by Tom Rogal
This was not a very good start. He had hoped the urgency of his letter at such a late hour would convince them to send a wiser group. Instead, he had to babysit for a bunch of younglings, most likely just starting their advanced training. In terms of mage training, advanced was one of the lowest levels of development just past basic. He certainly prayed they would mature on this trip, otherwise he would possibly be returning with a lighter boat.
As Neeza arrived, the people stopped their chatter and looked forward. He began to pace in front of them, analyzing them. Only two of the men were old enough to have grown their beards, and for one that was being generous.
The first man he stopped in front of was the most serious one of them all, so he assumed he was from the School of Black Magic. He had short brown hair with a red jewel in his staff. He also wore a maroon robe. Although a mage’s robes usually hid the physique of the wearer, he could tell the boy was quite fit.
Neeza asked, “What is your name, my young friend?”
“My name is Lindaris, top pupil of the School of Black Magic, Honorable Neeza. You will not regret having me on this mission.”
“Funny, I thought Callianus was the top pupil? Darcoul spoke highest of him.”
Lindaris responded, unflinching, “Top pupil of the novice class. I was held back for what they called erratic behavior. They were all lairs, though! I will prove it to you.”
Neeza would have sighed, but it would have been a waste to do so now. He was expecting more candidates like him as he got further down the line.
He only replied, “Welcome aboard, Lindaris. I am expecting you to remain true to your word in this mission.”
Lindaris didn’t react as Neeza continued to the next person in line.
“And you are?”
“I am . . . I am . . .”
The young mage shook with nerves. Neeza feared he would faint at any moment. His hair was short with an orange jewel in his staff. He wore dark blue robes that seemed a little too long for him.
Haldirin introduced, “This is Vindar. He is the newest student of Zarca in the School of Divination. He can be a shy one, but also a large fan of yours.”
Vindar finally breathed heavily and said, “It is such an honor to meet you finally! Your actions in the Nesseis dispute were masterful! I will do what I can to help with this mission we are on.”
Neeza only replied, “The honor is all mine. Welcome aboard.”
Vindar gave a large sigh of relief as if he just relieved a heavy load off his chest. Well, if anything, at least he would be loyal. He walked up to the next person in line, almost not realizing it was a woman because of the way she had her hair.
“Yours, sweet lady?”
“My name is Dyenarus, top pupil of the School of Illusions. I volunteered because I was told your missions bring out the best in whomever you bring. I will do whatever is asked, Honorable Neeza.”
At last, someone of repute. He should have known by her infamous silver hair. Her staff had a purple jewel in it and she wore a partial robe that went down to her thighs. The coloring of her milky skin brought out her exquisite hair. He had heard many great things about Dyenarus from Dinermar, who took her in as his last student. She was top of the class and a very accomplished mage, from his understanding. If there was any school he would have wanted the most veteran mage to come from, it would have been from the Illusions school. And he had one of their best.
He was very proficient at the rest of the magical abilities, his family being one of the few who could. It was one of the perks to having the rare pureblood-type known as sacred-blood. Thought to be ancestors of the Myyrilian gods, these mages could master all schools of magic. He wouldn’t even know he had that much power had the last leader not told him his origins. He often wondered how powerful Divi could become, but until he got the idea out of her head to not learn magic, he would never know.
Neeza smiled, “It is great to have you on board.”
As he walked to the next person, he met the first member that was beyond being an apprentice. He recognized him only from afar. He had much darker skin than the rest, a trait found normally on the mages from the far west near the elf territories. A dark blue jewel was in his staff, his robes a light brown.
“My name is Gerran. I am an esteemed mapmaker and navigator. I am formally of the School of Telekinesis. Also known for my photogenic memory. It is my great pleasure to be here.”
Haldirin explained, “We needed to find someone independently as the captain didn’t have his own. I was told by many in the inn that he is one of the best. He promised his fee would be very reasonable as he just wants money for his family. Times are hard out west.”
Neeza felt a little pity for the man. What parent would name their child so closely to the disease that killed his wife and many other mages? He began to wonder if his profession was by choice, or if he had no other options. His name would have been ridiculed in school. He’d seen it before, even participating in the razing once. It was not one of his proudest moments.
He moved next to the first man to have grown his beard. He hoped they were finally giving him a mage with experience, but judging by his clothing, it would be nothing of the sort. His clothes were shabby, and his staff had a strangely forged light blue jewel. His skin was quite tanned, meaning he must have worked outside most of the day.
Neeza nodded and asked, “And who is this?”
“My name is Biverin, local farmer from the neighboring village of Duroni.”
He looked at Haldirin, who looked at the ground. This one must not have been intentional.
Haldirin finally explained, “He overheard my conversation with Gerran. Since he knew everything, I couldn’t turn him down.”
“And what do you do well, Biverin?” asked Neeza.
“I am a master mage of water spells and can grow anything on any ground, no matter how bad of shape it looks. Looking to do my part!”
Neeza smiled and turned without saying a word. What a collection so far. Not the one he had in mind when he was looking to establish this team. He finally stepped to the next member, another woman. She had brown hair and wore an off white robe. Her staff jewel was even white. Everything about her appearance screamed a healer mage.
