Birth of a Wizard

by MJ Schutte

  With a flurry of hand signals he said, ‘What?’

  Before they could answer, the beggar dropped from the roof of a house and landed behind the elf. The elf spun around but he was not fast enough.

  A knife flashed and the elf sank to his knees, holding his throat. Soft gurgling noises came from him as he slumped face first into the dirt.

  The beggar held up two fingers, pointed left, and said, ‘House.’

  He turned and ran down the path. Adri looked at Lilian, shock showing all over her face.

  ‘I think he meant “second house on the left”,’ Lilian said.

  Adri just nodded. The two women walked to the second house on the left. Before they could knock, the door swung open. A tall, attractive elf female gestured for them to come inside. Lilian looked at Adri who nodded. Slowly they entered the house.

  ‘Welcome,’ she said as she held up her left palm and put her right hand over her heart.

  ‘Thank you,’ Lilian replied.

  They were standing inside a simple looking kitchen. There was a table in the middle and four chairs around it. A single candle stood on the table, providing very little light. Lilian and Adri, having just been in the bright sunlight, blinked to get used to the dim light.

  The elf smiled, touched her own cheek, and said, ‘Eleda.’

  Neither Adri nor Lilian responded.

  The elf touched her own cheek again and repeated, ‘Eleda.’

  She reached out and softly touched Lilian cheek. A soft voice came from a dark corner of the kitchen.

  ‘She is introducing herself and asking what your name is.’

  The two women looked around but still could not see much in the dark kitchen. The elf touched her own cheek again, said, ‘Eleda,’ and then touched Lilian’s cheek.

  Lilian touched her own cheek and said, ‘Lilian.’

  Adri mimicked Lilian and said, ‘Adri.’

  ‘Sit,’ Eleda said as she pointed to the chairs.

  ‘Thank you, but I prefer to stand,’ Lilian said.

  She wanted to be ready to fight or run if need be. Robyn stepped out of the dark corner.

  ‘We won’t harm you,’ she assured the two younger women as she sat down.

  Eleda touched her lips and said, ‘Water?’

  ‘Yes, thank you,’ Lilian accepted the offer.

  Adri also accepted and Eleda poured some water into two mugs that were standing on the table.

  ‘Sit,’ Eleda said again as she pointed to the chairs.

  ‘It is an insult to remain standing after refreshments have been served. Elves believe it means their offering to you is not acceptable and you are in a hurry to leave,’ Robyn said.

  Both Lilian and Adri quickly sat down. Lilian looked at Adri who gave her a slight nod and a smile. The door swung open and the beggar entered. He greeted everybody, then touched his cheek and said, ‘Theodor.’

  Lilian and Adri introduced themselves.

  Theodor made a sweeping motion over their heads with his arm and said, ‘Safe.’

  Next, he pointed to Lilian and Adri, mimicked their little act of throwing up, and said, ‘Clever.’

  Robyn smiled as she said, ‘Coming from an elf, that’s quite a compliment.’

  Lilian turned to the old woman.

  ‘I don’t think we have a lot of time. Why did you ask me here?’ she said.

  ‘Lilian, I believe you are Seth’s daughter. That makes you my niece. I have been back to the Dark Land a few times in the last three thousand years and have seen what my siblings have done. Until I met you, I thought that my entire family had turned evil. It seems to me that you and your companions are good people. I requested your presence here so that I can establish whether this is the truth,’ Robyn replied.

  Lilian looked at Adri sideways and got a small nod from her.

  ‘Brighton did the same at dinner last night,’ Robyn observed.

  ‘Why is that? Are you a princess or queen? Does everybody in the group need to get your permission to speak?’ she asked.

  The question was not asked in a negative or insulting way. It was simple speculation on Robyn’s part.

  ‘No, I’m not a princess or queen,’ Adri smiled at the old woman.

  ‘Let’s talk a little first and then I might tell you why we do that,’ Lilian suggested.

  ‘That’s fair,’ Robyn agreed.

  ‘I have a lot of questions but as you said, we have little time. Would you mind if I start asking?’ she asked Lilian.

  ‘Go ahead,’ Lilian agreed.

  ‘Tell me, do you know what happened to my parents?’

