Avarice Twilight

by R. A Davidson

  The multiple feet trip me, causing me to stumble into a table.

  “Sorry,” I apologize as I continue to walk.

  Someone grabs my shoulder and pulls me back.

  I turn and wrap my arm around the person’s arm, locking my hand under the elbow. The person who grabbed me is just a kid, so I shove him away instead of hitting him.

  A moss-headed guy gets up and approaches me. “Do you not know who we are?” he asks as he shoves me. “We’re elite students at Avalon Academy and you just interrupted our lunch.” He then dramatically points at the table.

  When I look over, I notice rather pointy ears on one of the men sat with them. He seems to notice and makes direct eye contact.

  “I’m surprised to see an elf so far from home,” I comment.

  I try to leave again when moss-head stops me.

  “I am confounded that a lowly pleb such as yourself does not know Aristote Rickter von Durhiem, the son of Duke Durhiem!” he shouts, flinging his arm in the air to make a grander scene.

  “Don’t really care who you or your father are,” I respond. “I don’t give a shit who the others are either… so I’m leaving.”

  “You dare insult my great family, and to my face!?” he yells as he steps closer. “I challenge you to a duel, so that I can demonstrate how vastly different the two of us are!” Aristote exclaims so the gathering crowd can hear.

  Great, I went to look for an inn and now I’m dueling a royal ass. Doesn’t seem that I can talk my way out of this now; once challenged to a duel you pretty much have to fight. Always thought that was a bullshit law for the kingdom to make. So many people die from the dumbest shit… just like this twat.

  “So, what do you want if you win?” I ask with a sigh.

  Aristote smirks. “It’s funny that you think you may have a chance. After I beat you, I’ll give you the pleasure of being my personal slave.”

  I walk back to get some distance. Why do all royals have to have such an attitude? They must think they’re Celestials or something.

  “Well if I win, I want you to never bother me again… maybe eat some shit too,” I respond while getting ready.

  “Such a vulgar comment. You hear how they speak to us!?” Aristote clamors.

  The part about eating shit makes sense; why wouldn’t he want to taste what he’s constantly spewing.

  Aristote raises his hand towards me. “Form, my arrows that wither everything; noose and take aim at my enemy. Let fly and darken the sky!” he incants. Multiple green droplets form behind him. “Acid Arrows!” Aristote chants.

  This fucker’s so high and mighty, but has to use an incantation just to use a spell? Has the skill at Avalon lowered so much?

  The attack begins to move; seems they only move in one direction, so dodging will be easy. I roll to my left and avoid the droplets.

  His magic hits the building and some people behind me. Almost instantly the bricks start to melt into a sizzling sludge, the two people hit scream as their flesh starts to dissolve and puddle on the ground.

  I look at Aristote and smirk. “So your magic melts things, a crude magic for a crude person,” I say.

  “You got lucky but let’s see if you can doge my next attack!” Aristote scoffs.

  This guy is really…weak, still using chants as if he were a child at play.

  I extend my hand out. “Earth Prison,” I chant.

  The ground rises and envelops Aristote, slowly creeping up his body, only stopping once it reaches his neck. He’s completely confined,; he still tries to break free though.

  “Release me at once you filthy swine!” Aristote barks.

  I step closer. “Earth Prison has two processes until it is finished, would you like to guess what they are?” I ask.

  I can see the veins in his face as I step closer. “I couldn’t give a damn what your magic does, release me at once or my father will hear of this!” he screams with rage in his eyes.

  “You see, the first step of Earth Prison is to subdue the target’s movements completely,” I explain as I take a seat. I smirk, adding, “The second part is to pull the target into the ground; completely trapping them in a coffin of dirt.”

  Earth Prison slowly starts to sink into the ground, pulling Aristote with until it stops at his head. At this point I can see the fear and dread that has taken Aristote’s face.

  “Please, please have mercy I beg,” he sputters.

  His eyes are glazed over and yet tears pour out of those eyes, that moments ago beamed with pride. I stand and walk to him.

