“You never told me that before,” said Bishop, with a faint smile.
“I didn’t think it was necessary. I never wanted you to be part of that life, but I had no choice and here we are.”
“So, what is the War’s purpose?”
“It’s a battle between mages as I explained before. The War was first created as a sport. Royal families gathered once a year, and those who partook in the war would receive an Avatar to represent them in battle while the royals watched. The last Avatar standing was the winner, and that person became the Avatar Champion.”
“Earlier you said my dad won with you one year. How if there can only be one winner?”
“Over the years, the rules were changed drastically and became more deadly than it was during its inception. The royal families grew tired of watching the War and created rules that would have the person chosen to represent their family compete alongside their Avatar in battle and they are called Links. If the Link or Avatar fell in battle, they were eliminated by death. The symbol on your hand represents you now being a Link and you will have to fight alongside your Avatar during the War.”
Rook slumped further in his seat. “I don’t think I’m ready for this.”
“You have no choice, Rook,” Niles explained. “All that can be done now is to prepare you for the War. You are limited with your magecraft, but, you have excellent potential. Bishop and I will prepare you.”
Rook sighed. “Bishop is gone; I don’t think he’s going to help me.”
“He will, I assure you. We want you to succeed more than anyone. Eventually, he’ll come around you’ll see, Rook.”
“I hope, Uncle Niles. Is there anything else I need to know?”
Niles paused for a moment. He leaned back into his seat and sighed. “Not at the moment, everything else will be explained to when you attend the ceremony in Star City—where the war will take place. It was created using magic by the royal families. The best way to describe it would be it’s another plain of existence, separated from ours. This ensures that the War can be waged without interruption or innocent casualties in our world.”
“Star City…”
“Will you be coming with me, uncle?”
“No. I’ve left that life behind me, besides; you can’t have outside assistance while you are participating in the War. Since I cannot see, I will have Felix keep me updated. Something has probably changed from the time I last attended until now; everything else you need to know will be explained at the ceremony.”
Rook settled into his seat. He was now a Link and had to partake in a War between mages. He felt he wasn’t ready, but had confidence in his uncle’s words and would do whatever he had to do to get himself ready, but what he really wanted was Bishop to be by his side when he went. They did everything together, and he wanted this to be no different. He was also curious as to how Bishop knew what the contract was before he did and why he had gotten so upset about it.
“Now go on, get some rest,” Niles ordered. “You have a long day ahead of you, Rook.”
Rook rose from the both. “I’m sorry, Uncle Niles. I disappointed you.”
“Listen Rook, I understand why you feel that way. But now is not the time for apologies, Rook. You’re not a kid anymore. You wanted the responsibilities of being an adult and making your own decisions. Now you have and you have to live with them. Your focus now needs to be on one thing; the Avatar War.”
Rook stood silent for a moment as he absorbed Niles’ words. He nodded and went upstairs to his bedroom to attempt to sleep, but he knew that would almost be impossible. In a single day, his actions and his decisions turned his life upside-down. Going forward, his life would be different; the comforts of sitting in Niles’ diner and being able to do as he pleased were gone. Now he had to face the uncertainty of the Avatar War.
Chapter 7
Translantern
Rook was awake before his alarm clock sounded. Clicking it off, he laid back onto his bed. As he’d expected, he didn’t get much sleep no matter how hard he tried. His thoughts focused on what was to come, but he wondered even more where Bishop had gone. He had kept his bedroom door open to hear if Bishop would return so he could talk to him, but he never came.
He sat in silence, thinking about where Bishop was and how he was feeling until he drifted to sleep. When he last looked at the clock, it was two in the morning, and there was no sign of Bishop. Felix returned hours before and informed him that Bishop told him to go back to the cafe and not to follow him. It made Rook worry even more.
It was almost time for him to leave. The night before, his uncle Niles gave him as much information about the Avatar Wars as he could remember and he ran it through his mind over and over until he remembered every detail. It didn’t take him long to get prepare himself for his journey. He showered, brushed his teeth and packed clothes within thirty minutes.
Picking up his one strap pack, he entered the hallway, stopping in front of Bishop’s room to see it as it was before he left. After a few moments, he walked downstairs and entered the cafe. Niles was behind the counter awaiting his arrival.
“Good morning, Marques.”
“Good morning, Uncle Niles,” Rook replied. “Any word from Bishop?”
“Not yet,” said Niles. “But he’ll be here,”
Rook sat at the counter in front of Niles and placed his pack on the seat next to him. He rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt before Niles slid a cup toward him.
“I heard you getting ready, and I figured you’d want some coffee, so I had Felix make you a cup,” said Niles.
“Thank you,” replied Rook before taking a sip. “Is there any update?”
“None yet. The package should arrive at nine o’clock. You still have a few minutes.”
Rook said nothing. He only sat staring at the cup of coffee, twirling his thumbs around its rim. The door to cafe suddenly burst open, followed by Bishop storming behind it. The bell rang as he entered, grabbing Rook’s attention.
