Unleashed Magic (The Chronicles of Andar Book 1)

by Laura M. Drake

  I let out a relieved breath and continued. “Dark Magic is addictive, but it has negative effects.” The book had been a bit light on the details, so I skimmed over that. “And I know getting hit by Dark Magic can be especially fatal for Light Magicals, but I’m not sure why.”

  “Being opposites that coexist inside the same Magical, Light and Dark Magic have a special connection: Light Magic provides life, and Dark Magic feeds on it.”

  I put my pencil down. That was a lesson I couldn't afford to miss.

  “When a Dark Magical uses their magic, it creates chaos around them, but it also feeds on chaos, growing stronger. It's a treacherous cycle for everyone, not only the Magicals using it.”

  “So they’d never run out of magical stamina?”

  “They still have to use a small percentage of their own magic. There’s no way around that basic rule of magic, but they can supplement it with the energy around them. That can make it seem like their supply is limitless.”

  That sounded familiar. Maybe I’d read something in one of Gray’s books before. “I know why that would be bad for those around, but what’s dangerous for the Magical using the Dark Magic? Even if he or she does get addicted, it sounds like they won’t use too much of their own energy like Light Magicals.”

  “It’s a mental danger more than a physical one. Do you know the reason Light Magicals are forbidden from using their Dark Magic?”

  I shook my head.

  “Dark Magic corrupts. The more you use it, the less restraint you have. And the more you give in to the temptation, the less you care about the consequences. And the more you disregard consequences, the less you care about basic human values.” His eyes fell shut. “It changes the Magical, warping their feelings and the good things about them until they are a shell of the person you once knew.” His voice was coated in sadness and pain.

  “How do you know this?” My voice trembled. Did I really want to hear the answer?

  Henry was silent for a long time before he spoke again. “The only reason I’m going to tell you this story is so you can understand the gravity of Dark Magic. Normally, I wouldn’t share something this personal.” He sucked in a deep breath and looked me in the eyes. “My father was a Light Magical, and he and my mother were deeply in love.”

  Everything Henry had told me about his parents and the attack twelve years ago came back in painful clarity.

  Waiting for the story to go wrong, my heart pounded. “What happened?”

  “One day when he was at work, my mom was attacked by thieves. My dad knew he didn’t have the skills to protect her with his Light Magic. So, despite knowing it was taboo, he used his Dark Magic. He was scared, but even more so by the idea of losing his bound one, who was pregnant with their first child. My dad fought them off with his Dark Magic and rushed to her side.”

  I was trapped in his story with him, my fingers twisting tightly together. “But she survived.”

  “Yes, she survived, and he was able to use his Light Magic to heal her. With their combined magic, it was the work of a moment. And after I was born, we were happy for many years.” He took another deep breath.

  “Then what?”

  He stood and turned so his back was to me. “One day when I was five, my mom and I found him using Dark Magic. The backyard was full of dead plants, their energy drained. He tried to hide it from her, knowing it was forbidden, but he hadn't been able to resist. Ever since that first time, even though he’d used it with the best intentions, something inside of him was broken.”

  “Once is all it takes?” Why would someone ever risk that?

  Henry ignored my question. “Again, he tried to quit, but the addiction was in his blood, and he was too weak to fight it. I didn’t see him use it again, but I know he must have because its effects on my mother grew stronger. More and more often, it leaked through the bond, giving her flashes of irrational rage. Dark Magic devoured everything good: my father’s kindness, my mother’s gentle nature, and their relationship. It slowly consumed it all, leaving only twisted, bitter feelings in its wake. ”

  “Henry.”

  Whatever I might have said was lost when he continued speaking. “My father grew crueler and more violent until my memory of our loving family was shattered. I couldn't stand him, and it broke my heart to watch my mother pine after such a cruel man. So I spent most of my time away from home.”

  The silence grew and, for once, I didn't want to disturb it.

