|
Of Spells and Swords - Chapter Two |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prologue
Chapter One - Trials
Chapter Two: Errors
Students walked past, their voices floating through one of the many open windows. The window was part of a dark sand colored room. There were no personal touches to decorate the bare room, there had been none for the past fifteen years. Ever since a dark haired boy had moved in and claimed it for his own.
A slight rustle interrupted the sleepy silence, followed by a yawn. Leon yawned again, his jaw cracking slightly. He cracked his eyes open, his eyelashes gently brushing against his skin as he blinked a couple of times. It was late morning, the morning that the final test began. He should have been up hours ago and eating breakfast with his fellow students.
He wearily lifted himself off the bed and stumbled towards the window. Sticking his head out, ignoring the bed hair that now ruffled in the wind, he glanced at the sun. Squinting slightly he noticed it's position and then turned around to stumble towards the one closet his room had.
"Half an hour," He murmured to himself. Trying to rouse himself into a fighting spirit was difficult so early in the morning. Despite his teachers best effort and the years he had spent waking up early for training, he had remained lethargic in the morning. Idly he wondered if it was because of the act he had put up.
Shaking his head, he reached out and began pulling off his shirt. It inched up past his stomach and over his head. His muscles bunched and then relaxed as the shirt fell away. A clean one was put on, followed by a dark chocolate colored leather vest. Smothering another yawn, Leon then replaced his pants with worn matching leather pants.
He took one last look around his room, then padded out into the hallway in his bare feet. The door closed behind him in finality. Except for the time he would come back to pack his clothes, this would be the last time he would sleep in this room. It was silent once again.
Ten minutes later, he finally reached his destination. The dining room that could house all the students and teachers, and their families. He paused for a moment and sniffed the air expectantly. Something sweet filled the air, making him shudder on the inside. The teachers all agreed that the sticky sweet lemon slices were a good source of energy. Unfortunately for him, he detested the taste and smell of them.
Without wasting anymore time, Leon strolled towards a long table and grabbed two buns. He didn't look as he made himself a sandwich filled with meat and greens. Slowly beginning to eat his breakfast, he began to wander over to the weapons room. He had to pick up his sword and daggers before the testing began, and then head out to the Arena once more.
This test would be public, open to all the nobles and families that wanted to come. He would have a crowd watching him, something that had never happened before. He snorted silently at the thought, his own family wouldn't be there of course. Vahn Senn Phoenix had been half right when insulting him yesterday.
His mother was not a noble of birth, at least not a noble of notice. She had told him before he had left, that he must never forget he was a child that had inherited her families blood. The blood of a Hero. Leon paused and swallowed the last of his food.
'A Hero in whose eyes Mother?' he thought to himself cynically. Shaking his head and walked into the weapons room and looked for his sword. Swiftly finding it with his eyes, he checked over it for oddities. It wouldn't have been the first time someone else would try to sabotage a sword. His half act of laziness had brought him that much, no one would sabotage the sword of someone who wasn't a threat to them.
Assuring himself that there was nothing wrong with his sword, it's weight reassuring and it's steel warming from the heat of his hand. He smiled, his teeth bared. It turned his face from one of relaxation to something that resembled a beast. Today would be his day, the day that he proved exactly what his blood held.
"Drakun, you're going to be late." A voice floated from the doorway. Leon hadn't even sensed the person coming up behind him. Tensing slightly he turned around, his hand already reaching for one of his daggers on the table beside him. When he saw who it was, he relaxed slightly.
"You're back early, Teacher Hanze." He said, his voice drawling out the name.The man before him shook his head, making his gray hair seem even wilder. With a sigh, he looked over the student before him. His light blue eyes raked over Leon, judging what he saw. Leon unconsciously straightened himself up, a habit he had not been able to rid himself of when it came to this teacher. The only teacher who had realized what Leon himself was capable of.
"You won't win," the teacher spoke, his voice rasping slightly at the end. Leon looked up sharply, his eyes narrowing. He clenched his jaw, his eyes flashing.
"What makes you think that, sir?" He replied politely, his voice taking on an icy tone.
"The Weapons Master isn't a fool. He watched you yesterday, he won't misjudge you." With a bark of laughter Hanze gestured with his hand, motioning silence before Leon could open his mouth and spoke again, "He's not the Weapons Master of this Academy for nothing. You should know better."
"Just watch then. I'll beat him, sir." With the last emphasis Leon grabbed the rest of his daggers, strapping them on his wrists and waist as he stalked past the old teacher. His mind whirled, he knew that he would have a hard time beating the Weapons Master. If the teacher, the teacher who had realized his skill, hadn't said it in such a knowing tone, Leon wouldn't have said anything.
Leons eyes flashed as he walked out into the sun, the light reached his stormy eyes and seemingly created lightning from within. As he reached the Arena, he sighed, attempting to calm himself down. He bent over and strapped the rest of his daggers on his ankles and thighs. Straightening, he allowed himself to look around.
The Arena had been changed overnight it seemed. It held places for the nobles to sit, for the families to sit. Decorated with royal blue in some places, royal purple in others. Not to mention the people that were sitting around, there must have been thousands of them. He shook his head slightly, breathing through his nose.
