Fifteenth Birthday

Ever since I was a tyke, I've wanted to meet my father. I grew up hearing stories from Mother about him and his heroics. My favorite story is the one where he saved Mother from a Horrid Galumph, but maybe that's just because it's also the story of how Mother and Father met.

I've already been with Father on countless adventures in my daydreams. Together we've fought Burrogans, rescued villages, and gained the favor of the Greatest Dell Tavey. I've even fantasized about us outsmarting a whole swarm of Niblys. And all my life, I've wanted nothing more than to make those dreams real.

Mother is sure that Father is still alive. She believes he's a captive, or enthralled, or otherwise held against his will somewhere. The neighbors don't believe that. They think he abandoned us. They've never said it to Mother's face, of course, but I've heard them muttering and I've seen the way they look at us. I'm sure Mother knows what they think, too, but she's never lost hope. Even so, many nights I've heard her weeping in the kitchen. I don't think she's ever realized I could hear her.

Today, everything changes. Today I turn fifteen, which makes me a man. I've already made all the preparations, and last night I told Mother my plans. She didn't seem surprised and gave me her blessing, though I'm sure I saw tears in her eyes when she went to clear the dinner dishes.

So here I am now, on this morning of my first day as a man, setting out on my first lone voyage. I'm not quite sure what path I'll be taking, but I know exactly what I'm going to do.

I'm going to find my father and bring him home.