Merina was saddened, having just found her only son who had been lost for so long and hearing he would one day leave again but she knew in her heart the Q’Herindam had to be stopped.
“You shall learn Watermagic Kuiran. Abron and I will pour it into you. It isn’t hard if you are a true Wyalonian. I’m sure Ssarista will help too. She’s taken a real shine to you.”
Kuiran’s head shot up at Merina mentioning Ssarista but she smiled at him in a motherly sort of fashion.
“Ssarista and I go back a long way. She’s ancient but chooses carefully who she converses and works with. Speaking of special ones, I find Raleen delightful. How did you come to meet her?”
Kuiran asked Merina to wait until after dinner that evening when he would relate the whole tale. After the meal was finished and far into the night, Kuiran revealed all he knew of Arwhon, Cristal, Chalc and of course Shiri and how he had come to meet Raleen who was Arwhon’s sister. He related events he had been told by Arwhon and also described the Battle for Belvedere where he had first met Ssarista and the aid she had given them.
Raleen was completely relaxed around Merina and Abron, they were gentle people and not threatening in any way, although they were both powerful Mages in their own right, so she contributed here and there, especially when the humble Kuiran left out parts concerning himself. Through these affirmations of her son’s abilities, Merina realised the worth of Raleen as Kuiran’s partner in life, a truly kind-spirited person. She and Kuiran made a strong couple and obviously loved one another. Besides, Raleen had natural Earthmagic in small quantities which was endearing in its own fashion.
Around midnight the stories came to an end.
“So that is why I desperately need to learn Watermagic. And after what you told me of the Q’Herindam also having Watermagic, it becomes doubly important because Arwhon may not be aware of what he’s up against. Cristal wanted me to come here. She knew how important it was for me so she drummed up the idea of mutual Trade with Wyalon.”
“Not such a ridiculous idea Kuiran.” Merina replied. “Sanctuary and the rest of Wyalon has need of quite a few things which would be easier to import than to make and I’m sure we have many Tradeable commodities which we can send to Belvedere. Captain Belmar’s a delightful character and having been to the island once he will be able to find Wyalon with ease next time. Now, time for my rest. Tomorrow you start to learn Watermagic Kuiran and I’ll find something to keep Raleen occupied. Maybe searching for Trade items with the good Captain.”
Merina saw Raleen’s ears prick up at the mention of Trade. She laughed.
“That’s right, you’re a Trader’s daughter. Most serendipitous wouldn’t you say? Goodnight you two. Tomorrow is a brand new day.”
It was. Dawning bright and clear with hardly a cloud in the sky. After breakfast Merina bustled Raleen out of the door while Kuiran was shown up to the study at the rear of the house to find a large pile of books on the desk, waiting to be read. Abron pointed to the comfortable chair in front of the desk while he sat himself down in another off to one side. As Kuiran lowered his huge frame onto the indicated seat, he silently gave thanks his parents were both large like him and all the furniture in the house reflected that fact, its sturdiness a relief after his time in Belvedere.
Abron addressed him.
“This is the dull but necessary part of learning magic, Son. Every beginner wanting to study Watermagic has to go through it. Normally this information is taught over years, starting when the magic first comes alive. The faster you can assimilate the information written in these books, the easier it will be to teach you the practical side of Watermagic. These gathered volumes describe the traps and pitfalls of handling water in all its forms from ice to steam. They also describe most of the situations you could find yourself in if a spell becomes too top heavy and implodes.”
Abron searched for an example to give Kuiran.
“The waterspouts Ssarista sent to claim the Council of Mages were backed with so much Power, the Mages could not alter them with their magic. If just one of those waterspouts had got loose, it would have torn a path of destruction through Sanctuary. If all of them had gotten loose, the city would have been obliterated.”
Kuiran saw the sense in preparation and reached for the first book in the stack and turned the pages. They were blank. He looked to Abron for explanation and saw his father grin.
“Sorry Kuiran. I forgot your Watermagic had not yet been awakened.”