The others participating in the test were already there. Vahn was standing nearest to him, tensed as he watched Leon. Smirking slightly, Leon raised a hand lazily and waved. Vahn looked at him and snarled, then stiffly went to go stand somewhere else. The other student who had passed walked up to him and grinned. He smiled slightly in return, Payne Tahniel was someone he enjoyed talking to.
"Wonder why he woke up on the wrong side of the bed, hm?" She said, her voice holding a current of laughter. She was a very tall woman, not quite reaching his height, but not having to tilt her face up to look at him. Thin as a weed, but very lean and tough. Payne was the only female to have passed in the last twenty years. It wasn't surprising, she held the blood of the creator of the Academy within her.
He replied to her, his voice wry, "Oh. I don't know. Maybe because a lizard turned into a dragon without warning."
Payne snorted with laughter, her eyes dancing. She shook her head and stood beside him casually, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Leon relaxed beside her, she had succesfully taken his mind off of what his teacher had said before.
"Let us begin the Ceremony. The Judgement shall be passed!" A loud voice proclaimed, startling a few birds into flight. Cheers vibrated throughout the Arena, bringing the excitement into his blood, making it pound. He breathed in sharply, embracing the feeling that was rushing through him.
Beside him, Payne straightened, her breath echoing his. This was something they had never experienced before, and might not experience ever again. It was a heady feeling, one they would never forget. The announcer spoke up again, his voice shouted over the cheers, echoing slightly.
"First Place, Leon Drakun." Murmurs rose slightly, in confusion and wonder. They hadn't heard of him before of course, they hadn't been expecting this. Ignoring the murmurs, the announcer went on. "Second place, Vahn Senn Phoenix. Third place, Payne Tahniel."
The cheers came again at those two names, especially at the last one. The name Tahniel was known throughout the lands. Grinning, Payne turned her head and looked at him. Giving him a slight thumbs up sign and whispering, "Good luck."
Leon grinned and began to walk forward, knowing what was to come. As soon as he started walking forward, the others moved out of the Arena. Their time would come after his. First place always got a shot at the Weapons Master before anyone else.
"Leon Drakun, prepare yourself." The voice came. It was a gravely voice, hardly pleasant to listen to. The owner of the voice was the Weapons Master. He had had his throat crushed years before, now his voice was something that no child would want to have tuck them in. Leon just grinned slightly, and dug his feet into the ground. His sword hissed as it came out of it's sheath, glinting as the sun hit it.
"Bring it on Weapons Master," He replied. Vaguely he heard the announcer shouting a few things, and then the word "GO!" Not needing any encouragement, he dragged his left foot back and lunged quickly. The sword sang through the air, missing the contact of flesh. The Weapons Master just laughed harshly and danced back, bringing out his own broadsword while moving swiftly.
Sand was raised as the two moved back and forth, in an intricate dance that only a person studying weapons would understand and appreciate. The swords rang as Leon brought his down and the Weapons Master blocked it. He was breathing in dust, sweat rolling down the sides of his face, his lungs heaving for air. Despite it being only fifteen minutes that the battle had begun, Leon was getting tired. Deciding to bet it all on the next few moves, he bared his teeth at the Weapons Master.
His right foot dug into the ground, then shoved off. Bringing his sword back, racing towards the old man, it was only three millimeters away from the ground, stirring the dust. In return, the Weapons Master stood in place, setting his weight into the ground and bringing his sword forth. Leon brought his sword forward, listening as it sliced through the air, his eyes concentrating on some point only he could see. Bringing it down with all the force he could, the sound of steel upon steel screamed through the Arena as the swords met.
Shoving his sword down, they met in a battle of wills. Brute strength battling it out for supremacy. Leon was winning, the old man had no chance when it came to strength, and he knew it. Understanding lit the Weapons Masters eyes. Smiling, he took a deep breath and spoke in his gravelly voice, "Sorry Leon. But not today."
With that the old man jumped back, Leon started to stumble forward and corrected himself just as the broadsword hissed through the air and passed where his head had been. Swearing and moving back as fast as he could, Leon wiped the sweat from his brow. Then he came to a decision, sighing, he raised his one hand. The Weapons Master stopped in the middle of his charge and looked straight at him. The next words out of Leons mouth were those who knew first hand that he could not beat this man.
"I have lost."
Serasi swore loudly in her mind, wondering why the universe hated her so. She was presently surrounded by a bunch of her fellow students, all of them wishing her congratulations in passing. Briefly she wondered if it would be against the school rules to use her magic to gain her freedom. Sadly deciding that it in fact was against the rules, she slumped back into her seat, defeated.
"Serasi! Congratulations!"
"La'Fei! I didn't know you had it in you."
"Congratulations!"
"You did it!"
Normally she would have smiled and laughingly answered them. Today wasn't normal however. It had been only two hours since it was public knowledge that she had passed her tests.The voices were slowly grating on her nerves, and just as she was contemplating throwing something at the growing crowd, a voice was raised and rescued her.
"La'Fei, please come to my office." The voice belonged to the same teacher who had led her to the testing room. Serasi's green eyes flashed with relief and she quickly stood up.
