A Deepening Knowledge (A Life of Magic)

by Matthew Mitchell

  Mophar rode on my shoulders while Pat flew above us. "So, what happens at this meeting?" Mophar asked.

  I smiled, "Well, Stain introduces us and then each mage introduces themselves. After a bit of talking they give me and now Suzie also a pile of spells to put in our magic books. Sometimes they give gifts." I thought about the mages of Haver's Town.

  "What kind of gifts?" Raven chimed in.

  I looked back at her and smiled, "One mage gave me this bag." I held up the bag that I kept over my shoulder.

  She looked at the bag. "It does not seem like much of a gift." She did not seem impressed.

  I heard Stain chuckle. "Well, the bag itself is not really anything special. The magic is what makes it special."

  She sighed. "So what does it do?"

  Stain tossed over his shoulder, "Did you bring your staff Ott?"

  I grinned. "I sure did." and reached into my bag and pulled out my staff. I looked at Raven's face and laughed. The staff was my height and the bag could not have possible held it. "I have a bunch of stuff in here. Almost as much as what Tag can carry. The bag can hold almost anything that will fit through the opening."

  Raven smiled, "Just when I think I have figured out magic, another surprise happens." She leaned forward and looked in the bag. "I do not see anything."

  "I have to think of what I want and reach in to grab it." I reached into the bag and pulled out some fruit. I handed one to Raven while giving one to Mophar. "Which means I have to remember what I put in there. I lost on packet of herbs because I could not remember what pouch it was in."

  Suzie chuckled. "That sounds about right. Magic can be amazing yet annoying."

  Raven sighed. "Sounds like everything else."

  Stain laughed. "And there is the awful secret of magic. It is not glorious, romantic, or any other fanciful idea. It is just like any other skill. Lot's of hard work, practicing till you get it just right, and innate skill. Now it can do some amazing things, but so can a talented knife juggler." He smiled at Raven.

  Raven smiled. "I can understand that. So how many mages are we going to meet tonight?"

  Stain's smile slipped a little. "Well if everyone shows up there should be five."

  "Any I will know?" Suzie asked.

  Stain shook his head. "Most of the ones we are meeting tonight are more private about their skills."

  I nodded. "I met a few like that. Some almost refused to share with me their names, much less their spells."

  "Why would they be like that?" Mophar asked.

  "Because mages can be selfish and prideful creatures." Pat had landed nearby. "Stain it looks as if the building is clear. Fiosrach says that there are no dangerous spells on the building." He pointed to a small building off to the side of the main walkway. I could see the gargoyle sitting on the edge of the building looking around. "I will join him up there and keep watch." With that Pat flew to the building and joined Fiosrach.

  Stain turned to us. "Now, the mages know some of what happened. They know my current apprentice, a previous apprentice, and a young knife juggler were kidnapped. They do not know by who or any more about each of your skills. Let's keep it that way." He looked pointedly at me. "For what we will be doing for now you will act like you can only use water magic. If they offer any spells in another family thank them and accept." His face grew troubled. "Before the kidnapping I would have said that all the mages were fiercely loyal to the king and all he stands for, yet I am certain there were some mages here in this city who helped with hiding you three." This was a shock to us. "I have not figured out who it was that helped. If you figure out anything, make sure to let me know. Later if it can wait." He grabbed my shoulder. "I will be looking out for Suzie and myself. I need you to be prepared to shield Mophar, Raven, and yourself. If we are attacked at any of these meetings do not hold back. Try to knock them out, but survive no matter what." The look he gave me told me he had considered the depth of what he was telling me and felt the burden of what he asked.

  I stood up straighter. "You can depend on me Stain."

  "Well that is good." Mophar commented. "I really do not want a burnt tail."

  Raven chuckled. "Yeah, that would look unusual. All poofy and then a burnt tail." She reached up and tugged on Mophar's tail. "I like it how it is."

  He looked at her in shock. "This is going to take some getting used to, her understanding me and talking back." He smiled and nodded. "I think it will be fun though."

