Tales of Eron Sullivan

THE MAGI CITY OF REGIUS GEVALIA | CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER 3

Everyone wondered where and when did the lady get her power. Even the Baron himself is unaware that Lady Ivette inherited the ability of his wife Lady Evianka.

" Father, Eron, thank heavens nothing happened to both of you. I am grateful that I made it on time, she broke the silence.

" My child, since when did you learn about that ability? Did your mother secretly teach you without my knowledge?" the Baron asked.

" No, no one taught me. I discovered it by accident.. by myself," she explained.

" Wow, your power can be useful for my aid. Would you like to accompany me on my journey?" Eron out of excitement.

" No, she can't! She's the heiress of the Sans Louvre. She will stay here," the Baron interfered.

" But father...," she protested.

" We'll talk this over later, in the meantime, we have to return to the mansion. I appreciate it if you could also come Mister Sullivan," the Baron generously invited.

" I guess I would have to accept the offer?" Eron accepted.

The man that summoned the dead branch disappeared. No one had recognized him. No one even saw what he did. Meanwhile, Eron accepted the invitation of the Baron. They entered the large metal gate that leads to the Baron's mansion.

" Yvonne, I mean Lady Ivette," Eron uttered. But before he continued talking...

" Eron, call me whatever you like, I don't mind," she insisted.

" Well, uhmm, I think I am comfortable calling you Yvonne, I mean Lady Yvonne," his face turned red.

" I didn't know a famous wanderer would make his face blush to such trifle," she flirted.

" Ermm...," the Baron interrupted clearing his throat. " My daughter quit making a fuss over that matter."

" My apology Mister Sullivan," she winked at him.

As they arrived in the mansion, the butler and maids marched greeting them. The Baron, Eron, and Ivette headed towards the dining hall.

" Feel free to eat what you fancy Mister Sullivan. By the way, your family name sounds familiar," the Baron seated at the middle." But I don't think your bloodline is that of the great Sullivans."

" Thank you, your highness! Well, I am sure there are many Sullivans out there," said Eron.

" Perhaps! But you are that wanderer I've been hearing about. Anyway, I hope you're enjoying your lunch," the Baron anticipated.

" By the way Lady Yvonne, how many cards do you own right now?" asked Eron. "I mean how many cards are there in your grimoire?"

" Five! All are elementals," she answered.

" Actually, your golden grimoire is rare. Usually, I see black grimoires in Regius Gevalia," he continued. " There you can purchase different cards for your grimoire."

" Regius Gevalia? I never heard of it before. What is it?" she asked.

" You haven't heard of Regius Gevalia? It's the Magi City, City of Magic. Every mage and apprentice dreamed of going to that place. There you can see magical items including the cards used in your grimoire. If you join me, I would take you there," he slyly suggested.

" Forgive me Mister Sullivan but my daughter is going nowhere," the Baron interrupted. " She is the heiress of this City so I would suggest that you don't involve her in your little adventures."

" Father, that is for me to decide," she was reluctant.

" My daughter, I am not asking for your decision. You are the heiress whether you like it or not so you are obligated to do what is necessary," the Baron implied.

" Your father may be right," Eron tried to appease the Baron but winked at her.

" Still, I am at the right age to decide for myself," she protested.

Lady Ivette loss her appetite. She was disappointed in her father for meddling in her personal decisions. She left the dining hall.

" Once again, forgive me to witness such unnecessary sight. Her negligence is uncalled for," the Baron apologized.

Eron left the mansion. He went on his way to the old merchant's stall. He is planning to leave the old man and the city to make a new adventure. This time, he is planning to search for the legendary Xiphos. Eron asked the permission of Old Baba and other information about the fabled sword. The old man supported his decision.

" Young lad, if in case you found that legendary sword, please inform me. Or rather, bring it to me so I could see it for myself. That way, my family's mission would be fulfilled," the old merchant entrusted him.

" I will, do not be anxious. I am not a famous wanderer for nothing," he affirmed.

" May the blessings of the gods be upon you," the old man invoked.

" When are you planning to leave?"

