by Eden Redd
Kavan rushed to them and moved to Durzol’s side. The orc nodded as the dragonkin helped them push. A short time later, the group reached the destroyed western gate. Oaks leapt up onto the doors on the wagon and began detailing what was supposed to happen next. He explained that the old doors had to be taken down and the hinges needed to be inspected. Once that was finished, they would all work together to heft up each door and slide them down onto the hinge bolts. The gathered crew nodded. The goblin leapt off the doors and walked over to the gate to inspect it.
Mayor Sunaxe moved to Kavan’s side, dug into his regal pocket robe and pulled out a small, hand-sized book. He handed it to Kavan with a smile.
“Here are the town’s Laws of Conduct, Magistrate. It will have all of Moonvale’s agreed upon laws. They list what should be obvious to most, don’t hurt each other and bring all unsolvable disputes to the magistrate. As you can see the book is not very long and has many blank pages. Any new laws added will have to be discussed with the council, of which there are only five members,” the mayor explained.
“Who is on the council?” Kavan asked.
“Myself, Priest Raine, Shegga, Nava, and Hynrik,” Kogan said.
Kavan looked at the older orc, “Hynrik is on the council? That must make things difficult?”
Mayor Sunaxe shrugged. “His ambition is a little big for our small town, but he does have a lot of experience and knowledge. His crops have saved the town from starvation during a few of the previous winters. If he was a little kinder, he could easily become mayor.”
“I doubt that, Mayor. Last night, I saw a leader and I saw many of the townspeople back you when things were difficult.”
Kogan looked to the gate as Oaks directed Durzol and Tezzi to help lift up a broken door from its hinges. “Thank you for the kind words, Kavan. They are appreciated, but compliments will not hold our town together.
“When we are finished here, go with Durzol to his shop. As magistrate, you must have a few weapons to help defend the town. No need to worry about payment, your position allows you some free weapons and armor. We can’t have our magistrate fighting monsters with a dagger now can we.”
Kavan nodded as a thought touched his mind. “Rujin mentioned that only a window to the plant nursery was broken last night and there was no other damage.”
The mayor nodded. “I believe the monster was simply looking for food last night. It could have been an herbivore. Dura is researching different large plant eating monsters. Ammi is taking inventory of the nursery. At first glance, Ammi said it didn’t look like anything else was missing. If she discovers anything, I informed her to let me and you know.”
Kavan eyed the older orc. “Mayor, are you sure you want me as your town magistrate? I’m not sure I have the skill set for the position.”
Mayor Sunaxe turned his attention to the dragonkin, lifted his large green hand and slammed it on Kavan’s shoulder. The orc let out a loud, hearty laugh.
“Kavan, no one is ready when they first take on things bigger than themselves. I used to be a monster hunter in my youth. For the right amount of coin, I would hunt down any creature, slay it and bring back its head. I travelled across Voldor, trying to find my fortune and my next kill. The thrill of hunting monsters slaked my thirst for violence for a long time.”
The older orc turned his gaze to Durzol, the younger orc talking with Tezzi. The pair waited as Oaks continued to inspect the metal hinges.
Mayor Sunaxe beamed as he continued, “Then, after a time, the hunting, blood and coin weren’t enough. I started to get tired. The pains and aches lasted a little longer with each passing year.
“Then comes the moment you meet someone, fall completely in love and have two beautiful children. The urges for violence dim and you yearn for the touch and embraces of those you love. To see the magic in their eyes as they grow older.”
Mayor Sunaxe squeezed Kavan’s shoulder. “I never thought I would become a politician in my entire life. Before I met my beloved, I thought my death would be at the claws of some monstrous beast. It’s astounding that I became a mayor for a small town on the outskirts of civilization. I was never ready for that part, but I took it on all the same.”
The older orc stared directly into Kavan’s serpent eyes, “You are here for a reason. No matter your past, I believe you are here for something more. Some of the other townsfolk feel the same and much like any garden, you must ready the soil, water the seeds with warmth and kindness, and hope the seed grows into something wondrous. You will do great things, Lord Kavan Cynder. I have faith.”
