Birthday Gift

Four years later, outside Marius Farm, a boy was herding sheep. He cracked a long whip while holding a lamb in his other arm, its tongue stretched out to lick his neck. He could bear such weight; he had been able to since he was three. He looked strange, having completely inherited the Eastern features of Earth from another plane. He was not handsome, though there was a touch of delicacy to him. His father believed his appearance was the result of the Holy Light's blessing. His hair was black as coal, and he wore brand-new riding boots, a gift his mother had prepared for him. Today was his birthday, and he had heard an even bigger surprise awaited him that evening. He was looking forward to it as well.

Like all children, Nathanos Maris had his own childish pleasures. He liked being with the flock, especially driving them into a run, as if he were a hero chasing down enemies. He could always find something to make himself happy. The only thing that troubled him was that he often had strange dreams. In them, a glowing object stood before him, with a group of people fighting inside it. Then came a clap of thunder, and he heard crying, along with his parents' joyful laughter. He had once asked his father, Bred, whether his mother had given birth to him because of thunder. The answer had been a resounding slap from Bred, while Uncle Jonathan beside him had secretly laughed—though he had been laughing at Bred. Little Nathanos had turned and run back to his room in grievance, crying for a long time. From then on, he never again asked how he had been born. The strange dreams remained buried in his heart, but as he grew older, they became ever more real and clear.

"Nathanos, what are you doing? Put that lamb down!"

It was his mother. Nathanos turned and saw her worried face, plain and unadorned beneath a headscarf. She snatched the sheep from his arms and set it on the ground. The little thing bleated and ran away. Only then did Nathanos realize that his clothes were soaked, carrying a rank, urine-like stench. Clearly, while he had been spacing out, the lamb had done something that was enough to earn him a beating from Bred. Daphne looked at her son fondly, patted his head, and said, "Go wash up in the river, then change your clothes before your father gets back." Nathanos nodded.

That evening, Uncle Jonathan arrived at the farm with his newlywed wife, Sally, to celebrate Nathanos's birthday. Like his mother, they had brought gifts. His father was in the kitchen roasting bread and turkey, while his mother came out to greet the guests.

"Happy birthday, little Nathanos. You're another year older." Jonathan squinted as he looked at his nephew, and Nathanos smiled back. Aunt Sally helped Nathanos into a brown leather vest. It was her gift.

"This must have cost you quite a bit." Daphne frowned as she spoke, while thanking them on her son's behalf.

"Only five copper coins," Jonathan replied. "Lordaeron's tailors may not compare to Dalaran's, but this was custom-made for my nephew who has 'grown into a man.'" Jonathan smiled.

"Th... thank you," Nathanos said softly. The three adults present wore surprised expressions. The little boy had never said those words before. Daphne had tried teaching Nathanos to speak, but it was not until he was three that he first opened his mouth to call her Mother. Bred had thought there was something wrong with Nathanos's mind, but aside from not speaking, the little boy's reactions were even faster than those of an adult like him.

The atmosphere at dinner was subtle yet harmonious. Jonathan praised Nathanos more than once, believing the child was surely very clever. Bred brought out the main dish: turkey roasted with spices. His mother placed a drumstick before Nathanos and told him to put down his knife and fork and eat it with his hands.

"Mother, what... is a birthday cake?" Nathanos asked. It was the second time he had spoken that day, and the second time he had stunned his family. Yet more startling than the fact that he could speak was what he had said.

"Where did you hear about that, Nathanos?" Jonathan asked curiously, looking at his somewhat dazed nephew.

Nathanos shook his head. He did not know either, but whenever he slept soundly on the night before his birthday, he would always hear of something called a birthday cake in his dreams. Not even Bred and Daphne knew what it was.

"What is he talking about?" Bred pointed at his son with the knife he was using to carve the turkey.

Jonathan thought for a moment before answering, "I've heard it's a pastry used at birthday banquets hosted by powerful families in Lordaeron. It's made with cream and very sweet. It seems they even put a few small candles on top."

Daphne drew a sharp breath. "Cream? That costs even more than the riding boots I gave my son. And candles—I heard they went up another copper coin."

"Those highborn folk wouldn't care about a few candles, dear. But how would Nathanos have heard of birthday cakes?" Bred looked at his son, then turned to Jonathan. His innocent cousin shrugged. "I certainly wouldn't tell him about something so extravagant."

Jonathan's family lived in Lordaeron, selling sweets for children in the marketplace. When he had nothing to do, he liked to gather gossip about high society.

After dinner, Daphne sent Nathanos to bed early. She had those bright, black-jewel eyes close and kissed his forehead. Nathanos was not sleepy. He did not like sleeping, because he always saw or heard strange things in his dreams. Those things seemed to draw strange looks toward him every time, and he did not like that.

Jonathan had not left the living room outside. In truth, he had another reason for coming this time, and he was discussing it with Bred and Daphne. They must have been too absorbed in the conversation to control their voices. Hearing the commotion, Nathanos carefully threw back the covers and walked to the door.

"He's still too young, Jonathan. Nathanos won't be able to adapt to that kind of environment." Daphne's voice trembled with tears.

"I understand how much you love him, Sister-in-law, but have you thought about it? Nathanos is already four years old. He doesn't have a single companion to keep him company. More importantly, he should go out and learn about the world. He can't spend his whole life on this farm, keeping cattle and sheep company." Jonathan did his best to persuade her. His wife Sally comforted the grieving Daphne, and in the end, she nodded. Jonathan then looked at Bred, wanting to know what he thought.

"I thank you on behalf of my son, brother, but can you guarantee that a teacher in Lordaeron will really be willing to teach Nathanos? You've seen it too. He doesn't like to talk. Will the teacher—or the other students—like him?"

Jonathan nodded. "You can rest completely assured about that, Bred. Every year, Lordaeron selects some clever children from commoner families for training. As long as Nathanos passes the test a month from now, the Kingdom of Lordaeron will cover his tuition."

Bred lowered his head, his gaze turning toward Nathanos's room. He never imagined his son had already overheard their conversation. Tomorrow, he would be leaving him. Bred believed Nathanos would certainly be unwilling, but he had already made up his mind. No matter what, he could not let Nathanos spend his entire life in this tiny farm, just as Jonathan had said.

"Lordaeron... Undercity." Nathanos crouched in the corner with his head bowed, murmuring. He had heard of that place in his dreams.