"Yes ma'am!"
Walking quickly towards the teacher, and following her back to the woman's office. She let out a sigh of relief as the heavy oak door was shut behind her, effectively shutting out all the voices as well.
"Serasi, have a seat," her teacher bid. She did as she was instructed, sitting on one of the plush red seats and looked across from her. The desk was piled high with scrolls, papers, and books. It was a miracle that the whole stack of them didn't slide off the desk. Serasi winced at the thought, and tried not to breath so hard.
"As you know, the Ceremony of Scrolls will begin tomorrow. You have everything memorized I presume?" Her teacher paused, making sure that Serasi nodded her head before continuing. "Good. It will be a short ceremony. Nothing like what the Academy of War held a few days ago of course. It will only be the students, the teachers, and your family."
Serasi stilled at that, wincing in her mind. She hadn't seen her family ever since she had been brought here. They hadn't been able to afford coming to see her, which was fine with her. The Academy was her home, the teachers and the students her family. The teacher was still talking though, and Serasi quickly brought her mind to attention.
"--You'll meet your partner right after the Ceremony of Scrolls. We received word that they held their own ceremony a few days before ours. The ones who are fit to be partners for any Casters will be arriving to see this as well. The other teachers have already taken aside your fellow students, who managed to pass the test too." The woman paused for a few deep breaths before starting up again.
"I know you already know this Serasi. But it is imperative that you listen to your partner. They are there to keep you safe. The Goddess knows that it's been quite a few years since that awful mess, but one can never be too careful. Wild animals and worse are on the roads."
Serasi nodded her head in understanding, thanking the Goddess in her mind silently. She didn't think she could survive out on her own. After all, every student was kept inside the Academy until they passed. While it didn't quite give them good survival instincts, it had kept them safe from outside influences; and the outside safe from the new Casters too.
Listening to her teacher, she found herself drifting off. The magic she had spent today had been utterly useless in practicality, but it was a good way to test control and power. It had tired her more out then she had thought at first, and it was taking it's toll. As if realizing this, her teacher stopped talking and nodded sharply to her.
"You may go now Serasi. Drink some tea and eat something with salt in it. Sugar too if you can. You know the drill. Lay out your things for tomorrow before sleeping." With that parting advice, she led Serasi out of the room and shut the door as soon as Serasi got out.
Smothering a yawn, Serasi headed to the small kitchen in her dorm. Her eyelids felt heavy and her body sluggish. The students who had flocked towards her were gone now, which she was more than grateful for. She didn't know if she could handle dealing with them again without flying off the roof. Using magic to this degree always made her cranky, though it wasn't widely known.
After grabbing a quick snack and a cup of tea, she walked to her room. It was quiet in the halls, her footsteps echoing loudly. A brush of sadness washed over her as she realized that she wouldn't be walking these halls for quite a few years to come. Pushing the feeling aside, she reminded herself sharply that it wouldn't be forever. 'I can go out, see the world. Get experience, new spells, and then come back.'
With that, she finished her tea and snacks just as she came to her door. Opening it, it creaked slightly; it had always creaked, ever since she had moved in. That had been quite a few years ago, twelve in fact. She wondered briefly if her family would recognize her. Probably not, she had grown up quite a bit.
As she entered her room she looked around slowly, her eyes sweeping over every detail. The walls were gray and littered with bright colored tapestries. Her favorite one had always been right across from her bed, so that every morning she would sit up and look at it. Warm yellows, reds, and oranges were woven into a complicated pattern of the sun. It showed nothing else, but to Serasi, it was the most awe inspiring piece of art she owned.
Tilting her head to the right, she decided right then and there that she was taking it with her. She hadn't been sure before, but now she was. If nothing else, it would serve to remind her of her Academy days. Taking it off the wall, she carefully rolled it up and placed it on the bed. Walking quietly to her closet, she pulled out the things she thought she would need.
"Let's see.. Two packs. Wrap the objects up in clothes, the food.." Sighing she sat down and began to fold her clothes into the largest cloth pack. There were the two new uniforms for those that passed the test, the clothes she thought she could hike in easily, two formal uniforms, and two of her old ones. Her room quickly became bare, losing the personal touches she had added over the years. With a pang in her heart, she carried the finished packs over to the door. She was beyond tired now, more then ready to fall onto her bed with a thump and fall asleep.
It was only when the sunlight peeked through her windows and brushed across her face gently that she woke up. Opening her eyes slowly, she smiled and got up. Her energy had been renewed, along with her spirits. Today would be a great day, she was sure.
"Good morning," She said to no one. It was her own personal ritual, as soon as the sun hit her face she would greet it. If it was setting before she was in bed, she would say goodnight as well. She remembered when a couple of students had heard her and laughed, until one of the teachers had reprimanded them with a lecture.
"Those who are sensitive to the flow of magic are the ones who are aware of what we have around us. To them, the nature something that lives with us side by side. The greatest casters are able to feel the very life around them. Remember that!"
