by Aaron Thomas
Whatever the argument the noble and Brandon had given was enough to save Chit’s life.
King Atmos issued orders for formation to be made, and waved Alexander to his presence. The wind wizard descended from the sky to land in front of him. “Bring your weapon bearer to the great hall. If he can handle defeating a councilmen and a fully trained soldier at once, then he should be able to handle the task I have for him.”
Alexander bowed, and waved Kilen to follow him. Twilix let go of his arm, and smiled as he left. Kilen followed the group down the hallway while the King gave out orders to various high ranking officers. “Get the army assembled. I will speak to them shortly. Find the wizard’s council and have them meet me in front of the formation for imbuements. Assemble the carts and wagons for departure and bring my horse around to the front.” He pointed at each officer and they slammed gauntlet-encased fists against their chests as he issued the orders. Kilen didn’t see what the hurry was about, the Fire Realm had already invaded the realm from what rumors Joahna had brought him.
Jace spoke in his mind, Protect yourself. It was all he had to say, Kilen remembered he was still without his imbuements. He replaced the chainger and pulled the chain of rings from his pocket. He was sure to slow his footing before touching either, as to not jump into the ceiling. He still managed to stumble a small amount. The group looked at him strangely when he did. Soon Mary, Brandon, and Brent caught up with the precession and followed into the great hall. The king yelled at the servants to have his battle armor brought down, then sat in his throne.
Kilen was unsure what to do so he chose to go to one knee and place his hand on his blade’s hilt. Alexander puffed himself up a little when Kilen did. “Ah yes, Kilen, the weapon bearer. I have a task fitting for one of your talents.”
“Yes, my king?” The King nodded in approval but still wore a vicious smile.
“My scouts have recently confirmed the location of a camp of rebel wizards in the northern forest. I have great need of their abilities in this war. Having more imbuements and wizard elementals could save many lives. You will go to them and convince them to meet us on the battlefield when we meet the Fire Realm.”
Alexander broke into the conversation, “My lord, we believe those to be the elder wizards. Surely you do not mean to send a weapon bearer to confront the most powerful wizards in all the realm and force them to join you in battle.”
“I do, Alexander. They should be helping. It is their purpose to discourage war.”
Mary stepped in also, “They are only obligated to make their presence known if all of the wizard laws are not being followed in the realm. You hold fire wizards captive and you know they will not agree to aid you in this fight with that happening in your very own castle.”
“Nonetheless, Kilen you will approach them and make my request known. You’re orders stand. Bring me the rebel wizard force or die trying. Those are the options.” Calvin stepped out from behind the curtains.
“I will not stand as your advisor when they bring down their wrath upon you, King Atmos.”
The king turned to look at Calvin, “Then your time as advisor to the king as finished. Brandon, I name you advisor. Bring forth a new earth wizard for council. In the meantime the council should prepare to travel. Brandon you will handle matters here in Deuterium while I am away.” Brandon stepped up on the dais and looked into his father’s eyes. Kilen sensed a bit of shame in the look that he received. Calvin looked over at Brent and nodded and turned to leave through whatever secret passage he had appeared.
“Will your weapon bearer accept this mission, Alexander? Or shall I ready the traitor bowls?”
“The traitor bowls do not scare me and neither do these wizards, elders or not. The voices in my head advise against it, but I have never been one to listen to them anyways. We will perform the mission.”
“I get the feeling that you think you will be joining him. He will do this alone. Your place is with the council on the battlefield,” Alexander bowed his head. The king turned back to face Kilen, still kneeling in front of him. “Seek out the rebel wizards and bring them to me. You will leave within the hour. Go.” Kilen stood and slammed a fist to his chest. An officer who was standing at a table walked over and handed Kilen a folded map he presumed had the location of the wizard camp. Kilen all but ran from the hall to start gathering his things. Leroy caught up to him halfway to the barracks with Izabel bouncing in the seat of the cart beside him.
“Hey, what is going on?” Kilen stopped. Leroy had all of his belongings and he would probably need Leroy’s help to find them in the cart.
