“Right now they are just regular daggers, but I will make them magical when the time comes. First you need to learn how to use them, though.” Nathan took the two weapons away from her, handing her two plain wooden blades instead. “For now you will be using these.”
Sharon took one last look at the sleek black daggers. “They are beautiful. Thank you for making them.”
Sharon then studied the wooden practice weapons Nathan had given her. The blades were lightweight, dull, and had a rounded tip. They were much a much safer way of learning to fight without cutting one’s self or their teacher.
Nathan directed Sharon across the room to one of the practice dummies. “Let’s see what you can do right now. Stand in front of the dummy like you were going to attack it, then stab at its heart then pull back and swipe across its chest,” Nathan instructed her.
Sharon stepped up so she was only a few feet away from the practice dummy, a wooden replica of a man’s upper body that had been covered with layers of canvas. She shifted her weight, moving her left foot forward. She held the knife by her hip, leaned down transferring her weight to the balls of her feet then swiftly took a lunging step forward, the practice knife sliced through the air, the tip of the blade pushed into the thick canvas before she violently pulled back and pivoted, running the blade along the chest of the dummy. After completing the maneuver she stood up straight and looked at Nathan.
Nathan was surprised. “Have you done any training with a blade before?” he asked.
“No,” she replied. “Did I do it totally wrong?”
“Actually, that was rather well done. I’m impressed. Come stand in front of the dummy again, I will show you a couple things to do differently.”
Sharon smiled, the wooden dagger felt natural in her hand. She stood in front of the dummy again.
“First, bring your left foot just a little bit further ahead, and take a slightly wider stance. You want to be able to move easily from side to side, yet give yourself enough of a stride that you can strike at a distance. Now lower yourself a little more, keep the weight on the balls of your feet like before. It is almost like dancing, think of a quick song, smooth steps so you’re your weight is always underneath you.”
Sharon took up the position as Nathan explained it, she could feel the difference. She rocked back and forth, moving her weight from side to side.
While she danced back and forth, exploring the steps Nathan kept talking. “Daggers are an easy weapon to learn. Most of the training is footwork, which so far you seem pretty good at. With a larger sword you are more concerned with balance and transferring power into your swing, with daggers it’s all about speed and location. You stab and slice exposed weaknesses. If your opponent is standing back, you block and counter to try hit wrists or thighs; if they get too close, then you can attack the body. If they are wearing body armor, you stab and jab the sides where the armor meets, or go for the neck and face. When you can, you will move your body out of the way of attacks instead of using your weapons to block. Practice moving around and stabbing at the face, heart, and sides. Use both hands, don’t rely on your dominate hand all the time.”
Sharon kept dancing side to side, back and forth. She would take a quick stab at the dummy any time she was close but then quickly bounced back.
Nathan was really impressed. He had known Sharon was athletic and in excellent shape from working in the woods, picking elderberries her whole life, but he had not suspected that it would translate into fighting technique so easily. She was better on her first day of training than he had been, especially her footwork. As Sharon bounced around, she started to build up a good sweat and her breathing became heavier. When her movements started to get sloppy Nathan stopped her. “Okay, now this is important. Controlling your breathing when you are fighting is crucial. You need to make sure you are breathing properly so that you don’t exhaust yourself too quickly. By taking deeper breathes you increase the amount of oxygen that gets into your lungs. As your body starts working harder, it really needs that oxygen. If you don’t breathe properly you get slower and weaker fast. Practice taking deeper breathes every day, especially when you are working on your footwork. You are doing really awesome, you are better than I was on my first day.”
Sharon gave a bright smile, the physical excursion and ease with which she was absorbing her lessons had her in a good mood. One of the best she been in in a while. “Thank you, Nathan.”
After finishing her lessons with Nathan, Sharon decided to wander around the house, she still had not explored the entire building. She went downstairs to grab an apple out of the pantry and began her explorations on the bottom floor. She was surprised to see that one of the doors down the left corridor was open. Normally those doors were kept shut. Peeking inside she saw Quinton at an easel, sketching out a drawing. She watched him work. While around her he seemed quiet and shy, he seemed much more in his element here. He was focused on his work, concentrating on his work so hard that he had not noticed her at the door. Watching him she noticed the dexterity in his hands. He drew quickly and accurately. Now that he wasn’t blushing and lowering his head, she was able to notice his fine features and bright blue eyes. He’s pretty cute, she decided. It was too bad he was so damn shy, she thought to herself as she watched him work.
“What you drawing?” she said.
Quinton almost jumped out of his skin at the sound of her voice. He turned to the door, saw who it was and smiled. “You scared the heck out of me, how long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough.” She walked into the room and stood beside him, looking at the drawing he was working on. “You haven’t answered me yet.”
Quinton looked at her before returning his focus to his work “It’s the background for a painting. It’s the going to be the castle gardens at night time.”
Sharon thought back to the night they had stayed in the castle, looking at the drawing she remembered most of the picture. “Oh, that is going to be nice. But I thought your painting were all magical, don’t you just wave a wand and the picture appears?”
