by Tom Rogal
The students seemed to be enjoying themselves for the moment. Although the sea was a scary place for a mage, he could understand how journeys like this would be a change of pace to the normal wear and tear of a mage’s training schedule. For a few, this might have even been their first time leaving home. Even though he considered himself a professional at it, he still loved seeing the world. But as Haldirin stepped next to him, he knew it was time to get to business.
Neeza yelled, “Mages, gather around!”
All except Lindaris moved toward Neeza. He wanted to reprimand him more forcefully, but decided against it. Black magic students were more rebellious by nature. Darcoul was the same way. As he learned with the head of that school, he would need to win him over if he expected Lindaris' attention. Since he was still very much in earshot, he would just go on. Another thing he had to consider was not making his School department heads look incompetent. According to Haldirin, most thought the mission was just a glorified training mission because of how he worded it. He had to speak carefully . . .
“I wanted to first thank you all for being here. Your participation is appreciated, whether you were chosen or volunteered. However, I think that your teachers and headmasters may have toned down the importance of the mission you have embarked on. They are not to blame for that, it is I. Thus, I saw it right to enlighten you about our destination. Afterwards, I suggest we rest, as we will need to be strong physically and mentally.”
They all listened attentively. He thought that was tactfully said. At least it left his teachers and schools out of any immediate criticism. Most of his missions were just that, minor and not requiring much skill.
Dyenarus finally asked, “Where are we going?”
Neeza looked at Haldirin before answering, “We are enroute to Mount Hrithgorn.”
Based off their reactions, they almost all heard of this place as well. Most were chattering in disbelief, while some contemplated quietly.
Gerran asked, “You mean the Mount Hrithgorn?”
Haldirin added, “I know of no other by that name.”
Biverin meanwhile asked, “What’s Mount Hrithgorn?”
Condarin asked, “Why would we need to go there? There are tales that the mountain is cursed.”
“Curse? What do you mean a . . . curse?” Biverin asked.
There was the reaction Neeza was expecting. Stories of Mount Hrithgorn’s fame went long back. He recalled reading them as a child after re-reading them the previous night. Tales of curses and deformed beasts cluttered page after page. But in all these years no one could prove that a curse was ever in place or that anyone was even on the island at all. Now might be different based on recent events . . .
“I would not have risked such a journey if the benefits didn’t outweigh the dangers. I will say that it will potentially be very hazardous. No one has supposedly stepped on that chain in 800 years as the elves that occupied the Mount mysteriously disappeared. Anything can happen.”
Joakon asked, “So what is there?”
Neeza replied, “There is a relic, one that has most recently been driving human merchant ships and their crew to go mad and crash into the rocks of the island chain. As we’ve confirmed from surviving Elf Eyes, there is a strong magical presence there. It has always been there they tell us, but has grown stronger the past few weeks. We are going to enter the Mount, find the relic, and bring it back so we can try and examine the source of its magical power.”
A few of the candidates were deafly silent. They were scared, and he didn’t blame them. Very few mountains on Gyyerlith incited as much fear as Mount Hrithgorn did. Even fewer had the reputation their current target had. With its brief but strange history, it definitely earned it.
Vindar finally spoke, “What worries me is that we’ll be entering an elf territory, I assume, without their permission.”
Haldirin quickly corrected, “Former elf territory. As far as we’re all concerned, it’s free land. The elves could have re-settled it, but chose not to.”
“You mentioned that this relic has been calling human sailors, leading them to their deaths. We aren’t after this to make a weapon against the humans, are we? If we are, then I refuse to partake in this expedition,”said Dyenarus.
Mages sure have grown resistant. Gone was the time of students agreeing with their elder unquestioningly. She did have a legit claim this time, however. Many of the mage sponsored campaigns in the past were a guise to secretly get ingredients to make better weapons. Most of the others seemed to share her same sentiment, though not some.
“I can assure you all we are not seeking this relic to use as a weapon. As mages, it is our responsibility to catalog, research, and characterize any new forms of magic that exists in the world. This is a new type of magic, and we must find out what is causing it to be so lethal to some and not to others.”
Haldirin added, “Besides, your teachers must have thought highly of you to choose you for such an important mission.”
“That is Hurip fodder.”
Everyone turned to face Lindaris, who had a scowl on his face. Of all the people, he was the only one who was angry.
Lindaris continued, “We’re here because our teachers thought most of us were too much trouble, so they sent us with hopes we’ll be fixed when we return. Don’t try and make this sound better than this is. I heard the words from Darcoul’s own mouth.”
He was still sensing uneasiness in them. He had to do something quick or else he risked losing them for this entire journey.
“I know this isn't what you were expecting when you boarded this boat, but I am here to help and support you. As your leader, I will not let any Myyrilians come to harm if I can. This . . . artifact, could lead us to enhancing many ways of life in Myyril. I can confidently say I am the most powerful mage alive today, but I can’t do this alone. I need you all. What your teachers have said about you doesn’t matter. I’ll admit, I had my doubts as well. I didn’t see how a farmer or an alchemist would help in this mission. But I believe each of you is here for a reason. What that is and what it will serve I don’t know.
