Blessing of Embers

Chapter One: Birthday

Fire. There’s Fire Everywhere. But I’m not frightened. I’m not burning. I can see the heat of the flames. But why am I not hot. I see the destruction but I’m not frightened.

“Because you are chosen Gwenivere Thorne.”

I turn toward the calm voice of a male but I see nothing. Chosen? Who’s chosen? Me?

There’s a scream. It’s full of terror. Everything goes black.

“Lady Gwenivere,” another voice says; Sweet and calm with a hint of panic. I open my eyes to see my nanny, Miss Marin. She is sitting on the side of my bed, her hand on my head. “Oh good morning Miss Marin,” I quip trying to get up. “No rest child, you’re burning up,” she insisted as she used a damp rag to clean my forehead.

I notice my clothes they are saturated in sweat. “You must’ve had an awful dream my dear. You were quite restless when I entered.”

“I was?”

“Yes child. Is everything alright?” She asked concern flickered in her elderly brown eyes. “I’m okay, Miss Marin. Just an odd dream,” I stated as I took the rag from my forehead. “Okay, well get ready my lady, your parents are waiting in the garden for you.” She stated as she rose to leave the room, “I’ll will back to do your hair so you better be washed and dressed.” Marin said in a strict tone. There it was, I thought to myself.

Miss Marin has a very proud woman who has known my mother for many years. She is normally quite strict when it comes to conducting ourselves and school however has a soft spot when we are injured or upset. She is like a grandmother.

“One last thing, happy birthday dear,” Miss Marin says before the door closes all the way. Smiling, my eyes were drawn to a mauve colored dress lays nice an folded on the table in the room. Getting up finally I went to get ready.

***A FEW HOURS LATER***  

“Happy Birthday Darling,” Mother was certainly in a good mood; a smile beamed on her face as she clung on me. “Mother please stop,” I said wearily. Mother was always a bubbly one where as my father was stoic but a softy when it came to her. A true love story they were. “By the Seven mother, please refrain yourself she’s eighteen now not a child,” my little brother Gregory spoke. He was two years younger than me however was more mature and well mannered than most sixteen year olds.

“My babies are growing up so fast,” She sobbed. “Grace, please calm down,” My father interjected kindly and then cleared his throat, “Gwen, as you are now eighteen your magic will now start to peak so prepare yourself in the months to come.”

I could already feel the warm thrum of magic surge. Basic spells were almost too easy for me and I was ready for the challenge. Magic is similar to breathing however, similar to her family, her cardinal element was fire. Fire magic was the hardest cardinal element to master. If not matured and taught correctly it had the capacity to destroy the caster however mages from the Fiery Realm of Runteria have a greater advantage of utilizing Fire based magic due what is called the Blessing.

It’s said the Fire King Dragon, Ruldryrrid, chose this Mountainous terrain for his realm to rule. He brought the people of this land high into the mountains and crafted the land to be able to contain rain water and use it for crops. He was said to have also crafted buildings to sustain the life he was to protect. The people worshiped the King Dragon and for his most loyal worshipers were blessed with the ability to control his fire. Now of days, basic fire skills are known by most throughout Aebrithan though it is almost impossible to become a Master Fire mage without delving into forbidden magics.

“To help you with this, Your mother and I wanted to give you this,” father spoke as he handed me a box. Mother looked so proud as she held onto my father’s arm.

When I opened the box a Dark Ruby pendent shimmered against a white satin cloth. I’m pretty sure my eyes popped out of my sockets because my mother and father started to chuckle. “It’s been pasted down the family since Ruldryrrid blessed the Thorne Clan with the gift of Embers,” my father spoke. “It acts as an amplifier for fire magic however only works for people with the blessing.”

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, still in shock. As I held the pendent in my hand I could feel it pulse with magic; almost similar to one’s heartbeat. “That’s something that should be locked away, father. Are you sure this is a good idea?” Gregory sounded worried. Gregory had the blessing however being a second born his magic was not as prominent. What he lacked in magic he made up for with a sword and he seemed content with that. He always said magic was a headache anyway. “It’ll be fine Gregory,” Father reassured, “Now Gregory get ready for your swordsmanship practice. Sir James should be waiting on you.” Gregory nodded and stood from the table. “Happy Birthday Gwen,” Gregory said, patting my shoulder as he took his leave.