Serasi smiled at the memory, then shook her heads to get rid of the clouds in her mind. She had to go for breakfast and get ready for the Ceremony of Scrolls after that. Quickly shoving her feet into her shoes, she rushed out the door. The thought of her day sent excited butterflies to her stomach, she shivered slightly as she hit the small kitchen. It was cooler in here than it had been in the hallway and her room. There were a few other students from her particular dorm in the room already, they smiled at her and went back to chattering amongst themselves.
Quickly gathering her breakfast, a slightly cold bagel and a bit of fresh jam, she sat at the table and made quick work of it. Her mind flashed over the things she had to do. Scratching breakfast off her mental list, she decided that heading to the formal dressing room would be her next step. She only had two hours to get ready, and even with friends helping her, it would be a close call.
Pouring herself some juice, she allowed herself to relax for a minute as she swallowed it. It wouldn't do to get all worked up and make a mistake. 'Calm down Serasi,' she thought, 'It won't run away. If nothing else, I'll just be the last one to sign the Scroll.' Taking a deep breath and finishing off the last of the berry juice, she got up from the table, cleaning her dishes up behind her. Then she was off again, quickly walking towards her next destination.
The Academy had a room in the middle of it, the room where ceremonies were held. Next to that, there was a room that held every students formal uniform. Every year there would be a new uniform, courtesy of the farmers living near them. This year would be Serasi's last time to wear this uniform, the last time to enter this room, and the last time she would be able to have her friends surrounding her, giggling as they helped her dress.
When she opened the door to the room, she noticed that five of her friends were already there. They grinned and waved at her, not speaking but quickly motioning her to strip. She pulled her clothes off hurriedly and dropped them onto the floor. They were wrinkled anyways, she had slept in them after all.
Once there, she was shoved into another small room on the side. The room itself was the bathroom, where she showered and quickly toweled herself down. Serasi ran out of the bathroom just as someone else ran in, grinning they exchanged excited looks. Her friends herded her back to the spot that held her formal clothes.
The formal clothes were rather bulky, if pretty. They were used only a few times in a year, and took an hour to get on. First came the white undergarment, silky against her skin. Then came a large dress that reached her feet, it too was white. The next piece was a very heavy embroidered robe over top of it all. It held the sun and moon symbol that all students of the Academy wore proudly. The moon chased the sun across the front, while stars sparkled from the long sleeves. The garment was then buckled into place, holding it so that nothing would be able to move it from it's proper place.
Serasi made a face as it was all put on her, then as her hair was pulled as it was brushed. From behind, a friend brushed her wet hair, slowly using a spell to dry it evenly. Her other friends crowded in front of her, asking her questions and making sure that she knew what to do. She smiled brightly at them, wishing in a way that the time would never come to an end.
When her hair was finally dry, it was brushed behind her ears and shoulders. The side of her hair was pulled into two small braids, that were then wrapped around to the back of her head. Once there, they formed an intricate pattern until the hair ran out. The rest of her hair was loose, brushing against her back and ending at her waist. When she looked into the mirror, she smiled. She looked more mature, more sure of herself now. The robes had the effect on everyone.
"Are you ready now?" Someone asked. Serasi nodded her head, not really trusting her voice just yet. She was pulled by the hand by another student, who had also passed. Led away from her friends, she looked back once and smiled. Tears burned the back of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she took a deep breath and headed out into the ceremony room. It was filled with students, reassuring her. There were teachers here and there, and a few spatters of unfamiliar faces. Those faces belonged to the families of the students who had passed. Without really thinking about it, Serasi searched for someone who looked like her.
There! She saw a nervous looking man, his pepper colored hair thinning at the top. He didn't look like her, but the woman who was standing beside him did. The woman was short, with the same colored hair as Serasi's. A light copper color that shone as the light hit it. Serasi took a nervous breath and quickly looked away, she would have to speak to them after the Ceremony of Scrolls. Then, well then she wasn't sure what would happen, or what would be said.
Before she could get more nervous, the room went quiet. The Head Mistress stepped forward, her face hidden once again by a silver robe. She had motioned for silence, and had gotten it. Serasi straightened herself up, noticing that the other students who were standing with her doing the same.
"Welcome honored guests, fellow teachers, and students of the Academy of Spells. Welcome the to Ceremony of Scrolls. Where we will honor the seven students who passed their Trials, who have earned the honor of being called a Caster." The Head Mistresses voice echoed throughout the room, she had spoken neither too loud nor too quiet, and yet everyone had heard her.
"We shall now begin the Ceremony of Scrolls. Bring forward the Scroll, the Scroll that Lehbia Vayknell once held in her hands. That has every name, be they alive or dead, of every Caster who has graduated. We are proud to once again bring out the Scroll, and to welcome the talented new Casters into our ranks." With that, the Scroll came out. It wasn't very long, it held the magic within it. It would seem normal, until someone actually read it. There was over two hundred years worth of names, it would be impossible for a regular scroll to hold anything to that extent.
The names were called out one by one, and each student went up to shake the hand of the Head Mistress and sign their names. Every time they signed, a small bell rang out, it's silver tone ringing in a quiet song. Soon enough, almost too soon, it was Serasi's turn.
"Serasi La'Fei." Her name was called out. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a second, then opened them and stepped forward.