“I have a mission to go on and need to pack my things. I leave within the hour by order of the king.”
Leroy got down and started to pack Kilen’s saddle and prepare his horse for a journey. “Kilen, I made Izabel a promise in order for her to agree to testify on your behalf. I don’t think that my father would think highly of me running out on a promise. So if you happen to be headed in that direction could you tell him I am fulfilling an obligation?”
“I bet you are right. He probably wouldn’t want you running out on a promise you made.” They packed the horse together and split what gold Kilen had left down the middle. Kilen was still surprised that he still had much more than he had started with. It didn’t take long for Kilen to pack all of his things. He noticed that many of the recruits had started to form ranks on the field and saw Charger’s head above the recruits walking down the lines. He knew that Bowie was probably leading him. He wouldn’t let just anyone handle his horse. Kilen mounted, waved a farewell to Leroy and Izabel, and raced into the sea of black hats. He found Bowie amongst the recruits, wearing a black hat and fine long red feather.
Bowie smiled up at him, “Good show you put on earlier. I would have liked it if you could have kept the rocks from hitting my men.”
“Your men, well, you think highly of yourself. I thought you were just an arrow maker, and now you own an army.” The two laughed together a moment before Bowie replied.
“Well, things change,” he paused a moment and took the red feather out of his hat and replaced it with a green feather with three gold stripes. “They change faster when we focus our efforts on the ones we love.” Kilen was not sure what Bowie was talking about, and when he started to ask he was interrupted by an armored soldier on foot.
“Master Crescent and Weapon Bearer Everheart, the wizard’s council requests your presence at the front of the formation. They followed the messenger to the front, where Chit already stood in a gleaming suit of armor, carrying a shield with a giant oak painted on the front. The soldier waved them to stand next to Chit. They dismounted and lead their horses so that they would stand next to Chit. Kilen looked around and watched the last of the recruits and soldiers fall into place in formation. Then Alexander’s magic made thunder and lightning boom over the army. They immediately fell silent to listen.
“Congratulations on a job well done. This season we have developed one of the most talented groups of archers this realm has ever seen. You will be a devastating force against the enemies that now threaten our lands. It is my pleasure to be able to lead off the traditional recognition of the most talented members of training for this year. Each of the wizard’s council has chosen a member of this army to receive a magic imbuement of their magic to aid in this army’s task. I have chosen Bowie Crescent!” The army erupted with cheers and many soldiers took off black hats and waved them around above their heads. Alexander approached Bowie and handed him a single bead the size of a pearl. He tied a string with the bead and attached it around Bowie’s wrist.”
Brandon approached Chit and clasped the bracer that was around his forearm. When he was finished, Kilen saw the familiar oak tree marked on his bracer. He knew that Chit deserved it, no matter how much of a bully he was. Mary, Brent, and Twilix all approached Kilen. Mary spoke, “The king doesn’t wish us to provide you with anymore imbuements in fear that you would grow too strong too fast. He has no choice in t
his matter. I give you the flame of life so that you can better understand your sister.”
Twilix tied a string that with a closer look was made of braided metal, containing two beads much like the ones Alexander gave Bowie. Kilen felt warm and cold all at once run through his veins when she placed it on his wrist. She then put her hands on either side of his face and gently kissed his cheek, “It is my honor to give you yet another water mark, for one who is so talented in magic. I am able to provide this because Brent has become too weak in the magic to imbue any more pieces. His power will grow much as yours will.” She took a step back, “take care of yourself Kilen Everheart. I shall not forgive you if you go and get yourself killed before I can finish your training.” Kilen nodded to her and smiled. Her eyes watered a little before she turned to resume her position behind Brent.
Kilen was surprised by the two new imbuements, even his own wizard didn’t have enough confidence in him to give him one. He looked down at the small beads marked with water and fire magic symbols. The he felt no emotional difference with the addition of the two new pieces. He did feel the ability to use the magic he had been given. He found himself staring at the fire emblem. It reminded him why he had begun this journey. His sister still sat in a cell beneath the castle, one which he was sure was identical to the one he had just escaped.
