To Cast the First Spell

by John Buttrick

  “Shall we eat?’ his host said, while taking a seat at the head of the table. The elderly fellow seemed to be gentle and kind, a decent man.

  Daniel hesitated, preferring his host to take the first bite. The Accomplished bit into an apple, allaying all suspicions.

  “Dyed Buckskins,” Bella said, and nodded his head, “Unusual clothing for this region. I would venture to say you’re from the southeastern mountains. The western mountaineers do not dye their buckskins. Wait, let me guess, Geble, Tirana, or maybe, Tannakonna. That accent of yours is definitely Ducaunan backwoods.”

  Daniel swallowed hard and placed the apple core on his plate. “Tannakonna,” he confessed. “I didn’t know I had an accent, although most everyone I have met recently does seem to have one.”

  Bella chuckled. “This must be your first time away from home. Trust me; there is a big world beyond the slopes of Tannakonna.”

  The Accomplished was perceptive, maybe too much so, and managed to learn quite a bit through casual observation. All responses would have to be weighed carefully before being uttered. “I believe you,” Daniel replied.

  Bella’s smile faded and he glanced toward the window and then focused on his guest, leveling a penetrating stare. “This town is a strange place to begin your travels, why have you come?”

  Daniel calmly grabbed an orange and sliced it neatly with his hunting knife. He could answer the question easily enough without lying, although a drastic pruning of the facts was definitely in order. “I’m just passing through on my way south,” he replied, as if there was nothing more to tell.

  Bella stared without blinking, as if weighing the response he was given and perhaps what he would say in reply. “South is the wisest choice,” he said, and then brought back his ready smile. “I noticed a guitarn among your possessions, would you mind playing a tune? I seldom get the opportunity to hear music other than my own.”

  “It would be my pleasure,” Daniel answered, happy to have been asked and pleased about the change in topic.

  Outside, the sun was an amber sphere half way below the horizon and shadows had grown long and foreboding. Sprinter drank from a near empty troth. Daniel drew fresh water from the well and refilled the troth to the stallion’s delight.

  Bella appeared in the doorway. “You’re welcome to stay the night. I have a small stable and oats around back for your horse and an extra bed inside for you,” he kindly offered.

  “Thanks, a good night’s sleep would be appreciated,” Daniel replied, feeling sure the old Aakacarn would do him no harm.

  Daniel untied Sprinter and led him behind the stone dwelling and into the stable. An old black mare stood inside eating contentedly, seemingly undisturbed by the new arrivals in her domain. He removed the saddle from the stallion’s back, proceeded to give the horse a thorough rub down, and then grabbed the guitarn and headed back into the building to entertain his generous host.

  He made himself comfortable and began playing, The Mountain Lion and the Hound. Bella applauded and soon joined in on the vyolin. The melodious tones provided Daniel a temporary escape from his worries and a lightening of the burdens weighing down on his soul.

  He finished the whimsical melody and played, Flight of the Whippoorwill, and gave his mother due credit for the composition. Thoughts of the home he would never see again tugged at his heart and he shoved them aside, only joyous memories were permitted tonight. His host seemed to enjoy the music, nodding and smiling. The Accomplished picked up on the melody quickly and joined in.

  The evening seemed to pass like a breeze and before he realized the time had been spent, Bella was leading him to his bed chamber. The room was large and painted white with red trimmings. A narrow bed covered in crushed blue velvet was pushed against the left wall while a larger bed with a dresser and night table occupied the space along the opposite wall. “You may sleep there,” the Accomplished said, while pointing to the left.

  “Thanks,” Daniel replied, knowing the accommodations were more comfortable than what he was used to, yet he missed his old bed.

  His host reclined on the larger bed. The Aakacarns have spells to slow down the aging process, which meant this fellow had to be truly ancient for him to appear so old. If the Accomplished was this advanced in years, why did he have only two bolts? Daniel dismissed the thoughts as being of little importance. Terroll mentioned the youth spell during his training sessions but decided Daniel did not need to know it yet. An inspiration stirred and filtered up into his consciousness until finally forming into a Melody. Daniel was sure he could summon the potential and immediately stop aging, but decided against it. Mostly because his Aakacarn host was sleeping less than five strides away and in truth there was no need to appear to be nineteen for the rest of his life. The pillow felt good and his thoughts began to fade in and out until he could no longer fight off the urge to close his eyes, and sleep took him.

