Wizard of Elements

by Calista Lambrechts

  After a while, Murray finally decided to join me and met me in the living room. He made his way towards me and sat on the other end of the same couch I was on. I had to take my feet off in order for him to get a place, but my gaze remained focused on the book’s pages. Murray cleared his throat in hope to attract my attention. I gave a faint smile and placed the book on the ground, facing him thereafter.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Good I guess.” “It was quite a trip from what I’ve heard.” I kept staring at the ground as though in a daze, but responded with a single chuckle.

  “Probably.”

  “Just look at you. You are terribly bruised and wounded, my dear. What happened to you?”

  I sighed miserably, replying in a weak voice, “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you some other time.” Murray shrugged.

  “As you wish.” I noticed him not to be wearing that hat of his these days.

  “Forgive me for asking, but where is Terrowin?” I gave him but a single answer. I still needed time to clear my thoughts and let the dismal emotion that surrounded me set in and settle. “Gone.”

  I looked up and faced Murray, seeing how his eyes widened gravely. Before he could get the chance to bursts into tears, I quickly corrected it by saying, “No, not in that way!”

  He gave a sigh of relief, trying to keep it on the unnoticeable side, but his expression of relief soon turned into a frown.

  “Where is he then? What happened?”

  “They took him away to only Tarauntis knows where.” Murray leaned in closer with curiosity. “Who took him away, might I ask?” That question got my nerves to raise and my anger to return.

  Hatred filled my soul and I clenched my hands into raging fists. Lividly, I stood, biting in the anger between my teeth as I spoke.

  “The same man who killed Cassius! That same blasted traitor that plans the fall of Ysellian and Terrowin’s father and the entire legion! It is none other than that bastard of a man, Thomason!”

  “But I thought this man was one of Commander Rowan’s most trusted colleges?”

  I sighed, dropped my gaze to the floor and lowered my voice in what was the truth.

  “I guess not then.”

  With that I fell back on the couch and kept my stare on the floor. Murray nervously played with his fingers and I noticed that there was something he has been dying to ask ever since I arrived.

  “Um, forgive my curiosity, but why this sudden interest in Cassius?”

  A stroke of pain struck my heart as soon as I heard that name.

  “This might be shocking to you. Okay, no, it will be, but…” “Yes?”

  I took a deep breath. “Cassius is… my father. Or, he was my father in this case. Bliss is my mother and therefor makes you my… ahem… grandfather.”

  I left Murray speechless, disorientation consuming him.

  “I – uh – um – who – how – g-grandfather?” I gave a loud sigh and raised my hands. “Congratulations, you’re a grandfather!”

  With a miserable expression I stared out the window not far from here, my hands resting on my upper legs, not saying another word until Murray decided to take his turn in making a full sentence.

  “Bliss’ daughter? I thought you were dead!” Murray seemed anxious, not taking it as well and subtle as I had hoped for.

  “Does it look like it?” I rested my chin on the palms of my hands, my gaze still focused on the distant dark forest, beyond the window.

  “I-I… oh dear.”

  “Oh, dear indeed,” I sighed.

  “I…” Murray swallowed. “I want you to meet someone.” I turned my head to face him.

  “He is still very young and quite energetic. His name is Ramses.” I didn’t respond, but watched as he stood and walked across the room, opening the wooden door not far by, situated on couch’s right-hand side.

  Thereafter he knocked with hard bangs on the door.

  “Come here, boy!” I frowned in confusion as I observed his actions, folding my arms as well.

  This is a strange way to call someone, isn’t it?

  I almost started to apprehend this.

  Carefully, I stood and noted that Murray gave a step to the right, away from the door, acting quite cautiously.

  I focused on the door and the darkness that resided beyond it, narrowing my eyes as I heard a small noise coming from beyond.

  Was something running?

  I was almost determined to give a few steps back and or shut the door, but before I could, a freaking tiger rushed into the room! I yelped, caught off guard. Even though it was a beautiful Siberian tiger, I was more afraid what it’ll do to me when he got those claws of his on me.