" As soon as the lady agreed on joining me. Her ability would be of great aid."

Someone opened the entry and heard their conversation.

" I will join you."

Both of them looked in the voice's direction. It was...

" Really?" Eron was surprised. " How about your father? We both knew he was against this."

" Yes, but I have decided to enhance this ability that I possessed. And where else would I find the answer but in Regius Gevalia," Lady Ivette was determined. " Right now, we have to go, the guards are after me."

" What? And I was the one that wasn't prepared?" Eron sees the luggage Ivette is carrying.

Without hesitation, Eron immediately packs his belongings. Eron and Lady Ivette left the old merchant's stall in a haste. Old Baba was kind enough to lend his horses.

" Young lad, when you reached the terminal, leave these horses to one of my acquaintances near the patio. Tell him, I will get back the horses tomorrow," the old man reminded.

The two headed their way to the train station. They galloped off all day to arrive at the terminal by sundown. Lady Ivette showed her horsemanship even when seated on a sidesaddle.

" Whoa, I didn't know you are good at riding horses even without the saddle," Eron flattered her.

" I learned it from Lotis. My father never taught me about horse-riding because he believed this trifle is only for a man. He always reminds me to act womanly every time," she just shook her head.

" Well, that is the price of being a member of the royalties. Oftentimes, you are being swayed away from your desires," Eron sighed.

" Hmm, could it be that you belonged to a royalty like me?" She wondered.

" It's great to do whatever you desire. Going on adventures is my desire. It's a great feeling!" Eron kicked the horse and gallop ahead of her leaving her clueless.

When they reached their destination, Eron and Lady Ivette left the horses to the Old Baba's acquaintance. But just as he was about to dismount, a little bag of coins tied on the saddle fell on the ground. Old baba had given him a little token for his good work. He was surprised by the old man's gesture.

By sundown, they arrived at the terminal on time.

" What kind of travel would you like to have?" he asked her.

" Is there any way aside from the normal travel I took in the train?" raising her eyebrow.

" Well actually other than your normal travel, there is another way. Normal travels would take us five days to arrive at Regius Gevalia but the magical way would take us only five minutes," he explained.

" Really, there is a magical way?" she was amazed. " And it would take us five minutes?"

" Exactly! Well, now that you learned your magic, I guess it's about time for you to learn new things," he thought." Well, actually, mages knew this so it wasn't actually NEW if that's how you put it."

They headed towards the stairs leading to the basement. There they saw a single booth and a weird portion of people. Eron bought two tickets and weird shades.

" Here, wear this", he handed her the shades.

" How do I look?" she asked.

" You look great!" he burst into laughter.

She hit him hard at the back of his head.

" Ouch! What did you do that for?" he complained.

" Do I look funny? You're not making fun of me, are you?" she became serious.

" Well, for a first-timer, you might be startled."

While they were waiting, choo-choo, the sound of an incoming train. Lady Ivette is looking in opposite directions checking the train, but she is seeing blank walls and railways. Then a portal opened on the blank wall and a huge train of blue and red appeared in front of them. As the train's entry opened, she still couldn't believe what she is seeing. Eron grabbed her inside the train and onto the couch.

Then the train started to move. Another portal opened on the other side of the wall and off goes the train.

Lady Ivette is looking at the window. The first minute was black walls, then the next minute was rainbow lines coming from different-colored fireflies. The next thing she knew, she was traveling in dimensions and into a bright-lighted portal as she heard a voice from the speaker.

" Welcome to Regius Gevalia, the Magi City situated at the heart of Arctopolis," announced the driver.

As they passed inside the portal with a banner-Regius Gevalia Station, Lady Ivette had a glimpse of the City. The shades really helped her sight as it softens the view due to the brightness and brilliance of the city itself.

As soon as the train's entry opened, Lady Ivette was awed in anticipation. The entire city was filled with high-rise buildings, modern amenities, led, and neon lights bannered every structure. It was so different from her town. Meanwhile, Eron who often goes to this city was bored and hungry. But he smiled seeing Lady Ivette's expression.

" I had that same expression when I first went here. Indeed, this City is great in its own," as he yawned.

