“Not here,” said a young elf, around Odder’s age, motioning back with his thumb.
Odder groaned and spotted an entire vacant row near the top of the arena. He took a seat, removed his hood, and observed the townsfolk fill in the empty seats near the stage.
A sudden sharp slap to the back of his neck made him jerk around.
“Nice hair, swamp slug.”
“Renzt!” Odder narrowed his eyes and rubbed his neck. “I like my hair short. It’s better than looking like a lassie.”
Renzt growled. “Jumping off the top ledge would give you a better view, at least for me.”
“Leave me alone.”
“You’re so pathetic.” Renzt puffed out his lips and tipped his head side to side. “‘I’m a vekart, and I can’t even spark a candle.’” His expression turned sober, then derisive. “You have no business here.”
Odder sneered and turned back to the stage. “I’ll be sure and let the Prince know.”
“A jelly worm has more of a spine than you. Don’t you have a chamber pot to empty?” Renzt slapped Odder’s neck again before walking away.
Odder flinched but kept his eyes forward attempting to calm his rising temper.
If I could wield magic, the town would know who the real coward is. The first thing I would do is –
“Take your seats,” the overseer announced.
Everyone hastened to their seats and fell silent as they gazed at the stage. After several minutes, when nothing happened, the voices muttered in the crowd once again.
“Ahem.” The overseer cleared his throat. “Soon we will announce our Proprius representing the House of Elestus. He will compete in this year’s Champion’s Quest. But first, we have a guest speaker. He has traveled to our city from the island township of Skyger. I introduce to you the High Wizard Edan.” The audience clapped as the overseer stepped down from the stage.
Everyone became silent as they waited in anticipation. Several minutes went by when an elf pointed to the eastern sky and yelled, “There, there, a large bird.”
“Yes, I see it,” confirmed another. “A giant raven!”
The bird flew toward the elves and descended on the marble stage. Some of the elves gasped, others trembled with fear, and a couple even fell off their benches. The eerie raven landed and peered at the crowd with its black pearl eyes. It raised its wings and opened its ebony beak to let out a loud squawk. A thick mist formed near its talons and circled upward around the body, over the head, and finally engulfed the wings. A flash of light dissipated the haze, and the figure of a tall elderly elf with a long white-streaked beard, robed in midnight black, emerged. Translucent wings unfolded behind him, giving off a glowing blue hue.
Once the initial shock passed, the crowd erupted into applause. The ability to morph into a creature and take on its essence confirmed the sheer power of his magic.
Odder rubbed his eyes and leaned in for a closer look. His own lack of magic abilities had led to a strong cynicism for unnecessary shows of magic, but he had to admit he envied this impressive manifestation. He never left his city of Elestus but read the history of the Seven Houses and was familiar with the celestial magic the wizards of Skyger wielded.
“I am the High Wizard Edan,” he declared in a raspy voice. “We are in the age of a great celestial event known as the Tetrad. A few chosen High Wizards have kept the day and time a secret.”
He whispered into his hand and lifted his arm to the sky while making a circular gesture. A giant glowing orrery, made of blue light, formed above him. Twelve arrows, set in an intricate gear system, pointed toward magic symbols, and above those symbols hovered celestial bodies.
“Every four thousand and two hundred years, our world of Arcaina, along with our small blue sun, Ophelia, and yellow sun, Kellas, align perfectly with the Eye of Adeit.”
Edan lifted his arms above his head. His wings brightened as light pulsated down their veins. His hands burst into flames and fire shot up into the dark gray clouds causing them to glow gold and crimson. With a wave from his wrist, the sky became clear.
“Behold, the Eye of Adeit.”
A celestial body far in the heavens revealed itself above the northern horizon. The elves gasped at the sight. Odder clenched his left fist as the familiar sharp pain invaded his forearm. He clasped his arm with his right hand and peered back toward the beautiful object. A scarlet red flame surrounded the radiant middle that blazed as brilliant as the two suns. On either side, a luminescent gas-cloud fanned outward. The object truly resembled a cosmic godly eye.