  Tarin Conn stared down from his crystal throne. “Greetings, Daniel Benhannon. I’ve come to reason with you,” the Dark Maestro intoned.

  Daniel shook his head but the vision did not go away. He was standing in the massive court below the thirteen steps leading up to the grand sparkling chair. “This can’t be. You are a dream so go away.”

  Tarin Conn rose to his feet. His face was blank and impossible to read. He seemed neither upset nor offended. “I can enter your dreams at will any time you fall asleep. Wake if you can and I’ll be back at the next closing of your eyes.”

  This was a dream but who was in control? Daniel could think of only one way to find out. “I still have no intention of serving you,” he stated, defiantly.

  “Don’t be hasty. You will serve me one way or the other, eventually,” Tarin Conn replied. He seemed too much in control of himself, a stark contrast to his demeanor at their last encounter. The Maestro was trickier than any living soul and people trusted him at their own peril.

  “What do you mean, one way or another?” Daniel asked. He did not like the sound of that, even when spoken in a civil manner.

  The Maestro’s lips formed into a malicious smile that could send chills up the spine of a river serpent. “Simply this, serve me of your own free will or I shall compel you to do so,” the ancient Aakacarn replied, as if he thought this was actually reasonable.

  Tarin Conn’s new approach at recruiting was not working and Daniel was growing impatient. The self-appointed master of all had gone too far and his colossal arrogance could not go unanswered. “I will not serve you voluntarily and you can’t make me do anything!”

  Tarin Conn’s right eye twitched and his face turned bright red. The show of calm vanished in the wake of his growing rage. “You ignorant whelp, there is nothing I cannot do!”

  “Except break out of prison,” Daniel shot back, smiling.

  “You mock me!” Tarin Conn shouted and his black eyes narrowed dangerously. “I will show you exactly what it means to defy me. Let us see how long you keep that smile when a legion of yetis and the Condemneds led by Accomplisheds of the Serpent Guild attack your precious mountaintop village.”

  Daniel blinked, thinking of his parents, and swallowed hard. He pushed and the Dark Maestro pushed back. What about Tim and Val and Gina? Everyone in Bashierwood was going to die and all because he could not keep a civil tongue in his mouth. No, it was not his fault. The blame belonged to Tarin Conn.

  The Accomplished smiled, having regained his composure. “Good, I see the smirk has left your face. Your friends need not suffer. Serve me faithfully and you can rule over that region and spare them the horrors they will otherwise endure.”

  Daniel had no intention of serving the Dark Maestro. Doing so would go against everything Daniel knew to be good and decent. People were going to be hurt no matter how he chose. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. “Never,” he stated, flatly, without flinching or batting an eye.

  Tarin Conn stared with eyes full of hate and began to glow with a pure white energy, causing the crystal throne to sparkle
with greater intensity. “Balen Tamm will see to it your parents die slow agonizing deaths,” he breathed, in the matter of fact way a person would say the sun will rise tomorrow.

  Daniel thought of his parents screaming in pain and it shook his self confidence, which was not at an all time high at the moment. The stubborn mountaineer in him could not back down. “No!” he shouted. Bashierwood had been attacked before and survived. He saved them once and he would do it again, or die trying.

  Daniel woke up drenched in sweat and groggy.

  “Are you all right?” Bella asked while crossing the room quickly for a man of his years, his wrinkled brow creased with worry.

  Daniel sat up, thinking of the threats made against his loved ones. “I won’t serve Tarin Conn,” he said, more as an affirmation to himself than an answer to his host, a statement he inwardly chastised himself for making out loud.

  The elderly man let out a sigh and sat down on the corner of the narrow bed. “Have you been to Kelgotha?” he asked his voice not much louder than a whisper, as if he already knew the answer.

