Chapter 1: Finding an Archway
Birds chirped flying through the warm air and clear blue sky lit by the warm yellow sun. The plants and living creatures below basked in the sunlight as the humans built their homes. Those with completed homes spoke to the ones with the ability to smith items to get gardening tools, if not to have broken ones repaired or replaced. The landscape was green and full of life dotted with trees, lakes, rivers and streams as well as some mountain ranges.
The humans had created a nice little life for themselves in Aphelia, their kind dotting the green landscape here and there. Some resided alongside villages created by other creatures holding human level intelligence. Everyone knew who to thank for this wonderful world they had: The Great One. The one unseen force that created them and everything around them, this included the kindness to allow the humans to meet such interesting and unique creatures. The humans went about their lives without a leader over all the villages as a collective whole. Each village had its own head to maintain order and peace in case any disturbances came about, from misunderstandings or an inability to resolve a dispute.
One day one of the young Mages in training left on his own into the forest. None outside the Temple knew about what he was doing. Then again, not many had dared to delve into the magic business unless it was needed for their trait. The farmers, livestock nurturers, blacksmiths, and other professions let those who wished to follow the path of the Mage to their own doings knowing, well from some, if magic was abused it could lead to death. So few would wish to risk their life to learn such a dangerous art, but those without using it did admit how it made things easier. Such as those who focused on fire made lighting the night torches easier and quicker with their spells, and those who focused on water made watering crops easier if a farmer was low on water and had no way to fetch it. It was a great thing if not equally as dangerous and mysterious with many unknowns.
People parted, watching the softly colored robed men walk quietly down the street through the village. In the Temple called the Mage’s Temple were four men. Each one was a master at one of the four elements. On this day two of the four men, being the Elders of Magic as they were called, set out after an hour to find where the young one in training had went. In doing this they gained eyes watching them leave to the west where the young man had gone. Some people watched because no one else had the amount of knowledge, as those four did about magic. It wasn’t bad the young man had been gone for an hour but it did concern the four since not many apprentices were there, and they didn’t want the knowledge they had been learning to go unpracticed and risk harm coming to others just because, that apprentice may try using techniques too advanced for them without an instructor.
The two set out and minutes later entered the shadows of the green forest shading which dimmed the red and blue robes. Each indicated an element. The wearer of the red hooded robe was the master of fire and the wearer of the blue one was the master of water, opposing elements yes but together they were stronger than separate. Glancing around the pair listened to the birds chirping, wings fluttering came to fill the calm air as well. A pleasing sound, bringing a smile to the Water Mage’s hidden lips by the high collar of fabric from his robe. “A grand fine day is it not, my Fire Brother?” The smooth, strong, slightly muffled voice asked with a youthful tone.
“Aye it is a fine day. It is a fine day for fun as is it also a fine day for trouble to start. I hold hope our apprentice has naught gone and done foolish deeds with his magic. Who was missing again?” The Fire Mage asked with his voice sounding a tone deeper with a number of years of age more than the Water Mage.
“I believe Jordon was missing from the check-in. He always brings trouble back to the study.”
“Perhaps I should fry his ears once more as a reminder to behave within the laws, if he wishes to continue his quest in finding his body’s true element.” The Fire Mage stated with slight frustration lining his voice.
“Now that may not be needed. Besides do ye wish to test the limits of the village head?” the Water Mage reminded his Elemental Brother. His blue eyes and head turned to watch the red robes hood lower and hearing a sigh entering the air, only to fade after moments of its sounding.
“Nay no need for that, I need no lecture from the village head of how bad it is to use magic on those in training. It was bad enough the windbag went talking for two hours last a report went to him on my using fire as a threat to make apprentices listen to me.”
“Then I think it best we speak calmly and diplomatically to Jordon when we find him.” A laugh exited the Water Mage’s lips with those words. Hearing the Fire Mage grumble under his breath and behind the high collar of his robe brought a snicker after the Water Mage’s laughter had died off. Turning his gaze of blue forwards once more with the small smile remaining pulled on his lips he listened to the crunch of the grass blades and dirt, under his and his Fire Brother’s boots.
It took a few minutes, silence filling the air between the pair during their walk, before they began nearing where it could be seen some trees had been knocked down. Remains of the mighty shade and oxygen providers were scattered about the ground, as they made their way into an area, showing to be a clearing made bigger with force. Earth was upturned as they entered the clearing and each took note of the change in the landscape. The Water Mage noticed the channel carved into the earth, leading from the small lake to a placement of stones. The round stones went from large to small and formed circles one inside the other, three times and in the center stone was a carving of two crescent moons facing each other.
This drew the Water Mage’s curiosity. Examining some of the fallen trees and uneven ground, the movement of the Mage in blue brought the Fire Mage to see where his friend was going. Seeing the stone circles and the water interested the Fire Mage who walked over to join his Water Brother. Both looked up to the stone archway set at the head of the petrified rings under their feet, and on either side of the archway were odd shaped stone carvings with engraved markings. “What in the great skies is this?” questioned the Water Mage with awed shock and breathless words, mindlessly stepping closer to the new construction. The archway itself also had strange markings engraved but they were more consistent with nature, except the eye and wings. That made little sense when combined with the stars, moons, and sun.
“I am not sure. Never in my life have I seen such a structure as this.” answered the Fire Mage in equal shock of the structure, taking a step onto the first stone circle while eyeing two of four standing pedestals. When the sound of other steps moving closer reached his ears, this drew the Fire Mage’s eyes of hazel brown almost red in the light, to find and land upon a young man carrying dirty blond shaggy hair and emerald green eyes. “Jordon! What is this construction and who made it? What have you been doing this past hour here in the forest?” the shout and questions came out with his fiery temper wanting to know what the young man knew, and if he had seen anything to explain this construction along with the damage to the nature.
The shout brought the young man to jump and upturn his gaze quickly from the ground, shock reflecting on his face and in his wide eyes. He didn’t expect to see the Elders of Magic there before him. “Uh…well…you see um…I was looking for some plants to try Earth magic once more and…” he paused rubbing the back of his head feeling nervous about telling what was taking him so long. If he told them would he even be believed? Well they were the Elders of Magic for a reason so maybe he wouldn’t be called a liar.
Jordon sighed then took a breath to finish explaining, hoping he wouldn’t be told to ‘stop making up a story’. “I was gathering plants when I got a splitting headache, like a ringing in my ears. I heard voices whispering from everywhere so I followed them the best I could, and when I came to this lake I got a strange feeling. I started to feel like my whole body was tingling then like it was on fire. It hurt inside so badly that I tried to yell only for nothing to come out, and well…my body was hurting. I closed my eyes and tried to focus my mind to make the pain stop. By the time the pain stopped and I opened my eyes I was ready to collapse, and when I looked up I saw this thing. I didn’t know what it was so I thought I would look it over and see if I could figure it out. It even has these four pedestals with weird markings that sort of look like the elements but there’s nothing on top of them. I don’t know what it does or how it got here, because it wasn’t here when I arrived. I also don’t know how the trees got chopped down and the ground ripped apart.”
When Jordon finished explaining his eyes were set on the judging and skeptic eyes of the Fire Mage, before turning to the shocked and questioning eyes of the Water Mage. Neither Mage spoke a word hearing the apprentice’s explanation. It sounded farfetched to say the very least. How could he explain himself when he says he heard whispers and described his body feeling like it was on fire after looking at the lake? The pair looked to the other with silence filling the thickening air as the moments dragged on bringing the young man some discomfort inside, his stomach feeling like it was being twisted with fluttering butterflies inside.
They stared at the other for a moment before separating eyes to look over the large structure. They eyed the four pillars standing with carved engravings around their base and up towards their rounded, smooth tops with an amazing detail, each looking too had been carved smooth and appeared to be in a never-ending motion. The three stones that lay under their feet in the center of these four pedestals had water flowing around and between each one. The design was also unique in the fact the water flowed so smoothly and did not come over the top, as if being held at just the right level. Equal to this was the two statues appearing to have closed eyes, like sleeping giants standing on either side of a large stone archway with its own engravings.
The Water Mage took notice of the two crescent moons in the center of the stone circles, the moons carved into the center underside of the archway, and the engraved eye in the center on the front all lined up with one another. How someone could had made this and gone unnoticed the Water Mage wasn’t sure. Had it been the apprentice? No it could not have been, he had not yet even found an element to be called his master element yet to train fully, so how could it had been him?
“Some strong magic was used here to craft all this in this extent. I also can feel magic coming off the pedestals, the center, the guardian heads, and the archway itself. This is not the magic we have practiced and dabbled into.” The Fire Mage stated not amused at the thought there was a Mage or at worse a Sage with ill intent roaming about free without supervision.
Jordon and the Water Mage heard these words but as Jordon thought them over, wondering who could have stronger magic than the Elemental Mages, the voice of the calm Water Mage caught his ear. “So you say perhaps we need to have a search party scour the area? Or have I with others use water for scouring the area for any signs of a new face?” he questioned listening to his shoes click softly on the hardened stone circles as his legs carried him closer to the archway to examine it. The carved symbols meant little to him and in his opinion they had little to do with the other except he noticed the moon shape was repeated more than any other, being repeated five times up next to the star shape he counted fourteen. It seemed to point towards a night theme. Perhaps it was pointing towards the hint whatever magic it did could only be activated at night.
“I say we have a group search for any unknown persons or creatures before dark comes then once dark has come you begin your scouring at the temple. If there is another Mage or Sage with stronger magic we should be able to find him.” Stated the Fire Mage strongly, eyeing the Water Mage.