  ‘Perhaps I should tell you what happened to Brighton, me, Adri and Brac, then you will understand what happened to your parents and maybe get answers for some of your other questions,’ Lilian suggested.

  Robyn nodded her agreement. Lilian told Robyn about the time when Seth kidnapped her, how she and Brighton found each other again after six years. She explained how Seth tricked her into putting Evangeline’s bracelet on Brighton’s arm, how Brighton defeated all the Supremes with Mischief’s help, the creation of the people’s council and how Graham used it for his own personal gain. Lilian left nothing out, even telling Robyn about Brighton’s own struggle with the allure of ultimate power and how that ended. Robyn was sad to learn what had been done to her parents but thankful that they were together again in the spirit world.

  ‘I will have to thank Brighton one day for what he did for father,’ she commented softly.

  ‘May I ask you some questions now?’ Lilian asked.

  Robyn smiled and said, ‘I am still curious about young Adri, but that can wait. Ask your questions and I will answer as best I can.’

  ‘Why did you come across the boundary?’ Lilian asked.

  ‘When I saw how evil Seth and the others were turning, I begged my parents to run away with me. They refused, saying that it was their duty to stay and try to bring their other children back on the right path. I came here against their will. I was hoping to find civilisation on this side of the mountain, go back, and convince my parents to join me here,’ Robyn answered.

  ‘So, the “prophecy” you made of an almighty mother and father was not their idea?’ Lilian frowned.

  ‘No, it was my idea. The first people I met on this side of the mountain were three priests. The idea of a prophecy just popped into my head. I never thought that I would be seen as a witch but once it happened, I did not deny it. I thought it might help gain some believers in the “prophecy” I made. It seems that my little game has now created a few problems for Brighton.’

  ‘Why?’ Lilian frowned.

  ‘Jaclyn still believes that I foresaw the future and that this almighty mother is her. She had been searching for the almighty father and now thinks that she has found him. She believes that it is his destiny to be by her side,’ Robyn answered softly.

  ‘Brighton loves me,’ Lilian said confidently.

  ‘I do not doubt that, but Jaclyn is used to getting what she wants. She will try anything to steal him away from you. Please understand that she is not evil. She is a very good person who has helped countless people with her gift. The problem is that when she wants something, she normally gets it. She has decided she wants Brighton and will stop at nothing to get him,’ Robyn continued.

  ‘Am I in danger?’ Lilian whispered.

  Robyn made some hand gestures to Theodor. He held up four fingers and nodded. Robyn made some more gestures and Theodor quickly left the house.

  ‘Yes, it seems you are in danger. Jaclyn sent four elves to follow you today. She is planning something, I just don’t know what,’ Robyn sighed.

  Lilian got a nod from Adri, confirming that Robyn was being truthful.

  ‘I will try to find out and warn you, if I can,’ Robyn promised.

  ‘Why would you risk yourself for me?’ Lilian asked.

  ‘You are the last of my family and probably the only other person with the same talent as me. I made a mistake three thousand
years ago with this prophecy nonsense and would like to rectify that,’ Robyn answered.

  ‘What about your second prophecy?’ Lilian asked next.

  ‘As I said, I went back to the Dark Land from time to time. I became scared that Seth might want to expand his empire and when Jaclyn was born, I believed that she would be able to stand up against him and the others. From what you told me about Brighton, it seems my guess was correct,’ Robyn explained.

  ‘Who do you think is more powerful, Brighton or Jaclyn?’ Lilian asked carefully.

  ‘What do you mean?’ Robyn frowned.

  ‘If it came down to a one-on-one battle between them, who would win?’ Lilian replied.

  ‘Honestly, I don’t know. Jaclyn has a desire in her heart that burns as hot as the sun. Never underestimate that. Brighton, on the other hand, will be motivated by his love for you. I don’t think it will ever come to that though. Firstly, Jaclyn does not want to kill Brighton, she wants him to share her bed. Secondly, almost all the elves follow Jaclyn’s orders without question. She has no need to get involved in fights when she has an army that can do that for her,’ Robyn answered.

  Eleda shook her head vigorously, saying, ‘No,’ repeatedly.

