Phantom Campaign

by Eden Redd

  Zarra looked down to Symon, “We trust you with our lives.”

  All heads nodded.

  Symon nodded as well, “I will do my best. They have already started showing us some group tactics in class. My fellow spellswords are taking it seriously but very few are being proactive about it. Now that we know what kind of exam it will be, I will push everyone to train harder.”

  “It’s your strength,” Dax said.

  Symon grinned, “Don’t expect me to take it easy on all of you. We may have to train on our own and everyone needs to show up and be ready.”

  The small group smiled.

  Vance turned and moved to the table with all the drinks. He began to pour into cups. When five of them were filled, he picked them all up with his hands and came back to the group. Everyone picked up a cup and held it up.

  Vance cleared his throat before he addressed the club, “We have a lot to do, but no one ever said being a champion was easy. We will help our members and work together so we can overcome whatever is thrown our way.

  “To the Heroes of Kinarth!”

  The group cheered as they touched cups together and took a long, hearty drink, purpose filling their hearts.

  ***

  The meeting ended with laughter and rosy cheeks. Dax and Fern were the first to leave as Symon and Zarra talked. Vance filled his cup one last time, his body swaying slightly.

  The mage and berserker stepped out of the Commons and into the courtyard. Night had fallen and stars shined bright in the clear dark sky. The air was pure, flowing over the walls with a slight chill.

  Fern shivered before she leaned into Dax and wrapped her arms around his waist. Dax put his arm around her as they walked in sync. The pair enjoyed the small warmth between them, Fern sticking her hands in Dax’s robe pockets.

  “I want to ask something, but I think I already know the answer,” Fern said in a soft voice.

  “Ask it anyway,” Dax said, holding her close.

  Fern pulled back a little as they slowed down. The fairy looked up with serious eyes.

  “Is Nuria worth all of this? She’s been cruel, annoying, and betrayed you by giving away your technique. Why should we help her when she can still hurt you, hurt us?”

  Dax squeezed Fern’s shoulder as she walked close to him, “Symon once told me since we are champions, we should be an example to others, for better or for worse. I’ve spent most of my life running from responsibility. I felt it was more trouble than it was worth, but now, I’m starting to not feel the same way about it.

  “All the champions that have come from this academy have put the world before themselves. The void war is long over, but there still have been conflicts and natural disasters. Champions have raced in to save the many and the few, not hesitating that their lives may be in danger. If I want to follow in their footsteps, I have to do the same. If another void war is coming, we will all be tested when it arrives.”

  Fern nodded and snuggled to the mage, “It’s still surreal, knowing that another war may come again. Knowing that we could be fighting an enemy from almost a hundred years ago.”

  Dax nodded. “The only difference this time is there will be an army of champions to fight them back, just like during the time of Sebastian Kinarth.”

  “Is this a test for yourself to see if you can live to such a high ideal?” Fern asked.

  “It’s our way. If we don’t practice what we are learning, then we are just people. I want to be more.”

  Fern nodded, “I want to be more.”

  Dax smiled. “We will, together.”

  The fairy was quiet for a moment before her lips parted. “I feel I should be mad at you, but Zarra was very convincing when we talked today.”

  “So, you’re not mad?”

  Fern grinned evilly, “Not completely. You kept secrets from us because you thought we would turn on you. I should punch you for that.”

  “Zarra already broke a few of my bones,” Dax laughed.

  “That is why I’m letting this go, but if you keep such a secret from us again, I’ll break more than a few bones.”

  “Warning taken,” Dax smiled.

  The couple walked along until they both perked up upon seeing Nuria sitting in a small grass area. The mage had an open spellbook in her lap, but her eyes had a faraway gaze like she wasn’t even looking at the words.

  Dax and Fern pulled apart and walked side by side. They reached the grassy edge and stepped onto it, making their way to the lone mage. Nuria blinked and looked up to the mage and berserker as they approached. She shifted on the grass, her book closing and her legs sliding under her.

