The Complete Series, page 7
part #1 of The Hidden Wizard Series
The trees began to thin, and the path snaked around a bend. As they followed it, Falric slowed down and let Alrion and Vincent ride ahead.
“Wow,” Alrion said as he caught the first few glimpses of their destination. At the edge of the forest stood a massive structure, a cross between a manor house and a castle. Its walls were made of stone, with large windows wrapping around the building. Rising behind the main building was a tall tower also made of stone.
“Welcome to your new home,” Falric said, gesturing at the academy with a sweeping arm movement.
8
A Wizard's Welcome
Alrion took it all in as they rode closer. The sun was setting behind the academy, an orange and pink glow illuminating it. He was impressed; he had never seen anything like it.
“How many wizards live here?”
“It varies; we have had up to one hundred. Around fifty are here at the moment,” Falric said.
“Why so few?”
“Various reasons. Some move away for long periods, some leave the academy never to return. Some are lost.” Falric's voice dropped a little and he looked away.
“I see.”
“But they are a good group. You will meet them all tomorrow.” Falric's tone changed back to normal.
“What's the plan?” Vincent said.
“We shall get you settled inside tonight, and tomorrow the ceremony will be performed. You can stay as long as you like, and return home when you are ready.”
“Sure. I think I'll stay for a few days to make sure Alrion is comfortable.”
“Of course. We always have room for Granthion's family,” Falric said. As they neared the front gate, a robed man was waiting for them. He seemed a bit shorter with a stocky frame. The hood of the robe was pushed back so you could easily see his thick black hair.
“Hello, Falric, welcome home,” the man said. He opened his hands in a welcoming gesture.
“Hello, Branthor, thank you. It is good to be home.” Falric dismounted and Alrion and Vincent followed his lead.
“Were you successful? I see you have guests.” Branthor studied them closely, and Alrion felt uncomfortable.
“Yes, I was. This is Vincent, and his son Alrion. Alrion will be inducted tomorrow morning.”
“Alrion. A good name. Nice to meet you, I am Branthor, and I am Falric's right-hand wizard. I knew your grandfather, and I am honoured to make your acquaintance.” Branthor bowed then offered his hand.
“Thank you, nice to meet you too.” Alrion shook Branthor's hand and was surprised at how firm the grip was.
“I didn't know Granthion had any surviving family until recently. Vincent, was it?”
“Yes. I kept out of my father's business and also out of his shadow.”
“Yes, quite a big shadow, and a big legacy. We have high hopes for Alrion.” Branthor gave Vincent a hard stare.
“So do I.” Vincent returned the stare.
“Let's all get inside before it turns dark,” Falric said. Branthor walked ahead, and the rest followed, leading their horses on foot. As they neared the main building, two young men ran out to attend to them.
“Please take your bags, and leave the horses. We will bring them through to the stables,” the shorter of the two men said.
“Are you wizards too?” Alrion said.
“No, we are apprentices.” The man sounded proud. Alrion was surprised.
“And they have you doing errands?”
“Everyone must pitch in here. It's a part of the training,” the taller of the two apprentices said. They offered no further explanation and quickly took off with the horses.
Looks like becoming a wizard won't get me out of errands, Alrion thought. He was a bit disappointed, but realised that was silly. He had to change his expectations. Of course there would be hard work becoming a wizard too.
“This way.” Branthor pointed ahead and led them inside. They found themselves in a reception area. An open door to their right revealed a giant hall. Along each wall were wooden benches with a lectern at the end of the hall.
“That is where the wizards meet to discuss the matters of the world,” Branthor explained. Alrion peered into the room but said nothing. Branthor continued walking and they all followed. They ended up in a hallway, with doors on either side.
“These doors lead to the rooms, we will take you to yours.” Branthor opened one of the doors on the left and stepped inside. Another corridor was within, with many doors visible. Branthor opened the first door and stood to the side. Falric stood next to Branthor and waved Alrion in. Vincent and Alrion walked over and looked inside. The room was incredibly plain, with two single beds, a chest of drawers, and bedside tables.