  Stain smiled. "Well, with that settled, shall we go meet these mages." He turned and headed to the building. We followed him and all braced ourselves for who knows what.

  He knocked on the door. It seemed to boom and and shake from his knock. After a moment it opened and a hooded figure stood there.

  A man's raspy voice called out, "Stain. Glad you made it safe." The hood turned towards us three. "I see you brought the young people. Good, I will talk to them if possible." With that strange comment he moved out of the doorway and motioned us deeper into the building. "The rest await in the back room. It is the only place with enough space for all of us." The figure led us deeper into the building while Raven closed the door. We passed rooms that were obviously places where business occurred during the day. "This building is a local office that handles shipping. Each office is a shipping company. The back room is a general purpose room. We use it for meetings, arguments, even parties at times." He stopped at another door. "Here we are." He opened the door and light flooded out over us. The sounds of other people talking came with the light. I could even hear what sounded like a bird. "They are here!" The hooded man called out as he entered the room. As I stepped through the doorway I could see a large table that had 6 other people sitting around it. The one that seemed the oldest had an owl sitting on her shoulder. There were three other men and three women. The hooded man sat at the end of the table, motioning towards us. "Everybody grab a chair. We have refreshments to go with our gossip." A few of the other mages chuckled.

  Stain took the seat at the head of the table and waved us towards chairs near him. "I see a few of you brought apprentices." He looked less than thrilled at this.

  The woman with the owl stood. "I felt with everything going on it was only appropriate. I think we have been hiding too much from those who help us than we should." She seemed assured and bossy.

  Stain looked at her and grinned. "Of course you did. You do have a point. However, perhaps next time you should discuss this instead of making the decision without permission." He leaned forward. "I need names and abilities. Now." This was a side of Stain I was very familiar with, the teacher who would expect an answer and if you refused he would not be happy.

  A young man wearing a yellow robe stood. "My name is Micheal, Master Stain. My main magic affinity is water, my secondary is air." He sat down stiffly.

  The woman sitting across from Micheal stood, "I am Rose. I work primarily with water, however I can work some small amount in earth." She bowed gently and then sat gracefully.

  Stain nodded. "Rose, I had heard of you before. Micheal, I am pleased to meet you." He leaned back in his chair. "Let me introduce my companions." Pointing to Suzie, "This is Suzie, my former apprentice." He pointed at Raven, "Raven, our body guard and friend." Raven grinned at that. Stain pointed at me. "Ott, my current apprentice."

  "What of your other companions?" The older woman in a tan vest asked.

  "Other companions?" Stain aired. "Why what ever do you mean?" I could tell he was tickled.

  The woman smiled and pointed at Mophar. "Why I see a lemur on Ott's shoulders and I do believe there is a dragonett keeping a gargoyle company on the roof."

  The other mages cringed. Stain just laughed. "Madaline, I have missed you. This is Mophar and the dragonett is Pat. The gargoyle is Fiosrach."

  A short man spoke up, "Any reason you brought these creatures with you?" His tone was disdainful. It was obvious that he had no love of animals or other beings called creatures.

  Stain took a deep breath. "J
im. They are helping me keep these three young people safe after a kidnapping. Plus I enjoy their company." Stain's tone left no doubt that he was in charge.

  The man Stain called Jim made a rude noise and settled back. Mophar leaned forward, "What do you mean creature?" I could tell by his tone and his grip on my hair that he was outraged.

  Stain looked at him, "Mophar, Jim cannot understand you."

  Jim's face took on a red angry look. "Does that foul creature dare to speak to me? I will have none of that!" He stood and started to walk towards the door.

  "JIM!" Stain's voice was full of authority. "You will sit down or I will sit you down!"

  Jim had stopped at the door. "Make me will you?" Jim's voice was full of even more disdain. "I doubt you have the ability to make me do anything." He started to reach for the door and I heard Stain mutter angrily under his breath. Suddenly Jim flew across the room and landed in his chair. His face was one of full frustration. "How dare you!"

