Magoris shot a murderous look at Evan and his friends one by one, but then followed orders and stomped off toward the Strider.
Evan let out a sigh of relief that they weren’t being exiled or bound by Uqari cuffs.
He helped Elijah lead Emi through the door, as she was still woozy. Jed and Brooke were the last two back on the Strider. As soon as they were on board the door snapped shut and the legs began to rise once again.
As if only just remembering, Taretta waved her hand nonchalantly before returning to her cabin. As she did, the Negartha returned to life, scuttling across the Badlands beneath them. The colossal beast appeared to be searching for something, probably them.
*
Femeri’s Fae clothes for Females was Cleo’s favourite shop in the whole city. She adored their ever-changing stock of dresses and jewellery. Today she’d found a gorgeous dress hewn from black and gold leaves. Her elation plummeted however when she saw the price tag, seventy scion shillings. That was way too much.
Damn, maybe I can ask Lyella to lend me some cash. Her best friend had loads of money, mostly stolen, but Cleo was sure Lyella would let her borrow some.
Femeri’s store was small and tucked away. Cleo used to be the only one who knew about it, but lately it had become infested with other Venators.
She saw Sasha Elwyr down another clothes aisle, but Cleo knew Sasha didn’t have the money to shop in a place like this. She’s probably dreaming she could afford something, Cleo smiled, feeling better about herself.
The disgustingly fat Porgree was near her too. He was shopping whilst eating at the same time. She hoped he wouldn’t get his sticky fingers over anything she might like to buy, filthy boy. She’d have to tell Lyella about him and make sure he didn’t come here again.
Another dress caught her eye, but as she moved down the aisle she saw Bane Madagant of all people. Why in Rueda’s name is he in here?
The older boy was admiring the necklace collection. He picked up a heart-shaped pendant that would’ve been far too expensive for even Lyella to buy.
“Yes, Belle would like this,” Bane murmured.
Who’s Belle? She didn’t think Bane had a girlfriend. She couldn’t wait to tell Lyella and the girls about this.
Cleo would’ve liked to stay and browse the store, but she’d have to wait until after training. Her first lesson was soon and she had to catch a carriage to the city. She left the shop with a last curious glance at Bane.
She emerged onto Blue Robe Road, a street in the city notorious for shopping. Femeri’s shop was sandwiched between a large alchemy store and the biggest blacksmith shop in the city, barely visible.
As Cleo set off she saw Master Magoris walking straight toward her, looking furious. Luckily he hadn’t noticed her and she ducked into the nearby alley to avoid him. She hadn’t done the assignment Magoris had set the class, and he’d give her punishment laps if he spotted her.
The alley was a long twisted passage where many of the shops of Blue Robe road had their back doors. As she moved down the alley she heard someone step out of the street after her. Before Cleo could turn around, a hand clasped her face, smothering her scream.
A sweet stench came from something in the strangers hand, something that made her body go limp as she attempted to fight. She sagged to the ground before she could summon her magic, her vision turning to shadows.
“Just one more girl, that’s all he needs.” Cleo heard a deep voice as she blacked out.
Chapter 12- The Most Macabre Master Magoris
Evan woke up feeling sore all over, the side effect from the magic he’d used saving Emi. It felt like he’d ripped all the muscles he had.
At breakfast he discovered everyone else was in the same shape. Jed in particular wouldn’t stop complaining about it.
They still had a day of training to do, however. Unfortunately the last lesson of the day was Extended Sorcery, where they’d have to face Master Magoris for the first time since the trip.
Magoris was nowhere in sight as usual when they first entered. Evan took his usual seat in-between Jed and Emillia as the Apprentices settled down.
“You don’t think Master Magoris will be mad at us do you?” Emillia asked.
“Maybe he’s forgotten about it.” Evan shrugged. But he wasn’t confident about that.
After several minutes Magoris decided to deign them with his presence, entering through his bedchamber whilst eating a bag of sweets. He didn’t spare any of the Realmers a glance as he turned on his TV and threw his considerably sized body on his sofa.
