Theodore Belmont's Story

Art by woong seok Kim

Theodore is the youngest member of the Belmont family. His family consists of his father Charles and mother Sylvie, as well as his older brothers (Charles Jr., Maxime, and Jules). They are too busy spending every day running their county and preparing for the next tournament to attempt to take control of the Duchy of Bastion. Even growing up it was all strength training this, archery training that. Theodore tried... he really did, he just isn't cut out for all of that physical activity. He wasn't born with the physical gifts that his brothers inherited from their father.

Soon after realizing that Theo wasn't going to follow their path his father and brothers began to treat him differently. They weren't abusive or mean necessarily, but almost as if they looked past him, disregarded him. In a way it was almost more hurtful than if they had hated or abused him. At least then they would have felt something toward him. Theo couldn't fully blame them though, that is just the culture of Bastion, where only the strongest matter.

Lucky for Theo he did inherit his mother's mind and love for reading. He spent many an hour holed away in her library, reading everything he could get his hands on. Theo came across some rudimentary magic books and began to teach himself spells. His first few cantrips came easy, but he struggled for a bit with his first real spell. Maybe Find Familiar was a hard one to start with? But he was determined. A few weeks later he successfully summoned her for the first time and she appeared as a dark brown weasel. Theo named her Pecan and for the first time in his life he had a friend.

He continued to teach himself. Magic Missile was next, every wizard needs to learn that spell. Then Catapult, so he could maybe impress his brothers someday by being able to launch a javelin as far as them. He never did have the guts to show them though. He then focused on defensive spells, spells that would allow him to protect his weak frame. He grew stronger and an idea began to form in his mind. What if he could use this newfound power to prove his worth to his family? It wouldn't be of any use in the tournament, but there must be some other way...

His mind wandered to the massive Maringwin Swamp at the southern end of Palmedow, ever encroaching, ever growing on the minds of those who dwell in Bastion. We all know it will be our problem someday unless something is done about it. This is the opportunity Theo can seize. This is how he can prove to his father and brothers, as well as all of the people of Bastion, that he is worth something, that he has value. He will head out into the world and hone his magic with the intent of coming back and using it to solve the ever-looming crisis of the constantly expanding swamp.

He left home without saying goodbye, although he did leave a letter for his mother, letting her know that he left of his own devices and that he would miss her, and he promised her he would be back someday. His first night away he was struggling to sleep on the cold, hard ground when he heard a song coming from some woods nearby. It sounded just like his mother's music box. His curiosity got the better of him and he approached the sound, finding a tiny dancer in the woods. He observed it for some time and eventually reached out to touch it, grabbing the dancer's hand. A warmth and comfort momentarily filled him, and when it left he had a deep need to seek that warmth out once again. He slept soundly that night, and he continued on his adventure, seeking power, seeking that warmth, and seeking to become the greatest wizard he can, such that he can prove his worth to his family and community