“Thank you, Kogan.”
The mayor gave Kavan a warm smirk. “Now, let’s get these new doors on before lunch!”
Kavan nodded before he and the mayor moved to the small group. Oaks finished his inspection of the hinges. Durzol was next, pulling a small iron bar from his belt and moving to the hinges. Oaks explained which hinges needed to be removed and the large orc went to work. The sound of metal groaning filled the air before a hinge snapped off.
After Durzol removed the damaged hinges, they worked together to lift up the new doors. Small grunts rattled off as the large, thick door was maneuvered and slid into its proper place. Kavan’s muscles strained as the group worked together. Bodies heaved and metal bolts scrapped into metal hinges. Before long, new gate doors were in place and the old, damaged doors were on the wagon.
The goblin carpenter turned to the group and gave them a deep bow. “Thank you. The new doors should help the town sleep a little easier at night.”
Mayor Sunaxe nodded and smiled. “Tezzi and Kazko, let’s help move the wagon back to Sturdy Planks for proper disposal. Durzol, please take our magistrate to your shop.”
Durzol nodded and looked at Kavan, “Let’s get you armed.”
Durzol and Kavan waved to the small group and they waved back. The pair parted ways and made their way to the center of town and down South Street.
The crisp air filled Kavan’s lungs as he walked. The stroll down the simple street relaxed his muscles and a sense of calm washed over him.
“I can’t thank you enough for what you did last night,” Durzol said with a smile.
Kavan looked over to the young orc. “I just accepted the position offered.”
Durzol chuckled. “It’s more than that. The town has been losing confidence in my father for some time now. By accepting the position of magistrate, you renewed their faith in the town, and my father.
“You didn’t have to take it, but you did. For that, I will always be grateful.”
The pair reached the blacksmith’s shop. The young orc opened the door and stepped inside.
The scent of metal touched Kavan’s sensitive nose. The smell might have caused Kavan's nose to wrinkle back on earth, but here, it felt like the very smell was in his blood.
Durzol led the way, and the two of them approached a locked, metal door. Durzol produced a key and inserted it into the lock hanging off the bar. After a quick turn and click, the lock opened. The blacksmith took off the lock and slid the bar back. He then opened the metal door and stepped inside.
Kavan drank in the room. Weapons of all kinds hung on wall mounts. Chests lined the floor edges. A metal table was at the back. Quivers of arrows and bows hung on pegs. Hammers, maces, swords, daggers, and many more weapons filled every available spot on every wall. Kavan turned around and saw weapons surrounding the door they just walked through.
“Welcome to the Moonvale Armory. I make and store weapons here for the entire town. I don’t like using weapons, but I do love making them,” Durzol smiled at his handiwork and crossed his beefy arms.
Kavan stepped in and looked around. Slitted eyes took in the superb craftsmanship of each weapon, from ornamental hilts and handles to blades honed to razor-sharp edges.
“We haven’t had a mage in town for many years. If we did, I would have worked with them to enchant many of the weapons here. If the town begins to attract new residents, and one or two of them are mages, we might be a
ble to fight off any monsters that may arrive here.”
Kavan nodded as he looked around.
“Do you have a preference?” Durzol asked.
“I was never much of a sword wielder,” Kavan said and looked up to a spear with a white, carved tip.
Durzol nodded and stepped to Kavan’s side. “You have good taste. We had a large monster attack a few years ago. A lot of residents were hurt fighting the beast up close. It gave me the idea to make a strong spear in case another large monster arrived.”
The orc lifted his hand and took hold of the spear. He lifted it from its peg mounts and stepped back. He slid down the metal spear so that the two of them could inspect the white spearpoint.
“I used what little mithril I had to create the spearpoint. Mithril is an incredibly strong metal. A wood shaft wouldn’t do the spear any justice, so I smelted a strong, but hollow shaft to make using it a little easier.”
Durzol looked to Kavan as he eyed the amazing spear. “It would be better in your hands than on a shelf.”