“All right! Who’s next?”
“My name is Condarin. I am a budding apprentice in the School of White Magic. I am very eager to come with and learn as much as I can.”
This one was going to be in for a surprise. Their mission was going to be anything but a simple training session. She would gain plenty of experience, though. He had a feeling she would be healing many people on the expedition.
Before reaching the end of the lineup, he noticed Condarin and Vindar smile at each other. Neeza faced Haldirin, who seemed to know what was happening.
“Those two are dating. When Condarin was selected by the Honorable Colletti, Vindar forced Zarca’s hand. Those two are inseparable from what they say. At least they will watch over each other for this trip.”
Neeza would have to keep an eye on them as the journey progressed. Love could make one do strange things. He knew first hand what one would do for love when he met his wife. Back then it had almost cost him his life.
He reached the final person in the lineup. He was very short, but definitely was not a boy. He didn’t have a beard, but had lots of facial hair. Neeza was curious what this one would contribute to their ruffian group. His staff jewel was green as was his robe.
“My name is Joakon. I’m an apprentice in alchemy. My teacher saw that I was much better using my magic toward potions and tinctures, so I started that. He volunteered me hoping this mission would help with my indecisiveness.”
“How long have you been doing alchemy?” asked Haldirin.
Joakon answered, “Five months.”
Neeza smile and nodded. He just didn’t know what to say. Although he had nothing against alchemy (it was his wife’s profession after all), he saw little use for one in this journey. They weren’t g
oing to have the tools for him to do his craft where they were going.
He finally reached the last man, who stood separate from the group. He was obviously their captain, and Neeza recognized him instantly. His name was Mimerck, considered the strangest of all the captains. He tended to take many risks that scared any mage that had ever traveled with him. Then again, to take all these risks and to be around to tell about them meant he had great sailing skills. The one thing about risks, however, is that eventually luck would run out. Perhaps he would be more careful knowing the mage ruler was on board. He had a long beard and wore an old, worn hat.
“Hello, Your Honorable! Captain Mimerck at your service! I have the best vessel in the mage territories. The Sea Dragon has never let me down! And since your coin cleared, you will get to Mount . . .
Neeza quickly shushed him, “Not yet. Not until we are on our way.”
Mimerck shrugged, “Not my place to question. If we are nearly ready, I say let’s get a move on. The quicker we finish, the quicker I can spend my fee. All aboard!”
Haldirin stayed with Neeza as he watched every recruit grab their belongings and climb aboard The Sea Dragon. It was not like he had to, but he could feel what Neeza was thinking.
“We are in trouble, aren’t we?”
Neeza smiled slyly. “I hope I’m wrong, but yes. Yes we are. Still, we must work with what was given to us. These men and women have come because they feel they can be greater than what they are. If that desire remains strong throughout this journey, then maybe . . .”
The last of the companions were boarding. He started to move when a voice from behind stopped him. To Neeza’s joy, it wasn’t Sydis’.
“Honorable Neeza, you summoned me?”
“Ah, Tasi, my boy! How are you?”
He was actually glad to see the young mage. He had told him to meet at the docks, knowing Tasi tended to come early. He was Divi’s best friend . . . well, only friend really. He was fifty years older than her, barely having even stubble as a beard. At first he saw his age as a problem. However, the boy was nice to her, and because of his daughter’s trust in him, Neeza named Tasi her official teacher. It was a role all parties were reluctant to take. Even the council was hesitant to approve the measure from one so young and no teaching experience. Yet, as her father, he was willing to do whatever it took to make sure Divi learned magic. She had to. None of the other teachers appealed to her and if anyone could convince her, perhaps a friend could. So, in the meanwhile, that task was in Tasi’s trusting hands. In his opinion, the boy had the hardest part of this mission, and he wasn’t even going to be leaving the mainland.
Tasi replied, “Doing well, but I am quite curious as to why you called me to meet you here.”
“Understood, but time left me with little choice. I need you to do a favor for me. These other students and I will be going away for a couple weeks. I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t of great importance. I need you to watch over Divi for me. If you can convince her to train in that time, you would have my eternal gratitude.”
Tasi laughed and said, “I can do the first part, but I hope you won’t be disappointed if you come back and all she can use is her telekinesis.”
He wouldn’t be, of course. It was a dream that he wanted to see come true in his lifetime. He still had a good 50-100 years left, but as he learned, years can go with the blink of an eye if you chose to let it. Unfortunately, it seemed he let the last 500 years of his life go like the turning of a page.
Neeza replied, “Many thanks, Tasi.”
He was about to turn to step onto the boat when Tasi suddenly said, “She’s not going to be very happy about you leaving again so suddenly. You do know this, right?”
Neeza held his head low and closed his eyes. Of course he knew. It pained him every time he had to do it. He wanted to be with her, but because of all the time he missed with her growing up, he really didn’t know how to anymore. She had to realize that what he was doing today was for both their benefits. If this mission was a success, they could be one happy family again and he could erase the ‘tough love’ he put Divi through, the true reason why she was mad at him.
Neeza just replied, “I know, but I must do this.”
