Magician's Heir

by D Bruce Cotton

  Adam took the staff in both hands and thanked the mage. He marveled again at the smooth texture of the wood and how little weight the metal added. Then he realized what this meant. Despite the danger and discomfort he’d experienced over the past several weeks, he dreaded only one thing more.

  “Looks like I’m going back to school,” he groaned.

  THE DAYS FLEW BY FOR Adam. He attended classes on healing, defensive magic, and control over the elements of fire, water, air and earth. But he made little headway. The white fire he’d summoned in Codtown refused to return.

  The class designed to aid concentration and emotional control proved hardest for Adam. He tried hard, but his efforts only resulted in frustration as other, much younger students grasped and then mastered the concepts which eluded him.

  Aristomus he saw not at all, except in passing. But Adam visited Alecia whenever he had time to spare from his studies. She listened to his problems with a sympathetic ear and tried to help with extra practice sessions. They met most often in Kromluv Hall, a decrepit old castle at the northern edge of campus. Long since abandoned, the castle’s thick stone walls made perfect targets for destructive magic, yet it remained remote enough to ensure privacy from other students. They chose a large, empty room with walls of dark gray stone marked and pitted by previous sessions.

  “Concentrate, Adam!” Alecia urged. “The Power must flow from within you! Reach deep inside and...”

  “I am!” he shouted. The icy-cold room didn’t stop the sweat from slicking Adam’s face. “If I try any harder, I’ll rupture something!”

  He felt Alecia’s cool hand on his shoulder as she offered him a towel. He shivered at her touch, accepting the towel with a look of gratitude. After wiping his face, Adam sighed. “I’m sorry, Alecia. I don’t understand it. Back at Codtown it... well, it just happened. Now, it’s like nothing’s there at all.”

  “Relax, Adam. Perhaps you try too hard. The Power should flow, like a river. You cannot hope to control the flow, only guide its direction. It can take years to master the ability. Do not expect it to happen overnight.”

  Adam held his staff in a white-knuckled grip. “But it’s been almost two months now! I never expected to become a full-fledged mage in so little time, but shouldn’t something happen? In my classes there are kids years younger than me who can heal, summon fire, and even move things with their staffs.” He snorted. “For all the good it’s done, this staff might as well be a walking stick.”

  Alecia covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Well, I suppose it might work for that, too. Do not give up, Adam. It will come, I promise. But you must have patience.”

  “Yeah, well, I guess patience has never been my...” Adam turned and looked down into her beautiful eyes. “...strong suit,” he breathed.

  “Nor mine,” she replied, voice husky.

  The two leaned closer, their breath quickening... then jumped apart as the door to the room slammed open and Aristomus strode inside.

  “Ah, there you two are. I have been searching every...” He stopped as he saw Adam and Alecia turn away from each other, embarrassed and awkward. “Am I... interrupting?”

  “N-no. Of course not, father,” Alecia stammered, red-faced.

  “No, no. We were just... practicing,” muttered Adam. “That’s all.”

  The old mage’s eyebrows arched high as he looked from his daughter to Adam and back again. “I see,” he answered. “Adam, could you excuse us, please? I need to speak with Alecia on a matter of some importance.”

  “Oh, uh... sure,” mumbled Adam, his face flushed. He walked toward the door. “I’ll just be in my room, uh... practicing.”

  Aristomus gave him a broad smile but waited for the door to close before speaking. “Alecia, are you sure you know what you are doing? You know I like Adam, but...”

  “But what, father?” Once again, Alecia had herself composed and in control. “Adam is my friend, nothing more. Now, why did you need to see me?”

  “If you say so, my dear. I have just come from High Mage Serton. There has still been no word from the second delegation and we can delay no longer. We must depart for the Dark Mountains on the morrow.”

  “Really, father?” she gasped, excited. “There is so much to do. I must pack my books, and I have to ask Professor Berriston to take my classes. And I must say farewell to...” Alecia paused, her face falling. “...uh, my friends.”

  “I understand, daughter,” he replied. “And when you speak with Adam, would you extend my goodbye, as well?”