The orc handed it to the dragonkin. Kavan took hold of the spear and held it before his eyes.
“Thank you,” Kavan said in slight awe.
Durzol nodded. “Let me show you a little trick to carry it better.”
The blacksmith took hold of the middle of the spear. He turned each side in opposite directions and the spear slid into itself. Kavan watched in astonishment as the spear slid down to a half-spear.
“It locks in either position. I recommend spending some time getting to know it,” Durzol smiled.
“I will,” Kavan said as he spun it around and held it.
I’m going to have to do some serious training with this weapon.
“I have a special sheath for it. I’ll get it for you, but if you need any other weapons to help you, this is the place to get them. Don’t worry about the gold. Town protection is the priority.”
“I will be sure to use this spear with honor and gratitude,” Kavan said as he ran his fingers along the white spear head.
“You seem to prefer leather armor. Zellee is very good at creating leather armor, but if you need any metal ones, I’m your orc.”
Kavan nodded, looked at the orc and smiled.
The dragonkin and the orc talked for a short time about the intricacies of the spear. When the conversation slowed, Kavan explained that he had to make a stop before going home. Durzol clamped his hand on the dragonkin’s shoulder and saw him to the front door.
A short time later, Kavan was walking back toward the center of town, a new leather sheath behind his back and his new spear held by it. The spearpoint stabbed out over his shoulder. The collapsed shaft made it easier to walk around with it. At its full length, it would most likely knock things down if Kavan simply turned.
The dragonkin reached the center and turned his attention to Talon Street. It was one of the smaller, side streets that led out from the center. Kavan lifted his gaze to see a tower standing halfway between the center and the town wall.
Legs moved as Kavan made his way onto Talon Street. He eyed the tower, noticing the weathered stone and thick cracks in some places. It looked like the oldest place in town. Dark windows shone in the midday sunlight. The closer Kavan approached, the more a sense of foreboding slithered into his heart. When he reached the front door, he inspected it and found no name, sign, or any other markings to indicate it was Brom’s tower.
Only one way to be sure if this is the place.
Kavan lifted a scaled hand and knocked on the thick door.
The sounds of knocking echoed on the other side of the door and disappeared. Kavan tapped his boot as he waited. Senses alive, he listened for any movement or voices. Instead, he heard nothing.
Brom might be wandering the town. I’ll come back later.
Kavan was about to turn to leave when the door clicked and opened a few inches. Kavan eyed the door for a moment, before pulling it open. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
A thin scent of stale air touched Kavan’s nose. The dragonkin looked around to see an immaculate foyer. Paintings hung on walls with human portraits. The rugs on the floor looked brand new with red and gold coloring. Aside from the stale air, the place looked like it was trapped in a perfect moment of time.
A ball of light appeared before Kavan and hovered before his eyes.
“Follow the light,” a voice echoed throughout the tower.
The ball of light moved to a set of curved stairs, initially hidden in shadows. The orb slowly floated up the stairs with a slight bounce. Kavan followed the light, climbing the stairs higher up into the tower.
After two floors, the ball of light hovered up into a large room. Kavan noted that the other two floors were very simple and clean, nothing else speaking to his gaze. When he emerged onto the third floor, his eyes widened a hair.
The massive chamber was rounded to the tower’s shape. Curved shelves covered each wall and every shelf was packed with books in a multitude of colors and sizes. Kavan drank in the scent of slight stale air and books. It smelled like an ancient library and museum combined, earthy and welcoming.
A small, thin bed was in the middle of the chamber. To the side, a robust desk stood. It was carved from solid oak and polished to shine in the lantern light. The windows above the shelves were closed and several lanterns hung on chains from the ceiling, their subdued glow filling the chamber in a warm glow.
Brom sat behind the desk, his gaze down on an open book. “Welcome to my tower, Hudenn.”
Kavan stood his ground and spoke as he continued to visually inspect the room. “You’ve said that before. What makes you think I’m hudenn?”