  “One day, I came home and found the front door barely clinging to its hinges. I rushed inside and discovered my mother on the ground and my father lying next to her. Blood was everywhere from the attack. I’m not sure how much was hers and how much his. His hand and side were cut up pretty badly. There was too much blood for them to be alive, so, without checking on them, I ran for help. Someone from the village went to my house for me, but I never went back. I couldn’t.”

  Before I could say anything else, Henry stood and bolted toward the door. He said just one thing before leaving: “Today's class is dismissed.”

  A few days later, Ivy and I walked into the cafeteria and were immediately assaulted by the loud buzzing of voices. With one cycle left in the term, it was unusual for everyone to already be so excited.

  I grabbed a tray. “Wow, something’s got everyone all worked up.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t hear you.”

  “Never mind.” I took one look at the crush of bodies at Neil’s table and dragged Ivy to two empty seats at another table where we could hear ourselves think.

  “This is insane.” Ivy craned her neck.

  Did she think she’d be able to spot the gossip flying through the air?

  She bit her nail. “I wonder what’s going on.”

  “Haven’t you heard anything?”

  “Um, hello. We sleep in the same room and have been together all morning. At what point was I supposed to hear something you didn’t?”

  “I assumed it was part of your magic. You’re always so informed.”

  She grinned proudly at the assessment, but then frowned. “Apparently, not today.” Her foot tapped a rapid staccato underneath the table. “I’m going to ask someone what’s up.”

  “Okay.” I gestured with one arm to the half-empty tables around us. “I’ll save our seats.”

  Ivy shot me a wry look before she approached Neil’s table of girls.

  I watched her face for clues while I chewed my food without actually tasting anything: eagerness, surprise, shock, excitement. Her expression changed too fast to keep up. What happened?

  After a few minutes, she glanced my way and beckoned me over with an agitated wave, but the chime signaled the end of lunch.

  I shrugged and waved goodbye. Henry would probably know what was going on. My steps slowed to a crawl. He’d acted normal the last few days, but I couldn’t forget his story. I shook off my melancholy and greeted him with a cheerful smile.

  “Have you heard the news?” He handed over my last assignment. I’d translated an old passage from a history book from before the time Andar was formed.

  “What news?” I scanned his comments.

  He sat in his chair and rested an elbow on the armrest. “The delegates are finally working together. This week, they unanimously passed a new provision to the law. It’ll be the first in over twelve years.”

  My head shot up. “Wow. What is it?”

  He leaned forward. “You’re not even going to guess?”

  “Um, okay.” I came up with a few ideas. “The delegates have pooled their resources to catch the kidnapper?”

  “Not quite.” Henry frowned.

  “They’ve changed the minimum age for the Binding so sixteen-year-olds can do it?”

  He shook his head. “Not even close.”

  “The delegates have decided to stop searching for the missing princess?”

  “You’re getting warmer.” He put his arm on the armrest and rested his chin in his palm.

  “Why don’t y
ou just tell me?”

  “Where’s the fun in that?”

  “Henry.” I tapped my foot.

  “Fine.” He blew out a breath.

  “And you call yourself a teacher,” I grumbled under my breath.

  “They’ve opened the throne for nomination.”

  My eyes widened. “What does that even mean?”

  “It means they’ll nominate people to run for the crown.”

  “You can’t run for the crown. That’s not how a monarchy works.” I stood and took quick steps to the wall and back to my desk. “So, what? Anyone can become the next king or queen?”

  “Not exactly. The chosen person will become Regent: a first in Andar’s history. He or she will be more powerful than the delegates, but less permanent than the royal family.”

  “And how does someone get nominated to become Regent?”

  “From my understanding, there are only a handful of qualifications, starting with their age. Legally, they have to be adults.”

  No surprise there. Why would anyone want a kid running the country?

  He ticked off the qualifications on his fingers. “They have to be a strong Magical and have their magic registered with the Koban and the Delegation.”

