He turned his gaze upon the glade, looking for a place to practice without damaging his surroundings. He doubted Eira would be happy if she arrives at a war zone created by his lonesome. Speaking of Eira, the clipped manner by which she had answered his question before she left was unusual. Tyler thought that after crying so much over his unfounded demise, she would be at least more open and forthcoming. Still another mystery.
It seemed to him that finding answers to his initial questions have raised more questions and given rise to complicated situations. He looked around, deciding to leave such matters for the time being. He noticed that the colors of the forest have regained some of their vibrant colors. Finally, he settled on practicing facing the rock face of the cliff. That way, any damage would be inflicted on the stone of the towering precipice.
Facing the wall of stone, he reviewed the Elder concepts on manifesting the desired effects. The use of the abilities at this level did not involve the transformation of existing magical energy to an Elder form. Though the means to use them involved Elder means and knowledge, the results will only show and leave traces of untransformed magical energy. For that, he was thankful.
He cannot risk any sign of the use of Elder energy, though he didn’t doubt that at higher levels, the use of altered energy would be unavoidable. He just needed to be careful about it when he reached that point and tone down the use to an innocuous level. At least for now, he didn’t need to dumb down his use of his magical abilities.
The Elder basic concept was fairly simple. Of course, utilizing the concepts for spells demand the capability to harness such energies, an understanding of the concept fundamentals, and the details of the spells themselves. Fortunately, these had already been provided by Hal.
The concept focuses on a three-step process: imagining or conceptualizing the effect desired, then collecting the energy needed, and finally, utilizing one’s will to manifest it in reality. The required ability was a prepared process beforehand, modifying physiological elements of the wielder, and the crazy ritual Eira conducted while he was unconscious fit the bill.
Now to practice. First, the barrier. Applying gaming convention to the spell was an easy one. SHIELD. He was used to and practiced with the concept in many RPG games. If an advanced version becomes available, then he would merely rename it accordingly. To make matters easier, he also decided to apply simple gaming convention to the available spells or abilities: Defensive, Offensive, Utilitarian and Dual Use. Further elaboration on subclasses of such spells will be made when needed. It’s not as if he had a whole slew of spells at his disposal as of the present.
First, he envisioned the kind of spell. SHIELD! Concentrating on the image, that of a frontal barrier, he began to force his will on the magical energy around him. Believing in its existence was not an issue, he knew it was there though for now it was not visible to his eyes. As his will strengthened, he began to see transparent but visible threads of the magical energy forming in front of him. They looked like very small translucent pipes flowing and joining together. The threads began to merge and form a denser barrier.
As the barrier formed, to his surprise it didn’t block visibility. It was as if a wall of clear film, slightly distorted, was in front of him. SUCCESS! Though he didn’t have an idea about the strength of the barrier. He moved the shield around, trying to have finer control over it. The barrier followed. He then folded the barrier into a prow shaped form in front of him. Another success! But he noted that forming the shield took time. He guessed that practicing it, as well as the other abilities, will later enable him to manifest the effect as fast as he could think of it.
He dissolved the barrier. He didn’t feel any drain as the magical energy he was actually using was already around him. But it was tiring, physically and mentally. Not as bad as when he exhibited such abilities in a subliminal manner but tiring nonetheless. He guessed the difference was the conscious manifestation and control over the spell. Lashing out in an uncontrolled manner clearly drove past his body's limits.
Practicing with the next spell, the force spell was likewise tiring. He named the spell “AWAY”. Lame name, he admitted, but it was simple and immediately brings to mind the effects of the spell. Yet, try as he might, he couldn’t control the effects yet. The dead branches he piled in front of him all were flung against the rock wall, including patches of grass and soil. He estimated the area of effect he was able to manage to be around six feet wide. It was wider at first, but he managed to limit its coverage. Below that width was a difficult proposition. But again, practice would resolve issue. As to its height, he couldn’t determine it without the systematic use of appropriate indicators. There was no way for him to hang branches at different levels.
He then went to the fireball ability, eschewing the light spell for the time being. Naming it FIREBALL was a no brainer. But he found it easier to manage. Even the other mode of using it, igniting it at a distance, was relatively easy. What he found difficult was increasing the strength of the spell but then he couldn’t really go Rambo with it. The possibility of a burnt forest was a deterrent. But he discovered that he could enhance it by spreading its effects beyond the original area of the exploding fireball. He just needed to time it properly.
He was able to experiment with the blade ability for a little while as darkness was already upon the forest. He found that using five blades was the manageable maximum for now though the five could be directed in a targeted manner. By the way the blades damaged the rock, it would be enough to give an opponent wearing plate mail a golden pass to Valhalla. Magically protected armor or barriers would be a concern though, he didn’t have the material to test the blades with. He named the ability in the most obvious manner: BLADES.
