by Eden Redd
“I am one with the gods,” the mage’s voice came out in an ethereal echo.
Dax floated, slowly losing himself to the mana stream when two things came barreling toward him. The mage didn’t blink as Skullcut and Fern crashed into him. Mana flames surrounded his body as the pair’s weight pulled him down. Fern’s body flashed to her larger form before pain ripped through her. Skullcut grunted as their combined weight pulled the mage lower and lower.
Isani and Ressa leapt up, clamping onto Dax, Fern, and Skullcut. The added weight pulled them down. Dax continued to smile, his friends close. Pain surged into everyone, but they fought to pull him away.
Vance was next, grabbing at legs and pulling. Blue light touched him and he cried out.
Symon charged and grabbed hold of Skullcut’s legs and pulled. The group floated down sideways, the blue flames dying around them. Skeletons rushed in and grabbed at the group, pulling them all away as their bodies burned from the mana light. When the group was out of the mana flame’s influence, the skeletons faded away with a small wave of their hands.
Dax’s eyes blazed until he felt his friends close. Heart pumping like a drum, his smile melted into a scream. He used every piece of himself to claw back from the light. When he crossed the threshold, the mana stream let go.
Dax lay on his back, staring up at the stars.
Lyla let out a whimper as she fell onto the walkway, barely breathing.
Professor Frost floated down, her eyes slowly blinking. When she reached the ground, she collapsed, clerics and paladins rushing to her side.
Dax stared at the heavens before heads popped into his view. Tears filled all their eyes as they looked down on him. Fern sobbed, one of her tears falling and splashing against his cheek.
Dax reached up and touched her cheek with a warm smile. “I could never leave this world. Who would I drink with?”
Sadness turned into euphoric smiles.
Skullcut moved to a sitting position as the group looked down on the mage, “Promise me you will never do that again.”
“Maybe,” Dax said with a grin.
A roar filled the sky. All heads looked up and smiles remained as a golden dragon flew overhead. Zarra roared again, High Dean Luthis on her back in leather armor and a mystical bow in his hand. Behind them, a fleet of dragons filled the night sky and began to circle.
“I wish they had gotten here a little sooner,” Dax smiled.
Fern wept tears of joy before burying her face against Dax’s neck. Vance and Noss touched the mage’s shoulder. Isani and Ressa held each other’s hand as they looked to the mage with joy. Symon was on his feet, waving at the circling dragons.
Skullcut laid on his back and looked up to the stars with a relaxed spirit.
***
Nerves tingled as Dax looked at his hand and called up his stats.
Name: Dax Sage
Class: Mage
Health: Normal
Mana: 3,800
Mana Shards: 10
Spheres of Magic
Air: 5
Water: 4
Fire: 3
Urth: 3
Life: 5
Decay: 2
Light: 2
Dark: 2
Time: 4
Space: 2
Mind: 4
Body: 2
Looking over the numbers, the mage was not surprised. Mana had surged into his body like never before and left a lasting effect. Much like absorbing mana shards, absorbing pure mana increased all his spheres at once. The gain was two degrees per sphere and if he stayed in the mana flame longer, it might have been more.
And it could have also killed me.
The mage looked up to the large gathering before him. Luthis, Frost, Skullcut and several dragons in humanoid form stood around four bodies on the ground. The Prenmore students continued to lay in their mystical torpor. Lyla stood off to the side, but well in view of the academy faculty.
Zarra was close to Dax, as were all of his friends. They sat around him like they were guarding him or maybe just happy he didn’t die.
“If I understand this correctly, Prenmore Academy has had a secret cabal among our student body. They planned for this attack to create an event to discredit our academy?” Luthis said out loud.
Lyla lowered her head and nodded.
The High Dean rubbed his pointed chin. “I’m not sure I can believe that. I have known the High Dean of Prenmore and she can be cruel, but not to this degree.”
