“I did not know this at the time because it all happened after I set off to become your teacher. It was also the dragons who proposed that none influence our path when we went after the missing Utala and Meeka. It was for that reason that we didn’t hear anything in those weeks. They didn’t want to cause a distraction or get us killed. Not only did the council watch you, but since they placed the spell so that only Twilight’s council could observe, a dragon elder also watched over you, one old enough to remember warlocks well.
“It was frightening that a warlock and griffin were paired again after ten thousand years, but after our relentless pursuit to recover those wrongly taken, it was deemed that our actions were justified. The dragon also seemed to believe you would be less a threat since you weren’t born with magic and had time to grow to maturity without being influenced by magic the way your ancestors were. Being alone also contributes to less hostility from those with power. One man alone is less likely to cause the trouble which first got warlocks Jumped to Earth.
“Even destroying Bepop actually helped your case. Killing all those Laqura mages gave Twilight’s own residents hope because our power is significantly less than the empire’s in recent years. We’ve barely been able to keep them at bay all these centuries. The battle mages I spoke with back home especially seemed to respect you. My husband was worried and nearly Jumped to Bepop when he saw us outnumbered, but when Daku got us out he said he felt his presence wasn’t required.
“To further give you personal power, outside of magic, was from both King Tate and Skylar who sent reports detailing their interactions with you, even openly sharing that you are the one the Great Prophet spoke of before coming to tell Meeka and Brooke theirs and bestowing magic on each. There is so much happening around you, Cage, that even I cannot comprehend everything.
“Eventually what made those frightened council members, who wanted to have you killed immediately, reconsider their actions is by how you act. Yes, you cannot stop fighting because of your nature, but when the innocent and those close to you are in danger, you step in and personally deal with the situation.
“You don’t kill needlessly though you honestly don’t feel any remorse for those who do die by your hand. That part of your personality really hit a few nerves, making some believe you are callus. To ease the worries, the council had to be reminded that spirits call you Lord Death. For whatever reason that is, is unclear. No spirit summoned will even hint at why you are called such, even though all seem to have some knowledge of who you are.
“And as your teacher, I showed the council that although your power is great, you do not use it to subjugate others. With their worry dwindling they began to realize what you can do for them…” Cage went to open his mouth, but she raised a hand to forestall the interruption. “I know Cage, but they already realize you won’t be part of them. You’re too independent and smart to play into their political games. You are to do as you will from hence forth. You, My Friend, don’t have to do a thing they ask if you do not want to. Especially since one of the councilors told me that currently your power has grown so much that only sixteen first class sorcerers are more powerful than yourself currently. And if your growth is any indication, in three months that number will be reduced to eleven and in a year you will likely be the most powerful mage in all of Vlara and Emroc.
“Your strength will rival dragons. Even dragons said as much. You would not have been bound to the white king otherwise.” Silence lasted for a few moments while Megdline took a few breaths. “My husband wants me to also tell you that he wants to meet you personally in the next few months and extend an open invitation to Twilight. The dragons also wish to meet you. It isn’t some ceremonial or political reason they want to speak upon. Mostly, they wish to know what you are like and how it was to live on Earth, without mana. You’ve sparked interests and imaginations, mine included… and yes, I reminded that there are many things you won’t talk about for the safety and stability of Raliea. They know from my reports that Earth’s technology is slowly killing the planet and will value your need to keep certain information as such so that the mistakes aren’t repeated here.
“With all I’ve said, it is clear you value life and that is what Twilight stands for. You don’t actively go to kill anything. Because of this, Twilight will not interfere in your affairs and will remove the spells constantly watching the moment I give the command on your island. You will not yet be allowed into Twilight until my husband brings an invitation. But Twilight’s citizens are still prohibited from visiting because of curiosity. Anyone caught magically breaking the ban anywhere near your island will be severely reprimanded.”
“Good to hear.” Cage commented when it looked like she finished. “If that spell is going to be removed I’ll need to find a way to block people from seeing me. I’ve royally pissed off the Laqura Empire and they’ll be out for blood. If I cannot figure out something soon there will be a shitload of angry mages who’ll try to take me out. I cannot even use the sight mirror on myself to experiment.”
“Not to worry.” Megdline said. “I know the spell well and it must be said aloud because it is long and complex. You’ll likely need extra gems or crystal since it wouldn’t be wise to link the spell to your hands. The amount required to maintain such a spell indefinitely would be too difficult.”
“I have a bunch of shards.” He admitted.
“So long as there are no less than fifty the size of a pea, the spell will work.”
“Then we are good to go.” Cage smiled and sighed, glad to have one giant monkey off his back. Hearing the council had made up their damn mind was relaxing, but not so much that it could all be a rouse. Cage knew the council could say one thing and make Megdline believe it, but he’d need more time to prepare if they all chose to attack. The only thing working at the moment is Megdline came alone and not with an army. That is certain and if the council kept their word it would be a great ally should they be needed. The only ones he truly trusted is Daku, Meeka and Brooke. And he would do anything to keep them safe.