  I stopped pacing. “I thought everyone was required to register their magic with the Koban.”

  “Yes, but there are always those who slip through the cracks. Ackley Institute is particularly strict about it, since the school is in Komen and under public eye all the time. If they haven't already, students are required to register at graduation.“ Henry unpinned the small gem from his shirt and rolled it over in his hands, deep in thought. It glimmered a deep emerald color in the light, sparkling its agreement about the importance of registering. “They must have a clean criminal record. Any sort of previous brush with the Koban could be enough to disqualify someone. And they have to have spent time in each region.”

  Age, power, and experience. My pacing resumed. “But what would stop the delegates from simply nominating themselves?”

  “They aren't allowed to,” Henry said. “The need for the Delegation is too great to disrupt the balance if one were to become Regent. Even just with the death of Delegate Marxis, Ra has been struggling to find someone to replace him.” He fell silent, giving me a chance to work out the implications.

  If they couldn't rule directly, then they’d want someone close to them to be in power. “So that means...people close to the delegates will get nominated, instead.” In my mind, I ran through a list of siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and children of the current fifteen delegates.

  “Each delegate can nominate one Magical. You can imagine who Delegate Mastiff chose.”

  My heart sank as the most obvious piece of the puzzle fell into place. “Neil.” I shook my head. I loved Howie like a father, but sometimes, I just couldn’t understand what he was thinking.

  “From what I've heard, the Delegation was divided on accepting Delegate Mastiff’s nomination of his son. Half of them argued that Neil's too young for this, but the other half completely supported the idea. Not that they have a say in it, anyway. If they fit the qualifications, anyone could be nominated.” He spun his gem between his fingers.

  “No doubt, they want someone young because they think they’d be easier to manipulate,” I said in a flat voice. “But I don’t think Neil even wants to become king or Regent or whatever.”

  “That hardly matters right now. In fact, it’s probably ideal. Those who don’t want to lead often make the best leaders.”

  “But he’s barely eighteen. There must be older Magicals better suited for the task.” I paced the room.

  “Yes, and I'm sure plenty of them will be nominated. Aside from Delegate Mastiff, I believe that Delegates Cyprus and Adler have chosen their nominees.”

  It was no surprise that two of the Ender delegates had already chosen. It was said Fire Magicals were quick to anger, quick to forgive, and quick to make decisions. I reached the wall and turned around. When I made it back to my desk, I forced myself to sit. “None of the Ra delegates have chosen anyone yet?”

  “You know Ra. Steady and slow like the earth. I believe they’ll take their time to consider their options before nominating anyone—especially since they’re one delegate down.”

  “Do you know who the other delegates nominated?”

  Henry ruffled through some papers on his desk before excavating a sheet from the mess. “Delegate Cyprus nominated his nephew, Lesley Cyprus.” His mouth sat in a firm line.

  I leaned forward and extended my hand for the paper. “And?”

  Henry passed it to me and leaned back in his chair. “And what?”

  I skimmed the paper but didn’t find anything to explain Henry’s dissatisfied expression. “And what’s that expression for?”

  Henry sighed. “It’s true that Lesley is a strong Magical, and he has plenty of experience traveling amongst the regions, but he’s also notoriously prejudiced. Instead of helping him foster compassion or understanding, his time in the other regions only served to strengthen his views. He’d definitely be a strong leader on the throne, but I’m not sure it’s the kind of strength we need. I wouldn’t choose him to become a delegate, let alone Regent.”

  “Well, what about Delegate Adler?” I scanned the paper.

  “Surprisingly, he didn’t nominate someone in his family. Alencia is a few years younger than me, and she’s a strong Water Magical. She was here at Ackley when I graduated, but I didn’t know her well. I seem to recall her being a bit of a pushover back in school, but who knows how much she’s changed since then?”

  Alencia Finnon. The name meant nothing to me. “It says she isn’t bound to anyone.”

