The Legend of the Seven Sages: The Blade of Origin

by B. A. Scott

  She approached Gabrel. “Should you ever need to perform this skill, place your hands here and here.” She pressed a palm to Gabrel’s right breast and under his left arm. “This is not like the sword, Gabrel,” she said. “You’re not filling someone with Fury, you’re sending small blasts of it into them.”

  “I’ve never tried to tone down the amount of Fury I’m casting,” Gabrel said.

  “Cast a small, short bolt, pausing to see if they’ve recovered.”

  For a moment, Gabrel thought Kade was about to demonstrate the technique on him. “Are you gonna—are you gonna do it?”

  Kade smiled. “No, for a proper demonstration, you’d need to be dead,” she said. “Besides, I’d need to be touching your skin directly. It won’t work through armor or cloth.”

  “Okay,” said Gabrel. “It stinks that we can’t practice these sort of things.”

  “Yes,” Kade agreed, stepping back, “but the reason I showed you is so you understand what you are capable of. There are a thousand more uses of Fury you’ve yet to learn. Before tonight, you hadn’t broadened your perception of this power. Your magic is pliable. Bend it to your purposes. I’ve offered a few glimpses of its potential to help guide you, and open your minds to the possibilities.” She knelt, and placed a palm upon the ground, filling the earth with the Celestial Blaze, bathing the encampment in an otherworldly light. “Practice them, attune them, and always continue to test yourselves—Gabrel, even after we part ways.”

  “It’ll be more difficult without a teacher,” Gabrel said.

  “But all the more rewarding when you discover things for yourself,” said Kade. “I’ve been thinking a lot about the road ahead—when we get to Benevar. How the two of you will soon be parted. There’s no knowing when you’ll see each other again. You know that, right?”

  “Yeah,” Gabrel and Kaven said at the same time.

  “But there is magic that can connect you while you’re apart. A way for the two of you to remain in contact with one another.”

  “The Visiting Flame?” Kaven asked. “I don’t want to take that risk again if I don’t have to.”

  “No,” said Kade. “There is another way. A bond of thought.”

  “You’re talking about mind-marking,” Kaven said.

  “Yes.”

  “And you’re suggesting that Kaven and I should do this?” Gabrel asked. “That we should—what? Know each other’s thoughts?”

  “Well, maybe not tonight,” Kade told him. “But before you go your separate ways, I think it would be wise. News can take weeks—even months—to travel across this world. But for the two of you, it could happen in a heartbeat.”

  “I don’t know,” said Kaven. “I mean, as it is, I don’t want to know what Gabrel’s thinking half the time.”

  “Yeah,” agreed Gabrel. “He’d know every secret I can remember.”

  “And you would know his,” said Kade. “There’s a good deal of sacrifice involved, as you can imagine. The choice is yours to make. But think on it quickly. As you said, Gabrel, we’re running out of time.”

  “Right,” Gabrel understood. “Well, I think that’s enough for one night, don’t you? I’m starving, anyway.”

  “We all are,” said Ayden.

  The group settled into their camp, and feasted on rabbit. As Gabrel sat by the fire, he watched as Kaven pulled a piece of cloth from his belt pouch and ran it thoughtfully through his fingers.

  The hem from Kiara’s dress, Gabrel realized.

  “How often do you think about Adelyne, Gabe?” Kaven asked.

  “Every day,” said Gabrel.

  Kaven looked at the piece of cloth as though it held some strange power over him. “I miss them,” he said, then tucked it away.

  “The two of you were very lucky,” said Ayden, “My suitor was always to be determined by my father. But none were ever worthy of me, he said. So much depends on wealth and bloodlines, after all.”

  “No one was good enough?” Gabrel asked.

  “I can’t just marry anyone, Gabrel. My union must strengthen the Human race. The man I wed would become King. He’d have to be strong. Passionate. Civil and just. Powerful, yet patient. Peaceful, yet respected on a—a military level. He’d have to have a courageous heart, a quick mind, and a—well, the list goes on.”

  “It all sounds so tedious,” Kaven said.

  Ayden straightened her posture, and lifted her chin slightly. “To you, I’m sure it would. But I’m resigned to the fact that my marriage will be a loveless bond. A union to protect my house and benefit my people. As I said before, the two of you were very lucky.”