“I am sure of that but now shall we be heading back to form the search group and to speak to the other two Mages about this unknown creation?” asked the Water Mage as he turned on his heel to face the Fire Mage who gave a nod of agreement. Looking up to the sky it was evident time was ticking by and if they would want to have the search team begin the same day, heading back now was the best option.
“Shouldn’t someone guard this thing?” Jordon spoke up suddenly to both Mages whose eyes turned to the questioning apprentice. “I mean…this person you said has great magic, yes? So shouldn’t someone be here to guard it? What if it does something harmful and whoever constructed it returns to use it?” as Jordon spoke his legs carried him to the center where the two crescent moons were, then with legs crossing the youth sat down closing his eyes. “I will take up the watch as I had found it and will sound an alarm if anyone suspicious shows up.” It was a bold offer for him, one without a main element to master, to stand guard against a possibly stronger Mage or, even higher level, Sage alone.
Shaking his head the Water Mage took two steps towards the young man and reached down, grabbing the back of the youth’s shirt collar and lifted him up into the air with one hand, ignoring the yelp of protest and jerk from the young man as he was set back down upon his feet. “You will be returning home, back to the temple if you wish to continue your study to find your main element or, you may return home and end your study of magic and learn another trade for work to support yourself.” Firm words from the Water Mage with eyes scolding the youth for his foolishness. A feeling of disgust formed in the back of the Mage’s throat with his eyes on the young man in his teens. Why would a student in training to learn magic dare put his own body and life on the line to protect something, they had no idea of how it worked, alongside that not having any combat training yet for any sort of protection against animals, such as wolves or bears or coyotes. Part of the Water Mage’s mind began to ponder if the youths were not being disciplined properly by their parents before, they were allowed to pursue a job or in some cases to pursue magic. Was this their future? The ones to lead on into the next generation and teach others when the older people were gone?
A chill ran down his spine at the thought with horror of what the world would come to if that was to be so. Releasing a breath the Water Mage took hold of Jordon’s shoulder turning his gaze now to the Fire Mage. “I shall escort Jordon back to the temple. Will you be returning or are you going to stay behind until secured measures can be set up with the Earth Mage?”
“I shall stay here for now. When you return to the temple please tell the Earth Mage for when he has the time to come here and he with I, shall work out the details for securing this structure. If it does release damaging magic then it must never be used until we find some way to safely destroy it.” A nod came from the Water Mage of approval for the Fire Mage’s plan of staying behind to protect the structure until it could be secured then destroyed.
Taking a step then another the Water Mage pulled firmly, making the teenager walk beside him while keeping a hand on Jordon’s shoulder. “Let us be on our way then, apprentice. Also, when we return, for the delay and your foolish thought that would lead you to your death you shall be placed on bathroom cleaning and scrubbing the floors in the temple on your own.” His words came firm and strict like that of a father to his son who had just disobeyed the rules.
A look of shock came to Jordon’s face with his mouth falling open. The temple was not too large compared to some mansions or castles but it was large enough to make it shocking, someone could ask just one person to be in charge of cleaning the ten bathrooms and ensure the floors were clean as well. There were five sections to the temple: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and the Common Area, along with the bedrooms for up to fifteen students to each mage. They kept the rooms on the side of the element they were found to be strongest in, to avoid any risk of any elements being mixed, just to show off or to show who was better against an opposing element with their immature minds. A sixth room which was kept under lock and key was the largest and none of the students were allowed to enter. The sixth room was the library of the Elemental Mages as well as where they slept, preformed their own work and studies, while testing and keeping records of their magic with any new spells or combinations they had found with their results.
“You must be jesting Water Mage, err um Elder Kaisu. I thought I heard you say I must clean all the bathrooms and floors alone.” Jordon tried to play it off as not hearing the Mage correctly as he rubbed the back of his head, while a laugh tried to hide his nerves of the thought escaped him, a wary smile on his face.
The Mage simply looked down at the young man with a serious face, no joking to be found in his older eyes. “I am afraid, for you, jesting is not done at times of punishment. This time on matters to punish you for your foolish thoughts that would had led to a quick death, and grieving for your mother and father. You will, for a month, clean the bathrooms alone and the floors by yourself. It is punishment and after the month is up then you shall be placed back on the normal teams for cleaning the temple. Perhaps next time you will think fully instead of jumping to the first thought to enter your brain, and think is it the right choice.” The scolding Jordon got did not taste well, leaving a bitter taste in the young man’s mouth as he and the Mage walked through the forest back to the village at a steady pace.
“Yes, Water Mage I will think more through a plan before I act on it. Thank you for going so light on me for my punishment.” Jordon said with a sigh, finding the denial of his punishment futile since he knew the Mage well. He knew none of them when not joking, they were serious and most of their time with the students at the temple were serious and focused no joking about or horseplay allowed. In their silent walk exiting the forest Jordon had been quiet, the minutes ticked by before he spoke up again looking between the path ahead, and to the Mage at his side “Water Mage…do you think I will ever gain the ability to use an element or if I am even able to use one?”
“I am sure all of us can use at least one element. The trick is finding what that one element is. There are four and it takes time, practice, and research alongside focus for someone to find their element. Some are just…late bloomers into their element discovery, so be naught discouraged Jordon. You will find your calling one day in the pathway of nature’s magic gifts in Aphelia.”
“But it is so frustrating being the only one besides the newly accepted students who doesn’t have an element. I mean…sure it’s just been a few months but it’s frustrating and embarrassing.” Jordon complained with a loud sigh mixed with a groan, his hands coming up to hide his face before slowly sliding down, pulling down the lower lids of his eyes some until his skin pulled the flesh back up to its proper place, from his sliding fingertips that soon slid off his face completely to return to his side.
“You call it embarrassing but is it really so embarrassing to not have an element in the temple? Do not dismiss the forces of magic as something to be thought of as a force meant to embarrass anyone. We are still learning everyday something new about magic and by what you discovered today, there may well be a fifth element we are not aware of yet and will be researching into. If there is a fifth element or more then there is a chance you are not a user of the common elements but perhaps of a rare element.” Kaisu paused thinking as his eyes left the teenager at his side to look at the sky. He returned his blue eyes to the apprentice speaking again. “You…said you did not see the construction before but you did after the burning you felt faded, yes?”
“Yes that is right. I was walking and thought I heard whispers moving so I followed them to that clearing. When I didn’t see anyone I decided to looked around. I went to the pond and after I looked down at it I started to feel like I was tingling, then like I was set on fire inside. I closed my eyes tight and tried to focus my mind to make it stop, moving away from the pond. And when it did stop I wanted to collapse because of how bad it hurt but, when I opened my eyes that construction was there. I don’t remember hearing or feeling anything during the time I had closed my eyes tight and when I opened them. Besides the burning fire like pain inside my body I felt but nothing else but that ‘til it went away.”
The Water Mage listened to Jordon explain this once more and it seemed odd to him, these events. Whispers in a forest were not uncommon if someone with a partner or in a group was walking or hunting, then their whispering is understandable. The part where Jordon says he looked at the lake and felt like he was on fire after a tingling happened, that was odd since when he and the Fire Mage looked, no magic enchantment was noticeable to either of them about the water in and flowing from the pond. If there had been magic enhancement or any enchantment with the water he would had felt it fairly soon after their entering the clearing, but no abnormal magic had come from the water only the stone structures. It was strange and began to bring him to wonder if Jordon was the one they were looking for. Normally for students it took but a matter of weeks to find their element they held a connection to, perhaps two months max if they are a tricky case but for Jordon it had been longer than this, and he hadn’t shown to any of the four he held any real magical talent.
Perhaps it was time for another test but of a different kind though what that test would be the Water Mage wasn’t sure, yet knew it would need to be a new form so they could see if there was any hidden talent under his magic-less appearance. The gaze of the Water Mage removed itself from the young man as they entered the village, continuing through to the other side where the temple stood. Nods and ‘welcome backs’ greeted the Mage and apprentice as they sustained their path with warm responses from the Mage, and quiet ones from Jordon who silently was sulking at the thought of all he would need to do alone.
“Sir Mage of Natures Water!” a shout came bringing the Mage to a halt drawing his eyes and head to turn, seeing the form of a woman step quickly up to them out of a shop known for its fresh baked goods. “Good day, I apologize deeply for stopping you but I wished to know if you could give this to my brother. His gift with magic is in water under your training so I wonder if you could give him some fresh peach bread for me.” Upon these words the woman held the box out she had once held close to her chest.
Taking the box the Water Mage nodded, pleasantly smiling behind his robes collar. “Of course, I would be honored to bring him your gift. I will ensure he gets it first thing upon my arrival so he may have it while it is still warm. And before you ask there is a break coming where your brother will be returning home for a few days.”
The woman closed her mouth with her unspoken question answered then a joyful giggle escaped her. “Thank you so much Sir Mage of Natures Water. May the Great One continue blessing you and all others with the gift of magic graced to us.” she said stepping back and curtsied low to him for a moment before standing, bringing her right foot back up to rest beside the other for half a moment, she then turned on her heel and was walking back to her shop as the jingle of her store bell sounded in the air.
Taking a few short moments to watch the woman race back into her shop, the Water Mage then turned his attention back to returning to the temple. Taking a step he paused, noticing movement from his other side and, in turning his head, saw Jordon stepping away to head back to the forest. But, as the youth tried to quietly walk off, it ended when a strong hand took hold of the back of his shirt and pulled, forcing the young man to follow walking backwards. “I am sorry but you are returning to the temple and we are going to deliver this bread to Richard, then you can begin your chores cleaning the bathrooms and the floors as I speak to the Earth Mage.” The stern words did not sit well in Jordon’s head as he tried to dig his heels into the ground without success.