© of Rynnal
 Gravity Butterfly · Mon Jun 11, 2007 @ 10:15pm · 0 Comments |
|
|
|
|
Of Spells and Swords - Chapter One |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of Spells and Swords - Prologue
Chapter One: Trials
"Up Next is Leon Drakon," one of the teachers from the Academy of War said with a dry voice. There was a murmur of student voices, one a bit louder then the rest, "He's too lazy to be in this school and pass."
Leon directed his gaze to the person who had said that, Vahn Senn Phoenix. Vahn was, and had been, the top student for over ten years now. It was true that he, Leon Drakon, was lazy. He saw no reason why he should have exerted himself over the past fifteen years. None of the tests before had mattered, none of the classes, or what mark he had achieved. Exerting himself would have only resulted in a little fame within the school perhaps, but it didn't matter anymore.
What mattered was this final test.
This test was the biggest challenge, the final test of any student in the Academy of War. If you were first place in this one, your name would go down in history because it required fighting the Weaponry Master and no one was actually expected to win. There had been only one student so far to actually pass this test and that had been so long ago that no one knew for sure if it was fact or fiction.
But to actually fight the Weaponry Master, you had to first fight through your fellow students one by one. Each student had a certain amount of points that you could win by beating him. If you had enough by the end of the day, you would face the Weaponry Master in the Ceremony of Swords.
Leon Drakon might be lazy, but it was a calculated lazy. He spared no energy for simple tests, choosing instead to barely pass and not show anyone what he could really do. He had realized as soon as he heard of this Ceremony of Swords, that if he exerted himself, he would be considered a threat by the other students. So naturally, he had made himself seem lazy. Granted, it was part of his nature to be lazy but he had surpassed himself this time with his idle ways. He was not just boasting now, he felt that he could beat Vahn Senn Phoenix in this test. If he managed to get to him in time. So he would just have to exert himself enough to beat everyone in his way. Top student Vahn Senn Phoenix would be his first target, and if anyone else tried to beat him, he'd take them down.
The Teacher was staring at him, so he stepped forward slowly. The sun shone on him as he left the wall he had been leaning on. He shaded his stormy blue eyes from the sun with a tanned hand, wincing slightly as the light hit him. Wind played with his blue black hair, making it messier then it really ought to be. He was six feet, two inches tall, taller than most of the people standing out here already. Everyone stared at him but only because they did not figure him dangerous. He was lean in a way that suggested he wouldn't put up much a fight and they were expecting an easy win. But Drakon wasn't just his last name for show.
"He is worth ten points," the teacher shouted. Ten points was rather low on the list since the lowest student would have five points attached to his body. But Leon thought it surprising that he had even gotten ten points since he managed to barely pass the earlier tests. Everyone would consider him not worth their time, except a few who were low on the list too.
The Teacher rambled on, continuing to call names. Leon paid no attention to him, silently preparing himself for the battle ahead. As much as he would like to say that it would be easy, he knew that it would not. Vahn Phoenix was actually the only one who might pose a problem, if Leon had to beat more than ten people. He was confident in his skills right now, and the only Teacher who knew he had such skills, wasn't present at the moment. All was good for his plan.
Despite putting up the act of being lazy, (all right it wasn't so much an act anymore, he really was lazy), he was rather annoyed. It had been his own choice to act like this, but it didn't mean he had to be proud of the fact that he was low on the list. This would be his chance to show these people what Drakons were made of. His family pride wouldn't stand for less.
"All students, head towards the Arena. When you hear the sound of a horn, the test will begin. No deaths in this test, or you will be disqualified. That is all."
Leon raised an eyebrow slightly at this, they weren't going to say how much points you had to get to pass. That meant that he would have to defeat at least two others besides Vahn. Though Vahn himself should be enough to pass, he had to make sure that his assumptions were correct.
He passed his friends with a lazy smile, and settled himself into place in the Arena. It was a huge outdoor building, with no roof. There were hills, and crevices, where you could run into danger. No sand flooring for this Arena. Since it was to train them for the world outside the Teachers had made it to be as real as that world. Which meant all of it-water, mountains, sand, dirt, trees- it was all included within this building.
Leon tested his footing and smiled slightly, though it was more like a lazy smirk. He tested his sword, making sure he had the perfect grip. His daggers were carefully attached to his legs and arms too. There would be no mistakes for him in this test.
The sound of the horn flew through the air. He was off within seconds.
His destination was Vahn Senn Phoenix, top student of the Academy. Despite his calm mind, he couldn't help but smile in anticipation. This would be worth the years he had put up with all the teasing and snide remarks.
Swords clashed, and Leon drew his own as a student went for him. Sparks flew as their swords met, and he pushed the student back with a forceful shove. He jumped aside as a dagger flew aside. It hit the ground with a thud, sticking to the ground, in the exact place his leg had been.
He snarled at that and despite his best efforts, he lost a bit of himself to the battle madness. His sword slammed against one student which sent that unfortunate student flying. Leon was up and running toward his target. Vahn would be taken out, now.
