After a month since the funeral, Bryson Coldwater stood in front of his father inside the main Coldwater office. Duke Coldwater calmly looked at his son and spoke, “Bryson, come fall you will be heading off to The Academy to further master your skills of magic.” His voice softly rumbled.

  “Yes father. I hope to make you proud.” Bryson said as he looked at his father with curiosity. He wasn’t completely sure why his father summoned him, the fact that he was going off to learn was already set in stone years ago.

  “Your mother, no. Both your mother and I want what is best for you.” Duke Coldwater said as Bryson blinked in surprise.

  “The attack against your life by that demon has raised concerns for us.” Duke Coldwater said slowly, “While The Academy is a prestigious school and will be a wonderful opportunity for you, we are aware of the potential dangers. Even more so now.”

  Bryson unsure what to say simply nodded his head as his father continued, “Your mother is willing to let you stay here at the manor if you so choose, you will take more of a managerial role in helping run some of the more local companies.”

  “What about you father?”

  “While I do not disagree with your mother, I do believe that we shouldn’t trap you here.” Duke Coldwater said as Bryson looked up in surprise, “You are a boy reaching maturity, you must learn how the world works around you.” He continued ignoring Bryson’s look, “If you wish to go to The Academy or if you choose to stay here we will support you either way.”

  Bryson took a deep breath before speaking, “Father. I am not scared.” He stated.

  Duke Coldwater looked his son in the eyes, his blood-red eyes bore into Bryson’s. Bryson noticed Duke Coldwater holding a thoughtful look before nodding his head to let Bryson continue.

  “I want to go to The Academy, I want to be stronger. Demons or not, I’m going. I don’t care even if the gods themselves get in my way. I am Bryson Coldwater, I do not yield to anyone.” Bryson decred boldly.

  For the first time in Bryson’s life that he could remember he saw his father do his best to hold back ughter. Duke Coldwater pced a gloved hand over his mouth to cover the smile that was forming on his face. Taking a moment to compose himself his father nodded his head and removed his hand from his face.

  “I approve of your confidence Bryson.” Duke Coldwater said nodding his head, “Very well then, I shall talk to your mother about this.”

  “Thank you father.” Bryson said giving a small bow.

  “Bryson. You will be going to another continent in just five months, after what you had to go through, I want you to enjoy yourself.”

  “I beg your pardon?” Bryson said not sure if he was hearing things properly.

  “You must still learn and prepare yourself. But take this time to enjoy yourself while you can. The Academy is no easy pce to graduate and I expect you to graduate. So before you begin, go have some fun.” Bryson’s father said before indicating for Bryson to leave.

  Nodding his head Bryson quickly exited the office, unsure what he had just experienced. Well, I suppose I have some time to myself now… so what should I do? He wondered to himself.

  ***

  Afa sat in her throne looking absolutely giddy as she watched as her fourth hero was about to arrive on Strarth. A woman named Samantha Sorrow was about to arrive into the body of Sadie Monroe, some fledgling cleric that honestly had no notable talent.

  However with another worlder possessing her body accompanied by a few of Afa’s great gifts, she would bring holy power down on any vile vilins that tried to cross her. More importantly, she was gifted with the ability to use healing magic. Making her a perfect member for Afa’s hero party.

  She rubbed her hands in anticipation as she could already see it now. Only five months away from the beginning of the heroes adventures through The Academy. Where they will learn grow and save countless people and become revered as great heroes.

  For the first semester Bryson Coldwater will be there to harass and fail against them. He’ll bully the heroes future allies which will result in them turning towards the heroes for help. By the end of the semester Bryson will be expelled from The Academy and slink off not to be seen again until two years ter where he sold his soul for some devil.

  Then Bryson would return and have a battle with Afa’s heroes and finally be defeated, melted into nothingness as he would have to pay for his sins. Then after his death, his older brother Gareth Coldwater and father Duke Coldwater will be the next opponents. Not particurly for the love of Bryson, but more so for the honor of the Coldwater name.

  A slight frown appeared on her face as she recalled the slight issue that Bryson Coldwater was causing. While he has for the most part followed the beats of the story that she had set for him, he did it in a rather roundabout way.

  Lottie Frost was never supposed to be with Bryson and interact with him. Well aside from seeing and knowing him to be the reason her st remaining family member died. Originally it was to drive Lottie for revenge and eventually she would pick up assassination. She still has, just for Bryson Coldwater. Still if she gains the proper skills that rogues have then Afa couldn’t compin much.

  Florence Marsh was another one that Bryson should not have interacted with. She should just harbor a hatred for the Coldwater for allowing the small towns and vilges in the outskirts of the continent to die off. Yet here she was working with them. Still, Afa couldn’t deny that she was both getting stronger and more knowledgeable with her medical skills and she was heading to The Academy nevertheless.

  Kristel the future royal knight was supposed to be with Bryson, there she would be bullied and tortured by Bryson. Created to be a perfect killing machine and subservient to Bryson’s every word. That is until they go to the Academy. There she would fall in love with a hero and be freed from her shackles. Yet here she was going off to be a royal knight. At least she seems scared to fail Bryson.

  Sable Coldwater seemed to be the only normal one from what Afa could see at least. She seemed to be rather antagonistic towards Bryson. At times aggressively competitive. Though Afa would prefer if she acted a bit more scared of him during direct confrontations, but she couldn’t compin too much.

  While direct observation on them was limited Afa was able to get the broad strokes of things. Kristel was scared of failing Bryson which was good, it seemed that Lottie was going to become a deadly assassin, which was good. Sable saw Bryson as a rival and seemed to get under his skin. Florence was a strange enigma to Afa, but she always was an odd one.

  Her pn was being followed properly, just not quite the way she intended. Still as long as everyone properly ends up at The Academy at the right time all will be well. The proper story would begin there. Everything else will flow into the story seemingly.

  When the threat of monsters and demons come then they’ll turn to the heroes. Besides while all these girls py roles in the story, they aren’t the main characters. They’re just there for support, so it was fine if they didn’t follow her vision completely.

  Afa watched as the new Sadie Monroe emerged out of the pool where the old one was dragged in, coughing for breath. Just need two more. Afa thought to herself as Sadie looked around in her new world with dazed confusion.