The Apprentices looked at each other in confused silence.
“I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” Jed whispered.
A few seconds later, Magoris, with eyes still fixed on his TV, spoke very precisely. “We will be working on paralysing spells today class. Mr Umbra, would you kindly like to stand?”
“Er, why?”
“Because I am your instructor, this is my training class, and I have asked you to do so.” Magoris finally turned toward them, wearing a large fake smile, which just made his face more ghastly.
This is bad. Evan’s mouth went dry as he stood, his heart picking up its tempo.
He can’t do anything too harsh. He’s a Veneseron Master after all. Evan tried to reassure himself. He had the nagging feeling Magoris was going to do something horrible.
Evan hadn’t meant too, but he’d evidently humiliated Magoris in the Badlands, he guessed the Master wanted revenge.
“Now listen up Apprentices,” Magoris boomed. He heaved himself off his sofa and seized Evan’s wrist. He pulled him to his side so the class could see them both clearly.
“And pay close attention.”
Magoris began to walk around Evan in a circle. “As you can imagine, paralysis is one of the most useful areas of magic in Extended Sorcery. Today I will show you what a paralysed person looks like, with the help of my heroic volunteer.”
“He didn’t volunteer,” said Jed.
“Silence!” Magoris snapped.
“Now, now Mr Umbra, this won’t hurt a bit.”
Magoris gestured violently with his left hand before Evan could answer. Without warning, his body abruptly turned heavy as lead. It was as if his blood had turned to cement and his feet had been strapped to the floor. There was a shiny gleam all over his body, but no other sign that he’d had a spell placed upon him.
“That’s it,” Magoris spoke in a horribly hushed tone. “Just try to move Mr Umbra.”
Evan tried to take a step, pulling as hard as he could, but his leg didn’t move an inch. He couldn’t even wiggle a finger.
He realised with rising panic that he couldn’t move his eyes either. His vision was fixed straight ahead, where he could clearly see Firk and Fenik, barely containing their sniggers.
“You see,” Magoris addressed the class, “a most useful spell. Your enemy is at your complete mercy here.”
He conjured a small fireball in his other hand. “Why, I could hurt Mr Umbra any way I wanted at this moment. He’s utterly helpless.”
Magoris bent down by his legs. Evan couldn’t see what he was doing but as the Apprentices began to murmur in shock, he could guess. His suspicions were confirmed seconds later as he felt flames travelling up his trousers.
“Why, if one was so inclined he could burn his opponent alive this way,” Magoris continued casually.
Evan could feel the icy sweat on his forehead. His body would’ve trembled if it wasn’t catatonic. He tried frantically to open his mouth, but it was like his lips had been glued shut.
“Take the spell off, take it off!” Jed cried.
Evan felt the intense heat moving up his leg, almost at his hip now. He could hear the material of his trousers sizzle, the fire was sure to his bare flesh any second.
Abruptly the flames vanished and he regained the use of his body. He slumped against the wall, panting as if he’d run a marathon. His right trouser leg was smoking and blackened.
Mago
ris sat back on his sofa, smiling smugly. “Thank you for the demonstration, Umbra.”
A riot of emotions surged through him. A very strong part of Evan wanted to seek immediate revenge, but he reined that side of him in.
“It was my pleasure, Master,” he replied nonchalantly.
Magoris’s sickly sweet smile slipped as Evan calmly returned to his seat.
“Right, copy the paralysis chapter into your notebooks,” Magoris barked to the class, “word for word.”
Evan spent the rest of the session assuring Emi he was fine and talking Jed down. “Forget it Jed,” Evan forced him back into his chair, “let him think he’s won.”
He was just glad Magoris had only chosen to make an example out of him. He imagined his reaction would’ve been much like Jed’s if Magoris had decided to paralyse and torment Emillia instead. Then they really would be exiled for assaulting an instructor.
*
“Seriously,” Brooke said, open-mouthed. “I can’t believe he would do that to you Evan. He’s a Master for god’s sake.”