“Is this for us?” Vincent said.
“Yes, we live simply here. Branthor will arrange for some dinner for you both. Have a restful night and we will see you tomorrow,” Falric said.
“Goodnight, and thanks,” Alrion said. Falric left and after he had disappeared into the main hallway, Branthor spoke.
“As Falric mentioned I'll arrange for dinner to be brought here. Unfortunately, you cannot dine with the other wizards until you have been inducted.”
“No problem.” Alrion liked the idea of not meeting everyone just yet.
“If you need anything, go down to the room at the end of this corridor. There will be someone there who can help. Goodnight,” Branthor said.
“Goodnight.” Alrion watched the wizard leave. Vincent stepped inside the room and looked around. Alrion took one look at the hallway and stepped in also.
“At least we're not eating on our laps.” Vincent pointed to a tiny table with two chairs in the corner behind the door.
“Yes, I guess so. This is it then?” Alrion said.
“This is it. How do you feel?”
“I'm not sure. Nervous.”
“It'll go well, and don't forget I'm here too.” Vincent threw his bag down on the far bed. Alrion moved to close the door but stopped. He saw a face just outside the half-closed door.
“Hello, could you open the door for me?” a voice said. Alrion opened the door and saw a bald young man outside balancing a tray of food in each hand. Alrion stepped out of the way and the man put the trays down on the little table, visibly relaxing after he was done.
“Are you an apprentice?” Alrion said, looking at the young man. He had a simple robe, but no adornments on it.
“Yes.”
“How long have you been here?”
“A few years. My name is Eric.”
“Nice to meet you, Eric. I'm Alrion, and that's my dad Vincent.”
“Nice to meet you both. Are you here to study?” Eric looked at Alrion.
“Yes, my induction ceremony is tomorrow.” Alrion noticed that Eric's eyes widened at the news.
“That's exciting. Well, I'll see you tomorrow then.”
“Can you tell me about it?”
“No, we're not allowed to say anything. It's not bad, though, so don't worry. Goodnight.” Eric left immediately.
“Isn't he a bit young to have no hair?” Alrion said.
“Maybe he cut it himself,” Vincent said.
“Maybe he had a magical accident.”
“Ha-ha you could be right,” Vincent said, sitting down in front of one of the trays, eyeing off the food. It was a thin chicken soup and a piece of brown bread.
“It's simple but it's food,” he said. He waited for Alrion to sit down, then started eating.
“Do you really think I should be doing this?” Alrion was looking at his food but not eating.
“It's your choice. You haven't really taken to blacksmithing, so maybe this is why.” Vincent took a big bite out of a piece of bread.
“But you don't seem to like wizards at all. I can see that.” Alrion watched his father put his food down and look him in the eye.
“I'm a little cautious with them, I agree. Hopefully, your experience will be more positive.”
“What do you mean? Wasn't your dad a wizard?”
“Yes, he was, and he pulled off a lot of amazing feats, but we didn't see eye to eye on many things. And he put his duties as a wizard ahead of everything else. He wanted that life for me too, but it didn't fit. So, that caused some friction between us.” A look of sadness passed over Vincent's face, but it was gone in a flash.
“But he's just one person.”
“Yes, but this whole system was set up by him. I admit that I'm a bit sceptical, but I am working on having an open mind.” Vincent helped himself to another spoonful of food. Alrion wasn't finished with the conversation though.
“It's our legacy, we should take it seriously. I still can't believe you never told me.”
“It was for your own good.”
“Would you have brought me here?” Alrion blurted out. But as soon as he said it he wanted to know the answer. His father sighed and put down his spoon.
“Maybe, maybe not. Although I was curious to see if you would show any signs of magic. Falric came and put that mystery to rest.”
