by P. Tempest
“We can do that. I will be back in a moment with your drinks, your meals won't be long either” the server said, before diving back into the crowd.
“Thank you,” Sophia said. She turned to Airis and started animatedly telling of her war wound and her makeover in a hushed voice.
“You knew about the show?” I asked Lyphia.
“I did, I thought it would take everyone's mind off things,” she said.
“You are a genius.”
“I know,” she smiled broadly at that. Her hand came to rest on mine on the table. She looked me deeply in the eyes. “Stop shaking, I'm not going anywhere. We are going to have a nice night together. The four of us. Then just the two of us.” her gaze sparkled at that.
I found myself chuckling. Her hand tightened on mine. I hadn't even realized I’d been trembling.
I gripped it back.
Our drinks arrived.
The server said, “Your meal will come next. The show is just about to start so if you could keep the talking to a minimum please.” He passed our drinks to us, then hurried off as the lighting began to dim.
Sophia nearly jumped out of her seat in excitement, a small squeak escaped her.
“Shush,” I whispered.
“Sorry.”
Our table was right on the edge of the ‘stage’. It was the only part of the room lit. We could see the once empty chairs now had people in. Two men and two women all in their mid-twenties bar one an older man in his late forties, they sat perfectly still with their hands clasped in their laps around foci. Small wands, they looked specially made. Very complex glyphs engraved down the sides.
The older man spoke. His voice was deep and clear, not loud but I was certain everyone in the room could hear it.
“Tonight we will be telling the tale of the elemental child.”
I recalled bits of the story and that I’d wanted to get a copy for Sophia, she reminded me of the story. I leant forward in my chair and raised my glass to my lips. The wine was lightly chilled and tart, the alcohol sharp on my tongue.
Small glimmers of light danced around the foci as each player started channelling their magic through them. Ghostly images formed in the stage area, pictures of a forest. Trees grew up from the sanded floor, which had shifted to look like a deeply shadowed glade deep in the woods. A rounded pool took shape in the centre, the dappled light cast strange shadows on the depths. The air in the room stirred, and the audience grew quieter. The focus on the unfolding scene was almost palpable. Faint sounds reached my ears, the creak of branches, the lapping of the water against the stone edge of the poor. Snow started to fall from a cloud over the stage, fat flake drifted to coat the trees, the pool froze with a loud crackling. Waves of cold radiated so strongly I felt goose bumps ripple across my skin. The trees continued to grow as did the thickness of the snow. The scene before us now looked like a winter forest.
“Deep in the winter woods by a frozen pool, there was a child.” the older man's voice echoed through the faint sounds of the scene.
In the centre of the glade a tiny flame sprung into existence. It slowly grew into a small person. Shifting from flame to something else, almost solid. The girl because that’s what it clearly was. She had red hair and pale skin, like Sophia.
She started to dance
“Another child had gotten lost in the woods, the sudden snow had confused her, and she stumbled into the glade.”
From the tree line came a small dark figure wrapped in furs, the effort of moving through the snow filled woods evident in its every motion.
The flame girl danced around the pool, slow measured steps, in her wake the snow melted. Each step sending out tiny flares of heat. She didn't notice the shadow of a person on the edge of the glade.
The shadow child fell into the centre of the glade just as the fire child had completed the first circuit round the pool. Still the flame child didn't notice.
A loud crack sounded through the room. I jumped. From the titters of nervous laughter I wasn't the only one. Sophia and Airis were enchanted with the scene before them. Lyphia held on tightly to my hand, a faint smile on her face as she watched.
The ice in the pool shattered and still the fire child danced.
“The shadow child bathed in the warmth after so long lost in the cold it felt like coming home.”
The shadow child stripped off her heavy furs, a glove dropped onto the freshly revealed grass followed by another. Her thick coat fell to land with her gloves. Revealing the face of the shadow. Young and clear skinned, her pale blond hair a tangled mess. She was young girl, her lips were chapped, and she shivered.
I felt myself shiver in response.
The fire child leaped over the pool, flickers of flame swelled around her fast moving form, the rushed out in a bright wash of colours. Steam obscured the images in a billowing cloud that filled the room.
“The elemental child, saw the shadow girl and stopped her dance.”
When the steam cleared, the glade looked as if spring had returned. Buds of greenery had grown on the trees, small wild flowers dotted the grass.
The elemental child stood to the edge of the pool looking at the blond shadow child, a confused mix of curiosity and puzzlement on her tiny face.
The shadow child, had her mouth open in wonder, her large blue eye wide as she gazed upon the glade.
The red haired girl stepped lightly forwards like a cat investigating the new thing in her presence.
The shadow girl fell back, she landed on her back in the thick grass.
“The elemental child was curious, for she had never seen another before.”
The flame haired girl leant over the fallen girl. She peered intently at the girl’s hair before reaching out and touching it.
The shadow girl smiled and offered her hand.
