MageLife

by P. Tempest

  “If I'm a mage, then you’re my boss, I kinda have to talk to you,” I agreed reluctantly.

  He gestured up the step out of the room.

  We fell into step, him to the side of me. The twins had pulled themselves up and followed along behind like dogs.

  That really didn't put me at ease, two lethal, legendary mages, that had shown themselves willing to harm me, at my back. I could feel an itch start just between my shoulder blades.

  “It doesn't need to be like this Tristan. I’m sorry you feel hard done by, but we have to be sure,” Velar said. His hands moved in large expansive movements as he talked. His voice was gentle but firm. He sounded a bit like my father. That brought me up short.

  “Stop it,” I said. I turned to look at him. The twins hung back, but close enough that if I tried to harm the boss man they would kill me.

  “Stop what?” he asked, an expression of guileless innocence on his face.

  I wasn't buying it, a powerful man is never innocent.

  I thought briefly for a moment. I checked my feelings and thoughts. I almost dismissed it, but something wasn't right. I cocked my head to the side as I looked at him. There was nothing to support my growing suspicion, but I had screamed at the man because of a vision already. I may well be past the need for evidence.

  “Stop whatever you are doing to influence me. It’s not necessary. I have to hear you out. You’re the leader of the bloody wizards,” I said slightly bitterly.

  His face changed to one of pure surprise.

  “You could feel that? I thought that was impossible,” he looked at the twins who looked ready to kill me right now. They seemed equally surprised. “Of course I will stop, I just wanted you to be more comfortable.”

  “You think you’re the only being that’s tried to mess with my head? Just say what you want to say and leave me be.”

  The familiar friendly tone evaporated, now I was talking to the head wizard. “Fine, Tristan. I want to know several things. One, what is your involvement with Brak?” he left it hanging in the air, waiting expectantly for me to answer.

  I resumed walking. I need the time to think.

  Brak was the wizard that captured us. With Iason Alerus, Vance and Lessor. The ones from the foundry. Why ask me?

  “My involvement with them is nothing, I have none. They on the other hand, seem to go around blowing places up,” I said with a detachment I didn't feel, I was angry again. Dealing with them, with this, more things that kept me from my duty. Which at the moment was the newly awakened child upstairs in her bed.

  “Fine I will accept that answer for now. Two, when did you learn sigils and reading? We received a report of a mage developing reading, but we thought it was wrong. Turns out it wasn’t,” he said firmly, but there was something else under it. Something I couldn’t put my finger on.

  We walked through the deserted halls of the academy, I didn't really know where I was going, but I soon saw the end of a hall that looked familiar, I aimed in that direction while I considered my answer.

  “Reading happened after an encounter with a god, well supposedly a god. Sigils, I don't have a clue what you’re talking about. I don't know sigils,” I said in a rush, anything to get this guy to leave me alone.

  “You used one. It sent the twins flying. How can you not know?”

  “Look, I’m tired and not in the mood for this, can we move on? I need to see my apprentice," I said.

  We were now in a well-travelled part of the academy, my suite of rooms just down the hall.

  “Tristan, whatever you may think of me, I suggest you put it behind you. You have a bright future with us. Don't let the past colour your judgement,” Velar said.

  I looked over to him, the impression of a jovial uncle, lingered around him, but it was tinged with sadness. His laughter lines, creased deeper than they should be.

  “I don't really care about the past, I've done my share of things that I'm not proud of. But how could you do it?” I asked in earnest.

  “The noble’s oath was insidious, we had very little choice. Some of us could fight it, others were left little more than shells, puppets. There were horrors, but the worst part is do their bidding or worse would happen. They died so that others could live,” he said

  “That is the crap, rationalise it anyway you want, it was wrong,” I said.

  “Yes it is. It was wrong, and it’s still wrong. I have to live with that and a great many other things that I wish I didn't. There is a reason there are no nobles now,”

  I looked back at the twins, they looked grim.

  “Not just them,” Velar said with a chuckle.