“So Cage, how are you progressing by growing food?” Megdline wondered.
“I can grow four of the same plants simultaneously and keep the taste delicious, but when I do two different plants like tomatoes and squash I have issues regulating them and the flavor is revolting.” He admitted.
“Then you are progressing nicely. Are the flavors that succeeded have a mildly sweeter taste with your intervention in their growth?”
“Now that you mention it. The sweet corn was delightful.” Brooke said.
“Hold on a damn moment!” Cillian suddenly burst out. He heard everything and didn’t understand maybe half. “How can you so easily shrug off the fact that the Magical Council of Twilight wanted to kill you?” He asked Cage. “I’ve never heard of them willing to commit murder for one man. What did you do to upset them to such an extent? What is this being from another world? I thought your homeland was small and hidden? Cage, what is going on here?”
Tiffa laid a hand on his forearm. “Peace, My Love.”
“Cillian,” Cage said. “I personally didn’t do a thing to provoke the council. It is what I am and what my ancestors did so long ago that the council fears.” Cage then personally explained the story told to him about what his forefathers had done. He even showed the mark of a warlock and how it grows when he uses magic. To prove a point, Cage conjured a compact orb of light, covered it with a hand and made it so bright that the light passed through his skin and revealed the bones beneath just like a strong flashlight would do. The magic made his mark grow two more loops to explain why he’s different. He explained how he cannot eat meat and why he’s so dangerous because of his potential as an elite warlock. The mayor sat in silent shock and knew he wasn’t being played a fool by everyone’s clear expressions, especially his daughter, who didn’t reveal anything. “I’ve been waiting on the council’s decision for awhile and now that they say they won’t come after me, I don’t need to fret. That i
s why I can talk so carefree about my lessons with my teacher. Yes, I’m even more dangerous than I ever was on Earth, but it didn’t change who I am. Now that others can see it more clearly I won’t need to figure out how many scenarios I’d need to kill those who seek to kill me.”
“But to be more powerful than first class sorcerers, I find hard to believe.” Said Tiffa.
Megdline leaned forward slightly. “I’m a second class sorceress and Cage’s power surpassed mine weeks ago. Do not be fooled, he is someday going to singularly hold the power of a good sized army. Though there is little known of elite warlocks, he will be the best ally or enemy our lands will ever know.”
Her statement squashed any further debate.
Then Meeka suddenly brightened. “Megdline, I have something to show you!” she then leaned over closer to her mother and before the sorceress could react, she kissed her mother’s cheek.
Megdline stared openly while saying “But your curse…”
Meeka held out her bracelet with the triangular crystal. “Cage somehow gave me this and it blocks my lips somewhat from triggering my curse.”
“That should be impossible!” Megdline stated. “I also researched your curse all those years ago. The sorcerer who saw you did everything possible to protect others from your curse, even trying to place a barrier. As a baby your lips passed through his strongest barrier like air. The curse shouldn’t allow for anything to stop your lips from touching the target… Your mother should be dead and frozen by now.” She then stared hard at the gem and sent her magic. For several silent minutes she worked out the wards to eventually speak uncertainly “I do not understand… the ward does prevent your lips from truly touching flesh, but to stop the unstoppable…”
“Granny, the same could be said of my drilling a hole in Skylar’s castle. Maybe my magic is different.”
“No… I mean yes, your mana is strong, but my mana and yours are similar, only different because of our bodies in how much we produce and the speed at which we recover. That is what I read.”
“But when you tasted my mana you said my quality of mana is pure.”
“I did say that, but that was a simple test to see how strong your potential is. We work spells exactly the same way, Cage… We mold mana by our focus and intentions to work spells. Since it takes a mind to create and cast magic the only assumption I can hypothesize is your mind not only thinks differently, but it can also cast spells unlike other mages. I will have to discover how you can do what was thought impossible.” She decided.
“Knock yourself out…” Cage saw the confusion in his teacher’s expression after that statement. “I mean, do what you need to. I’ll help in any way I can.”
The conversations ended several minutes later when there came an odd scratching sound before the door opened thanks to Kitty as Daku and Frill entered, looking very satisfied from their hunt. “All done?” Frill asked.
“We are.” Megdline responded. To the others she said “We have a lot of work ahead of us and sitting here isn’t helping. Cillian, Tiffa, it was a pleasure meeting you. I expect we’ll be seeing more of each other in the future.”
Sweat dripped off the tip of Sean’s nose as he shaved off the last piece of bark from the tree and as he stretched his cramped lower back from hunching a flash of white caught his eye. He looked up and called over his shoulder. “Rena, Dad and the others are back.”
His declaration had everyone stop what they were doing and look up to find Daku’s unique form descending from the north. Rena came over to get a better view of those returning. Daku blew the topmost level of fine sand from great wings flapping to slow and ease the landing. He knelt as those he carried wanted to exit.
All of the tribe ceased activity when they got their first glimpse of the magic woman spoken so highly of. Sean went to go greet Megdline till Rena grabbed his arm and shook her head. “No Sean. We are not allowed to approach.”
