MageLife (6 page)

“Okay then. Do we throw more rocks now?” she said seemingly bored with the topic.

“One more then we should get back before you get tired.” I said. Before I had even finished the sentence, she picked up a smooth rock from near her feet and with a sideways throw skipped it over the water. A tiny ghostly pulse of magic helping it skip. 1. 2. 3. 4. And nope it didn't manage five. Feeling very pleased with both myself and Sophia. I gestured to draw her attention. Together we walked through the wood the short way back to the road.

“Did I do well?” She asked, not far away from headquarters.

“Yes Soph. You did amazingly well. I’m very proud. Your parents should have some exercises to go through with you. At this rate it won't be long until you have control and can be back with your friends.” I replied.

“How long?” She said.

“A few sessions. Maybe less. It depends on you. Read the books I'll be sending back with you. Any questions you can ask me next time or your parents. They should be able to help you.”

“But I thought, I got put with you, because they can't.” she said.

“Nope. You got put with me because you're young and you have earth based magic. They can't even feel it. But they will be able to answer your questions. Just not the practical stuff.” was my glib reply.

“Oh” was all she said.

At headquarters Mr and Mrs Lief were waiting to collect Sophia. A short greeting. I handed over of a couple of books. I sent them all home.

Going to the desk after they had let, I sat on the edge. I had no further orders. A few hours left of my shift. Not sure what I could be doing, I turned to Orb.

“Orb, are there any outstanding mage tasks available?” I asked. I hated having nothing to do.

“No Tristan there are not. But there is a call for assistance at the foundry. It appears that there was an overload of the smelting equipment.” Orb replied.

“Any further information? That's a bit scant to be going on with.” I queried.

“Just a comment that it was caused by a worker. It's unsubstantiated though.” was his response.

“Any other mages able to respond?”

“Yes Tristan. There are three en route. Should I inform them you are on the way?”

“Yes please Orb. I will be there as soon as I can.” I said as I got up going to the door.

“Done. They are expecting you.”

The Foundry was where most of the base items for enchantment were made. The employees were normally knacks.  This one though had been a minor problem for the last few years. Inferior items.  Low productivity. Investigations had been done but nothing conclusive had been found. I had no idea why it was still running.

All this went through my mind as I ran down the streets. The foundry was on the very edge of town. Few wanted a dirty refining industry next door. The smoke alone blackened the surrounding area. As I approached I could see very little to indicate there was a problem. Two mages were standing outside, clearly waiting for me.

Two large men at least ten years older than me. The taller was on the right. He raised his palm to stop me.

“Can we have some identification please?” he asked, looking down at me.

“My ident is Junior Mage Tristan, you should have been informed by Orb that I was coming.” I said.

“Junior Mage Tristan. The situation, is the smelter has shut down. The enchantment is void, and the worker that was operating it has suffered backlash. We don't know what caused it but considering the state of him, we think he sabotaged it.” Said the taller one.

“He's in a bad way, Lessor.”  Piped up the shorter one on the left. Turning his head to his companion.

“What's wrong with him?” I asked

“You know how backlash can hit you?” Lessor answered knowingly. I winced at the recollection of my own backlashes forced on me by my tutors.

“Yeah I do. Orb told me there were three mages en route. Where is the other?” I queried.

“Derrick is inside, competing the voiding,” the short one said.

“Thank you…”

“Vance,” he offered.

“Thank you Vance. Anything I should do?” I asked.

“Nah. We got this,” he said nonchalantly.

“You're sure?” I pushed.

“Yes. We are fine,” he said sharply, colour flushing his face.

“Alright, alright. I’ll just take a look so I can confirm to the boss that it’s handled.”  I said

“No. It’s under control. We don't need you here,” he sneered. Hostility radiating from him

“I’ll go then I can see you guys have it under control.” I placated him.  Something didn't feel right, and it wasn't just because I was excluded. Something was wrong.

Walking away I reached out with my senses. Nothing, absolutely nothing. Which was very strange. This area should be buzzing with magical activity. So why wasn't I feeling anything? Confused, I decided to investigate.

I could feel the mages’ eyes on me, even though they didn't show up on my other senses, so I took a side path, doing my best to look as if I was taking the scenic route.