  There was little point in hiding the fact. Daniel focused on the floor tiles. “Yes,” he replied, and rested his head in his hands.

  Bella nodded his head with a knowing look on his face. “The dark Maestro is haunting your dreams, is he not?” the Accomplished stated more than asked.

  Daniel sat up straight, facing his host. “Yes, but how did you know?”

  “The curious don’t really believe the stories. They come to prove their manhood or womanhood or bravery, you name it,” Bella began with compassion on his face and in the tone of his voice. “All of them regret they ever came. Some go insane and others kill themselves. Then there are those who give in to the seduction,” he paused and let out a long sigh, as if summoning up painful memories. “Tarin Conn will sift them like wheat and glean all the benefits he can. The rest, well, he enjoys torturing the poor souls in their dreams. Why did you come?”

  The compassion filled voice demanded an answer. “I was brought to Kelgotha against my will while asleep. I didn’t even know I was off Tannakonna until Tarin Conn himself told me so,” Daniel replied, answering was one thing but he had no intention of throwing all caution to the wind; the Accomplished did not need to know more details.

  Bella shook his head. “How sad, you have been cursed by a foolish prankster.”

  Cursed? The word never had a good connotation, it sounded so final. “Is there any way to keep Tarin Conn out of my dreams?” Daniel asked, knowing, hoping, that there was.

  Bella sighed again and tugged at the corner of his long white beard. “No, the curse is for life. I don’t know a spell that would free you.”

  Daniel wanted to scream, and would have if doing so could help. He struggled against the swelling current of helplessness building up in his soul. Ever since casting that first spell his problems seemed to pile up faster than he could solve them. His father often told him to set his priorities and arrange his chores accordingly. The words gave him something to cling to. It was time he did some prioritizing.

  His host sat quietly gazing at the floor as if seeing something only he could see. “Tarin Conn grows stronger, I can feel it, but don‘t fret over it,” the elderly Accomplished mussed. “No matter how strong evil becomes, the Creator provides a …,” his voice trailed off and he hesitated as if searching for the right word, “A balance. A human vessel endowed with the ability to overcome the forces of darkness and give hope to the world. Should that chosen vessel fail, the world would be plunged into centuries of gloom and despair until a new vessel is chosen. But don’t worry, such is the concern and purpose of the Aakacarns,” he stopped and frowned, making the wrinkles in his face seem even deeper. “Things aren’t what they used to be,” he started up again, perhaps thinking a change in conversation was the only relief he could offer. “The desert has been growing. When I first came to Dowman’s End, the town was thriving within a lush forest and families lived here and children played in the street. The desert expanded and crops began to fail and gradually the forest died, and then most everyone moved away. Only the garrison remains and Captain Trask constantly complains about the quality of the men assigned to him. It seems he is being sent soldiers lacking in discipline. Although, if he gives them an order, and that is rare; they obey quickly. Trask is not a tolerant man. Over the years, misfits have replaced the valiant army that once resided here. Me, I’m here to give warning should Tarin Conn break free from Kelgotha. The event isn’t likely to occur during my lifetime..,” the Accomplished talked on.

  Daniel only half listened to what was being said. This was the second time someone referred to the chosen vessel but that was a curiosity and not his present concern. The ultimate fate of Bashierwood lay squarely on his shoulders and every monster he had been told about since childhood would soon be marching against the people he loved. His first priority was to keep his parents alive and unharmed. Now all he had to do was arrange his chores. Some chores, prepare the village to fight yetis, Condemneds, and defeat who knows how many Accomplisheds of the Serpent Guild. All in a days work, he thought ruefully.

  He listened politely to the ramblings of his host, which was preferable to falling back asleep and listening to Tarin Conn, which was probably Bella’s way of helping him. The marks of time passed slowly, it seemed as if daylight would never shine again, then the Accomplished stood up and opened the curtains, allowing the morning rays to brighten the room.

  “Come, have some breakfast,” Bella invited. He did not seem the least bit affected by having sat up half the night with his guest.

