Stranded Mage

by D. W. Jackson

  “Is it well in place?” Thad asked, his fatigue evident in his tone.

  It is not perfect, but given enough time I will be able to use it with ease. Thad got an odd sensation from his staff, as if he could feel that the staff was thinking. It gives me an odd feeling, like something is out of place. It is a very chatty gem though, so I am sure we will get along in time.

  “Chatty?” Thad asked, “The gems can talk?”

  Thad felt the staff’s laughter, Is it that hard to believe? Anything associated with magic has a voice, though it is usually too faint to be heard. Even the magic flows around us have a voice, though it is quite bothersome to try and listen.

  The new revelation surprised Thad. He wasn’t sure why he was surprised. If the magical creatures had thoughts and feelings associated with their element, then it would stand to reason the elemental magic had to have at least some form of consciousness.

  CHAPTER IV

  Thad sat with his staff checking over his work. It had been three days, and the magical connections he had created were now joined by a dozen others. His staff had tried out the new gem and while it hadn’t had much time to collect energy, it had been able to heal his wrist enough that he could once again move it without pain.

  “Still fussing over that dang stick of yers?” Brianna said as she sat down beside him. She still had a slight pale look about her face but she had taken to the ship a fair bit better over the past few days. She still didn’t dare go on deck but she had spent more time out of her corner.

  “It worries me,” Thad said, his mind still troubled about the revelations that had come to light over the past days. “It’s not just a magical item it has a mind of its own,” Thad laughed fretfully, “and it loves to remind me of that fact.”

  “Yer staff talks ta ya?” Brianna’s voice was torn between awe and curiosity. “I know that many of our dwarven weapons tend ta have a mind of their own, but never have I heard bout one of tha weapons talking ta its wielder.” Brianna stopped her musings and looked at Thad her face turning a light pink. “Does it say anything about me?”

  Thad couldn’t help but laugh at Brianna’s sudden uncharacteristic embarrassment. “It seems to like you though it says I am a bit too nice where women are concerned.”

  “Then me and yer staff agree on that. Ya do tend ta be a tad too nice when a lass be in the room. Ya should ferget about those long legged wenches and keep yer focus where it belongs, on meself fer instance.”

  Thad leaned over and gave the dwarf a quick kiss. Fishing in his pocket Thad pulled out the silver ring that was made to look as if two vines had grown together. As soon as Brianna saw the ring her eyes widened. “Now what da ya have there,” she said, in a teasing voice.

  Thad lifted up the ring, letting the sunlight dance on its surface. “When I was out in town back in Handlane I came across it and decided to buy it. Do you like it? I don’t really have a use for it and it looks horrid on my finger,” Thad replied, trying to make his voice as uninterested as possible.

  Brianna grabbed the ring from his hand. “Well if you insist,” she said, her voice brimming with happiness. Brianna tried to put the ring on her finger but it was too small and couldn’t get over her thick knuckle. Thad laughed and stretched out his hand, and let the magic flow though his body. The ring stretched and grew until it slipped easily onto her hand.

  Once the ring was on her finger Brianna stretched out her hand and looked at it with admiring eyes. “It’s a right beauty,” Brianna said, giving Thad a deep kiss.

  A few hours after Brianna was done thanking Thad, he made his way to the deck of the ship. The sun was slightly past its apex in the sky and the waters were a brilliant blue. Thad always enjoyed watching the water and the many creatures that often appeared from its depths.

  Today the water looked calm with little in sight. Other than the Rose Runner, Thad could only spot one ship. It was vastly larger than the mid-sized merchant vessel. From its size Thad was sure it belonged to one of the larger merchant companies or a warship from one of the island nations. Thad could only see a hint of the flag that flew upon the ships mast.

  An idea struck him and he allowed the magical energies to flow into him focusing most of his attention on the light element. Sae-Thae had taught him that if he focused on the needed element he wouldn’t waste energy and would tire less easily. As soon as he had the workings of the spell firmly in mind Thad let the magical energies loose and suddenly he could see much farther than before.

