by Eden Redd
The room flooded with darkness. Trystan could hear Nia undressing. Concern crept into the mage. Nia never turned off the lights when they were together. The mage continued to undress but mentally prepared himself if she simply wanted to cuddle.
Nia was fully undressed when she pulled the eye patch off. Trystan could see her white eye glow in the darkness. He was about to say something and then thought better of it. Even in the dark, Nia seemed to notice.
“I know it glows. I saw it in the mirror last night.” Nia said in a low sad voice.
Silently, both mages slipped into bed. Hands moved to each other but Trystan noticed Nia’s movements were a bit stiff. As if she could detect what Trystan was feeling, the fire mage launched herself on Trystan, eager to please. Trystan felt their love making was odd. The glowing white eye looking at Trystan in the sea of darkness. Nia closed her eyes at one point and kept them shut as their bodies joined. When it was over, each mage said nothing as they laid down and fell asleep with their backs to each other. Trystan could feel the insecure doubt loom over Nia but he didn’t press as he fell into a fitful sleep.
Four
The march of time pressed on. The Elemental College reopened a few weeks after the giant slime attack. Classes resumed and most students were happy to get back to learning. The city seemed to have some resemblance of its former glory. Much of the rubble was cleared away night after night by the undead.
The news feeds were filled with footage of the attacks. Incredibly, there were only a small amount of casualties. The Lord Mayor thanked the gallant efforts of the college to help fight and defeat the slime menace. Some were not so kind. The feeds were filled with people who believe this came about due to letting monsters attend the college. People took sides, some calling for all monsters to leave the city and others defending their right to learn. The Headmaster and Headmistress were quick to inform students they should watch and defend their fellow para-human classmates. The student body had their views, and more than a few vocalized their displeasure toward para-humans.
Trystan was shocked when he found out Aznara had gotten into a number of altercations. A few students walked around with black eyes when Aznara was done with them. Sunara spent a lot of time at the penthouse, attending classes and her dorm room, and little elsewhere. The blue haired succubus went out of her way to avoid trouble. Despite being careful, her dorm room door was vandalized with the words “Monster Freak” spray painted on it. After that point, she spent most nights at the penthouse, either on the couch or in Nia’s bed.
Spring melted into the very beginning of summer. Classes ended for summer break and the entire college breathed a sigh of relief. Trystan was excited that he completed his first year of college. Reeko threw a big party and many showed up for support and many more for the free drinks. The magistrates showed up a number of times to inform Reeko of noise complaints. The goblin smiled and took it as a badge of honor that his party was such a success, that the law had to get involved.
During their time together, Trystan could feel a distance between himself and Nia. Aside from that one night when she first came home, Nia slept in her room. The mage tried to be understanding but she kept him at arm’s length. With Nia keeping her distance, the mage found himself spending more time with Gwen. The ink witch and mage felt a flowing romance as they met for dates. Guilt would sometimes stab at Trystan’s heart as he thought of Nia. He often pushed it away and tried to not think about it.
The mage tried to spend time with Kira and Sylk together. The three of them often went for walks and the two familiars would find something to fight about. With college over, the mage tried to help them get along better. Trystan found it harder and harder but there were a few bright spots where they were civil and polite. The mage wished there were more moments like that.
Two weeks after the end of classes, Trystan found himself sitting across from Gwen at a romantic dinner. The mage had to save up some coin and was happy to take the witch out to an expensive restaurant.
“How is Kira?” Gwen asked before taking a sip of white wine.
“It’s going slow. Sylk and her fight most of the time.” Trystan said.
“And Nia?” Gwen said as she put her glass down.
Trystan’s brow creased. “I wouldn’t know. We barely talk anymore.”
Gwen looked to the mage. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to touch a sore spot.”
“It’s fine. I think she is still having difficulty adjusting.” Trystan said flatly.
“Trystan, I have enjoyed our time together but if you feel you need to be with her…..” Trystan cut her off.
“No, I don’t. If I try to push into her space, then she will resent me. She needs time to come to grips with her new life. Nia was understanding when I left Freya. She gave me space to sort out my feelings. I am doing the same for her.”
Gwen was quite. Trystan looked to the witch and his brow softened. Reaching over, he took her hands into his.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off harsh. With classes over, I had more time to think about things.”
Gwen smiled gently. “What has been on your mind?”
Trystan continued to hold her hands. “Too many things. I miss Bella. I’m worried about Nia. Aznara and Sunara are still being harassed. I think Reeko has been stressed because he is drinking every night……”
Trystan was quiet for a long moment before continuing. “……I keep thinking about Damon Wick and what he set in motion.”
Gwen’s eyes turned to the table. “I have been thinking about him too. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him.”
“You told me once that he simply came home one day and was changed. What could have happened to him that would change him so suddenly?”
“I wish I knew. He became a different man. He was obsessed with familiars and growing his mana pool. He babbled sometimes about long dead secrets. When I tried to understand, he pushed me away, saying I could never understand.”
“When you helped me recover my memories, Damon mentioned the Libro Nocte. Could that have changed him?”
