Dead and Awake

I breathed in deeply, inhaling the smoke of the herbal candle. Holding in the bitter smell, I felt the familiar presence come into my room. The dimly lit candles that were surrounding my summoning circle, suddenly became intense as the flames turned green. As I sat in the center of the circle, the smoke from the candles were taking form in front of me. A very familiar figure appeared, one who I was well acquainted with. With a mischievous grin, he asked:

“Yes, Akuji? What is the reasoning for this summoning?” While still holding in the bitter smoke in my lungs, I spoke with clear annoyance.

“Itnan, must I waste my time to remind you of your job? It’s actually quite simple.”

If someone were to come into my room, all they would hear is the flickering of candles and the sound of my voice speaking to someone. It would be generally very quiet. However, that was not the case.

The room was filled with loud, annoying and quite chaotic spirits. All shouting, screaming, and yelling to their hearts contents. Some damning those alive and well, some grieving, and some were just being annoying on purpose. While I have gotten used to them as I’ve been hearing them for so long, they still can get out of hand. If they got out of hand, it was Itnan’s job to quiet them as per the terms of our agreement.

“Ahh, that. Well, I actually do remember our agreement quite well. It seems you were the one that forgot.” He came closer as he said this, and pointed at an altar with a plate of herbs and flowers on each side.

Looking closely, I noticed what he was talking about. And if I was able to, I would be sighing very heavily right now. Itnan noticed my facial expression, and laughed hard. In the center of the altar, between the herbs and flowers was a plate. An empty but clean plate.

‘Of all the spirits that answered my call, it had to be this one. Why do the deities hate me?’ I mused to myself, standing up.

Itnan watched with smug amusement as I headed towards a small cabinet perched on my dresser, and brought out a rather delicious yet delightful looking dessert.

Love cake.

With everything going on, I completely forgot about the cake as I thought I had more time before he wanted more. However, Itnan was a handful and if it wasn’t on his altar then he refused to do anything. Luckily, the cabinet I owned was enchanted to keep anything in it in pristine condition. As soon as I switched out the empty plate for the dessert, Itnan immediately did his job.

The once loud, annoying, screeching spirits became quiet. I greatly enjoyed the peace, and gave a sigh of relief. Releasing the smoke I held in, causing the candles to be normal once more. The dower atmosphere dissipated.

I had thought I could use this quiet moment to read, or get some actual sleep in but that would be asking too much. Immediately, my door barged open. The force snuffed out the candles, making it dark except for the crack of light coming from the open doorway. This intrusion was quite common, and was one of the many reasons I don’t have a proper sleeping schedule. The intruder was no other than my brother, Jabez. Who seemed to always look annoyed, and upset. Except, he looked more pissed than usual.

“Akuji, who were you talking to this time? You know what, I don’t care. Let’s just go, Father summoned both of us and said it was of great urgency.”

As I resolved my situation, another rose in place. Typical. Although, l suspect this one isn’t too bad. For me, at least.

As I followed my brother to the study, I could practically feel the stress and unease radiating off him. Normally, he has an air of cold arrogance around him but seeing how I was stuck with him for four years, I can tell when he’s feeling very perturbed. I was walking a couple paces behind him, not wanting to get snapped at. When he’s feeling like this, he can get-

“Akuji! Stop lagging behind me! You’re so annoying, get over here!”

Like that.

Jabez turned around suddenly as he said this, his words harsh. He grabbed me by my arm, with no care if his grip was hurting me or not then proceeded to drag me to his father’s study, King Roderigo.

As we stood in front of the doors, Jabez hesitated. His grip on my arm tightened, although I kept my face indifferent, his grip was starting to hurt. I looked around, seeing that the hall was empty and no one was around but us, I offered some encouraging words.

“Jeje, I wouldn’t worry too much. You studied the material more than I did, I’m pretty sure Duchess Cecilia would notice that and add that into your final grade.” He huffed, but his grip relaxed considerably.

He still kept holding my arm for a moment, contemplating on what I said. And what I said wasn’t wrong, Duchess Cecilia was a very strict but "kind" teacher. In the sense that she focused more on the effort and dedication, than the talent. Which she, Evangeline, and I know better than anyone Jabez works very hard on these lessons.

Especially the ones that involve his father.

After a moment more, he let go of my arm. Which I was thankful for, I’d rather it not break again.

With renewed confidence, Jabez pushed the door open with me following close behind.

But that confidence was skewed pretty quickly.

Jabez’s father and his aunt, Duchess Cecilia, were discussing something very intensely. More like arguing actually. From their expression, it wasn’t something very good. Even when we entered they were still talking, their disagreements escalating. I glanced over at Jabez, his posture was rigid and stiff. There was sweat starting to form on his face, and he was gripping his hands tightly.

I let out a sigh, knowing what I needed to do. From how this was going, it looks like I needed to ease the situation. Again.