  The ship was definitely a warship. The thick plating on the hull as well as the large weapons on its deck made that perfectly clear. The people moving around the deck were also armored and looked as if they were preparing for something. Suddenly Thad had a bad feeling and he turned his attention to the colors the ship was flying. It was a light red flag with the symbol of a fox embroidered on it.

  Thad let his spell dissipate and quickly looked around for the nearest sailor. Seeing the first mate Thad ran over to the man. “What’s got you in such a fit, Young Master?”

  “There is a large ship readying weapons behind us. They fly a flag with a fox on their mast,” Thad started to continue but he was interrupted by Oren’s loud swears.

  “I must alert the captain,” Oren said, letting out another string of curses. “The Brotherhood has never been known to leave a ship floating.”

  Oren disappeared at a near run leaving behind only an echo of curses. Within moments Thad began to hear a trill whistle blowing on the wind that was quickly joined in by many others each blowing the same tune. As soon as the tone filled the air the sailors from below deck poured onto the deck each one moving around frantically but with purpose.

  “Are you sure it is the Brotherhood’s ship behind us?” The captain asked, coming up behind him.

  Thad turned to see the captain, her face lined with worry. Glancing down he noticed that she now wore a long curved sword belted to her waist.

  “I am positive Captain,” Thad said fiercely. “I have had a few choice encounters with them in the past, so it is hard to mistake their symbol.” Thad paused a moment and looked around at the many innocent sailors that were preparing for battle. He had talked with many of them during his time on the ship and had grown fond of most of them. “Captain, if you have a spare boat you can set me and my friends adrift. The Brotherhood is most likely after us. I see no reason to drag your ship and crew into my personal battle.”

  The captain shook her head as a fierce look of determination graced her face. “Quit spouting nonsense. Anyone who spends their lives on the seas hates the Brotherhood.” The fire in the captain’s eyes was nearly bright enough to serve as a beacon in the darkest of nights.

  “Why do seafarers hate the Brotherhood?”

  “That’s both an easy and hard story to tell lad,” the captain said, her face suddenly troubled. “What I am about to tell you, is to remain between us, am I understood?”

  Thad simply nodded his head. He didn’t know why it would be such a secret but he had to admit the seriousness of her voice truly had him enthralled.

  “First thing you should know is that I am only telling you this because you are a mage,” the captain said, her voice grave. “Anyone who spends more than a year on the sea runs across what we call the fish folks. They live under the waters and often come to help ships that get lost. They are a curious lot and often come up and talk with sailors.”

  “Mermaids,” Thad blurted out, his excitement nearly bubbling over.

  The captain’s face furrowed in anger, and her voice took on an irritated tone. “Are you going to listen to me, or are you going to interrupt me every few words?”

  “Sorry,” Thad said, blushing lightly.

  “The fish folk are not mermaids, or not at least in the storybook sense. They have the body of a man but they are covered in small scales and their heads look much like that of a snake. When they are out of water their body glistens as if rainbows dance across the surface of their scales.” The captain w
aved her hand in the air, “Now back to the story. The fish folk are considered brethren to anyone who makes their living upon the water. The Brotherhood has hunted the fish folk and sailors alike over the years. We, along with any free sailors, have taken it upon ourselves to destroy any ships the Brotherhood has put out to sea. Even the despicable pirates that roam the coast follow this tradition. So you can put your worries aside. My men don’t fight for your wellbeing but for the wellbeing of our brethren who live under the waters.”

  “Understood Captain,” Thad said meekly, with only a small amount of his guilt alleviated. “Would you mind terribly if me and my friends joined you in the battle? They might not be the best on a ship but put a foe in front of them and they will cut through anyone, and I have a few tricks that might help.”

  The captain patted Thad hard on the back. “You’re more than welcome to join in the fun my friend.”

  “Yer dang right were joining in tha fun.” Crusher yelled from behind them. While his voice was determined the dwarf’s face still had its slight green hue. Thad forced back a laugh and set his face and mentally prepared himself for the coming battle.

