by Eden Redd
It didn’t take long for the student body to see what was in store for the second year at the academy. Where at first, small groups were in the library studying, it soon grew to many students crammed at every available seat and table, researching military tactics, warfare and sometimes fighting over books. Dax often sighed in relief that he and his friends managed to get a head start but as each day ticked by, panic began to rear its ugly head. Hints were made in classes and after class, students raced to the library to grab books before others did. It became a feeding frenzy among many students, Dax and Symon often in lounge chairs and smiling at each other.
The gem hunt game the High Dean began at the beginning of the year soon fell to the wayside. Some students continued to play, but it was abundantly apparent that Miranda from the Lancer class was nearly unbeatable. The lancer had a sixth sense with the gems and was often seen launching through the air with a red aura. It turned into a normal occurrence, Dax and Fern often making out in the courtyard, shouts and wands going off and the pair not stopping during the moments of contained chaos.
The mage’s love life seemed to carry on. Fern, Zarra, and Ressa had demanded his time and the mage found it difficult to say no, not that he wanted to. Where Fern took the lion’s share of Dax’s attention, Zarra seemed at ease and relaxed when he came to visit her. Ressa on the other hand wanted only a specific kind of attention, appearing at Dax’s dorm room, pleasing him and drinking from his manhood before wiping her mouth and leaving. The mage found it unsettling at first when no words were exchanged, but the dranar seemed to like him while she was on her knees and it didn’t take long before the pair simply went with what was expected. Symon wasn’t pleased when he walked in on it and often voiced his annoyance.
Isani was another matter entirely. The shadow elf was often close to the mage when they were together, but tended to find an excuse not to spend intimate time together. Dax never pressured her, however, there was clearly an attraction but nothing more happened than small kisses. Dax spoke of it with Zarra and the cleric simply nodded, telling the mage that she may be taking her time for her own reasons.
Time marched on in the academy. Exhaustion set in across most of the student body. The panic they felt earlier slipped into a form of shock, unsure what to expect, but too exhausted to think too much on it.
About two months into the academy year, Dax and Symon sat in the library. The mage was staring at a book, the written words not making any sense to the exhausted mage and Symon leaning back in his chair, a book over his face.
Dax looked up and rubbed his eyes. “Maybe you should go back to the room,” the mage yawned to his friend.
The book and Symon’s head gave a small nod, but otherwise, he didn’t move.
“Go upstairs,” Dax said with a tired edge.
“Rest is for the weak,” came a muffled tone from under the book.
“I will summon my troll and he will carry you upstairs,” Dax said with weak conviction.
“Fine,” Symon said as the book slid off his face and landed on his lap.
The spellsword was up, book in hand. He placed it on a nearby table and stumbled away, giving Dax a small wave goodbye.
I really should join him, but I’m sooo tired.
Dax leaned back, his very mind whispering slumbers embrace.
“Greetings, Dax,” came a warm voice.
The mage’s head lolled up and his tired eyes widened as High Dean Luthis Prideleaf was standing by his chair. The elf looked down with a pleasant smile, a book in his hand. He wore his familiar forest green leather outfit and his black hair was tied back into a ponytail.
Dax lifted up the book in his hands, “Greetings High Dean. I was just studying.”
Luthis looked to the book and then to Dax, “The Void War Campaigns. A little light reading?”
The mage nodded a little too quickly. “It’s fascinating to read about the squads of champions beating back the different armies of the spawn. The hit and run tactics not only instilled fear in the enemy, but disorganized them enough to break their ranks.”
Luthis nodded. “Yes, it was a sound tactic. Something Sebastian and I discussed before putting it into action.”
Dax nodded before his gaze fell to the book in the High Dean’s hand.
Luthis looked down and then back to the mage. “I was just returning a book. The librarians have had a lot of work lately and I thought I would put it back myself.”
Dax was up and standing, an opportunity presenting itself. “Do you have a moment to talk?”
Luthis nodded. “I always have time for my students. What’s on your mind?”
Dax’s gaze lowered, “Are you afraid the Void Spawn will return?”
Luthis kept his pleasant demeanor. “That is a question I wrestle with every day. I do believe they will return, we just don’t know when. That is why we train champions, so we can be ready if they do return.”
“What if you knew they were coming? What would we do?”
Luthis put the book in hand down on the nearby table and leaned against it. “If we knew an attack was coming, we would organize every champion on Ikkudran to repel the invasion. The tattoo inked into your skin is inked into every champion from our academy. It is a means to notify and track every champion across the world if the need arises.”
Dax’s brow wrinkled. “I thought it was just a magical tool to help us train?”
Luthis gave an impish grin, “Do you have a moment? I would like to show you something.”
Dax nodded and smiled.
Luthis stood up. The High Dean glanced to the side, picked up his book and whipped his hand out. The book soared through the air and sank into a spot on the shelf like it always belonged there.
Dax’s jaw dropped.
“Come with me,” Luthis said, turned and led the way.