The elemental child looked at it, tilting her head this way and that, then she took it.
The shadow girl pulled herself up from the ground. Her mouth moved but there was no sound.
The elemental child leapt back in surprise but didn't let go of the hand.
“She had never heard a voice, the sounds of nature were all she knew.”
The shadow girl was pulled along with her. A momentary tussle which had them both smiling.
The elemental child looked at the shadow girl, down at her thick boots. She lifted a foot and danced a step.
The shadow girl copied her.
They were soon dancing round the glade, spring flowing from their feet.
Birds sung, and the trees sighed, the sound of dripping water under that. The last of the snow was melting.
“From the day forward the shadow girl and the elemental child danced away the last day of winter together.”
The scene reset, winter snow and winds.
The elemental child and the shadow girl, this time the shadow was a bit older, her face stronger and her body taller.
They danced.
Spring came.
The snow melted slowly, and the sun shone down.
The scene reset. Winter again.
An elemental child and a shadow woman, her body certainly a woman this time. The first flush of youth was gone, replaced by a surer step and a more knowing gaze.
They danced, not like young children skipping but a more certain partnership.
Spring came in a rush, sharper. The scent of spring flowers drifted across me in the warm crisp air that flowed over me.
The scene reset.
The elemental child the same as always, the years left no mark on her. The trees grew taller and the moss around the pool spread into a verdant carpet. The shadow girl was a woman, heavy with child. Her steps were careful and solid.
They danced gently like a mothers love for her unborn child. Soft but with such feeling behind it I could feel tears tugging at my eyes.
I took a sip of my drink to cover drying my eyes and idly wondered where our food was.
The scene drew my attention again with such a prolonged sna
pping. It was like rain on hot cobbles.
Spring came.
Trees shook off their winter clothes. The branches pulsed with life. The birds swooped in the sky above the forest, a few flew over the tables, one landed on Sophia's hair, which made her laugh.
The scene reset.
The winter was harsh this time. Ice covered the trees, not just snow but solid ice thick and unmoving. The cold pervaded the room. Frost formed on our glasses. My hair crackled in the chill.
The elemental child stood on the icy surface of the frozen pool, her eyes fixed on the path that the shadow girl always came by. A sense of impatience came from her.
The shadow girl arrived. The years had passed, leaving lines, of many happy days and nights etched into her face. Her gait was slow and laboured, her walking stave carried most of her weight.
She collapsed in the centre of the glade, her skin turned a waxy shade. Her breath came in fits and starts.
The child looked on curious then rushed forward an expression of pain on her face. She knelt next to the shadow girl.
A pained smile slowly transformed into one of such peace that I could feel myself relaxing despite knowing the end was near.
The shadow girl’s chest rose no more.
For a long moment no sounds could be heard. The trees didn't creak. The wind didn't stir. The birds did not sing. The audience held their breath. A pregnant moment that couldn't last.
The elemental child looked down at her friend, a single tear fell on to shadow girl.
“The elemental child had never seen death in one like her before.”
Flames spread from the tear, bright and soft. A rippling wash of fire.
And up rose the shadow girl as we had first seen her, her older self-looking out of her eyes.
The girls danced, fast and hard like a summer storm with the same boundless energy. The trees grew buds and flowers sprung up in profusion. The ice melted in a torrent of water and a light rain fell. The sun shone down brightly. Birds sung in celebration.
“The elemental child and the shadow girl are there still, dancing, bringing spring to the whole world. Love and friendship changed their world.” The older man’s whisper carried through the room.
The scene faded into wisps and the lights came back up.
Sophia and Airis were staring at the stage, wide eyed and open mouthed.
Lyphia was looking at me.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“It’s not how I remember it,” I said.
“It’s an old story. There are probably loads of different versions.”
“I guess.”
“You don't have to pick apart everything, just enjoy it. Oh, look dinner is coming.”
The server was indeed making his way to our table.
“Sorry for the delay. We didn't want to interrupt the performance,” he said as he handed out our meals.
“It's fine, the show was wonderful. I was wondering if I could speak to the players later. Would that be alright?”
“I believe so sir, I would have to check.” the young man looked over toward the players now empty chairs. “I will get back to you. Also your evening is on that gentleman over there.” He pointed, at the man who I’d had a little chat with earlier.
I raised my glass to him, he did the same and smiled broadly.
“Could you pass on my thanks to him please?” I asked the server.
“Very well Sir. Please enjoy your meal.” He hurried off.
I looked around the table at the others.
Sophia and Airis were still smiling. Lyphia was looking towards the man who had paid for our evening. She turned back to me with a question on her face.
“Later,” I said softly before tucking into my dinner.
For a long while we ate in silence, the only sounds were simple things. Comments on the food. A few small giggles between Airis and Sophia at stuff I could only look on befuddled by.
The evening wound down to a close slowly. The server came to take our plates and to inform me the leader of the players would speak to me.
I nodded my thanks to him and excused myself from the table.
