“You’re awake!” Rowan removed the towel from her hair, and began to brush it out.
Barely.
“Hey, I wanted to ask you something. I saw that blonde jerk-off vamp leaving our building last night...”
I glanced sideways at Rowan, uncomfortably aware of what her question was going to be.
“He wasn’t up here bothering you, was he?”
Sighing, it occurred to me that I could easily lie. I don’t have to explain to Rowan that in a state of sleep deprivation and self-preservation, I had stupidly agreed to go on a date. I opened my mouth to tell her I hadn’t seen him. “Um.. well, he was in here. But it wasn’t a big deal.” I said instead. I’ve never been good at lying.
“What? Are you okay?” Rowan’s eyes grew large.
I took a breath, and glanced out the window. Should have just jumped through here last night. Three stories is a totally survivable fall.
“Yes. Well.” I twisted my fingers together in my lap. “Pretty much.”
“What did he want?” Rowan asked.
I quickly thought of a clever lie. “He… wanted to ask me on a date.” Ah shoot.
Rowan dropped her head back and let out a loud groan.“What did he do when you said no?” she asked, plopping herself down on the bed.
Looking at Rowan, I could tell the poor thing actually thought I said no. She might have been able to tell him to get lost last night, but me with my non-werewolf qualities and inability to teleport when it mattered had to do the next best thing– compromise.
“Well, I uh, kind of agreed to it.” I said, inspecting my short, unpainted fingernails.
Rowan’s jaw dropped, revealing her pronounced canine teeth.
“It’ll be fine. I set boundaries,” I said, trying my best to sound blasé.
I set boundaries? What am I saying! That guy basically forced me to agree to a date.
Rowan eyed me through slitted lids. “Nym, if he so much as looks at you the wrong way, I’ll rip his throat out.”
She’s not actually going to murder anyone, right? I rubbed my eyes. It does make me feel a little better about the whole thing though.
“I’ll be ok, Ro, but I’ll let you know if I need you to end him,” I replied. This seemed to appease Rowan, who jumped as she caught sight of the time.
“Shoot! Sorry, Nym. I was supposed to tell you, someone stopped by an hour ago. Apparently you’re meeting the headmistress in half an hour.”
Finally, answers. I jumped up, and did my best to get ready in fifteen minutes. I envied Rowan a bit, in addition to being a werewolf she also seemed to have the ability to make flannel and tights look amazing. With her help I was dressed and out the door with just enough time to make it to the Historical Wing in time.
On our brisk walk, I soaked in the sights of the campus. It was embraced by the green hillside and surrounded by tall sentinel-like pine trees. To the east of the clustered buildings, the bluest lake I had ever seen sparkled in the bright morning sun. The ivy-covered bluestone wall which enclosed the grounds was not beautiful, but served it’s purpose well– keeping the ‘normies’ out there. It puzzled me how a place like this could exist within a quant village and not garner some notice from the people on the outside. Of course I’ve heard the rumours, but really how could you believe an entire society like this actually exists?
“Here we are!” Rowan’s chipper voice brought me back to the task at hand. We had arrived in front of the oldest part of the University I had seen so far. It was cobbled together, as if built by five different people– all with their own grand vision. The stones which made up the exterior were smooth and weathered, with the occasional year chiselled here and there. From what I could see, every ten years a mark had been made, the earliest being 1501.
“The headmistress’s office is through this door, to the right and over the bridge. You can’t miss it.”
What the heck does a one story building need a bridge for? Waving to Rowan as she bounded off towards her class, I chuckled under my breath– she was so goofy. In my chest, a tiny shard of hope lodged itself in my heart.
Turning, I entered the looming stone structure through a massive door. Intended for giants maybe? Or some other magical creature I’ve yet to be surprised with. Following Rowan’s directions, I made my way down a hall lined on either side with portraits of previous headmasters and headmistresses. I found it strange that the first ten paintings– spanning over a hundred years– were all of the same person. That is until I remembered vampires. Shivering, I continued on until I passed over the bridge. To my disappointment, it served no other purpose than connecting one building to another, just above the lush grass. Not sure what I was expecting. Moat with mermaids maybe?
Once I stepped off the ridged stone bridge on the opposite side, dizziness struck me. I caught sight of the outdoors through a nearby window, and realized I was now standing roughly twenty stories above the campus. My stomach flip-flopped as I wobbled back to the bridge, peering over the edge. Out in the fresh air, the walkway still appeared to be no more than six feet off the ground. Magic. I shook my head and walked back to the window to look at the ground far below.
A moment passed before I was steady enough. Taking a deep breath I crossed the cold stone threshold towards a towering, ornately carved red door. Sucking in a breath, I admired the portal in front of me. It was just how I would imagine a door at a University for magic to look. Sigils I had no hope of understanding were carved in a large spiral, inlaid with gold. Even the large iron handle was mesmerizing, its woven metal parts growing and changing, seemingly at will. In the center hung five long glass vials, all of which emanated a strange humming. And a feeling of… power? Transfixed, I studied the contents intently.
The first contained a rich dark earth, in which a tiny white flower grew, blossomed, withered, and died in the space of thirty seconds. Over, and over, and over.