  “Don’t worry,” I assure him. “You won’t die just like that; you’ll have to run out of air first.”

  Aristote starts screaming at this point, screaming for his life, like an animal knowing it’s about to die… just screaming. Just as I go to finish the spell, the elf steps in.

  “My sincerest apologizes for the behavior of my acquaintance.” He grabs my hand and pulls me close. “This duel is over, never was it declared to be to the death,” he says in a hushed voice.

  “Who are you and why is an elf in the city?” I ask him as I step back.

  He declares, “My name is Eric Aelfdene, I am here with a few fellow elves to attend Avalon Academy and broaden our knowledge of the world outside our homeland.”

  “Aelfdene... so you’re an elven royal?” I ask him.

  Eric walks over to Aristote. “Before we talk more, can you please release him for me?” he implores.

  I cancel Earth Prison. I’m curious why a member of elven royalty is here. Eric helps Aristote rise to his feet.

  “That does it, that does it, I’ve decided to kill you here and now!” he yells.

  Aristote lunges towards me while drawing a dagger. Eric unexpectedly grabs his arm and sweeps his leg. As Eric takes Aristote to the ground, he drives his knee into Aristote’s back.

  “Binding Coils,” Eric chants.

  Aristote’s arms fly towards each other. “As you can see, I use Binding magic,” Eric says as he stands up. “I have bound his hands and will take him back to the school,” he states.

  “I would’ve handled that,” I grumble.

  Eric steps close. “I know you would have, but I do not want to see someone die today,” he whispers.

  Eric starts to walk away with Aristote, then he stops and turns, saying, “You seem to have a strong magical aptitude, I hope to see you at the academy.”

  Intrigued, I ask, “Why’s that?”

  Eric smirks. “My cousin is the only person my age at the academy who is stronger than me, so having you there would make for a fun rivalry.”

  I smile. “Well if you’re ever looking to lose a duel I don’t mind, but you’re wrong about something,” I reply.

  “And what is that pray tell?” Eric curiously asks.

  “I’m much stronger than you in terms of magic, but in a one-on-one fight my brother is stronger than me,” I scoff.

  There’s a moment of silence as I look at Eric. “Well then, all the better,” Eric says, smiling, “I truly cannot wait to see what the two of you will do.”

  He walks off as I turn to go my own way. First day in the city and I’ve already had a fight with a noble and met an elf. I wonder if Aryn’s had a productive day too. Knowing him, he’s probably goofing off with that stupid grin on his face. Hopefully he hasn’t gotten himself into any trouble too, as the guards will be after us if we both disrupt the peace.

  I walk down the road, completely lost in the crowd. I walk over to a lady next to a shop.

  “Excuse me,” I say as I approach. “Would you happen to know where a good inn is here?”

  She points to a sign down on a corner road. As I walk towards it, I see the sign says Titania’s Parlor, and I feel a dreadful, sinister, and powerful presence inside the building. I open the door and make my way to the desk, all the while keeping my guard up.

  “Is there anyone here?” I ask, looking around the front room.

  Suddenly, I’m overcome with a nauseating fee
ling… something or someone has gotten behind me. I can feel its aura; as if a cloud of vile intentions surrounds me… as if it’s trying to suffocate me. I dive forward instantly and turn, preparing my attack.

  “My, my, seems like a cutie has decided to stay this time. Bit rough around the edges, but nothing a good bathe won’t fix.”

  A figure step forward. The malice aura is surrounding a man… or is it a very large and ugly woman?

  “Well there is absolutely no need to be afraid of little me. My name is Titania, the lovely owner of this establishment,” the owner says while smiling.

  I’ve seen a few men who dressed as women, but this is my first time seeing one of Titania’s caliber.

  “I’d like the biggest room you have please,” I say, reaching for my money.

  Titania stops me, “There won’t be any need for that. To stay at my inn, you have to pass a certain engagement.”

  I step back. “I am not sleeping with you if that’s what you’re suggesting,” I gruff.