Quinton shook his head and gave a hearty chuckle. “No, I wish it was that simple. Illusion magic is tricky. Making something that can be seen permanently requires having a picture or object to start from. Once I have the background for this painting done, I will draw it out again three or four times. Each time I will make the picture slightly different. For example, the painting in the front room with the trees that change color like the seasons, that one I made six different paintings of then used my magic to blend them into one constant movement. How difficult a painting is to make magical depends on how much movement or changes a painting has. The painting of the ship going through the water was one of my first ones, I only had to draw that one three different ways to make it work.” Quinton enthusiastically tried to explain his art to her.
Sharon was impressed; Quinton was so different when talking about his art, confident, not shy at all. She might have to change her opinion on the boy. “But how do multiple paintings make one magic one? There is only one painting on the walls,” she asked, still confused by how he made the paintings.
“Illusions are… well they are sort of like a veil of magical power. You don’t see just the painting; you see how I see the painting. So when I imagine the group of paintings together I can see the scene in my mind. What you are seeing on the wall is what I picture in my mind, not the painting on the wall.”
Quinton paused for breath before continuing. “The painting of Aunt Avera, where she is dancing and the dresses change color, was done the day after a royal ball. I only had to paint the different colors of the dress and the background, the rest of the picture I could do from my memories.”
Sharon thought about this, she didn’t totally understand how magic worked but this was the best explanation of magic power she had heard yet. “Does Nathan’s magic work the same way yours does?”
Quinton shook his head, “No, not really. I mean sure he has to visuali
ze what he wants to accomplish and he could probably learn to do the same illusions. But he is much different. His magical energy is much stronger than mine. Actually, from what I have heard, his is probably the strongest mage in Balta. He is a capable of things I could never do.”
Sharon frowned, “How does that work?”
Quinton looked around the room trying to think of a good analogy he could make to explain. “Well it’s complicated, but one part of it could be described like this.” Quinton walked to a bookshelf in the corner, bringing a book back to the table. “This is an art book about color blending and making paints. When I first learned to read there is no way I could read it, the words inside were too complicated, it took a few years to learn all the words I needed before I could read it. If Nathan were learning to read it, he would look at it and the words would make sense right away. The words would talk to him. So, without even trying, he can learn things that take me years of study to learn. But that is only part of it, his magic is strongest tied with the earth. So rocks, jewels, the ground itself are tied to him. He had enough magic energy to do magic without them but with them he is much stronger.” Quinton paused. “It’s actually pretty cool, because can make others magic stronger as well, we have already planned a few projects together that are going to be pretty neat when we are done.”
Sharon absorbed his explanation. “So your skill and imagination can draw on his connection with the earth?”
Quinton smiled brightly. “Exactly.”
Chapter sixteen
THE PALACE OF MERON was as opulent as the city was dingy. The city’s squalor stood in stark contrast to the extravagant wealth on display. Everet admired the emerald slate floors, the large marble columns, and decorative artwork that dominated the main entrance. As the servant inspected his invitation, Everet studied his surroundings. Once the servant was satisfied that his invitation was in order, another servant led Everet from the large entrance into the even larger hall where the majority of the king’s guests were congregating.
Musicians filled the cavernous space with beautiful background melodies that mingled with the murmurs of the crowd. While Everet waited for Bryant to find him, he walked around the large room, admiring the many marble statues that decorated the hall. While Everet was studying a statue of a king raising his sword in a victory, a fellow guest addressed him. “That statue is of King Gregor the Second. King Gregor was the great-grandfather to King Ganus,” spoke the stranger.
Everet turned and took in his new acquaintance’s appearance. An older gentleman dressed in a simple white tunic with gold trim, the man was not adorned in fine jewelry like many of the other guests. “And what is King Gregor the Second celebrating?” said Everet.
“This statue of the great king depicts him conquering the plains tribes to the south of here. A rebellion of the slave tribes that was successfully squashed.” The stranger’s voice was neutral, hiding his opinion on the virtue of the king’s success. “My name is Plavan; I do not believe I have seen you at one of these functions before.”
“That is because I have never attended one before. My name is Everet Bell; I am a business acquaintance of Bryant Bingham. This is my first trip to Meron.”
Plavan gave a small formal bow. “Well met, Everet Bell. How are you finding your trip to the grand capital city?”
Everet was cautious, but also intrigued. Plavan’s neutral tone when describing the king’s statue was noteworthy. Any noble without blind allegiance to the king was a potential ally. Everet would tread very carefully with this man. “This palace is a wonder, very different from the rest of Meron.”
Plavan gave a small weary halfhearted smile. “Yes, the palace of Meron is definitely one of the wonders of the world, its riches are breathtaking. Mostly built on the backs of slaves, but if that is what the gods wish, who are we mortals to argue.”
Interesting thought Everet, Plavan’s body language and tone of voice certainly held notes of disapproval about the way things were done in Meron. As Everet pondered his reply, they were interrupted by the arrival of Bryant.
“Everet, I see you are meeting new people. Plavan, good to see you again. How are things in the south?”
“The sun shines, the clouds bring rain, and the south brings crops for the capital. All is as it always is Lord Bingham,” replied Plavan.