The hovering orrery rotated then shifted a celestial sign to align with the phenomenon. The sign illuminated to reveal an infinity symbol. Odder’s arm throbbed, but he refused to let the pain tear his eyes from the amazing sight.
The high wizard pointed toward the suns. Kellas rose from the east, while Ophelia descended in the west. “House of Skyger began tracking this event millennia ago. In twenty-two days the Tetrad will begin.”
Edan dropped his arms, and the light in his wings dimmed. “As these heavenly bodies converge, their magic bends the distance between our realm and the spirit realm forming a portal. Legends say evil creatures will advance to the entrance in an attempt to acquire the limitless spiritual magic found on the other side. This onslaught is exaggerated.” He waved his hand in front of the audience creating a scene showing goblins amassing their armies. The crowd muttered. “Our spies do report increased goblin movement on the border of the Miserah, the goblin forest, and in the shadow region where the Xenduri reside but do not be troubled. After the Miserah war over two hundred years ago, the Seven Houses made a treaty with the Xenduri to attack any goblins crossing into the shadow region in exchange for Silq.”
“Of course, we cannot fully trust the Xenduri,” the wizard continued. “Although they despise the goblins, evil flows through their veins. “We have taken necessary steps to reinforce our borders as a precaution.” The High Wizard walked to the right side of the stage and motioned for a hooded figure dressed in a plain tan cloak to approach. “As you know, the Seven Houses of Arcaina created a game in which the greatest fighter and magic users from each House compete yearly to win the title of Champion. This year’s winner of the Champion’s Quest will receive a distinctive honor. The hero will stand guard at the entrance to the portal wielding the flaming sword of Maha’De.”
A sudden burst of chatter filled the air.
“The Demon Killer!” yelled one elf.
“It’s only a story,” said another. The whispers continued.
A hooded figure climbed the stage and made his way to the center. Edan held out his palm to silence the crowd. “Elves of Elestus, I present your Proprius to this year’s Champion’s quest, Prince Destin Arcus; Son to King Gralon.”
Destin lowered his hood and through his cloak into the crowd. He revealed an elegant green, linen vest, showing off his chiseled physique. A distinctive sash wrapped around his waist, making his place in the House of Elestus evident. Brown leather pants, custom brown leather boots with shiny beads, and a silver buckle completed his intentionally impressive ensemble.
Odder lifted his head as his spirit filled with pride.
The audience stood and cheered. Odder jumped to his feet and applauded. Destin’s skills in fighting and conjuring magic made him the most gifted young wizard in Elestus and possibly all of Arcaina.
Renzt leaned toward the elf next to him. “His overbearing confidence and self-reliance are his weaknesses,” he said just loud enough for Odder to hear.
Odder gnashed his teeth at Renzt’s disrespect.
The High Wizard again quieted the crowd. “The game will begin in six days. Once we have a victor, we will prepare for the Tetrad. For added protection, designated wizards will teach citizens protection and attack spells.”
As the wizard spoke, the skies became cloudy once again, hiding the Eye of Adeit. The orrery faded from sight.
“Now, with help from your Prince, I will demonstrate a
few of the spells you will need to learn.” The High Wizard closed his eyes and held his hands together. “These are dangerous times.” He parted his hands, and while doing so, a fireball formed. “Seek knowledge, memorize these spells, for your lives may depend on what you learn. You are at different levels of wizardry, so be careful. Some of what I will teach you are high wizard spells.”
Odder crossed his arms and glanced away. He would rather wrestle with a bog witch than sit through a lecture on conjuring. He stood and made his way between the benches, his gray eyes fixed forward to avoid eye contact.
He attempted to pass Renzt who made a ridiculous face, eyes crossed, head tilted, and tongue dangling out to one side. Odder smiled at the thought of elbowing Renzt in the face.
Maybe if no one’s looking… He frowned, and his shoulders sagged as he realized he was already attracting all manners of stares.
