Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

The children all cheered wildly as they saw the illusionary bear turn into a small rabbit in a burst of sparks. Amongst the children stood several adults and two young men, all watching Dievu Ilphuki use his magic to bewilder and entertain the crowd. Not one to usually show off his god given powers, Dievu could not deny the requests of the young children and continued to conjure up fantastic illusions and perform various tricks.

  Christill and Thibalt stood in Dievu's crowd, enjoying the display just as much as the children. This was the first time that they had seen magic used to such an extent. In Hamal the Disciple was the sole person gifted with the power of magic by Beon, but they had never seen him use it like this. On the mainland magic was an important part of society. Each nation held academies dedicated purely to the study of magic and the number of magic users grew with each passing year.

  "Another one," pleaded several of the children.

  "Very well, one more, but then I must be off," replied Dievu with a smile.

  The crowd remained silent as Dievu closed his eyes. A thin green mist formed around his body, swirling rapidly. The mist became so thick that it became difficult to see him. The children then watched eagerly as the mist rose into the air and became solid.

  The green cloud had turned into a dazzling phoenix that let out a shrill cry. The phoenix, a bird of myth and legend, was the creation of story tellers and a favourite of Feldonian children. Its bright orange and red feathers glowed brightly in the sky and in its wake came a trail of fire. Then, just as quickly as it had appeared, the spectral phoenix burst into flames and disappeared. The children clapped and shouted their approval and after a few moments Dievu moved down the street back towards the caravan.

  As he walked down the busy street, he turned and fixed a piercing gaze on Christill. Christill found himself extremely uncomfortable under the watch of this mysterious Karmanian. Out of the entire crowd, Dievu was staring at him. Why? Suddenly he noticed a tingling in his fingertips that spread up to his ears. This quickly faded and he was overcome with a sudden desire to follow this man, to speak with him and learn from him. To become just like him.

  Christill began to sway where he stood and was startled by Thibalt grabbing his arm. "Are you alright?" he asked.

  "What?" Christill said softly. "Sorry, I...never mind."

  Thibalt looked at his brother with a bemused expression, and Christill realised that Thibalt had no idea what had just happened. He decided it was best not to mention anything.

  "Well, what now?" asked Thibalt.

  As Christill thought, he kept remembering Dievu's penetrating gaze. The illusions that he had conjured up were majestic. Here was a man who, using only the power of his mind, could humble the greatest of warriors. If only he could have that power. The strange notion that had presented itself in Christill's mind before would not shake itself free.

  "I think we both knew what would happen," he said, starting at Thibalt.

  "You know what my wish is?"

  "I do," said Christill, with a sad nod. "You and I are two different people. We cannot follow the same path in this new life and remain satisfied."

  "You were always the wiser one."

  "So I suspect you are going to do something foolish like join the Militia?"

  "Am I that predictable?"

  Christill simply nodded.

  "Will you join me?" asked Thibalt with a grin.

  "No, brother."

  Thibalt smile faded in surprise. "No?...What then?"

  "Like you I am going to find some adventure."

  "Where better to find adventure than the frontline of the war?"

  "Do I look like a soldier to you, brother?"

  Thibalt shook his head. "I am sure that you could find something of interest in Precedin. Come see the East with me."

  "I will...soon," replied Christill, his voice taking on a sombre tone. "But first there is something I wish to do. I am going to follow the Queen's carriage. I want to see more of that magic and am hoping that that Karmanian will lead me to a place where I might find a way to do so," replied Christill.

  "What will you do without me to protect you?"

  Christill snickered. "I am sure that I will manage."

  "This is very sudden" said Thibalt, struggling to believe that Christill was wanting to leave him. "You said nothing of this before."

  "Seeing the Karmanian before awoke something inside of me. I can't leave without finding out what that was. Can you understand that?"

  "I can," answered Thibalt. "I feel the very same thing when I think about the struggle in the East." He let out a long, resigned breath. "I hope that you find some answers then."

  Christill then placed his hand on his brother's shoulder and embraced him. "This is not going to be easy for either of us, so let's make it quick." said Christill. "We have never been apart for long, but I am sure that I will find my way to Precedin sooner than you think."

  "You promise?"

  "Of course," said Christill with a smirk. "Good luck brother. Here our paths part, but we will meet again." Christill stepped back and winked at his brother. "You keep Esree, she will keep you safe. Try not to get yourself into too much trouble before we meet again." Christill then turned and walked out of the market.

  "Goodbye Christill, may the gods watch over you," Thibalt whispered.

  Unbeknownst to Christill, as he walked away from his brother, a pair of vivid blue eyes followed his every step.

  CHAPTER SIX

  THE EASTERN HIGHWAY