“We should sneak into his chambers tonight,” said Jed, “smash up all his precious valuable items.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Emillia asked him for probably the tenth time.
They were in one of the rec rooms. Emi and Jed had filled Brooke in.
“I’m fine,” he replied. “Don’t retaliate Jed. Hopefully the sad little man thinks he proved his point and that will be and end to it.”
“I’ll put an end to it,” Brooke said angrily. “You’re right, Jed, we should sneak into his chamber tonight and break his precious ornaments-” She cut off as an anxious Elijah entered the room and hurried over, with a resigned Joelle following behind.
“The Masters have been looking into it thoroughly,” Elijah said, as if expecting them to know what he meant. “Apparently, eye-witnesses saw a girl matching Cece’s description in the city the day she disappeared. Less than an hour before the note in her room was found. It seems she really did go through the city portals to run away.”
“Hello to you too,” Brooke said.
“So we were right,” said Jed. “Cece wasn’t kidnapped. You were just being melodramatic as always.”
“Possibly,” Elijah conceded, “but I’m going to check the city records and see who’s going in and out of the city. The Paladin’s keep them in their tower somewhere.”
“C’mon Elijah, just drop it,” said Joelle. “Finding one specific name in the records will be like finding a pixie’s sword in a dragon’s nest. Besides, if Cece ran away she would’ve snuck by the guards somehow, she wouldn’t be on any records.”
Elijah sighed heavily, “Yeah, maybe.”
“Excuse me, boys and girls.”
They were interrupted again, this time by Master Elorian. Evan was glad, he suspected the others would begin telling Elijah and Joelle about Magoris and he’d have to assure everyone he was fine again.
“Greetings,” Elorian waved at them all flamboyantly, “Brooke, Evan you are required.”
They stood up uncertainly, sharing a look. He saw the apprehension in her face and guessed it was mirrored in his own.
“Follow me please,” Elorian said, before tottering off. He and Brooke bid goodbye to their confused friends as they followed Elorian from the room.
As they walked the castle corridors, Elorian regaled them with stories of his past exploits. Evan barely listened as the Master led them all the way out of Dragonrock castle and into the Master’s Citadel.
As Elorian led them right to the top floor, Evan guessed they’d been invited to Vanderain’s quarters. His nerves mounted with every step. Finally they arrived at the magnificently carved doors that led to the Grandmaster’s chamber.
“Right, I’m off,” said Elorian, “the big guy didn’t tell me why he wanted you two, but I’m sure you aren’t in too much trouble. Tell the Van man I said hi.” Elorian skipped away, back the way they came.
Evan took a deep breath, wondering what would happen next. Has Vanderain found out anything about our demon sorcery? What if he’s learned our power is so evil that he has to kill us! He tried to calm down, before he gave himself a panic attack.
As they entered, he felt Brooke’s hand grab his own. He looked at her in surprise as she gave him a squeeze of reassurance. He nodded gratefully.
The walls of the awe-inspiring chamber were carved from crystal of every colour imaginable, jutting out in fantastic formations like exotic flowers. In-between the glowing crystal were bizarre doorways. An array of magical ornaments and decorations filled the room, complete with two large fish tanks. One tank contained a gelatinous black fluid, and the other what appeared to be microscopic humans in a minuscule city. A blazing fire of turquoise flames roared merrily, and by the hearth lay a sleeping Droge.
Vanderain sat on a sofa that flitted from colour to colour as if made out of liquid gemstones. Evan remembered expecting him to be either a vicious grizzled warrior or a stooped, incredibly wise old man; Vanderain had turned out to be neither.
Vanderain looked close to exhaustion, but happy to see them. A large ceramic jug sat on the table by Vanderain’s feet. The jug looked normal enough, yet he could hear a loud fizzing coming from inside and a thin green vapour was spilling from the top.
“Salvete, how are you?”
“Uh, sorry?” Brooke asked.
