by Jordan Cramm
The dream had been intense. He woke in bed quickly, sitting up and sweating.
~
Wolflen looked around. His head was almost touching the bottom of the bunk bed that Ayvock was snoring in. Good. It was only a dream then. Wolflen laid back down, putting his head back on his pillow. But when he laid back down something was different. He felt the pillow beneath him with his hands stretching over his head. Something had changed. Atop his pillow, his fingers touched something that was between it and his head. Something square-shaped. He pulled it free and over his head to look at it. A book? Where did that come from? He examined the cover, which was plain and bare save for one inscription. He read it. A War Mage's Manifest. He blinked. No, it can't be. Me, a Free Mage? That's a laugh. Wait, is this a welcome home laugh from mother or father? Probably. Nice trick mom...but how did she get it under your head and on your pillow while you were asleep? Wolflen shook his head in confusion as he examined the book's binding and back cover. No markings on either one, save for a small lightning bolt string at the top corner on the spine.
He called up to Ayvock at once, who was still snoring.
“Hey—Ayvock. Wake up!”
Ayvock groggily rolled over and leaned his head off the edge of the top bunk.
“What is it?” Ayvock asked.
“Did you see or hear anyone come in this room besides us since we've been here?”
Wolflen's question clearly annoyed Ayvock.
“You have got to get some sleep Wolflen. You locked the room door when we came in here remember? Just like you use to when we played here as children. Now go to sleep.”
Ayvock was right. I did lock the door as usual. Then that means...
“I can't sleep now,” Wolflen retorted, “I think I am supposed to be a Free Mage.” Ayvock barely showed interest.
“What?” he asked, “What are you talking about? I thought you were going to become a Ranger. Besides, you cannot become a Free Mage unless the manifest appears magically. Everyone knows that.”
Wolflen shuddered.
“Magically,” he responded, “you mean like this?”
Wolflen extended his arm with the book in hand toward the top bunk. Ayvock saw it at once, and didn't know what to think, but the look on his face said that he was just as surprised to see it as Wolflen was, but he was a few steps behind fathoming what it must mean. Wolflen just nodded.
“So you are sure no one has been in here?”
Ayvock grabbed the book to examine it himself. Wolflen just waited for comments.
“Very funny,” Ayvock started as he examined the book after opening it, “but it's blank. I see no writing anywhere in this book. There aren't even pictures. Stop trying to play pranks on me.”
He thinks I am trying to do a prank? Wolflen didn't understand.
“Let me see it,” he demanded, “I only looked at the cover.”
Ayvock handed the book back to Wolflen. Quickly, Wolflen opened it. He saw writing on the pages, not the blank pages that Ayvock described. Then he realized what occurred. It was a magic book meant for him to read. Once he handed the book to Ayvock, the pages went blank. The magic had made its choice. Did Wolflen dare answer the call? Do I? He began to read a few lines quietly before standing with the book open in hand. He turned it toward Ayvock's bunk, keeping it in his own hands still.
“Now what do you see?” Wolflen asked.
Again Ayvock leaned over the side of the top bed and saw writing in the book.
“I see writing—so what, you probably switched books.”
Wolflen flipped the pages with his other hand, showing writing on each page quickly. Then Wolflen closed the book and handed it to Ayvock.
“Okay, now YOU open the book.”
Ayvock did just that. He opened the book. The pages looked blank again. He was clearly shocked.
“What...what magic is this?”
Wolflen coughed and exhaled. “See, I wasn't pranking you. I thought someone was pranking me when I found that between my head and pillow after waking from a dream. I think—I think that if I am not touching that book, the words will disappear. I think it’s protected by magic in that way. I mean really, what do we really know about the Free Magic? Only that every Free Mage HAS a set of books right? We don't however know anything about those books do we?”
Ayvock admitted to himself that Wolflen was right. They didn't know about such things. So it could be possible.
“So what are you going to do?” Ayvock asked.
Good question. What am I going to do?
That evening, Ayvock departed for his own home. His father would be expecting him and besides, Ayvock was eager to visit his own home after being gone a year. He only had his father Flint to return to, but it was enough. A year at sea had made him miss some things from home, even his father. So that left Wolflen alone at home to face his parents; to ask them anything about Free Magic that they might know, to tell them his secret if he chose to, and to test the waters of their approval if he did choose to accept the calling of a being a Free Mage.
Day one...Wolflen pretended like nothing happened at all. He kept his book hidden in his room, and after Ayvock left, Wolflen went downstairs for a meal with his mother. She commented to him about her gladness at his return home, and how she looked forward to seeing her father.
“Pretty soon, you will be off to trade school, and I will be alone here in this house all the time.”
Her comment might have been funny under different circumstances. But would there be trade school now? Don't Free Mages use self-study? Is there a school for them? If so it’s probably somewhere in a faraway land...
And after a good meal, Wolflen retreated to his room to begin reading the magical book. He wanted at least to educate himself as best he could if he had to soon make a decision about trade school either way.
