Because of what happened yesterday, Father won't be able to use any magic for the whole year.
And the year only started a month ago.
Still… not everything yesterday was bad.
I finished the book about the human tongue.
Today, though, I have to start a new one.
Osiris grabbed another book from the shelf and sat down at one of the dining table chairs.
I should remember not to read on the floor again, he reminded himself.
When he opened the book, the first thing he saw was a large map of the world.
Several things were marked on it: the five continents, nearly every kingdom except those that were constantly at war. Those changed borders so often that it wasn't even worth putting them on the map.
The longer he stared at it, the more excited he became.
Nothing will stop me from exploring the whole world.
He placed his hand over his chest.
"From this day forward," he whispered, "I swear upon my name Sky Dragon Osiris that I will not stop exploring until I have visited every place that exists. Even if I die along the way… may I fall on my path, surrounded by companions."
This time, when he began reading, it wasn't boring.
He read about more than ten kingdoms scattered across the world and learned more about the one he currently lived in. There was also a section about the royal family but he forgot most of it immediately.
He didn't care about royalty.
"The strongest creatures seem to live on the Demon Continent…" he murmured. "Should I go there first or last? Difficult decision."
⸻
It has been 402 days since my fifth birthday.
On that day, Father gave me my own notebook and an astrolabe.
Since then, I've gone outside every night to observe the stars and planets.
"Can I look at the notebook?" a younger voice asked.
"Yeah, sure. Here." Piggy pulled it out from inside his underwear and handed it over.
"Why do you keep it there?" Osiris asked.
"Because… why not? Nobody said I can't."
Osiris flipped through the pages. The notebook was filled with handwriting so messy it looked like ancient runes no doctor could decipher.
"Brother," Osiris said slowly, "how can you read this?"
"Is it that bad?" Piggy asked.
"What do you mean, 'is it that bad'? What language are you even writing in? Can you read your own notes?"
"Yeah… I think this word means 'distance.' And that one probably means… toilet."
Osiris stared at him.
"Why did you come to me again?"
"I wanted to ask if you could help me with the writing part," Piggy admitted.
"You do know you're supposed to already know how to write properly?"
"I do! But when I'm looking at the sky, all I can think about is how beautiful it is. I just stare at the stars and forget to focus."
Osiris sighed. "Fine. I'll help you. But only when the weather isn't freezing. I hate cold nights."
"Perfect! Let's start tonight after dinner."
⸻
Time passed faster than Piggy realized. One blink later, he was full of food and ready to go outside.
"Boys," their mother said before they left, "Osiris may only stay outside for one hour. And if you're going to the hill to observe the stars, you must carry him. Understood, Piggy?"
"Yes, Mom," Piggy answered quickly, already halfway out the door.
"We're going up the hill," Piggy said. "I'll put the notebook in my pocket, but you have to carry the astrolabe while I carry you."
"Fine but hurry. We'll lose observation time."Osiris answered.
"It's not far. The hill is right behind the house."
As Piggy walked up the hill with Osiris in his arms, Osiris glanced back at the house.
"Hey! From here you can see straight into our bedrooms."Osiris exclaimed excitedly.
When they reached the top, they had about forty-eight minutes left.
"Is it okay if you sit on that big rock?" Piggy asked.
"Yeah."
Piggy looked up at the sky and immediately got lost in it.
"Alright," Osiris said. "Tell me the positions of the planets first."
"Mars is…"
Time slipped away unnoticed.
"Piggy," Osiris said eventually, "we probably only have five minutes left."
Piggy froze.
Then he grabbed Osiris and pulled him into his arms.
"Hold on tight."
"Wait what are you doing? Mom won't be that angry if we're late."
"Maybe not at you," Piggy said, nearly panicking. "But at me? She'll kill me."
"Piggy"
"Just hold on!"
He jumped down the hill.
"In the name of the Sovereign Sky,
Gather, restless winds, and heed my call.
Spiral forth and strike
Wind Blast!"
Mid-fall, he caught himself with wind magic, slowing their descent before landing safely near the house.
"We are never doing that again. Promise?" Osiris asked, looking slightly green.
"Maybe," Piggy replied casually as he walked to the door and opened it.
Their mother was standing there, waiting.
"Good," she said calmly. "You're on time."
Both boys froze.
They had never been so grateful for punctuality in their lives.
===
Please tell me how the chapter was and what I can improve.
How did you find the brother?
And if your asking your self why characters always use the same magic the reason is because the characters live in the same family and have read the same books.