by J E Mueller
Aylum nodded and sighed. “Dragon magic is strange, it’s just easier to say I know I can trust you than get into years of odd magical history. We only have so much time for practice as it is. We both still need sleep.”
That at least made a little more sense. I could press for more information later. “You’re right, we’re low on time, but I do want to learn more about this dragon thing now.”
Aylum chuckled. “Those tidbits are easier to discuss throughout the day. If you want to head outside for some practice, I can fly us down. The spells don’t hinder my flying, and I have cloaking abilities.”
“Truly? For how long?” The thought of flying was exciting and terrifying.
“Three minutes if I’m cloaking another person normally or two in this half form. Maybe seven minutes if it’s just myself.” Aylum supplied as if it was a simple fact instead a very abnormal ability. Maybe it wasn’t so rare for dragons.
I looked at the wings. They could easily carry him, but could he really manage another person?
“You can touch them,” Aylum stated, surprising me. My expression caused him to laugh. “It’s okay. I understand you’re curious. It’s not like many even believe dragons are still around.”
“No one has seen a dragon in ages,” I replied, taking a step closer to look. They were black as night with glimmering emerald scales spread throughout the tops.
Aylum nodded. “That is true. We mostly keep human forms, only going into dragon form when we are alone in the mountains or hidden well. The myths are fairly accurate surprisingly. There’s many reasons why, but that is probably a conversation for another time.”
I sighed, desperate to know more, but equally eager to flex my own magic. I hadn’t had a chance to sneak away today. The buildup was already starting to bring on a headache. “You’re right. Are you certain you can get us both outside?”
“Positive.”
“Then let’s go.” I nodded, still mildly nervous about how this would go.
It only just dawned on me that he had specifically dressed in a way his wings wouldn’t be hindered -meaning once he took off the sweater, there was nothing underneath. It was already scandalous to have a man in my room, let alone a rather attractive half-dressed one.
Aylum only looked further amused by my blush and hesitation.
“You don’t need to be so smug about it,” I snapped at him, causing him to laugh. “How are we going to do this?”
“I’ll have to pick you up. If you’re ready, I am.”
“And you’re certain we won’t be seen?” The last thing I needed was to explain even a fragment of this.
“I swear.” He nodded, his face a bit more serious. “I doubt either of us want to deal with those repercussions.”
I took a step closer to him. “Let’s be on our way.”
He scooped me up into his arms without another word and I felt his magic cloak us, our bodies turning slightly transparent. The cool wave of silky magic was so soft and light. The sensation was quickly gone and I felt almost normal again. Only a hint of the magic lingered. I could only assume we would be fully invisible to anyone else.
Aylum stepped outside, and before I could register the movement, we were off. I clutched him tightly, startled by the short flight, but happy I didn’t scream or squeal. It only took a few moments to land by the lake where the trees hid us with ease.
Setting me down, he dropped the illusion and allowed his wings to vanish as he redonned his sweater. “See? Nothing to it. This should be a good practice spot, at least until it gets too cold.”
It was a mild relief to be on the ground again. At least I would know what to expect in the future. “I’m positive they were never expecting someone to fly off a balcony.”
“I love that all magic is based around the four original dragons and no one thinks of flying.” He gave a small laugh. “But enough of that. What should we start practicing? Probably something good for a duel.”
I frowned. “I really wasn’t expecting this to work out. All I’m really good at is some fog and very low key teleporting. Wards are great for defense, but white magic is not really meant to be offensive.” I didn’t want to mention how abysmal my fencing skills were, though having any at all was something I was proud of.
Aylum nodded, “But you were still going to challenge him regardless?” It was more of a statement than a question.
“Fog would make a duel hard, and even a little bit of teleporting would be good. I’m not sure about his fencing ability, but it’s legal to bring a foil to a magical duel and I do know the basics.”
Aylum didn’t say anything for a moment before slowly nodding. “This might take a little more work then, but still certainly possible. Fog is a great distraction and I’ve seen your range and impact with it. How far can you teleport?”
I bit my lip. “Maybe two yards. It’s usually just a few feet, but sometimes I manage further.” I pulled the magic around me, my headache easing, and sighed in relief as I released it. I managed to move an entire three feet back -the complete opposite of what I was intending.
Aylum frowned looking momentarily puzzled. “You have Nogard.”
I gave a small shrug, not surprised he noticed. Nogard wasn’t common, it’s biggest side effect was the headaches it caused when not using magic frequently enough. “I’ve got it under control.” Mostly, though I didn’t add that part. If things built up too much, I would die in an explosion of magic. Usually, some class let me use magic enough that I was fine so I wasn’t worried things would get that dramatic.
“Not enough if the relief is that evident on your face.”
“What do you expect? Things are very tightly controlled here. If I need to I can use it in my room. It never gets too out of hand. Just that annoying headache stage. Nothing debilitating.” I hadn’t meant to snap, but it was an annoying constant truth.