As he passed, Renzt slid his foot into Odder’s path. With so little warning he tumbled, falling like a large sack of beans.
Renzt laughed between snorts. “Nice one, slug.” The entire area erupted in laughter.
Rage pounded in Odder’s head. He clenched his fists and rose to his feet. Anger blinded all his thoughts except one.
I will bury you!
He spun around, and while doing so drew his wooden sword, smashing Renzt’s leg. The cruel blow sent Renzt to his knees. Odder swung in the other direction and thrust the blunt edge into his opponent’s neck.
Renzt fell to the ground. He gripped his neck and held out the other hand to block another attack. Odder stood over him huffing, his blood thickened as embarrassment and anger boiled in his skull. He raised his sword and prepared to strike a severe blow when Renzt fired a red beam of magic sending Odder flying back into the crowd. The elves scattered while Odder jumped up and raised his weapon again.
His wooden sword vanished, and a sudden surge of wind surrounded him, lifting him into the air. He held his arms out to balance while levitating several feet above the crowd. As his fury departed, his thoughts became clear, and remorse and guilt filled the emptiness. He stared eye to eye with Renzt who also hovered in midair.
Renzt’s nostrils flared. “How dare you attack a noble! I’m going to find you and rip your heart out.” His icy stare gave Odder the impression this was no idle threat.
The audience remained silent as Odder and Renzt floated toward the stage. The High Wizard Edan guided them with his wand and placed them on the marble floor. He sent a rigid stare at the two. Odder’s stomach turned.
“Who are you and why have you insulted me with your interruption?”
“I’m Renzt.” He pointed his finger at Odder. “This vekart attacked me.”
“He tripped me!” Odder rebutted. “And he disrespected the Prin–”
“Enough!” Edan commanded. He pointed his thin, bony finger at Renzt. “Renzt Arzard the Archwizard’s son?”
Renzt coiled in contempt. “Yes,” he mumbled.
“Your father will be disappointed.” He summoned a guard to approach. “Take him to his father and notify him of his son’s actions.”
“And you…” Edan moved his finger toward Odder.
“High Wizard.” Destin interrupted and stepped forward. “This one is my servant. I’ll have him escorted to his quarters so I can deal with him later.”
Edan held up his palm. “You may be the Prince of this township, but I am a High Wizard.” He pointed back at Odder. “What is your name?”
Destin bowed his head and stepped back.
“Odd…” He cleared his throat. “I’m Odder.”
Edan squinted while pushing his fingers down his coarse beard. “Odder the vekart?”
“Yes High Wizard,” Odder said, hiding his face.
“I have heard of you. Who are your parents?”
Odder tried not to cower. “I don’t know.”
“An orphan as well,” Edan said, his disdain evident. “Have you always lived without magic?”
“For as long as I can remember.”
Edan tapped his lips. “Have you been examined?”
“By our finest healers,” Destin interrupted.
The high wizard gave the Prince a harsh glare.
“Odder, the name fits you, it is a crime to attack a noble. If you acted with this disrespect in Skyger, you would be caged,” Edan said, never taking his cold stare off Destin. “What punishment am I allowed to give for his crime?”
“Flog him,” bellowed a voice from the crowd. Odder shuddered.
“High Wizard, I understand and respect your authority, but this is King Gralon’s kingdom, and I am the Prince. I ask again, without argument, that you would release my servant to my guards.”
More voices from the crowd murmured, “Flog him, flog him…”
“It appears your vekart is disliked,” said Edan. “Very well. I trust he will be punished for his crime. At this moment we have more pressing matters to attend.”
Destin bowed and motioned to his guard.
In a quiet tone, Edan whispered to Odder, “An elf who cannot wield magic, you are a disgrace to elven kind.”
“I know,” Odder’s inner voice said.
The High Wizard held out his wand, and Odder’s wooden sword appeared in its place. He moved it back and forth, skimming the length of the dull blade. “This poorly crafted wooden sword, why do you carry it?”