  Dax lifted a hand, “We just want to talk.”

  Nuria glanced to Fern and then looked down. Dax and Fern moved to the mage and sat down opposite of her.

  “I’m not sorry for defending myself against Zarra,” Nuria said coldly.

  Dax nodded. “We’re not here for that. We’re here to tell you that we are going to help you start a new life.”

  Nuria looked up and blinked.

  Dax glanced to the left and right, seeing students walking nearby, but not giving them any attention. “We have a plan in the works, but it will take time. We can get you safely out of the academy so you may escape judgement.”

  Nuria looked to Fern again before looking to Dax, “You told them. You told them about me.”

  Dax nodded. “I had to. After what happened at the party, there was no way I could not tell them.”

  Fern nodded. “We all agreed to help you.”

  Nuria’s eyes widened. “You want to help me, even after knowing what I am?”

  Fern’s eyes narrowed. “You’re a pain in the ass, but it would be wrong to not help one of our coterie in a time of need.”

  Dax gave a faint smile. “Nuria, any information you have about the academy’s enemies will go a long way to help you. Anything you tell us, we can pass on without involving you.”

  The beautiful mage stared at Dax for a long moment, “How can you be sure you can get me out of here safely?”

  The mage eyed her as he spoke, “We can set up a location and people to help you. It will take a few months, but we can help you disappear. You’ll never have to worry about being found out. It will mean leaving the academy, but you’ll have a new life. The club is working together to ensure we can put everything into place, but we will need to know who is working against the academy.”

  Nuria looked down, her eyes darting to the side as she seemed to be choosing her words carefully. A long moment slipped by before she looked up with new determination.

  “Thank you but I have my own terms for such an agreement. I need proof you are acting in a way to help me escape. As much as I don’t want to leave this magical academy, the longer I’m here, the more danger I’m in.

  “The academy’s enemies are still working, devising plans to hinder and hurt the academy. If I leave, they will accelerate their plans. I thought long and hard about everything last night. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to be imprisoned. I want my second chance and if it is here on Ikkudran, then that is my fate.

  “I’ll tell you everything I know, once I have proof that I can safely leave and not a moment before. I can’t risk what little security I have right now. I want to help, but I won’t do it until I know I will be safe.

  “Do we have an accord?”

  Dax and Fern looked to the mage before their heads nodded in agreement.

  “We have an accord,” Dax said.

  Nuria let out a long sigh as she leaned back, her fingers sliding into the grass. “Thank you and I’m sorry for all the problems I’ve caused. We should keep these meetings rare or others will talk and…” the mage’s brow wrinkled.

  Dax and Fern watched as Nuria sat up straighter and brought her hands around to her lap. She lifted one hand, a small red gem among her fingers. A second later, a red aura appeared around her body.

  Dax and Fern’s eyes widened.

  “Shit! The gem hunt!�
� Dax cursed.

  Around them, heads began to turn as a bright aura enveloped Nuria.

  “I don’t want it!” Nuria tossed it and Dax caught it.

  An aura appeared around the mage as he held the gem. “Uh! We have to get this to the main building!”

  “This is ridiculous!” Nuria said as she stared at Dax and the glowing aura around him.

  Fern was up, hand out, “Give it to me! I’ll get it there but both of you have to defend me!”

  Dax was up, the aura pulsating like a beacon. Gazes were now on them, some pointing and others reaching into robes, cloaks and belts.

  “I can’t!” Nuria said as she scrambled to her feet.

  Fern stepped close to and stared hard into Nuria’s eyes, “We are a team and you will help!”

  Nuria stood stunned as Fern turned and held out her hand again to Dax.

  “Give it to me and defend,” the fairy commanded.

  Dax placed the gem in Fern’s hand. An aura enveloped her body as she flashed. When the light died, she was hovering in her eight-inch form. The aura seemed to burn brighter as the fairy looked across the courtyard to the main building.

