by Daniel Fife
"I play with the Light," said Danny with confidence.
"Why?"
Taken aback by the question, Danny took a moment to answer. He knew why he never chose to play with the opposing forces of Grey and Dark, but he'd never thought about why he'd chosen the Light. Danny smiled.
"Do you have an answer?"
"I play with the Light because battling with the Grey or the Dark simply doesn't feel right. I chose to play with the Light because, in a way, it is an extension of who I am."
Syndil returned his smile, "A careful, well-thought-out answer, Mr. Firoth. So, then, apart from Lady Drake's enrollment, why is it that you have chosen to become a Knight of the Light?"
Danny dropped his eyes and said, "I'd be lying if I didn't say it was for the adventure. Dragonics, Shadows, now Elves, who wouldn't choose to enter such a world."
"Be forewarned, Danny, this is not a fairy tale of fancy," said Syndil, his voice growing deep and stern, yet remaining respectful. "There is a war going on, with losses on both sides. There are dark forces at work, sinister things that will seek your destruction. This is no simple game of cards, Danny Firoth."
"I know that," said Danny, looking up, regaining eye contact. "I guess I want to become a Knight of the Light because the alternative, simply being normal while knowing that such things exist, is unbearable. If you know something terrible is happening, and you have the ability to help, it's your responsibility to do something, right?"
"I don't know, Danny, you tell me."
"I think it is. Yes."
Syndil nodded in approval. "I have just a couple more questions for you before we begin with what rests in my briefcase."
Danny gulped down his anxiety.
"Was your father a Knight of the Light, Danny?"
The question took Danny by surprise, he dropped his gaze. Danny never talked about his father with his mother; it was a sore subject, "Not that I know of."
"Tell me about him."
"My father was a soldier; he died a hero, I was very young at the time."
"I am sorry, Danny. I did not mean to open old wounds."
"It was a very long time ago," regaining his courage, facing Syndil.
"Did he leave you any kind of keepsake, something he cared very deeply about?"
"No."
"Are you sure?" Professor Syndil was insistent.
"No… nothing. Why do you ask?"
"No reason in particular, Mr. Firoth. I was only going to suggest that possessing something once close to the person one has lost is sometimes beneficial." Syndil allowed a silent moment to pass. "I have one more question for you." Leaning closer, he asked, "Do you possess any other ability other than the gift of sight, like the ability to see things before they happen?"
Danny froze as his mind drifted back to the memory of what happened during his fight with Steven Rooney. Danny explained the event in detail, hoping that was what Professor Syndil was looking for.
Syndil listened with active intensity, nodding, giving vocal cues to encourage Danny to continue. When Danny was done, Syndil sat back in the chair and stroked his chin in concentration. "A most intriguing ability, Mr. Firoth," he said after a moment. "Is this is the only incident involving its use?"
"Yes, Professor Syndil, I've tried to use it again, but whatever happened that day hasn't happened since."
"Have you told anyone else about this?"
"No, you're the first person."
"I suggest that, until it happens again, you keep it that way."
"Why?"
"Other knights might become weary of such strange powers, Danny," explained Syndil, leaning closer, smiling. "Should you be accepted into the Light, I would consider it an honor to help you hone your ability, if you wish."
"Really," asked Danny with raised eyebrows.
"But of course," said Syndil with a sweeping smile. "However, before any such promises can be made, you must pass two tests."
"What kind of tests?"
"I am afraid I cannot disclose the details," said Syndil, reaching into the black briefcase. "The only thing I can tell you is the rules of the test, I suggest you listen to very carefully." He pulled out an obsidian hilt, minus the blade.
"What's that?"
"Your first test, Mr. Firoth," Syndil commented seriously, his smile gone.
Danny's heart pounded in his chest; Professor Syndil’s stern look sent goose bumps across Danny's skin.
"What do I have to do?" Danny asked, gulping down more courage.