  Henry’s gaze focused on me again. “There is definitely something to be said for nominating someone unbound. Statistically speaking, they’ll be younger and able to rule longer than an older nominee. Plus, their Binding could be used to tie regions together.”

  The idea of Neil binding with someone to satisfy a political demand churned my stomach like the time I’d mistaken a stryx berry for a hydra berry. I’d bitten into the small blue fruit expecting a cross between blueberries and strawberries and instead suffered from painful stomach cramps and nausea for days. Henry’s comment was just like that; seemingly innocent but leaving me wanting to throw up.

  Henry glanced at me. “I actually support Delegate Mastiff’s decision. Neil’s three-magic specialization lets him relate to many of the regions; he's a level-headed man; and he might be young in age, but he was practically raised amongst the politics of the Delegation.”

  I glared at the paper in front of me.

  Henry leaned across his desk. “The Delegation needs someone like him. Someone who can listen to reason without being swayed by every whisper of paranoia or political pressure. Someone who could unite the four regions despite the current panic. Someone who can stay on the throne for a long time to ensure stability.”

  I put my head in my hands. Neil was going to get taken away from me, and there was nothing I could do about it.

  “Honestly, I thought you'd be more thrilled about this. You're always complaining the delegates need to”—he used exaggerated air quotes to tease me—“'get their act together.'”

  “I don't believe I ever put it quite like that.”

  “Close enough. Anyway, what's the problem? I'm not sure it’s enough to upset the unrest, but it’s finally a step in the right direction.”

  “That's true,” I agreed unwillingly. “I just didn't picture Neil getting mixed up in the mess.”

  “Have you talked to him today?”

  “No.” I frowned. “He was a bit preoccupied at lunch.”

  “I’m not surprised. Nothing stays secret in this school for long. Gossip flies faster than a pegasus.” Henry snorted. “Well, I'm anxious to see what happens. Things are precarious between the regions, so I imagine choosing a regent won't be a smooth process. Politics rarely are. I expect the school will be f
ull of gossip these next four weeks as the rest of the nominations come to light.”

  Maybe it wasn’t too late. I raised my head to look at Henry. “Does Neil need to accept the nomination? Does he even have a say in it?”

  “Once he’s nominated, he’s in it whether he wants to be or not, but if he truly is opposed to it, all he needs to do is fail the test.”

  “What test?”

  “Headmistress Elsie briefed all the teachers last night. For now, the delegates have a fortnight to nominate people, and then a fortnight to prepare a test for the nominees. It will be comprised of four sections, and the delegates from each region get to decide on their own component for a skill they find critical in a ruler. The nominees will be judged on all four sections, and whoever has the highest average at the end of the test will become Regent.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  Henry looked at me with a sardonic grin. “That’s politics.”

  I spent the rest of class thinking about what Henry said. What would happen to Neil now?

  Later that night, my feet dragged as Ivy and I walked to the library to meet the boys for our usual study group, but avoiding him couldn’t help me avoid his new nominee status.

  “Come on, slowpoke. My Grandma Vale could walk faster than you.”

  “Your Grandma Vale is dead.” I let her pull me the rest of the way into the library.

  Her eyes were bright with excitement and the need to talk to Neil.

  Neil didn’t want to be Regent. He wanted to tinker with his inventions. Having to deal with the stress of ruling a country on the brink of war was too much to ask of him. Neil already worried about those around him too much. If he was in charge of the whole country, he’d be crushed by the weight of his responsibilities and concerns.

  Ivy ran right up to Neil. “Is it true?”

  A few seats away, Gray sat, his expression tense and hard to read.

  I walked in and stood in the middle of the group. Should I sit by Gray or Neil?

  Neil’s gaze flicked to me before quickly returning to Ivy. “It’s true. Father messaged me on my crystal this morning.”

  “This morning? The news was already all over the school by lunch!” The gossip chain at school was terrifying.