The side alley was dingy and narrow. My nose wrinkled and my stomach churned at the rank smell in the air. Clearly the road cleaners didn't get down here. Debris littered the cobbles, making the footing treacherous. Since I was making sure to step carefully, I only progressed slowly. The blindness of my other senses had me nervous. I’d not been this blind since I was a child. Stepping gingerly around the corner, I saw the back of the foundry conveniently unguarded. I made my way to the base of the building. If magic was blocked somehow, then my own power might set off alarms. I resolved not to touch my abilities.

Taking a few deep breaths in the hope it would calm me. I set about looking for a way in. A window. An unlocked door. Anything. Casting my eyes around I spotted a small window that was open. About a foot above my head, it must be used to keep the heat manageable. Taking care to move silently. I positioned myself under the opening. I could hear voices.

“Sir. We got rid of him.” came Vance’s voice.

“Good, any idea who called them in?” asked a deep male rumble.

“No Sir. It could have been one of the workers. We did blame it on one.” Vance answered.

“Look in to it. We are almost done here, get ready to torch the place.” The rumble ordered “and tell Brak to remove the shield. Get that wizard out of here.”

“Yes Sir.” Vance relied. I could hear heavy steps slowly fading away as well as raised voices too muffled to make out the words.

“Everybody prepare for portal,” came a slightly quavering older voice. Then with a ripping sound, light streamed from the window, blindingly bright. The pain in my eyes it induced made me cry out.

“What was that?” Rumble shouted.

“Sir, we have to go. This place is about to blow.” Vince called out.

The light built up, blinding me as I crawled away. My other senses suddenly came back. Screaming at me, the magic in the area was twisted, mangled. To my other sight it was bleeding. A tingling in my arm was the only thing that saved me. My enchantment became active.  A dome of pure, raw magic erupted from my bracer. Shielding me. Cutting me off from my senses again but the blast wave as the foundry blew up was deflected. Shattered stone, warped metal and pure heat poured from the ruins. Feedback struck my nerves afire as the magic burned through me. The black of unconsciousness beckoned. I was powerless to resist.

Chapter 6

Coming to in the ruins of the foundry district was a distinctly unpleasant experience. The feedback always left lingering pain. So as I eased myself up, my body was clamouring for me to stay put. Looking around I saw the blackened shards that were all that remained of the foundry. The scent of burned flesh hung in the air. I rolled to the side as vomit erupted out of me, the harsh acid scalding my throat. Wiping my mouth I ignored my body. Standing up on shaky legs. I took stock. Apart from the feedback pains. I had a nasty bump on the back of my head. Maybe from passing out and I had a tender burn under my bracer.

All in all I had survived well, something that should have killed me. The area was still simmering in other sight. Just that tiny use of power sent me to my knees in pain, my channels were overused. Staggering to my feet, I surveyed my surroundings, nothing really remained of the district. Rubble was everywhere. Bodies, charred beyond recognition. I gagged at the sight. Thankfully nothing was left to come up. I had to get to headquarters and report this. The world wavered around me as I slowly made my way over the broken paving. My body was trying to shut down. I forced myself to go on. I owed it to these people to do my duty.

Finally in sight of headquarters. Mages were running all over. I had never seen so many before. New mages were kept away from the older ones until after our first few months. Supposedly, so we didn't pick up any bad habits right at the start, I had been told. A few noticed me, I must have stood out in other sight. Magical debris. Surviving things like that always leaves a mark. One came over to me and hesitated. He was in his late thirties, solidly built. Hair fading to grey.

“What are you waiting for mage? I could use a hand. I have a report to make.” I commanded. A cough bubbled up with the words. The older mage took my arm and slung it over his shoulder.

“Sorry. I didn't want to hurt you.” he mumbled out. I must look a fright to get that response from such a veteran mage.

“It’s fine. I need to talk to Master Mage Jase, or whoever is senior around here, is Rysan back?” I said briskly. The pain was making me short.

“Orb is relaying information to Senior Mage Rysan. Not that we have much.” he informed me.

“Sorry I'm being rude but it’s urgent. What's your name?” I asked.