" Why the boring face?" she asked while she turned her head on every corner as they were walking downtown.

His stomach rumbled.

" I think we should eat?" she noticed his hunger. " Do you know any diner here?"

" There!" pointing at a diner.

" Istria Ganea."

They went inside and ordered a meal. Everything is new to her. From the architecture of each structure and its insides. Even the mode of transactions and way of living is different from her birthplace.

" Ahmm, you see, since you have a grimoire, this city would be a great advantage for you because everything here uses cards. See that...," he is pointing at an old lady doing a transaction.

The old lady opened her grimoire and picked a card inside and traded it on the cashier.

" Whoa, it really is different. Back in my town, I'm just trading silver and gold," she was hesitant.

" But you could still use it in other places. Aside from this city, there is another city that doesn't use gold and silver," he explained. "Besides, you can trade the silver and gold into cards."

" Is that so?"

" Yes, consider my situation, I don't use much of the card but I could trade it here for transaction purposes like this," he then pulled a card out from his luggage.

" Can I see it?"

He handed her the card.

" 100," she uttered. " What is this number for?"

" I'm starving, really! So I guess we have to take our meal above anything," he protested. " It's actually the amount of this card, I'll try to teach you other things after we have our dinner."

Eron went to the cashier and purchased a meal. The cashier handed him two cards and proceeded to the empty table. Meanwhile, Lady Ivette is observant and figuring things out. Eron gave her the other card while he gently tapped the card and out came the meal. Lady Ivette did the same.

" I think I would love this place," while she is hungrily eating the pasta like a peasant.

" You sure will," he smiled at her.

Then all of a sudden Eron's face became serious, his brows met as his eyes are wandering in different directions.

" What?" She whispered as she is somewhat alarmed at his action.

" Someone is looking at us. He is silently observing our actions," he cautiously uttered. " Pretend that you don't feel it."

" Since when?" she asked.

" Just now! I cannot determine his position unless he moves."

They continued their meal while Eron is cautiously observing. Until...

" There!" he spotted his location.

But the presence of the intruder strangely disappeared. As soon as they are done with their meal, Eron went out in a haste. He checked the position of the unknown presence looking for any possible remnants. Unfortunately, there is none. Eron shook his head and went his way downtown, Lady Ivette followed him.

" Who do you think is that?" She asked as they are walking downtown. " It's not my father's guards, is it?"

" No, I don't think so," he replied. " Come, let's call it a day for now."

They spotted a tavern nearby and decided to occupy it for the night.

The next morning, Eron woke up as loud disturbing chatters outside his window greeted his ears. Then.... he heard a knock on his door.

" Good Morning!" Lady Ivette cheerfully greeted him as he opened the entry.

" It's too early!" he protested trying to close the entry.

" No! No! No!" she insisted as she stretched her arms on the door. " Today, you will accompany me to Regius Kapital."

" Wow, how did you know it?"

" I talked to the keeper of this tavern," she cheerfully replied. " You know what, I am so delighted so get yourself ready because we are heading out."

" Do I have a choice?"

" No, sorry!" She winked at him.

Eron suited himself and headed down the bar. Ordered a brew and went out waited for Lady Ivette near the entrance. As she passed the entry, Lady Ivette wore a poncho above her dress like a typical lady of Regius Gevalia. Eron just raised his brows and nodded as affirmation. A few blocks from the Tavern, along the downtown, Lady Ivette is standing in front of a post-modern Neoclassical Architecture amidst the Neon and Led Architectural Buildings of the entire city- the house of Magi, Regius Kapital.

" Wow, it's huge!" Lady Ivette is full of admiration.

" So, you know why we are here, aren't you?" he asked.

" Yes, since I am a mage, I need to register here to be a bonafide member, right?"

" Yes, having a membership in any guild gives you privileges useful for your craft," Eron explained. " Now go in and I'll wait for you here."

Lady Ivette went inside. The registration went smoothly.

" So, Miss Ivette Sans Louvre here is the membership contract, sign it here," the lady receptionist told her. " Afterwards, open your grimoire and put your contract inside."

