Blood of the Fallen

by Jeff Gunzel

  “Energy,” Assirra said, finally starting to understand.

  “Yes. But it is raw and untamed. No longer does it have a mind or conscience of its own. It is not a thinking entity with any self-awareness. You cannot speak with it, reason with it, and most don’t even realize it exists. But it is in fact all around us. This energy is far more abundant than the wandering sprits most think of when pondering the afterlife. This is why so many are intimated by my kind. They do not understand my methods, or the source of my power. Even necromancers fear my kind. Witches, demons, they call us. But most refer to us as shadow mages. I, for one, embrace that title.”

  Slowly beginning to understand, Assirra found herself feeling guilty all over again. “I am so sorry,” she said for what felt like the hundredth time. “If I had known... I really didn’t understand.”

  “Of course you didn’t,” Aleesia said, waving her apology off. “You were blinded by a religion that only lets you see what you are supposed to see. That is the basis for all religions. We are right and the rest of the world is wrong. If anyone were to dare deviate from that thinking, then they are also in the wrong and must be punished for it. And around and around it goes. I cannot hold you responsible for following the only logic you have ever known.

  “But enough about that. Allow me to give you a demonstration.”

  Aleesia moved to the center of the room. Watching intently, Assirra stepped near the corner to give her more space. Like before, Aleesia’s hair began to wave about as she tipped her head back. The room seemed to darken as if her body were somehow drawing in the light. White spectral faces appeared all around her, each one flowing through an array of different expressions. Some laughed, others cried, and some seemed to scream in agony.

  One by one the ghostly faces began to vanish, each one folding in on themselves as if being sucked away through an invisible tube. But each time one vanished, another appeared to take its place. “You see them, yes?” Aleesia asked, her gaze finding Assirra standing on the other side of the room. The sudden attention startled Assirra. She had been under the impression that any sort of magic performed took all the person’s concentration. Liam could not speak, or do much of anything else when he was casting. Why could Aleesia?

  “I see the spirits,” Assirra said, stepping closer as she grew bolder.

  “That’s not exactly true,” Aleesia corrected. “What you are seeing are only fragments of them. It’s their lingering energy which I spoke of earlier. When I reach out and extract that energy, what remains of the spirit fragment is effectively destroyed.”

  “You mean you’re killing them?” Assirra asked, somewhat alarmed at the notion.

  “I cannot kill that which is already dead.”

  “But that’s what spirits are. They’re already dead,” Assirra pointed out, not willing to let it go so easily. To her eyes, they appeared to be suffering greatly.

  “Whole spirits, yes,” Aleesia said patiently, faces still appearing and vaporizing all around her. “I don’t even have the ability to interact with them.” She eyed the table, trying to think about how to describe something that was already so painfully obvious to her. “Look at those two stumps there by the table. Now imagine that one is still a stump, the other is a stray dog. Say I want to put a funny hat on both of them. I can place it on the stump without a problem, but the dog is just going to run away from me. The difference between a spirit and just its remaining energy is very much the same.

  “When I absorb the dead’s energy, there is no resistance at all. They have no will to resist because energy is all that is left. But if I tried to do the same with an actual spirit, it would just drift away without a second thought. Even if I managed to connect with it, I could not drain any energy from it. I don’t have the ability. Easier to suck a stone through a straw.”

  “Then what are these faces I keep seeing?” Assirra asked, watching as they continued to appear, then boil away like steam.

  “Fragments,” Aleesia shrugged. “Flickering illusions. A last glimmer of who they once were in life. I assure you they feel no pain. They feel nothing in fact, not unlike that tree stump. You need not worry about such things. It’s like accusing me of torturing a rock. Now, please allow me to finish my demonstration.”

  She raised her hands up over her head. The whole room appeared to shift between light and dark as she focused her attention on the table. The legs quivered at first, as if someone had bumped their knee underneath it. Then, it slid across the floor, slamming into the far wall. “And now...” She lowered her hand, curling a finger. The table slid back to where it was as if she had called it.