“Ah, forgive me,” said Vanderain, “that was my favourite word of greeting. I picked it up from Rome, a simpler time. Things are better now though, on civilised realms at least. I occasionally find myself using words and phrases that are now long outdated. Oh dear, I’m waffling again, beg your pardon.”
“It’s fine,” Evan said, struggling to speak as his mouth was so dry. He looks to be in a good mood. Surely that means he doesn’t have to kill us for being monsters?
“Don’t worry you two,” Vanderain must have sensed their anxiety. “It’s good news, depending on how you see it.”
“Have you found out how to control the demon magic?” Brooke asked.
“In a manner of speaking. I’ve been looking into demon sorcery of all kinds. There’ve been many Dread Lords, with many different powers. The black mist that you’ve summoned is just one of them, Evan. As are weapons carved from shadow that seeps out of the skin, like what you performed, Brooke.”
“What, do you think we only have one power each?” He said, feeling relieved. If he only had one form of demonic sorcery, surely that would be easier to control.
“I’m afraid not,” said Vanderain, causing Evan’s heart to sink. “Due to your mothers being Disciples, your power may resemble that of other Disciples, who have multiple forms of demon magic. At this moment both of you have only just come into your power. If left unchecked, your demonic magic could grow vastly.”
“What other demon magic is there?” Brooke said.
“Many, I’ve had the misfortune of battling Dread Lords who used their own blood for spells. Some demon sorcery can be used to enslave people’s minds, possessing them forever.”
This wasn’t doing anything to settle Evan’s nerves.
“I don’t know which kinds of sorcery you might be able to do,” said Vanderain. “But hopefully today will put a stop to it. At least until I learn more about getting your powers under control.”
“Have you found a way to make it go away?” Evan asked, failing to keep the excitement from his voice. He’d give anything to have this whole mess behind him.
“It took a while, and a great amount of my power, but I finally created something that will block your demonic magic, temporarily.” Vanderain gestured to the jug before him.
“It’s named Emerald Shade. To my knowledge, I’m the only one able to make it for millennia, and I’ve only done so rarely. Take a peek.”
They both stepped forward as Vanderain stirred the jug’s contents. The aggressively bubbling liquid was an acidic green, emitting smoke which swirled into the air.
“This will block your
demon magic, as long as you drink once a month, as its effects wears off. Now, I feel I must ask you first. You’re under no obligation to drink the Shade. If you don’t want your demonic magic blocked, I will not force you. Despite what others may want.”
Evan had no hesitation and even as he spoke, Brooke was echoing his words.
“Yes please, I want it blocked,” he said all in one breath. The risk of keeping the demon magic unchecked was far too high.
“Me too, I don’t want to hurt anyone,” said Brooke.
“I thought as much,” said Vanderain, “but I had to ask.”
He raised his hand and two stone tankards appeared either side of the Emerald Shade. Vanderain then lifted the jug and poured them a steaming tankard each.
“This took great effort to make, so please try not to spill any or spit it out, regardless of the taste.”
Evan picked up the left tankard, feeling the heat of the potion through the stone.
“You can drink it at once,” Vanderain said. “I’m afraid it never cools down. It won’t scald you, but may give you a sensation similar to heartburn.”
“Cheers.” Evan chinked his tankard against Brooke’s, smiling shakily, and then drank.
The liquid was searing and tasted like the incredibly sour sweets he’d eaten on Earth. Accompanying the sourness was a metallic taste. It was like the sip of brandy he’d had once, but stronger. Evan could feel it burning down his throat and warming his chest. The heat didn’t last long, however. As he drained the tankard, he felt the magic of the potion start to work.
The effect it had on his body was bizarre. Although the potion was hot as a steaming cup of coffee, his flesh immediately broke out in goosebumps and his teeth chattered from an unnatural cold. He saw Brooke shivering too.
“That’s done the trick.” Vanderain smiled weakly.
“But what if it doesn’t work?” Evan asked. “What if a week from now I accidentally unleash a spell that sucks out someone’s soul?”
Moonlight War- Act I (The Realmers Book 2) Page 15