“We will have to investigate the events before we come to any solid conclusions,” Counselor Skullcut said with an even tone.
“We will also have to discuss how we will go forward in light of these events,” Professor Frost added.
Luthis nodded. “First things first, we must get the students home. The dragons were kind enough to offer their support. There are enough of them to each take about four students each for the flight back. I’ll coordinate…” the High Dean trailed off when a shard of pulsating darkness appeared nearby.
The shard grew taller and wider before it bloomed open. Frost and Skullcut stood to either side of Luthis while dragons stood at the ready.
A leg stepped out of the pulsating darkness first. A pale white woman emerged from the dark portal. She wore a dark robe with red lines running up and down. Slits ran along the lower half of the robe, allowing for her leg to be exposed with every step. She had an hourglass figure. Pale cleavage glowed in the night air and her face held high cheekbones and a seductive beauty to it. Long, straight black hair flowed behind her and past her shoulders. Blood red lips parted as a wicked leer formed.
“Luthis, so wonderful to see you this very night,” the woman said with an evil smile.
Luthis’s expression remained stoic as he addressed the woman, “High Dean Lucretia Prenmore, I assume these students belong to you?”
“They indeed belong to me. I’ve come to collect,” Lucretia said, her smile melting away.
“Are you aware they had a hand in a plot to kill every student here on Star Fall?”
The pale woman looked down at the students in torpor and sighed. “I have only learned of their capture a short time ago. I assure you this will be investigated and the proper punishments will be enforced.”
Luthis eyed the High Dean. “That is not good enough. Twelve students died tonight.”
“They knew the risks when they joined our academies,” Lucretia said with opulent flair as she lifted a hand and snapped her fingers.
The four students in torpor opened their eyes and began to sit up. Owyn rubbed his head as Vizith slowly stood up. Chandra and Luca both rose, glancing to the side and seeing Dax and his friends sitting together.
The High Dean of Prenmore continued, “I’m sure you will bore me with words meant to convince me to leave them here so you can investigate. Tell me Luthis, would you do the same if I found some of your students creating a dark plot at my academy?”
The dark-haired elf grew silent.
Lucretia’s seductive smile returned. “The academies have an agreement. You take care of your own and we will take care of our own. As for this plot, I know nothing of the sort but I will find out more. Should I uncover something sinister, I will end it and send a raven with the details to ease your mind.”
Luthis’s hand formed a tight fist.
“At this moment, they will be coming with me.”
Dax was up, as were his friends. They moved as one, stepping closer to the semi-circle edge. They eyed the Prenmore students, but Dax glanced over to Lyla as she stood with her head bowed.
High Dean Lucretia gave her four students a stern gaze. “Into the portal. We have much to discuss.”
Owyn lowered his head and stepped into the portal. Vizith was next as he waved to Dax and the others before disappearing into the swirling darkness. Luca was next, the orc jumping in. Chandra hesitated and turned to her High Dean.
“May I mention something,” Chandra asked Lucretia.
The High Dean n
odded. Chandra moved to the side and whispered in Lucretia’s ear. The whisper barely lasted a moment before the elf pulled away, gave Lyla a glance and she stepped into the portal.
Lucretia turned her attention to Lyla and smiled, showing her pointed, red hued stained teeth.
“You’re not like anyone else here. Your scent is different. Chandra confirmed my immediate suspicions. You’re Lyla, correct?”
Lyla nodded.
“It would seem your life is a tangled mess. A dark soul replacing the body you currently inhabit. The drama is delicious and nearly irresistible. Tell me, do you want to stay here or come with me?”
Lyla lifted her head, her eyes wide.
Luthis took a step closer, “Lucretia, this will not stand.”
“Do not tell me what will or won’t stand,” Lucretia said while not taking her eyes off of Lyla. “Is this one a student of yours?”
“No, I’m not,” Lyla said.
Shadows bled into Skullcut and Frost’s eyes.