  Beginning to sweat, Aleesia wiped her forehead and smiled. “The energy is really very basic, you see. As far as objects go, I can either push or pull them. Depending on their size, I can even lift smaller ones. But that’s not all.” Clenching her fists, she closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Little flecks of light sparkled above her head. Like fireflies, they seemed to wink in and out as they materialized. Seconds later, shiny white spheres the size of fists appeared, rotating around her head in a tight circle.

  “Concentrating all my energy together, I can even create physical objects,” Aleesia said. This time there was a clear strain in her voice. Whatever she was doing, it was obviously using a great deal of concentration. “These objects can take any form I choose as long as I think about it hard enough. Spheres are the easiest because I don’t have to concentrate on any particular shape.”

  “Can I touch them?” Assirra asked, already stepping in to do just that.

  “Not if you want to keep your fingers,” Aleesia croaked, the strain in her voice even more evident that time. To demonstrate what she meant, she raised the rotating circle of white spheres even higher. Hissing against the ceiling, they instantly blackened a trail across any part they touched. The scent of scorched wood filled the hut. Releasing her hold on them with a sharp breath, the glowing spheres disappeared in a flash of white. Dropping to one knee, she smacked her palms against the floor. She gasped for air as if she had just sprinted a mile, back rising and falling while drops of sweat dripped from her chin.

  “And that,” she said, pausing to take a few more deep breaths, “is your fist glimpse into the world of a shadow mage. I admit, our abilities are rather limited when compared to other forms of magic. But the source of our power is practically limitless. The dead’s energy is all around us, with more being added every second of every day.”

  “Are you all right?” Assirra asked, stepping up cautiously to the downed woman.

  “I will be,” Aleesia assured her, rising up on her knees with both hands on her thighs. She was beginning to catch her breath now. “Changing the energy into physical objects is far more taxing than simply moving objects. I’ve had years of practice yet still I tire quickly.”

  “Why is that?” Assirra asked. Normally she would not have given it a second thought. After all, what did she know of the arts or any if its various practitioners? But she had seen Liam in action a few times. His magic never affected him that way. “One of the friends I mentioned to you earlier. Liam. He too is a mage of sorts.” She snapped her fingers a few times. “A...er…mystic. Yes, that’s it. Casting never seemed to tax his body like this. What is the difference between you two?”

  “A mystic, eh?” Aleesia laughed, pushing herself up off the floor. Bits of her damp hair clung around her face. Smoothing it aside with one hand, she began fanning herself with the other. “That’s like asking about the difference between water and fire. Your friend, this Liam, derives his power from a completely different source. When spells are cast in this fashion, they are usually brought about by saying a few magical phrases. I imagine he also uses a staff or wand to help channel the spells?”

  “Staff,” Assirra said, impressed by Alessia’s knowledge on the subject. Perhaps this is what happens when one withdraws from society and has nothing to do other than read books all day.

  “Of course,” Aleesia replied, twi
rling her hand as if that should have been obvious. “When someone like Liam casts a spell, it is the magical words bringing forth a reaction. These spells have to be practiced constantly, the words said just right. And most importantly, the mind must be linked to the outer plane. This is where his magic is drawn from. The words simply open up a gate between our worlds, allowing the magic to flow. That is not an easy task by any means. Only a strong mind can perform such a feat.

  “But there are weaknesses to this sort of magic as well. Because the mind is so thoroughly involved, his concentration so absolute, that a simple,” she clapped her hand, “disturbance of any kind can disrupt the spell. Why, he could be casting a spell so powerful that it could level a city, and yet my simply flicking his nose would ruin the spell.

  “But there are strengths as well. His physical body has very little to do with the energy being channeled, so he does not fatigue the way I do. Mental exhaustion perhaps, but not physical.