Abron reached over and touched Kuiran’s wrist gently, his thumb and forefinger on opposite sides. Kuiran felt sharp tingles run up his arm and into his brain. The force of them gathered then exploded into his mind, filling it with bright stars. There was no pain, just coruscating light which cleared as rapidly as it had arisen. Kuiran shook his head and gazed once more at the blank page where words were starting to form. His father’s voice grew more serious.
“Be careful not to perform any spells yet. It could be very dangerous for you and possibly everyone around you. Study hard my Son.”
Abron rose and left.
That was two weeks ago now.
Kuiran sighed and closed the back cover of the last of the books he had been tasked with reading. It had been a long haul but he now felt a deeper understanding of the subject of Watermagic. Being raised by M’Herindar, Kuiran had been taught how to learn at an early age and the teaching had held him in good stead as he absorbed the knowledge from the books.
There was really no limit to what water could do if the control was there. From diaphanous clouds to mighty waves which could destroy cities, it was only a matter of strength. Unlike the M’Herindar, who seemed to need Ch’ron’s assistance to load up on Earthmagic, Wyalonians with the gift of Watermagic could draw from the inherent power in water. Anywhere there was moisture present. The problem was creating the right balance and this afternoon Abron was taking Kuiran for his first practical lesson using Watermagic. He rose and went downstairs to find Merina, Raleen and Captain Belmar in deep discussion.
“The crew’s bin away from home fer a long time, Raleen. Too long. I think its time Jalwynd sailed. We got a full cargo for Trading which’ll keep Cristal happy. As will news of you and Kuiran.”
“But Captain Belmar, what if we need to leave shortly? There will be no ship to take us.” Raleen sounded worried.
Merina offered some thoughts of her own.
“Raleen, I think it best if Jalwynd sails. She’s only sitting idle in port and we have no idea how long it will take Kuiran to master Watermagic. Ah, Kuiran, there you are. We were just talking about you.”
“Yes, I overheard and sorry Raleen, I must agree with the good Captain. We can’t expect his crew to put their lives and livelihood on hold waiting for me to learn Watermagic. Besides, Cristal needs to know how we fared. She’ll be worried by now and Arwhon is probably wondering what I’m doing. Not to mention Shiri and Mother. Sorry Merina, it’s a little difficult at times to be doubly blessed with Mothers.”
Raleen had hung her head, disappointed but now raised it again with a smile in place.
“You are all correct. I was being a selfish, for which I apologise. Captain Belmar, tell your crew Jalwynd will be leaving soon and make ready to sail. We’ll write a few letters which will be ready for you to pick up before you sail.”
The little Captain looked at each of their faces.
“It saddens me to leave you but knowing Cristal, the list of requirements will be filled quick smart and I’ll be back ‘ere afore you knows it.”
He stood and bowed to each of the women and shook Kuiran’s mighty hand before leaving. Merina studied Kuiran for a moment in the silence of Belmar’s leaving.
“If you’re concerned about Cristal, we may be able to send her a message. Or rather, a sign. How well do you know her residence?”
“Merina, Raleen and I lived there for quite a while. I think I know the house well enough.”
Merina had a little twinkle in her eye and Kuiran wondered wha
t was coming next.
“Abron may be the one going to show you Watermagic but I’m certainly no slouch at it myself. Distance magic is my forte. We’re going to link, you and I Kuiran and when we do, I’ll be able to see into your mind. Only what you allow of course. I want you to think of something people look at which uses water.”
Raleen couldn’t control herself and blurted out.
“The waterclock!”
Kuiran grinned.
“They’re always looking at that. Well, at least Mendle is. She likes things to run to time. The waterclock very nearly has a room of its own. What can you do from here Merina? Belvedere is so far away.”
“Sit Kuiran. Magic over long distance is difficult. It involves much energy and I’ll have to draw some from you to accomplish the spell. You’ll feel a little weak afterwards but it will quickly pass.”