  “Catch love,” Brianna shouted, tossing Thad his sword that he had left in their chambers. “Ya might need this,” Brianna said, than let out a loud curse, “I forgot to grab yer staff.”

  Thad laughed as he stretched out his hand and called to his staff. Instantly it appeared in his outstretched hand, causing everyone to jump back. ”Blazes, warn a dwarf before ya do something like that boy,” Crusher yelled along with a string of curses.

  That was enjoyable. We should do that more often. The feeling Thad got from the staff was one of enjoyment, it seemed the staff enjoyed pranks almost as much as Arianna.

  Thad belted on his sword and adjusted it so that it felt comfortable on his side. With his weapons in hand Thad turned toward the approaching ship. The Brotherhood’s ship was still a good distance behind but it was gaining, though slowly. The Rose Runner was turning about and positioning itself for a fight.

  Thad didn’t know much about ships but he was sure the lighter Rose Runner could easily outpace the large bulky warship. The fact they intended to fight lifted even more of the guilt that had weighed down upon his heart.

  To Thad it looked like every sailor on the Rose Runner had lined up port side with a crossbow at the ready. Thad began his own preparation by drawing in magical energy. He wanted fire elemental energy, but it was scarce and he knew he wouldn’t have the time to gather enough to cast a spell strong enough to damage the ship. There was plenty of water elemental energy around but Thad was completely inept at controlling it, so with little choice he was forced to draw in the light elemental.

  As he drew in the energy Thad began to think of any spell that might be useful against a ship as heavily armored and equipped as the one he was about to face. The only spell that came to mind was a concentrated light spell, though he wasn’t sure that it would work against the ship.

  As the ship drew near Thad could see numerous Brotherhood soldiers lining up against the railing. Thad could hear the sound of the ballista’s ropes being pulled taught as they readied to unleash their devilishly large bolts against the Rose Runner. Looking at the imposing weapons Thad made a decision to destroy them first, knowing that the Rose Runner couldn’t take too many hits before she would be bound for the bottom of the sea.

  As soon as the Brotherhood’s ship was within range Thad let loose a blinding stream of light that raked across the deck, destroying two ballistae and tearing up planks off the deck as if they were made of paper. All too soon the large supply of magical energy Thad had gathered had been expended. He could gather more but it would take time for him to be able to cast another spell of the same strength.

  “Can you do anything?” Thad asked his staff as he looked at the three remaining ballistae.

  I have enough stored energy to throw a few strong blasts but it will be hard to hit something at that distance.

  Thad knew it wasn’t perfect but he had little else to depend on. Leveling his staff, Thad let loose a barrage of magical bolts, two of them hitting their intended target. “Only one more to go,” Thad told himself.

  A loud course of high pitched sound filled the air as both the Rose Runner and the Brotherhood let loose a torrent of bolts at each other. Thad hastily put up a shield, but he was too late for most of the sailors as more than a dozen fell to the deck either dead or wounded.

  Thad’s anger flared and he pulled in every bit of magical energy he could handle. He didn’t care what kind of energy it was he simply pulled it in until his chest burned and his head pounded from the strain. He could hear his staff’s warnings that he was pushing himself too far but he didn’t care.

  A loud twang rang through the air as the last remaining ballista shot its massive bolt. Thad didn’t have the time to push the blot aside, so he was forced to watch helplessly as it slammed into the side of the Rose Runner, tearing a massive hole in the ship slightly above the water line.

  His anger elevated even more, Thad put everything into one massive ball of magical energy. The sheer amount of force behind his attack startled him. The ball of energy was a third the size of the Rose Runner and it moved with incredible speed. It hit the Brotherhood’s ship just below the deck blasting a large section of the ship apart, tossing wood and soldiers into the air like dry leaves in the wind.

  Thad soon found himself kneeling on the deck. He tried to rise to his feet but he found no strength in his limbs. Tried to warn you, but you wouldn’t even open your mind enough to hear my words.