  “I, on the other hand, have more in common with you than with him.” Assirra was a little taken aback by that. She didn’t really see how that was possible.

  “What was it like when your god worked through you? Could you not feel his power as if it were your own?”

  Assirra winced at the questions. Odao’s abandonment of her was still plenty fresh in her mind. “Well,” she said, forcing herself to think about it. “Yes, I suppose it was something like that. There was never much effort on my part. All I did was open my heart and mind, then let Odao flow through me like a river. His will became my will. His strength became my strength.”

  “Precisely,” Aleesia agreed. “Once the energy starts channeling through you, the rest comes easy, natural, even. Your body in particular is already used to letting energy flow through it. But here is the difference. This time you will not just be a vessel to be used by another being. This time you will be the one directing the flow.” She looked around, eyeing various spots on the hard floor. “I’m afraid I don’t have much in the way of accommodations. As you can imagine, I don’t often entertain guests. Try and make yourself comfortable, if that is at all possible. You will need your rest tonight.” Stretching, she walked over to her hammock and eased herself down. “We will start in the morning.”

  “You mean you’re going to train me?” Assirra asked, unable to keep the excitement from her voice.

  “No,” Aleesia said flatly before rolling over on her side. “First, I need to find out if you’re even worth training. Prove that you are, and we shall go from there. Good night.”

  Chapter 7

  After a long night of tossing and turning on a hard wooden floor, Assirra awoke to the sound of stomping feet. “Get up,” Aleesia ordered, nudging her with a foot to the back of the neck. Assirra rolled to her back, wincing at the stiffness of her body. All her joints ached. Somehow, she suspected that she probably should have slept outside. Surely even the hard ground was more comfortable than this floor. A second, more forceful kick prompted her to sit up.

  “Hey!” Assirra protested, rubbing her shoulder.

  “I know you are not used to taking orders,” Aleesia said, smirking down at her. “But I suspect that is about to change. Need I remind you that you are not in Eldham anymore? Here, I make the rules. Understood? Now get up.”

  Muttering something under her breath, Assirra pushed herself up off the floor as her body cracked and popped in protest. Yes, she would definitely sleep outside in the dirt next time.

  Out of pure instinct, Assirra raised a finger and opened her mouth, prepared to give this girl the proper tongue lashing she deserved. But strangely enough, the level look she got from Aleesia, one almost daring her to go through with it, was enough to silence her. It was true, she wasn’t in Eldham anymore, and she wasn’t in charge of anything these days. In fact, it was quite the opposite. She had practically come here begging for help. And if that meant keeping her head down and swallowing her pride, then so be it.

  “Yes, Aleesia,” Assirra said, brushing off her dress, as if this torn rag could even still be called a dress. “I am up. What would you have me do first?”

  Aleesia smiled, liking the change in tone from the woman who once cast her away so many years ago. But she also felt pity for Assirra as well. No one should have to suffer the way she had recently, not even her. Assirra had already made it clear she was not here to throw her weight around. She was here to learn and nothing more. “First?” Aleesia said, looking Assirra up and down. “First, I should have you get out of these filthy rags. I’m sure we can find something that will fit you.”

  After rummaging through a tattered old box in the corner of the room, Aleesia found what she was looking for. The fine red dress was too large for her, but she never found the heart to rid herself of it because of its fine quality. Assirra happily slung it on. It was still a bit too small for her, but that didn’t matter. It did, however, make her feel strange to be wearing such a fine dress out in the middle of nowhere.

  “There,” Aleesia said, stepping back to admire the dress she could never wear anyway. “It looks beautiful on you.” Unable to resist, Assirra threw her hands up and twirled around in a flourish. She was used to people obeying her commands, but not so used to compliments about how pretty she looked at any given time. She found the latter to be much more gratifying. “If our people could only see you now.”

  “If they saw me here with you, I would be banished for being a traitor.”

  “A fair point,” Aleesia chuckled. “Come, I’ll make us something to eat before we get started.”