Gwen took another sip of wine before speaking. “I don’t know. There are so many legends around the that particular black book, who knows what really happened. I tried to do my own research but it was too painful for me. The man I knew is gone and I let him go years ago.”
Trystan could see the sadness sink into Gwen’s shoulders. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get you upset.”
“It seems we both had a lot of things happen in our pasts.” Gwen said with a half-smile.
Trystan squeezed Gwen’s hands. “I’m happy being here with you.”
Gwen squeezed back. “I am too. Let’s enjoy our meal and talk about happier times.”
Trystan nodded just as their food was served.
***
Trystan lay with his eyes wide open. Gwen lay close, her hand on his chest and sleeping deeply. The mage was having a difficult time falling asleep. Even after lovemaking, the mage’s mind would not stop going. Thoughts and memories cycled through his mind over and over. Images of his past kept rising up and crashing down, suffocating any chance of peacefully drifting off.
Shadows moved in the darken bedroom. Gwen’s apartment over the shop normally felt homey but tonight, Trystan wondered if Freya was peeking in on him from the shadows. It was enough to make him paranoid and sleep moved further and further away.
The mage wondered what was in store for his next year in college. Would he even make it through and graduate? Will Damon make another attempt to destroy Stukarr and the college together? Will his friends leave because of the terrible attack on the city? Is Bella okay and did she make it home to her people? On and on Trystan thought about all the things he had little or no control. An image of Nia’s face floated in the mage’s mind. Had she stopped loving him? Did she feel it was a mistake to take the mana bolt meant for him? Does her scar and eye remind her of some terrible mistake?
Trystan turned over, Gwen’s
hand slipping from his chest. The young mage stared at shadows as they moved along the wall. Trystan knew it was from a slight breeze from the open window. The curtain moved, letting the light from the street cast morphing shadows against the wall. Trystan stared and stared, taking small breaths and clearing his mind. A warmth opened in his mind and it cascaded over his weary and stressed spirit. The warmth grew and Trystan found it easier and easier to relax. Eyes fluttering, they slowly closed and the mage was finally able to fall into a deep sleep.
Eyes opening, Trystan took in his surroundings. A bright and shimmering forest stretched out in all directions around him. Looking down, he could see he was in a small clearing. A table and two chairs stood a few feet from him. The air felt fresh and inviting. Looking up, the sky was a warm yellow. Sunlight cast its life giving light on the mage’s face. Warm energy snaked along his body and the mage felt at peace.
From the edge of the tree line, a robed figure stepped out and walked toward the mage. Trystan eyed the figure, gentle peace turning into foreboding. When the figure was on the other side of the table, hands reached up and pulled the hood back.
Trystan took a step back as his eyes widened. Damon Wick smiled as he stood. The renegade mage put his hands up and kept a warm smile on his lips.
“So that we are clear, yes, I am here speaking to you.” Damon smiled.
Trystan was silent and took another step backwards.
“Do you remember those words I spoke to you while you lay on the stone slab? It was a spell so we could meet again without any prying eyes. I knew we would have to speak again so I put it in place. Do you want tea or wine?”
“What?” Trystan wasn’t sure he heard him right.
Damon moved his hand over the table. A bottle of wine appeared with two glasses. Alongside it a steaming kettle appeared with two tea cups on saucers. Damon pulled out a seat and sat down, his hands moving to the tea kettle.
“I prefer tea myself. I understand this whole experience may be troubling so maybe the wine will help you relax. Please have a seat.” Damon pointed his hand to the empty chair.
Trystan’s brow formed a sharp V. “Why am I here? What do you want?”
Damon picked up a saucer with a tea cup on it. He took hold of the cup and extended a pinky. “We are in your head, your dreams to be precise. I want us to sit down and talk. No funny business. Just two mages having a conversation.”
“Do I have a choice?”
Damon smirked. “We always have a choice. But if you prefer to stand, that is fine. The tea is very good. You are missing out.”
Trystan started to feel awkward. Damon closed his eyes and sipped his tea. He behaved like he had all the time in the world. Against Trystan’s better judgment, he walked over to the empty chair and stiffly sat down.
Damon opened his eyes slightly and smiled. “See, no funny business. Isn’t this much more comfortable?”
“It feels weird to be talking to a mage who tried to destroy a whole city.” Trystan said with clenched fists.
“I doubt anything I say will relieve you of that notion.”
“Your right.” Trystan said coldly.
“Good. You have no reason to trust me and that mistrust will help keep your mind sharp.” Damon took another sip of tea.
Trystan looked to the bottle of wine. He prepared a spell incase the mage across from him tried anything.
Damon looked from Trystan to the bottle of wine. “Spells will not work here in this dream. It is a safe place for us to talk about a few things.”
“Why…..why did you try to destroy Stukarr? Why was Bella split into three parts? Why imprison her to collect mana? Why have me get the ritual from the Libro Nocte? Why me?” Trystan glared.
Damon put down the saucer and cup. “All valid questions. Can I start with a story?”
Trystan was silent.