I stepped forward, standing in front of two most intimidating royals of the Paradian Kingdom. Well, one actually.

Carefully, speaking in a soft tone, “Greetings, your highness and your grace. Prince Jabez and I are here at your request-”

“Not requested, boy. Summoned.” Duchess chastised, hate practically dripping from her words.

Good, the anger was directed at me now.

“Sincerest apologies, your excellency. We are here at your summons, is it for our scores on our exams?” She stared intensely at me, rage flaming in her dark brown eyes.

A lesser person would be rattled, I wasn’t. While I made myself look smaller, bending my knees slightly. Appearing as a half bow, but I was staring right back at her. Not flinching once. After several tense moments, King Roderigo sighed grievously, pulling two sheets of paper from his study table. Judging from his expression, one of those scores wasn’t good. And I knew it wasn’t mine.

With a heavy, but clearly disappointed tone, King Rodrigo spoke, “Jabez, as a member of the royal family, you’re supposed to be regarded as one of the most intelligent academics. Please explain why you have less than an average grade? Were you tired? Did you not understand the material? Did I place too much faith on you? Did I overestimate your intelligence?”

Oh Jabez...

I could feel my face start to wince, but not from Duchess. I didn’t need to look back at Jabez to see that he was on the verge of crying. To anyone else, his face was neutral but knowing him, he really was going to cry this time if King Roderigo kept on scolding him. Duchess Cecilia said nothing but continued to stare at me with burning intensity, which meant the next thing that was going to come from him was not going to help Jabez’s situation or the fact that Duchess might kick me out after this.

“Inferring from your silence, there is no valid excuse is there? I thought so. I expect you to be in the library all hours of the day, every single day from now on. You did pass, but I want you to retake it. Your score was not acceptable. I expect no missed questions this time.” He handed the test over to Jabez, who took it very dejectedly.

I thought the king would notice how horrible Jabez was feeling and dismiss him, but unfortunately, he didn’t. When he put his attention on me, he smiled rather fondly. I screamed internally. When he spoke again, I was not liking what was about to happen.

“You, Akuji, I’m exceptionally happy for. You had not missed a single question, and received the same score as Evangeline. Although, I suspect you weren’t trying as hard. If you were to apply yourself, you would have scored higher. As a reward, I’m raising your allowance up and you may ask for anything you wish. I will do my best to get it for you.” Opposite of how he spoke to my brother, he was greatly satisfied and had a fondness in his voice. He handed me my test, which I took politely. He put his hand on my shoulder, and gave it an affectionate pat.

Oh no.

I didn’t need to look. I already knew that Duchess's gaze turned from spiteful to downright murderous. Additionally, I knew my brother was glaring at me. I knew, as this wasn’t the first time that this happened. I wish they both knew that I don’t do this on purpose, I didn’t ask to be so intelligent. But, I knew there was no point in explaining. All I knew was that I definitely wasn’t going to eat dinner or breakfast with the family for two weeks-

“Akuji, I’d hate for you to sacrifice your free time. But, I’d like you to be in the library with Jabez for at least five hours everyday. So that he may better understand the materials, I’d appreciate it.” I gave the most fake smile I could muster, and accepted. Which made the king look happier, and intensified the glares from Jabez and the duchess.

Now it was for at least three months that I’d be eating in my room, nothing new I suppose.

As soon as we were dismissed, Jabez walked out quickly. I followed quickly, wanting to apologize. As soon as we left, I could hear Duchess and her brother arguing again. Which made me walk faster to try and catch up with Jabez. Who’s entire frame was shaking with rage. Although it wouldn’t do anything to apologize, and would make him more upset with me. Still, I wanted to smooth over his turmoil. I didn’t like seeing my brother so upset.

“Jabez, Jabez! Wait!” I called out, almost breaking out in a sprint. I need to get back into shape, this is just ridiculous.

Wait, if I’m this outwinded that means-

“What Akuji? I’m really not in the mood to be bothered, I want to be alone. Especially around you.” He definitely takes after his aunt, it took me a minute to catch my breath which was concerning but that’s for another time.

“Listen, jeje-”

“Don’t. You know how much I hate that stupid nickname. Just leave me alone.” I grabbed his arm, so he wouldn’t leave but that earned me a hard push that knocked me to the ground. Again, nothing new.

“Jabez, you did your best and I’m sorry-” He cut me off, and he looked dangerously angry. His face twisted in both shame, and pure resentment.

“Shut up! Please, just shut up. Leave me the hell alone.”

He turned, and left. Leaving me by myself, kinda. I sighed, I knew how it was going to go but it was worth a shot. I got up, dusting my clothes off. I should head to my room before Jabez’s aunt throttles me, or kills me and bury me in the garden. But, it would be nice to rot with the flowers. That’s one way to go, I suppose.

‘Master, my offer to curse the prince and the duchess still stands. It wouldn’t take much either-’

“Itnan. Please, just shut up.”