  Thad knew his staff was right but he let his emotions get the better of him in the heat of the battle. He had seen more than his share of bloodshed but it had been one of the few times he had seen people he had come to call friends die before his eyes. It was something he knew he could never get used to, as well as something he never wished to see again.

  Once again anger welled up within him, making his blood run hot in his veins. How dare the Brotherhood hunt him like a common criminal, kill his friends and slaughter countless other innocents. Thad had an urge to hunt down and kill every person who wore the fox upon his body, but his hate quickly dissipated. He was only one man and a life filled with hate and killing would make him no better than the Brotherhood. No, he didn’t need to hunt the Brotherhood they would come to him, what he needed to do was to build a place where mages and those of the magical races could be safe.

  Using his staff, Thad pulled himself to his feet using it to steady himself. “That had one hell of a kick Young Master. Think you can do it again?” The captain asked, as she put her arm under Thad’s shoulder helping support his weight.

  Thad shook his head, the small movement sending small shockwaves of pain though his body. “No, I don’t think so. I put a little too much strength into that last attack. Honestly I don’t think I will be able to use much magic for a few days.”

  “Well I guess once was better than…” The captain’s voice was cut off as another bolt from the remaining ballista tore into the ship. The Rose Runner jolted to the side sending Thad sprawling onto the deck.

  Thad rose unsteadily to his feet leaning heavily on his staff for support. Thad quickly scanned his surroundings. Almost a third of the sailors were down and the Rose Runner was sinking fast. The Brotherhood wasn’t faring any better but that did little to console him when he looked at the death that surrounded him.

  “Are you injured?” Brianna asked, suddenly appearing at his side.

  “I’m fine, how is everyone else faring?” Thad’s words came hard as he fought off the closing darkness that crept in on the edges of his vision.

  “Everyone is alive, though Crusher did take a bolt ta tha shoulder.”

  Placing his hand on Brianna’s shoulder to steady himself, Thad breathed out a sigh of relief. A brown blur flashed toward his chest making Thad flinch. The bolt raced toward his chest, only to be turned aside by his enchanted leather armor. Thad nearly laughe
d at his own actions then he turned to Brianna and time seemed to stand still.

  “Noooooooooo,” Thad cried, trying to catch Brianna as she fell forward. Thad’s hands went directly to the bolt his armor had deflected, it now sticking firmly into the side of her neck. His own legs unsteady, Thad collapsed with Brianna’s head settling into his lap.

  Frantically, Thad tried to pull in magical energy and force it to heal Brianna’s wound but it would not heed his call, all he received for his efforts was an increase in the pounding in his head. Tears streamed freely from Thad’s eyes as he looked into Brianna’s smiling face. She tried to speak but all that came out of her mouth was a stream of gurgles along with a large amount of blood.

  “Don’t talk,” Thad said as he gently ran his thumb over her pale lips to wipe away the blood.

  “Help her,” Thad pleaded to his staff.

  There is nothing I can do. The wound is too deep and your stunt earlier has exhausted me as well.

  Thad wanted to argue but he could feel the sadness emanating from the staff. It was as troubled about Brianna’s impending death as he was. Thad reached down and took Brianna’s hand in his own, running his thumb over the ring he had given her. “I love you,” they were the only words that came to mind, and he knew they were true. He had fought with that word for so long.

  Another ballista bolt came in aimed straight for his chest. It moved incredibly fast but to Thad it was as if it moved in slow motion. He felt no need to try and block it or to reinforce his shield. When it struck, his armor’s enchantment kept the bolt from piercing his skin but Thad was still thrown back with great force.

  Thad cared little that his body was wracked with pain, or that the taste of blood filled his mouth. All Thad cared about was that he didn’t let go of Brianna’s hand.

  The water felt cold as it rushed over him, his weight quickly pulling him and Brianna down beneath the surface. Thad kicked his feet hard pulling himself out of the water’s cold deathly grip.