by P. Tempest
Magelife
By P. Tempest
2nd edition.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Epilogue
Chapter 1
Oh boy not this again, I thought as I was woken up by a small glowing Orb. The same Orb from yesterday’s orientation. It hovered flashing next to a potted fern then a voice came from it.
“Mage, you are summoned to headquarters for assignment.”
The voice was a recording which the commander had dispatched to fetch me. The Orb had barely enough intelligence to do that, but it didn't know that. We mages had been told to treat the summoned or constructed beings with respect.
Orb continued in its own voice, which was rather childlike: “Do you need any help to get there?”
Poor thing, I doubted it could find its way back on its own.
“Sure why don't you ride on my shoulder, you can give me directions from there. Sound good?” I asked.
The Orb just blinked. I pulled myself out of bed and looked around proudly at my far larger room, courtesy of passing my Mage exam.
As part of being a Mage you end up working for the Wizards' Council, that’s where I was being summoned to.
The regional offices.
“Give me two minutes to get dressed.”
I pulled on my Mage uniform: Simple black trousers and shirt. A full length leather overcoat with colour-coded bands at the wrists: green on one wrist, blue on the other for me, and tough leather boots. Nothing I was wearing was enchanted. I had to do that myself, once I got the chance.
“Right I'm ready,” I said with more cheer than I felt.
The Orb floated over to my left shoulder.
And off we went.
Headquarters wasn't too far away. It was one perk of my new Mage apartment, I only had to travel 100 yards. The poor Orb was fading slowly. The boss must have forgotten to feed it.
I picked up the pace. I really feel for the conjured, they have no life of their own, but what we grant them. Even if I wasn't ordered to be nice to them, I would anyway. I remember my first golem as a kid. He’d died because I didn't know how to look after him. It still hurt, but was a valuable lesson now.
I got to the headquarters doors, a large oak double affair, sending my magic ahead of me, the authentication charm detected me, opening the doors.
My boss was sitting at the big desk in reception, staring right at me, red in the face and glaring fiercely.
“Junior Mage Tristan! What time do you call this?”
I mumbled out an incoherent mess of syllables that was supposed to be an excuse.
“No, don't answer, Orb, you get over here, you took too long.”
Orb floated over to my boss, flickering slightly.
“Sorry dad.”
It brightened as it got closer to its ‘father’ absorbing the ambient energy of its creator.
“No! How many times have I told you we are at work? You call me Senior Mage or Sir at work.”
Orb shifted colour from a pale blue to light pink.
“Sorry Sir.”
I felt my anger stir, you don't treat created beings like this. They can't understand at their age and power. I remained silent through great effort and gritted teeth. It was only my second day as a qualified Mage. I didn't want to get on his bad side already.
The boss turned back to me. Looking mollified by the submission of his “child”.
“Junior Mage Tristan as this is your induction week. You are to attempt as many tasks as we can find for you. I have your testing shard here. It says you were top of your class in earth, Is this correct?”
I drifted off slightly as I remembered my earth classes. I missed that he asked a question.
“Is this correct?” He shouted at me.
Wow, where is my head today. I'm not normally this much of a pixie.
“Yes Sir it is. Golem creation and skill implantation are my best earth skills. I’m okay with plants and infused enchantment.”
I was understandably proud, my voice just vibrating with pride.
“I didn't ask for your life story, Junior Mage, a simple yes or no is more than enough for me,” He reprimanded me, before continuing,
“And it says here you have water skills as well?”
“Yes sir,” I answered.
“Well, Mud boy, let’s send you out to help the farmers today.”
I did my best to hold in a groan. Not only was he calling me names, he picked the most boring task ever.
“The farmers west of the town are having an irrigation problem. Do you think you can handle it?”
I hate this man, doesn't he know what I can do. Was all I could think.
“Yes Sir,” I voiced sullenly
My boss just looked at me doubtfully.
“We shall see. Remember this is induction, if you can’t handle it report back to me or send a message, and we shall find you a simpler task.”
He handed me a small rock.
“Dismissed.”
I went, carrying my rock.
To be totally honest I wasn't feeling too great as I left, my second day and the boss was already giving me a hard time. I will show him. Maybe he will give me a better task once he sees what I can do. So I turned my attention to the rock. I used my magic to access the information stored in this innocuous piece of flint. It played like any other recording but this one in my head, guiding me to the mission.
Hmmm would I? Not really but I best had in case the boss checks. I directed the thought
“Really monster attacks? How is that a possible cause?!”