  “Kiara was everything to me,” Kaven said as he levitated a stone and placed a hover charm on it. “I’ll never find another like her.” He touched the stone with his finger, and filled it with the Celestial Blaze, causing it to glow.

  “Now you’re just showing off,” said Gabrel.

  Kaven subdued his magic, and let the stone fall.

  “So, Estimus tomorrow,” he said.

  “I can’t say I’m thrilled about getting there,” said Gabrel. “The last time I was in an Erygian city, they didn’t exactly—”

  Kaven nudged Gabrel’s back, urging him to stop talking.

  “The hell was that for?” Gabrel asked.

  “Stopping you from saying too much,” Kaven whispered in his brother’s ear. “Ayden still doesn’t know you’re Erygian, remember?”

  “Everything okay with you two?” Ayden asked.

  “Yeah,” said Gabrel. “It’s just that the Erygians didn’t exactly think I was the best choice of ambassador.”

  “News travels quickly within our realm, Gabrel,” said Kade, almost cryptically. “Your presence and dealings in Allestron will be known in Estimus.”

  “What?” Gabrel asked, a sickly feeling immediately filling his stomach.

  “Enchanters from all of our cities keep each other well informed,” Kade said.

  “So, we should expect them to already know,” Gabrel reasoned.

  “Know what?” Ayden asked. Kaven and Kade stared horrifically at Gabrel, their faces losing color. “Hello, know what?” Ayden persisted.

  “Ayden,” Gabrel began. “I’ve kept something from you. Something that will be very hard to hear. Something you’re bound to learn eventually.”

  “What is it?” Ayden said firmly.

  “Do you remember how I told your father that I can wield magic, because I came into contact with an Enchanter during his spirisortium?”

  “Yes. It’s still unbelievable.”

  “Well,” said Gabrel, “the truth is, there was no Enchanter.” He paused, hoping Ayden would understand.

  “I… I don’t,” Ayden fumbled, trying to make sense of Gabrel’s words. “Are you trying to tell me that you had the spirisortium yourself? That you’re Erygian, Gabrel?”

  “Half.”

  “What?” Ayden half-laughed. “That’s preposterous.” She looked to her companions, each silent when she expected them to denounce such a preposterous claim. When they did not, anger flushed her cheeks. She froze in disbelief, looking incredulously to Gabrel, who nodded.

  “You—” she said disgustedly under her breath, “you lied to me?!” Her rage abounded in utter poise as tears of betrayal pooled in her eyes. “You lied to me.”

  Chapter 7: The Marinean

  When Dareic arrived at the Port of Skaelwood, the sun peeked over the horizon—illuminating the eastern sea with a glorious display of sparkling tides. The early morning hours began to wear on him, for even though he’d been blessed with the gift of Momentum, he desperately longed for a good night’s sleep.

  Ralian took charge, leading the group through the port. Along the way, Dareic, Vega and Vexen drew glances from the Skael’adar around them, but pressed on as if they didn’t notice.

  Ships of every size surrounded them. The port boasted rowboats, catamarans, and larger sailing ships—the grandest of which appeared massive enough to hold over a hundred
warriors, Dareic thought. When, at last, the Sage reached a dock lined with medium-sized ships, he spoke to one of the Skael’adar.

  “Captain Vedano,” he said with a hand-hearting.

  “Ralian Sheen!” said the Captain, returning the gesture. “What brings you to port? Do you need passage?”

  “Not I,” said Ralian. “But these four do.” He motioned to the others. “To Kallenshar and back.”

  “Kallenshar?” asked Vedano, slightly shocked by the request. “When do they need to leave?”

  “As soon as possible,” said the Sage. “And the faster their voyage, the better. As you know, Kallenshar isn’t the most pleasant place to be.”

  “Well, you’re in luck then,” Vedano said.

  “Why?” asked Ralian. “Are you ready to sail?”

  “Well yes, I could be. But if speed is your priority, there’s a Marinean merchant in port, just there.” He pointed across the way to where a Marinean vessel had docked.