  Titania laughs, “Oh dear me, that is not what I meant; however, I wouldn’t say no to that either.” At this point I’m ready to launch an attack again if I need to make an escape. Titania goes behind the desk.

  “The only way you can have a room here is to get out of my little trick. You managed to do that instantly as soon as I stepped behind you,” she explains then winks.

  “You may have the largest room here; it is on the top floor,” she says, handing me a key. Then Titania narrows her eyes, “I do not believe I’ve met someone as strong as you in ages. May I ask who you are?”

  I lean closer to Titania. “Don’t try to act like you aren’t a monster yourself. I won’t ask about your past if you won’t ask about mine.”

  Titania stands up. “Well, aren’t you a perceptive one?” she says with a grin.

  After I finish signing in, I go to the room to inspect the facilities. I set my stuff down and examine the room. It’s well supplied; there’s three beds and a sitting area. It has its own bathroom and even a decent number of books.

  I head back downstairs into the lobby. There’s another room adjacent to the lobby, and I head over to see what it is. I enter into a dining room, which, aside from giant axe on the wall, is just a regular room. As I’m making my way out the dining area Titania stops me.

  “And where might you be going?” she asks.

  I stop and turn towards her. “I’m off to find an idiot before he finds trouble,” I remark.

  I head to the area that Aryn and I split from early. When I get there, I see Aryn standing there waiting.

  “Did you have a good time?” I ask him.

  He smirks. “Well I had some good food, learned about the city, and met a cute girl.”

  “Well come on, I found us a place to stay until we get excepted,” I say while turning. Aryn follows me as we head back to the parlor.

  3

  BARIN

  I lead Aryn back to Titania's while the moon rises to light the city. "You didn't get into trouble, did you?" I ask him.

  Aryn doesn't reply. "Dammit, you didn't kill anyone, did you?" He continues to be silent. "Did anyone see you? I continue questioning him.

  "You can relax Barin, no one saw anything. Besides, they attacked me first," he remarks with a justified look.

  We continue to walk.

  "When we get to the parlor, the owner may try to do weird stuff. You'll be fine; you just have to get through it," I tell Aryn.

  We walk up to Titania's; as we pass the window, I see she's behind the desk. I go in first to meet Titania.

  "Titania, my brother's going to stay with me too," I tell her.

  Titania smirks. "I told you the rule; he has to pass if he wants to stay."

  Aryn walks into the lobby, looking around the room. "You seem to have found a pretty nice place here, Barin. Lots of interesting stores nearby." Aryn says with a soft smile.

  He stops walking, "Don't want to startle you Barin, but there's a very large man-lady behind you," he states, pointing at Titania.

  "I happen to be a young maiden at heart, good sir," Titania remarks while taking a step back. "You'll find your room on the top floor. Please make your way there," Titania hasty instructs with a raspy voice.

  As Aryn goes up the stairs, I turn to Titania. "So, did he pass your test?" I ask.

  Titania's face is whiter than usual… she has a look of utter terror on her face.

  She darts her eyes at me, "Is your brother even human?!" she asks with a gasp.

  "Of course, he is!" I yell. "Why would you even question that?"

  Titania goes behind the bar and gets a bottle. She doesn't even pour a cup; just starts drinking from the bottle. Titania sits down and looks towards me.

  "I used my magic on him like you, to see if he could escape," she responds.

  I chuckle, "Well, it seems he did, so what's the issue?"

  "My magic lets me submit one's entirety. My aura will completely diminish their presence, their mental capabilities, and their physical strength… I named it Overpower," Titania explains. "But, when I used Overpower on your brother, I was the one helplessly overpowered."

  She begins to tremble.

  "I-I saw darkness, and it felt like my insides were on fire. Then, within that darkness, I saw flaming eyes," Titania continues, with a crackly voice.

  "Then what happened, Titania?" I question while getting closer to her.

  Titania trembles even more. "Those eyes just looked at me, they looked into me," she says. She takes another chug from the bottle.