  Without hesitation, the tiger stormed at me.

  I never knew Murray had it in for me!

  I tried to run away, sent on a wild chase, but the tiger soon pounced and caught me prisoner by pinning my shoulders to the ground, only this time, I was on my stomach. My cheek was pressed flat to the ground. The tiger was beyond the weight limit I could support and it felt as though it crushed my spine.

  “Not again,” I managed to mutter through the loss of breath and the incredible weight holding me down.

  “What were you thinking, Murray? Literally feeding me to the lions?” I closed my eyes tightly, waiting for an attack of any kind, but nothing happened.

  “No,” he protested. “That’s Ramses.”

  My eyes widened.

  “What?!”

  “Come here, Ramses!” Surprisingly the tiger obeyed. He quickly licked my cheek and then ran to Murray’s side. Only then did I get the chance to stand and catch my breath, still pretty flabbergasted, touching my cheek where the tiger had licked.

  I was caught in a disbelief.

  There’s been a tiger in this tower the entire time?

  “Being here for this long you would’ve thought that I would have probably noticed him by now,” I wondered, dusting the sheds of tiger fur off of me.

  “Yes, but I’ve got my secrets.” I cocked my head curiously, eyeing the tiger with suspicion. As a side thought, I was starting to wonder what else Murray hid here in his large, complex tower.

  “So what’s Ramses for then?” Murray let out a warm smile.

  “He is my gift to you.”

  “Uh… a tiger. Thanks?”

  “He has been in the family for many generations and yet more to come. I was planning on giving it to my grandchild when founded. Err, meaning you of course.”

  Murray stumbled on his own words with the anxiety within him, still unable twrap his head around the idea that I was the one he had been looking for all this time.

  “How can this tiger live so long and still be so young?”

  “Well, your great, great, great, great grandfather accidentally dropped a bottle of youth potion in his bowl whilst feeding time. I guess you might know what happened next…” He left the sentence hanging in the air, but I understood completely.

  Ramses came to me and warmly rubbed his big head against me. I couldn’t help but return the favour to stroke him. He was just too fluffy for words.

  Soon the stroke turned into a snuggle-session.

  “You’re so cute and loveable! I just want to snuggle you to death!” One can say I really felt the love at that moment, you know, hugging him and all.

  A thought suddenly occurred to me and made me wonder about something very specific. “Say, how do I know he won’t eat me in my sleep for a quick midnight snack?”

  Murray clasped his hands together as he got ready to explain.

  “He is dedicated to loyalty to an heir of the Thorel family. I assure you that he will not harm you.” I tried my best to stay reassured.

  “If you say so...”

  “Trust me. If, how can I say, Terrowin ought to enter, Ramses would immediately attack and rip him limb from limb, into shreds, sending his guts flying, but will stay loyal to you.” I knitted my eyebrow
s and stared at him, giving a step back, trying to avoid the sudden feeling of nausea and fear that so slithered down my spine.

  “Sometimes you scare me.” Murray gave miserable sigh.

  “I have that effect on people.”

  I forced out a smile and absentmindedly scratched Ramses behind the ear. Unfortunately, it made him interact by extending his claws and stomping on my foot. I bit my lip and fought back the urge to yelp as the pain webbed across my foot.

  Murray gave a nervous smile alongside a little snigger.

  “I probably should’ve warned you about that.”

  I scowled at him.

  “What do YOU think?!”

  CHAPTER 41

  MEMORIES… BAD, BAD MEMORIES

  TERROWIN

  I sat on the cold streets of Hayley like a poor beggar, my head buried in my knees. There was so little I could do. I felt hopeless and on the edge of losing her. To think I couldn’t even escape these walls without being spotted by guards, particularly informed by order to keep an eye out on me.

  I was enraged. I was despondent.