He didn’t comment further.“Let’s start with focusing on teleportation then. You have enough pull and power that you should be able to get much further and land exactly where you desire.”
I focused on moving next to him. It was easy to visualize, but the second I teleported I only got a foot closer. I let out an exasperated sigh. “Unless you know the mechanics of it, I’ve not a clue what I’m doing wrong. They only focus on the healing and wards here.”
Aylum looked thoughtful for a moment. “With your fog, can you tell how far it’s going?”
I nodded. “More or less. I get a feel for the distance and can sense what the magic is touching if I concentrate, whether its trees, or stones, or the like.”
“Maybe think of it that way. Less visualizing the where, but feeling with your magic like you can with the fog. You know if it’s a tree you’d land on or solid ground.” Aylum nodded as he thought for a moment. “It’s similar to how I lay out explosive runes. I let my magic stretch, find the spot I desire, and say the incantation as I send my magic into that place. It doesn’t extend nearly as far as that fog you had created, but it seems like it might follow a similar concept.”
It couldn’t hurt to try. I closed my eyes, glad to just extend magic around me in general. I could feel the area easily enough, the same as I always did with the fog. With a short exhale I wrapped the magic around me and willed myself to move behind Aylum. It worked, but I lost my footing and fell into him.
He laughed, surprised as he managed to stay upright. “Well, that was a few steps further at least.”
I nodded glancing around trying to decide where to go before sending my magic out in front of me. Again, I wrapped the magic around me once my magic hit where I wanted it to and landed exactly where I wanted, but not how I wanted. I stumbled hard and crashed to the ground.
I laughed as Aylum rushed over to me. “That theory of yours seems very solid.”
He shook his head as he helped me up. “I’m glad, now let's try not to get you any more bruised up.”
“What’s a few bruises?” I laughed again easily teleporting several feet further aw
ay from him. This time I didn’t fall as I stumbled. “Magic is never not moving. There’s something else I’m missing here.”
Before he could respond I moved again noticing more how my body moved with the magic. If I leaned into it, it was easier to keep my balance. Again, and again, I moved around until I finally was staying on my feet.
I finally looked around for Aylum, who was standing cross-armed. He didn’t look bothered or anything, but I felt bad for ultimately ignoring him.
“Sorry,” I apologized as I warped a few feet in front of him.
“It’s fine.” He gave a small smile. “You figured it out yourself. I’m surprised you were able to warp so much without a break. I knew you had a lot of magical capacity, but this goes above my expectations.”
I shrugged, unsure what to say there. “I suppose that’s a good thing for this.”
“It’s a great thing. It actually really angers me that you’re not being allowed to fully utilize it or practice,” Aylum admitted, his frown matching his tone.
“Nothing to be done about it. At least if I can figure out how to win this duel I won’t have to worry about really dulling my magic down.” Maybe. Who knew how mother would react to me winning. Maybe father could be persuaded into finding a better match or, better yet, allowing me to choose.
Aylum looked like he was about to say something before changing his mind and going with something else. “I’ve heard a few things about this Promised of yours. I’m not really sure if any of it’s true, but not a single thing has been good.”
“Then you’re probably hearing the truth.” I shrugged, not entirely sure what else to say. The rumors were abysmally true from what I gathered and what I knew from my correspondence with him.
“Why would your family want that for you?”
I stared blankly at him. “Are you confused as to why my family would want stronger relations with a title above our own?”
“Why would they forsake your happiness for a title?” he rephrased his question.
“Are things different in Dustarn?” I asked more surprised. “If you get to wed someone you reasonably get along with here that is great luck.”
Aylum’s frown deepened. “Marrying someone you like is the norm in my homeland. Things can be arranged but ultimately both have to agree to it.”
“You’re lucky then.” I shrugged, ignoring the pang of jealousy I felt. Oh, how wonderful it would be not to be forced into this position!
“When you get out of this situation, then what?” he asked.
“Ideally someone better suited will make an offer though I hope father can be persuaded to allow me to choose instead. I’m sure mother would be against the duel. Not too many want a wife that can take them on magically, but there are some who aren’t afraid of someone with their own mind.”
Aylum nodded tiredly at my explanation. “The system here is so wrong and broken.”
“I can’t disagree with you, but I am also not in a position to change it.” I motioned around us. “I rebel in the best way I can. Practicing the little I’ve researched. There is more to me than mindless healing…” I sighed loudly before shaking my head. “It’s getting late. We should both be getting back to sleep.”
He nodded. “You’re right, we should get back. Would you like a ride? Or do you think you can teleport back?”
I stretched my magic out for a moment. “No, I can feel the enchantments on the building. I’m afraid I’d set them off. I don’t know if there’s a way around that. Flying is connected to you so you don’t have to worry about it, but my magic would likely set off the school's sensors.” It wasn’t worth testing now.
“That makes sense.” He nodded, taking off his sweater once more. “Might need to figure out a good way to bring some light out. It’s already getting dark too fast, but a fire might attract a lot of attention.”