The pair made their way out of the library and into the cold night air. The High Dean moved with power, Dax trailing behind. The two made it to a tower and took a stairwell down. When they reached the bottom, the High Dean waved his hand and a door appeared against a stone wall.
“The entrances to the sub level of the academy only appears to a select few. I trust what I’m about to show you is something we can keep between us, yes?”
Dax nodded.
“Excellent. Since you have been gracious enough to impart your time, knowledge and energy, it only seems fitting I show you some of the academy’s secrets.”
The iron door opened and lantern light glowed beyond the entrance. Luthis held out a hand, directing Dax to enter. The mage stepped in, Luthis close behind and the door closing shut and shimmering away.
Luthis took the lead, stepping along the small lantern lit corridor and entering a large chamber. Dax followed, his eyes drinking in the spectacle before him.
Large pits filled the large chamber. A path led through the middle while each pit was filled with mana shards. They glowed with blue supernatural power, pulsating like living things.
Luthis walked on, down the middle of the large chamber as he spoke over his shoulder, “There are many chambers like this under the academy. Since they are so valuable, they are hidden down here. The Seers tend to the pits when they are not using their scrying powers.”
“Seers?” Dax asked as he looked from one pit to the next.
Luthis nodded. “The Seers are dedicated to being the watchful eyes of Ikkudran. They devote their entire lives to seeing not just our world, but many worlds beyond.
“As you know, the war nearly destroyed our world. We were on the verge of winking out of existence until we harnessed the power of the mana springs. They flow under many islands along the Western Sea, but no one could harness them until desperation forced our hand.”
Luthis and Dax stepped beyond the chamber and into a tunnel.
The High Dean continued, “Sebastian was ready to sacrifice his life to save everyone. He was stronger than I, stepping into a spring flame. I merely stood, ready to save him if his action turned bad
ly.
“I am pleased I was mistaken.”
Luthis and Dax walked into another chamber with glowing pools of water. Men and women dressed in long flowing white robes lay in the pools. Arcane blindfolds covered their eyes, the people laying in the strange waters and not making any movement in the High Dean’s presence.
“The Seers stay here, under the academy and always watching beyond the veil. Some of them do leave the tunnels for special circumstances, but many have spent their entire lives down here.”
Dax stared as the robed people lay limp like they weren’t even in their bodies anymore. If he walked onto a scene like this by himself, he would have sworn they were all dead or dying.
“I know it can be a little unnerving, but they are quite well.”
“Can they see into the Void Realm?”
Luthis looked forward as he spoke, “They can get glimpses from time to time, but never a full vision. The spawn have their own strange abilities and powers that skew with many magical energies. It doesn’t mean we don’t continue to try, but it has always been difficult.”
The pair made their way through the chamber and into another set of tunnels.
Dax’s gaze lowered. “Do the Seers see every champion? Can they see everything there is to know about them?”
Luthis turned his head and glanced back to Dax with a small smile. “You are very astute with your thinking. You are a credit to your class. The Seers see many things, but they don’t see all. We have a strict rule not to see in student’s lives once they become part of the academy. It would be a distraction and there are much bigger threats in the universe than every little detail of every student.”
Dax kept his low gaze, “What about people before they become a student at the academy?”
Luthis stopped walking. Dax halted and looked to the High Dean. Luthis turned, his face a kind mask.
“Dax, you know better than many how the world is right now. It has taken many decades to reach a sense of peace and balance since the war. To be part of the academy means we must know everything we can before we allow a student to learn here.”
Dax’s heart skipped a beat.
The High Dean put his hand on Dax’s shoulder. “A single terrible event does not define a person’s character. A bad decision does not condemn a person. Those who are accepted into the academy are chosen because of their spirit, knowledge, and fortitude.”
Dax chewed on his tongue.
They know. They already know what I did.
Dax spoke in a small voice, “There are so many rules before one can be accepted to the academy. What if it is discovered that a student has done a terrible thing, something most people would be imprisoned or executed for?”
Luthis’s kind expression didn’t change. “Once a student is accepted to the Academy, their former deeds, mistakes, and misfortunes are washed away. They now have a chance to become better than what they were. The path to becoming a champion is difficult and at times, nearly impossible, but it is a path only for those who want it. To do good for the many and protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
“High Dean…” Dax whispered, his past wanting to spill from his lips.
Luthis squeezed Dax’s shoulder, “Dax, you will make a fine champion. There is nothing left to say on the subject. Especially since I have something wonderous to show you.”
Dax’s mind spun. Luthis let go of the mage’s shoulder, turned and continued to lead the way. The pair moved down a wide corridor and stopped before a thick iron door. The High Dean touched the door and it melted down to the floor and vanished. Luthis stepped beyond the threshold and into a medium sized chamber. Dax followed. When they were both inside, the door melted back up and solidified into place.
“I trust we can keep this between us?” Luthis grinned.
Dax stepped around the High Dean and his eyes nearly bulged. Lanterns hung on the walls, magical flames glowing forever. Their light shined on a large, thick crystal. It glowed with a pale blue light, the inside of it as clear as a bright sunny day.