  All went well, but crashed the soon as we reached the clearing. For a first, I was actually worried about my father’s safety... what’s this world coming to? Though, with all my heart I do wish to warn him about Thomason’s plans, but couldn’t since the Ysellian army was swarming with Brendwin spies with ears everywhere. What was I supposed to do in a situation like this? All felt impossible, losing faith and gaining doubt.

  A little girl in a dress walked pass me, but stopped to throw me a coin, not knowing who I am and thinking I must’ve been a man who lives poorly on the cold streets each and every day.

  Don’t get me wrong, I was grateful and glad to see children with such hopes and good hearts, but my anger got out of reach and came streaming out on that one little, poor girl.

  “You think I wish to be here?!” I yelled, the girl giving a step back in fright.

  “I would’ve done something if I could, but it’s hopeless! Why can no one understand what’s happening!?”

  The girl was clearly petrified. I couldn’t help but cough a few times, but collected myself in due time. “If only I didn’t kill that damned Brendon in battle I wouldn’t have been stuck with this blasted curse! Try living with it! All is despondent!”

  The little girl’s eyes watered and soon her cheeks flooded with tears and she ran away, sobbing all the way.

  My anger disappeared and I fell to the gloom.

  Terrowin? I asked myself with widened eyes, looking down at my hands.

  What the hell have you done?

  I looked up, just in time to see the girl disappear around the corner.

  Who… are you?

  I closed my eyes and took a shaky breath.

  I regretted it, every single word. I buried my head in the palms of my hands yet again, miserably trying to fight off the grief. I was my old self again, the person I tried to run from ever since the beginning. Carlaylin actually helped me in a change of heart. Somehow ,she managed to help me change into a better person, but I guess the old Terrowin can’t be tamed for long.

  I sat there, thinking back to all I regretted and mistakes I have made until someone called out my name. “Terrowin!” I didn’t react. “Terrowin! Where are you! I-”

  All of a sudden someone grabbed me by my shoulder, startling me. It was but only my father... great.

  “Here you are. It seems like a risk to leave you on your own these days. You look pale. Is everything still-?”

  Is my father actually worrying about me? Now I truly know something isn’t right or have gone terribly wrong.

  “I’m fine!” I batted his hand from my shoulder. I didn’t dare to tell him about the curse.

  “What are you doing on the streets?”

  “Regretting my life.” Father pursed his lips and slowly shook his head.

  “Come on in. I have something to show you.”

  With that he left and made his way up the stairs towards our mansion entrance.

  “Just kill me now!” My head fell back on my knees. “Terrowin!” I sighed loudly and reluctantly stood.

  “Fine! I’m coming.” With no choice at the matter, I entered the house shortly after my father did.

  I noticed my father stopping in front of one of the display cases in the entrance hall, turning his gaze to me instantly. I narrowed my eyes and with curiosity I gradually approached, also keeping a sense of caution.

  As soon as I was at his side, I looked at the display case. It displayed a large and magnificent blade, a two-handed sword that I recognise as my father’s own. The very same he once used in battle.

  Father stared at it for a while, calmly letting memories of this item’s uses and days pass seep back into his mind. After a while he opened the case, carefully withdrawing the sword with thoughtfulness. He held it in a horizontal position that spread across both his hands.

  “This sword has been passed down from generation to generation, battle to battle, losses to victory.” Father’s eyes scanned its blade most proudly, a spark in his eyes.

  “And you are smart enough to know where this leads.” Father extended his arms and brought the sword closer to me.

  “I have used this sword in many battles, some lost and some won, but it has come to the end of its days of pledging its service to me. I would like to give it to you, as passed down from generations as I told before.” It felt as though I had swallowed a marble. Absentmindedly, I cautiously took a few steps back. I couldn’t bring myself to accept.

  Father frowned and lowered the sword to his side, grasping its grip with one hand.

  Tilting his head, he asked, “Is there something bothering you?” I couldn’t help but gulp and keep my gaze on the sword without the will to remove it.