" Okay," as she signed it. "Book."

The lady receptionist noticed her grimoire.

" Miss Ivette, do you belong to an elite member of a mage family? Or perhaps from a well know family of mages?" the receptionist then asked. " Because your grimoire is very rare."

" I don't know!" she replied. "I have acquired this ability just recently."

" Would you mind telling me your mother's maiden name?" The receptionist was very inquisitive. " Sans Louvre has no records here so I assumed your mother may have to do something about that grimoire heirloom you possessed."

" My mother is Lady Evianka Feodor," Lady Ivette was hesitant.

The receptionist checked the database.

" I see House of Feodor. So you are the last and only heiress of the Feodor family. That is why the emblem in your grimoire seemed somewhat familiar," the receptionist explained. " Wait a moment."

The lady receptionist held the dialer and spoke to someone in the line. After the receptionist's conversation.

" Okay Miss Ivette put your contract near your grimoire," the receptionist instructed.

Then the contract turned into a card. Lady Ivette then put the card inside, at the first page of her grimoire. Then a new golden card appeared on the next page.

" And that next golden card is the House of Feodor card," the receptionist continued. " Do not ask me the purpose of that card because I have no idea either."

" You are in charge here, so you're supposed to know!" Lady Ivette implied.

" Unfortunately, I am only new here young lady. But don't worry, everyone who belonged to an elite family of mages or famous family of mages also possessed that kind of card," the receptionist assured.

" I see," she was appeased.

" Here are the three nameless cards as a token of being part of Regius Kapital," the receptionist gave the cards. " Normal mages received only two nameless cards but since you're an elite, three cards are given to you."

" What would I do to these cards?" She genuinely asks.

" Since you are a mage, every mage had been given the ability to create his or her own spell card. That's the reason why it is blank and nameless", the receptionist explained. " But I don't know exactly how it can be obtained."

" Thank you, surely it was helpful and useful advice," thanked her.

" By the way, you haven't finished yet. You will take your practical exam and earn a badge to be able to determine your class and proof that you are a mage," the receptionist instructed. " Come back here this afternoon to take your practical exam under a mage council."

"Ok, Miss!" She went her way.

So Lady Ivette told him the whole detail.

" I was right back then when I told you that your grimoire is rare, wasn't I?"

" So, you know how these things work then?" She showed him the three nameless cards.

" I am not really sure but you need to strengthen your magic first in order for you to create one right?" he thought. " Why not try to ask your grimoire keeper?"

" You're right but I don't know how to summon her."

" Check your family's card, I think there has something to do with it," he suggested.

" Oh you mean this one?" she showed him the House of Feodor card.

" I see, you belonged to the house of Feodor," he affirmed.

As soon as he was about to touch the Feodor card, Eron and Lady Ivette fell into trance. But a powerful presence canceled the trance. It appeared that the trance never happened. Soon, Eron accompanied Lady Ivette inside a card atelier. He taught her the information she needed to know about the cards and let her purchase some spells she could use for her practical exam and addition to her card collection in her grimoire. With the help of the artisan, Lady Ivette acquired some card spells. The artisan was kind enough to teach Lady Ivette how to use the spells she acquired.

Later that afternoon, Lady Ivette and Eron returned to Regius Kapital for her practical exam in Magic.

" Should I come inside?" he asked. " I think you'll be fine, considering what you showed in the atelier. You weren't bad for a novice."

" I need support. I mean, at least your presence might help me boost my confidence?.....right?!" convincing him.

" Okay, but I think I am not allowed to enter during the practical exam?"

As Lady Ivette is waiting inside the examination room, a sudden presence engulfed the whole place. It is getting nearer and nearer towards her so she immediately summoned her grimoire. The presence stopped, then magic circles formed out of nowhere, then came forth icicle blades rushing towards her.

" Blazing furnace, wall of despair... Fire Wall!" As she held a card and cast a magic circle.

A wall of fire surrounding her melted the icicles that is attacking her. Without any hesitation, she held another card ready to attack.