He had spent so long pondering his new found magic he hadn’t noticed the ceremony had finished and the first rank of soldiers now followed the King out of the training grounds. Bowie was patting his horse and Mary, Alexander, Brent, Brandon, and Twilix surrounded the two. Chit was mounted and trailing behind the king like a trained warhound to bid its masters wishes. Bowie turned and faced Alexander, “You were watching me outside my archery range that night.”
“I was, and the voices were impressed with what you accomplished both on and off the range. I happen to agree with them after seeing so many in black hats today. Well done, you deserve the imbuement. I will be along the road with you and will provide you training in it on the way.”
“Voices?” Bowie asked.
Alexander laughed, “Yes, the ones in my head.” He smiled at Bowie but said no more. Bowie turned to Kilen who shrugged.
Kilen had his opportunity to get answers to questions from Bowie that he had been wanting to ask. “Why are they wearing black hats like yours anyway?”
“Well, I started by buying extras for myself. Hats of this quality are hard to find in Humbridge. It turned into a bit of symbol for accomplishment. The next time I looked around there was a whole ranking system built into the feathers they wear, and a bit of prestige of being trained by Master Crescent, himself.” He puffed up at the last and held on the to his dark green embroidered jacket where it buttoned up the front in gold buttons. “I have one set aside for you if you want to come and get it now, Kilen.”
Kilen smiled and thought of Jace, “I’m sorry, Bowie. A great scout once told me there are two types of scouts in the king’s army. Ones for show, that flash their allegiance, and ones that can disappear into a crowd. I don’t think I could disappear with a hat like that on my head.” The whole group laughed at his remembrance of Jace. Brent and Brandon seemed a bit sad at the remark but laughed anyway. “I have some things I need to do before I leave, Bowie. Take care of yourself, and I will see you on your return to Deuterium. Take care of Kara for me?” Bowie tipped his hat and Kilen turned to Mary. “May I see her before I leave? If I don’t bring my sword with me?”
“The king has left the castle. I’m sure that a visit to your sister could be arranged.” She smiled, “I think that you will be impressed by the progress she has made.”
Brandon cleared his throat, “I am steward for the king while he is gone. I grant that request, no sword mind you. Although I did see what the king felt threatened by. I think that after today there is nothing to stand in your way if you wanted what he fears of you. A short visit, no sword.”
Kilen was surprised by Brandon’s willingness to give him a visit to his sister, but then he thought he should. She wasn’t a prisoner, but a dangerous guest. Twilix and Mary agreed to accompany him to the cells. Twilix spoke up, “I need to visit with her anyways. It seems as if the king has requested that I stay here to see to all of the fire wizards while Mary is away.” She looked at Brent, “I hope you can handle Mary on the road, too much riding seems to make her cranky.” They both laughed at that. Kilen would have liked to stay and chat, but time was running short for him to stay in the city.
“Excuse me while I visit my sister. I’m sorry, I have mission to complete.” Alexander caught him by the shoulder.
“You won’t be running off just yet,” he reached into his folds of robes and pulled out a single bead marked with the element of wind, “Mind you, I cannot give you this yet. I will lend you an imbuement as it is my right as a wizard.” He looked at Brandon, who nodded in acceptance, “I will give you one as soon as I can. You will need all the magic you can get if you face the elder wizards. Mind your tongue with them and use your sense, and they might just accompany you to this war.”
Kilen nodded to him, “I will do my best.” He strung the bead onto the braided metal band with the ones Mary and Twilix had given him and attempted to tie it back on his wrist while walking towards to castle. Twilix pulled his arm stopping him. She took the braided metal cord that it came on and with soft hands gently tied it around his wrist. Her fingers started to linger just a moment before letting go. She looped her arm around his again and walked him through the corridors down into the depths of the castle. He wondered if they were close to where his old cell was.
