by P. Tempest
“Sir, if you would sit, I can set up a scan,” Niven seemed surprisingly nervous talking to me.
I sent a thread of magic into the ground, forming a small mound of earth as a seat. Niven looked so shocked, that I had to ask
“Niven, you have seen mages before, haven't you?” Niven nodded
“Yes Sir, but not ones that use magic so easily or that I could sense from down the road.”
I was confused by this, I didn't think I was anything special, to cover my confusion I pressed forwards.
“What's involved with this scan? It doesn't hurt does it?” I queried. I’d had bad experiences with medicals in the past. Niven reached into his satchel, pulling out a blue crystal. The routine seeming to calm him.
“This is the scan device, it uses water concept architecture to detect abnormalities within your body. It can also sense the flow of magic through you, so if you could cancel any enhancement you have active Sir, that would help,” He responded professionally.
That made me think, I didn't know how to craft enhancements yet, but the stone-skin thing had to be one. With that my skin reverted to normal. Realising I was doing it had disrupted it, the bite in my leg throbbed and started bleeding again.
“Thank you Sir, just a moment.”
Holding the Blue crystal towards me then moving it down my body, flickers of light rapidly shifted within the device giving him the information, I guessed. I was over and done within a minute, a look crossed his face too quickly for me to catch before turning into a smile.
“Let’s patch up that leg Sir, this is a mend charm. Wounds only,” he said as he pulled out a small metal disc with a white quartz chip in the centre. He held it above my wound.
The pain just vanished as a humming vibration pervaded my leg. Followed by intense itching.
“Sit still please Sir, the itch will pass shortly,” Niven reminded me
“All done Sir, the wound is sealed. Take it easy for a day or so as the charm has a short after effect. Now, I saw something odd in your scan, that I am obligated to reveal to you. Your magic levels are extremely high, there are no blockages in your flow at all. Which is unusual to say the least. My medical opinion is, that it’s not a problem, but it’s worth being aware,” Niven related the information to me.
Niven seem relieved that his dealings with me were over. He left me mulling that over. No one has ever mentioned to me high magic levels, or blockages, what does it mean?
“Junior Mage Tristan, well done, your pendant has forwarded all relevant information to me.”
I’m pleased with your performance, despite your shortcomings you show potential, you are to report to the mage academy in the morning for assistance in choosing and designing your first mage item, please pick carefully this is the only time I can do this right now. “You know the protocols on mages and equipment?” my boss was in a good mood, it appeared, I wouldn't question it.
“Yes sir, all enchantments a Mage carries on his person must be crafted by him.” I recited. I hated that rule, a simple heal charm could have saved me waiting on medical assistance.
“Good to see that you remembered that, the penalty for breaking it without proper authorisation is suspension at the least,” Rysan’s voice held a note of annoyance, maybe he wasn't as impressed with my performance as he was letting on. I was ordered not to engage.
“Dismissed, rest up, you will have a long day ahead of you.”
Chapter 4
Waking up, no Orb, my leg itched. It was still dark, but the window display told me it was nearly dawn. My leg had healed with almost no scarring. If you didn't count the colour. Which was slightly blue when the bite had been. Getting up, didn't hurt which I was thankful for. The West-haven Mage Academy was close to my apartment, but it was huge. I had no idea how much walking I would do. I guess an early start was in order.
Just off the main fountain, was the Mage Academy, a tall imposing building. It was a far darker stone than most of the town. Nearly black. Just looking up at it caused me to think about my education here. My time here had been awful, stuck in my tiny student cell, only allowed out for lessons, I had spent almost five years here, for most it was double that. Never seeing the sun or walking freely around town, allowed to mirror my family twice a month. Feelings of frustration and isolation supposedly provoke greater insight into our magic, is what we were told, frankly I had never felt that insightful, just pissed off.
While I was lost in thought the sun crested the horizon, the light helping manage some of my darker thoughts. Bracing myself I accessed the doors, they authorised me, granting me access. Into the warren I went.
The reception was dim, faint glow globes embedded into the walls, I guessed it was to discourage visitors, it worked. No one who didn't have to be here, came. Unless they wanted to be mages. Walking to the reception desk, there was no one there. Although on the desk was a glyph-screen, which was signalling me. A touch of magic, the reason became clear.
“Junior Mage Sodden, Attend me in research lab seven, this screen will guide you,” A voice I knew very well told me. It was my old mentor Elder Mage Jase.
Following the map on the screen led me right past my old student cell, checking the info shard mounted in the door, I found that this cell was off limits. That’s all I was cleared to access. No info on me, or any other occupant past or present. I hated this place.
Shortly I reached the research area. It was well lit, a stark contrast to the places for students or visitors. Here was where new magic, was discovered and developed. Each door was clearly marked with angular glyphs. Seven was just on my left. Sending forward my magic to activate the identification charm, the door gave me access. A deep breath before meeting my tormentor.
Elder Mage Jase looked exactly as I remembered. Taller than me, slim almost ill looking, ghostly skin that emphasises his bright blue glowing eyes and his straight black, shoulder length hair. He was standing, there smiling at me.