The first thing he read was a declaration. The ghostly magical book had an introduction. Of course it does. “To be a War Mage is to pursue freedom. To be free is to be. To be any other way is contrary to how you should be.” What does that mean? Wolflen kept reading. Some of what he read in the introduction seemed like more riddles—if they were, he didn't understand. He supposed however, that the Free Magic was a very old magic—perhaps older than most races of Fengysha. So Wolflen didn't question the language it used, or the methods. He knew enough to know, that he knew nothing about it really. He could only hope that he would be able to learn more; hopefully it would be enough to help him make a choice when the time came.
He looked for a table of contents next. There was no table of contents. That's odd. It began with writings about history. Wolflen read intently. “The desolate place without form took shape in the fullness of time. Races were born as children. The children segregated, each settling in different places of the world. The Elves to their own kingdoms, well established in their own rights, light in dark places. The Izenians, beauty of defiance and capable of equalizing or offsetting the balance of things. The Humans, folly unleashed. Each banded together for sake of their kingdoms. For in the first age, they all shared common enemy, Kelnazek—God of evil and dweller of the darkest depths of shadow. Things had to change. Goodness needed champions for the coming war. The Free Magic, set in place by Kesper, God of mercy and wisdom, had decided to answer the call of valor. If you are reading this, then you are such a champion, and you are called to follow in the footsteps of great heroes in time.” What?
Wolflen set the book down on his chest, folded open as he lay on his back in bed. Was the Free Magic really calling to him in such a way? It was still a heavy thing to consider. He recalled the last line, “...and you are called to follow in the footsteps of great heroes in time” Why? Why me? Has anyone ever refused the Free Magic though? He wondered about that. It wasn't as though everyone knew all there was to know about the Free Magic. Few but the Free Mages themselves understood anything about it he thought. So you just have to go talk to one then. Of course! Go talk to one. There is one here, in the city.
They are lodged within the temple currently. He only knew that for certain, because when the three Free Mages that were in town arrived two years prior, it was a huge event for the people of Akartha. They were heralded with festivals, and everyone was happy to receive them into town. When they declared intentions to stay, they were granted free room and board within the city temple of the Gods. No one had known why they chose to come to Akartha, or why they had chosen to stay. When they had been asked, they only replied by saying that they were doing so to pay off magic balance debt, and that until their debt was paid in full, they were happy to assist the city any way they could with magic spells. Since then, things had run smoothly for Akartha.
Wolflen wondered about going to see them. They might think he was crazy. But you can prove it. You have the book. Then Wolflen began wondering about when the best time might be to go see them. Surely during the day their time was spent answering the demands of city patrons, but more so of the elected officials and people in command. Those demands would start early in the morning, each morning. City chimes kept everyone on a schedule, and for people of high profile, days in Akartha began early. Free Mages were high profile, even if they wanted to be left in solitude. But announcing a desire as a Free Mage to help the city, there was no solitude to be had surely. Wolflen decided the best time to try and see them would be now; now that the sun was down and the city would be calming down for the night.
Okay, but what do I tell my mother? And I have to get by her without her seeing the book, and what if they refuse to see me when I get there? Are they even still in the city? I've been gone for a year. And would they trust someone so young? Wolflen's head was full of questions he knew he couldn't answer. He would have to seek the answers, and he was growing more anxious to do so each passing minute. So he got to his feet and out on an undershirt, and a nice robe. He already had his leggings on, and he grabbed his book as well. He recalled part of the introduction, and how with magical thought, he could make it disappear and reappear when he needed it again. Until now though, he hadn't wanted to try that, for fear that he might not recover the book assuming he managed to make it disappear. Now he thought, he had no choice. He concentrated...just like the book told him to. He focused his thoughts, just as it said he must. Then, the book vanished from his hands instantly. It worked. He tried the opposite to bring it back. He'd feel foolish if he got where he was going and could not prove his claims. To his relief he was able to bring the book back, and then make it vanish once more.
He tried moving down the stairs quietly, to avoid being noticed on his way out the door. But his mother was still up, and stopped him just as he opened the door. She asked where he was going. He fumbled his way through an excuse about going to see Ayvock in order to discuss trade school. Wolflen had second thoughts about the excuse once he heard himself say it, but to his relief, it was enough to appease his mother. As he uneasily stepped outside and closed the door behind him, he wondered how long his alibi would be effective. Still, he knew he had pressing business to tend to.
As he stepped into the city street, he pulled the hood on his robe over his head and reached into some inner pockets for gloves. Snow fell on lawns all through town, but due to magic, it never accumulated on the streets at all. If snow hit the streets, it would not get very thick. But it was night time now, and the streets were clear entirely. City Mages saw to that. And at the moment, Wolflen was grateful. Snowless streets meant anyone who walked there would avoid leaving footprints...prints Wolflen knew in this case, that would not lead to Ayvock's house. He was grateful for that fact. But the snow still fell from the sky, and in places not protected by the City Mage's magic, it was nearly eight inches deep. Wolflen gave that little regard though as he trotted along. It hadn't been snowing that morning when they reached home, and Wolflen couldn't remember seeing snow on the ground then either. So it is fresh snow.