“I see,” Alrion said. He wasn't convinced that his father would have brought him unless there was some sort of incident that required it. His father seemed to be wrestling with something, and spoke up again.
“You know, I should be clearer. I absolutely would have brought you here had you shown any signs. In fact, I think eventually I would have brought you anyway just to make sure you weren't supposed to be a wizard. Because I owe it to my father. He sacrificed so much, for me and for the rest of the people of Avaria. As much as I spent my life avoiding wizards, I can't ignore what he did.” Vincent paused, watching Alrion's reaction. Alrion tried to speak but his father started again.
“I just want you to think of it this way. There's magic in our family. But, you always have a choice. You can decide that you don't want this, and we can leave and that is the end of it. There's no danger for you if you choose not to pursue being a wizard. As much as you may not believe it, I'm not advocating a choice either way. It is important to me that you understand that it's not a requirement thrust upon you. The choice is, and always will be, yours.”
“Thanks for being open about this. But, I know that I need to continue. I can't make any other choice until I know more. It does feel right, though,” Alrion said.
“I'm glad you feel that way. Always trust your instincts. I never felt like I was allowed a choice. It was a large part of our falling out.” Vincent paused. It looked like he was going to talk again, but he just stared into his meal. Alrion started eating finally and Vincent dove back in. They finished their food and pushed the plates to the far corner of the table.
“I think it's time to turn in,” Vincent said.
“Sure.”
“Goodnight, Son.” Vincent walked over and gave Alrion a big hug. He couldn't remember the last time his father had just done that out of the blue. Vincent then dropped unceremoniously into his bed.
“Goodnight, Dad,” Alrion said. He kicked off his boots and settled into the small wooden bed. The mattress wasn't as uncomfortable as it looked, but he had trouble sleeping.
He kept playing the events of the last few days over in his mind and imagining what would happen at the ceremony. He drifted in and out of a light sleep, but didn't feel like he was even sleeping. He just couldn't switch his mind off. He tried to reason with himself, explaining that he needed the rest and it was a big day coming up, but it was hopeless.
Eventually, he did feel sleep taking effect, and felt relaxed that finally he would enjoy a proper rest. He started to dream, and in his dream, the door was knocked three times. He ignored it. The door was knocked three more times, then finally it opened. A shape appeared in the doorway and spoke.
“It is time,” the voice said. Something about the voice seemed real, so Alrion struggled to open his eyes. The door to their room was open, and there was a person standing there. As his eyes opened more, he peered closer and recognised the person. It was Eric.
“Eric? What time is it?”
“It is time,” Eric said, in the same monotone manner. Alrion sat up in the bed and turned to look over at his father. Vincent was sitting quietly in the bed, watching but not speaking. He nodded at Alrion. Trying to shake the cobwebs from his mind, Alrion stood and stepped towards Eric.
“In that case, let's not keep them waiting,” Alrion said, sounding much more confident than he felt. Eric turned and started to walk away and Alrion followed close behind. He heard his father close the door behind them but didn't look back.
9
The White Flame
They didn't walk far, and at the end of the corridor, they stepped through a door that led to another, narrower corridor.
This place is like a maze.
He emerged into a simple room, with a table, two meals, and two chairs. Eric pointed at the table.
“The ceremony draws on your strength. Savour your last meal as a normal man.” Eric left the room and closed the door behind him.
“That sounded very formal,” Alrion said.
“It must be part of the ceremony,” Vincent said.
“Well I am hungry, and I don't know what to expect. We should eat.” Alrion sat down and started eating. The food was simple and consisted of bread, cheese, and milk.
“It looks like it is a formal ritual. That's a good thing. Just follow their instructions and you will do fine,” Vincent said.
“That sounds almost positive. Not trying to talk me out of it?”
“I never was, just because I have some history doesn't mean you should be held back. Try to enjoy it,” Vincent said. He even cracked a smile.