“If that is all father, I”

“There’s more,” my father interrupted, “Now you’re of age, there’s something you need to know.”

He stood up from the table and casted two teleportation rings that interwove each other. When they stopped they revealed the war room. My mother and I rose from the table to follow my father.

“My lord,” a Knight Commander greeted as he bowed his head and placed his arm across his chest. Father was now in his Grand Duke attitude. “Give me an update,” He demanded. “The unknown threat is still advancing through our southern lines rather rapidly. We’ve already lost the Village of Wall and Canter. They are about a week away before they are at our gates ” The Knight Commander stated rather calmly.

What was going on, I thought as the Knight Commander met my eyes. “My lord, with all due respect, is it appropriate for Lady Gwenivere to be here.” A hint of annoyance in the knight’s tone didn’t sit well with me. “Knight Commander, I brought her here therefore it is all appropriate wouldn’t you say,” My father spat at the knight. “Yes, my lord”

“Father what’s going on?”

“It seems that an army under no banner has been attacking the outskirts of Runteria.” Father stated not taking his eyes off the war table. “We’ve been hidden by the world for almost a millennia. As you know, access to enter and leave the city is heavily monitored however it seems we have been found,” The Knight commander stated. “It’s probably those mages that left must of had the loose lips,” one of the other knights quipped. “Knight Captain Quentin, those mages who were granted special liberties to leave swore upon the blood stone to never disclose secrets. If they performed such treason they would’ve been killed and I would’ve known,” Archmage Luis spat. The venom in his tone says that this isn’t the first time explaining this.

“Maybe you had something to do with this?” Knight Captain Quentin argued, “The first time mages are given free rein to leave the city and know we have an enemy at our door step”

“Excuse me?! How dare you question me boy-“

“ENOUGH!” Even I shivered at my father’s commanding voice. “Knight Commander Christophe, control your men. I will not tolerate such disrespect toward my Archmage’s Loyalty. Knight Captain Quentin you are dismissed.” My father waived his hand as a clearly angry Quentin bowed and left. “My apologies, my lord; I will reprimand him once this is counsel has concluded.”

“Do as you must.” My father sighed, “Now that were back on track what plan do we have going forward with the assault?”

***A FEW HOURS LATER***

By the seven, I never knew grown men could talk so much. The War Counsel lasted for hours it was already night by the time we were wrapping up. Mother left earlier with the ambassador to work on something or other.

“You were in there for a while Gwen.”

“Good evening Gregory,” I sighed, “Yeah, it was rough.” Gregory was leaning against the stone wall waiting for me.

“Father told you finally then.”

“About the invaders in the south, yes,” I said looking up at him curiously. “How’d you find out?”

“James told me originally during one of our spars and then confirmed it with Father.” He said kicking off the wall, “He said not to tell you, that he’d tell you today and that’d you be part of the planning.”

“Well I just listened to grown men bicker about strategies and resources for five hours,” I sighed, “I didn’t know anything about what they were talking about how was I suppose to help,”

“I’m sure you helped in your our way. But I’m sure they were just trying to show off to father in hopes that their idea would work.”

“Why would they show off to father?”

“Why not? Think about it: if their plan works that means promotion, promotion means more opportunity,” Gregory smirked at me, “Maybe be able ask your hand in marriage now you are of age.”

“Stop it. I’m not marrying anyone anytime soon.” I nudged him a little. “Like anyone could up with your bratty moments,” He laughed.

“Can it, Arse. Since we’re talking about marriage, how was your ‘sparring’ match with James?” I eyeballed him and enjoyed watching his face blush. Gregory prefers the company of men rather than woman. He told me a year ago after our parents brought a potential lady for an arranged marriage. I scared the poor girl off and have been protecting Gregory from ladies that might be spiteful if he’s found out.

“It was good.” Gregory said curtly. He had been seeing Sir James now in secret for almost a year. When James was sworn in he was assigned to our personal guard due to his talent with a sword. He also happens to be the Knight Commander’s son. Gregory often Spars with James because they are both the same age and the same level in skills.

“That’s all your going to tell me!” I said pretending to sound shocked.

“Yep”

“Brat”

We walked a few more paces before some sort of explosion could be heard.

“THE CASTLE IS UNDER ATTACK!!”