  Dax and Nuria stood side by side as some students pulled out stun wands and began to aim.

  “Now!” the fairy shouted before she bolted like a miniature comet.

  Dax and Nuria charged after the glowing fairy before bolts of light filled the area. Students aimed and fired off stun bolts as Fern zipped through the air. The fairy’s movements glided and flowed as a storm of light flashed around her. Wings beat in a blur as she charged, ducked, and flew up.

  More students entered the fray, calling out to others about the gem. Some rushed, jumping up and trying to grab the fairy as she zipped through the maze of bodies. Bolts lit up the area, one of them missing Fern and striking another student. The student was frozen as he fell to the stone floor.

  Dax and Nuria charged through the group. A student aimed at Fern’s back before Dax snatched the wand and shot the student in the head. The student’s mouth gaped as he stood, frozen in place.

  “Cover me!” Dax shouted as he tossed the wand to Nuria.

  The mage caught it and aimed. Dax rushed forward as students all turned their attention on the glowing red fairy. Hand out, Dax snatched another wand from a hand. Dax and Nuria aimed and unleashed stun bolts.

  Students froze in place as bolts struck them from behind. Fern spun and flew as more students came out of nowhere, clamoring to get the precious stone in the fairy’s hands. Fern saw the main building approaching fast and she gave a confident grin.

  A shadow touched the fairy before a fist slammed into her tiny body. Fern went spiraling until she hit the stone floor. She clutched the large gem to her tiny chest as she rolled and slowed to the stop.

  Jonas approached with a wicked smile. “Sorry but I need that gem,” the berserker classmate said as he approached.

  Fern looked up in defiance as the berserker was nearly on her when a flash of light struck him and he froze. The berserker’s eyes looked down, unable to move. A second later, Dax’s shoulder crashed into him and sent the berserker sprawling to the floor.

  “Keep moving!” Dax shouted as he lifted the fairy and tossed her into the air.

  A student aimed a wand at Dax’s back and fired. The bolt of light covered the distance in a blink, Dax just turning around. Nuria was to him, arms out and chest aimed at the bolt. Dax watched as the beautiful mage took the strike, falling back frozen and into his arms. Dax held her as Fern bolted for the main building.

  “Nuria,” Dax whispered as she was frozen in his arms.

  Fern spun and flew as fast as her wings would allow her. Gem to her chest, she dodged bolts of light until she crashed into the doors and was inside.

  Shouts and groans filled the courtyard as students threw their hands up in defeat.

  Jonas slowly stood up, rubbing his head and grinning.

  Nuria let out an exhale as she regained use of her body. Dax helped her to stand. Nuria turned around and looked to the mage with a sliver of affection.

  “You took a bolt for me,” Dax smiled.

  “If we are going to be partners, then we’re partners all the way,” the beautiful mage smiled.

  Dax smiled and his eyes widened when Nuria hugged him. The two stood, holding each other for a small moment before she pulled away.

  The mage nodded. “Let’s go see what we won,” Dax smiled.

  The pair made their way inside to the desk. Fern stood in her larger form, tapping her foot. The woman behind the counter marked a board behind her before she put a small sack on the desk and pushed it toward her.

  Dax and Nuria arrived just in time to see Fern open it, three mana shards glowing within.

  “That’s it?” Fern’s brow formed a pointed V.

  Dax grinned before he chuckled. “Well, it is something,” the mage said before he started laughing.

  Ten

  Academy life fell into a dutiful routine. The season changed slowly, growing a little colder as students made their way to classes, practices, and club meetings. The leaves on what few trees filled the grassy areas of the courtyard began to change. Oranges, yellows, and browns hung from branches as the world shifted to a mild winter. The Western Sea never saw snow or ice, but the temperature would dip heading toward winter.