Stumbling some before finally getting a rhythm with his backwards steps going forwards, beside the Mage the young man groaned. “Couldn’t I just start tomorrow? You know, so I can prep myself up for all the long and hard work I’ll be doing?”
“No you will begin today as starting of your punishment. If you are caught slacking off you will be assigned extra chores such as cleaning the windows, tending to the gardens, tending to laundry, and there are other tasks you could be given if you try to put any of your responsibilities onto another.” The Water Mage informed him with authority in every word since he did have plans in mind if Jordon tried to slack off, or pass his chores onto another and then take credit for work he didn’t do. The Mage did plan to add extra work on to make up for what he did not complete himself.
“This is going to be a long month.” Jordon responded with an eye roll under some hair fallen into his face.
The Mage released the back of Jordon’s shirt watching the young man turn around to walk normally now. “A month is nothing in time compared to the fact I could have made it two months, six months or a year if I wished to.” A chuckle escaped the Mage’s throat with seeing the stunned shock on the young man’s face. Apparently this never had occurred to him that the Mage could have assigned a much longer sentence than what he had.
Silence now accompanied the pair as they finished the distance to the temple that was composed of stone, wood, and metal. Its base was made of solid stone to ensure a sound foundation. The outer walls that reflected the sunlight was demonstrating the other types of stone used, which had been infused with metal for strength. The windows were medium to large to allow a nice view of the landscape from the rooms of the apprentices, and the windows in the main building used by only the four Mages held enchanted glass so they could see out but none could see in. Passing between two standing pillars of swirling stone flowing upwards like magic the pair entered through double wooden doors, their steps echoing on the hard marble floor against the dome ceiling in the Commons Area. The room was quiet besides those sitting on large sofa’s talking about their lessons and what new spells they were learning. It was fine for those in training to speak and meet with mingling in the Common Area as above their heads, four large runes gleamed. They had been enchanted by each Mage to absorb any magic used by the students to ensure no magic fights broke out.
Approaching the area where the students spoke the Water Mage nodded to Jordon, halting some steps away from the chatter. “Go begin your chores. You have a lot of area to clean.” He pointed out and with reluctance Jordon went on his way, leaving the Mage to gather what he would need and begin cleaning. Turning to the group the Mage stepped closer, stopping a step before the step down and cleared his throat. “Excuse me but can any of you tell me where Richard is?”
“He said he was going outside to practice watering the flowers in the garden with water from the well.” One female apprentice explained a fire emblem on her sleeve.
“Ah thank you. Continue your conversations.” The Mage said with a nod and took his leave to deliver the bread first before he would go to find and, speak to the Earth Mage about what they had found as well as relay the message of the Fire Mage wishing for his aid. I should also tell Silvius to pick a few of the best hunters in the village to begin searching the forest as well, so they can begin searching for anything left behind, any persons or traces to give us leads. Though, I wonder if it is Jordon who had. There is much we still do not know about magic and its limits. This troubled him not knowing the full limits and extent the magic surrounding them could go, or if it could evolve into other forms unknown to them. If it could evolve then if somehow it evolved in the wrong way what challenges would that bring or what troubles would come with its appearance? Bothering emotions churned inside his chest and mind.
Outside now, the young man Richard moved one hand towards the well focusing his mind. A light blue aura began to surround his hand with nothing happening for a moment until slowly, water began to rise from the well into the air carrying the same blue aura surrounding it. Unlike more advanced students that could summon forth water with their energy, a dangerous move no one was allowed to learn unless they were old enough, mature enough, and showed the ability to be able to handle the strain with also the use of restraint, he like most others were able to manipulate water already in the area such as dewdrops, falling rain, lakes, wells, and more as long as the water was already there they could manipulate it. It was similar to bending but unlike bending which uses stamina and willpower, it was the magic brought forth by their aura link with that element and their focus channeling the magic, provided around them which allowed these things to be done. Some could draw it out of the ground itself if they were advanced enough.
As the water rose into the air and floated away from the well like a thick wobbly bubble ready to pop, it took all his focus to keep his aura intact to contain the water trapped within. Slowly turning his body he watched as the water got closer floating around his form and carefully, he maneuvered it over to a group of lilies, tulips, and other mix of multicolored flowers. He paused while observing and ensured he had a firm hold before slowly parting his lips to whisper “slowly…slowly…just a gentle shower…” under his breath. Very cautiously he focused to have holes open in the bottom of his aura around the water, until he heard the gentle sound like rainfall against the greenery and colorful petals. A smile crept across the young man’s face seeing this working but he was careful not to let his confidence flow too far, to risk breaking his focus.
When the plants had enough he turned at his waist to keep his feet planted, moving his glowing hand to direct the aura cloud of water over to another section of flowers to give them water, under the shade of a tree. They had trumpet shaped flowers dangling down as if they were dead but he knew this was untrue for there was life remaining. They were nocturnal flowers and in the moonlight they rose to bask in its pale light, standing with pride and glory. Floating the water over to another patch of flowers would use up the rest of the water, the blue aura now floated empty. With the water drained Richard allowed the aura to fade with a sigh releasing once he was done. “That went better than expected. Good job Richard seems you aren’t a lost cause.” He commented to himself, raising a hand and patting himself on the back pleased by his deed in keeping such control.
Looking over to see the Water Mage walking with slow steps and a troubled expression on his face brought a worried curiosity to stir inside Richards’s stomach, taking his once stationary steps over closer to the Mage. “Sensei is all alright? What troubles you?”
The questioning voice brought the Mage back from his thoughts, drawing his eyes and attention to the young man. He exhaled shaking his head a bit. “A structure has shown up in the forest and we are not sure who created it. We are in search of its creator so I am pondering over who could have made what it is and, trying to figure out what it does if it is helpful or hurtful.” Kaisu explained, eyes diverting from Richard. Seeing the white box in hand reminded him why he had sought Richard to begin with. “Also here, a gift from your sister.” With those words the Mage handed the package to Richard with a soft nod. “Take a break from practice and enjoy your sisters baking while it’s warm. I need to speak with the Earth Mage.”
“I heard he was returning to the master library so he should be there if not in the classroom.”
“Thank you. Now go back inside and take a break. I feel you have been practicing hard after I dismissed all for break.” Richard gave a nod to the Mage’s words before heading off to return inside. The Water Mage also moved to return inside but went through another door leading directly into the master library, after a flick of his wrist surrounded with a deeper blue aura. Stepping inside and listening to the door close he approached a man in his mid-thirties, reading a book over by one of the one-way windows.
“Earth Brother, a word?” The Water Mage called, walking up to the Mage wearing a robe for his element.
“You know you can call me Silvius, Kaisu.” The Earth Mage responded sounding distracted by his reading.
“I know and I chose not to.” Kaisu replied sharply, approaching before taking a seat in a chair next to the Earth Mage Silvius.
“Is there a reason you are speaking to me while I read? Or has all the water you use magic on gone to your brain and clouded it?”
“I come to deliver a message. Pyrast wishes for your presence in the forest to the West. An unknown structure appeared earlier there and we do not know who or what created it, nor what it does. He wishes for you to aid in security around it to help insuring no one uses it.” Kaisu’s body leaned forwards placing his elbows to rest on his knees, his fingers laced together with head lowering, and thoughts passing briskly in his mind.
“I see…any guess at who we might be facing or tracking down? If you have someone under suspect it is best to share this information than keep it hidden.” Silvius stated flatly lowering and closing his hard backed book with a firm snap.
“I suspect it was Jordon. It has been longer than normal for him to be without a main element and then this happened while he was in the forest. He explained hearing whispers before he began to feel a tingle inside then fire with pain. When all had ended he said he looked up and saw the structure before him. If he has a new type of magic then we should not ignore this nor should we make it public ‘til we are sure. Our lands are at peace but in the animal kingdoms there are good and bad. It is little difference for humans. There can be bad animals as well as good so is the same for our kind. We should attempt to keep this quiet so to help ensure it is difficult, if not hard to impossible, for someone to get to or near it without us knowing early enough, so we might beat the person or beast there. I will speak to Areon and work with him and Jordon in the back room out of sight. This could be a new form of magic and with it a new addition to our knowledge…as well as a possibly fifth brother to join us.” Kaisu took a breath then exhaled his concern, “I just hope if it is a new magic that it holds the case of a positive outcome and not one leading to tragedy.”
The grim words left Kaisu’s lips hidden still by the high collar of his robe but they were clear with his worry and, anxiety over the cons and pros to learning and testing Jordon for any type of new magic. Since any magic had a fine balancing line between keeping control and becoming corrupted by that magic. Silvius listened to this and gave a stiff nod, his green eyes set on the Water Mage as he slowly stood and placed his book on a side table. “Worry little. If you let worry take over then testing Jordon will be a harder task and, might push him into the wrong direction. Dismiss classes for the day or work with your students as is your choice. I dismissed my class early since it was nice and they had been working hard. Now then…I have another word for you,” the Mage of Earth paused placing a firm hand upon Kaisu’s shoulder drawing the blue eyes of the Water Mage up, waiting for the word to be spoken. Staying in silence a moment more Silvius spoke finally, “breathe. Breathe in and out. Take the tasks slowly and as they come. If you worry too much over the ‘what if’ of the future you will miss what is before you in the present. Trust all will be fine and all shall be fine. Take care then my Water Brother.” Removing his hand the Earth Mage turned and began to take his leave.