“Me? I’m Mage Lysan. You would be Junior Mage Tristan. Correct?” he replied.

“Yes. How did you know?” I said taken aback.

“It’s not often we have to make a new rank.” he replied with a smile.

“A new rank?” I queried. I had no idea what he was talking about.

“Oh, I thought you knew. We had to make the Junior rank just for you. No one else has come through Mage training so quickly but you would be missing a lot protocol, which we learn in the later years.” he explained.

“Oh, I wasn't told.” that explained why I was isolated from the other mages.

“Yeah looks that way. Must be to keep you from getting a big head.” he joked.

The conversation had distracted me from the pain which I was thankful for. It also distracted me from the looks I was getting from the other mages. Most looked scared. I didn't know why. I must have looked worse than I thought.

Orb was in the reception. Rysan’s voice was coming from him as he spoke to Master Jase

“What is going on? I’m supposed to be in council with the wizards.” Rysan thundered.

“We don't know. The foundry has exploded. There was an incident call, not long before. Saying that a smelter had overloaded. Suspected sabotage. We dispatched three mages to the site. According to Orb. Tristan also went on his own to back them up. None of the three got there before the place went up. Tristan hasn't been seen. We don't know what's happened. His amulet stopped broadcasting.” Jase reported looking upset. His hands were wrapping around each other nervously.

“Jase I told you that place was a problem, and I wanted it shut down. You overruled me. Now look at what's happened,” Rysan’s voice screamed through Orb.

“This is neither the time nor the place for blame Rysan, I was just following orders. We need a plan. How are we handling this?” Jase said calmly

“Containment. We need information. Cordon off the area. Send in pairs of mages to assess the damage and collect what evidence there is. If they can find information on Tristan do so but he is not a priority,” Rysan commanded. Nice to know how important I was. This may be an appropriate time to announce myself.

“Sir. I'm here” I said weakly. My escort angled me towards the desk before letting go. I staggered but didn't fall.

“Tristan! My boy, what happened to you? You look like you have walked through the blasted plains.” Jase gushed. Surprise and shock warred with happiness across his face.

“The foundry blew up. I was right outside it. I shouldn’t have survived.” the realisation that I should have been dead stopped me in my tracks. I did my best to put it to one side I continued. “There were mages, two were guarding the door. I asked to go in so I could check that it was under control, they refused. Started to get aggressive. I left, but I knew something was wrong so I snuck round the back. Through a window, I could hear voices. The mages were talking about torching the place something about a wizard. And blaming one of the workers for the accident. They mentioned a portal whatever that is.” I said losing the thread of what I was saying as it all caught up with me. I wavered on my feet the pain making me gasp.

“My boy, that's enough. We need to get you looked at and let you get some rest. You’re not making sense anymore.” Jase said rushing to my side. He helped prop me up.

“Junior Mage Tristan, You are suspended for medical leave as of this moment. Get your rest we will talk soon.” Rysan ordered through Orb. “We will handle this.”

“Mage Lysan, can you take Tristan to his quarters and fetch a Healer please?” Jase asked.

“Yes Sir.” Lysan answered automatically then blinked as he processed what he had agreed to.

Lysan took my arm again to support me and half carried me. Out the door. I turned my head briefly to see Jase talking animatedly through Orb, waving his arms. That was my last sight, before the strain of being carried, brought the pain back. Unconsciousness claimed me.

Chapter 7

My nightmares shredded into tatters as I awoke. Leaving me alone in my darkened room. I had no idea how long I been out. Sitting up I looked toward the window. It was dark but that could mean it was the same day or weeks later. I needed to get up and give my report properly. Reaching for my magic to turn on the light. The pain shot through me. My channels were seared. A few deep breaths and a very scary moment later. I was shivering in fear that my power wouldn't heal. I had seen some nasty things in the academy. Young, gifted mage aspirants, burned out. No control of their magic. Some driven mad by the pain, it had given me nightmares for years. I had no idea what had happened to them, in some ways I didn't want to know. It was too early to panic, I had to calm down. Standing on shaky legs I tried to dress. It did not go well. My stumbling made a lot of noise. A knock at the door came. I had managed to get my trousers on at least, so I shouted.