  Dax fell into patterns between classes and club meetings. When he wasn’t in class, the mage often found himself spending time between The Heroes of Kinarth and the Card Alliance group. It was an interesting experience, meeting Noss’s members and the whole group wanting a piece of Dax’s attention. The mage often scratched the back of his head and smiled as members of the group came from many different classes and backgrounds. They would politely inquire and the mage did the best he could to explain. They held mock duels and talked excitedly about cards they designed or traded.

  Noss became the leader and hub of the Alliance. Rules were agreed upon and written down. The kobold necromancer had won the respect of the members since he was able to bring Dax into the group and when they didn’t go to Dax, they went to Noss. The kobold was fair, even tempered, and happy to help instill a sense of honor and pride to the group.

  At the same time, Isani and Ressa were brought into Vance’s club one evening and made full members of the Heroes of Kinarth. The shadow elf and dranar were all smiles as it was voted on and agreed. The party after the initiation meeting was filled with laughing, talking, and welcoming hugs to the two new members. Ressa was all smiles while Isani observed with cool eyes and a warm smirk. Fern drank a little too much, threatening everyone who tried to steal her drinks before falling into Dax’s arms with a stupid smile. It only made the night more memorable as laughter filled the club room for hours.

  After the meeting, Isani had to stop Dax, pushing him against a corridor wall and pressing his new rig into his hands. The rogue seemed delighted to hand it off, but gave his manhood a quick squeeze before sauntering off. Dax didn’t get a word in edgewise, eager to study his new card rig and decide what cards he would load it with.

  As the days spun on, training and studying soon took greater precedence. Symon took to his role as military leader. He held practice drills, talking about battle roles and formations. The club was lukewarm to it at first, but soon everyone was on board.

  When not practicing, Dax, Symon, Vance, Fern, and Zarra were in the library, learning everything they could on military tactics. It was grueling, fitting in their normal studies with the extra workload. It often led to long discussions and lots of drinking afterwards. Ressa and Isani would meet for drinks and try to soak up the knowledge everyone else was studying. They often said they were very busy, but Dax did smile when they would arrive at the library a few times and joined them for study sessions.

  When the evenings came, Dax often found himself back in his dorm room, hunched over his desk and designing new cards. The added work weighed on him, but determination fueled his resolve, knowing that the campaign
exam would test all of them and they wanted to be ready.

  The mage often passed out at his desk, waking up with cards stuck to his face and Symon laughing at him.

  Connecting with Nuria was made in secret. Dax worked with his friends and sent ravens to Hydale. When he wasn’t sending letters to what few friends he had on the mainland, he was passing secret notes with updates to the beautiful mage. Nuria played the game well, reading the note and burning it with an arcane whisper. She never said much, but looked to Dax with a deep appreciation in her eyes.

  It didn’t take long for the new card magic manuals to be placed in spell caster hands. Professor Frost was quick to point out that the magic weaving classes would be first to use the books. It meant mages, druids, clerics, and necromancers would be able to learn the new technique before the others. Dax was surprised the cleric class could use the new technique, but it seemed that faith and mana were two sides of the same coin. Where a mage could draw upon mana and charge a card, clerics could do the same with faith. Zarra was very excited because it would make healing and boosting her fellow students that much more efficient.

  The first week of using the manuals had its ups and downs. Cards were specially made for students in mass quantities, but the skill needed for scribing arcane designs left something to be desired. A few accidents happened, cards misfiring and Professor Frost extinguishing the spell before it took an arm or an eye. Dax was often bouncing from student to student in his mage classes, assisting Professor Frost on the right way to design a card. Where once, the student body laughed at him for his weak spell casting ability, they now listened with focused intent, absorbing his advice like sponges.

  Dax felt it as he assisted his fellow classmates, the small swell of pride as he helped them to become better.

  A month and a half into the academy year, students and teachers were using card magic in mock battles and practice sessions. Professor Plume was over the moon, happy to help so many students with their arcane designs. When he wasn’t teaching classes, he spent time in his office, helping a line of students out the door who wanted to be better at designing cards.