Merina took his huge hand in hers but it didn’t seem so big lying in her own palm. She studied his face for a moment then closed his eyes with her fingertips before closing her own.
“There is only one place on the planet exactly like the place you are going to show me Kuiran, so the magic will know where it has to go. As Belvedere is so far away, the magic will attenuate with the distance and be quite weak when it arrives there so I will only be able to do something small. Now think of the waterclock in its room at Cristal’s residence.”
Kuiran thought hard about the room the waterclock was stored in, trying to remember every little detail. He ignored the tiny tendrils of extraneous thought he felt entering his head, concentrating instead on the picture he was making of the room and the ornate waterclock in it, a marvel of modern technology. The picture solidified in his mind until every detail was crystal clear. Right at that moment of clarity, the water started running backward. It was astonishing to see water leaving the collecting receptacle and drop by drop returning to the reservoir above the machine. Before Kuiran could make any comment, the picture vanished and as it did he became momentarily as weak as a kitten.
All Raleen saw was Kuiran slumping in his seat, so she got up and went to him immediately but before she reached him, he sat up and regarded Merina closely.
“So that’s what it’s like to lose energy to magic. Now I understand just what Cristal and Raleen went through in the Battles for Belvedere. So, you made the waterclock run backward. It should get their attention. How do you feel Merina?”
“Surprisingly fresh, you have a lot of energy in you Kuiran. Thank you. Now you’d better eat and get off to your lesson with Abron. Raleen and I have things to discuss.”
Kuiran found Abron waiting at the top of the path which ran from the back of their house down to the sea. He was leaning on the gate, gazing off into the distance, seemingly at nothing in particular but Kuiran suspected otherwise. Abron pointed way offshore toward the horizon where sea met sky.
“Those large black shapes in a group out there are whales. Huge air-breathing beasts which swim the oceans. They live in water constantly and are at one with it. If there are storms, they dive deep, only coming up for air when they must but in balmy weather they roll around on the surface seeking the warmth of the sun. It’s the same with magic. Of any kind. If it’s stormy around you, dive deep until it passes then surface for air. Don’t use your strength going head to head with magic. Water isn’t like that. Mostly it wears things down over time. Sure you can send a mountain of water at something but what are you then going to do if it doesn’t work? Conserve your magical strength always Kuiran and be the last Mage standing in any conflict.”
They stood quietly together, enjoying the peacefulness of the afternoon until Abron indicated Kuiran’s staff which went with him everywhere.
“May I examine it please?”
Kuiran handed his staff over and Abron twirled it easily, being nearly as tall as Kuiran if not quite as large. He stopped and then examined both ends carefully, running his fingers lovingly over the shiny metal. He sighted down it and nodded approvingly before handing the mighty rod back to Kuiran.
“The magic in the metal is still strong. It’s protective and has a spell in it so Ssarista can find you. The wood is true and perfectly balanced but this Ch’ron you told us of has imbued something else into the wood. What, I have no idea but I can feel some sort of magic within. Have you noticed anything about this staff which is unusual?”
“Apart from steel not being able to cut it. No.” Kuiran replied, a little mystified.
“Well don’t worry about it. Whatever it is must be for your benefit. Now let’s get on with the lessons.”
Together they made their way down to the ocean where Kuiran was instructed to wade in and feel the strength of the sea, the source of all Watermagic. As the great repository of water and the birth place of clouds and rain, it is to the sea that all water is eventually returned. Kuiran stood in the salt water and felt the thrumming build. He resisted his transformation into the form of a Sealie, just as he had learned from the books he had read over the preceding two weeks. The sensation caused by his resistance felt unnatural, but he bore it. Before long Abron called him out of the sea onto the beach.
Kuiran stood attentively as Abron instructed him in how to use the push and pull of water, adding to it to help make the incoming waves bigger or creating a space where they did not wash on the shore at all. It was tiring for Kuiran, seeking understanding of the theory and practice of Watermagic but wading in again to stand in the surf for another few minutes recharged Kuiran’s energy again and he continued on with his manipulation of the waves.