  “If you will excuse me, I have a little girl to see,” I said as we reached my apartment door.

  “One moment, I heard you have made a very special construct.”

  I stopped, panic flooded through my hand clenched on the door handle as the breath went out of me.

  “I would be interested to see it, Jase says you are very talented. With all the reports about you, I have to agree, but it would be nice to see evidence with my own eyes.”

  “Is this just academic interest, or something more?” I asked as I eyed him with suspicion.

  “Oh, Calm down,” he said with a laugh, his kindly facade back on. “I’m just curious. I love golems. I don't mind that you ‘may’ have broken a few rules. We aren’t such stick in the muds about little things like that. If you had made a warrior, then I'm sure we would be having words.” The faintest hint of menace, radiated from him with the last words.

  I froze, then tried to cover it.

  “Ah, I would rather see to my apprentice right now,” I hedged.

  “Is there something you need to tell me?” he said. He was looking at me intensely once again.

  Those rainbow eyes are disconcerting, particularly when they were focused on me.

  “He’s a warrior, for design purposes. I made him to be a protector. And he is still a very early step in my project,” I said before I even realised.

  I stopped and blinked.

  “Thought I told you to stop it,” I said harshly.

  I opened the door ready to go through and slam it behind me.

  “Hold, Tristan. I’m still a leader and secrets have a habit of coming back to bite me, so forgive me for the invasion, but I will make no more excuses for it. You don't want someone in your head, I can understand that. Learn to protect yourself,” Velar said.

  “Fine, I can’t protect myself from it yet, so leave,” I said, maybe harsher than I should, but I was done tiptoeing around people.

  “No, let me see the golem. I don't want to pull rank on you, Mage.”

  “Then don’t.”

  I opened the door and walked through, I turned to close it behind me to find a foot wedged in the frame.

  “Move your foot,” I instructed.

  “Tristan I like you, but don't push your luck. You live on my sufferance,” Velar said without heat.

  It struck me cold, my whole life depended on this man, who I had been treating like he was beneath me.

  “Sir, I apologise,” I forced myself to say as I opened the door. “It’s been a trying day.”

  Velar chuckled at that and stepped into the room.

  The twins attempted to follow.

  I looked to Velar, “Can they not come in please? I doubt it would be conducive to my apprentice’s health.”

  “Oh, of course,” Velar nodded to the twins, who took position on either side of the door. Guarding.

  Good luck with that, I thought.

  I called out “Airis.”

  “Tristan, you’re back. What was that all about?” Airis’ child voice replied. The actual boy followed along shortly. He stopped in the entry of the room. He was a boy again.

  I let out a small sigh of relief, I’d had my doubts about showing him to be harmless as a giant stone man.

  Airis stood looking between Velar and Me. If it hadn't been so serious I would have laughed at his expression. Perpl
exed just didn't cover it.

  “Relax Airis. This is Velar, the head wizard. He wanted to meet you,” I said helpfully. “Oh, is head wizard the official title? That’s all I even hear you called.”

  “Sir,” Airis bowed.

  I guess all that information I had implanted served some good.

  “No, head wizard isn’t the title, its arch wizard,” Velar said amused. “It’s nice to meet you Airis.”

  “Airis, how’s Sophia?” I asked worried.

  I started to head toward her room.

  “She’s awake, Lady Lyphia, is in there with her,” Airis informed me.

  I stopped in my tracks.

  “Lyphia? Here?” I looked down at myself, I was a mess. “Do I have time to bathe? Change my clothes?” I asked in a rush of words. My heart raced. All thoughts of Sophia fled.

  Airis shrugged and Velar laughed.

  Helpful of them, I thought before continuing on my way.

  Sophia's door was closed, I could hear the faintest of murmurs from beyond it. I tiptoed to my door, which was opposite, I reached the handle. As I went to turn it, I heard a door open behind me.

  “Hello, Lyphia,” I said without turning.