" Water-bearer of the Celebes, I summoned you... Wyvern!" hundred small water orbs appeared.

She pointed the water orbs towards the unknown area to locate the enemy's presence as the orbs self-destructed. A vague image slightly appeared giving her the advantage. Releasing another card, she wasn't aware that the enemy's magic circle is below her chanting a spell against her.

" Steel of thousand deadly thorns, shackles of alloys...."

" Lightning!" Lady Ivette attacked.

But the vague image formed around him a barrier to protect himself from the lightning while continuing his enchantment...

" Imprison thy enemy... Come forth... Prison Jail!" cast the enemy.

Squarish dimensional steel imprisoned her inside. Lady Ivette was captured.

She remained calm despite being captive but remained vigilant while waiting for the presence of the enemy walking towards her. Then an old physique of his vintage age, grey-long-haired braided down his poncho holding an emerald embellished grimoire. He is Valois Windser, the mayor of Regius Gevalia and the Guild Master of Regius Kapital House. He is also the magic council who will test her for her practical examination of Magic.

" Brilliant indeed!" clapping his hand.

Lady Ivette was stunned and clueless about what just happened. She held another card out of her grimoire.

" Wind Shards!" shards of a strong gust of wind cutting the Prison Jail penetrating its foundation.

Unfortunately, she's unable to break it because of the difference between their abilities but made at least some very little scratches on the prison cell.

" Nothing less from the House of Feodor!" as the old man praised her.

He canceled the Prison Jail. Lady Ivette found herself speechless.

" Speak young lady! I am your examiner for your practical test and you have passed the test. Well done," congratulating her.

" Thank you, but do you know me?" she boldly asked him.

" Unfortunately, no my dear but I do know your family," Valois answered. " I didn't know there is an heiress in the House of Feodor. Believe me, I am greatly relieved for knowing it. Plus you also inherited the ability of your mother."

" Do you know my mother?"

" Yes, she looked exactly like you during her younger years," he added. " Lady Evianka Feodor."

" How did you know her?"

" Well, she is one of my outstanding students but unfortunately, she chose the life of being a common aristocrat in a far unknown region in the South. I never heard again from her since then," he explained. " You see, she had a great potential in her craft, and possessing a rare grimoire is unmatchable. In addition to her highly-valued ability and a grimoire to match it, their relationship is somewhat contradictory."

" What do you mean?" Lady Ivette wants to know more about her mother.

" Her grimoire, I mean. They are the exact opposite of each other. Astrid of Sanhedrin was a rebellious spirit," he confessed. " But she was indeed powerful. Only your mother has the ability to tame her which I think you carried in your blood."

" I only met her once, and she never showed up again," she insisted.

" Well, that is because you don't have the card until just now, your family's card that can summon your spirit," Valois explained. " Give me your Feodor card and I will show you."

Lady Ivette handed him her family's card.

" Astrid of Sanhedrin, show yourself!" he chanted.

They both fell into trance, into a bizarre dimension. Then appeared in front of them her grimoire- Astrid.

" I am glad to see you again Astrid!" Valois told her.

" I see, so you have met this old hog," Astrid ridiculed him. " What made you come here?"

" Well, I am teaching your young master how to summon you!"

" And what would I benefit from it?" Astrid is becoming annoying.

" Nothing, but well, I have to do this... Revar Postea Memoria!" Valois chanted.

Astrid lost consciousness and emitted fragments of memories of Evianka after choosing a normal aristocrat life with Vlamitri. Then the trance was gone.

" So that's what happened. It was your mother's personal decision not to involve you in magic," he narrated.

Then a loud commotion and rumblings of the ground interrupted their conversation.

" Here is the badge, embellish it on your grimoire," Valois gave the badge. " Quickly, we need to stop this catastrophe."

Meanwhile, Eron quickly ran towards the rumbling sounds outside the Regius Kapital and saw himself in front of an Ophiotaurus- a higher level of monster capable of destroying magic-protected citadels. Beside it, he found the culprit behind this monster summoning and the dark presence that kept on following them. In a haste, he chased the culprit... Leaving the Ophiotaurus in the hands of the mages.