Tasi, persistent as ever, asked, “Why do you continue to do it then? Go to her and tell her yourself. I know she would appreciate it, and it might start the healing.”
Again, he wished he could. He wished he could just cast a cure spell and all the damage would go away. It wasn’t that simple, he had to realize. Tasi had been trying for years to correct his situation, but how could he possibly know what to do? He was on the verge of working this out the way he saw best. He loved his daughter more than anything in the world. And once this mission was a success, the true healing could finally begin.
Neeza answered, “Please, Tasi. Just do as I say.”
Tasi bowed and said, “Of course. Just be sure you come back. I always fear the conversation I will need to have with her should you not return from these trips of yours.”
He turned around and began heading toward the capital. He certainly hoped so, too. The other expeditions he led were nothing compared to where they were going this time. Mount Hrithgorn held more dangers than just the mountain. He had researched all the poems and tales on the scrolls they had in their library last night. The mountain was going to be the least of their worries if what they spoke of was true.
Haldirin asked, “Neeza, are you okay?”
Collecting his thoughts, he replied, “Yes, my apologies. Let’s go.”
Haldirin allowed him to go first. For once, he agreed with Tasi. He wished Neeza would just try and resolve the problems with his only daughter. He knew he cared about her, but he never showed it. Maybe he just didn’t know how. Mierena had always been the one to take care of their daughter, despite her deteriorating state. Which is why the loss was equally hard for both Divi and Neeza. They were both reliant on her to take care of Divi. When Neeza was forced to be a single parent, the only thing he saw important was legacy and tried to raise her the way a teacher would. He just couldn’t comprehend how a father would act, but he would never listen to reason. This is why he remained mum.
As Neeza and Haldirin stepped on the ship, the ramp was instantly taken away telepathically by Mimerck, under Neeza’s orders. He didn’t want anyone getting cold feet at the last minute. With the ramp gone, there was no way off until their destination. Thankfully, none of the recruits paid much attention to its leave.
Mimerck reported, “The winds seem kind and the sea calm. Conditions are perfect to set sail. Honorable Neeza, when you are ready.”
Neeza instantly ordered, “Let’s go.”
Mimerck yelled, “All right everyone! Hold your robes and staves! We are going for a ride!”
He finally raised the anchor. The ship jerked violently as the first large gust of wind hit the sails. Most of the students fell to the deck. Mimerck gave a hearty laugh. Vindar and Biverin joined in on the laughs.
Neeza commented, “And so our journey begins.”
Mimerck suddenly asked, “Just so I don’t get in trouble later, should we have listened to that mage back on land telling us to stop?”
He was so focused on getting the ship going, he never noticed Sydis standing on the edge of the banks, yelling at the top of his lungs for them to stop. They must have just taken off moments before he arrived.
He turned confidently toward the captain and said, “Not a chance.”
Mimerck shrugged his shoulders and responded, “Very well. I heard nothing if you didn’t.”
Neeza was already beginning to like this man. But then again, he was paying him a lot of Magari to make the trip. He expected nothing more but complete cooperation from their captain.
“How long will it take to complete the trip there?”
Mimerck answered, “Normally a week. But I’ve made special modifications to this thing.”
The captain took his hands off the wheel long enough to show him the ho
llow center leading to a central pipe. The pipe led down to the water. Quite innovative. It allowed him to use his magic to add some extra power to the boat.
Mimerck continued, “This is a mage powered boat. We’ll be there in four days, five if we run into weather, which one always seems to do taking this route.”
He held onto the wheel as traces of blue light filled it, the magic spell cast hitting the water propelling them further. Between the wind and Mimerck’s invention, it appeared they might make it there in record time. Good. The quicker they got there, the better.
Condarin looked back to also notice Sydis, “Hey look! Master Sydis came to wave us to a good journey!”
Nearly all the recruits went to the back of the ship and began to wave back toward Sydis. He was well known among all the students because he would often drop in during classes. They knew he was much tougher on his personal students, but to them, he was much nicer than their general teachers. Some students even referred to him as Uncle Sydis. Lindaris stopped waving after looking harder at what he was doing.
He commented, “Are you sure? He looks kind of pissed.”
As the ship began to go deeper in the distance, Sydis dropped his arms. He was too late. If only he found out where they were going moments sooner, he could have halted this nonsense. Mount Hrithgorn . . . Neeza was losing it. It was suicide to go there. Other forces were in play and now he was getting the mages involved in it. But there was nothing he could do. None of the other captains would dare go near there, and he didn’t want to try and sink the ship with his magic. Too many people watching. They would get the wrong idea. All he could do was sit back and wait to see what happened. He hated to think it, but in his heart of hearts, he felt very soon Myyril would be leaderless.
************
They finally were well off from the mainland, taking the infamous Southern Route. Because of the currents and heavy winds, it was always the fastest, most direct way to get from the east side of the mainland to the west. That goes to say it didn’t have its risks as well. Some of the strongest storms originate in this path, making life and death all based on the skill of the ship’s captain. One could not imagine how many ships were lost in these waters. Neeza prayed to all the Myyrilian gods that they would not suffer the same fate.