  Stain stood up. "I do believe that I have not only the right, as the King's High Mage, but also the ability to do what I feel is necessary. For instance, this." Stain's magic exploded out from his body. "I suspected that there were mages helping kidnap these young people. Would you perhaps be one of those mages?" Suddenly the magic sank into Jim's body. He stiffened up and arched backwards. "Answer truthfully."

  Jim growled like a bear, "I did." With that he passed out and went limp.

  Everyone sat in stunned silence. Stain looked around, "Anyone else?" Nobody moved, until the man in blue coughed.

  "I believe I will be the first to say I am surprised. I had no clue anyone from town was involved." He seemed upset. "I knew Jim was angry and upset about things, but I would have never thought he would commit treason."

  Treason. the word seemed to linger in the air. Everyone looked at Jim. What was going to happen here?

  Stain took a deep breath, "Well I think we need to just settle this now. Then we can continue the rest of our visit." I could feel his magic spread outward. "I am using a unique truth spell. Answer honestly and nothing happens. Lie to me and I will know. Then you will join Jim in his fate." Everyone nodded. Stain took the next few minutes to ask everyone questions about the kidnapping and what they knew. Nobody other than Jim seemed to be involved. During the last few questions I realized that Jim had awoken. Stain noticed also. "It is about time you rejoined us Jim." Stain walked over to Jim. "Now, I have many questions but very little time. I think that I will put the questions off till later and for now simply handle you." Stain reached out and placed a hand on Jim's head. I could feel the level of magic swelling from within Stain. It was enormous. More than I had ever felt from Stain. Jim started to become blurry and his features changed. He slowly sank into his seat until he was below the edge of the table. Stain's hand stayed on Jim as he shrank. Suddenly I could feel the magic cut off. Stain lifted up a small object and set it on the table. It looked like a small statue of Jim. He walked around back to his seat, leaving the statue in place. "I will deal with Jim later. For now he can sit, listen, and watch." He sat down and shook his head. "Traitors can not be tolerated in the magical world my friends." The rest of us just sat there and stared at the statue.

  "I had no idea someone could do such a thing." Rose whispered.

  The older woman nodded. "It is rare and only a rare mage can do such a thing. Jim is still aware of what is going on, he just cannot interact. He is still very much alive." She looked at Stain. "That was very impressive my friend." Her tone had settled down to a more respectful type.

  Stain looked up. "Such is the burden of being the kings mage. Now, I will deal with Jim later. For now let us deal with the business that brought us here. I desire that you provide some spells for my apprentice. I would also like for you to share some with Suzie. I believe she needs to fill out her spell book." The other mages all pulled out sheets of paper. "To make things go faster perhaps we can simply make two piles, one in front of Ott, another in front of Suzie." Each mage started to pass papers towards either myself or Suzie. After a few moments we both had sizable stacks of spells before us. "Thank you my friends. If there is anything else would you speak up now? I have had quite enough excitement for one afternoon."

  The elder woman again stood, "I believe some have brought small tokens to ease a young apprentices start. If we could simply give those at this time and then leave I believe it would be best."

  Stain nodded, "Thank you. That is most kind."

  Each mage stood up and went to leave. A few handed over a few items, most with a few words about the item. After a few moments only us, the statue, and the older woman were in the room.

  "So this is the one?" She stood up and walked over to me. She leaned over and looked deep in my eyes. "I am glad for you Stain, to have found your successor." I started at that. How did she know? She grinned, "Ah, surprised I know your secret my young mage? Well Stain did not tell me. I am more than just a mage." She looked over at the statue. "I doubt Jim will be telling anyone other than Stain anything, so why not share. I am gifted in ways, not quite like you or Stain, but similar." A small bubble of thickened air formed over her head. The owl looked up and seemed to roll it's eyes. "I have a main affinity for water magic, but also for air magic. I have no secondary affinity. But even more interesting than that I have another skill that neither of you possess. I can perceive things. Not with great detail but enough to know that you have all four magics and that Stain is preparing you to take over one day." I sat back and considered what she said.