"You must hold it, Danny, but you cannot let go until I tell you. No matter what happens, you must hold it until I instruct you otherwise. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Good," presenting the blade-less black pommel. "Now, grasp it with your dominant hand first."
Reaching out with his right hand, Danny gripped the rough hilt at the top.
"Good, now with your left hand."
The instant his left hand touched the cool surface of the pommel, the room turned to utter darkness. "I can't see!" Danny said, panic evident in his voice.
"Do not let go of it," instructed Syndil.
Frightened, holding strong, Danny did as instructed. At first, he felt nothing but the weight of the hilt in his hand, warming to his touch. However, as the seconds ticked by, the surface of the handle began to burn, beyond the normal transfer of body heat. Within moments, the pommel grew hotter and hotter, scorching the palms of Danny's hands; his hair standing on end as the pain passed beyond his tolerance.
"It burns," said Danny, through clenched teeth.
"You must not let go, Danny," instructed Syndil.
Syndil's voice seemed distant as Danny fought through the sting of the searing heat. He could feel the flesh of his hands begin to blister and pop; he could smell the aroma of sizzling skin. Seconds turned into separate eternities until he could tolerate it no more. With a heavy grunt, he dropped the wicked hilt to the floor, it clanged as it collided. Taking a deep breath, his vision returned, Danny regarded his hands, expecting to see them burnt to the bone. Holding his palms before him, he noticed his skin was pink and unblemished. "What happened?"
"You have passed the first test, Danny Firoth," said Syndil with a gentle reassuring smile. Leaning down, he retrieved the jagged hilt and placed it back in his briefcase.
"But I let go before you told me," said Danny. "Shouldn't I have failed; I disobeyed?"
Syndil let out a light chuckle. "I have already said that you have passed, yet you argue for your own failure. You are an interesting young man, Mr. Firoth."
Danny's expression turned to that of confusion.
"Allow me to explain the test," said Syndil, noticing Danny's bewilderment. "The purpose of this test was not entirely about simply following directions. Of course, a Knight of the Light must be able to take orders and fulfill them. However, one must also know when such a demand is beyond one's ability. You did well following my commands, not letting go—you held onto it longer than most, I might add. That shows me that you are loyal to those you trust. You pushed yourself far beyond the boundaries of your pain threshold for my sake alone. Additionally, you have only known me for a little less than an hour, you might be too trusting.
"When you made up your mind to let go, you proved to me that you can think for yourself and, on some level, you realized that I was simply asking too much of you. You showed courage in the face of your fear, perseverance when you believed that your hands were burning intensely and you still held on, and intelligence by realizing your limits and letting go. All of these attributes are vital to becoming a Knight of the Light."
Danny slumped back into his chair in relief. His hands began to tingle, an after-effect. He'd never thought about having any of the attributes Syndil had just described.
"You doubt yourself?" Syndil asked, as if reading Danny's thoughts. "Do not for a moment, for what I have said is true. I would not have said so if I did not believe it myself. The test does not lie, Danny."
"So, are you ready for the last one?" Syndil asked, returning the smile.
Danny gulped and said, "Yes."
"You see, my boy, you are brave." He reached into the briefcase as his smile widened. This time, he pulled out an alabaster hilt similar to that of the first.
Danny's heart stopped dead in his chest, his stomach became like a bottomless pit. His thoughts turned to dread as he looked on at the blade-less white handle.
"Are you ready?"
Danny took a deep breath and nodded. It was a lie.
"Alright, Danny, right hand first, just like before."
Hesitating nervously, Danny wrapped his right hand around the top of the hilt.
"Good," instructed Syndil in a soothing tone, "now hold it with your left hand."
Taking another deep breath, Danny placed his left hand around the pommel. Expecting his sight to go dim, he cringed. However, his vision never wavered. He felt a slight tingling sensation in the center of his chest. The feeling trickled up into his shoulders, down through his arms, and into his hands, causing the hilt to glow with a soft illumination. The light transferred to the top where the blade should have been. Gathering its force, the light formed into a slender beam of radiance that extended into the air and melded into the solid shape of a glowing sword edge.