  “Certainly, father. I...” Alecia caught herself, blush returning. “Uh, that is... if I should see him...”

  Aristomus’ booming laugh cut off the rest of her response.

  ADAM SAT ON THE EDGE of his small, unmade bed and twirled his heavy staff with one hand. It seemed impossible to pull magic from, but if they ever needed a drum major, he was their man. He sighed as he remembered what almost happened back in the practice room. If only Aristomus hadn’t popped in at the wrong time...

  A knock at the door brought Adam out of his reverie. “Just a minute,” he called. Propping his staff in a corner, he took a moment to pull up the bedcovers and smooth out the wrinkles. Early on, he’d learned the Academy always expected its students to keep their rooms neat. Another evening in the kitchens, elbow deep in hot, soapy water, didn’t appeal to him. He took a quick look around at the tiny room. Besides the bed, the room held only a small wooden desk and chair. He took a few seconds to straighten the books and papers there before answering the door.

  “Hello, Adam.” Alecia stood in the hallway, eyes down and hands clasped at her waist.

  “Alecia!” he answered, surprised. “I thought... I mean, I didn’t expect to see you again. Uh, today, I mean. Please, come in.”

  Adam pulled out the small desk chair for Alecia and sat back down on the edge of the bed. “Is everything okay? You look a little out of sorts.”

  When Alecia looked up, the tears in her eyes surprised Adam. “Alecia, what is it?” he asked, worried now. “Is it your father? I’ll talk to him...”

  “No, Adam. It...” she paused and took a ragged breath. Then she forced herself to continue. “I am leaving on the morrow.”

  Adam reached out and took her hand. “Already? But it’s only been a few weeks! I thought there’d be more time.” The warmth of her touch made him look down and, surprised by his boldness, he made to pull back his hand.

  Alecia held it even tighter and offered a sad smile. “This journey is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me, Adam. The chance to meet giants! And my studies may prove the difference once we arrive. I must go.”

  “Then I’ll go with you!” he declared.

  “I fear it is not possible. The Council will not allow it. Have you forgotten the Dark Mage seeks your death?”

  Adam closed his eyes and lowered his head in resignation. “I understand, Alecia,” he sighed.

  “Do not miscomprehend me, Adam. This journey is a dangerous one.” She gave his hand a firm squeeze. “Therefore I feel compelled to speak from my heart. These past few weeks have been most precious to me. I believe, given time, our friendship might grow into... something more. I do not know if I will return. But still, I must ask—will you wait for me?”

  Adam looked up, hope unmistakable in his eyes. Then he leaned forward and answered with a kiss.

  Chapter 15, Somber Farewell

  The next day dawned cold and wet with sheets of rain threatening to turn to sleet. Adam shivered as he watched the mission to the giants gather. The foul weather suited his mood to perfection. He’d found someone at last, but had to watch her ride off into untold danger while he remained behind. It all seemed so wrong.

  Adam clenched his teeth hard and forced down his misery. He’d made the trip to Eddingford Castle early. With the foul weather, he wanted to ensure he had time to say his farewells. But he didn’t want Alecia to see him sulking like a child.

  Metal-shod hooves rang against the cobb
lestones as the horses shuffled, impatient to leave. Soldiers arranged supplies in the backs of two large wagons, covering them with oiled tarps. The spare mounts carried still more bundles lashed to their backs. It appeared the delegation would be a large one. Adam counted at least two dozen horses as well as the supply wagons.

  The milling soldiers came to attention as the castle doors opened and four figures emerged into the rain. Adam recognized Aristomus’ tall frame and Alecia in her now familiar dark green cloak, but not until the group drew closer did he realize two other Council mages accompanied them.

  “Ah, Adam,” Aristomus said with a nod. “Thank you for seeing us off. If only I could remain in a warm bed today. This is spiteful weather for the start of such a long journey.” Turning, he pointed to his companions. “Do you remember Masters Bartun and Rosner of the Council?”