“Come in my boy, come in,” gesturing with a gloved hand. I came closer, I wasn't very comfortable. Standing near the man that would beat or starve me if he felt I wasn't trying hard enough does that too me. As if he sensed my discomfort he said.
“I hope you don't bare me any ill will Tristan, it’s how we are all trained, you know so many don't make any effort to develop their magic, we have to be sure the ones who do are the right sort. Yes it’s harsh and grossly unfair but if it was easy, undesirables would gain our power.”
“Yes Sir I do understand, but I don't have to like it,” I retorted, barely keeping respectful.
“You were a special case, we had to be harder on you, because you were so much quicker than the others, we had to be sure! Let's drop the subject, on to business.” I gritted my teeth through his little speech.
“Your first custom enchantment is unique, all the others are standard, this one is personal. What do you would serve you well? A weapon? Defence maybe?”
I had been thinking about it, while healing would be useful, not getting hurt in the first place would suit me better. Pain is not my friend.
“A defence would be best for my abilities, I think Sir.”
“Right. Let’s do that, as a Mage, you are not limited to the base elements.” Jase did air quotes around elements, to complement his sarcastic tone.
“You should understand, by now that, they are not elements. They are associated concepts that allow you to relate to your magic,” I nodded, of course I knew, he had been the one to beat it into me.
“We need to build the architecture, you have never done this. All the enchantment you have dealt with are either infusing a prepared device or voiding a faulty one.” Jase paused for a moment, looking around his workroom.
“This can be done in one of two ways. Wild or controlled, both have advantages and drawbacks. Controlled is a studied effect carefully built as most of the recent developments have been. Wild is considerably more powerful though, but less nuanced. First enchantment is always wild, so wild is the way we s
tart.” as he was telling me this, he was looking through a pile of crystal discs. Seeming to decide on one. He passed it over.
“As this is your first, you get a pure disc. All you need to do is summon your power and think of what you want, push it into the disc.”
I looked at this black disc, Defence is an easy concept everyone understands it. Reaching with my power into the disc, I tried to impress defence into it. Oddly the disc resisted I ramped up the force. Something stuck, an architecture form I had never seen before. Fluidic and sharp, it shifted under my sight, never settling. Slipping out of viewing, I found the disc had warped from a flat round shape to a curved oval.
Jase clapped, his earlier smile returning full force.
“Well done, my boy. I was worried you wouldn't manage it for a moment there. Pass it over, let me have a look,"
I held it out to him, but as he tried to grasp it, it warped again, turning liquid and retreating up my hand to my wrist, I was shocked. I had never heard of enchantments having a mind of their own. All I could do was look at it.
“Sir, what’s going on?” Startlement, almost fear colouring my voice.
“Tristan, calm down. It’s perfectly normal, wild enchantments can only be held by their creator. All the devices you use every day are based on wild ones, eventually the form you used will settle down and you will be able to understand it, then you can teach it to others. I only asked to test that it was well done.” Jase’s tone was the same as when I graduated calm but proud. That more than anything reassured me that he was telling the truth. A question occurred to me.
“Sir why are we not taught this in school, wouldn't more people want to become mages?”
“Tristan, you have to realise how dangerous this information is. The wizards don't want this known by the common people. It could mean the end of society, war, violence, widespread destruction, all would be possible if magic such as this fell into the wrong hands. The devices we provide are safe and reliable, wild magics are none of those things. Magic is complex, most just aren't suited to wield it at higher levels.” Jase answered passionately. “When you have seen more, you will understand. Now I have a busy day and you should go and test you new charm. I will log it as a success but unidentified, until you figure out what it does," he turned back to his worktable, clearly done with me. I headed for the door
“Oh! Tristan before I forget. Here is a shard on basic forms, you are authorised to enchant your equipment now you have a touch, of experience, but no more wild magic, practice your forms for a while yet.” He rushed over handing me a silver shard. No bigger than my pendant. Jase smiled and turned away again as if I no longer existed.
I went home. I had a lot to think about.
I sat in my chair in my apartment. It was late. Holding a mug of coffee, looking down at my right wrist. Contemplating my new adornment. It had wrapped itself around my wrist much like a bracer. It’s once black colour was gone now, replaced by a constantly shifting green to blue. Using my othersense to try to understand this thing, which I had made. Didn't help as much as had hoped. The form had calmed, but it was still too convoluted to grasp. Giving up for now. I finished my now cold coffee, grimacing at the taste. I stood, taking the mug to the basin to wash it. I decided to turn my mind to what Jase had said, about the wizard restricting information about magic.
If more people had known just what magic can do, more might have survived the waves, the dome would have been stronger, it wouldn't have shattered at the end. Maybe the waves could have been stopped instead of hiding. I thought before realising, If more knew then the waves might have been far worse, any other conflict escalated beyond all control. Weapons in the hands of children, fools and the bloodthirsty. The thought horrified me. Better a world confined than wild magic.