  ‘I said almost all the elves, Eleda. I know how you and Theodor feel,’ Robyn smiled at her.

  ‘I understand that Jaclyn does not want to kill Brighton, but I get the feeling she would not hesitate to kill me if she had an opportunity,’ Lilian argued.

  ‘No, I don’t believe that she will kill you,’ Robyn answered quickly.

  Adri bumped Lilian and shook her head.

  Robyn smiled and said to Adri, ‘You can see when a person lies, can’t you?’

  ‘Yes, I can. Up to now you have been truthful in everything, but your last statement was a blatant lie,’ Adri responded.

  ‘Yes, it was. I’m sorry for the deception, but I was curious to know why Lilian keeps looking at you. It seemed to me that you were confirming my truthfulness every time and I decided to test my theory,’ Robyn answered.

  ‘You’re quite clever and a little sneaky,’ Adri commented.

  ‘You don’t live for three thousand years without learning a trick or two,’ Robyn laughed.

  ‘Getting back to the point, I don’t know if Jaclyn plans on killing you. A few days ago, she did say that she would but it was spoken in a fit of anger. I tried to talk her out of it but I’m not sure whether it worked.’

  Theodor entered the room again. He mimicked an archer, held up a fist and said, ‘Almost.’

  ‘It seems our time is up. It would be best if you and Adri return to watch Brighton’s match otherwise Jaclyn might get very suspicious,’ Robyn sighed.

  Lilian nodded and said, ‘Thank you. I hope we can get together again.’

  ‘Me too. Please be careful,’ Robyn responded as she came around the table and gave Lilian a hug.

  Adri and Lilian followed Theodor out. He led them back to the town hall and then quickly ran off.

  Brighton took aim at the target. He let the arrow fly. It hit the target right in the centre on the purple circle.

  ‘Ten points,’ a referee called out.

  Another man took aim and let his arrow fly.

  ‘Four points,’ the referee shouted.

  Two more archers took their shots, scoring ten and five points respectively. When it was Brighton’s turn again, he aimed for the outside of the target.

  ‘Two points,’ the referee called out after the arrow struck the target.

  This continued until all four archers had shot five times. The next four archers entered the ring and the process started over. Lady Jaclyn was very interested in the competition, applauding every shot. When all the archers had had their turn, the scores were tallied. A referee walked to the centre of the ring.

  ‘The following four archers have scored the highest and will compete in the final round. Asdargh, Hemi, Paul and Brighton,’ he announced.

  ‘Two humans and two elves. This will be interesting,’ Lady Jaclyn said excitedly.

  Brighton picked up his bow and made his way to the centre of the ring. As he picked up an arrow for his first shot, he saw Lilian and Adri making their way through the crowd. Silently, he breathed a sigh of relief. The two women joined the others on the platform.

  ‘Are you feeling better?’ Jaclyn asked.

  ‘Yes, thank you,’ Lilian smiled.

  ‘How is Brighton doing? I’m glad we’re getting to see a little bit of the competition,’ Adri commented, hoping to steer the conversation away from Lilian.

  ‘He is in the final four. You came back just in time,’ Jaclyn said.

  Brighton’s first shot scored four points. Asdargh and Hemi both scored ten and Paul scored five each with their first shot. After each archer had taken four shots, it was clear that Paul did not have a chance of winning the competition. Asdargh was in the lead with thirty-five points, Hemi was second with thirty and Brighton third with twenty nine points. Paul’s last shot scored three points, bringing his final score to twenty-two.

  Hemi took aim and let his last arrow fly.

  ‘Five points. Hemi’s total is thirty-five.’ the referee shouted.

  Brighton waited for Asdargh to take his shot but the elf gestured for him to go first. Brighton took aim for a moment and let the arrow fly.

  ‘Ten points. Brighton has a total of thirty nine points!’ the referee announced.

  Asdargh stepped up to the table. He nocked the arrow and took aim. As he let the arrow fly, Brighton immediately knew it was not a good shot. It looked like the arrow would score two or three points at best. He connected to the temporary energy of the flying arrow and nudged it a little.It slammed into the target.

  ‘Five points. Asdargh has thirty nine points in total,’ the referee shouted.