Vahn was on the mountain, already picking out a few selected students to fight. But that wouldn't suit Leon's plan, so they would all have to deal with each other first. Vahn was his, and no one would get in his way. He pushed his way through to the mountain, then leaped up from rock to rock.
"Leon Drakon," Vahn said his name in disbelief, staring at him as he approached.
"Hello Vahn Senn Phoenix," Leon said, his voice mild. "Prepare yourself for battle."
He gave Vahn no other warning. Jumping forward he brought his sword down. Vahn quickly brought his own up, and winced as the swords connected. Leon Drakon was a different person now, at least that's what it seemed like. He still retained that lazy grace of his, but this boy, no this man, was dangerous.
The swords flew at each other. Leon dodged Vahns sword calmly. He swung his sword again, but before the swords could meet, he reversed it. Ducking as Vahns sword went past his head, he caught the other man with a kick to the stomach. Vahn went flying into a mountain wall with a grunt of pain. Leon smiled, his eyes dancing merrily. This was what he lived for.
In the next few moments, he didn't think about anything. There wasn't any time for that. The swords connected more often, and the sparks were flying. One of the sparks connected with some grass and started a fire near them. Both of them paid no attention to it at all, they couldn't. Their attention was on each other, focused on winning this contest.
Leon let his sword fly at Vahn in one calculated moment. He knew Vahns weakness, he had him now. Vahn knew that too, and swore as his sword went flying, and his fingers and arm went numb. He had no chance to win now, not even with his daggers. Leon Drakon had won.
"Damnit you son of a whore," Vahn snarled at Leon. "Why in damned hell are you like this now. I can't believe a son of a fish woman beat me. What the hell did you do?!"
Leons eyes grew cold at this mention of his mother. His mind was still calm, quickly reverting back to its normal nature. The blood lust had gotten to him for a moment, but no more. "Be careful what you say Vahn Senn Phoenix. My bloodline is older then your so called noble one."
The hit at Vahns noble name worked. Vahn turned slightly red and looked as if he would hit Leon. He caught himself in time, remembering the rules, and walked down the mountain slowly. Despite the fact that he couldn't believe he had lost, he would play by the rules. The hit to his noble blood had worked well.
With a sigh, and a lazy stretch of arms, Leon looked around. The fire was burning, but it would burn itself out in a few moments. If it didn't, one of the Teachers would see to it. He really had no point in staying in this battle field any longer. There was no one who could fight against him, and frankly, he wasn't interested in fighting against anyone else. They weren't worth his time right now.
Leon walked down the mountain, a few moments behind Vahn. He had no problems getting through the other students. He had to take one down on the way, the guy had thought he was an easy mark. The test for him was over, and he had won. He would face the Weapons Master in the Ceremony of Swords tomorrow.
Serasi La'Fei was in trouble. Well not trouble exactly, more like she didn't know what to do. Her test was within five minutes, and she still had no idea what she would be doing. Or what would be required of her.
She pushed her light copper hair back with a pale hand, letting out a small swear. If a Teacher had heard her just then, she would have been lectured. Luckily for her, there weren't any around. She smiled slightly as she thought about what would have happened if she had been heard.
Serasi wasn't exactly a bad student, in fact she was one of the more mild ones. That swear she had muttered had been her first since coming here. This place had calmed her down considerably, considering what a.. remarkably energetic child she had been when she arrived.
The Academy of Spells was the place where she had grown up. Surrounded by Teachers and friends she knew, it had become the rock in her life ever since she had been five. Now she would be leaving the one place she had known and loved, or rather she was supposed to be leaving it. She sighed slightly and kicked at the marble floor, three more minutes to go. Closing her eyes, she thought over her school life.
Serasi La'Fei had been brought to the Academy of Spells at an early age. At age five she had shown signs of being a Healer, so her parents had brought her in. By the age of ten, she was known to be a Healer and Shielder. One of the best combinations of magic, even though it was common now days. What wasn't common, was the strength that she had both powers. Equal in strength, and they were both very powerful.
It had taken her ten years to master the Healing power. Ever since she had shown the power of Shielding too, she had been pushed into taking those classes too. Now, at the age of seventeen, she had mastered both powers.
Serasi was qualified to take the test to pass the school, and go into the outside world to help others. Or rather, she would be paired up with a warrior and go into the outside world. The Academy of Spells always made sure their casters were safe. Anyone without the power to actually defend themselves, was given a partner from the Academy of War. Though it was actually a protector, sometimes it worked out into partnerships.
Take the current Hero for example. He had graduated from the Academy of War, then was paired up with the current top student from the Academy of Spells. They decided to partner up for good, and now they were famous all over the world. As the Teachers said, "The Academy of War teaches Brawn. We teach Brains. It's a win win combination."
It was a very good combination. Especially if both the people had brains. Serasi wasn't one of those to think that only Casters had brains. She had seen enough of them to know that it wasn't true. Some of the students here were downright stupid. She had let those certain people know that, which had brought shock to almost everyone.
Serasi La'Fae was, to almost all the students in the Academy, mild mannered and pretty. With her knee length light auburn hair, cream colored skin, and her dark green eyes, she was a very pretty girl. Her height was the only thing average about her. Serasi was intelligent, pretty, and powerful. To the students, especially the younger ones, she was the almost perfect role model. If it hadn't been for a few other girls, she would have been at the top of everything. As it was, Serasi was just one of the top ten in everything.
