Legends Born: Tahir Edition (History's Shadow)

by K. Dzr

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  A S Y M P T I E R

  Two days later, after much debate between King and daughter, the band of students gathered in the courtyard with everything they thought they needed for the journey to Asymptier. Demetrius told them very little about their destination; none of them knew where it was or how they were getting there. Their excitement could not be contained. They paced the courtyard and all talked at once, each creating a different scenario of how they imagined Asymptier would be and what they would learn there.

  Finally, King Robert, Demetrius, Alexander, Kraven and Gavin emerged from the castle to greet the eager students. Demetrius seemed to be as excited as they were.

  “Is everyone ready for the journey of a lifetime?” He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. They all cheered their agreement.

  “Excellent, excellent. It shouldn’t be long now.” He looked to the sky. Following his lead, the others turned and looked to see whatever it was he was looking for. A few moments passed before they noticed something flying toward them. They all watched it move closer and closer, still unsure of what it was. It had large white wings, but did not appear to be a living creature. No part of the object, other than its wings, moved. As it came closer, they realized it was a carriage, carved from beautiful, dark, red wood. It had golden accents, elaborate carvings and large ivory wheels. No horse pulled it; it had no driver. Yet somehow it landed gently and accurately right before them.

  “This, my friends, is your carriage to Asymptier, Academy of Thurmatology,” Demetrius announced. “It will safely transport you to the far northeast where some of the greatest wizards and Dracara in the world, including Kraven, Alexander and myself, have spent many years learning all there is to know about magic. While you are there, you will learn the history of magic, magic spells, magical creatures, etiquette, reading, writing and mathematics, even the language of Atlantis and, most importantly, how to fight against the dark sorcerer, Artemisios.

  “There are few places in the world where you would be safer, so don’t be afraid to explore; have fun and learn about yourselves while you are there. Just remember: You only have a year to learn what most dedicate a lifetime to learning. I know it is no easy task, but I believe you can do it—nay, I know you can do it. Now, upon arrival, seek Amalia. I have sent her specific instructions as to what you need to know; she will guide you through your journey there. When the time comes, I will send for you.”

  While Demetrius gave instructions, Alexander, Gavin and Kraven loaded the carriage with the sleeping bodies of the three magicians.

  Oraden peeked into the carriage, noting its size. It was big enough to seat about seven or eight humans comfortably. If it were empty, he might be able to squeeze in, but with everyone else, he couldn’t imagine how he could possibly fit, especially with Ellic.

  “Excuse me, Demetrius,” Oraden said, “are we all going to be riding in the carriage?”

  “Of course.”

  He frowned with confusion and stuck his head into the carriage again. His horn was already bumping against the roof and he wasn’t even inside it yet. Frustrated, he backed away.

  “How am I going to fit in there? I’m too big!”

  “Too big?” Demetrius repeated. He moved toward the carriage to look inside. As he did so, he subtly waved his hand over Oraden and Ellic and mumbled something no one noticed. Everyone was so preoccupied with looking into the carriage, trying to figure out a way to fit Oraden and Ellic in, no one noticed them shrinking.

  “Hmm. I don’t know, Oraden, I don’t see why you’d have a problem fitting in here.” Demetrius smiled as he turned to face Oraden, who had shrunk to the size of Meelix. Everyone gasped in shock to see Oraden and Ellic so tiny. Meelix was delighted to be in the company of others the same size as himself.

  Everyone had a good laugh watching Oraden stamp his tiny hooves and throw a little temper tantrum. His squeaky voice could barely be heard over their laughter.

  “Stop laughing! This isn’t fair! Why couldn’t you make the carriage bigger? You didn’t have to make me tiny. This is ridiculous!”

  “Wow! The grass is so big! Everyone is so tall!” Ellic exclaimed. She took flight and buzzed around everyone’s head.

  “Look at me! I’m a dragonfly!” she giggled. Meelix laughed as he chased Ellic around the others’ feet.

  Tahir bent down and scooped Oraden up in his hands and held him close to his face.

  “He is so cute!” Destiny cooed as she petted him with one finger.

  “Put me down, Tahir! I am NOT cute! I am a mighty warrior!”

  Tahir, giggling, set him down gently on the seat next to the sleeping magicians.