  Titania looks at me. "I've had my fair share of people trying to kill me, and murderous intent pointed towards me numerous times. But, when those eyes looked at me, I knew that I would be killed without a trace," she states.

  She starts to cry as she takes another sip.

  "But the worst part is, they looked at me like I was nothing. I-I-I just know they could make me experience the worst pain I'd ever feel, and it would be without any emotions. No hatred, no sadness, not even joy or pleasure… only nothingness," she says while wiping her eyes.

  I walk over and put my hand on her shoulder. "Aryn's aura has been like that for quite some time. All it is his magic; he keeps it active all the time," I explain.

  Titania scoffs and takes another sip, "What kind of magic can do something like that?"

  "I'm not sure what type of magic it is myself, but any attacks to his conscious or astral plane are reflected back with more power," I respond with a sigh.

  She stands up. "If that is what you want me to know, then I won't pry anymore," she quietly responds.

  I walk away and start heading upstairs, stopping halfway. "I'll pay for the room as thanks," I tell Titania.

  Come morning, I wake up and see that Aryn isn't in the room.

  Swear I have to put a bell on him or something. I sigh as I throw the covers off of me.

  I make my way downstairs and see Aryn is with Titania.

  "Barin, this big she-man can actually cook," Aryn says with a gleeful smile.

  The table is covered in a vast spread; the smells alone are enough to make me forget the lousy food we're used to eating.

  "Just one of the many services I give to my customers," Titania says with a wink.

  I swear I see a sparkle when her winks, most likely some unique flair.

  "Sorry big guy," Aryn says with a mouth of food. "We don't go for big macho men like yourself, but I'm sure you'll find someone."

  Titania slaps Aryn's head. "You should not call a fair maiden a macho man," she barks.

  Once we finish eating, we make our way to the Academy. As we get closer to the entrance to the grounds, we see many people, other hopeful candidates to the school gathered outside.

  Aryn bumps into someone.

  "My apologizes, I was not paying attention to my..." The guy stops talking. "What's with those clothes? Are you some ruffian?" the guy asks with disgust.

  Aryn looks confused. "Well, I don't have any frilly clo
thes to wear like you do," Aryn replies.

  I start hearing a murmur as all the eyes look at us.

  "Does a pair of poor peasants really think they can go to such an esteemed place as this with us?" I hear from the crowd.

  "Get out!"

  “Filthy cretins!"

  "Why don't we teach them a lesson?!" someone yells out.

  "Make way!" Suddenly, a distinct voice breaks through the crowd.

  Everyone parts as a small group approaches us, a group of elves. A female elf steps forward.

  "My name is Isla Marin Parisa Siofra Aelfdene," she proclaims.

  Aryn steps towards her. "Aryn Askeladd," he says as he sticks his hand out.

  One of the elves in front of her grabs Aryn's wrist.

  "Do you think trash like you can just touch The Princess of Aelfdene?!" he yells.

  The other elf draws a dagger and steps forward.

  The Princess steps forward. "That is quite enough Arman, release the little boy," she commands.

  The elf lets go of Aryn; it looks like we might avoid a conflict.

  "I am the fourth princess of Aelfdene. This is not the place for people of your standing," the female elf declares.

  Aryn walks up to The Princess, then the other elves stop him.

  "Do you not know of my family's name, perhaps?" The Princess asks Aryn.

  Aryn yawns. "I know the Aelfdene family, but I'm more interested in what you are," he responds.

  "And what am I, pray tell?" The Princess asks with a haughty voice.

  Aryn grins. "Well, that porcelain skin and snow-white hair of yours suggest that you're a high elf," Aryn explains, "but what tells me that you're a high elf are your ears," he continues.

  He slips past the guards before they can react.

  Aryn brushes The Princess's hair behind her ear and touches it. Her ears are longer than the other elves' ears and come to a daintier point.

  The Princess lets out a startled scream and staggers backwards. One of the guards punches Aryn.

  "Suffocate," the other guard chants.