“Am I afraid to be going there? Of course I am. I have a daughter back home that I love very much, just as you have family as well. My fate is as much in your hands as yours is in mine. You want these teachers to start showing you respect? Walking with me down the streets of Myyril with the relic will earn it. When we land, I’m going after it. I truly hope you will join me in what could be the adventure of a lifetime.”
Neeza was done speaking. He couldn’t think of anything else to say. Thankfully, Dyenarus stood up first.
“Whether or not you agree with where we are going is irrelevant,” she said. “The Honorable Neeza is right. This is our time, our chance to prove our worth as mages. We do this, we will go down in history as the mages that conquered Mount Hrithgorn. Then among all those ghost stories and tales of horror we will be a story of hope. Honorable Neeza, I am with you to the end.”
She was definitely wiser than her years. She was going to make a wonderful mage. He couldn’t have said it better. Slowly but surely, each one of them stood up. The last, Lindaris, remained sitting. It was going to take more than words to win him over. Yet, until they landed, that was all Neeza could offer.
“We should get some sleep. And until we return home, you can drop the formalities. Just call me Neeza.”
Neeza woke up in the middle of the night, restless. They were only on the first night of their journey, but he missed home. He did hate to admit it, but he was getting too old to be doing this. Mount Hrithgorn would most likely be the final great adventure of Neeza’s career. Then he could begin to set things right before his life force returned to Gyyerlith and the gods.
As there was no chance of sleeping, he got up without waking the others. To his surprise, Mimerck was still steering the ship, whistling a happy tune. Haldirin, who Neeza told to give their captain a rest, was instead the one sleeping.
“Don’t you ever sleep?” asked N
eeza.
Mimerck smiled and replied, “The Sea is unforgiving to those who fall asleep. I practiced going days without rest. I do appreciate the thought.”
The captain nodded toward Haldirin, who was now beginning to snore slightly. Even Neeza had to chuckle.
“He needed it. I use him for many things, sometimes not thinking of his own well-being.”
“That seems to be a common trait with you, isn’t it?”
He was a little peeved by the remark, but he did open that door when he asked the students to treat him like one of their own. It at least got Lindaris to stand up. He did want to know why he believed what he did, though.
Mimerck explained, “I speak mainly in generalities, of course. You are the ruler of Myyril. You are used to having people serve you, to do the little things that you see as unimportant but is truly a blessing to someone less privileged. And you are surprised when you come to the realization that you might overwork the boy?”
He had a point. He’s been ruler for so long, he didn’t realize that maybe there are some things he took for granted. But that was one of the perks of the position. Between running the entire mage nation and trying to not make his daughter hate him further, he needed all the help he could get.
Mimerck continued, “Great pep talk by the way. But in all of that, you failed to still mention the reason why you’re going.”
Neeza countered, “Of course I did. We’re getting the relic . . .”
“Yes, I know that, but why do you want it? There is something more to this you aren’t telling us. You can pull the wool over their eyes as they are young, but I have seen much and been through much. If there is something that you aren’t telling us that will put our lives in danger, I won’t be very pleased.”
“On that matter I didn’t lie. I will do my best to ensure we all go home.” Neeza reiterated.
Mimerck smiled, never looking in Neeza’s direction. The smile quickly became a chuckle. He was certainly an odd one.
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, if I seem to pry. It’s just not very often you get to take the leader of your nation on a dangerous mission, so I figured I would get it all off my chest beforehand in case I never get the chance later. It is not in my place to ask why you’re here. We’re in it together.”
At least he was waiting to have this conversation while the others slept. He was smart enough to not question him in front of the others, especially in a time where he was so close to losing everything. Then again, if they had to turn back, the captain wouldn’t get full pay. His contract was for him to take them to Mount Hrithgorn, get the relic if possible, and then get out. If one of those deviated, Neeza could, and would, pay him less.
Neeza responded, “All I’ll say is that someone I care about, where all options have failed, might be in need of something new. Why are you doing this? The rest of the captains turned us down immediately, but you took us in without much negotiating.”
Mimerck laughed and replied, “The glory, I can’t deny that. But what the other captains don’t know is that there is more treasure in the Mount than just the relic. There is supposedly an armory deep within the mountain core, which is supposed to house great treasures. The elves supposedly locked it with special magic. After years of searching, I have found the incantation that will unlock the door.”
“So why not go after it on your own?”
Mimerck laughed again, “One lesson I learned when I was young from my great uncle: If you’re good at something, never do it for free. I had a feeling, listening to the stories that someone would come a calling to face the mountain’s wraith. And when we come out of it, I am going to come out a rich mage.”
Neeza should have expected as much. At least he was open about it. There was no shame in his answer and no regret for coming with. He only hoped that if the time came where Mimerck had to choose between the gold or them, that he would make the right choice. Gold was good and all, but what good was it if you can’t spend it?
Mimerck finally said, “You should get some rest. The skies hint to rough waters tomorrow. I’ll need everyone alert and strong.”