Slowly she dragged her mind back to the present and looked around. One more minute, and she would be taken into the testing room. It was there that she would be tested on her powers, in whatever form the Teachers asked of her. She was confident in her Healing, after all, she had been at it for around twelve years. It was the Shielding that sometimes gave her problems. She was strong enough, and had the control for it, but she had only been studying it for six and a half years.
The sound of a door opening made her look up. Strands of hair fell into her face, and she pushed them back quickly. A Teacher stood in the doorway, surrounded by the bright light coming out of the door.
"Serasi La'Fae, It is your turn. Please follow me."
Serasi swallowed silently, wishing she could cure her own butterflies. She walked towards the door, her footsteps echoing in the room. The teacher walked into a hallway, and she followed. The hallway was beautiful, it had only one straight white path that glowed. The rest of the room was made of stars, or at least that's what it looked like. Clouds of purple and light blue passed her as she walked behind the teacher and looked around. The stars twinkled slightly at her, as if they were encouraging her.
"Your test is in here, please go ahead." The Teacher allowed herself a smile at Serasi.
A small smile answered hers, and the twinkle of green eyes. The hall had done it's job, it had relaxed her greatly. There was no reason for it, but she felt much calmer then she had a while ago. Serasi walked through the doorway, and almost stumbled. She caught herself just in time, and looked around.
The room was just as beautiful as the hallway before it. It was a circle, with beautiful white pillars holding up a roof of stars. There were no walls, at least not anything that she could recognize as solid walls. The floor was, she blinked her eyes in confusion, it was made of water. Serasi sniffed the air carefully, it was pure water. There was no other water that smelled like this, as if it had just rained down upon the ground.
She turned around, the door behind her had closed silently. There was no way out of the room except forward into the water. With a sigh, she pulled her dress up so it wouldn't get wet. She put one foot forward, wincing as her slipper made contact with the water. Her foot came down, and then stopped.
Serasi raised an eyebrow, then smiled. She could walk on this water, at least for now. Quickly she made her way to the center of the room. It was there that she figured out what she had to do. From the center of the room, she could look up and see the stars. They were absolutely breath taking, and as she turned her head, they followed her view. They weren't stars at all, but little faeries of light.
They had taken one class in this and it had been a disaster. No matter what kind of power you had, anyone could get faeries to listen to them if you had the power and the control. If she could gather faeries around her, she would pass. At the time of the class, she had been fifteen years old, and she had managed one. This time, she had a feeling she would have to manage all of them. There were over twenty of them circling the skies of the room.
She felt a chill go up her arms and looked around quickly. Water was cascading off of the pillars now, forming walls of water. There was no way out of this room, unless she gave up the test or passed. It was one or the other, and Serasi knew for certain that she couldn't afford to fail. Her reputation, and more importantly, her pride, wouldn't allow her to.
So she took a deep breath, and raised her hands. She let loose all her power, all the power that had remained dormant within her, except for when she had called upon it. She called upon it now, setting it loose around her, making her body glow.
Her breathing slowed, until it looked like she wasn't breathing at all. Her body didn't need as much air as it normally did, her power breathed for her. The glow brightened and then it began to, and the only word to describe it is, sing. It began softly, then grew in volume.
It sounded like the whole room was filled with a choir. The song lifted up until it reached the stars in the sky, making a trail of beautiful glitter. Coaxing the sky faeries to follow it, it gathered all of the ones in the sky. They were dancing to the music, flying to her like shooting stars. Serasi began to sink in to the water, until she was waist deep. Her dress floated around her, looking like a white lily in the water.
Soon she was surrounded by dancing faeries, moving them to the music of her powers. Above her, the sky night was pitch black, except for the few clouds that moved across it. The faeries swirled, dancing on and on and on. Then she slowly let go of them, allowing them to go back to the heavens, where they belonged. After they were all in the sky again, she brought her magic back within her.
Her breath shuddered as it resumed it's normal pace. She shivered and goosebumps covered her arms, it was getting really cold. The walls had returned to being empty spaces, there was no more water flowing from them. The door on the other side opened and a Teacher came towards her, holding out a blanket.
"Serasi La'Fae, please follow me to the Council Room."
Serasi shivered again, and quickly walked out of the water. It was actually very hard to maneuver in the water, the dress weighed a ton when it was wet. She struggled to get out of the pool, and in the end it was the Teacher who gave her a helping hand.
When she walked out, the hallway was a normal hallway. No more stars, or faeries if they had been ones. She didn't wonder if she had passed, there was no way she could have failed. They had been in her control for a good ten minutes, and they had never left her control since she started.
As they walked to the Council Room, she realized that her steps weren't echoing anymore. She was trailing water behind her, and her steps were making squishy noises. She winced at the thought of the appearing before her Teachers, and the Head Mistress, in a wet dress. There was one thing she could be thankful for, besides passing. The dress wasn't see through when it was wet, if it had been, she would have died on the spot, or demanded to be allowed to change.