He knew where he had to go, but the first stages of the walk made him wish that the horses he rented earlier in the day were still at his disposal. It was dark outside now, and besides the glare of moonlight in the snow, only a few lanterns were lit along the streets. Of course, he knew the way to Ayvock's house blindfolded in the dark, but tonight that didn't matter—despite what he said, he wasn't going there. No, tonight he knew, he was going a farther distance than that, and in the cold, he began to think of alternate ways to travel there. He began to run now. He felt a need to hurry, though he wasn't sure why. Then loud chiming. It was ten chimes at night. He should be at home sleeping. You should be at home preparing for trade school. He laughed at himself inwardly. He wondered if he was crazy for doing what he was doing. He wondered if all Free Mages felt this way before they accepted their calling. When does one know that they will accept the call of the Free Magic? If I don't then this little run will be for nothing.
Chapter 3: Answers of Uncertainty
Wolflen finally reached the temple plaza. He stared through the iron bars surrounding the plaza courtyard toward the huge structure beyond. Snow did not fall inside the plaza at all—not on the building itself, or the courtyard that surrounded it. It was another working of magic—this from one of the Free Mages that now dwelled in the temple. Good sign—at least that means they are still here. Wolflen walked along the pathway in front of the plaza, looking in through the iron bars at the temple every so often. He walked until he reached the main gateway. The gates stood open for as long as anyone could remember, and were there only for ceremonial purpose and for decoration Wolflen supposed. He entered the courtyard with no one to stop him. Sect Houses were each guarded, but here he knew, anyone could come and go in peace.
He strode up the pathway toward the temple, stepping atop the cobblestones as he went. He was walking now, after stopping his run outside the temple plaza. But though he was walking, he still strode speedily to hasten whatever was going to happen when he made a request to see the Free Mages. He decided not to think about that though, until he was face to face with someone and asking for that very thing. So he continued walking, over the cobblestone pathway and up the platform steps of the great temple. Wolflen counted seven large steps. Each was a platform in itself though; each capable of being a stage to hold over 80 Izenians. Wolflen didn't care how large the steps were though, he had to keep moving.
The large double wooden doors swung open with a loud creaking noise, but Wolflen wanted to make an entrance. At once, a temple priest greeted him, inquiring what was so urgent at this time of night. The priest seemed to take Wolflen's story very well. If he disbelieved Wolflen, Wolflen couldn't tell. Instead, the priest agreed that Wolflen should talk to the Free Mages. And after all, if Wolflen's story was a farce, then the Free Mages would surely know how to handle a young teen's joke. So instead of mocking Wolflen, the priest led the way through the main sanctuary, to a set of staircases that led downward, underground. Wolflen followed without question.
The descent came to a halt at the bottom of the steps, where Wolflen saw a long corridor looming beyond. On each side of the long corridor, there were several doors. The priest led Wolflen a ways, guided by torchlight upon the walls, until at last; they reached the door of their destination. Wolflen asked which Mage's room they were entering. The priest told him that all three Free Mages dwelled in the same living quarters. Wolflen was slightly surprised to hear that, but at the moment, such would be most convenient for him, so he didn't question it. Instead, he waited with the priest after knocking. A moment later, the door opened.
“Priest Veible, is something the matter in this later hour?” a voice asked.
“Forgive me Mage Dawson. I know it is late. However, I have with me someone claiming to have received the manifest of the Free Magic, and he says he has questions he wishes to ask of the Free Mages here. Again I apologize for...”
Mage Dawson smiled, putting a hand up to silence the priest's apologies.
“It's quite alright,” Mage Dawson said calmly, “for we are all students at one point or another in our various crafts and tra
des are we not? He may enter. We will show him out later.”
Wolflen thought it was strange that the priest wouldn't be staying as well, but apparently the priest didn't think anything of it, because he simply turned and walked away, bound for the ascent back into the temple. For a moment Wolflen stood in the corridor, not sure what to do, but watching the priest walk away. Mage Dawson however did not seem interested in the priest's departure, so he cleared his throat with a coughing noise, catching Wolflen's attention.
“Well, I am Mage Dawson. It would be nice to know exactly what I, or what we can help you with this night. Please, come in.”
Wolflen followed Mage Dawson into the living quarters. He looked around instantly. He was in what looked to be like a commons room, a place with four chairs over to the right, a kitchen with a table and other chairs to the left, and a wide open space between the two. Mage Dawson showed Wolflen to a chair on the right before speaking and seating himself as well.
“Now then, you know who I am. Might I ask now who you are, and what brings you here this hour?”
Wolflen shuffled in his chair slightly.
“My name...well my name is Wolflen Darkmoon. I am wondering about the Free Magic, because...well because something has happened.”
Mage Dawson smiled.
“You received the manifest didn't you?”
Wolflen nodded.
“And you have come here to know more about the Free Magic then?”
Again Wolflen nodded slowly, staring directly at Mage Dawson without even blinking.
“You see,” Wolflen began, “I was to soon be picking a trade school. I was to become a Ranger. Well I went to sleep, and I had a strange dream. When I woke, there was a book under my head, resting on my pillow. It is the manifest. I started reading it, but I wanted to come here and ask about the Free Magic. I mean, if I am to decide between it and trade school, I want to be informed.”