“Why not?” He asked and noticed all the other children either heading to the safety of the trees or hiding behind the soon to be made boats. “Is there something I don’t know?”
“Sean,” Rena explained. “we children cannot be endangered when someone not of our tribe comes. Mother, said in the past that other tribes who come to speak used to kill children so we couldn’t grow to defend our tribe. Even one adult is enough to make our parents make us hide. We are not allowed to get anywhere near the visitor if they are not Utala. Because it is clear she is a magic woman, we won’t be able to get close without the elders approval, even if you know her and she helped bring our people home.”
“That’s stupid. I’m going to say hello.” Rena balked as he walked around the tree. Before he took another step an arrow zipped and impacted the ground not a foot ahead. Fearfully, Sean turned in the direction the arrow was fired from to see a thin woman with a bow angrily pointing for him to get back behind the tree. He never expected to be warned in such a way, but it was clear that his intentions wouldn’t be tolerated, even to friends. He quickly ran back around to stand beside his new sister with a slight shake of fear.
Rena placed a hand on his shoulder for reassurance.
Sean eventually recovered enough to see nearly every adult crowded around Megdline, Frill and his parents. The elders seemed to sit down to speak with the sorceress, periodically they could hear their dad and mothers voices over the constant wind. The other adults who surrounded constantly clutched a weapon, never relaxing. It made Sean wonder just how hard it was to live if such precautions were taken for a friend. What would it be like for an enemy?
An hour passed before the adults began to disperse. As Sean noticed this, the other children who were in hiding began to reappear from the forest. “Can we go now?” He asked Rena.
“Yes, we may go.”
Sean stood and made his way over to find his parents and everyone else speaking to the seven elders. “… are welcome to eat if you are hungry.” Elder Shania finished saying.
“I’m not hungry quite yet.” Megdline admitted. “Cage and I have a lot of work to do if we are going to get your people across and ready by morning… Hello Sean.” She said while turning her calm grey eyes down upon him. “And you must be Rena.”
“Hello, Megdline.” Rena returned with a curious smile.
“It is a pleasure to meet you in person, Young Lady. We will get to know each other very soon, but there is so much that needs doing.” Her grey eyes moved over them to find the idea of how Cage wanted to make the boats easy enough to craft. “Come Cage, we must get started.”
Cage greeted his kids with a quick rub on the head before following his teacher. He showed her how he first cut the tree long ways to create two nearly identical halves. Less than half of the trees had been debarked so he showed her how he made a saw disc to work it.
“Crude, but effective.” Megdline responded. “Let me show you a less mana draining way.” She focused on one of the shaved trees from standing at the base and Cage watched as a golden thread appeared from the tip of her finger. “Cage, imagine a thin string with the intention of separating the bonds which hold the tree together. It is a form of manipulation which solely unbinds the wood fibers from wherever the string touches.” The golden thread magically grew in several feet per second as she ordered it to go all the way across, curve and burrow its way beneath the ground before reemerging near her feet. The thread made a loop around the base of her thread and forefinger. Then she began retracting the line without moving. The moment the string began to bite into the wood there came a faint hiss as the thread pulled its way through the length of the tree.
“So it is somewhat like I did when I cut off the rudders of the ships when I designed the micron wires…” He thought aloud.
“Yes and no.” Megdline replied. “Your wires were designed to cut without giving way to the fact that you’d need magic which could give away your intentions. What I’m doing is simply separating the fibers so the cut will have less flaws and not create splinters or debris from bei
ng thrown around. As a plus, separating like this requires less mana and is easier to keep a straight line since it cuts from one end to another without the need to constantly reposition oneself.”
Cage gave it a try to find that his string was black, but as she had explained, the cut was clean and far less demanding than slicing through with a conjured giant saw-blade. The tree then split down the middle in two halves. Instead of using the fire string like before, he tried the new method to scoop out the central piece. Daku still helped remove the heavy piece.
Megdline though, didn’t have an easier way of molding the boats themselves. Since she was more accustomed to manipulating wood, she finished two boats and even smoothed the outside, where the bark had been scraped off, before Cage barely finished one.
Morning and much of the afternoon passed before Megdline and Cage had to rest after the constant use of magic wore them down. They had finished shaping the boats and side ballasts to perfection, at least for the humans who would use them regularly. They watched as the tribe hammered all the pieces firmly together and worked to bring every scrap of what the tribe owned to the beach.
“Granny, before we craft the last four trees into a barge, tell me what else happened in your time in Twilight.” He asked while stroking Daku’s soft fur.
Megdline turned away from the constant buzz of excited Utala. “My husband was very glad to have me back… I cannot recall the last time I had ever seen him so relieved. He told me how he nearly jeopardized everything when he saw me wounded. Apparently the other council members had to ask him to wait because the dragon, I know not who, seemed to understand what Daku here was planning.” Daku raised his large, bull size head. “My husband supposedly couldn’t speak when you saved us because the dragons didn’t inform the council of your following of Cage. Some of the council didn’t believe you still lived Daku.”
Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga) Page 13