The second held a violent tempest of swirling grey clouds, twisting and churning, constantly in motion.
The third enclosed a small swirling sea, from which water evaporated then rained gently down the insides of the glass, back into the tiny frothy ocean.
At the sight of the fourth vial, bile rose in the back of my throat. It housed a firestorm, burning white and cracking with violent intensity. Watching the flames twist and strike, I knew I recognized them.
Tearing my gaze away, I eyed the final vial. They’re all elements obviously, but what’s the fifth? Love? Friendship? That’s what it’d be in the movies. My sight met with another contents entirely. Trapped within the vial bubbled a dark, thick liquid, which trembled rhythmically. Like a heartbeat. I shivered.
“They are beautiful, are they not?” The headmistress’s voice filled the space behind me.
I nearly jumped out of my skin as I turned to see her standing calmly, her hands clasped in front of her. Headmistress Midwood struck me as a priestly person, as if she prided herself on remaining calm and serene. Her cropped white hair, lengthy beaded necklace, and long skirt even gave her a monkish appearance.
Midwood didn’t look at me, instead she continued to gaze at the vials– a small smile on her face.
“What are they, exactly?” I rubbed my arms, trying to smooth out my goose-bumps.
Midwood moved to my side, her velvet shoes making no sound.
“These were gifts, given to me a very long time ago,” she said.
I glanced sideways at the headmistress, this didn’t answer my question. Midwood finally turned her brown eyes to meet mine.
“Each glass vial harbours a living representation of the elements, specifically, the ones from which magic may be drawn.”
Awesome– that’s exactly what I thought. I looked back to the glass capsules as a memory slowly surfaced.
“You said in the hospital, you’re an elemental mage?” I asked, peering into the tiny storm.
“Yes my dear, you remember correctly.” Midwood smoothed her palms on the folds of her skirt.
“
Does that mean you draw magic from all the elements?” There’s so much to learn, it’s exciting and terrifying.
To my delight, Midwood took a step forward– dragging her fingertips lightly across each vial as if she was stroking the cords of a harp. The five pieces of glass hummed loudly, each note distinctly different, yet all complimentary. So… beautiful. My eyes fluttered shut for a moment.
“In a way, yes. I draw a little magic from each,” Midwood placed her hand over her heart,“You could say I speak the language of the elements.”
“Do most people draw magic from all the elements?” I leaned in closer to the glass enclosures.
Midwood half smiled, and looked out the window.
“Most magic-kinds are only able to draw on a small amount of power from a single element.” She gestured to the vials. “It is rare that someone like me is born who can draw a small amount from all.” Midwood looked me straight in the eye. “And it is rarer still that a person is born who can draw the full power of an element.” She turned her eyes back to the door. “No one alive today can draw full or even moderate power from the elements.” Shrugging, she said, “you must think of yourself as a glass– you can only pour so much in.”
“Which element is the most powerful?” I asked.
Midwood’s eyes fixed on one vial in particular. Years of measuring the volatile temperaments of my foster family had helped me learn to sense a person’s emotions. Now, my senses now picked up on a new feeling coming from the Headmistress. Fear?
“Our universe was born from fire, and by fire– all things must end.” Midwood spoke as if reciting something she had memorized. The words sounded heavy, like they represented more than just a simple answer to my question. My body shuddered, but my mind welcomed the words. Involuntarily, my eyes flicked to the bright, burning vial on the door.
“Anway,” Midwood spoke, “shall we go inside?”
I found the headmistress’s office surprisingly simple.What did I expect, a cauldron bubbling away next to an assortment of potions? A scuffed, intricately carved desk stood at the far side of the room– silhouetted by the daylight filtering through a giant window. Turning, I inspected the dusty books which hid the walls. Tucked into overstuffed shelves, some overflowed onto the floor– stacking up well above head height. Each tome glittered in a different color, ranging from brilliant blues to muted purples. It’s like I’m standing in a tropical rainforest, made up completely by books.
Midwood strode to the grand window and sighed as she looked down onto the brilliant azure lake.
“It’s such a quiet day,” she whispered.
I crossed the room and planted myself in the chair across from the large carved desk, taking notice of its clawed feet. I sat silently, eying the back of Midwood’s head. I’m here for answers, not small talk.
Turning, a smile flitted across her face before dying away. “Let’s get started.”
Midwood sat and looked me directly in the eye. I like that about her. She seems unphased by the color of my eyes. When I think about it, no one I’ve passed her has stared at me. I smiled inwardly. I suppose a unique form of albinism is low on the scale of oddities in this establishment. Midwood came away from the light of the window, and sat across from me, the red sea of her desk between us.
Midwood took a deep breath, “There is so much you don’t know about our whole world, let alone your own self. I fear that this may become overwhelming.” She paused. “Tell me, are you aware of the existence of vampires?”
I half smiled. If someone had asked me that question a day ago I would have rolled my eyes and kept walking. “My roommate Rowan introduced me to my first one last night.” I answered.
“Your roommate?” Midwood narrowed her eyes.
I nodded. How did she not know about Rowan?