Kaisu’s eyes shifted casting down a moment to take in those words then back up with widening as it dawned on him, that he had forgotten to mention picking the best to search on foot before nights fall. “Silvius I almost forgot. Speak to the hunters and others to pick the best for a search group to be sent out. Pyrast thought it wise to have a group search the forest on foot for any traces of another Mage, Sage or anything, to show there had been a new presence there in the forest while the sun shines. They should then return before nightfall.”
“Understood, it will be done. Relax here and once your body and mind are both ready, go speak with our Air Brother and Jordon. Then begin to test him as you can for any answers to your suspicions.” With those words said Silvius opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind him as he walked the silent hall, through the sitting area and out the main doors to their chambers. He entered the Common Area but had not stayed long, continuing his exit out the front where he gathered six of the best hunters of the village. The six were picked, told their mission, and sent out. With the task done and instructions gave, Silvius continued his own way into the forest to find Pyrast.
It took him time but once coming to the clearing it was astonishing at the construction that met is eyes. Four pedestals marked for the elements, a center solid for magic channeling, and two, he assumed, were to be guardians then the archway to do what it was intended for but that intent was unknown. “Amazing construction this is. I tip my hat to the magic user able to do this.” Silvius expressed calmly in awe, drawing the Fire Mage’s attention that had been focused with eyes closed but now were opened.
“Yes it is amazing, amazing in the amount of magic that comes from it. Use the plants and your Earth magic to bring up a secure barrier around here to prevent others from coming near it. If you can also have a system set up with the plants so we might know early enough to stop someone or something from attempting to use this.” Pyrast ordered strictly, placing a hand on one knee as he uncrossed his legs and stood. While he had been waiting he had taken a seat on the stone circles, in the middle to rest and meditate to feel out the magic surrounding the archway.
“Agreed…now then…a few things here and there…” Silvius went to work. Breathing calmly to focus, a soft brown aura began to overlap his hands as his arms rose, outstretching with slow controlled movements. Then he adjusted his stance, closing and opening his hands just so in the directions he was manipulating the greenery and plant life in, to help bring some security measures to the area. In one area thick green vines snaked their way out of several trees wrapping around branches and trunks of neighboring trees, as another thinner vines wormed out and wrapped about the thicker vines, coming down and wove themselves around the base of the first tree. This pattern continued, making a thin green weave work of green, like a blanket or net. After the weaving was complete his other hand moved slightly up twitching and out came thorns from every angle on the thin and thick vines.
Next with lowering his right hand and slowly raising it with the left slightly higher, he tensed his left hand as it started to close but not fully. During this he shifted his footing, pushing with one foot he began to spin. The ground trembled lightly as stones spiked, to be as sharp as any steel blade, raised from the soil just enough to cause harm to a creature’s foot. Their pattern placement was scattered yet close nit in varying sections. Brushing up dust with his feet during his spin gave way to his next measure of security. With dust hanging in the air it froze, lingering with now an aura of brown surrounding it, keeping it close together before spreading it out around the area of the clearing. Placing some dirt on the surfaces of the pillars, guardians, and archway was aimed to help hide the engravings also to make their stone surfaces less noticeable within the colors of green and brown. The other scattered dirt particles flew out and rested upon the green vines and gray stones sticking up to help aid in their disguise, so not to give early notice to anyone able to find their way there to the traps laid in waiting. As a last step taken was the growth of special closed-bloom green and brown flowers, one set growing spread about several feet away towards the entrance of the forest. A second set grew closer, then a third set even closer so he could tell if the creature was moving towards the archway construction, or just walking around without an interest in going to the center. The blooms were spread out in a wide range surrounding from different directions around the clearing.
Once done the brown aura faded from his hands that lowered slowly and as his eyes closed a breath exhaled from his lips, bringing a warm mist to rest on his skin thanks to his hot breath against the fabric. “It is done.” He said quietly then in a more vocal tone for Pyrast to hear, “there we are, multiple security systems up so none should be getting to this structure without myself knowing.” Silvius explained opening his eyes which came to look at the Fire Mage, bringing a snicker that he attempted to hold back seeing his Fire Brother looking un-amused, covered with dust and arms crossed with one finger tapping.
“I take it that strange noise from behind your robe the sign you find this humorous?” Pyrast asked in a cold tone uncrossing his arms and began to brush himself off, ruffling the dust out of his short kept red hair after he had lowered his hood.
“Oh do grow some humor to you Pyrast. You are too serious though yes we must take magic seriously but you must also learn to laugh and find humor as well.” Silvius said with a light tone, rolling his eyes at his Fire Brother’s seriousness. This differed from what it used to be when they were growing up.
“I find humor though you would not enjoy what I would do to find my humor.” Pyrast stated with a small smirk displaying itself in his annoyed tone, stepping off and away from the structures stone center. The Earth Mage waved a hand with its brown aura returned, adjusted the dust so the middle was now covered well to make it less noticeable.
“Well sadly I must say you cannot set me on fire, but I’m sure you’ll laugh about this later.” Silvius said trying to make light of the harmless annoyance, the aura fading once the structure was well covered.
“Yes, we’ll see.” Pyrast said with voice suddenly calm as his steps nearing Silvius brought the sound of grass compressing under his boots echoing into the quiet air. This was before the subtle sound of crackling and feeling of heat came to the neck of the Earth Mage. Pyrast stopped, watching the man yelp and jump starting to quickly swat and pat out the burning ends of his light brown hair brought a chuckle from the serious Fire Mage. “Now mind telling me how we will make our way out of here? Or did you leave us pathway to exit?” Pyrast asked with humor and amusement in his tone as well as reflecting in his hazel eyes.
Silvius was busy making sure his hair would not reignite as he heard the questions. An un-amused look now on his face twisted it as his eyes glared to his singed hair. The ugly burnt smell wafted into the air reaching his sinuses to fill them with its horrible scent. Faint yes but still unpleasant and he didn’t want to explain why his hair smelt like burnt food. “I left us a pathway, do not worry and I shall have it close for us once we are pass.” His voice was dry, not making eye contact with his Fire Brother.
Pyrast nodded, walking closer to the Earth Mage who then turned and lead the way while moving a hand out then to the side, watching as the wound and woven vines unlaced parting to allow them passage. Once both had passed the vines rewound and wove them-selves around as they had once done. The stones also had buried them-selves into the ground only returning up as they had been after both Mages had passed their area safely. By the time the pair had exited the forest and neared the town Silvius was still trying to get his hair to smell normal. “Ugh do you know how hard it is to get rid of a burnt smell Pyrast? It is not so simple.”
The complaint made the Fire Mage chuckle in delight at the fret twisting his Earth Brother’s brow with his hands busy on the area of hair he, Pyrast, had successfully singed. “It will go away soon. It isn’t so bad. To think I could have set your entire head on fire if I had wished but I, as a kind Fire Brother, withheld my-self so all you got were some singed ends.” His voice lighter and more noble sounding as he placed himself to be above Silvius, and to show Silvius he should feel honored the fire did not claim all his hair but just a few off the ends.
Silvius glared narrowing his forest green eyes with a frown at the master of fire. “Oh? So you held back huh? Well then I must admit I am quite impressed. I wasn’t aware a hothead as you knew restraint after these years of our training with each other.” The words were slightly muttered with sarcasm but clear enough to get a glare and started bringing a response from the Fire Mage that was, if he hadn’t been interrupted by a large slab of earth shooting up and slamming into his back to roughly propel him forwards.
“Oops, now how did that happen? Oh silly me I must really learn to control the ground I walk on.” The Earth Mage said lightly with a laugh pretending he had not been the one to throw, roughly some feet ahead, his Fire Brother. Calmly walking closer he looked down at the stone ground wagging a finger at it as the sun was setting above in the sky. “Bad ground, now you learn to be nice to old Pyrast.”
Grunting the Fire Mage hit the ground with a hard thud then shooting a look to kill back towards Silvius as he stepped closer. The look only hardened as he heard the light tone as though the man were correcting a misbehaving puppy. I’m going to kill him. Pyrast thought with hate, pushing himself to his knees then to his feet with a short grunt, watching Silvius walk past casually.
“I hope you can keep up. I mean…really a Mage who trips over his own feet? How embarrassing,” the casual tone in Silvius voice made one of Pyrast’s eyes twitch and jaw tighten, before a hand reached back with fingers curling into a fist then waiting. When the Earth Mage was a few feet ahead the Fire Mage punched the air forwards, sending out a flaming fist into the man’s back to send him forcibly forwards some ways to where he hit one, of the trees along the edge of the property belonging to them.
Smirking, the Fire Mage walked onwards feeling his anger subsiding with the Earth Mage stumble back from the tree, a red thick line trailing down his face and pieces of bark sticking to his face. “Now who cannot walk right?” was all Pyrast said as he passed Silvius with a smirk that brought a twinkle to his hazel eyes.
“Why you…” Silvius growled watching the Fire Mage pass by with the satisfied look on his face annoyed him. He thought about using another stone to shoot out and slam him into the front doors but didn’t wish to break them, or get in trouble with Areon for the display of fighting in public. Silvius sighed, deciding it best to exert his anger into venting out slowly with meditation, or doing some training with his earth magic. Making his way into the temple the sun was casting its last slowly dying beams across the landscape, the moon slowly rising to take its place where the sun once ruled.