  Daniel followed his host out to the kitchen and watched Bella prepare ham and eggs through spell casting while seated at the table. Daniel sat down and tried to look impressed, which proved to be more difficult than before, especially with the added burdens piled on by the Dark Maestro. However, the aroma did produce a gratified smile that could be taken for awe.

  The meal tasted as good as it looked; as well it did for this was probably the last decent one he would have for quite a while. Daniel put down his fork and then wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Thanks for the kind hospitality, can I do some chores to show my gratitude?” he asked, having been raised not to expect something for nothing, knowing Aakacarns are to be paid a gratuity for their services, although Bella’s kindness certainly went beyond a business transaction.

  The old Accomplished stroked his beard while leaning back in his chair. “You are most certainly welcome. It is a pleasure having a guest again,” he said, and then smiled good-naturedly and summoned potential for a spell. Violet light flashed from his fingertips and the dishes floated off the table and over into the sink. “As you can see, I’ve no need of help. Maintaining this dwelling is simplicity itself.”

  Of course the Accomplished needed no help; spell casting was the only way to survive in the desert without regular supplies being brought in. How else could he have fresh fruit to offer and food for his animals? There had to be chickens and at least one recently deceased pig. But the offer of help had to be made, being the polite and honorable thing to do.

  “I don’t envy your situation,” Bella said, concern showing on his face and in his voice. “What will you do?”

  Daniel stood up, reaching for his guitarn. “Change what I can and learn to live with what I can’t,” he replied, while absently strumming random chords. “I am definitely not going to serve Tarin Conn or kill myself, not intentionally anyway.”

  The Accomplished crossed the room, apparently having something more on his mind, being far too clever of a man for this line of questioning to be merely small talk. “I’ve been thinking,” he began, and hesitated as if searching for the right words. “I cannot rid you of the curse; there is no point in my giving you false hope. If you stay here I can at least help to maintain your sanity.”

  The offer was more than generous and one only a kind hearted soul would make. The invitation would have been tempting to accept were it not for the t
hreats made by Tarin Conn. Daniel softly plucked, Riding the Wind, while choosing his words carefully so as not give offense. “I really appreciate your offer. Understand, I can’t accept. I have more than myself to think about, obligations to fulfill. Afterwards, I’ll have the luxury to consider my options,” he replied, hands coming to rest in the playing position.

  Surviving to consider any options would be nothing short of a miracle, taking strength and determination. He prayed for strength, determination he already had. “I’m heading south this morning. It’s important for me to get home quickly.”

  “Go with the Creator,” Bella said. “Do what you must to protect your sanity. My offer stands, come back any time,” he added, and then extended his right hand.

  Daniel shifted the guitarn and shook hands with his host. “Thanks,” he said, and then went to the stable and saddled Sprinter. He mounted up and heeled the stallion forward without looking back, fearing if he delayed too long he would tell Bella the whole truth. Or worse, Tarin Conn’s forces would move against the village and everyone would be dead before Daniel arrived to save them.

  The soldiers paid him no mind and probably would not have cared if the Dark Maestro had galloped by. He left followed only by a cloud of dust. Within a candle notch of time, signs of life appeared on the horizon. Barren oaks ranging from sapling to thirty cubits in height grew in fields of tickseed and thin spindly marigolds. The plant life became more abundant as he traveled along southward.

  The sun gradually sank toward the Western world and he reined Sprinter to a halt below an oak and made camp, then searched the area for dry sticks and soon collected an arm full. The tune, Sparking the Flame, came to mind. Summoning the potential, he focused and sent a single beam of blue light from his fingertip to the kindling he had piled in a shallow pit. Fire burst forth and began its slow consumption of the contents.

  Daniel leaned back against the massive trunk while Sprinter stood several strides away nibbling on a tuft of grass. Wood snapped and crackled in the burning flames and an owl hooted some twenty strides to the left from the branches of a neighboring oak. Crickets chirped their greetings to one another while nocturnal life slowly took charge of the darkening world.