  “Destiny,” King Robert called, as the others climbed into the carriage. He led her away so they could talk privately for a moment. “Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked when they were out of earshot. “It’s not too late to change your mind.”

  “Father, the only thing I want more than to please you, is to know who I am. I have always felt so trapped and confused. My life is finally making sense.”

  Robert slowly shook his head.

  “Please, Father…”

  “I used to imagine a life for you. You’d live in a beautiful castle; marry a powerful, handsome prince who would become a great king. I would have beautiful grandchildren. They’d never know hunger or poverty; the world would be at their fingertips. It was the perfect life…Do you remember Prince Sebastian?”

  “Yes, I do. He had a very peculiar mustache.”

  “Bah, he was a handsome man, from a strong and wealthy family. I visited their kingdom once: beautiful land, strong castle, powerful army. I really liked him.”

  “He was so short, Father.”

  “That’s no reason not to like a man,” he paused for a moment. “He and Meelix are about the same height, though.” They both laughed.

  “Tahir is handsome,” she said. “Strong and capable too.”

  The King rubbed his face and moaned. He’d seen this coming.

  “He’s tall,” she added with a smile.

  “That he is, Destiny,” he chuckled. “That he is.” The king looked over at the carriage where Tahir stood, clearly still teasing Oraden. He was tall and muscular, but still very lean. Robert figured he would have grown into his body by now, but that didn’t seem to be the case. He hardly looked the part of a knight, and still had a boyish air about him. Some might call his features exotic, but Robert simply found them odd. Still, he was charming and fun, adventurous, too: qualities he knew his daughter found appealing. He did respect Tahir’s courage and determination; and his skill on the battlefield was quickly becoming legendary. He never questioned Tahir’s loyalty, and his work ethic was impressive. With her condition, Destiny could do far worse than a man like Tahir. “I’m sorry, my dear. It’s just that…he’s so poor…and strange. What will the people think of the King’s daughter marrying a moor boy who lives in a tree?”

  “What would they think if the King’s daughter became an old maid?” she raised an eyebrow.

  “No, that wouldn’t be good either,” he sighed and wrapped his arms around her. She hugged him tightly, burying her face into his chest. “No, I can’t have you left all alone. I shudder to think how Francis will treat you when I’m gone.”

  “We won’t have to worry about that for a very long time,” she assured him.

  “It’s something that has worried me since you were a small child; something that worries all fathers of daughters, I imagine. What will happen? Who will take care of her? Where will she live? That’s not even taking into account the wizards.” He kissed the top of her head. “I tell you, when a man has a daughter, his life is nothing but worry.”

  “You don’t have to worry anymore,” she looked up at him. “I think I will be well taken care of.”

  “Tahir, hmm?”

  “Yes.”

  “Of this you are certain? There is no one else who interests you? No one else who might accep
t your…unique features?”

  “Even if there were, Father, I’d still choose Tahir.”

  “Tahir,” he sighed and shook his head. “You’re just like your mother, always getting your way. That Sebastian, though, he really knew how to joust.”

  “Father!”

  “I know, I know,” he said, releasing his embrace. “I knew it the day he arrived, talking about magic and unicorns and such. If this academy, this life, this strange unicorn boy is what makes you happy, I won’t try to stop you anymore. I just want the best for you; even if I know it may never happen.”

  “You are my Father, nothing will ever be better than that.”

  He kissed her forehead, then took her arm and escorted her back to the carriage and helped her inside.

  “Tahir,” he squeezed the young man’s arm. “I am placing my precious daughter in your trust; take good care of her.”

  “I will, Sire.”

  After a long goodbye, Tahir, Oraden, Destiny, Meelix and Ellic were all aboard the carriage along with the sleeping magicians. Alexander tapped the top twice and it came to life, flapping its wings and taking to the air. They waved as they rose higher and higher, leaving those on the ground to watch the carriage disappear from view.

  “We have much to attend to,” Alexander reminded Demetrius.

  “Very true, my friend,” he turned his attention to King Robert and Gavin. “It has been a pleasure, as always. But as Alexander has pointed out, we have important matters waiting,” Demetrius said as Alexander drew another large circle in the air.

  “Where are you going?” King Robert asked.

  “To a meeting with a dragon. We shall return in one year’s time. Until then, I bid you farewell.”

  “It was a pleasure meeting you both.” Kraven said with a bow.

  The three wizards disappeared into the tunnel.