“Yeah, Doctor Farsky asked her to move in with me,” I answered. Although I don’t think he asked her, I’m pretty sure he pretty much kidnapped her.
Midwood’s gaze darted away. “I’m sure he had his reasons. Rowan is fiercely loyal and genuine, she would make a good friend.” She forced a wide smile. “Are you two getting along?”
I nodded my head. So, Farsky holds some sort of sway here– even over Midwood. I briefly recounted what I’d learned so far, mainly that vampires are the ruling creatures of the magical world. Still feels like a dream.
“All that Rowan has told you is correct.” Midwood sighed. “However our system of government has not always been that way.” Midwood stood and walked to one of the many shelves of books, wrapping her hand around a spine which was bound in a shimmering silver-blue leather. Laying it on the desk in front of us, Midwood opened the yellowed pages to reveal colorful drawings which depicted battle, bloodshed, and…
“Dragons,” Midwood spoke. “Thousands of years ago, these beings ruled all humans, magic-kinds, and supernaturals alike.”
I studied the pages as her voice seemed to fade into the background. The inked paper depicted a family of the creatures, all different colors, shapes, and sizes. I was unnerved by my complete lack of surprise– unlike magic, vampires, and werewolves, it was like my mind had already accepted the truth. Dragons are real.
“Supreme magical beings, with a nearly limitless lifespan– feared by all. The clan in its prime was made up of two thousand members.” Midwood ran her fingertips down the page.
I glanced up to look at the headmistress. What does this have to do with me, and why do I get a feeling I don’t want to know.
“A large sect of vampires were jealous.” She opened the book to a representation of a man in a hood, his chest decorated in strange red symbols. “As immortals themselves with plenty of time to think on such things, they believed themselves better suited to rule.”
I studied the image, and a feeling of dread crept over me.
“However these vampires where no match for the dragons, who were fire magic made flesh.”
Where are these dragons now, then? I narrowed my eyes.
Midwood looked up as if she had heard my silent question. “Just over a thousand years ago, the rebelling vampires found an ally in one of the youngest dragons.” Midwood turned the page, revealing a red, scaled face. Even on the page, the dragon’s eyes burned.
“Dragons could only be slain by a blade forged in dracendium– that’s dragon fire in the plain tongue.” Midwood frowned. “Blind with a lust for power, Syrine made a deal with the leader of the vampires. She forged him such a weapon, and in exchange, made a deal to rule at his side.”
I won’t admit to being familiar with dragon politics, but the idea of any child betraying their family makes my heart feel sick.
“And so the Dracendium Blade was created.” Midwood turned the page to show a long, needle like dagger. “With this, the vampires were able to temporarily imbue the swords of their armies with the power, and in a single night– managed to wipe away all dragons from our world.” Midwood paused for a breath. “That is where our knowledge ends, and myth begins.” She folded her hands. “Some groups believed that a handful of dragons had managed to survive, and in a final effort to save their kind, used their powerful magic to shift into human forms. Erasing their memories, they rendered themselves impossible to find.”
“Wouldn’t the vampires have noticed after a time that there were non-vampire immortals getting around?” I shook my head in disbelief.
Midwood smiled warmly, leaning forward. “The dragons were clever, the myth implies that they preserved their immortality through reincarnation. In this way they lived seemingly normal human lives, their dragon halves and memories dormant and hidden, but reborn every generation.” Leaning back in her seat, Midwood crossed her arms and gazed out the window. “Powerful magic– the likes of which we’ll never be able to recreate.”
I bit my tongue until I tasted blood. Dragon-humans? Reincarnation? My mind trembled under the weight of all of this information.
“This legend caused much pain before our more modern times,” Midwood spoke, still lo
oking out into the sky, “the vampires, in control of the blade, slaughtered any human family they believed could possibly be their hidden enemy.”
That’s disgusting. A pang of nausea flashed through my gut. Were all vampires like that? And all because of some legend– not even facts.
Midwood turned back to me, her gaze on the floor. “It’s believed that Syrine was so overcome with guilt that she took the blade into her own heart-fire, destroying it and herself.”
“What does this all have to do with me?” I asked. Just breathe, Nyminia.
Midwood’s eyes flicked up to my face, the corners of her mouth turned down and her brows knit. “My dear, you see, this is all legend. Simple stories to scare children with the idea that dragons could still lurk in the shadows–” She drew in a deep breath. “–age-old beings waiting to return, and carry us back to ancient times.”
I studied her face. Where are you going with this? She let the silence stretch out for a heavy moment before finally shattering it. “We had no reason to believe this legend was true, until we found you.”
CHAPTER 5
THE TRUE SACRIFICE
“What?” I asked, my eyes dry from the lack of blinking.
Midwood rolled her shoulders. “You see Nyminia, the legend states that the dragons lived on. Trapped inside their human forms until the day the True Sacrifice could be offered to break the spell.” She met my stare.
There was no mistaking the look on her face, pity. “The True Sacrifice is said to be a person who was created by the dragons themselves. The bloodline of the sacrifice passing down through generations, like the dragon’s reincarnation.” Midwood reached forward and flipped the yellowed pages to a section towards the end.
Of Flesh and Fire - Book I: Everything Will Burn Page 4