Dax stepped closer, never blinking as he saw a man’s body lying down within the large crystal. It was so clear, it looked like the armored man was floating. A sword lay on his body, hands clasped to the pommel. Reddish hair lay, several braids connecting to a temple. The armor was pristine, like it was forged yesterday. The man’s face was peaceful, eyes closed and jaw clean shaven.
“It… can’t be,” Dax whispered.
Luthis nodded. “But it is. Dax Sage, please meet Sebastian Kinarth.”
Dax stepped closer, looking down on the hero that saved Ikkudran. “Is he dead? Is this his tomb?”
The High Dean watched with Dax with fond eyes. “No. He is very much alive.”
Dax’s mind whirled in fascination. Tales of Sebastian Kinarth soothed Dax’s spirit when life grew too difficult. He stole books of the hero champion, reading them from cover to cover, again and again. They were his only solace in a broken world. The only comfort when his belly ached for food. The detailed adventures inspired him to be better when everything else was falling apart around him.
“I wish you knew him like I did. His spirit was undeniable. It was like the very gods carved him from stone, filled his blood with angel light and blessed him with an infectious laughing soul. That was even before he absorbed pure mana from a spring.”
Dax absently nodded. “There is no record of what happened to him after the war. Some say he refused to become a king, wandering Ikkudran and helping those less fortunate until he died of old age.”
The High Dean nodded. “Some of those rumors are true. The last shreds of royalty wanted to elevate him to king. He told them no, saying that he would rather help where he could without the chains of ruling. For a time, he did just that, helping form the academy. We worked hard for a few years, making our dream come true of helping others become more.
“When the academy was finished, we celebrated with large amounts of wine. It was then when he told me he wanted to live on and fight back the void spawn if they ever returned. It frightened him to think that if he was old and frail, he would not be able to help as he had before. It is true, absorbing mana shards will slow your aging, but Sebastian didn’t want to leave it to chance.”
Luthis stepped closer, stood by Dax and looked down on his friend and brother in battle. “My friend and comrade asked to be placed here, under the academy. Mages and witches loyal to us weaved his sleeping sarcophagus and he has been here ever since, ready to return if the void spawn threat ever returned.”
Luthis placed his hand on the clear crystal surface. “Sometimes I come here with a bottle of wine. I speak to him about what we are doing, who are the students of note and telling him the world is okay for now. I don’t know if he can hear me, but I like to think he does.”
“May I?” Dax asked.
Luthis gave a kind nod.
Dax lifted his trembling hand. It hovered over the smooth crystal top before he let gravity take hold and laid it on the surface. It was warm and it pulsed like a beating heart. Sebastian didn’t move, frozen deep within, but Dax’s heart raced in his chest. The fact he was just two feet from his hero made him dizzy with joy.
“Dax, you have done a great thing for the academy, sharing your technique. I can only hope this small display of gratitude shows you how important you have become to your fellow students and the academy. Others have seen this place, only after they have graduated and performed great deeds. It pleases me to tell you, you are the first to see my friend and brother in arms before graduation. Please, take this moment and cherish it.
“I must ask you to not speak of it with your fellow students. Sebastian Kinarth is a legend now, but one we can call upon if our world needs him.”
Dax nodded. “I understand, High Dean. I won’t speak of it with anyone.”
The mage looked to the dark-haired elf, “Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will never forget this.”
“No, I suppose you won’t
,” Luthis said with an impish grin. “Let me show you back to the surface. Tomorrow is a big day. I will be addressing the second-year students. You should get some rest.”
“Yes, High Dean,” Dax smiled.
Dax pulled his hand away as Luthis began walking toward the sealed entrance. Long moments passed as the pair made their way to the surface. Luthis said his goodbyes, wishing Dax a good night and made his way to his tower.
Dax lingered in the courtyard. The mage looked up to the starry sky, lost in its magic. His soul felt lighter, like a chain was pulled away and cast to the deepest waters of the Western Sea.
The mage strolled, the air feeling fresher with every inhale. A steady rhythm filled his chest and yet he felt like he wanted to climb the nearest tower and shout to the heavens. The thought brought a wider smile and the mage laughed to himself. The area was clear of students and faculty, the mage basking in the comforting silence.
When the boiling excitement under his skin reached its tipping point, the mage lifted up both fists into the air and shouted, “I will be a champion of Kinarth!”
The words echoed off the high walls of the academy, each one bringing comfort to the mage’s soul.
“I will be a champion of Kinarth,” Dax whispered, his heart full of honor, duty, and magic.
Eleven
The courtyard was a buzz of activity. The 1st year students were moving to classes while the 2nd year students made their way to the auditorium. The day was clear, sunlight bathing the academy in a brilliant glow.
Dax walked with wide eyes and an even wider smile. When Fern flew down and sat on his shoulder, the mage grabbed the eight-inch fairy and hugged her tight to his neck. Fern threw her arms around as much as she could grab and hugged him back. The mage pulled her back and simply smiled.
“You’re in a good mood,” the fairy grinned as her wings fluttered.
Dax let go and she hovered close to him. “I’m just glad to be here.”