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Spring. The time when the gardens of Ventus are at their peak and the best produce is put out to sell. A ten-year-old Amir walked through the marketplace at his father’s side. Usually, they only visited the sections of the plaza that sold art or books, while their servants visited the others section that sold necessities such as food, tea, medicinal herbs, and tools; today was different. This time, however, Amir and his father joined their servant in buying the necessities much to Amir’s confusion.
“It’s time,” said Charon. “It’s past time, actually,” he said more assuredly.
“Are you sure, sir,” questioned the servant. “Madam Callista said it may still be a little too soon.”
“He’s needs to the truth of Tevinter, Sarenan,” He looked at Amir who was distracted by a woman selling herbs. Charon put a gentle but stern hand on his shoulder and led him away and continued his conversation. “Why his mother and I hid those escapees during the last rebellion. Why I must pay you and the other servants under the table. Why Tevinter needs to change.” He swallowed as he knew they were approaching an uncomfortable truth.
As they arrived at their destination, the scent of fresh produce and flowers immediately intertwined with the scent of blood and sweat. Amir felt the energy in the air shift before he gasped at the scene before him. Men, women, and children were all line up connected by chains beside a platform of wood and stone. Most of them were elves, but several humans, a few Qunari, and even a dwarf were among the people tethered together.
“What- What is this, father?” the little boy asked, shaken by the sight.
“The reality of the world my son. This is the gallows, where people are sold to others as slaves.” Charon took a deep breath) before continuing. “They are Tevinter’s most valuable crop and its greatest sin.”
The soon to be sold slaves were barley clothed, some had scars, and a few had visibly relieved themselves where they stood. Few could hardly keep their heads up due to exhaustion. They stood wearily with sorrow in their eyes and fear on their faces.
“But” Amir paused, “They’re people. How can they just do this to people?” he questioned, visibly disturbed by the sight.
“When people with power are raised to believe they’re inherently better, this is the result,” Sarenan answered with barely thinned vitriol. This was him not long ago.
Charon followed, “This is why your mother and I have servants. It’s why when we are gifted slaves, we immediately plan for them to get their approval as Liberati.” The Legatus placed his hand on Amir’s shoulder, “I push you and your brother so hard towards greatness because I want you to elevate the Mercar name. So that one day, through influence, you can bring change to Tevinter.”
Amir pondered his father’s words before looking back at the gallows. On the platform, stood a boy about his age and complexion. The seller began spouting about the boy’s beneficial qualities as if he were cattle or produce. For a moment, Amir and the boys locked eyes with each other and his pain was palpable. “That could be me,” Amir thought to himself. He looked at the boy’s chains and thought “I wish I could help him.” It was then he felt the familiar pull of something he’d only experienced in his dreams, the Fade. Now it called him in this realm and he decided to answer. He looked at the sky and words he’d never spoken spilled from his lips preceded by frost.
With that, a flash of light shines from his eyes and suddenly, howling winds appear with great speed. They soon herald the birth of dark clouds gathered seemingly out of thin air. The clouds began to swirl over the marketplace with electricity cracking and flashing within them, which are soon followed by the hollow peal of thunder.
The people in the marketplace began chattering in awe and fear of the sudden storm. To find shelter, many run to more secure buildings while ducking debris picked by the wind. “Settle down!” The slave trader attempted to calm down his livestock, but it was no use. They were beginning to panic.
Charon and Sarenan looked around while covering their faces as the gale and flying debris assaulted their senses. Charon tried reaching for Amir, but the blistering wind refused his wish. That’s when the realization hit him.
The sky continued to roar as the electricity charging in the clouds finally released in a powerful burst. Several lightning bolts streaked through the air and struck the chains attached to the slaves. The boy was the first freed and the others were released soon after. The slave trader looked in horror as the newly freedmen fled the storm plagued plaza. He attempted to yell for assistance from the guards before being struck in the back of the head by one of Qunari who had been freed.
The young boy was still in shock looked up and saw that it was Amir invoking the storm and mouthed the words “Thank you,” and fled behind his fellow freedmen.
Amir responded with a smile and watched them run as his storm began to dissipate. The new mage didn’t get a chance to revel in his achievement as he began to faint from exhaustion. As he fell, the boy felt strong arms pick him up.
Charon, with Amir tucked under him, and Sarenan fled from the market as quickly as their feet could carry them. Sarenan wasn’t entirely sure of what had occurred, but he had a hunch.
“Was it… him that did that,” Sarenan asked, breath shaky as they ran from the market.
“Yes…” Charon replied still in shock from the chaos. However, a wave a glee ran over him as he realized that this revelation could change the trajectory of the family and maybe even… Perhaps? No, but what if…
Charon and Sarenan stopped in an alleyway far enough from chaos and sat Amir down.
“Are you alright, son?” Charon could see Amir was fatigued from the great display and looked him over for any possible injuries.
“I’m fine, father. I think…” Amir hadn’t fully processed what had happened and his mind was hazy. It felt like a dream, but it was real. “Did I… was that real? Did I really do that?”
Charon and Sarenan looked at each other before Sarenan responded, “Yes, child. Do you know what that means?”
“I’m… a mage?”
“That’s right son,” Charon put a gentle hand on Amir’s shoulder. “What you did back there was a good thing, but you need be a lot more careful.” He stooped down to the child ‘s level and continued, “Magic is a powerful tool, but it can also be dangerous and the slaves you freed as well as the other people in the market could’ve been hurt.”
“I’m sorry father,” Amir embraced him with tears. He never wanted to hurt anybody; he just wanted the slaves to be free. “I’ll be careful next time, I promise.”
“It’s ok. I know you were only trying to do what was right… and you did,” He pulled away slightly to look at his son in the eye, “This does mean you’ll have to attend a circle so you can learn how to use your magic.”
“You mean the one here, in Ventus?” The boy questioned him with noticeable excitement that was quelled by the look on Charon’s face. If anyone from the marketplace or the circle recognized that it was Amir, the son of a Legatus, that had freed slaves, there could be serious repercussions. Everything he’d worked hard to build and set up for his family could be gone. There was no other option. If Amir was to become a realized mage, he had to attend a circle, but not in Ventus. He’d have to send his first child, the little babe he found on the battlefield, away.
“No. You’ll have to go away to another circle far from here.”
“B-But why? I want to stay here with you!” As tears streamed down the little boy’s face, Charon and Sarenan noticed fog suddenly rolling in out of thin air. A magical side effect of Amir’s emotions.
Charon embraced him and answered, “You’re already a powerful young mage my son and you deserve to go to the best circle in Tevinter. That’s why I’m sending you to the Imperial Circle in Minrathous.” He lifted the boy’s face and wiped away the tears, “That way you’ll be able to carefully help people with your abilities.” It wasn’t the full truth, but the words were true, nonetheless. Thankfully, he had a few favors to cash in to get Amir there, but sending his son away would still be one of the most painful things he’s done. “We’ll talk about it later, but for now be proud of what you did and what you can do. You’re going to help so many more Amir.” He grabs the boy’s hand while Sarenan gives a hand signal to relay that the coast is clear. “Come on, son. Let’s go home.”
As the trio made their way back to their carriage, Amir pondered his future. Would he really have to leave Ventus? What will Minrathous be like? How powerful of a mage will he be? Question after question swirls in his mind, but one thing remains certain; he must do what he can to free more slaves. All their chains must be broken.