Damon continued. “The story begins with a naïve mage. He had a head filled with romantic notions of good and righteousness. He met a beautiful young ink witch and they fell madly in love. Before this simple mage left for college, he married the beautiful witch. He pledged his heart to her and promised to visit any chance he could between his studies. Even with the distance between them, they were very happy. Each visit was a storm of passion and love.”
Trystan leaned back in his chair.
Damon eyed him and continued. “Years passed and the young mage was mid-way through his college years. He learned from the best. Taking their knowledge and using it to its full advantage. He was gifted in a way they hadn’t seen in a long time. It helped the mage become popular and he had many friends.
“Then on a chilly winter afternoon, the young mage was given a trial. He and a few other mages were to investigate a deserted town several miles from Stukarr. There were whispers of monsters trying to make it a home. The college would not stand for it. Headmaster Gloomis personally gave the trial to this young mage. They were to investigate and remove any monster infestation. The young mage was more than happy to complete such a task for the greater glory of the college and Stukarr city.
“The mage and his fellow students set off on horseback to find these evil monsters and force them from the territory. They arrived at the deserted town late in the evening. Nothing stirred except for a small firelight from the broken down keep. We moved through the growing darkness, spells ready to vanquish this evil on our lands. It didn’t take long for us to make our way in and reach the decaying door deep in the main keep tower. I took hold of the rusty door handle while three male students and one female student readied to storm the room.”
Trystan kept his eyes riveted to Damon as he took a sip of tea and placed the cup back down on its saucer.
Damon let out a gruff chuckle. “How strange things are, built up in your mind. The mage was scared but ready to do his duty to stop the evil monster menace. When they crashed through, spells charged and at the ready, they all stared in shock at what was before them. A simple fire burned and a very frightened succubus cringed against the wall. She had blonde hair and looked to be warming herself at the little fire before they barged in. The mage knew the moment he saw her she was no threat. He let his spells fizzle and put down his hands.”
The corner of Damon’s mouth crinkled as if he tasted something bad. “His fellow students were not so understanding. They launched themselves on to the demon, spells striking her and holding her in place. The mage turned to them and told them to stop. They ignored him as they surrounded the lone demon. Soon the questions rose on what they should do with her. The mage could sense the dark thoughts in their minds. He could feel a horror creep over him as they made lewd suggestions. The racist and prejudice hate started to flow. The female mage talked about her town being attacked by demons when she was young. One of the male mages spoke of a terrible night one of his uncles disappeared from a succubus brothel. Another male spoke of tales he heard where demons would rape and eat travelers on the roads. The last mage said they should carry out their duty and show this monster a lesson.”
Damon was silent for a moment. “The young mage tried to stop them. The succubus was no threat to any of them. The mage tried to convince them to stop but the room filled with hateful desire. Terrible shouting commenced as they informed the mage if he wasn’t with them then he was against them. Two took hold of the of the succubus while another began to pull off her rags. The demoness couldn’t help herself and her instinct took over. She presented herself to their hateful lusts with a mad gleam in her eye. The young mage watched for a long terrible moment as several mages took out their hatred on a lone demon who earlier was trying to warm herself by a fire.”
Damon cleared his throat. “The young mage prepared a spell to stop them. One of them noticed and cast their spell first. The young mage was thrown from the room, striking his head against a stone wall. Touching his head as he moaned, his hand came away with blood. They slammed the door and cast a holding spell on it. The succubus cried out in pleasure as the sounds of forced fornication ec
hoed through the empty keep.”
Damon’s eyes had a faraway look about them. “The young mage walked the halls, bleeding and dazed, his world crumbling around him. The mage walked into an old library with shelves of rotting books. He was about to turn around when the binding of a book seemed to catch his attention. Without thinking, the mage moved like a zombie to it. He reached up and pulled the book from the shelf. Opening it, the book whispered deep into his mind.”
Damon reached down for his tea cup and brought it to his lips. He took a sip and held the cup inches from his mouth. “Terrible truths shined their dark light on the young man. For the first time everything made sense. Holding the book, the mage turned and made his way back to the room where his fellow students punished a demon. The book continued its whispers. The mage felt his mana burn dark. The holding spell was blasted away and the young mage stepped in.”
Damon put the tea cup down and stared at Trystan. “They had her on all fours. The men had taken turns from behind while the woman held the succubus’s horns, the demon’s mouth to her sex. The young mage could feel their hateful madness rooted into their souls. The mage unleashed lightning bolt after lightning bolt. A head cracked open. A chest exploded. A neck was severed and a scream silenced with a bolt blasting through an open mouth.”
Trystan twisted uncomfortably in his seat.
Damon continued with a small smile. “The mage stayed with the succubus for a few days. He tended to her bruised body and ensured she was well. He burned the bodies of his fellow students. He gave the demoness a horse and supplies and sent her on her way. The mage rode back to Stukarr while holding onto this black book and reading its secrets. When he arrived, he told the Headmaster how they were ambushed and he was the only one to survive. The young mage was thanked for his heroism. The names of all four fellow mages were written into the stone memorial, heroes for serving the great Elemental College.”
“What happened to the book?” Trystan asked simply.