As night was upon him, he started practicing the light spell which of course he named LIGHT. Again, he found it was a simple spell and easy to manifest. Of all abilities practiced, the light spell was the fastest so far in terms of casting speed. As to the rest, practice, practice, practice, would have to be his mantra. That left the lifting spell. But considering the darkness, he decided that exercise with the lifting spell would have to wait. He didn’t find any immediate use for it anyway. But he named it LIFT! Another lame name, he thought to himself. At least it's not the Elder title for it - "Elevating Material Objects as An Area of Effect Ability or As a Precision Spell in a Limited Field."
As he cast the light spell in the form of an orb, its luminescence conspicuously brightened up the glade so he had to tone down the illumination several notches. He then noticed that Eira was already in the glade and had been watching him for some time. When she noticed that he was looking at her, she stepped out from the shadow of the tree she has been leaning against and walked towards him.
“You’ve got new abilities, I see.”
“Yes, but control is difficult. And from what I know, these are but basic spells.”
Eira was already near him and he could see the smile on her face. That's a change. She's happy for me!
“Basic spells which would take a starting mage some years to learn. Yet, here you are, starting to use them as if you already are a journeyman mage.”
“I’m not familiar with mage-ship rankings though I wish I had also learned a healing spell.”
“Why a healing spell? Are you hurt? Are you wounded?”
The concern in Eira’s voice was palpable and stoked a warm sensation in Tyler’s chest.
“Oh, cuts and bruises only. Though I have no doubt learning the spell will greatly help later. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future anyway. It would have been nice to have it as part of my available spells.”
“Why didn’t you say you were hurt?” cried out Eira. She moved closer to him and placed her right hand on his forehead.
“Stay still.”
After some time, Eira looked at him, her hand still on his forehead.
“Too many cuts and bruises. You should have told me.”
Her tone was not a happy one so
Tyler kept his mouth shut while Eira proceeded to heal him. He could feel heat flowing from her hand into his entire body. It was not uncomfortable. It was like taking a shower with the heater set on low. The process also rejuvenated his tired muscles. He could feel the cuts and small wounds closing and the affected areas becoming whole again. His bruises had disappeared.
“There. Done. I do hope you’ll tell me next time you are hurt.”
“Thanks, Eira. That was amazing. My body feels whole and even my tiredness is gone! Would it be possible to learn the spell? That is, if you’re willing to teach me.”
Tyler could see that Eira was happy for some reason. He was not dense nor naïve though he hoped it was because of him. He knew that considering their previous spats such an expectation is a scary thought. He may be putting his head in the hangman’s noose, with him buying the rope.
“Oh, it’s a simple spell. But for serious wounds and similar injuries, a more advanced spell is needed. But it is also a great spell for removing exhaustion. Your new capabilities do make it easy to learn. Here, let me.”
Eira again placed her hand on Tyler’s forehead. This time, the warm sensation was centered only around her hand and the spot she touched. It was quick.
“There. You have the needed knowledge for the spell. But I sense that advanced healing spells are beyond you for now. When we have the time, let’s see what you can use from spells related to nature magic. Though your present status is really that of a Hirdmadr. Your path is really not that of a mage of Adar. You have to forge your own.”
“Thanks again, Eira. Lesson taken to heart. I do hope you don’t think I am taking advantage of your abilities.”
“Oh, about that, we do have to talk but let’s have the night-meal first.”
The conjuring of food fascinated Tyler. It is an ability which he also wanted to get. Pizza! Burger! Fries! Steak! And other culinary fast food masterpieces! He would have loved a simple pizza. A pizza margherita would do. But as his cooking skills range from nonexistent to dismal, the ability to cook such food from home evaded him. His only chance was to get into an actual kitchen with a cook willing to try out what recipes he could remember. Fries, for instance. He doubted it would be that difficult. Well, some burned and tasteless examples may result at first but he didn’t doubt he would get the taste right. Eventually. If he finds what he needs. He didn’t even know if potatoes existed on Adar.
The food was typical Norse fare. But the stew was delicious. After drinking almost half of the fruit wine, he was starting to mellow out. It was delicious apple wine. From the Greeks, he learned. He was fast getting tired of mead, grog, and warm beer.
“Tyler, to put your mind at ease, know that I have no intentions of learning what happened in the cave. Nor do I have any intentions of letting your secret out.”
“That’s good to know. I myself don’t even understand what happened.”
A little half-lie but better than lying that he didn’t learn anything. His display of new abilities cannot be denied.
“All I want from you is that you try to get my brother back. If it is possible. I have observed you. I have talked with you. I believe you to be a decent and honorable man. All I want is a promise to try. In return, you have my help as long as I am able to do so.”
