like he should leave the room after bringing the monks to meet the guests, he wanted to stay there with them and see what it is all about.
'It's not like anything really exciting happens around here. Surely Edward wont deny this opportunity, unless it is very important or some church secrets are spoken about.'
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"- welcome to St. Benedeicts Chapel. You can call me Brother Edward, and here with me is my fellow Brother Ezekiel. What can we do for you fine gentlemen?"
And that was how Leonhard found the 5 men after he had returned with enough water to share amongst them. He entered the room again just as Edward had finished his introductions.
Leonhard saw the stangers had changed seats from where he offered them to sit previsoyly. Now the wall faced their backs and they all had eyes on the exit of the room. The seemed to be an unspoken tension, as the elderly man in charge seemed to drag out his reply. It seemed he was calculating something behind his eyes, looking at the water Leonhard brought with a great amount of distrust. After not making an effort to take a beverage, he began to speak.
"Yes, I thank you for your welcome. I ask you to sit tight, this may be a lengthy discussion, considering the circumstances. Don't worry about my friends here, they are there for my protection. Normally I could do without, but these are trying times. Allow me to get to the point. I myself am Archibald Rowle, a professor of history. Today we have come to see one of your charges." The man who had introduced himself announced.
Edward looked slightly skeptical and asked in a cautious tone: "And who may that be?"
"We seek a child living here, to invite him to our prestigious school in Scotland. We need to speak to Leonhard Sebastian Silberschein."
It was at that point that quite a few things happened. Edwards' eyebrow shot up and reached the top of his head. His head whipped to the side to look at the boy with confusion.
Leonhard was freaked out that nobles would ask after him by name. And he squeaked with a childish voice: "Me?!?!?!!". His eyes almost popped out of his head. His adult mind ran through many scenarios. Nothing made sense. Nobility could mean either really good, or really bad news. And from his better and improved memory he clearly recalled magical letters arriving on birthdays, delivered by owls. Then again, who knew when Leonhard's body turned eleven…
Because of that the three men twisted their necks to look at the child again. They had previously dismissed him due to his appearance. The professor seemed curios, whilst his two guards seemed even more focused as something in their sleeve slipped into their hands. They had been uncomfortable during their entire stay thus far. They swiftly exchanged codewords and prepared for the worst.
As all attention was on the young boy, nobody paid any attention to the oldest monk of the Chapel. He, unlike everybody else in the room remained calm. Cool. Collected. His eyes gained a cold touch as he came to a resigned decision.
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HEYHO! Its been a minute. But I hope y'all enjoy….. Remember. Every person/ faction in that room has different knowledge about this situation. Some have outdated intel, other are more on top of things…. But that's enough! Find out more in the next chapter.
Remember: 3x a week!
Love
Danfictions over & out