Mythshaper

Chapter 06: Birthday

[The Spell wishes you a happy birthday. May you prosper in life and be a blessing to others.]

[A new Way is accessible: Self-Mastery I (1/10).]

The messages from the Spell filled my mind the moment I woke up.

"Thanks..." I whispered, yawning. "Is the Way a gift for my birthday?"

Silence answered me.

Might just be a coincidence, I thought, making a mental note to ask Mum how common birthday wishes from the Spell were. Even after all this time, the Spell was still as mysterious as the day it revealed itself to me. It (or she? they?) usually popped into my mind when needed, offering little to no instructions.

Mum had explained that the Spell was designed to make magic more viable and to guide those born with it. Normally, it was only after one’s awakening during their sixteenth season that one gained full access to its benefits.

Or four years, according to the new calendar.

I was merely two today—eight seasons tough—and had eight more long seasons to overcome before my awakening. I could not wait to see what else there was to learn. So much so that I had begun counting my days.

2 years and 148 days. Exactly 1487 days to go.

The year had to be 669 days long, as if the long-suffering fall and winter weren't enough.