“Bishop, I’ve been worried! Where have you—”
Bishop ignored Rook’s attempt to speak with him. He kept his head lowered and his hands in his jacket pockets as he walked passed them and headed upstairs. Rook was in disbelief as his eyes followed him until he was out of sight. He knew Bishop was upset and rightfully so, but he didn’t think be so upset to not speak to him.
He figured Bishop staying out all night was to clear his head and approach Rook rationally and express his frustrations rather than ignore him. The sound of a knock at the cafe door, took him out of his thoughts as his gaze fell to a figure standing on the other side. Rook looked to Niles who sat in the chair gripping the top of his stick.
“I think that’s for you.”
Rook rose from the his seat and walked to the door. Opening it, he saw a man dressed in royal blue robes with a hood drawn over his eyes. In his hand was a box with a brown envelope attached to it.
“How can I help you?”
The man raised his hood slightly after noticing the symbol on Rook’s hand. “I’m the Messenger. I’m here to present this to you, Link.”
Rook hesitated for a moment before taking the box. The Messenger bowed before turning and walking away, disappearing from Rook’s sight. Rook went back into the cafe and placed the box in front of Niles.
“What is this, Uncle Niles?”
“It should be your introductory letter and the Translantern.”
“Translantern?”
“It’s like a jumportal, but more efficient. The Translantern is a magical item with its own source of magic and it transfers a person from one location to another. Only those with the Link crest can use it for transportation, thus stopping those without it from entering Star City. It’s a key, and you are the bearer. The letter attached should explain its purpose and how to use it. You can read it yourself, but I can show you just as well.”
Rook removed the envelope from the box. Using a knife to cut under the candle wax seal, he removed the letter
from inside reading aloud the cursive handwriting.
Hello, you have chosen to partake in the 60th Avatar War, held in Star City. This letter serves as a reminder, to inform you that the Avatar Ceremony will begin today and you are to arrive no later than 10a.m. est. inside the package you received is a Translantern, the only way you can successfully arrive in Star City. Also inside is the receiver which will allow you to return to the location from anywhere you are in Star City. Best regards, Belgarath Stormgarde, Gamekeeper of the 60th Avatar War.
“Belgarath, huh?”
“You know him?”
“I do,” said Niles. I’ve known him since I was a young boy. “Of all the royal families, he represents the only family to have never competed in a War. He’s a bit of an eccentric, but he’s a good man. You’ll see what I mean when you arrive.”
“I see. Ten o’clock,” Rook recalled. “That’s only an hour from now!”
“Relax, Marques, let’s head to the basement, so we can get you there in time,” said Niles. He turned toward the door that led to the kitchen. “Felix!” he called out.
A few moments passed before Felix entered, exiting the kitchen.
“Yes, sir? Oh, hey Rook!” he greeted.
“Hey,” Rook replied.
“I hear you’re partaking in the Avatar War? Don’t worry man, you got it!” Felix said confidently.
“That he does,” Niles added. “He’s going to need a little work, but I have faith in him. Do me a favor, Felix, can you tell Bishop to meet us in the basement?”
“He’s back? All right, I’ll try—I mean, I tried last night to talk to him and he lashed out at me… he apologized, but, I don’t think he’s in a very good mood. I hate seeing him like this.”
“It’s okay,” Niles assured him. “He’ll come down.”
With a nod, Felix walked around Niles and headed up the stairs. Rook lifted the box and grabbed the letter. He and Niles made their way down to the basement with Rook leading his uncle, lending his shoulder to him so he could navigate while they walked.
They arrived in the basement a couple of minutes later. Old tables and chairs and other items from before Niles acquired the cafe took a majority of the space. He gave Rook instructions on setting up the Translantern and how it works.
“Sit it on the crate over there and point it toward that wall across from it, aiming the circular cylinder on its front at the wall,” Niles ordered.
Rook opened the box and pulled the lantern out by its handle. It had a copper base and a large clear glass, held an orb of blue magical energy inside of it. It looked antique with its silver cage framed it, protecting the glass from breaking.
The sound of footsteps coming from upstairs and then the basement steps grabbed their attention. Rook felt relieved for a moment, believing Bishop was coming down to join him, but to his surprise it was Felix, and he was alone. He reached the bottom of the basement steps and walked to Rook, shaking his head.
“He’s locked inside his room, I tried knocking, but I got no response.”
Rook sighed heavily before turning back to the wall. “It’s all right, I can do it myself. I have to.”
“I thought he’d be here, but it can’t be helped,” said Niles. “I’m sorry, Marques, but it’s time.”
“I’m ready.”
“Take the receiver in your hand and remember to keep it on you at all times, it’s the only way you’ll be able to return here,” Niles instructed. “Open the cylinder at the front and say your destination.”
Rook stepped over to the lamp. His breathing was heavy as he rolled his shoulders getting himself ready for what lied ahead. Following Niles directions, he touched the lamp and opened the cylinder. “The Bell Tower, Star City.”
The magic energy inside the lamp illuminated as Rook stepped back. They watched as the blue light beamed from the lamp and connected with the wall, widening until a large circle of light covered the wall entirely. Rook and Felix stepped forward as the image of courtyard appeared within the circle with a large tower with a belle at its top in the distance. But it wasn’t an image at all, it was Star City and that they were looking at was the Bell Tower.