Neeza nodded and went back to lying with the other mages. Mimerck glanced deeply at the southwestern sky as the ominous clouds rolled their way. They still had a couple hours before the storm would hit them, and then the fun would begin. He’s seen many pre-storm conditions before, but this seemed different. He almost began to think that maybe forces beyond them were trying to stop this group. If there was, rest assured, it wouldn’t be the storm that did.
- - - - - - - - -
“By the gods! This is crazy!”
Gerran held on for dear life to the rope harnesses connected to the ship as it swayed and rocked violently from the storm. Lightning was everywhere, flashing the sky like a second sun. All the mages were in the same position, tied to harnesses so they wouldn’t fall. Most small ships had these installed for mage travelers because if one fell out, even in calm waters, they would be long gone.
Condarin walked as fast as she could toward Vindar, the water crashing on the deck making it harder to make each step.
She commented, “We should’ve just docked! He’s going to get us all killed!”
Vindar nodded and headed toward the captain.
“Captain! The storms are too strong! We need to dock!”
Mimerck gave a hearty laugh and yelled, “If you want to reach hell, you have to sail through it! Push on! What’s the matter, Digroth Ra? Have you grown weak up there in the skies? You call this a storm?”
Vindar inched back toward Condarin, who was joined by Neeza. He could see the panic in the student’s eyes as he met them.
“By the gods! He’s cursing them in the middle of this? Where did you find this guy? He’s insane!”
Neeza took a look up at the captain, who was now bursting into an old seafarer’s song heard throughout the mainland:
The Sea is a Lady who can be both sweet and rich,
Treat her like dirt and she can be quite the witch.
With the odds stacked against us, what are we to do?
Grab the next closest glass with your favorite brew!
He may have been odd, and he may have strange methods, but Neeza knew for a fact without him they would have sunk five minutes into this storm.
Vindar asked, “Aren’t you going to do anything?”
Neeza asked, “Like what? The way the storm is blowing it would be worse to change course.”
“Hold yourselves! We’ve got to move!”
The ship suddenly hooked left hard as he tried to avoid a large wave. The harness stopped their movement, but Condarin’s snapped and she flew toward the other end of the ship.
Vindar yelled, “Condarin! Catch her!”
The mage students caught her as the boat leveled slightly. She had nearly caught her breath when the boat hooked violently toward the right. The students tried to hold onto her, but the water made their hands slick as she went airborne.
Condarin screamed, “Help me!”
With her line of sight twisting and turning, she thought the last thing she would see and hear was the water rushing toward her face and that damn Mimerck, who was still singing.
Her movement was suddenly stopped when a hand grasped her wrist tightly. He had a strong grip, hurting her a little, but she wasn’t going into the ocean at least. She looked up to see Neeza as her rescuer, though his grip was lessening. Finally, Vindar reached down and grabbed her, hanging halfway over the edge. They pulled her to safety as they both sat down on the deck exhausted.
Neeza, knowing she wasn’t completed safe yet, ordered, “Get her harness repaired. Quickly!”
“Hey, Neeza! I am wondering if I can borrow your skills for a moment. We have a blanket wanting to cover us! Need you to take care of it for me!”
He turned around to see what Mimerck was talking about. A large tidal wave, at least a hundred feet high was coming their way. So that was what a ‘blanket’ was. There was no time to waste. Neeza rus
hed toward the bow of the ship. The meat of the wave was more toward port, but there was no way to avoid it. Their only hope was to go through it, with a little magical advantage. As he reached there, he stood in the center. He looked to his left and right, where Lindaris and Dyenarus were in front.
“Hold me down! I need to be as straight as possible!”
Both walked forward and grabbed the mage leader’s robe as he tightened the grip of his staff in his right hand at a forty-five degree angle, while holding his left hand out. The turquoise jewel in his staff began to glow lightly. No normal spell was going to get them out of this. He needed to use one of the Eirborenz spells. These were powerful spells that only sacred-bloods like Neeza could perform because they required a lot of energy. These were approved by the gods to be used sparingly. It was only the twelfth time he’d ever had to use them in 500 years. It was much different than the Forbidden spells. Those were spells of the gods that were only to be used once in twelve lifetimes, so never. All the Forbidden spells could destroy cities and end ways of life. No mage in recorded history had ever had to perform one.
The wave continued to get closer. Biverin and the rest began to panic. If that wave hit, there was no way the boat would be able to stay on its course without capsizing. Mimerck was probably the safest person because he could grab onto the wheel as leverage.
“We’re going die.”
Dyenarus yelled, “Don’t lose hope!”
Neeza could hear what was going on, but he couldn’t comment. He needed extreme focus to pull this off.
Neeza finally began to chant, “Guronnon Forintia. Hurip Supura. Ielio Hempanan. Guilliom Veronta!”
Out of Neeza’s palms a mighty energy blast pushed forward, hitting the wave. Lindaris and the others were amazed. The energy of the spell was actually pushing the wave backwards. Eventually, the wave crashed back into the water as they harmlessly moved on.