  Chapter 26

  “Hello Tristan. Were you going somewhere?” Lyphia said curiously, I could hear her smile.

  My heart did a little dance, her voice, I could listen to it all day. Yet at the same time I was terrified to turn around. I didn't want her to see me like this.

  “Are you listening?” she asked as I waited a moment too long to answer her. She softened her tone into something gentle and low.

  I let go of the handle and turned. The sight of her was welcome. I smiled like an idiot.

  She gasped.

  “Tristan you look awful,” she said, she lifted her hand to cover her mouth as if she was surprised she had said it.

  “And you Lyphia, look wonderful, as beautiful as the dawn,” I said, my smile wouldn't go away, but my bad mood did.

  “Thank you, but where were you going?”

  “Um, you know it’s my door, I was going to my room, it’s been a long day already, I really want a wash and a nap,” I said with a bone deep tiredness that seemed to creep up on me.

  “Tristan, get in here and see this little girl, she needs you. You are all she has,” Lyphia berated me softly, which was far better than when she did it loudly.

  “I really had hoped for a few moments to clean up, I smell.” I said.

  “Yes, you do, but she doesn't care,” Lyphia said with a smirk. She hadn't taken her eyes off me as if I was going to slink away.

  I sighed, stood up straight and nodded.

  Lyphia stepped back and gestured me into Sophia’s room.

  Sophia was sat up in bed, she looked tired but seemed healthy. She was gazing out the window. Her hair was tangled in ruby threads.

  “How you doing kid?” I asked, smiling at her.

  “Tristan! I-I - I was scared,” she said as she turned her head to me.

  I crossed the distance to her, I looked at the edge of the bed.

  Sophia bobbed her head quickly, dashed the fresh tears that welled from her bright green eyes, they were a little red round the edges. He features looked shaper as if all that she had goes through had worn away at her.

  I sat on the bed, pretending to not notice the tears. I took her small hand in my own. I ignored the sting as my sleeve caught on my wrist wound.

  “I hear you was very brave Soph, Airis told me,” I said. I patted her hand at a loss for what else I could say.

  “The blue things came out of the woods, I didn't go far. One bit me. I did what you and Jase taught me, I used my magic, but it didn't work. There was nothing there. It hurt.” Sophia said, broken and confused but clear enough for me to know what happened.

  “It's okay Soph. You were brave. It was my fault, I should never have taken you out there, but you will be alright now,” I promised, even if I had to keep her locked in here she would be safe.

  “No, it would have been fun, it was such a nice idea,” she protested weakly, her smile flickered

  I’d tightened my grip on her hand, I only noticed when she winced.

  “Sorry Soph, didn't mean to do that.”

  “It's okay, why do you look funny?” she asked, then paused, her little face scrunched up. “Is that you?” she sniffed.

  I laughed.

  “Yeah, that’s me. It’s been a busy week,” I said.

  Lyphia snorted from behind me,

  I turned to look, she was smiling. Stars, she was beautiful. Her eyes glowed, not with magic, but with laughter.

  Sophia started to giggle.

  “Hey, it’s not my fault,” I said with good humour but still whiny enough to set them off again.

  I laughed with them, it felt good, like all the worry and fear just evaporated. The knot I’d carried unknowingly in my belly loosened.

  I patted Sophia’s hand again before letting go. I stood.

  I smiled down at her, she smiled back.

  I turned to Lyphia, who seemed to be having trouble breathing. She was trying to contain her amusement

  I stepped up to her. I lent in, her eyes widened but she didn't pull away.

  I kissed her hard. I pulled her tight to me. She tensed briefly then melted against me.

  Behind us Sophia made a little protest.

  “Ewww,”

  I pulled back smiling like a mad man, I felt invincible.

  I walked out leaving a dazed red-headed woman, and an amused red-headed little girl.

  Huh? Lots of redheads I thought then dismissed it.

  My room called me.

  I opened the door, I barely slowed as I went straight to my bathing chamber. The door was recessed into the wall, I had barely noticed it when I first surveyed the room. It was just a doorway against what looked like more wall. Sophia’s had been open, so I had just assumed.