“I have my doubts about the decent and honorable part, Eira,” Tyler replied, “You have saved me, for your own purposes, and also changed me physically, again for your own reasons. But all things considered, I would be dead if you hadn’t saved me. The changes you made gave me a chance to survive in this world. Though again, those changes may be the death of me yet. You have helped me after that, though we had our… temperamental discussions. I also have my reasons to help you. I would actually be suspicious if you offered to help without asking something in return.”
“Thank you, Tyler,” Eira said in a quiet voice. She then smiled at the recollection of their meetings, “Temperamental discussions. That’s putting it mildly.”
“You do know you are putting yourself at a terrible risk if you continue to help me.”
“I know. And I don’t care. You and my brother are all that matters to me. I mean, because of your promise to help me.”
She began to blush. Even the lowered illumination around the dinner table showed it. Turning away for an instant, her gaze focused on Tyler’s shelter.
“Your shelter is acceptable?” she asked, not looking at Tyler.
“It’s fine, I guess. Will keep the rain out.” Tyler tried hard to keep his smile buttoned up. Fortunately, he succeeded.
“Oh, I also placed an enchantment to keep away bugs and animals from this clearing. That way you won't be disturbed.”
“Great! Where do you sleep, if I may ask?”
“We don’t need to sleep, beings such as I. But I have to be busy tonight, I guess. There had been sightings of dokkalfr near the forest borders."
“That’s unusual? You told me jotnar were already sniffing around.”
“The jotnar have been spotted near Fossegrim for some time now. This is the first time the dark ones have been seen. And in an organized band of some numbers too.”
“I do hope they’re just passing by,” said Tyler, “Those creatures work well at night. They’re fast and know how to use their weapons well.”
“I know. You’ve seen them up close during the ambush. The numbers of those who ambushed your column were great. They also had magic users. And surprisingly, some ogres. Anyway, I have to leave for a while. Stay and have your fill. Then rest when you want to. I will leave your ring on the table, I know it will aid you in your coming journey. But it does enable Odin to determine the general area where you are. Anyway, the ambush and your escape towards the forest will help explain your presence here. He should be thankful I saved one of his mages, if it comes to needing an explanation.”
Tyler stayed up for a while. Picking at the food and trying to get some sense out of the entire situation. Where to go? What to do? How and where to practice? How to hide any traces of Elder energy? So many concerns, he concluded. Looking at the ring now on table, he slipped it on. He continued to think about where his next destination will be but found he couldn’t decide what to do next. He went to bed, hoping that a clearer head in the morning will help him decide his next course of action.
He had been sleeping soundly when he was awakened by sounds of fighting. Actually, it was more like the loud thud of trees being struck and the swish of branches thrown around. It sounded as if he was in a lumberjack site. He did notice a strange sound among the racket. A sort of hissing and moaning which raised goosebumps.
He grabbed his sword, crouched, and peered outside. Luckily, he still had his armor on except for his helm. He picked it up and put it on. He couldn’t understand what was happening. The trees on the edge of the glade were moving and fighting against some shadows. His Elder enhanced eyesight showed three shadowy creatures which acted like mists, but when they struck, the attacks were solidly hitting the trees. The trees numbered around six but were clearly losing the fight, chunks of their trunks were missing and branches have been cut off. Against physical opponents, the trees would have been fearsome but against the misty bodies of the shadows, it was a one-sided struggle.
Tyler didn’t know what to do. If the trees couldn’t touch them, how much more for him? The only sword fighting he had done was on a computer. After a while, when one of the trees finally succumbed and fell down with a mighty crash, one of the shadows made a beeline for the shelter. Involuntarily, Tyler took a step back from the entrance of his shelter. As the shadow got nearer, the sound of its hissing and moaning became louder and clearer.
Tyler grabbed the lamp with his left hand, threw it in front of the shelter and got out. Standing, he faced the oncoming dark creature. He could now see its form beyond the thrown lamp, though it was now proceeding slowly as if wary of the light. It was of some misty material, swirling black in color with eddies of a shade which shifted from sickly deep purple to dee
p red.
It floated above the ground. It had two extremities, arms if they can be called that, which ended in large ebony claws made of bone. No legs can be seen. Its body ended at its waist, wisps of the mist hanging from the torso like shredded rags. Its face was the bleached skull of some animal with two large horns protruding from the skull, curved backward. Looks like the skull of a mutated giant ram, thought Tyler. The skull itself was hideous. Though it may have looked like a goat’s skull, the bone structure of the lower half extended to allow for a cavernous fanged mouth.
The Accidental Archmage: Book One - Ragnarok Rising (MOBI EDITION) Page 20