Lyla looked to Lucretia, “As I have been told, I’m not a student since the woman’s soul who was previously in this body is no more. My soul resides here and therefore, not part of Kinarth Academy.”
Lucretia’s blood red lips widened. “Then you are free to enroll in my academy if you wish. I love to collect lost souls and you are ripe to become a grand champion. Say yes and we will be off to your new home.”
Lyla looked over to Dax as she spoke, “I would like that very much, but first, may I speak to someone before we go?”
Lucretia glanced over to Dax and nodded. “Say your goodbyes little one and we shall start your new life.”
Lyla turned and walked to Dax. The two mages bowed their heads to each other, a gloom forming.
“Dax, I’m sorry for everything. I didn’t know until this moment that I was part of Nuria’s destruction of you. She liked you, but hated you more. I only hope I can heal what Nuria and I did to you.”
“Maybe, one day,” Dax said simply.
Lyla nodded before her hand dove into her robe. A blink later, she pulled out a card and held it before Dax.
“What you told me about your mother stayed with me. I created this card, for you and her. I hope it helps.”
Dax reached up, his hand touching Lyla’s hand and lingering. “Thank you.”
Hands slipped away, the card held in Dax’s fingers.
“I hope we see each other again,” Lyla said before she wrapped her arms around Dax’s neck and kissed his cheek.
Fern stared with a contained rage. Zarra looked on with sad eyes. Isani and Ressa bowed their heads.
Lyla pulled away and stepped to Lucretia’s side.
“I love a tearful ending, shall we go?” the Prenmore High Dean smiled.
Lyla nodded.
The pair stepped to the portal. Lyla stepped in without looking back.
Lucretia’s gaze turned to Luthis with her leg within the portal, “It’s always a pleasure, Luthis. Take care. I’m sure we will speak soon.”
The Prenmore High Dean stepped into the swirling dark portal and it collapsed on itself, vanishing from sight.
A gloomy dread filled the area.
Luthis lifted his head and turned to everyone gathered.
“Collect yourselves and everything here. We fly home tonight,” the High Dean smiled brightly.
Bodies began to move, gathering up equipment, tents and fallen weapons.
Dax simply stared at the spot where the portal was a moment ago.
Good luck, Lyla. I hope this means you don’t have to run anymore.
Symon stepped close, putting his hand on Dax’s shoulder. The rest moved closer, the Heroes of Kinarth embracing each other in a group, happy to be together as starlight shined down on them.
Twenty One
Dax stepped out of the dormitory, pack over his shoulder and somber look in his eyes. Sunlight painted his face, the brightness obscuring his gaze as he basked in the warm light. Eyes adjusting to the brilliance, a shadow stood before him that slowly took shape.
Professor Frost stood with her hands behind her and an uncharacteristic smile on her lips.
“Hello, Professor,” Dax said as he slowly stepped to the mage.
Professor Frost bowed her head, “Greetings Dax. Please, call me by my first name, Keeva. I know you’re travelling to Hydale for a few days. May I join you on your walk to the main gate?”
“Of course,” Dax said with a smile.
The pair began walking, side by side. Birdsong filled the air, small birds hopping from branch to branch. Their melodic chirps created a natural symphony as the professor and student walked along the cobblestone courtyard.
“I wanted to speak to you about what happened on Star Fall Island,” Keeva began.
Dax’s head lowered an inch, “I explained everything to you and the High Dean. Am I still in trouble?”
Keeva shook her head. “No, you’re not.”
The professor seemed to take a moment to gather her words before her lips parted again.
“We understand why you decided to help protect Lyla. If any of us were in your position, we would be tempted to do the same.”
Dax looked over to the professor, curiosity touching his brow.
Keeva continued, “Luthis, Edrin, and myself talked at length about your actions. The High Dean confided in us about him showing you Sebastian’s tomb. Not many know about it and you have the honor to be among the select few. We understand that he inspires many and in turn, those who are inspired may inspire many more.