Brom lifted his gray eyes to the dragonkin and gave him an evil leer. “I have seen enough souls to know a hudenn one when I see one. You have fooled the town, but you will never fool me.”
Kavan’s gaze fell on a small table with two chairs by it. On it, a checkered game board stood with a single piece on it.
Brom turned his gaze to the table with the board and piece, “The game is called, Khess. You’ve seen something similar before?”
Kavan nodded. “It reminds me of a game I played when I was younger. You have to move pawns, knights, and bishops to overthrow your opponent’s king.”
Brom nodded. “It is similar, but Khess is no simple game. Liches created it to help influence events around their territories. It works with a specific sphere of magic. The players don’t know they’re14 playing, their decisions being manipulated in the barest of senses. It is an amusing pastime for those who have conquered death.”
Kavan turned his attention to Brom. “Is me being here part of your amusement?”
Brom shook his head. “No. I wanted to thank you. I have searched for my missing pieces for a very long time. Time ravages the mind, even for those who cannot die. I… cannot remember everything, but finding one of my khess pieces helped restore my sanity for a time.”
The old man stood up from behind his desk, walked around it and stood before it, facing Kavan. His hands were stuffed into tattered sleeves and the lich bowed his head to the dragonkin.
“Most have dismissed me, but you remembered and returned a piece to me. For that, I am thankful and wish to give you a lesson in magic.”
Kavan stood silently.
Normally, I would question if I should be taking magic lessons from a lich, but since my life has changed drastically, I may need all the magic I can learn to keep the town safe.
Brom continued without any acknowledgement from the dragonkin, “There are twelve elemental mana spheres. Each one is associated with a different element of the universe. There has been talk about spheres beyond the basic twelve, but we can save that lesson for another time.”
Brom held up a wrinkled hand. Twelve swirling balls of energy appeared before him with a flash. Each one took on a different hue or color, swirling slowly in a circular pattern.
“The basic twelve mana spheres are Air, Fire, Water, Stone, Life, D
ecay, Light, Dark, Mind, Body, Space, and Time. Each one corresponds with the appropriate color and are part of the living mana found across every realm.
“Are you aware of the degrees for each sphere?”
Kavan nodded. “Each degree indicates a level of power and skill. As far as I know, there are only twelve degrees per sphere.”
Brom nodded. “Very astute. Yes, there are only twelve degrees per sphere. I can sense you have a weak connection to the fire sphere. It shows some promise, but you will have to work harder if you wish to be a master of mana.
“Utilizing mana spheres, either in magical spells or simply wielding it, are two paths with the same goal. Mages, clerics, druids, and the like spend most of their time training on how to use mana spheres with spells, incantations, and rituals. It is a highly processed and dedicated way of learning specific spheres and their power.”
Brom’s gaze took on an amused edge, “But, I don’t believe you are one to follow that path. No, I see you following the other path. The one that calls on power and cunning to stop your enemies and achieve your goals.”
Kavan was silent, listening to every word the lich had to say.
Brom spread his fingers and each sphere spread out farther as they swirled in a circle. Each orb flared into little, colored, fiery suns.
“Following the dogmatic teachings of schools of magic can help you achieve a sophisticated level of spellcasting. After many years of studying and training, you could cast intricate spells with great power. But the other path allows you to achieve great power, without so much sitting at a desk and listening to some elder prattle on about the philosophies of mana. No, the other path is a little more primal.”
Each floating orb changed into a vague, fiery outline of a creature. They thrashed and howled, their small screams filling the ancient room. Brom’s eyes glowed and an evil leer formed as he watched the twelve little elementals roar and howl.
“Primal spellcasting gives you the results, without the disadvantages of philosophy. It is raw magic, used to achieve goals and silence foes.”
Brom’s gaze flicked from the little floating elementals and stared directly at Kavan. “Dragonkin have a natural affinity to the mana spheres. Your scales and aura indicate you are descended from fire wryms. Your connection to the fire sphere is a paltry 1st degree. Understandable, since you’ve been on this realm for about a week.”
