MageLife

by P. Tempest

  “What's wrong with him?” I asked

  “You know how backlash can hit you?” Lessor answered knowingly. I winced at the recollection of my own backlashes forced on me by my tutors.

  “Yeah I do. Orb told me there were three mages en route. Where is the other?” I queried.

  “Derrick is inside, competing the voiding,” the short one said.

  “Thank you…”

  “Vance,” he offered.

  “Thank you Vance. Anything I should do?” I asked.

  “Nah. We got this,” he said nonchalantly.

  “You're sure?” I pushed.

  “Yes. We are fine,” he said sharply, colour flushing his face.

  “Alright, alright. I’ll just take a look so I can confirm to the boss that it’s handled.” I said

  “No. It’s under control. We don't need you here,” he sneered. Hostility radiating from him

  “I’ll go then I can see you guys have it under control.” I placated him. Something didn't feel right, and it wasn't just because I was excluded. Something was wrong.

  Walking away I reached out with my senses. Nothing, absolutely nothing. Which was very strange. This area should be buzzing with magical activity. So why wasn't I feeling anything? Confused, I decided to investigate.

  I could feel the mages’ eyes on me, even though they didn't show up on my other senses, so I took a side path, doing my best to look as if I was taking the scenic route.

  The side alley was dingy and narrow. My nose wrinkled and my stomach churned at the rank smell in the air. Clearly the road cleaners didn't get down here. Debris littered the cobbles, making the footing treacherous. Since I was making sure to step carefully, I only progressed slowly. The blindness of my other senses had me nervous. I’d not been this blind since I was a child. Stepping gingerly around the corner, I saw the back of the foundry conveniently unguarded. I made my way to the base of the building. If magic was blocked somehow, then my own power might set off alarms. I resolved not to touch my abilities.

  Taking a few deep breaths in the hope it would calm me. I set about looking for a way in. A window. An unlocked door. Anything. Casting my eyes around I spotted a small window that was open. About a foot above my head, it must be used to keep the heat manageable. Taking care to move silently. I positioned myself under the opening. I could hear voices.

  “Sir. We got rid of him.” came Vance’s voice.

  “Good, any idea who called them in?” asked a deep male rumble.

  “No Sir. It could have been one of the workers. We did blame it on one.” Vance answered.

  “Look in to it. We are almost done here, get ready to torch the place.” The rumble ordered “and tell Brak to remove the shield. Get that wizard out of here.”

  “Yes Sir.” Vance relied. I could hear heavy steps slowly fading away as well as raised voices too muffled to make out the words.

  “Everybody prepare for portal,” came a slightly quavering older voice. Then with a ripping sound, light streamed from the window, blindingly bright. The pain in my eyes it induced made me cry out.

  “What was that?” Rumble shouted.

  “Sir, we have to go. This place is about to blow.” Vince called out.

  The light built up, blinding me as I crawled away. My other senses suddenly came back. Screaming at me, the magic in the area was twisted, mangled. To my other sight it was bleeding. A tingling in my arm was the only thing that saved me. My enchantment became active. A dome of pure, raw magic erupted from my bracer. Shielding me. Cutting me off from my senses again but the blast wave as the foundry blew up was deflected. Shattered stone, warped metal and pure heat poured from the ruins. Feedback struck my nerves afire as the magic burned through me. The black of unconsciousness beckoned. I was powerless to resist.

  Chapter 6

  Coming to in the ruins of the foundry district was a distinctly unpleasant experience. The feedback always left lingering pain. So as I eased myself up, my body was clamouring for me to stay put. Looking around I saw the blackened shards that were all that remained of the foundry. The scent of burned flesh hung in the air. I rolled to the side as vomit erupted out of me, the harsh acid scalding my throat. Wiping my mouth I ignored my body. Standing up on shaky legs. I took stock. Apart from the feedback pains. I had a nasty bump on the back of my head. Maybe from passing out and I had a tender burn under my bracer.