  He looked at Jaclyn with confusion on his face. The crowd held their collective breath as she slowly rose.

  ‘It’s a tie. Brighton and Asdargh are both winners and will share the prize money,’ she declared.

  A deafening cheer rose from the crowd. Asdargh stormed forward, stopping just in front of the platform.

  Pointing at Brighton, he screamed, ‘Cheat. Magic!’

  ‘I have made my ruling,’ Jaclyn growled at him.

  He glared at her for a moment before bowing his head in respect. Brighton walked toward the platform amidst cheers, handshakes and backslaps. Nobody congratulated Asdargh. The elf stormed off, roughly pushing people out of his way. As Brighton stepped onto the platform, Brac stepped closer to congratulate him. Pumping Brighton’s hand, he said, ‘You certainly know how to make that elf angry!’

  ‘I was hoping he would lose his temper. Angry men make mistakes,’ Brighton replied, referring to the upcoming final of the Warrior Trials.

  Silence fell as the referee stepped into the fighting ring.

  He stood in the middle and, in a loud voice said, ‘Asdargh.’

  The elf stepped into the ring. A few cheers went up from the crowd.

  ‘Brighton,’ the referee called.

  A deafening roar erupted. The two fighters met in the middle of the ring. As the referee explained the rules once more, Brighton weaved a protective barrier around the oak walking stick and then summoned his sense. He struggled to hide his surprise as he felt Asdargh’s energy. The elf had almost four times the normal amount of energy in his body.

  Jaclyn did this, flashed through Brighton’s mind.

  The elf would be very fast and strong with that amount of energy in him. He was still wondering about it when the referee shouted, ‘Fight.’

  Asdargh attacked immediately, catching Brighton off-guard. Two quick slashes from the elf’s sword and Brighton’s arm started bleeding. Another quick attack followed but this time Brighton was ready. He deflected the heavy blows and danced around Asdargh. The elf turned and, with incredible speed, launched another attack. Simply staying clear of the sword took all Brighton’s concentration and skill.

  Suddenly Bri
ghton’s world started spinning a little. He realised immediately what was going on. Asdargh’s sword was coated with yellow berry juice. Brighton knew he was in deep trouble. If he became any more dizzy, he would not be able to fend off the elf’s attacks.

  For a moment, he thought about yielding, but then changed his mind and launched a vicious attack on the elf. Using his superior weight, he drove the elf almost to the edge of the ring. Asdargh was not pleased about being driven back, so he tried a counter attack. This gave Brighton the opportunity to land a crushing blow on the elf’s right knee.

  Pain and shock registered on the elf’s face as he stumbled backwards. Brighton did not swing the cane again, instead he stepped closer and grabbed Asdargh by the throat. Using his talent, he stole some the elf’s energy. For a moment, he wondered why the biggest part of the elf’s energy seemed inaccessible to him, but quickly put the thought out of his mind.

  ‘Now it’s fair,’ he spat at the elf as he shoved him backwards.

  The burst of energy cleared Brighton’s mind instantly. Slowly Brighton retreated to the centre of the ring, a limping Asdargh following him carefully. A little bit of fear showed in the elf’s eyes. He tried to attack, but not being able to put his full weight on his right leg hampered him.

  Brighton sidestepped and swung the oak. Asdargh went down, howling in pain. The first blow to his knee was painful; the second was almost unbearable.

  Asdargh struggled to his feet.

  ‘I’m going to keep hitting that knee,’ Brighton sneered at the elf.

  He stepped closer for another attack, aiming for the right knee with the cane. Asdargh brought his sword down to protect his injured leg. He only realised his mistake as Brighton’s foot connected with his left knee.

  The elf crashed to the ground, dropping his sword. He held his hands up in a defensive gesture.

  ‘Yield,’ Brighton commanded.

  Brighton felt an energy link racing across the fighting ring. It connected to Asdargh.

  Brighton turned to Jaclyn and wagged his finger at her.

  Asdargh touched his knees. There was no more pain. He grabbed his sword and jumped to his feet, immediately launching an attack on Brighton. Brighton barely managed to stay clear of the sharp sword. The energy link between Jaclyn and Asdargh remained. She was feeding him as much energy as his body could handle.