I exclaimed momentarily forgetting to silently say it to the rock. Monsters and magical creatures hadn't been seen in a decade. I got some very funny looks from passers-by. I guess I did look strange.
I was young for a full Mage, just turned twenty, most were in their late twenties by the time they took their tests. Long black hair, tall slim. Even my faintly glowing eyes setting me apart. Not all the looks I received were funny. The ladies loved me. Although the older ones just wanted to fatten me up. I have no idea why.
I approached the farms appropriately named East farms. I could see golems in the fields watering the crops. Large man shaped rocks, I assumed as a temporary measure till water was arranged.
Looking around I didn't see anyone about. Where are they all? As I wandered I thought maybe they are at the irrigation sys
tem. Looking toward the east I saw a bit of movement. As I got closer I could see it was the farmers, standing around a stone plinth. It had to be the irrigation system access point.
“Hello?” I called.
The oldest, had to be in his fifties, just looked at me. I thought, more than a hello may be needed here.
“Hello, I'm Tristan Sodden. I'm your assigned mage for this incident. Can you please tell me what the problem is?” I declared as assertively as I could. The farmer, still not looking very happy with me, just snorted
“You're a full Mage?” The other three farmers behind him sniggered quietly. Now I felt rather insulted.
“Yes I am, just qualified,” I rather stridently stated.
“O boyo we were specting an older one. Didn't know they made them so young,”
He smiled at me with a glint in his eye before saying.
“We just messing with ya, don't take it personal like. Rysan at the office mirrored us saying you would be young, sorry if we upset you.”
“That's quite alright Sir, I understand. So what seems to be the problem?”
I felt much better now, and I now knew my bosses name.
“There ain't no water in the system is there?”
For some odd reason it sounded like he was asking me. I mean, wouldn’t he know? Apparently this was part of my task. I should have listened to the rock.
“I shall investigate Sir” I responded in my most authoritative voice which wasn't that authoritative but I needed the practice.
I sat down on the edge of the plinth, trying to remember my water lessons. I still wasn’t very good, but I passed. Water is supposedly a good second knack if you have earth because they are often found together, they affect each other. Like earth but wetter is all I really got out of that lesson. Not the most helpful. Instead I resorted to my natural knack.
Earth has always felt right to me. I sent my senses into the earth around the well looking for anything that changed. That's odd, the earth and stone had no trace of powered enchantment. Coming back to myself. I looked around at the expectant faces of the farmers, they just looked back, the stares made me forget what I was going to say, so I just blurted out
“The system is empty, like it’s never had water in it!”
The lead farmer looked so disappointed
“Did you not pay attention to your task stone? This is a new system, you are supposed to do the final shaping and enchant it, to summon water, boyo.”
I flushed angrily at being made to look stupid by my boss. Keeping my anger hidden from the farmers I responded
“I’m sorry Sir. My boss didn't say anything about it, and my stone didn't inform me.” The lead farmer softened at that
“Well no harm done, can you do it or should we sent for someone else?”
Proudly I declared, “I can do it.”
The lead farmer seemed to think about it for moment then slowly nodded his head and walking off,
His fellow farmers followed him.
My boss had set me up to fail, intentionally but I would show him that I was better than he expected.
I sat there for a few minutes thinking about what I needed to do. The final shaping needs to go last after the enchanting.
For this device I needed to summon water. Stone isn't normally great for water based stuff, but it would work in a pinch, so I got to work on the stone base of the system. An hour later we were done with the enchantment. Now to move on to the shaping. A nice smooth finish and a bit of strengthening seemed right. Pushing my power out to surround the structure. I had it smooth the edges helping the individual pieces feel part of the whole structure. A feeling of oneness with each other before my eyes I saw imperfections fade and the whole device shift slightly fitting together far better. A faint chill touched me as the device activated, drawing some of the moisture out of the air. Condensation beaded on the surface briefly before being sucked deep into the stone. Then it was done, just in time for lunch.
I bid farewell to the farmers as I was doing that I turned towards the road, back towards the town wondering what I should have for lunch. I passed through the market looking for a good meal when I felt a heat pulse on my chest. Puzzling. I pulled out my pendant, it had warmed. The pendant was a clear green stone set in silver and one of the first things I made with my magic, all my magic. To look at, it was nothing special. But a look with my othersense revealed a knot of magic in the centre. It had appeared during my tests, it seemed stronger than yesterday.
My stomach rumbled distracting me from the bauble around my neck. Food. What do I want? The market had to have a food stall. There were lots of stalls in bright colours displaying all sorts of crafted items, even a few enchantments. Nothing out of the ordinary.