  All in all I had survived well, something that should have killed me. The area was still simmering in other sight. Just that tiny use of power sent me to my knees in pain, my channels were overused. Staggering to my feet, I surveyed my surroundings, nothing really remained of the district. Rubble was everywhere. Bodies, charred beyond recognition. I gagged at the sight. Thankfully nothing was left to come up. I had to get to headquarters and report this. The world wavered around me as I slowly made my way over the broken paving. My body was trying to shut down. I forced myself to go on. I owed it to these people to do my duty.

  Finally in sight of headquarters. Mages were running all over. I had never seen so many before. New mages were kept away from the older ones until after our first few months. Supposedly, so we didn't pick up any bad habits right at the start, I had been told. A few noticed me, I must have stood out in other sight. Magical debris. Surviving things like that always leaves a mark. One came over to me and hesitated. He was in his late thirties, solidly built. Hair fading to grey.

  “What are you waiting for mage? I could use a hand. I have a report to make.” I commanded. A cough bubbled up with the words. The older mage took my arm and slung it over his shoulder.

  “Sorry. I didn't want to hurt you.” he mumbled out. I must look a fright to get that response from such a veteran mage.

  “It’s fine. I need to talk to Master Mage Jase, or whoever is senior around here, is Rysan back?” I said briskly. The pain was making me short.

  “Orb is relaying information to Senior Mage Rysan. Not that we have much.” he informed me.

  “Sorry I'm being rude but it’s urgent. What's your name?” I asked.

  “Me? I’m Mage Lysan. You would be Junior Mage Tristan. Correct?” he replied.

  “Yes. How did you know?” I said taken aback.

  “It’s not often we have to make a new rank.” he replied with a smile.

  “A new rank?” I queried. I had no idea what he was talking about.

  “Oh, I thought you knew. We had to make the Junior rank just for you. No one else has come through Mage training so quickly but you would be missing a lot protocol, which we learn in the later years.” he explained.

  “Oh, I wasn't told.” that explained why I was isolated from the other mages.

  “Yeah looks that way. Must be to keep you from getting a big head.” he joked.

  The conversation had distracted me from the pain which I was thankful for. It also distracted me from the looks I was getting from the other mages. Most looked scared. I didn't know why. I must have looked worse than I thought.

  Orb was in the reception. Rysan’s voice was coming from him as he spoke to Master Jase

  “What is going on? I’m supposed to be in council with the wizards.” Rysan thundered.

  “We don't know. The foundry has exploded. There was an incident call, not long before. Saying that a smelter had overloaded. Suspected sabotage. We dispatched three mages to the site. According to Orb. Tristan also went on his own to back them up. None of the three got there before the place went up. Tristan hasn't been seen. We don't know what's happened. His amulet stopped broadcasting.” Jase reported looking upset. His hands were wrapping around each other nervously.

  “Jase I told you that place was a problem, and I wanted it shut down. You overruled me. Now look at what's happened,” Rysan’s voice screamed through Orb.

  “This is neither the time nor the place for blame Rysan, I was just following orders. We need a plan. How are we handling this?” Jase said calmly

  “Containment. We need information. Cordon off the area. Send i
n pairs of mages to assess the damage and collect what evidence there is. If they can find information on Tristan do so but he is not a priority,” Rysan commanded. Nice to know how important I was. This may be an appropriate time to announce myself.

  “Sir. I'm here” I said weakly. My escort angled me towards the desk before letting go. I staggered but didn't fall.

  “Tristan! My boy, what happened to you? You look like you have walked through the blasted plains.” Jase gushed. Surprise and shock warred with happiness across his face.

  “The foundry blew up. I was right outside it. I shouldn’t have survived.” the realisation that I should have been dead stopped me in my tracks. I did my best to put it to one side I continued. “There were mages, two were guarding the door. I asked to go in so I could check that it was under control, they refused. Started to get aggressive. I left, but I knew something was wrong so I snuck round the back. Through a window, I could hear voices. The mages were talking about torching the place something about a wizard. And blaming one of the workers for the accident. They mentioned a portal whatever that is.” I said losing the thread of what I was saying as it all caught up with me. I wavered on my feet the pain making me gasp.

  “My boy, that's enough. We need to get you looked at and let you get some rest. You’re not making sense anymore.” Jase said rushing to my side. He helped prop me up.