At the back of the room were the players. Their dull clothes didn't fit the common image of player they looked pale and drawn. Even that short show must have been an incredible drain on knacks, they weren’t known for their fine control or skill. Most knack work was brute force. Farming, building. Even cooking didn't require much delicacy in handling compared to what these guys had done.
The older man was leaning back heavily against the bar, a glass of something in his hand. His blue eyes glowed dimly in the well lit room. That was another thing I hadn't noticed before. His rough face was lined and tanned, he looked more like a farmer than a performer, not that I had much experience with performers.
“Sir Mage I’ve heard a lot about you recently,” he said. His voice didn't carry this time. I found myself leaning in to hear him over the light music that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere.
“Have you? I wanted to speak to you about your performance.”
“I have, not all of it sweetness and light I’ll have you know, but it seems your heart is in the right place which makes for a nice change, better than that fellow you ‘resolved’ earlier.” He took a long pull on his drink before continuing. “What did you think of our little folk show you’re mighty Mageness?”
I would have had to be a fool to miss the mocking in his tone. Although I couldn't tell if it was aimed at me or at himself.
“I loved it, I heard the story as a child, and I was curious about the end.”
A smile curved his lips then as he seemed to take a long while to consider his reply.
“Well the gods’ honest truth is, I've heard many different versions, this one is my favourite though. It’s old, so very old. It felt like the one that we should do tonight.” he shrugged as if it was nothing, but he seemed perturbed by it.
“Oh I've just realised I don't know your name?”
“Leon De Grean, I know yours mage Tristan Sodden.”
“I have a proposal for you. If you are willing to hear me out.”
“Make it quick, me and mine are tired, such performances take a lot out of a fellow.”
“I have an apprentice, neither of us know much daydreamer magic. And I had hopes that I could arrange a deal with you, patronage in exchange for some tutelage for her.”
“You don't know me, I could be a thief or a child abuser or anything. Yet you offer a young girl into my care?” he seemed genuinely shocked.
“You know me though, you know what happened to a man that harmed her. I also know that players don't have the best of reputations, travelling from place to place without family. But that doesn't worry me. I know you have skills you could teach her, not just skills but you have a wider view of the world than I can show her.”
He reached back and pushed himself off the bar. He stood before me, his head raised high.
“Sir, may I take some time to consider this? I'm weary and would like a nights rest before I give an answer.” Pride and something else was in his tone, a hesitant caution maybe.
“Of course, just come by the academy any time tomorrow someone will know how to find me. We can discuss terms and whatever else you want then.” I said with a smile.
“Very well, excuse me I must see to my trope.” Leon said before turning and signalling his group all of whom had been listening intently to our exchange.
I walked back to my table, everyone had finished.
“Are we all done?” I asked while standing.
“Yep” Sophia nodded, her smile was bright but tired.
Airis nodded.
Lyphia stood and came to hold my hand.
The kids stood and joined us, and we left, we received a few nods from the staff and patrons on our way out.
(-----)
Back at our apartment, the children got ready for bed. I found myself at the table looking at the letter still in its envelope
.
“Who is it from?” Lyphia asked from behind me, she had just gone to check that Sophia had washed.
“I don't know, I've not looked yet.”
“Well whatever it is it can wait until morning it’s been a long day and I want you all to myself tonight.” I could hear the smile in her voice.
I put the letter back on the table and turned to her. She had unbound her hair, it fell in long ribbons of red around her face, her smile was wicked, so wicked in fact I felt my mouth dry.
“Come along, my mage. I have work for you to do.” she took my hand and led me to my room.
Chapter 32
“Mage you are summoned to headquarters immediately!” Rysan’s voice echoed through the room accompanied by a bright light hovering over my face.
“Urr, I'm sleeping” Lyphia mumbled before rolling away from the light.
I blinked, trying to adjust to the glare that was coming from above me.
“Orb, I thought we had got past this whole waking me up by shouting thing,” I said irritatedly.
“Well Tristan, that was before you did what you did, Rysan is very angry with you.”
I sat up and rubbed my face as Orb's words sunk in.
I jumped up, grabbed my uniform and left the room, Orb followed along behind me.
I made my way to the large table and chairs in the main room. I started to get dressed.
“You don't have a pendant, we have no other way to contact you. Master Jase has been ordered to provide you with a new one,” Orb said, its glowing body flickered with strange shapes and colours, far more than I had ever seen in him before.
“Don't bring up my pendant. You know why I don't have one.”
“Tristan I know, but that doesn't change the fact that as an active mage, you need to be accessible.”
“I'm still active? I thought I would be suspended already,” I asked as I pulled my trousers on.
“Why would you be suspended?”
“You know, reasons.”
“Tristan you have to be more specific than that. I don't know what you have done to earn Rysan’s ire, but whatever it is, fix it. We need as many mages as we can to fix the town. The wave knocked out most of the enchantments.”