  Adam nodded to the two mages. As tall as Aristomus, but much wider and heavier, Bartun wore a dark green cloak with a hood shadowing much of his features. Black eyes peered out beneath thick, bushy eyebrows and he kept his long, black beard, arranged in neat braids, carefully tucked out of the way under his oiled cloak. Hair covered the backs of his hands, so thick and black it looked like fur.

  “Bartun the Bear, they call me,” he bellowed as he clasped Adam’s forearm in a crushing grip. “And for obvious reasons!” he continued with a laugh.

  The big man’s polar opposite, Rosner stood shorter than Alecia; his body thin to the point of emaciation. Bald and clean-shaven inside a light gray cloak, his quick eyes flicked non-stop from point to point. His hands, too, moved as though they had a life of their own. But his voice came out dry and disinterested as he muttered, “Apprentice.”

  Alecia stepped forward and took Adam’s arm. They moved away from the mages to gain some privacy. She looked miserable, and not just from the damp cold. Neither spoke for several moments. Then, in a soft voice, Adam asked, “How long will you be gone?”

  “I do not know,” she replied. Her voice trembled with emotion. “The Dark Mountains are many leagues to the east, at the farthest end of Tantris. It will be months at the least, perhaps longer. Much will depend on whether the giants want us to find them.”

  Adam nodded and dug in his pocket. He pulled out a small leather pouch and handed it to Alecia. “I wanted you to have this,” he said. “It’s not much, but I traded my broken watch for it. The silversmith considered it interesting even though it didn’t work.”

  Alecia spread the drawstring opening and pulled out a slender silver necklace with a small diamond-shaped pendant. “It is beautiful, Adam.”

  Aristomus approached them. Time to go then. Adam now considered the rain a blessing. It hid the tears on his cheeks. “I’ll miss you, Alecia.”

  “And I you, Adam.” The two embraced in a tight hug. When they released each other at last, Alecia turned and ran for her horse.

  Adam watched her go. Then he turned to Aristomus and said, “I love her, you know.”

  Aristomus put a hand on Adam’s shoulder. “As do I, Adam,” he said, voice solemn. “As do I.”

  IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING, Adam tried to distract himself by concentrating on his studies. He poured over old works on meditation, pestered his instructors and other students for advice, even submitted to questionable experiments by professors who wished to help, yet all for naught. As the days passed, he came no closer to unlocking his abilities than when he’d first arrived at the Academy.

  The first winter’s snowstorm arrived just a week after the mission’s departure, transforming the grounds of the Academy of Magic into a crystalline wonderland. Adam took no joy in it, however. That night, he suffered a nightmare which filled him with dread.

  He struggled through a terrible storm. The wind howled at hurricane force, icy pellets hurled hard enough to shred skin. Despite the shrieking wind, he heard other sounds just ahead of him: the sharp crack of lightning, an eerie wail rising and falling in pitch, hissing moans. And then, a woman’s scream of heart-rending terror. Alecia!

  “Alecia!” he roared. “Alecia, I’m coming!” He drove himself harder, plowing forward through waist-high drifts, struggling to reach her in time.

  Ahead, the swirling snow cleared. He could just make out Alecia, staff extended to hold off shadowy forms surrounding her on all sides. Adam fought hard, straining to reach her in time. Then the storm closed over her again.

  “No! Alecia!” The storm knocked Adam to his knees, stinging snow bringing tears to his eyes. Struggling to his feet, he fought on.

  Once again, the storm parted. Alecia battled for control of her staff with one of the Unsouled. As Adam strained to reach her, the creature knocked Alecia to the ground. It held the staff high, preparing to swing with all its strength... The storm closed again, muffling Alecia’s scream.

  “Noooo!” Adam’s eyes snapped open to find his darkened room at the Academy. He threw off the tangle of sweat-soaked blankets and sat up, shivering as his feet hit the icy floor. Scrubbing his face in both hands, he tried to shake off the haunting images of the dream. But in his heart, he knew terrible danger threatened Alecia.