“Servants are not allowed to carry steel weapons in this township,” Odder said, in a small voice
“Dezus, old elven for Spirit. Why is this engraved into the blade?”
“I don’t know, High Wizard. My master found the sword wrapped and bound to my back.”
“Interesting.” He handed the wooden sword back to Odder. A guard stepped up to the servant, took his arm, and escorted him off the stage.
Destin followed, “I will have a few words with my servant and return.”
Edan aimed his long-crooked finger at the Prince. “It is in your best interest. You are the favorite to win the games, and nothing else is as important.”
“Winning is my highest priority,” Destin said, with his back toward the wizard.
“One last thing.”
Destin paused and turned his head back.
Edan crossed his arms while staring at Odder. Their eyes met with mutual displeasure.
“I have a theory on why he does not have magic.” He tapped his nose. “I wish to have an audience with the King this afternoon.”
Destin nodded. “Yes, High Wizard, I will see to it.” He walked off the platform and followed Odder out of the arena.
CHAPTER 3
THE MARKET
Odder sat on a wooden stool outside the arena while Destin paced from one side to the other, his arm crossed his chest, while he held his right hand over his mouth.
“Guard, leave us.”
As soon as the guard disappeared, he stopped, glared, and shook his fist. “Are you crazy? You embarrassed me in front of the High Wizard.”
“Worthless, worthless, worthless,” Odder’s inner voice chanted. He looked toward the ground.
“Sorry, my lord. My anger overtook me again.”
Destin let out a sigh while tapping his forehead. “It’s always your anger.” He stepped away, his back to Odder, and peered toward the arena. He viewed flashes of light, smoke, and lightning, and listened to the oohs and ahhs of the captivated audience.
“Listen to the elves. The High Wizard’s teaching them spells for a reason. He said not to worry, but the truth is, not long from now, the Tetrad begins, and the evil creatures will advance to the portal, many of our kind may lose their lives.” Destin turned back toward Odder. “Less than a week until the competition.” He turned back. “This is important. There is no other elf in the land as skilled as I, and I’ll have the immense responsibility to protect the portal.”
Odder never questioned nor cared about the decisions of the rulers but having a young wizard responsible for such an important duty confused him. He looked up a
t Destin.
“Why a young wizard and not a High Wizard?”
Destin twisted his royal ring before answering. “Valid question. Our King and the High Wizards of each House will be leading the armies. If the wicked creatures reach the portal, that will mean the Elven armies have fallen, and the Champion will be the last defender.”
“If this can happen, then why have the Kings not enlisted the citizens?” Odder asked, with an eyebrow raised.
“There is a plan in place, but the King did share the written record of the last Tetrad with me. The elven armies easily defeated the creatures before the portal even opened.”
Odder gave Destin an uneasy smile. “Nothing to worry about then?”
Destin returned his smile and walked over to the young servant. “Remember when I found you wandering the woods with no memory and no name?”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Maybe to you, but I still remember it like yesterday. You wore next to nothing – a torn shirt and pants, no shoes, one could mistake your ribs for a rodent cage, oh and that wooden sword bound to your back.”
Odder gripped his hilt as Destin spoke.
“That ridiculous sword, I’m sure some cattle herder gave it to you out of pity. I tried to remove it, but you wouldn’t have it. You fought me like a wild animal.” He placed his hand on Odder’s shoulder. “I had just lost my little brother, and when I saw you helpless and lost, I felt a strong desire to help you. Even despite your handicap. I pleaded with my father to make you my servant and ever since I have taken care of you as a brother. Have I not?”
“He’s lying to you,” said Odder’s inner voice, though it wavered on its attack. The special bond between him and the Prince was undeniable.
Odder rebuked his inner voice, There’s no one I respect or trust more. He nodded to Destin with a grin.
Destin placed his other hand on Odder’s shoulder and shook him. “So don’t worry, I had your back then, and I have it now.”
Odder’s smile reached from ear to ear.
“Now head back to the castle and tend to your duties.”
“What about the package, my lord?”
Odder- The Blood Curse Page 3