Birds chirped flying through the warm air and clear blue sky lit by the warm yellow sun. The plants and living creatures below basked in the sunlight as the humans built their homes. Those with completed homes spoke to the ones with the ability to smith items to get gardening tools, if not to have broken ones repaired or replaced. The landscape was green and full of life dotted with trees, lakes, rivers and streams as well as some mountain ranges.
The humans had created a nice little life for themselves in Aphelia, their kind dotting the green landscape here and there. Some resided alongside villages created by other creatures holding human level intelligence. Everyone knew who to thank for this wonderful world they had: The Great One. The one unseen force that created them and everything around them, this included the kindness to allow the humans to meet such interesting and unique creatures. The humans went about their lives without a leader over all the villages as a collective whole. Each village had its own head to maintain order and peace in case any disturbances came about, from misunderstandings or an inability to resolve a dispute.
One day one of the young Mages in training left on his own into the forest. None outside the Temple knew about what he was doing. Then again, not many had dared to delve into the magic business unless it was needed for their trait. The farmers, livestock nurturers, blacksmiths, and other professions let those who wished to follow the path of the Mage to their own doings knowing, well from some, if magic was abused it could lead to death. So few would wish to risk their life to learn such a dangerous art, but those without using it did admit how it made things easier. Such as those who focused on fire made lighting the night torches easier and quicker with their spells, and those who focused on water made watering crops easier if a farmer was low on water and had no way to fetch it. It was a great thing if not equally as dangerous and mysterious with many unknowns.
People parted, watching the softly colored robed men walk quietly down the street through the village. In the Temple called the Mage’s Temple were four men. Each one was a master at one of the four elements. On this day two of the four men, being the Elders of Magic as they were called, set out after an hour to find where the young one in training had went. In doing this they gained eyes watching them leave to the west where the young man had gone. Some people watched because no one else had the amount of knowledge, as those four did about magic. It wasn’t bad the young man had been gone for an hour but it did concern the four since not many apprentices were there, and they didn’t want the knowledge they had been learning to go unpracticed and risk harm coming to others just because, that apprentice may try using techniques too advanced for them without an instructor.
The two set out and minutes later entered the shadows of the green forest shading which dimmed the red and blue robes. Each indicated an element. The wearer of the red hooded robe was the master of fire and the wearer of the blue one was the master of water, opposing elements yes but together they were stronger than separate. Glancing around the pair listened to the birds chirping, wings fluttering came to fill the calm air as well. A pleasing sound, bringing a smile to the Water Mage’s hidden lips by the high collar of fabric from his robe. “A grand fine day is it not, my Fire Brother?” The smooth, strong, slightly muffled voice asked with a youthful tone.
“Aye it is a fine day. It is a fine day for fun as is it also a fine day for trouble to start. I hold hope our apprentice has naught gone and done foolish deeds with his magic. Who was missing again?” The Fire Mage asked with his voice sounding a tone deeper with a number of years of age more than the Water Mage.
“I believe Jordon was missing from the check-in. He always brings trouble back to the study.”
“Perhaps I should fry his ears once more as a reminder to behave within the laws, if he wishes to continue his quest in finding his body’s true element.” The Fire Mage stated with slight frustration lining his voice.
“Now that may not be needed. Besides do ye wish to test the limits of the village head?” the Water Mage reminded his Elemental Brother. His blue eyes and head turned to watch the red robes hood lower and hearing a sigh entering the air, only to fade after moments of its sounding.
“Nay no need for that, I need no lecture from the village head of how bad it is to use magic on those in training. It was bad enough the windbag went talking for two hours last a report went to him on my using fire as a threat to make apprentices listen to me.”
“Then I think it best we speak calmly and diplomatically to Jordon when we find him.” A laugh exited the Water Mage’s lips with those words. Hearing the Fire Mage grumble under his breath and behind the high collar of his robe brought a snicker after the Water Mage’s laughter had died off. Turning his gaze of blue forwards once more with the small smile remaining pulled on his lips he listened to the crunch of the grass blades and dirt, under his and his Fire Brother’s boots.
It took a few minutes, silence filling the air between the pair during their walk, before they began nearing where it could be seen some trees had been knocked down. Remains of the mighty shade and oxygen providers were scattered about the ground, as they made their way into an area, showing to be a clearing made bigger with force. Earth was upturned as they entered the clearing and each took note of the change in the landscape. The Water Mage noticed the channel carved into the earth, leading from the small lake to a placement of stones. The round stones went from large to small and formed circles one inside the other, three times and in the center stone was a carving of two crescent moons facing each other.
This drew the Water Mage’s curiosity. Examining some of the fallen trees and uneven ground, the movement of the Mage in blue brought the Fire Mage to see where his friend was going. Seeing the stone circles and the water interested the Fire Mage who walked over to join his Water Brother. Both looked up to the stone archway set at the head of the petrified rings under their feet, and on either side of the archway were odd shaped stone carvings with engraved markings. “What in the great skies is this?” questioned the Water Mage with awed shock and breathless words, mindlessly stepping closer to the new construction. The archway itself also had strange markings engraved but they were more consistent with nature, except the eye and wings. That made little sense when combined with the stars, moons, and sun.
“I am not sure. Never in my life have I seen such a structure as this.” answered the Fire Mage in equal shock of the structure, taking a step onto the first stone circle while eyeing two of four standing pedestals. When the sound of other steps moving closer reached his ears, this drew the Fire Mage’s eyes of hazel brown almost red in the light, to find and land upon a young man carrying dirty blond shaggy hair and emerald green eyes. “Jordon! What is this construction and who made it? What have you been doing this past hour here in the forest?” the shout and questions came out with his fiery temper wanting to know what the young man knew, and if he had seen anything to explain this construction along with the damage to the nature.
The shout brought the young man to jump and upturn his gaze quickly from the ground, shock reflecting on his face and in his wide eyes. He didn’t expect to see the Elders of Magic there before him. “Uh…well…you see um…I was looking for some plants to try Earth magic once more and…” he paused rubbing the back of his head feeling nervous about telling what was taking him so long. If he told them would he even be believed? Well they were the Elders of Magic for a reason so maybe he wouldn’t be called a liar.
Jordon sighed then took a breath to finish explaining, hoping he wouldn’t be told to ‘stop making up a story’. “I was gathering plants when I got a splitting headache, like a ringing in my ears. I heard voices whispering from everywhere so I followed them the best I could, and when I came to this lake I got a strange feeling. I started to feel like my whole body was tingling then like it was on fire. It hurt inside so badly that I tried to yell only for nothing to come out, and well…my body was hurting. I closed my eyes and tried to focus my mind to make the pain stop. By the time the pain stopped and I opened my eyes I was ready to collapse, and when I looked up I saw this thing. I didn’t know what it was so I thought I would look it over and see if I could figure it out. It even has these four pedestals with weird markings that sort of look like the elements but there’s nothing on top of them. I don’t know what it does or how it got here, because it wasn’t here when I arrived. I also don’t know how the trees got chopped down and the ground ripped apart.”
When Jordon finished explaining his eyes were set on the judging and skeptic eyes of the Fire Mage, before turning to the shocked and questioning eyes of the Water Mage. Neither Mage spoke a word hearing the apprentice’s explanation. It sounded farfetched to say the very least. How could he explain himself when he says he heard whispers and described his body feeling like it was on fire after looking at the lake? The pair looked to the other with silence filling the thickening air as the moments dragged on bringing the young man some discomfort inside, his stomach feeling like it was being twisted with fluttering butterflies inside.
They stared at the other for a moment before separating eyes to look over the large structure. They eyed the four pillars standing with carved engravings around their base and up towards their rounded, smooth tops with an amazing detail, each looking too had been carved smooth and appeared to be in a never-ending motion. The three stones that lay under their feet in the center of these four pedestals had water flowing around and between each one. The design was also unique in the fact the water flowed so smoothly and did not come over the top, as if being held at just the right level. Equal to this was the two statues appearing to have closed eyes, like sleeping giants standing on either side of a large stone archway with its own engravings.
The Water Mage took notice of the two crescent moons in the center of the stone circles, the moons carved into the center underside of the archway, and the engraved eye in the center on the front all lined up with one another. How someone could had made this and gone unnoticed the Water Mage wasn’t sure. Had it been the apprentice? No it could not have been, he had not yet even found an element to be called his master element yet to train fully, so how could it had been him?
“Some strong magic was used here to craft all this in this extent. I also can feel magic coming off the pedestals, the center, the guardian heads, and the archway itself. This is not the magic we have practiced and dabbled into.” The Fire Mage stated not amused at the thought there was a Mage or at worse a Sage with ill intent roaming about free without supervision.
Jordon and the Water Mage heard these words but as Jordon thought them over, wondering who could have stronger magic than the Elemental Mages, the voice of the calm Water Mage caught his ear. “So you say perhaps we need to have a search party scour the area? Or have I with others use water for scouring the area for any signs of a new face?” he questioned listening to his shoes click softly on the hardened stone circles as his legs carried him closer to the archway to examine it. The carved symbols meant little to him and in his opinion they had little to do with the other except he noticed the moon shape was repeated more than any other, being repeated five times up next to the star shape he counted fourteen. It seemed to point towards a night theme. Perhaps it was pointing towards the hint whatever magic it did could only be activated at night.
“I say we have a group search for any unknown persons or creatures before dark comes then once dark has come you begin your scouring at the temple. If there is another Mage or Sage with stronger magic we should be able to find him.” Stated the Fire Mage strongly, eyeing the Water Mage.