  With sleep no longer possible, Adam paced his room, waiting for daybreak. At first light, he left the Academy and headed straight for Eddingford Castle. It took several hours of waiting, but the six remaining members of the Council granted an audience at last.

  The Council members sympathized, their faces lined with compassion, as he recounted the specifics of his nightmare. Serton seemed even more moved than the others by Adam’s tale. He alone among the Council understood the power and compulsion of a vision. But in the end, they dismissed it as a mere dream and denied his request. The Dark Mage, they said, wished him dead, and they would do everything in their power to impede the enemy’s plans.

  Adam lost his temper then. He railed at the Council, first demanding, then threatening, and finally pleading. But his anger only hardened the Council’s resolve. At last, Adam walked out, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

  A long walk back to the Academy awaited him. But he needed time to think, to plan. There had to be a way.

  Returning to the school’s routine only increased his resentment at the Council’s decision. As the days passed, his frustration turned to hopelessness, and he spent more of his time alone. To avoid the other students, he visited the dining hall at odd hours and stopped attending class altogether. Instead, he haunted Kromluv’s empty halls, remembering the hours spent there with Alecia. In his mind, Adam felt a growing unease, a sense of danger lurking just out of sight, like a predator waiting for the right moment to pounce.

  Those fears grew daily. He had no doubt of the threat to the mission. Fuming at the Council’s obstinacy, he refused to sit safe behind Seir’s walls while Alecia faced an unknown danger.

  At last, he resolved to depart without the Council’s permission. Hiding away food and provisions, he packed warm clothes and schemed for a way to steal a horse. He spent hours at the city gates memorizing the guards’ routines to determine the best time to make the attempt. It would be difficult, but at last Adam felt he had a plan with a chance of success.

  That evening, he moved everything he’d stashed away back to his room at the Academy and stuffed as much as possible into a heavy backpack. The rest he squeezed into a pair of saddlebags he’d stolen from the stables. At first, he toyed with leaving his staff behind—it seemed like so much excess baggage. But the gift came from his friend so, at the last moment, he added it to his belongings.

  Adam waited until the middle of the night, a time when all but a few servants at the Academy slept. After taking one last look around to make sure he’d forgotten nothing, he swung the heavy backpack in place, arranged the saddlebags over one arm and picked up his staff. When he had the load balanced, Adam reached for the doorknob... and started at the sound of a heavy knock.

  Oh, crap! he thought. How did they know?

  Stowing the backpack and saddlebags beside his bed, he pulled the rumpled blankets over to cover t
hem. It might fool a casual glance, but he knew a close look would uncover his plans. The knock came again.

  “Okay, okay. I’m coming!” With no time to change clothes, Adam took a deep breath and opened the door.

  Rather than the soldiers he’d expected, a single individual stood outside the door. Dressed in dark leather with a thick cloak to protect against the cold, the short, slender man had a long nose and close-set eyes.

  “Apprentice Gray?” asked the stranger. He appeared unfazed at Adam’s dress so late at night. “High Mage Serton requests your presence.”

  Adam’s tiny hope his planned escape remained unnoticed evaporated. I was so careful! How did they figure it out? Then a chilling thought struck him. What will they do to me for defying the Council?

  With his options limited, Adam motioned for the messenger to lead on. Cold and difficult, the carriage ride to Eddingford Castle struggled past snow piled into drifts several feet deep in places. When they arrived, the windows of the old castle all glowed with light while soldiers and servants scurried about. Horses, their breath white plumes of fog in the cold night air, pawed the ground as servants loaded them with supplies. Someone prepared for a long journey, Adam realized.

  Had they discovered his plan? Then a tiny grain of fear formed in the pit of his stomach. Could this concern the delegation? Had Alecia and Aristomus stumbled into trouble as he’d feared?

  Adam hurried along as the messenger passed through the castle doors and up the staircase. They entered an unfamiliar part of the castle set aside for private residences. The flurry of activity lessened here, but both men still had to dodge servants loaded down with bundles. At last, they arrived at the entranceway to the rooms set aside for the High Mage. The messenger knocked and walked away, leaving Adam behind as he retreated down the hall.