I couldn’t find anything to eat until I came across a tavern, just off the main square. Nice clean lines, clear insect repulsions I stepped inside. The light globes were clear but dim. Going to the bar weaving through the tables, was like a maze, patrons all tucking in to their own lunches. I was starving.
“Excuse me could I order some food please?”
The comely waitress came over to me.
“Of course you can Master Mage. What would you like?” Her smoky voice made me smile.
“Um. Could I have steak and vegetables and a glass of silver juice please?”
“Find a seat. I'll bring it over to you,”
“Thank you,"
I meandered back through the patrons until I found and sat at an empty table and waited, thinking over what had happened today. While lost in my reverie, my lunch arrived
“That will be Three Knacks please,” The waitress said.
“Sorry I was distracted, here you go."
I reached into my coat and pulled out my credit shard, a touch of magic transferring my funds
“Thanks, enjoy your meal.” She sauntered off through the throng of patrons.
My meal, while nothing remarkable, was filling and pleasant. The silver juice hit the spot. I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do with my time. I had finished my task for the day, I could practice my magic but all I really wanted to do was go back to my new quarters and settle in. Having decided, I got up and headed for the door.
As I was wandering back to my quarters slowly taking in the view of the town I realised I’d never really paid it much attention. I noticed how clean and smooth the pavement was, how crisp the edges of the buildings were, even the wind was clean and fresh. The whole town radiated light and openness with such broad streets. My journey to my new home was quiet and brief.
As I walked in to my new apartment, I felt at a loss. I hadn't had this much time to myself for a long time. I sat on my bed taking of my boots.
I should really be doing something. Anything. I survived the waves, have worked so hard to pass my exams, and for what? To deal with an abusive boss and petty problems. I know I'm just a Junior Mage but I'm a prodigy! I'm five years ahead of anyone else my age.
As my thoughts went round in circles. My frustration reached higher, I realised something. This anger and frustration served no purpose. It was only my second day. My first real task and just like that my anger was redirected onto myself for wasting my time with petty thoughts instead of improving myself.
With the anger channelled now I felt renewed. Things were clearer. I must prove myself or I would never be a wizard.
I turned to my potted fern gently stroking the leaves using my earth magic to encourage gentle growth. The feel of the leaves making me feel more at home. Plants had always comforted me. Living in the town had me off balance, around all these people. Just thinking about home, not the academy, brought on a wave of homesickness, that I thought I was long past. I was determined to stay strong, I had my fern and my family were only a mirror away.
Feeling better. I went to the basin in the corner, activating the enchantment imbued in the faucet. They were in every modern building. The basin filled with cool clear water as it reached the three quarters mark the enchantment sense
d it and shut off. Taking the basin over to my chair I concentrated pouring my magic into the water, the surface rippled, I was trying something I never managed in my lessons, scrying. I could get an image to appear but it wasn't what I was looking for, again. Disappointed I used the water to wash up and headed to bed. A sliver of magic turning off the light Hoping tomorrow would bring me the chance to prove myself.
Chapter 2
Waking up was pleasant without Orb flashing at me. Looking out of the window I saw it was still early, the sun just peeking over the horizon, I took my time getting ready. Having a wash, getting dressed. I really needed to get food for the place. The chiller was bare, but that could wait until the end of the day. By the time I was ready the dawn was upon the town.
Walking the short route to the office, I saw a lot activity in the street as people headed out to their own jobs. Street cleaners with their glowing staves, propelling the dirt on the streets ahead of them. Reaching the special containment openings at the base of the fountains. I marvelled at the ingenuity of the wizards. Who had set up the system?
Reaching the office doors I saw they were already open. Inside there were two adults and a young girl maybe eight years of age. Standing opposite my boss’s desk. The boss looked frustrated.
“Tristan, get over here,” He called out, after noticing me stood in the doorway.
I walked to stand in front of him, I saw Orb hovering behind Senior Mage Rysan a faint green tinge colouring his lower half. I may be good with golems but my skills with air and fire are non-existent, I do not understand what the colours mean. Focusing back on my boss.
“Tristan, this is Mr and Mrs Leif. They have a problem you can solve for us.” I was puzzled, nothing sprang to mind in relation to my skills. My puzzlement must have shown
“Their daughter has shown signs of her knack, its earth as far as we can tell," He told me
“But Sir,” I protested. “She can't be older than ten.”
Rysan raised a hand, stalling my protests. “Yes, she is eight, her knack is developing fast, she would normally have a few more years before needing to learn control. She's too young to learn it at school, so I am assigning you as her master until she’s got the basics,"