“A really careful mix of call sunlight and banish darkness might work. Though banish darkness works more on corruption and demonic magic than literal darkness…” It could work in theory though.
Aylum gave a small laugh. “While a fun idea, I think trying that might call more attention than not.”
“It would be neat to try at some point though.” I gave a small laugh as I stepped over to him. “Maybe eventually.”
With a nod, he picked me up and we headed back.
Chapter Five
Beginning the morning with healing lessons after getting to let my magic loose was less than thrilling. There were seventeen of us in the class, all of us at varying levels. Anyone with the slightest healing ability was shoved into this program.
I was still sore after the night's adventures, but the bruises were gone. My natural fast healing easily hid the damage. Still, I asked Keti to heal the rest of my soreness after class. Better to get it done and over with then be stuck with it.
Soleia laughed as she joined us and Keti explained what she was helping me with. “Karia, what trouble are you getting yourself into now?” she teased.
“No more than you.” I smirked back at her as we headed to our next class.
Soleia had a better affinity for destruction magic and was allowed to practice, though the teachers kept trying to encourage her healing magic. It was not a skill she was very gifted in. Aside from helping to ease bruises and light burns, she couldn’t truly heal anyone. Hence asking Keti instead.
“You both are nothing but trouble.” Keti laughed.
“I figured out how to create a flicker orb that only illuminates a small area. It hardly casts a glow, which would be perfect for sneaking through the corridors if every last room wasn’t spelled,” Soleia explained happily. “I was very productive and certainly not causing trouble last night.”
“Ooo, that does sound fun. How did you do it?” I asked curiously.
“Why? You can summon a flame?” she jested, nudging my side.
“This is why I worry about both of you.” Keti shook her head at us.
“No more than you can call sunlight,” I threw back at Soleia with ease before smirking at Keti.
“I wish. That would keep my poor plants so much happier. They want day time sun, and we face the sunset side of the tower.” Soleia frowned.
“For once I’m glad to have the morning sun. My plants are always thrilled when I set them outside.” Keti smiled happily.
“Why didn’t you say something? I can’t keep it cast for long but I can manage for at least two or three hours. That’ll make them happy.”
“I keep forgetting you have all the weird complicated magic. At least it’s happy.” She shrugged.
“Sunlight and healing are very happy magic,” I agreed. So was being able to put someone into a deep sleep, but no one let me practice that one. I had too many talents I wanted to practice but no one wanted to be the guinea pig.
We bantered for a bit as we rejoined the rest of our normal class for history lessons. Cressida was trying to talk with Aylum, who was ignoring her, favoring a conversation with Orabella, Nolan, and Calum. Celibria had entered just behind us and looked equally annoyed that Aylum was not paying attention to her friend.
The professor entered as I got seated and rapped a ruler on the podium getting everyone's attention. “It has been brought to my attention that there are some distractions with the current open seating. I’ll be assigning seats until everyone can learn to not bother each other while lessons are going on.”
Naturally, several students sighed. Myself included. I hated being sat by people who would rather copy my work when they could just pay attention.
The professor didn’t look impressed by our small outburst. He quickly shifted three people around, separating Cressida from her best friend and moving Keti to her spot. Aylum looked relieved with Keti now between him and Celibria.
With that out of the way, the professor turned back to the board and started to write as his lecture began.
“Pst,” I heard Delmar whisper behind me and felt a paper nudged into my back.
I
reached back, keeping my eyes on the professor as I snagged the carefully folded note and shoved it into my notebook before the professor could turn back around and drone on about the topic on the board, the establishment of the guild of magically dangerous creatures.
The professor was normally rather distracted, speaking more to the chalkboard than to us, but today he seemed to be paying better attention to the class at large. Of course, he would be. The random note was slowly driving me mad, my curiosity demanding I peek and see what exactly it held. I resisted the urge, not wanting it confiscated or destroyed before I knew the contents.
When class was finally released Soliea was immediately on me. “Since when do you get notes?” she teased quietly as we headed out.
“Daily from you.” I laughed before waving her off so I could read it.
I unfolded the note carefully, keeping it in the notebook. Someone had been busy and wrote three pages back and front. The top of the page stated basic dragon lessons. Aylum was smart thinking of just jotting things down. This would easily answer half the questions I had been holding back.
Soleia waited patiently for me to say what it was about. I couldn’t exactly tell her the truth, I had promised to keep this magic a secret after all.
“Looks like Aylum wants to continue to annoy his followers. This is an easy way to show he has no interest in them, and would rather talk with everyone but them,” I stated, hoping it was believable after yesterday’s lunch ordeal.
Soleia snorted. “Breaking hearts the old fashion way. Cold shoulder and notes everywhere.”
I shrugged. “I wonder if it’ll work.” Truthfully it wouldn’t with those two, but I was sure he’d find a way to get rid of them eventually.
“Maybe, but knowing those two, they’ll say something to Gawin if they did notice.”
I groaned. “I didn’t even think about that. Oh well. He always finds something to be mad about, doesn't he?”