Blood in the Deser

by Sophia Schmidt

  In Lith's case it granted him an extremely fine control over the mana flow, to the point of being able to hit even small targets with pinpoint accuracy. Of course everything came with a price and limitations.

  The mana stone floating in the middle of crescent moon shaped end of the staff was a consumable. The more powerful the spell it focused, the faster it would lose its magical energies, making the staff useless until the gemstone was replaced.

  They were quite expensive, hence why Lith had only used it with first magic.

  Also the staff was incapable of focusing spirit magic or any spell above tier three, making its use limited.

  The very moment the three were paralysed by pain and fear, Lith conjured a tier one lightning rendering them unconscious. He then proceeded to blindfold, gag and bind them to prevent even first magic from being used.

  A clapping sound could be heard echoing through the cave, coming from a life sized hologram of Queen Sylpha that had appeared in the middle of the cave.

  Everybody but Quylla recognized her and knelt down. No one missed such detail, making his noble friends wonder how could a commoner like Lith know the Queen.

  "At ease, no need for formalities. Congratulations, you are the first group of students that managed to come so far. I commend your speed, your skill and most of all your humanity." Her eye fell for a second on Lith, expressing approval.

  Linjos walked through the silver door that opened without a noise carrying a blade in his hands.

  "Sometimes though, humanity must be set aside for justice to be carried out. Take these three for example. Baron Lazot, who took part in a slave trade, destroying hundreds of lives before being caught red handed."

  She pointed to the young, handsome man that Lith had just finished tying up.

  "Or mage Syalle, who bathed in the blood of newborn believing it would keep her young and fresh forever." Sylpha was now pointing at the one that had spotted the group.

  "And last, but not least, Duchess Hileo, who for trivial reasons wiped out entire villages. Not all humans are bad, but they aren't all good either. This test is maybe the hardest in your young life, that's why I'm here with you today.

  Mages are the backbone of the Griffon Kingdom, and must be able to defend it from its enemies, from both outside and within its borders. Even when it comes at a huge personal cost.

  Lady Quylla, considering your young age and your nature as a healer, I think it's too early for you to face this hurdle. May our ancestors bless your path, you are free to go."

  Quylla ran away without turning back. Tears flowed from her eyes at the thought that no matter her decision, those people were already dead. She cried for them, but also for herself, realizing that she was leaving in that cave her childhood innocence.

  "Mage Lith, you can leave too." Sylpha didn't give an explanation, but addressing a simple student with the title of Mage was more than enough for those present to understand how well the two knew each other.

  Lith left without rushing, there was nothing he could do to help them this time.

  "Lord Deirus?"

  Following the Queen's voice, Linjos offered him the sword.

  Yurial hesitated at first, but then took it from the hilt, plunging it into the Baron's heart. He had recognized that sword on first sight, it was the Kigdom's ceremonial blade used for public executions.

  His father had used it countless times, and Yurial had been forced to spectate since he had accepted becoming the next heir.

  "Your Kingdom thanks you for your sacrifice." Sylpha gave him a small bow of respect, before Warping Yurial back in his room. She could tell by his face that he was about to cry, puke or both, and wanted to spare him doing it in front of others.

  "Lady Phloria?" The sword floated in front of her.

  "I'm sorry your Majesty, I can't." She fell on her knees, crying. Phloria remembered the day when she asked his father, Orion, how it felt killing the bad guys. Orion went to the kernel, handing her a puppy and a knife, asking her to kill it.

  Even then, Phloria refused to do it, crying for her life.

  "That's how it feels. Every single time." Orion said.

  "When it stops hurting, it means you have become the bad guy."

  Sylpha warped her away too. There was no reason torturing such a young girl any further.

  "Lady Friya?"

  Friya knew Duchess Hileo very well. She had been her mother's best friend as long as she could remember. Now she finally understood what they were always talking and laughing about, when they thought she couldn't hear them.

  "The world sucks, people suck. First my mother, then Lady Ernas and now the Queen. No one really cares for me, I'm just a tool for their sick games. I'm the only one I can rely on."¨C Friya thought while slashing down in an arc.

  "Glory to the Kingdom."

  The Duchess head rolled on the floor, its tumbling echoing in the darkness of Friya's heart.