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Felix commented.
“Me either,” said Rook.
“What are you two fawning over? It’s just a dumb tower,” snapped Bishop.
Everyone turned to see Bishop standing by the basement steps. He was wearing his usual black jeans, hooded jacket and leather coat, with his emergency kit hanging from his waist and a pack hanging from his shoulder.
“Bishop!” Rook roared.
“You didn’t think I was going to let you go it alone, did you?”
“I—”
“Of course not!” Bishop interrupted with a smile. It quickly faded as he approached Rook.
“There is something that you need to know. I’m only coming with you to make sure you don’t get yourself killed. That’s it.”
“I understand,” Rook said with a smile. “Thank you, Bishop.”
“Thank me, when you’re done. Until then, let’s get this over with,” he said walking passed him.
Niles nodded as he passed, smiling softly. Deep down inside, Rook knew Bishop wouldn’t allow him to go alone, no matter how mad he was and he didn’t let him down. He felt his confidence returning, believing that with Bishop by his side, he could do anything he set his mind to. Rook held his pack tightly to his shoulders as he joined him in front of the portal on the wall.
“We go in together, we come out together,” Bishop proclaimed.
“Agreed,” said Rook. He turned to Felix and Niles. “I’ll see you soon.”
Niles and Felix both nodded as they watched Bishop and Rook pass through the portal and into Star City. Once they entered, the light from the lantern disappeared with them.
Chapter 8
The Bell Tower
Stepping through the portal, Bishop and Rook arrived in the gray stone covered ground that made up the courtyard of the Bell Tower. The tower stood before them, twenty meters high, surrounded by large trees and woods. There was nobody in sight, only them as they admired their new surroundings.
They were in the heart of Star City, the place where the Avatar War would take place. Rook could not control his excitement as he admired the trees and the large silver bell high in the sky. Bishop however, wasn’t impressed and seemed more irritated than he usually was.
“Check this out, Bishop! Can you believe it? They created this place using magic!”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s just a bell, Rook.”
“Oh come on, it’s more than that. Can you create a city using magic?” Rook questioned.
“If I wanted to, yes,” Bishop answered. His tone was plain, not carrying the usual sarcastic and boisterous tone.
“You’re not serious,” Rook responded quickly.
“I am serious, and you need to be too, Rook. This isn’t a vacation to a theme park, this is serious,” Bishop snapped, before walking toward the tower leaving Rook standing alone. “Let’s get in there.”
Rook hated to admit it, but Bishop was right. As amazing as he found Star City to be, it wasn’t a vacation. The last thing he needed to be focused on is incredible feats of magic. He promptly, followed Bishop without a word. His silence expressed his understanding of what Bishop was saying and that was enough. As they approached the large wooden door that was the entrance to the tower, they saw a figure in royal blue robes walking toward them. He was older, with short gray hair. Royal blue robes covered him from the neck down and he wore a smile on his face as they approached.
“Good morning to you,” said the man, before stopping in front of them. “Welcome to Star City.”
“Thank you,” said Rook, before shaking the man’s hand. “My name is Rook.”
“Ah yes, you are the Link. It’s a pleasure to meet you Rook,” the man greeted. “I see you’ve brought a guest—hello, my name is Parmchez White, and I will be your guide until the
War begins.”
Bishop shook his hand before speaking. “The name’s Bishop. So, where’s this thing supposed to take place?”
“Oh yes, right this way, the Flame Ceremony will take place in the lower chamber of the Bell Tower and it shall commence shortly. I’ll have the ceremonial robes ready for you inside, if you would please follow me.”
Parmchez turned on his heel and walked swiftly toward the Bell Tower with Rook and Bishop close on his heels. Entering the large wooded door and into the Bell Tower, they saw a long hallway with men and women dressed in similar robes as Parmchez walking about the large hall. Crimson carpet covered the marble floor that led to the center of the tower, showing another entrance on the other side. As they walked, Parmchez explained briefly the bronze statues that lined both sides of the hallways and their significance. On the left side of the hallway were the Avatar Champions, Links who won the War with a plaque on the bottom that read their name and which war they won. On the other side, directly facing the others, were statues of the Avatars the Links used to help them win the War with silver plaques at their feet.
Rook stopped when he noticed a statue of a man that looked familiar to him. Bishop and Parmchez noticed he’d stopped and walked back to him as he admired the statue. It was his uncle. Niles Lockhart, winner of the 41st and 42nd Avatar War. The statue seemed like almost a different person. His shoulders were broad, his long locks of black hair flowed down his back and he wore a wide line of paint down the right side of his face. There was no mistaking it, it was Niles.
“Niles won the Avatar War? Twice?” Bishop asked, shocked at what he was reading.
“He told me about it last night, I believed him of course, but seeing it is a whole different thing,” Rook explained. “I guess that explains why you could never touch him when you challenged him.”
Bishop gazed scanned the statue several times before he spoke. “No wonder he was always so confident.”
Magecraft (Magik: The Avatar Wars Book 1) Page 5