  “A Marinean?” Dareic asked. “But they hate Humans! And I thought—Skaelar too. Damn near everybody from what I’ve been told. There’s no way a Marinean will grant us passage.”

  “Ah, you’re right!” said the Captain. “They loathe more than half the world, they do! But Marinean merchants think differently than the rest of their people. Their trade takes them to all corners of Adoran. Most Marineans wouldn’t even talk to you, much less look you in the eye. But merchants are forced to do business with ‘mainlanders,’ as they call us. To a merchant, silver is silver, no matter who gives it.”

  “So, what? You’re saying that Marinean over there won’t have a problem with giving us a ride to Kallenshar?” Dareic asked.

  “Oh, he may,” Vedano assured him. “But pay him well enough, and there’s a chance he just might do it anyway.”

  “Thank you, Captain,” Ralian said with a farewell hand-hearting. The Sage then led the group to the Marinean ship, which stretched a good twenty yards long, and boasted an impressive sail. From the dock, its deck appeared empty. “Hello there!” Ralian called out. “Is this vessel’s Captain on board?!”

  A few moments later, a cabin door creaked open, and a tall figure emerged. Dareic, instantly intrigued upon seeing a new race of Adoran for the first time, noticed the Marinean was broad-shouldered and muscular, but slender and toned, with aqua-colored skin that faded to a pale white under his arms. It appeared scaly, yet smooth. His large, beautifully shaped eyes bore brilliant violet irises splashed with hints of orange and lime. Upon his head, long, thick tentacles hung to his mid-section. Each had suction cups on its underside, which fascinated Dareic greatly. Eyebrows of a fiery reddish-orange complemented the Marinean’s skin well, as did a small patch of hair upon his chin. His nose, far less pronounced than a Human’s, seemed to blend smoothly into the rest of his face. The Marinean was shirtless, but wore pants finely fashioned from materials of the sea. As he approached, Dareic distinguished gills cut between his ribs, and large, webbed hands and feet.

  “Are we sure about this?” Dareic mumbled to Ralian out of the corner of his mouth.

  “On land, we Skaelar boast the fastest speed of travel,” said the Sage. “But on water, the Marineans take the honor.” Dareic rolled his eyes in acceptance.

  “I am Xado Anthrabar, the Captain of this vessel,” the Marinean spoke, eyeing the group with no short supply of arrogance. He held his chin high, and his shoulders back. “What do you want?”

  “Passage for four,” said Ralian. “To Kallenshar and back. Does your trade route accommodate such a request?”

  The Marinean thought for a moment, stroking the hair upon his chin. “It might,” he said, then immediately looked to Vexen. “What the devil are you? Only Daro’s demon spawn come by your darkened shade.”

  “Vexen is a guest of our realm, Captain Anthrabar,” Ralian told him with the utmost sincerity.

  “A defector, then?” reasoned Xado.

  “Not—formally,” said Ralian. “But I assure you, she bears no allegiance to Lord Daro.”

  “I still don’t like the look of her,” said Xado. “Or any of you, for that matter.”

  “You should know, you’re addressing a Sage,” Treäbu growled.

  “And you should know, I don’t give half a shit,” Xado retorted. “Now tell me, what business do you have in Kallenshar?”

  “These four are on an errand of great impor—” Ralian began to speak, but the Marinean cut him short.

  “I was speaking to him,” he said, pointing to Dareic. “Skaelar and Aeroli, I’ve admittedly come to tolerate well enough. But no Human has ever set foot aboard the Avenger.” He tapped his webbed hand thoughtfully on the ship’s railing.

  “Ah!” Ralian interjected. “But, my good Captain, this isn’t just any Human. This is a descendant of Genus Caladen! And an ambassador himself, no less.”

  “An ambassador, you say?” asked the Marinean, studying Dareic intently. “Nevertheless, if I’m to let a Human aboard my ship, he’d better have a damn good reason for it. What say you, boy?”

  Ralian looked to Dareic, who appeared dumbfounded.

  “I, uh...” Dareic tried to speak, suddenly feeling like he was back in the arena in Skaelwood, trying to convince the Skaelar to fight at Caleton. “My name is Dareic Caladen,” he said at last, “and I need to speak with the Incinians. We need them to ally with us against Daro. It’s as simple as that.”