They arrived at the Council Room entrance, which was huge and had two doors. The Teacher leading her only opened one, and motioned for her to go in. Serasi quickly slipped in, holding the borrowed blanket around her tightly. There was nothing for her to worry about, she had passed. This was just a formality, at least that's what she kept telling herself.
"Serasi La'Fei," a voice boomed at her. She almost jumped, but managed to appear calm, as if she had been expecting the voice.
"I am Serasi La'Fei," She replied, her voice soft.
"You were tested within the Room of Stars. You passed the Hallway of the Stars as well. What have you to say?" The voice asked her. She didn't know what Teacher it belonged to. They were all dressed in long silver robes, with their hoods up. They all looked the same to her. If she hadn't read about this moment now, she would have no idea what to say.
"I, Serasi La'Fei of the Academy of Spells, passed through the Hallway of the Stars. There I entered the Room of Stars and began my test. Walking across the water, I sang for the Stars. They came to me of their own free will. I sang for the Stars, and they answered my call." She took a deep breath, then straightened her back and looked straight ahead.
"I, Serasi La'Fei of the Academy of Spells, have passed the Test." That was one of the challenges she knew about. To be able to tell her own magic limits, and if she had done anything wrong. She was confident she hadn't, so she was able to answer them truthfully.
"Serasi La'Fei, We of the Council of Spells, offer you our sincere Congratulations. You have passed the Test We the Room of Stars gave you. Tell us now what you wish to do." Serasi almost laughed with relief at that. They had confirmed it, she had passed. Now, what did she wish to do? She thought about that for a moment, and finally came up with an answer.
"I, Serasi La'Fei of the Academy of Spells, wish to journey across the Lands." Serasi had thought about staying within the Academy to teach. It was her home after all, the only one she could remember properly. Her home before, she could remember it being sunny and full of warmth, but that was all. This place was her home now, but she didn't want to stay here for the rest of her life. She was young now, and strong enough to help others. She would go travel, and then come back if she didn't find a place that called to her strongly enough.
"Very well. We will ask the Academy of War to send one of their finest to protect you along your travels. He or She will be your partner until the time ends." All the Teachers bowed to her, and she bowed back. Then she turned around and left the Council Room, knowing that was what she was supposed to do.
Serasi was slightly disappointed. She hadn't gotten to see the Head Mistress after all, they had all looked alike. She frowned, then shook her head to clear her thoughts of that. Her friends were waiting to hear if she had passed or not. Most of them believed that she would, of course, pass. There were some who thought she would fail on purpose, despite knowing of her pride, since she loved the Academy so much.
Tomorrow would bring the Ceremony of Scrolls, where she would sign her name at the bottom of a long list of names. She was now officially allowed to use her magic without guidance. Then, she would wait. For her partner to come, so they could be off to the different Lands. She smiled softly to herself at that.
Serasi La'Fei had passed her test.
© of Rynnal
Gravity Butterfly · Mon Jun 11, 2007 @ 02:09am · 0 Comments |
|
|
|
|
Of Spells and Swords - Prologue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prologue
The Academy of Spells, was created by one very rich and very powerful Spell user. Lehbia Vayknell was her name, and she had turned the World on its ear. In her day, it was unheard of for females to do more than heal but Lehbia Vayknell changed all that when she came into her power. She had carefully created a school where girls were taught about the powers they possessed and then had guided it to become one of the most powerful schools in the entire World. Over the years they had allowed boys into the school, carefully chosen for their power and their family history.
The Casters, as they are now called, had begun to take their work into the World instead of just keeping to the schools where they were taught. Slowly the World began to see more and more of the Casters. But there was one incident that stopped Casters from going out for almost hundred years and bandits went around murdering any who dared to walk alone. It was a long time before the Teachers at the Academy realized what was happening and by then over two thirds of the Caster population had been killed.
Emergency action was taken, and all the Casters returned to their schools once more and they didn't return to the outside World unless absolutely necessary. It was over a hundred years later that they willingly ventured out again, but this time they were not alone. They were accompanied by protectors, graduates of the Academy of War.
The Academy of War, as it was named by its creator Roland Tahniel, was created in response to the tragedy of the Caster annihilation. Roland Tahniel had one purpose in mind for creating the Academy, and one purpose only, to protect the Casters. His students were taught how to wield every weapon imaginable but by their third year, they had to choose a weapon that best suited them. In the years to come, they would Master that weapon but become proficient in all.
The academy accepted anyone four to eight years of age who wanted to be a student. The children were trained for a total of eleven to twelve years, and then tested. If they passed the test, they would be partnered up with any Caster. Starting from the top of those who passed, to the bottom. Any who didn't have a partner, would either join up with others, or go off on their own. After they had more than twenty years of battle experience, they were welcome back to teach at the school.
Another hundred years passed, and the rituals were passed down from Head Master to Head Mistress. Some have changed, and some have stayed the same. Change always happened in time.
Of Spells and Swords - Chapter One
© of Rynnal
Gravity Butterfly · Mon Jun 11, 2007 @ 02:01am · 0 Comments |
|
|
|
|
|