“What I’m trying to say is, your bravery turned the tide in a battle that we had very little chance of surviving. It has not gone unnoticed that connecting with the mana stream has increased your power. You have a considerable edge over your fellow students and that means you will have to work harder to reach graduation.”
Dax nodded. “I understand, but I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”
Keeva nodded. “We know and we are grateful. Despite nearly a hundred years passing since the war, Ikkudran is still mired in fear and bouts of chaos. Despite your past, it was never held against you and it never will be. Sebastian was a legend but he was also a man, prone to light and darkness. We may not discuss the darker parts of people’s pasts because we all have them, to some degree.”
Dax looked ahead, taking in the professor’s words. “Keeva, why didn’t you or Edrin take control of the mana stream? You have years of experience and your own power. Surely, each of you would have been able to use it to help win the battle.”
Keeva looked up a little at the clear blue sky. “Dax, the longer one soaks up mana to become more powerful, the greater the chance of being seduced by it and returning to the source. As champions, we borrow mana from the planet. One day, it will be released when we die or, like many champions before you, you may walk into the mana flame and never return.
“If I or Edrin stepped into that flame, we may have not returned. It is an important lesson to learn. You cannot touch a mana flame again, now that you have grown in power. The more powerful you become, the greater the chance of being called back to the mystical mana streams and the source.”
Dax nodded, the information sinking deeper.
“You may still absorb mana shards and grow your power, but one time is all one can afford when touching a mana flame.”
“I understand,” Dax said with a small smile.
The pair reached the gate and turned to each other.
Keeva’s smile returned. “You have his spirit. Luthis has told me on many occasions over wine, about his time with Sebastian. He was a strong man with a bright soul. He had his vices, but when the world was ending, he gave up everything to save it. It was that focus and surrender that changed the tide and saved our world.”
Dax kept his small smile, but his voice carried a serious tone, “Professor, are we on the brink of a new war with the Void Spawn? Lyla told me a long time ago that they were recruiting for their armies and any who didn’t fight
were put to death. She ran as her family was slaughtered. Are we preparing for a fight?”
Keeva’s gaze regarded the mage carefully before her smile faded away. “There has always been a threat of war. The void spawn share many characteristics with all humanoid races, but their lust for magical artifacts overpowers any reason they may have. It’s not a matter of if, but of when.”
A shadow slid into Dax’s eyes.
Keeva stepped closer, “When war comes to our doorstep, we will have tens of thousands of champions, ready to fight. Invasion will be no easy task for them. I, personally am happy knowing you will be there, should the time come.”
Dax felt Keeva’s hand touch his chin, lifting his gaze to meet hers. The professor leaned in and kissed him.
The moment their lips touched, there was an internal spark, but as quickly as it came, Keeva pulled back with a small smile.
“Enjoy your time in Hydale and I look forward to your return,” the professor said before turning and walking back the way they came.
Dax looked to the professor as she walked away. She was as beautiful as she was stern. Zarra’s words haunted the mage, the cleric telling him there was one more who found him attractive before he discovered his card technique. Mystery solved, although Dax wasn’t quite sure how he would proceed since his professor seemed to like him.
Dax smiled as he made his way out of the open front gate and started down the road to Silver Port.
The walk was nice on an unusually warm day. Thoughts swirled as he stepped along, enjoying the weather. Images of his friends touched his mind, wishing they could have seen him off.
Dark thoughts surfaced about the number of students that lost their lives on Star Fall Island. The remains they could find were brought back, their names added to the stone memorials of students who perished during their education. Dax remembered seeing Nuria’s name among them and his heart sank down in his chest. She was a cruel woman, but she had small moments where she seemed like a normal person.
Dax lost track of time, reaching the port town and walking to the docks. Small crowds had gathered, people stepping onto the Heroes Light as it readied to sail to Hydale. The mage took in a deep inhale of sea air when a group of people broke away and walked toward him with happy smiles.