Soon they arrived at a hallway with a single torch at the end. Mary waved at the fire and talked with the guards, declaring they had permission to take him in. They approached the door and Mary stopped him a few paces away. Twilix started to talk, “Close your eyes.” He did as she commanded. “Feel the water in the room. Sense your sisters presence and the void of water within.” Mary picked up where she left off.
“Feel the void. It is filled with fire magic. It radiates from your sister’s inside. That is why you cannot sense her with water magic. Can you see anything at all inside the void?” She asked with a tone in her voice that hoped he would.
“I see nothing,” he said disappointed in himself.
“Open your mind, look into the void, focus on it. Feel the fire inside it, fire is different than the earth and water. It is constantly moving. It’s hungry and consumes of everything it touches.” As she spoke, Kilen listened to her words and concentrated on the void in the room. “Fire is movement, movement produces heat, they are one and the same.” Slowly Kilen began to see waves moving in the air waves of heat like ripples running away from a pebble thrown in a pond. The waves took shape around an object, the object was his sister. The waves took on a color when he focused on them like the blue of the water vision. He saw the yellow of fire magic in the room. Where they yellow left off the blue water vision began. He watched the colors for a moment as it continued to grow in brightness in the center of his sister’s chest.
“Why is there a ball of flame in my sisters chest?” Mary clapped and Twilix nearly jumped up and down as she bounced on her toes in elation.
“That is what we call the flame of the heart. Each magic affects emotions, and emotion that fire magic affects is passion. Passion that can grow so warm it produces flames. Passion that when viewed by others can seem to look like anger. Your sister has learned very well the control over her passion.” Kilen thought for a moment and felt his passion grow in his chest and he nearly understood. He was passionate to see his sister walk in the open air. Sparks flickered at his fingers and it scared him into losing his train of thought. “Easy, not so fast. You will want to experiment when you are alone and you cannot damage anything, or start a fire in the woods like I did.” He opened his eyes and she smiled. “Let’s go in and say hello, as long as she doesn’t turn into an inferno you should be fine to handle her heat.”
Mary started to
put the key in the lock and heard Kara yelling from the other side, “Wait! I’m not ready yet.” The anger or passion in her voice started to change, “I said WAIT!!!” When he entered she was sitting on the bed and flames burst up around her body as he entered through the door. Kilen felt the heat and knew it should have hurt him, but it felt more like standing in the sun on a warm summer day. He enjoyed it and that scared him. He thought that Kara deserved a little surprise and he walked up to her and hugged her. It hurt a small amount but soon the flames died down and he heard her crying.”
“Don’t be sad. I’m ok. I just wanted to see you before I had to leave for my first mission.”
She took a step back and hit his arm. “You scared me! I could have burned you to a crisp!” Flames started to trickle up her arms again as she wiped away the tears that had already dried on her hot skin. Kilen was unharmed from her flame and heat but his clothing had taken a couple burns. He looked into the mirror and examined the damage.
Jace gave his comment, It adds to your ability to blend with the more common. Keep it.
“Kara, I just wanted to say goodbye. Because the king has already marched for war his adviser granted me a short visit.” She started to talk and he put a finger to her lips, “Concentrate on increasing your skills. I want to get you out of here before he can think of any more plots for the both of us. I have the feeling he will continue to use your presence until he successfully kills me. I love you and will return to see you as often as I can.” He hugged her, kissed her on the forehead, and left before the tears could run down his own cheeks. He walked past Mary and Twilix who were still standing in the hall before they could get a good look at him.
Mary entered the room to see Kara with tears running down her face. Twilix entered and immediately gathered water to her dress so that it was dripping water like a fountain at the hem. “Kara, I would like you to meet Twilix. I have been ordered to leave with the army and I don’t want you to be left alone. She will help you learn to control your magic as we have both taught each other to control the elements born in us. I have to leave shortly so I wanted to say good bye until I return. Twilix will take good care of you.” The speech was short but effective. She left the room and left Twilix and Kara staring at each other.