“I am sure of that but now shall we be heading back to form the search group and to speak to the other two Mages about this unknown creation?” asked the Water Mage as he turned on his heel to face the Fire Mage who gave a nod of agreement. Looking up to the sky it was evident time was ticking by and if they would want to have the search team begin the same day, heading back now was the best option.
“Shouldn’t someone guard this thing?” Jordon spoke up suddenly to both Mages whose eyes turned to the questioning apprentice. “I mean…this person you said has great magic, yes? So shouldn’t someone be here to guard it? What if it does something harmful and whoever constructed it returns to use it?” as Jordon spoke his legs carried him to the center where the two crescent moons were, then with legs crossing the youth sat down closing his eyes. “I will take up the watch as I had found it and will sound an alarm if anyone suspicious shows up.” It was a bold offer for him, one without a main element to master, to stand guard against a possibly stronger Mage or, even higher level, Sage alone.
Shaking his head the Water Mage took two steps towards the young man and reached down, grabbing the back of the youth’s shirt collar and lifted him up into the air with one hand, ignoring the yelp of protest and jerk from the young man as he was set back down upon his feet. “You will be returning home, back to the temple if you wish to continue your study to find your main element or, you may return home and end your study of magic and learn another trade for work to support yourself.” Firm words from the Water Mage with eyes scolding the youth for his foolishness. A feeling of disgust formed in the back of the Mage’s throat with his eyes on the young man in his teens. Why would a student in training to learn magic dare put his own body and life on the line to protect something, they had no idea of how it worked, alongside that not having any combat training yet for any sort of protection against animals, such as wolves or bears or coyotes. Part of the Water Mage’s mind began to ponder if the youths were not being disciplined properly by their parents before, they were allowed to pursue a job or in some cases to pursue magic. Was this their future? The ones to lead on into the next generation and teach others when the older people were gone?
A chill ran down his spine at the thought with horror of what the world would come to if that was to be so. Releasing a breath the Water Mage took hold of Jordon’s shoulder turning his gaze now to the Fire Mage. “I shall escort Jordon back to the temple. Will you be returning or are you going to stay behind until secured measures can be set up with the Earth Mage?”
“I shall stay here for now. When you return to the temple please tell the Earth Mage for when he has the time to come here and he with I, shall work out the details for securing this structure. If it does release damaging magic then it must never be used until we find some way to safely destroy it.” A nod came from the Water Mage of approval for the Fire Mage’s plan of staying behind to protect the structure until it could be secured then destroyed.
Taking a step then another the Water Mage pulled firmly, making the teenager walk beside him while keeping a hand on Jordon’s shoulder. “Let us be on our way then, apprentice. Also, when we return, for the delay and your foolish thought that would lead you to your death you shall be placed on bathroom cleaning and scrubbing the floors in the temple on your own.” His words came firm and strict like that of a father to his son who had just disobeyed the rules.
A look of shock came to Jordon’s face with his mouth falling open. The temple was not too large compared to some mansions or castles but it was large enough to make it shocking, someone could ask just one person to be in charge of cleaning the ten bathrooms and ensure the floors were clean as well. There were five sections to the temple: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and the Common Area, along with the bedrooms for up to fifteen students to each mage. They kept the rooms on the side of the element they were found to be strongest in, to avoid any risk of any elements being mixed, just to show off or to show who was better against an opposing element with their immature minds. A sixth room which was kept under lock and key was the largest and none of the students were allowed to enter. The sixth room was the library of the Elemental Mages as well as where they slept, preformed their own work and studies, while testing and keeping records of their magic with any new spells or combinations they had found with their results.
“You must be jesting Water Mage, err um Elder Kaisu. I thought I heard you say I must clean all the bathrooms and floors alone.” Jordon tried to play it off as not hearing the Mage correctly as he rubbed the back of his head, while a laugh tried to hide his nerves of the thought escaped him, a wary smile on his face.
The Mage simply looked down at the young man with a serious face, no joking to be found in his older eyes. “I am afraid, for you, jesting is not done at times of punishment. This time on matters to punish you for your foolish thoughts that would had led to a quick death, and grieving for your mother and father. You will, for a month, clean the bathrooms alone and the floors by yourself. It is punishment and after the month is up then you shall be placed back on the normal teams for cleaning the temple. Perhaps next time you will think fully instead of jumping to the first thought to enter your brain, and think is it the right choice.” The scolding Jordon got did not taste well, leaving a bitter taste in the young man’s mouth as he and the Mage walked through the forest back to the village at a steady pace.
“Yes, Water Mage I will think more through a plan before I act on it. Thank you for going so light on me for my punishment.” Jordon said with a sigh, finding the denial of his punishment futile since he knew the Mage well. He knew none of them when not joking, they were serious and most of their time with the students at the temple were serious and focused no joking about or horseplay allowed. In their silent walk exiting the forest Jordon had been quiet, the minutes ticked by before he spoke up again looking between the path ahead, and to the Mage at his side “Water Mage…do you think I will ever gain the ability to use an element or if I am even able to use one?”
“I am sure all of us can use at least one element. The trick is finding what that one element is. There are four and it takes time, practice, and research alongside focus for someone to find their element. Some are just…late bloomers into their element discovery, so be naught discouraged Jordon. You will find your calling one day in the pathway of nature’s magic gifts in Aphelia.”
“But it is so frustrating being the only one besides the newly accepted students who doesn’t have an element. I mean…sure it’s just been a few months but it’s frustrating and embarrassing.” Jordon complained with a loud sigh mixed with a groan, his hands coming up to hide his face before slowly sliding down, pulling down the lower lids of his eyes some until his skin pulled the flesh back up to its proper place, from his sliding fingertips that soon slid off his face completely to return to his side.
“You call it embarrassing but is it really so embarrassing to not have an element in the temple? Do not dismiss the forces of magic as something to be thought of as a force meant to embarrass anyone. We are still learning everyday something new about magic and by what you discovered today, there may well be a fifth element we are not aware of yet and will be researching into. If there is a fifth element or more then there is a chance you are not a user of the common elements but perhaps of a rare element.” Kaisu paused thinking as his eyes left the teenager at his side to look at the sky. He returned his blue eyes to the apprentice speaking again. “You…said you did not see the construction before but you did after the burning you felt faded, yes?”
“Yes that is right. I was walking and thought I heard whispers moving so I followed them to that clearing. When I didn’t see anyone I decided to looked around. I went to the pond and after I looked down at it I started to feel like I was tingling, then like I was set on fire inside. I closed my eyes tight and tried to focus my mind to make it stop, moving away from the pond. And when it did stop I wanted to collapse because of how bad it hurt but, when I opened my eyes that construction was there. I don’t remember hearing or feeling anything during the time I had closed my eyes tight and when I opened them. Besides the burning fire like pain inside my body I felt but nothing else but that ‘til it went away.”
The Water Mage listened to Jordon explain this once more and it seemed odd to him, these events. Whispers in a forest were not uncommon if someone with a partner or in a group was walking or hunting, then their whispering is understandable. The part where Jordon says he looked at the lake and felt like he was on fire after a tingling happened, that was odd since when he and the Fire Mage looked, no magic enchantment was noticeable to either of them about the water in and flowing from the pond. If there had been magic enhancement or any enchantment with the water he would had felt it fairly soon after their entering the clearing, but no abnormal magic had come from the water only the stone structures. It was strange and began to bring him to wonder if Jordon was the one they were looking for. Normally for students it took but a matter of weeks to find their element they held a connection to, perhaps two months max if they are a tricky case but for Jordon it had been longer than this, and he hadn’t shown to any of the four he held any real magical talent.
Perhaps it was time for another test but of a different kind though what that test would be the Water Mage wasn’t sure, yet knew it would need to be a new form so they could see if there was any hidden talent under his magic-less appearance. The gaze of the Water Mage removed itself from the young man as they entered the village, continuing through to the other side where the temple stood. Nods and ‘welcome backs’ greeted the Mage and apprentice as they sustained their path with warm responses from the Mage, and quiet ones from Jordon who silently was sulking at the thought of all he would need to do alone.
“Sir Mage of Natures Water!” a shout came bringing the Mage to a halt drawing his eyes and head to turn, seeing the form of a woman step quickly up to them out of a shop known for its fresh baked goods. “Good day, I apologize deeply for stopping you but I wished to know if you could give this to my brother. His gift with magic is in water under your training so I wonder if you could give him some fresh peach bread for me.” Upon these words the woman held the box out she had once held close to her chest.
Taking the box the Water Mage nodded, pleasantly smiling behind his robes collar. “Of course, I would be honored to bring him your gift. I will ensure he gets it first thing upon my arrival so he may have it while it is still warm. And before you ask there is a break coming where your brother will be returning home for a few days.”
The woman closed her mouth with her unspoken question answered then a joyful giggle escaped her. “Thank you so much Sir Mage of Natures Water. May the Great One continue blessing you and all others with the gift of magic graced to us.” she said stepping back and curtsied low to him for a moment before standing, bringing her right foot back up to rest beside the other for half a moment, she then turned on her heel and was walking back to her shop as the jingle of her store bell sounded in the air.
Taking a few short moments to watch the woman race back into her shop, the Water Mage then turned his attention back to returning to the temple. Taking a step he paused, noticing movement from his other side and, in turning his head, saw Jordon stepping away to head back to the forest. But, as the youth tried to quietly walk off, it ended when a strong hand took hold of the back of his shirt and pulled, forcing the young man to follow walking backwards. “I am sorry but you are returning to the temple and we are going to deliver this bread to Richard, then you can begin your chores cleaning the bathrooms and the floors as I speak to the Earth Mage.” The stern words did not sit well in Jordon’s head as he tried to dig his heels into the ground without success.