“Enough Kuiran. That will do for today. It will be suppertime when we get back.”
Kuiran looked up at Abron’s call and saw the daylight was fading. Where had the time gone? He stopped what he was doing and the wave he had built immediately crashed down as the Watermagic suspending it was released. Abron looked on approvingly.
“You’ve done well for a first day Kuiran. You have an understanding of the flow of Watermagic beyond what I expected. At this rate you will be somewhat competent in a month or so.”
Kuiran’s face fell as he contemplated the possibilities of what could happen around Arwhon in a month. He was the Arm and should be there beside Arwhon to protect him through any trials Fate may throw in his direction but he couldn’t be here on Wyalon and beside Arwhon at the same time. Learning as much Watermagic as he possibly could was important to both of them. Arwhon had indicated as much when he saw them off months ago. Best to learn as fast and as well as he could. No use going back with only half the knowledge he required.
Kuiran joined Abron on the beach and together, father and son, they made their way back up to the house, a sense of accomplishment growing in Kuiran as they walked.
Watermagic was fun.
That train of thought carried on and eventually something Kuiran had observed but not thought much about became a question which required an answer. Later, while sitting at the table with Raleen and his parents, enjoying a hearty supper, he asked it.
“Abron, why don’t all the people on Wyalon possess Watermagic?”
Abron looked up from his meal and paused with a forkful of food halfway to his mouth before returning it to the plate.
“It’s like this Kuiran. When the Hirondae split into various factions to follow one form of magic or another, the M’Herindar and subsequently the Q’Herindam, who adhered to Earthmagic at that time, went into the Darkwood and excluded Man. There was no Rift in those days. The Kin of S’Ria who used Airmagic took themselves off south to a far distant land where they took up an agrarian existence and created a centre of learning. The followers of Watermagic were different. In those distant times, wielders of Watermagic were drawn to the sea where they bathed in the energy of salt water. Eventually they were forced to make a choice. They could either stay in the seas permanently as Sealie or find a place where the salt water was never far away.”
Abron looked to Merina, who by now had finished eating and she took over the story for him.
“The requirement was for an island large enough to live upon independently but small enough to always feel the saltwater near. Our ancestors eventually found Wyalon and it was perfect but Man was already here, fishing, farming and rearing offspring. There was still enough space for both races so the Hirondae practitioners of Watermagic moved here. When the blood in us is strong, Watermagic is the right of that person but there are a lot like Raleen on the island who have some small magics due to intermarriage between those descended from the Hirondae, and Man. Does that answer your question?”
Kuiran replied in the affirmative but Raleen had a question of her own.
“Where did the Firemagic practitioners end up?”
Abron and Merina exchanged glances before Abron chose to answer.
“We don’t know. The Hirondae did not receive Firemagic. Only Earth, Air and Watermagics. True Firemagic seems to have been hidden somehow.”
They set out to enjoy the rest of their supper but a knock came from the front door. Merina answered it and led Captain Belmar back into the dining room. The Captain blinked owlishly in the light as he greeted them before announcing the purpose of his visit.
“We leave on the early morning tide, so I just came to say goodbye fer now and pick up them letters you spoke of.”
The Captain was not inclined to sit and take a bite with them as final preparations were not quite completed for tomorrow’s sailing, so everyone wished Belmar a pleasant and speedy voyage while Merina quickly retrieved the letters from the study and handed them to the Captain. Without any more formalities he placed them into the inside pocket of his stained and worn frockcoat before giving them all a tip of his hat and taking his leave of the gathered company.
“Well,” Marina said after she’d returned from showing Captain Belmar out. “That’s that.”
Commander Rivers came calling early the next morning, just after they’d finished breakfast. There was a problem on the far side of the island. The Mage known as Tarn had decided there was no need for him to pay any heed to edicts from Sanctuary any longer as he’d declared the city of Deltana, which he ruled, to be independent. Other large towns on Wyalon’s coast were following the process with interest.
The Q'Herindam Page 12