  “Junior Mage Tristan, You are suspended for medical leave as of this moment. Get your rest we will talk soon.” Rysan ordered through Orb. “We will handle this.”

  “Mage Lysan, can you take Tristan to his quarters and fetch a Healer please?” Jase asked.

  “Yes Sir.” Lysan answered automatically then blinked as he processed what he had agreed to.

  Lysan took my arm again to support me and half carried me. Out the door. I turned my head briefly to see Jase talking animatedly through Orb, waving his arms. That was my last sight, before the strain of being carried, brought the pain back. Unconsciousness claimed me.

  Chapter 7

  My nightmares shredded into tatters as I awoke. Leaving me alone in my darkened room. I had no idea how long I been out. Sitting up I looked toward the window. It was dark but that could mean it was the same day or weeks later. I needed to get up and give my report properly. Reaching for my magic to turn on the light. The pain shot through me. My channels were seared. A few deep breaths and a very scary moment later. I was shivering in fear that my power wouldn't heal. I had seen some nasty things in the academy. Young, gifted mage aspirants, burned out. No control of their magic. Some driven mad by the pain, it had given me nightmares for years. I had no idea what had happened to them, in some ways I didn't want to know. It was too early to panic, I had to calm down. Standing on shaky legs I tried to dress. It did not go well. My stumbling made a lot of noise. A knock at the door came. I had managed to get my trousers on at least, so I shouted.

  “Who is it?”

  “It’s Lysan. May I come in?” He asked.

  “Um, sure.” I replied. Some company might help.

  My door opened and in walked Mage Lysan, looking rather uncomfortable. He was avoiding eye contact. My heart filled with dread. What did he not want to tell me?

  “What's wrong Lysan?” I asked. Lysan flinched.

  “Tristan you shouldn't be out of bed. Even the healing should have kept you asleep for a while longer.” Lysan hurriedly said.

  “How long have I been out?” I asked hoping he would give me a straight answer.

  “Only six hours. You need rest. The damage was superficial, apart from the burn but you were exhausted. The healing on top of that. It was touch and go if you would wake up at all.” Lysan answered rushing forward to help me back into bed. I raised my arms to ward him off.

  “No! Not yet. I need to know what's going on!” I shouted, holding back tears. I really was that close to death. My strength was fading as it was. Lysan stopped, looked at me, taken aback by the force of my response.

  “Tristan, I have orders. I can't tell you until I’m cleared. You are on medical leave indefinitely, I'm sorry.” Lysan replied, pity in his eyes.

  “No! They can't do this to me. What happened at the foundry? Was I the only survivor?” I asked doggedly.

  “Tristan, please understand the position I'm in. I can't tell you," Lysan insisted weakly. He resumed walking towards me.

  “No, no no. I need to know what's going on.” My voice wavered as I spoke.

  “Let's get you back into bed Tristan. Everything will be okay. Focus on getting better.” Lysan said softly. He guided me back to my bed. My strength to resist gone.

  “Rest. I'm just outside. Don't worry about anything,” were Lysan's final words as the last of my will evaporated. The black of sleep claimed me.

  A light shone through my closed eyelids. Disturbing the darkness that was my rest. My bones felt so heavy, keeping me pinned to my bed. A few blinks later, the light was still there but clearer, it was Orb hovering over me.

  “Junior Mage Tristan I have been sent by Master Jase, to confirm your wellbeing to him.” it stated.

  “Where is Lysan?” I asked trying to buy time to assess my own condition.

  “Mage Lysan has been reassigned due to an emergency declaration.” It answered.

  “Emergency!” I exclaimed.

  “Yes Tristan. The damage from the explosion was extensive. The stone guild has been called in for clearance and restoration of the area. Our mages are needed to void the enchantments damaged, as well as clear the bodies, and attempt identification.” It replied showing no emotion, Orb was different than I remembered from my first meetings of it.

  “How bad is it?” I asked quietly. My memories of my walk back were scrambled but vivid.

  “I am not authorised to tell you due to your suspension and my own emergency protocols.” it answered stiffly.