  It was more of the same in appearance, apart from there was no carpet in here. Tiles of such a pure blue covered the floor, it felt like being in a glass bubble under the sea, the light gave it hints of purple and greens.

  The large ceramic bath was set against the back wall, next to it was a wooden storage cupboard, and it had taken me awhile to figure it out. Nothing but the best for the mages. Most of this was leftover from when the nobles had ruled. Old enchantments, but they were still functional. The cupboard was simple really. It dried and cleaned fabric and leather. Uniforms and towels.

  I started to pull off my clothes, they stuck in places. I could feel blood start to flow on my chest.

  I stood naked in front of the mirror on the other side. The last few days, really just days, had felt like lifetime, I had lost weight, I was lean and rangy my muscles stood out in stark relief, my cheeks had hollowed, I had dark circles under my eyes, which were bloodshot and dry. I had stubble darkening my face. My hair, which I was once so proud of, was tangled and matted. Once I thought, like it was a long time ago, it was only a few months. I looked more wild than man. All that not even counting the wounds I had, a large gash on my wrist and a few cuts on my chest. My pendent gem was embedded in my flesh, what was left of it at least.

  I raised my hand to pick a piece out, only to realise my hands were filthy, crawling around in a cell will do that to you.

  I was too worn out to even get angry about it anymore, it was only yesterday and I felt old.

  I turned away from the mirror, the man looking back at me, disturbed me.

  I tapped the enchanted faucet. Hot water poured out, the bath filled quickly

  Steam rose in massive plumes, fogging the air.

  I used my power to condense some of the steam into a hand shape, which is far easier than pulling solid water about, I focused on my chest wound, placing the water fingers around the fragment, and I let the tips flow back into dense vapour around it, to cleanse the area.

  I winced as the heat penetrated my wound.

  I forced the vapour in, I could feel th
e edge of the gem warm. I looked down. It was tiny, but it felt huge. The small red wound close to my heart. Not too deep but angry. Scabs loosened under the water. I saw the gem shift, the pain just magnified in a heartbeat. I wavered on my feet and gritted my teeth. I decided I didn't need to look at it. I could feel enough through my magic and the sight was making me feel sick. I closed my eyes as I pushed more water behind the fragment, I found two other splinters, I flushed them too. I poured more water over the wound. The now cooler water ran pink down my chest. It mingled with my blood, far darker at the site of the wound.

  My bath had almost filled. I leant over to tap the faucet again. I was dizzy. I placed a hand on the wall a moment to support me while I took a deep breath, my limbs were shaking as the shock of pain calmed down to more manageable levels. The steam probably wasn't helping that much.

  I stood back up, looked around for somewhere to place the shards. There was a small shelf above the basin but below the mirror. I put them there. Then I got into my bath. The heat enveloped me as I sunk into the deep water. Hot, very hot, maybe too hot. My muscles ached for a moment then relaxed. I sunk deeper as I lost the strength in my legs. I lay like that for a long time, the water cooled. I may have fallen asleep. The water was a murky greyish brown when I pulled myself out, I felt heavy. I placed my feet onto the warm tiles, sometimes I love living here. Warm floors. I stepped carefully over to the cupboard, I pulled out a towel. I started patting myself down when I heard a scream.

  Can’t this wait until I get something to eat? I'm starving, I thought.

  I ran into action

  Still wet and naked.

  Chapter 27

  I pulled so much magic around me that it was visible in streamers, water streaming from me and my wound stopped bleeding, useful to know but not particularly relevant right now. I sped down that hall

  The scene before me would have been funny if I hadn't run there naked.

  I slowed as I entered the main room, which was what I had just decided to call it.

  Sophia and Lyphia were sat on one of the sofas. The wizard was nowhere in sight.

  Airis was stood shifting between his boy and stone forms rapidly, well as rapidly as he could, which was a lot faster than I had seen before.