After a long night filled with nightmares of fire and death. With a start, I awoke. My senses were burning with the strength of the magic in the air. Something had happened.
As a mage it was my duty to protect. I rushed to get dressed. I ran out of the door into the street.
The sky was burning. A pillar of flame, hundreds of feet high was shooting into the sky from the east of town. Summoning my magic I pulled water from the fountain to under my feet. Guiding it towards the fire. I rode the small wave I had created. It was taking me far faster than I could run. Frantic to get there. I used my wave to push civilians, out of my way. As I approached the base of the pillar. I could see the shadow of a man in the core of the fire. He was screaming as the fire seemed to pour out of him. My senses could feel the magic flowing into him. His link was wider than any I had seen. My wave was evaporating as I got closer. The paved stone was cracked and scorched. The water hissing into steam on contact. The heat was immense. Like stepping into an oven.
My magic reacted before my conscious mind could understand that the heat was too much for my body, cooling relief washed over me. Water concepts coming to the front of my mind. Feeling better prepared I stepped toward. The man's screams piercing me, I reached out to touch the flames, the thought ran through me. This is raw wild magic. This is the horror of free magic.
Shaking my head to clear away the distractions. I released my magic, knowing this was the man's only hope I tried to smother his link with more magic, attempting to block his link. The flames dimmed slightly and then roared out as his link widened. Magic flowing so strongly through him. The man twisted as the magic burned all around him, consuming his flesh slowly.
My heart heavy as I realised that I couldn't help him. All I could do was end his pain. Using my earth abilities I commanded the pavement to flow around him. Cocooning him in liquid stone. I gagged as my senses told me, in exacting detail where the stone was. Flowing down his throat. Condensing in his lungs and stomach, with a final twist I solidified it. A moment later the pillar died with him. Flames dispersing. Tears in my eyes drying as the heat slowly dissipated around the stone coffin.
Chapter 5
I woke up dreading today. Not least because I had been up late dealing with the fire incident. I refused to think about it. It was assessment day, to determine if my current posting was permanent. It was also my first session with Sophia. Going over to my wardrobe I dressed.
As I dressed I cast around for ideas on how to teach control, to an eight year old. My own control issues were completely different. After Zelf died I had refused to use magic for years I buried it. My teachers had been unable to coax it out of me. It wasn't until I saw a healing charm. Fix my father’s arm that I had wanted anything to do with magic again.
Sophia was a totally different person. Her magic was helping her. Like most of ours did when it first developed, but hers was going to get her in trouble eventually. What if she was hurt, would heal her, or would it lash out at the cause of the injury. One was acceptable. The other wasn't. I can't say being eight is that much different, to being eighteen in terms of wants and desires but it changed how I would be able to teach her.
It came to me like a thunderbolt. I may not be the best to teach a little kid but I was all she had. I needed to relate to her in a way she would grasp. Magic isn’t just abstractions like I was taught. It was useful and possibly fun to a kid. It was skipping stones and repairing your toys. The idea settled into my mind, a smile creasing my lips at the thought.
I finished dressing, feeling much better about teaching but still uncomfortable about my assessment. Taking a final look around in case it was my last time here. I left.
At mage headquarters, I walked to the front desk. No sign of anyone but Orb was there, all bright and blue. Fully charged by the sense of it.
“Good Morning, Junior Mage Tristan. I have been ordered to inform you that Senior mage Rysan is unavailable for the next few days. You will be taking orders from Master Mage Jase today. Due to your assessment, I can't reveal any further information. Report to the mage academy immediately.”
“Yes Orb,” I replied unsure how to actually address Orb, now that it was my superior
“Tristan. Wa
s that okay?” Poor Orb left on its own to pass messages.
“Yeah Orb that was great, I have to go do what I was ordered.” I comforted it.
It must feel awful without Rysan around.
I departed. I had orders, I couldn't stay and comfort a summon. No matter how much I wanted to.
As I had only been at the mage academy a few days ago. The walk felt very quick. The route fresh in my mind. The reception hall was the same as before with two differences. The lights were bright, welcoming even and Master Mage Jase was sat at the desk. Tinkering with a glyph-screen. He didn't even raise his head as I approached.
“Morning Tristan. How are you today? Please dispense with the formalities with me. I have always despised titles,” he said without even looking at me.
And he wonders why I'm not comfortable around him. Keeping in mind that I had been ordered to do as he commanded, I responded.
“Morning Jase. I'm fine thank you for asking. If its okay could we move on to my assessment please? I have to teach my apprentice this afternoon.” I really didn't like calling him Jase. It felt too familiar, to a man that had terrorized me for years. He finally looked up from his screen, a frown appearing as he focused on my face.
“Apprentice?” He queried.
“Yes. I have an apprentice. She awakened early and needs to learn control. I have taken the oath,” was my firm answer. Not betraying my own doubts about my fitness as a master.
“It was witnessed, I take it?” Seeing the confusion on my face he added. “The oath”
I thought back. It was only a few days ago. The voice, witnessed and bound.
“Yes, it was. I never knew oaths had that power.” I said hoping he would explain.