Stumbling some before finally getting a rhythm with his backwards steps going forwards, beside the Mage the young man groaned. “Couldn’t I just start tomorrow? You know, so I can prep myself up for all the long and hard work I’ll be doing?”
“No you will begin today as starting of your punishment. If you are caught slacking off you will be assigned extra chores such as cleaning the windows, tending to the gardens, tending to laundry, and there are other tasks you could be given if you try to put any of your responsibilities onto another.” The Water Mage informed him with authority in every word since he did have plans in mind if Jordon tried to slack off, or pass his chores onto another and then take credit for work he didn’t do. The Mage did plan to add extra work on to make up for what he did not complete himself.
“This is going to be a long month.” Jordon responded with an eye roll under some hair fallen into his face.
The Mage released the back of Jordon’s shirt watching the young man turn around to walk normally now. “A month is nothing in time compared to the fact I could have made it two months, six months or a year if I wished to.” A chuckle escaped the Mage’s throat with seeing the stunned shock on the young man’s face. Apparently this never had occurred to him that the Mage could have assigned a much longer sentence than what he had.
Silence now accompanied the pair as they finished the distance to the temple that was composed of stone, wood, and metal. Its base was made of solid stone to ensure a sound foundation. The outer walls that reflected the sunlight was demonstrating the other types of stone used, which had been infused with metal for strength. The windows were medium to large to allow a nice view of the landscape from the rooms of the apprentices, and the windows in the main building used by only the four Mages held enchanted glass so they could see out but none could see in. Passing between two standing pillars of swirling stone flowing upwards like magic the pair entered through double wooden doors, their steps echoing on the hard marble floor against the dome ceiling in the Commons Area. The room was quiet besides those sitting on large sofa’s talking about their lessons and what new spells they were learning. It was fine for those in training to speak and meet with mingling in the Common Area as above their heads, four large runes gleamed. They had been enchanted by each Mage to absorb any magic used by the students to ensure no magic fights broke out.
Approaching the area where the students spoke the Water Mage nodded to Jordon, halting some steps away from the chatter. “Go begin your chores. You have a lot of area to clean.” He pointed out and with reluctance Jordon went on his way, leaving the Mage to gather what he would need and begin cleaning. Turning to the group the Mage stepped closer, stopping a step before the step down and cleared his throat. “Excuse me but can any of you tell me where Richard is?”
“He said he was going outside to practice watering the flowers in the garden with water from the well.” One female apprentice explained a fire emblem on her sleeve.
“Ah thank you. Continue your conversations.” The Mage said with a nod and took his leave to deliver the bread first before he would go to find and, speak to the Earth Mage about what they had found as well as relay the message of the Fire Mage wishing for his aid. I should also tell Silvius to pick a few of the best hunters in the village to begin searching the forest as well, so they can begin searching for anything left behind, any persons or traces to give us leads. Though, I wonder if it is Jordon who had. There is much we still do not know about magic and its limits. This troubled him not knowing the full limits and extent the magic surrounding them could go, or if it could evolve into other forms unknown to them. If it could evolve then if somehow it evolved in the wrong way what challenges would that bring or what troubles would come with its appearance? Bothering emotions churned inside his chest and mind.
Outside now, the young man Richard moved one hand towards the well focusing his mind. A light blue aura began to surround his hand with nothing happening for a moment until slowly, water began to rise from the well into the air carrying the same blue aura surrounding it. Unlike more advanced students that could summon forth water with their energy, a dangerous move no one was allowed to learn unless they were old enough, mature enough, and showed the ability to be able to handle the strain with also the use of restraint, he like most others were able to manipulate water already in the area such as dewdrops, falling rain, lakes, wells, and more as long as the water was already there they could manipulate it. It was similar to bending but unlike bending which uses stamina and willpower, it was the magic brought forth by their aura link with that element and their focus channeling the magic, provided around them which allowed these things to be done. Some could draw it out of the ground itself if they were advanced enough.
As the water rose into the air and floated away from the well like a thick wobbly bubble ready to pop, it took all his focus to keep his aura intact to contain the water trapped within. Slowly turning his body he watched as the water got closer floating around his form and carefully, he maneuvered it over to a group of lilies, tulips, and other mix of multicolored flowers. He paused while observing and ensured he had a firm hold before slowly parting his lips to whisper “slowly…slowly…just a gentle shower…” under his breath. Very cautiously he focused to have holes open in the bottom of his aura around the water, until he heard the gentle sound like rainfall against the greenery and colorful petals. A smile crept across the young man’s face seeing this working but he was careful not to let his confidence flow too far, to risk breaking his focus.
When the plants had enough he turned at his waist to keep his feet planted, moving his glowing hand to direct the aura cloud of water over to another section of flowers to give them water, under the shade of a tree. They had trumpet shaped flowers dangling down as if they were dead but he knew this was untrue for there was life remaining. They were nocturnal flowers and in the moonlight they rose to bask in its pale light, standing with pride and glory. Floating the water over to another patch of flowers would use up the rest of the water, the blue aura now floated empty. With the water drained Richard allowed the aura to fade with a sigh releasing once he was done. “That went better than expected. Good job Richard seems you aren’t a lost cause.” He commented to himself, raising a hand and patting himself on the back pleased by his deed in keeping such control.
Looking over to see the Water Mage walking with slow steps and a troubled expression on his face brought a worried curiosity to stir inside Richards’s stomach, taking his once stationary steps over closer to the Mage. “Sensei is all alright? What troubles you?”
The questioning voice brought the Mage back from his thoughts, drawing his eyes and attention to the young man. He exhaled shaking his head a bit. “A structure has shown up in the forest and we are not sure who created it. We are in search of its creator so I am pondering over who could have made what it is and, trying to figure out what it does if it is helpful or hurtful.” Kaisu explained, eyes diverting from Richard. Seeing the white box in hand reminded him why he had sought Richard to begin with. “Also here, a gift from your sister.” With those words the Mage handed the package to Richard with a soft nod. “Take a break from practice and enjoy your sisters baking while it’s warm. I need to speak with the Earth Mage.”
“I heard he was returning to the master library so he should be there if not in the classroom.”
“Thank you. Now go back inside and take a break. I feel you have been practicing hard after I dismissed all for break.” Richard gave a nod to the Mage’s words before heading off to return inside. The Water Mage also moved to return inside but went through another door leading directly into the master library, after a flick of his wrist surrounded with a deeper blue aura. Stepping inside and listening to the door close he approached a man in his mid-thirties, reading a book over by one of the one-way windows.
“Earth Brother, a word?” The Water Mage called, walking up to the Mage wearing a robe for his element.
“You know you can call me Silvius, Kaisu.” The Earth Mage responded sounding distracted by his reading.
“I know and I chose not to.” Kaisu replied sharply, approaching before taking a seat in a chair next to the Earth Mage Silvius.
“Is there a reason you are speaking to me while I read? Or has all the water you use magic on gone to your brain and clouded it?”
“I come to deliver a message. Pyrast wishes for your presence in the forest to the West. An unknown structure appeared earlier there and we do not know who or what created it, nor what it does. He wishes for you to aid in security around it to help insuring no one uses it.” Kaisu’s body leaned forwards placing his elbows to rest on his knees, his fingers laced together with head lowering, and thoughts passing briskly in his mind.
“I see…any guess at who we might be facing or tracking down? If you have someone under suspect it is best to share this information than keep it hidden.” Silvius stated flatly lowering and closing his hard backed book with a firm snap.
“I suspect it was Jordon. It has been longer than normal for him to be without a main element and then this happened while he was in the forest. He explained hearing whispers before he began to feel a tingle inside then fire with pain. When all had ended he said he looked up and saw the structure before him. If he has a new type of magic then we should not ignore this nor should we make it public ‘til we are sure. Our lands are at peace but in the animal kingdoms there are good and bad. It is little difference for humans. There can be bad animals as well as good so is the same for our kind. We should attempt to keep this quiet so to help ensure it is difficult, if not hard to impossible, for someone to get to or near it without us knowing early enough, so we might beat the person or beast there. I will speak to Areon and work with him and Jordon in the back room out of sight. This could be a new form of magic and with it a new addition to our knowledge…as well as a possibly fifth brother to join us.” Kaisu took a breath then exhaled his concern, “I just hope if it is a new magic that it holds the case of a positive outcome and not one leading to tragedy.”
The grim words left Kaisu’s lips hidden still by the high collar of his robe but they were clear with his worry and, anxiety over the cons and pros to learning and testing Jordon for any type of new magic. Since any magic had a fine balancing line between keeping control and becoming corrupted by that magic. Silvius listened to this and gave a stiff nod, his green eyes set on the Water Mage as he slowly stood and placed his book on a side table. “Worry little. If you let worry take over then testing Jordon will be a harder task and, might push him into the wrong direction. Dismiss classes for the day or work with your students as is your choice. I dismissed my class early since it was nice and they had been working hard. Now then…I have another word for you,” the Mage of Earth paused placing a firm hand upon Kaisu’s shoulder drawing the blue eyes of the Water Mage up, waiting for the word to be spoken. Staying in silence a moment more Silvius spoke finally, “breathe. Breathe in and out. Take the tasks slowly and as they come. If you worry too much over the ‘what if’ of the future you will miss what is before you in the present. Trust all will be fine and all shall be fine. Take care then my Water Brother.” Removing his hand the Earth Mage turned and began to take his leave.