“The capital is always grateful for the bounty provided by its sub regions. Plavan, do you mind greatly if I borrow Everet for a moment?”
“Everet it was a pleasure discussing the virtues of the great King Gregor the Second with you. Perhaps we shall meet again,” said Plavan.
Everet noted how Plavan’s description of the marble statue changed to a more admiring tone when another guest was standing with him. “Yes, it was a pleasure learning a little about the great city of Meron. Perhaps you can teach me more, one day.”
Plavan’s eyebrow rose slightly as he studied Everet. “Yes, perhaps that could happen.”
As Everet and Bryant walked away from Plavan, Bryant spoke. “I would not have pulled you away from Plavan but Lady Severa is here with Connard, and he has had a few drinks already. I thought it best if he was reminded of his role before he is too stupefied to fulfill it.”
Everet could see the wisdom in Bryant’s suggestion. The smallest things could ruin the most brilliant plot; a drunken noble had better not be his downfall, he thought to himself as they walked. When Everet noticed Lady Severa he almost tripped, so distracted that he had almost forgotten how to walk. Wearing a deep red formal gown, she fit right in among the other ladies attending the ball. Her beauty was magnified by the dress, and by way she had her beautiful blonde hair done up into a bun with bangs accentuating her classic facial features. Everet had always found the woman attractive, but tonight she was exceptionally alluring. Pretending to be interested in her would be the easiest acting he had ever done.
Once his eyes finally left Lady Severa, Everet notice Connard Bingham. The deceitful and devious young lord indeed had a glass of wine that was disappearing quite rapidly. Everet put on his best friendly, yet dangerous smile and addressed the man. “Connard Bingham, so good to see you again.”
Connard’s eyes grew big as he recognized Everet. The fear momentarily paralyzed him, then he remember Bryant’s words that if he played his part, introduce him to Lady Severa, and then forgot about the whole ordeal, that his chances of living would increase substantially. Connard forced a small smile. “Ah Everet Bell, always a pleasure. Have you met Lady Severa yet?”
“Yes, actually I have. I was having lunch with your cousin the other day when we were introduced.” Everet turned to Severa. “Lady Severa, it’s a pleasure to see you again. May I say you look absolutely ravishing tonight. “
Severa gave a small curtsy and replied. “Good evening, Everet. I was hoping you might attend the ball tonight. Besides Connard and Bryant, I have very few dance partners available to me. I do hope you will save me a dance or two.”
Before Everet could reply, Connard burst back into the conversation. “Actually I am afraid I will not be able to dance with you this evening Lady Severa, I am starting to feel a little ill. Perhaps I drank my wine a tad too quickly tonight. I am afraid I will be retiring shortly.”
Everet was impressed, Connard had managed to both fulfill his duty to make an introduction, while still leaving early in manner that wouldn’t cause comment. It seemed that his choice to drink tonight was a well thought out plan. It would not be a good idea to underestimate the cunning of the man, Everet thought to himself before replying. “We shall be sorry to see you leave, Connard, It looks like I may have do double dancing duty to make up for your absence.”
As Connard walked away, Severa gave a small laugh. “I am not sure if was the ale or the thought of dancing that made Connard ill. I shall take you up on your offer Everet, but before we begin dancing, have you had a chance to see the palace gardens yet? They are exceptionally breathtaking and have been completely lit up with lanterns for this evening.”
“This is my first visit to the king’s palace, so no; I have not had an opportunity to view the gardens yet. I will gladly accompany you for a walk.” Everet lifted his arm formally. “Shall we?”
Severa wove her arm into his, “Absolutely, good sir. Come this way.”
As they walked through the hall towards the gardens, several of the guests took note of them. Mostly they were drawn to the beauty of Lady Severa, but several noticed Everet, recognizing him as a foreigner from Solotine and a new face to the palace. One of the many that took note of the couple was the king’s young cousin, Lord Harold, a man with a voracious appetite for female companionship. Of all the young ladies in attendance this evening, Lady Severa was the one he intended to bed that night. Rare was the occasion when the young lord was rejected. Good looks and his stature as a lord were blessings Harold used wisely when wooing women. He gave little thought to the lady’s companion, the foreigner.
The gardens were as beautiful as Severa had promised. Elaborate, intricate cobblestone paths meandered through a maze of exotic flowers and shrubs. The bright, moonlit night needed little help from the lanterns to illuminate the paths. Everet felt surprisingly comfortable walking with the beautiful woman at his side. He had rarely found any woman to be interesting enough to pursue but Severa, with her shady past, quick wit, and stunning beauty was an exception. He was drawn to her like a moth to the lantern’s light along their path. “Tell me Lady Severa, how are you enjoying tonight’s performance.” They were out of hearing range of any other guests and able to speak freely.
Severa smiled at Everet. “It is a lovely fiction, being a lady of nobility, accompanied through a wondrous garden by a dashing and dangerous fellow such as yourself. I shall miss it when we are done with this fable.”
Everet walked silently for a moment before replying. “And if the opportunity to continue this fable were there, would you chose to do so?”
The Missing Mage Page 9