"Congratulations, Danny, you have passed the last and final test."
Danny felt light as a feather as he admired the ghostly edge of the sword. "What was this test about?"
"Having the gift of sight is one thing, Danny, but not all of those who possess it are able to wield a Bonded. By passing this test, you have proven that, once you qualify to receive such a gift, you will be compatible to possess a Bonded."
"…Really?"
"Really," said Syndil, extending his right hand. "…If I may?"
Nodding, Danny removed his left hand from the base of the hilt, causing the glowing brand to dwindle and disappear completely.
Syndil retrieved the handle and placed it back in his briefcase. Lingering for a moment, he produced a pamphlet, folded into three sections. Presenting it, he said, "Give this to your mother."
"What is it?"
"It is a brochure briefly describing the White Rock Academy of Illumination. Your mother will no doubt have questions. This leaflet will ease the suspicion of its true training purposes."
"Can't I just tell her the truth?"
"Of course you can, but that decision is ultimately up to you."
Lost in thought, Danny skimmed over the pamphlet, wondering whether to tell his mother the truth or to lie. He wondered if she would believe him if he told her the truth. After a moment of musing, he concluded that she wouldn't; he could hardly believe it was happening himself.
"Do you have any other questions before I depart, Mr. Firoth?" closing his briefcase and locking it.
"How will I get there?"
"Transportation to the school has always been arranged from Dodge Island in Miami, Florida. From there, you will travel by boat to White Rock Island. Sir Tyramear has already offered to ferry you to the Port of Miami, where you will board the Radiance, our most prized vessel." Syndil held up his right hand and pulled the cuff of his sleeve up his arm, revealing a golden wristwatch. "I am sorry, Danny, but I have a few other appointments I must attend to this day. I am afraid I must take my leave now."
Standing, Syndil hefted the black case as well as his Bonded in his left hand. Extending his right hand, he said, "It has been a pleasure, young Firoth. I look forward to instructing you at the Academy."
Feeling the need to stand, Danny took the Professor's arm at the wrist, just as Sabrina's father had done when they first met. Shaking once, he noted the feel of the Elf's frail fingers; he also acknowledged the tremendous strength of his grip.
Syndil smiled widely at the contact, the expression was warm and welcoming—yet something about it put Danny on edge. Ignoring the feeling, he released his grasp and showed Syndil to the door.
"Good day, Danny Firoth," said Syndil, stepping beyond the threshold.
"Good day," Danny repeated, watching as Professor Syndil Sartak Tribolari turned and walked gracefully toward a sporty silver car.
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Chapter 8 - Departing on the Wings of a Dragon
oon after taking the test, Danny learned that Chris, Doug, Matt and Alonso had also passed it. However, due to his overwhelming excitement, the rest of the school year passed slower than Danny would have thought possible.
But the school year did end. Spring thaw transitioned into summer’s sunny days, marking the last day of school.
Jumping off the bus, Danny sprinted across the road, crossed his yard and entered his house. He'd finished packing a week ago. The pamphlet had advised prospective students to pack only the essentials, suggesting that everything else would be provided once they arrived at the Academy of Light. Danny also packed a change of warm clothing at the suggestion of Sabrina's father. Apparently, the journey would be a cold one.
Grabbing his loaded backpack, Danny slipped the dagger he'd received as a gift from Tyramear into a side pocket, and sat near the door, rhythmically tapping his foot, waiting for his mother to return from work so that his adventure could begin.
Thirty-one minutes later, the familiar jingle of keys announced her arrival.
Danny ran to the door and yanked it open before his mother could even put the key in the lock.
Startled, Patricia Firoth placed her hand on her chest, "Danny, you almost scared me to death."
"Sorry," said Danny, he added, "Can we go now?" even before the sincerity of his apology could register.
"Can I at least come in and put my things in the house first?"