Kaisu’s eyes shifted casting down a moment to take in those words then back up with widening as it dawned on him, that he had forgotten to mention picking the best to search on foot before nights fall. “Silvius I almost forgot. Speak to the hunters and others to pick the best for a search group to be sent out. Pyrast thought it wise to have a group search the forest on foot for any traces of another Mage, Sage or anything, to show there had been a new presence there in the forest while the sun shines. They should then return before nightfall.”
“Understood, it will be done. Relax here and once your body and mind are both ready, go speak with our Air Brother and Jordon. Then begin to test him as you can for any answers to your suspicions.” With those words said Silvius opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind him as he walked the silent hall, through the sitting area and out the main doors to their chambers. He entered the Common Area but had not stayed long, continuing his exit out the front where he gathered six of the best hunters of the village. The six were picked, told their mission, and sent out. With the task done and instructions gave, Silvius continued his own way into the forest to find Pyrast.
It took him time but once coming to the clearing it was astonishing at the construction that met is eyes. Four pedestals marked for the elements, a center solid for magic channeling, and two, he assumed, were to be guardians then the archway to do what it was intended for but that intent was unknown. “Amazing construction this is. I tip my hat to the magic user able to do this.” Silvius expressed calmly in awe, drawing the Fire Mage’s attention that had been focused with eyes closed but now were opened.
“Yes it is amazing, amazing in the amount of magic that comes from it. Use the plants and your Earth magic to bring up a secure barrier around here to prevent others from coming near it. If you can also have a system set up with the plants so we might know early enough to stop someone or something from attempting to use this.” Pyrast ordered strictly, placing a hand on one knee as he uncrossed his legs and stood. While he had been waiting he had taken a seat on the stone circles, in the middle to rest and meditate to feel out the magic surrounding the archway.
“Agreed…now then…a few things here and there…” Silvius went to work. Breathing calmly to focus, a soft brown aura began to overlap his hands as his arms rose, outstretching with slow controlled movements. Then he adjusted his stance, closing and opening his hands just so in the directions he was manipulating the greenery and plant life in, to help bring some security measures to the area. In one area thick green vines snaked their way out of several trees wrapping around branches and trunks of neighboring trees, as another thinner vines wormed out and wrapped about the thicker vines, coming down and wove themselves around the base of the first tree. This pattern continued, making a thin green weave work of green, like a blanket or net. After the weaving was complete his other hand moved slightly up twitching and out came thorns from every angle on the thin and thick vines.
Next with lowering his right hand and slowly raising it with the left slightly higher, he tensed his left hand as it started to close but not fully. During this he shifted his footing, pushing with one foot he began to spin. The ground trembled lightly as stones spiked, to be as sharp as any steel blade, raised from the soil just enough to cause harm to a creature’s foot. Their pattern placement was scattered yet close nit in varying sections. Brushing up dust with his feet during his spin gave way to his next measure of security. With dust hanging in the air it froze, lingering with now an aura of brown surrounding it, keeping it close together before spreading it out around the area of the clearing. Placing some dirt on the surfaces of the pillars, guardians, and archway was aimed to help hide the engravings also to make their stone surfaces less noticeable within the colors of green and brown. The other scattered dirt particles flew out and rested upon the green vines and gray stones sticking up to help aid in their disguise, so not to give early notice to anyone able to find their way there to the traps laid in waiting. As a last step taken was the growth of special closed-bloom green and brown flowers, one set growing spread about several feet away towards the entrance of the forest. A second set grew closer, then a third set even closer so he could tell if the creature was moving towards the archway construction, or just walking around without an interest in going to the center. The blooms were spread out in a wide range surrounding from different directions around the clearing.
Once done the brown aura faded from his hands that lowered slowly and as his eyes closed a breath exhaled from his lips, bringing a warm mist to rest on his skin thanks to his hot breath against the fabric. “It is done.” He said quietly then in a more vocal tone for Pyrast to hear, “there we are, multiple security systems up so none should be getting to this structure without myself knowing.” Silvius explained opening his eyes which came to look at the Fire Mage, bringing a snicker that he attempted to hold back seeing his Fire Brother looking un-amused, covered with dust and arms crossed with one finger tapping.
“I take it that strange noise from behind your robe the sign you find this humorous?” Pyrast asked in a cold tone uncrossing his arms and began to brush himself off, ruffling the dust out of his short kept red hair after he had lowered his hood.
“Oh do grow some humor to you Pyrast. You are too serious though yes we must take magic seriously but you must also learn to laugh and find humor as well.” Silvius said with a light tone, rolling his eyes at his Fire Brother’s seriousness. This differed from what it used to be when they were growing up.
“I find humor though you would not enjoy what I would do to find my humor.” Pyrast stated with a small smirk displaying itself in his annoyed tone, stepping off and away from the structures stone center. The Earth Mage waved a hand with its brown aura returned, adjusted the dust so the middle was now covered well to make it less noticeable.
“Well sadly I must say you cannot set me on fire, but I’m sure you’ll laugh about this later.” Silvius said trying to make light of the harmless annoyance, the aura fading once the structure was well covered.
“Yes, we’ll see.” Pyrast said with voice suddenly calm as his steps nearing Silvius brought the sound of grass compressing under his boots echoing into the quiet air. This was before the subtle sound of crackling and feeling of heat came to the neck of the Earth Mage. Pyrast stopped, watching the man yelp and jump starting to quickly swat and pat out the burning ends of his light brown hair brought a chuckle from the serious Fire Mage. “Now mind telling me how we will make our way out of here? Or did you leave us pathway to exit?” Pyrast asked with humor and amusement in his tone as well as reflecting in his hazel eyes.
Silvius was busy making sure his hair would not reignite as he heard the questions. An un-amused look now on his face twisted it as his eyes glared to his singed hair. The ugly burnt smell wafted into the air reaching his sinuses to fill them with its horrible scent. Faint yes but still unpleasant and he didn’t want to explain why his hair smelt like burnt food. “I left us a pathway, do not worry and I shall have it close for us once we are pass.” His voice was dry, not making eye contact with his Fire Brother.
Pyrast nodded, walking closer to the Earth Mage who then turned and lead the way while moving a hand out then to the side, watching as the wound and woven vines unlaced parting to allow them passage. Once both had passed the vines rewound and wove them-selves around as they had once done. The stones also had buried them-selves into the ground only returning up as they had been after both Mages had passed their area safely. By the time the pair had exited the forest and neared the town Silvius was still trying to get his hair to smell normal. “Ugh do you know how hard it is to get rid of a burnt smell Pyrast? It is not so simple.”
The complaint made the Fire Mage chuckle in delight at the fret twisting his Earth Brother’s brow with his hands busy on the area of hair he, Pyrast, had successfully singed. “It will go away soon. It isn’t so bad. To think I could have set your entire head on fire if I had wished but I, as a kind Fire Brother, withheld my-self so all you got were some singed ends.” His voice lighter and more noble sounding as he placed himself to be above Silvius, and to show Silvius he should feel honored the fire did not claim all his hair but just a few off the ends.
Silvius glared narrowing his forest green eyes with a frown at the master of fire. “Oh? So you held back huh? Well then I must admit I am quite impressed. I wasn’t aware a hothead as you knew restraint after these years of our training with each other.” The words were slightly muttered with sarcasm but clear enough to get a glare and started bringing a response from the Fire Mage that was, if he hadn’t been interrupted by a large slab of earth shooting up and slamming into his back to roughly propel him forwards.
“Oops, now how did that happen? Oh silly me I must really learn to control the ground I walk on.” The Earth Mage said lightly with a laugh pretending he had not been the one to throw, roughly some feet ahead, his Fire Brother. Calmly walking closer he looked down at the stone ground wagging a finger at it as the sun was setting above in the sky. “Bad ground, now you learn to be nice to old Pyrast.”
Grunting the Fire Mage hit the ground with a hard thud then shooting a look to kill back towards Silvius as he stepped closer. The look only hardened as he heard the light tone as though the man were correcting a misbehaving puppy. I’m going to kill him. Pyrast thought with hate, pushing himself to his knees then to his feet with a short grunt, watching Silvius walk past casually.
“I hope you can keep up. I mean…really a Mage who trips over his own feet? How embarrassing,” the casual tone in Silvius voice made one of Pyrast’s eyes twitch and jaw tighten, before a hand reached back with fingers curling into a fist then waiting. When the Earth Mage was a few feet ahead the Fire Mage punched the air forwards, sending out a flaming fist into the man’s back to send him forcibly forwards some ways to where he hit one, of the trees along the edge of the property belonging to them.
Smirking, the Fire Mage walked onwards feeling his anger subsiding with the Earth Mage stumble back from the tree, a red thick line trailing down his face and pieces of bark sticking to his face. “Now who cannot walk right?” was all Pyrast said as he passed Silvius with a smirk that brought a twinkle to his hazel eyes.
“Why you…” Silvius growled watching the Fire Mage pass by with the satisfied look on his face annoyed him. He thought about using another stone to shoot out and slam him into the front doors but didn’t wish to break them, or get in trouble with Areon for the display of fighting in public. Silvius sighed, deciding it best to exert his anger into venting out slowly with meditation, or doing some training with his earth magic. Making his way into the temple the sun was casting its last slowly dying beams across the landscape, the moon slowly rising to take its place where the sun once ruled.