  Xado’s eyes widened in shock. Then, he roared with laughter, drawing the attention of all within earshot.

  “ALLIANCE!?” he bellowed. “With Lord Embros?! You’re positively mad!”

  “If you only knew how many times I’ve heard that in my life,” Dareic said.

  “Did you ever stop to think it just might be true?” asked Xado.

  “The question remains,” said Dareic, ignoring the Marinean’s comment. “Can you help us, or not?”

  “Your journey is a useless one, boy,” Xado spoke indignantly. “Better you save your time—and your money.”

  “We have to try,” said Dareic, firmly. “And we heard your ship is the fastest in port. Is that true? Or were we misinformed?”

  “Oh, that’s the truth, alright,” said the Marinean. “But I’m still reluctant to let your stench aboard my vessel.”

  “There’s no cause for insult here, Captain,” Treäbu stated.

  “Treäbu,” Dareic said, putting a hand on his green friend’s shoulder. He then turned his attention to the Marinean once again. “You said I need a ‘damn good reason’ for going to Kallenshar. But somehow, I get the feeling that no matter what I say, you’ll never consent.”

  Xado studied Dareic carefully. “What would my kindred think, back home,” he said, his face turning very serious, “when they learned I’d ferried your lot across the Salucean Sea? Do you have any idea what that would do to my reputation, boy? You don’t, do you? You know nothing of my world. At best, my own kin might cast me out. Would you believe that? You’re asking me to risk the respect of my own people, just so you—some foolish mainlanders—can carry out some mindless mission.”

  “What if we made you an offer you couldn’t refuse?” Dareic asked, taking the money bag from his hip, and jingling it in his hand.

  “Ha!” laughed the Marinean. “I doubt whatever gold or silver you have in that little pouch of yours could outweigh the risks I’d be taking.”

  “Name your price,” Ralian spoke to the Marinean. Dareic’s head jerked to the Sage.

  “Well, I was about to refuse you outright,” said the Captain. “But, as I’m feeling rather generous today, for the three companions, it’ll be a fire gem per head.”

  “What?!” belted Treäbu.

  “And for the Caladen ambassador,” the Marinean continued. “It’ll be an ice diamond.”

  “An ice diamond?” Dareic choked. “And three fire gems!?”

  “That’s outrageous!” Treäbu roared.

  “Done,” said Ralian, accepting Xado’s offer.

  “Not done!”
Dareic protested. “Ralian, I can’t afford that! I’ve never even seen an ice diamond.”

  “The Skaelar will cover the payment for your passage, ambassador,” said the Sage. “Done.”

  “But it’s a fortune!” said Dareic. “I can’t ask that of you. Look, we’ll just take a Skaelar ship, alright?”

  “I agree,” Treäbu said. “How much longer would it take us to get there and back with one of our own ships, Ralian? A couple extra days? It’ll be slower travel, but we don’t have to put up with this nonsense. He’s being completely unreasonable.”

  “Much can happen in a single day,” said the Sage. “Daro’s forces are moving swiftly. We must as well. He will attack Skaelwood in time—I’m confident our presence at Caleton sealed that certainty. They could be marching as we speak. A single day could be the difference between your return and our success—or the eradication of the Skaelar. We need this vessel’s speed. And don’t worry about the cost, Dareic. If this venture ends up saving even a single life, that’s worth more than any rock or metal found in the dirt.”

  “I already owe the Skaelar so much,” Dareic said, brushing his hair back, attempting to grasp just how great his debt was growing. “I don’t think I can ever repay this.”

  Ralian leaned in close to Dareic’s ear. “Consider having some patience with Vexen your repayment,” he whispered, then stepped back.

  “Alright,” Dareic said. “And thank you,” he spoke with overwhelming gratitude, then turned to the Captain. “How soon can you set sail?”

  “As soon as you’re ready,” answered the Marinean.

  “We’re ready now,” Dareic said.

  “Then get your filth on board.”

  Treäbu snarled at the remark.

  “Let it go, brother,” Ralian urged him.

  “Are we to tolerate his insults the whole time we’re at sea?” Treäbu refuted. “The least he could manage is a little courtesy—especially after the fortune we’re shelling out.”