  Aleesia went to the cooking pot outside while Assirra stayed in. A short time later she returned with a pot full of stewed apples. Like old friends, they sat around the table laughing and retelling stories from their past. While Aleesia came clean on all the pranks she had played on the village elders back in those days—most of which Assirra was just learning of now for the first time—Assirra updated her on what the tarrins were doing these days. To Aleesia’s mild disappointment, it sounded as if they were mostly living their lives exactly the same. The village was practically stuck in time and would probably never change.

  “Well then, I suppose it’s time we got started,” Aleesia said, standing up and moving around to Assirra’s back. “We’ll start with a simple test. Please understand, Assirra, if we cannot get past this first step, then our business together will be concluded. Some people simply don’t have the raw ability to become shadow mages. If this turns out to be the case, then no amount of training or effort can overcome that. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  Assirra nodded, swallowing the lump swelling up in her throat. “Fail this test and it is over before it started,” she said. The thought of that made her quite nervous.

  “Now, place your hands on the table and close your eyes.” Assirra did as instructed. She drew in a breath when she felt Aleesia’s cold fingers touch her temples. “Good. Now I just want you to concentrate on my touch. Empty your mind. Feel my energy flowing through you. My touch is the only sensation you should be experiencing. Nothing else is real. Nothing else exists.”

  Assirra tried to concentrate, but it proved to be more difficult than she thought. She found herself fighting down her own thoughts, thoughts of her friends and whether or not they were all right, fear of what she might do if this test failed. Her mind was a chaotic swirl of noise and distraction.

  Enough! The inner voice cracked in her head like a whip. But she knew that voice. It was Aleesia. The woman was somehow inside her head. Pull yourself together or your journey will end here. “I won’t let that happen,” Assirra whispered, feeling as if she were falling into a trance. That is up to you. Now you must clear your mind.

  One by one Assirra began wiping away her scattered thoughts, dismissing her fears. They were not allowed to have any power over her. It was a process, but she managed to calm her mind and tame her thoughts.

  Before she knew it, her mind was floating in emptiness. She could even hear the light wisps of her o
wn breaths. Aleesia’s light touch seemed to melt into her head, merging with her mind in some strange way. She did not resist. In fact, she embraced the sensation, inviting it in. Suddenly, the table raced away from Assirra’s hands. Grinding across the room, it slammed against the far wall. Assirra opened her eyes, gasping as if she had been holding her breath for minutes.

  “W-What happened?” Assirra asked, worried that something had gone wrong.

  “It wasn’t you. I’m the one who pushed the table,” Aleesia said. Assirra deflated, wondering what that meant. “But I did it through your hands. In fact, I did it quite easily. I now know that your body has the ability to channel energy. That was the first test. Congratulations.”

  Relief washed over Assirra. It was only now that she realized how much she really wanted this. The chance to attain her own power was a far greater temptation than that of the clergy.

  “But that is only the first step,” Aleesia reminded, wanting to make sure she didn’t get too comfortable. “I now know your body is capable of transferring the dead’s energy back into the world of the living. What I do not know is whether or not you have the mental strength required to become a shadow mage. Those like myself who are self-taught sometimes take over a decade to perfect our craft. Others who have the privilege of being taught by our elder mages, and were also rather bright to begin with, may master the art in five to seven years.” Her eyes narrowed. “I offer you one week of my training.”

  “And how can I possibly master this craft in one week?” Assirra asked.

  “You can’t,” Aleesia said. “To my knowledge it’s never been done. But that is not my problem, is it?”

  “No, I suppose it is not,” Assirra answered, unable to hide her disappointment.

  “Let me be clear,” Aleesia said, practically stepping right into Assirra’s chest as she looked up at the much taller tarrin. “My proposal is nowhere near as punishing as you think. I learned everything I needed to within the first few weeks of teaching myself. Once I learned how to turn my body into a vessel, the rest came with muscle memory and repetition.