  “Oh. Protocols?” I asked. I had an inkling, but I wanted to hear from it.

  “Yes. Personality is locked down during emergencies as it may interfere with my abilities to function.” it stated with the same absence of tone I noted earlier.

  “I have never heard about that, which is surprising, I do have a talent for golems.” I said

  “It is restricted to council equipment.” It said.

  “Equipment, yes I'm sure it is.” I commented darkly. I hate how some golems are treated as things.

  “Tristan, how are you? Master Jase did request to know," it said, not even reacting to my remark.

  “How would I know Orb? I've just woken up. I'm more tired than I’ve been in my whole life. Pain is coming and going. I haven't even tried magic! I have no clue how long I've been asleep.” I cried out exasperated. “Surely you have the Healer's report?”

  “Yes Tristan we do. I believe Master Jase was inquiring, more about your mental well-being. He seems concerned for you.” It said.

  “Well he can knacking-well come himself!” I shouted. I was sick of this. “I walked through the district. I saw. I know. Those people didn't stand a chance!” I ranted. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

  “Tristan, Master Jase is dealing with the emergency. He cannot come. Thank you for your report.” Orb said dispassionately, his colours flickering as he hovered over to the door. “Good bye Junior Mage Tristan. Would you like your family contacting?”

  “No, thank you Orb. I will be back on duty as soon as possible," I said firmly.

  “Very well” with that he left.

  “Tristan!” shouted a young girl’s voice.

  I was sat on my bed. Staring out the window, lost in my own thoughts. Turning around I saw Sophia standing in the door. I hadn't even heard it open. She was smiling, but the shadow of fear was in her bright eyes.

  “Sophia, what are you doing here?” I asked shocked.

  “We were supposed to have a lesson, it’s been a week since I’ve seen you!” she said emphatically, her hands waving madly.

  “Oh” was all I could say

  “What happened? Are y
ou sick? My sister got sick, but we took her to the medi-thing.” she rambled on.

  “I’m nearly better, I got hurt at work.” I answered with a weak smile.

  “You’re alright though?” she asked nervously.

  “Yeah Sophia I’ll be fine in a day or two.” I said.

  “You sure? You look, all sad.” she asked as she stepped closer.

  “I’ll be okay, I’m just tired.” I said feebly. Sophia got closer, she was now within arm’s reach.

  “Don't lie to me. What's happened to your eyes?” she asked as she leaned in to examine them. They were glowing fiercely with built up magic.

  “Nothing has happened to them, they are just a bit bright at the moment.” I explained. “It’s nothing to worry about, just a sign that I'm getting better.” Damn this kid picking on my eyes. She always goes for my weak point.

  “Oh. They are pretty, but different," she said, then smiled.

  “I know they are. They should settle down soon.” I said doing my best to forgive her asking.

  “Why are you really here Sophia?” I enquired gently.

  “Well, my mum brought me for lessons, and master Jase said it may be nice for us to come see you.” she admitted.

  “Jase sent you?” I asked baffled. Why would Jase do that?

  “Yep, you’re not cross? You don't seem that sick. Just sad.” she asked.

  “Why would I be cross? You are my apprentice. I can’t look after you if I don't see you,” I said weakly. I wasn't at the top of my game. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a shape approaching.

  “Soph dear, we should go and leave your master to rest.” Mrs Leif said. I hadn't even noticed her.

  “Yeah,” Sophia said. Her arms reaching around me. A surprisingly tight hug. All I could do was hug her back. She whispered to me “get better soon” before letting go. Her face was flushed, with a final smile before heading to the door with her mother. “Bye Tristan.”

  “Bye Sophia, thank you for coming” I said trying to keep my voice controlled. It had been a long time since I was last hugged. After she left. I was on my own. I had felt so unsure of everything since the explosion. That little girl had restored in a moment, my resolve to continue working to become a wizard. Wizards had freed magic from the iron control of the nobles. Magic was a weapon and at the service of the privileged. There had been no benefit to the people. Fodder for the wars between lords. That fear was still there, but the work we mages did was changing that. Being a wizard could change even more. Finally free us from the shadow of the past.