  “Answer me when I’m speaking to you.” It got my daze off the sword for a while and back to reality and out of my thoughts.

  Father raised the sword once more and pointed it towards me. “Take the sword. You don’t rightfully have a choice.”

  I stretched my hand towards the sword, but couldn’t stand it and instantly pulled it back, feeling the involuntary tremble at my hands.

  Father shot me a questioning look.

  “I, um… I just don’t feel worthy enough to take it,” I lied with knitted eyebrows. “Perhaps some other time when I’m ready?” Father sighed impatiently and couldn’t help but shoot his gaze up to the ceiling.

  It took only seconds for Father to regain himself, a slight smile appearing on his lips.

  “You are ready, that I know. Though I don’t know why not… I remember that friend of yours… Brendon I think?” Father stroked his chin as he was lost deep in thought. Only just the mention of the name sent a shockwave crawling down my bones and jutting at my muscles. Was my father reading my mind or something? Why mention Brendon at all?

  “Anyway, despite his untimely and sudden death, he would’ve wanted you to have this.”

  If he’s trying to motivate me… it’s not helping!

  “And I can honestly say that I’m proud of you, Terrowin.” I raised an eyebrow.

  “What?”

  “Yes. You have proven yourself to be more than worthy to me. Running away from home and even succeeding at it? You remind me of me when I was your age.”

  He actually laughed, but stopped shortly after his gaze fell to the sword’s glistening surface.

  “Now, just take this, please. I don’t have all day.”

  With shaking hands I actually took the weapon and held it in my hands. The grip felt cold in my hands and the blade gleamed murderously sharp. I stared at my reflection, but the longer I stared, the more I could swear that it slowly started to look like Brendon, as furious as ever.

  “Poor boy, I wonder what could’ve happened to the fellow.” I gulped.

  “Well, I guess being the only one to know, really does make it a mystery to the rest.”

&nbs
p; I couldn’t help but back away once again. Father indistinctly leaned in closer, eager to find out what I meant.

  “Terrowin?” Oddly enough, whispers started swirling around my head and drilled into my head, and at the same time, the mansion had never seem quieter.

  The whispers sounded like an incarnation of Brendon’s own voice, but only in different tones. Some pled, some begged mercy, others were enraged and the rest filled with pain and remorse.

  “How could you do this to me?!” one shouted.

  “I trusted you!” the other bellowed in rage.

  “This is all because of you!”

  “Don’t leave me!”

  “If I could, my blade would’ve pierced your heart!”

  “Terrowin! Help me, please!”

  “I beg, I beg! Keep these demons away!”

  Perhaps he wasn’t alone after all. The thought made me shiver.

  “Darkness! First me, but then you will get what you deserve!”

  Not to mention the groaning of pain and remorse as though he’s being stabbed over and over again right in front of me.

  “Mercy! Mercy! Spare me, Terrowin! Spare me!” I could hear his fear, as clear as day, his emotions swarming all around me, echoing about in my mind.

  “What have I done to you to deserve this fate? Tell me. What?!”

  I couldn’t control the voices as they got out of hand. Even my own breathing turned to quick gasps. The voices drove me mad and it seemed as though the world was literally spinning around me. I couldn’t focus clearly and I swear that the sword was going to bite me at any moment now.

  I saw my father talking to me in concern, but couldn’t hear a word he said as the sound of my heartbeat and the mixtures of agonising screams of suffering, pleading, cries of pain and shouts of rage cut him off. It cut my link to him.

  It continued and wouldn’t stop until I dropped the sword, sending it falling to the ground.

  The moment its blade touched the ground, everything stopped and left the silence to return freely.

  I felt woozy, but regained my balance and collected myself.

  “Terrowin! What has come over you?”

  I couldn’t help but break, snapped, forced by the agony of those voices. I couldn’t stand it and collapsed to my knees, burying my head in the palms of my hands.