“You must have slept much better than I did.” Alrion returned the smile. He appreciated his father's support, even though he still didn't fully understand why his father was so touchy about wizards.
“I did, it's a skill you learn as you age,” Vincent said. Before he could say more, there was a knock at the door. Alrion opened the door and saw Eric standing there once more.
“You must be clad in the garments of your calling. Take this and wear it proudly.” Eric said, handing over a bundle of white cloth. Alrion accepted it and opened it up with care. He was holding a snow-white hooded robe, trimmed in navy blue around the hood. Alrion put the robe on over his clothes and drew the hood down. He looked at Eric for confirmation.
“Come now, your brothers await,” Eric said. Alrion nodded and stepped out of the room. Vincent followed closely behind. They retraced their steps through the narrow corridors until they reached the main connecting room. This time they continued, finally reaching a pair of double doors. Alrion could see light coming from behind them. Eric pushed open the doors and stepped through. Alrion and Vincent followed.
They stood outside, the sun rising in the distance. Surrounding them was a paved square courtyard, with robed figures spread around the perimeter. In the middle of the square, two figures stood in front of a tall tower.
“The applicant must step towards his destiny.” Eric pointed to the middle of the courtyard. Alrion stepped forward and Vincent began to follow. Eric and another wizard stepped in front of Vincent. Alrion stopped suddenly and turned to see what had happened.
“Only the applicant can enter, observers must stay back,” Eric said. Vincent nodded and retreated, watching with interest. Alrion watched his father step back, and then looked around at the wizards; they all had their head and hoods down.
Alrion continued to the middle of the courtyard. He saw Falric and Branthor standing there. They were both wearing white robes but had different coloured bands around the hood. Alrion pressed on, hoping that a slow and steady walk would calm his nerves. Even though it seemed like the wizards were not watching, he felt countless eyes following his progress. As he arrived, he saw Falric raise his head and address him.
“State your name, wizard-to-be.”
“Alrion.”
“Do you swear to combat the forces of darkness and bring light and illumination to the world?”
“I swear.”
“We symbolise this struggle, between light and darkness by bestowing each wizard a crystal of their own. A pure white crystal that contains a vein of darkness. Select yours.” Falric held up a spherical translucent bowl, full of crystal shards.
Each was about the size of his thumb. Alrion picked one up to get a better look at it. It was roughly a diamond shape and had a black streak through the middle. He turned the crystal around, trying to see how it had gotten there. He looked over to see if he should select another, but the bowl was gone.
“You have selected your crystal. Keep it with you always.”
“I will.”
“Now, you must activate your crystal. Show your peers the spark of magic within you,” Falric said. Alrion didn't know what to do. He looked at Falric, then at Branthor. Neither gave him any direction, they just waited. Alrion looked again at the crystal. It had to be similar to how they had tested him with the lamp. If he could activate that, surely he could do this. If only he could remember how he did it.
Alrion turned the crystal over in his hands, studying it. However, he knew that looking at it would do nothing, he would need to exert some sort of force upon it. He closed his hands around it, feeling the texture of the crystal; holding the crystal within his hands. It seemed so small that way. He closed his eyes and concentrated. He felt the heartbeat within his hands. Only it was not. It was different.
Alrion isolated the feeling. It was as if the crystal itself was beating, to a different rhythm than his heartbeat. He visualised the crystal, trying to understand how it could beat. It was a hard surface, it didn't make sense. Then he had a sudden realisation. It was the black streak within the crystal, not the crystal. That streak was beating, as much as it seemed impossible. He could sense the life force within the crystal, the other alien thing inside. It could only be one thing, the Blight.
An irrational fear took over Alrion. How could he be holding something with the Blight within it? He had to protect himself, but he couldn't let go of the crystal. Something else was happening. It was reacting to him. He had to get away; he had to stop it somehow. Then he felt a surge within him, a cool heat that burned hotter and hotter until he could feel the fire on his face. He could sense a bright light, even with his eyes closed.