It was then that Danny noticed his mother had a handful, a brightly-colored red bag, an orange lunch box and a large sack of groceries. "Here, let me get the groceries," reaching for the sack, which his mother allowed him to take. After taking the hefty assortment of foodstuff, Danny stepped back, giving his mother ample room to enter the house.
She placed her red bag on the floor and walked into the kitchen, with Danny following closely behind. She placed her lunch box on the counter while Danny placed the bag of groceries next to it.
"Okay, can we go now?"
"My, you are in a hurry, aren't you?"
"Yes," he nodded dramatically for effect.
"Well, do you have everything packed?"
Danny held up his bag.
"Is that all you're taking?"
"You read the pamphlet, Mom. Everything we need will be provided for us once we get there, including clothes."
"Okay, okay… you're growing up so fast but I still see you as my little baby," rubbing the top of his head affectionately.
"Mom," Danny said, embarrassed by her loving gesture.
"Before we leave, I have something for you," returning to the hall and reaching into the bag she had brought home from work.
Danny followed her every movement with his eyes; he watched her as she rummaged through the bag and pulled out a present wrapped in glittering blue paper.
"Here, open it."
Danny took the package and began stripping the paper away, revealing a yellow-colored box with a phone pictured on it.
"You got me a phone?" his eyes widening in surprise.
"So you can call me while you're gone."
Danny's excitement faded as he eyed his mother, "Mom, the pamphlet said no phones allowed."
"I know," admitted his mother with a smile. "But you can at least call me when you get there."
Danny shrugged away her reasoning, "Okay, but can we go now?"
"Yes," she said with a laugh.
The ride to Sabrina's house was brief, Danny was sure that he would be the last one to arrive. He had only been to her house once, but with directions from Sabrina, they found it without too much trouble. Pulling into the gravel drive, Danny looked out in awe at the amount of la
nd the two-story house was on, something he never noticed during his previous visit, it had been too dark. Sweeping cornfields stretched out on both sides of the driveway, towering pine trees created a corridor all the way to the house.
"Wow," said Danny's mother, also taken aback by the beauty.
After driving on the winding road for less than a minute, they pulled up to the house. The gravel driveway transitioned to cement, allowing for a smoother ride.
Tyramear stood on the porch, he walked toward the moving car in even steps as Danny's mother rolled the vehicle to a stop.
Getting out of the car, Danny got his first look at the backyard, more like a field than a yard. Like the driveway, the grounds rested between two vast cornfields. However, unlike the entrance, the backyard was devoid of trees, rocks or anything else, for that matter. It was simply a long strip of unkempt land.
"My goodness," said Danny's mother, getting out of the car, seeing the same scene as her son.
"Good evening," said Tyramear, stopping in front of the car.
Closing the car door, Danny's mother said, "Hello, I am Danny's mother, Patricia."
"I am Sabrina's father, Tyramear Drake. A pleasure to finally meet you," said Tyramear, extending his hand in greeting.
"You have a lovely home," said Patricia, shaking Tyramear's hand gently.
"Why, thank you." Then, turning toward Danny, "And, it is, of course, nice to see you again, Danny."
"Yes, sir, I mean, Mr. Drake. Is anyone else here yet?"
"I am afraid you are the second-to-last to show up, Danny. Mr. Mickler, Mr. Martinez and Mr. Garrett are waiting inside. Sabrina is in her room, packing. Once Mr. Greene arrives, we can begin preparing for the journey ahead."
Putting his bag on his shoulder, Danny turned toward his mother. "Well, Mom, I guess I'll see you in a few months."
"Not so fast, mister," bypassing her son. Digging through her pockets, she pulled out a square piece of paper and handed it to Tyramear.
Tyramear took it without question.
"At the top is my home address, our home phone number is next, then my cell phone number and my email address is at the bottom. I know the school already has this information, but I thought you should have it if you needed to get in touch with me in an emergency," instructed Patricia, as Tyramear looked it over.