  "A seer?" That was one name from something like she described.

  She grinned, "Not quite. Mine is more about feelings and thoughts. Seers are about facts." She walked over to Suzie. "For example, you my young friend should accept that things will not change. Once you accept that fact then you can move forward towards where you should."

  Suzie looked up at her, "Where is that?"

  The woman grinned, "Why, you could one day take my place as the water guardian."

  Stain leaned forward. "You have seen this?" He seemed to be excited yet worried.

  She turned and smiled. "Why yes, dear Stain. In a few more years this young woman will take her place as the water guardian." She patted Suzie on the head. "When you are ready come talk to me." She walked towards the door.

  "But what is your name and where can I find you?" Suzie cried after her.

  The woman turned and replied, "Why I am Barbara. You can find me down at the docks. I have a stall there selling magical amulets." With that she left, a hoot from her owl wafting down the hallway after her. Stain looked down the hallway in thought.

  "Well that was a surprise." Stain grinned and looked at Suzie. "I know for a fact you are overloaded with questions. But I would rather wait and answer them later." He looked at the statue, "Right now we should get back to the warehouse." He walked over to the statue and picked it up. "I still have to deal with you." Motioning to the rest of us. "Let's go to the warehouse, I am tired now."

  We all stood up and followed Stain out of the building. Pat flew above us. We all walked silently back to the warehouse, thoughts bouncing around inside of our heads.

  When we walked into the warehouse the captain and Brooke were waiting for us. "So were there any problems?" The captain seemed worried.

  Stain held up the statue of Jim.

  Brooke gasped, "Oh no. Is everyone okay?" She looked closely at Raven.

  Stain held out a hand. "We are fine, we just uncovered a traitor. Other than that it went about how we expected, if a little quicker." He motioned to the captain. "I think we need to talk in a little while."

  The captain nodded. "Should I get a tribunal together?"

  Stain nodded. "Yes, that would be best. I want this done and over with tonight." With that he handed the statue over to the captain. "I think dinner will be the best course for now. If you three will grab food and meet me in the enchantment work room I would appreciate that. And grab food for each of your masters. We are going to
be busy for a little bit." He, the captain, and Brooke walked off.

  I looked at the girls but Mophar spoke first. "Wow, is it always this interesting around you mages?" He hopped down and ran off. "I am getting some food and going to bed. I figure you are safe inside the walls of the warehouse."

  Raven grabbed Suzie and me. "Let's go get food. Everything else can wait until after we eat." She dragged us to the dining hall and made sure we each had enough food plus enough for all our masters and even then a little extra.

  * * *

  As we approached the enchantment room we could hear voices. It sounded like more than our masters were in the room. Upon entering we realized that there were three other people in the room, each person had a hooded cloak on which hid their features. I looked at the girls and gave them a questioning look. Raven's look told me she had seen this before and that it was not a pleasant memory. Suzie looked concerned. We continued to the table and set down the food in front of our masters.

  "Ott, Suzie, Raven, please take a seat on the bench against the wall. You might be needed as witnesses, however I doubt it." Stain pointed and then turned towards the largest cloaked figure. "Now we can begin. I call this tribunal with the authority that has been given to me by the King. I am the Kingdom's High Mage and also the High Guardian of Magic. With the power that has been entrusted to me I accuse this mage, Jim Coulter, of high treason. He assisted in kidnapping three young people, all apprentices to a King's man or lady. He knowingly interfered with the business of the High Mage and assisted an enemy of the kingdom." Stain turned to the statue and I could feel his magic again reach out. Suddenly the statue became the man Jim once more. His anger was obvious.

  "How dare you treat me this way!" Jim bellowed at Stain. I could feel magic coming from Jim. One of the hooded figures pointed at the floor near Jim's feet. It was then I noticed an intricate design set into the floor around Jim. It looked like a bunch of knots that interwove around a circle. Suddenly the magic bounced back from the circle and into Jim. He stiffened up and glared at the mage.