Briar’s Wolf

A Lesson In Arcane Infusion

The Art of Arcane Infusions

Briar's quill penned the words beautifully upon the surface of the smooth, white parchment. Dipping into the inkwell again, she started a new line.

The first step in creating an Arcane Infusion is to know what spell you desire to infuse into an object. For this test, I will be infusing a simple Clarity spell.

She tapped the feather of the quill against her ivory cheek and hummed as she thought. She didn't like doing written tests, although she knew it was a necessary evil in order for her to become a full-fledged mage. Her fingers began to tap on the wooden desk as her mind wandered to other things.

I wonder if there will still be apples in the market. If there is, I'll get some on the way home. Hopefully, it's not as cold as it was yesterday. The poor trees must be as cold as I am with all of their leaves falling off. Do trees feel cold?

She tapped herself three times on the forehead.

"You need to concentrate, Briar," she told herself. "You've only written three lines and one of them is the title." Sighing, she dipped her quill into the ink once more and continued.

For an infusion to work effectively, it must be placed where it will have the greatest effect. An infusion of shielding will work best when placed on a piece of armour such as a breastplate or a shield. A spell of clarity affects the mind and therefore should be placed on an object that can be placed on or around the head, in this case, I will be making a pendant.

An audible groan escaped Briar's lips as she slumped back in her chair, letting the quill fall onto the desk. She looked out the small, rounded window at the dull, grey sky. She wished the weather was fairer so she could at least enjoy some fresh air, but for now, she would just appreciate the fact that it wasn't yet raining.

Her office was small, containing only a small wooden desk, shelves piled with writing supplies and a sturdy, wooden clock. Not a single decoration hung upon the daub walls. The window next to her desk provided her with a narrow view of the gardens below the college. There weren't many mages around at this time of day. The few that were about walked between the rows of plants, gently plucking ingredients as they went.

Suddenly a shock of panic shivered through her body, today was her first day observing court with Magus Estree. She turned to the clock, hoping beyond hope that she wasn't late. Her hopes were quickly dashed. 9:17. With a flurry of movement, she began to frantically stuff supplies into her satchel. One last glance at the clock as she left read 9:19.

Turning left as she entered the hall and moved swiftly towards the stairwell. I only have 11 minutes to make it to the palace, which normally takes 20. As she approached the stairs she tied her black hair up into a tight bun and slipped off her shoes, holding them in one hand as she began to run. She closed the distance to the stairwell quickly and began to fly down the steps, taking them two at a time. The stone steps grated against her feet but soon she was at the door. Bursting through she took a deep breath of the fresh air, taking but a fleeting moment to enjoy the fragrances of the garden, and then she was off again.

Sprinting this time, she startled the herbalists that she had seen earlier. Following the curve of the wall, she soon approached the front courtyard. The gates were open and people, mages and otherwise, were moving in and out of the college. She glided easily between the people, following the movement and gaps as they appeared. Before she knew it she was out the gate and barreling down Royal Way.

Her heartbeat fast in her chest. Her breathing was heavy. She estimated that it had taken five-ish minutes to get here, which meant she had six minutes to get to the end of Royal Way, make her way up the steps to the High Chambers, and then find her way into the Royal Court. Bloody hell, she thought, I'm not going to make it. The thought filled her with dread. Late, on her first day of court. She would be lucky if Lady Estree let her finish the week, her future as a mage might as well be over.

She shook her head, emptying those thoughts from her mind. She couldn't give up now, she had to at least try. Focusing on the rhythmic thumping of her bare feet on the cobbled streets, Briar pushed forward. Surprisingly, it wasn't long, or at least didn't feel long, before she was at the base of the steps that lead up to the High Chambers.

With no time to waste, Briar began leaping from step to step up to the top. Her legs ached and her lungs screamed for a break, but she kept on pushing. The steps flew by and before she knew it she was running towards the gate. Ahead of here were two guards, watching the few nobles that came in and out. Upon seeing her rushing the gate they jumped slightly and moved their spears across the door.

"Please! I'm late!" Briar cried as she neared them. They eyed her as she approached, making no indication that they would stand down until one of them noticed the blue mage robes that she was wearing. Tapping the other guard on the shoulder, he quickly muttered something and they both stood to attention and lifted their spears into an upright position.

"Lady Magus," one of them nodded as Briar ran past and she had to stifle a giggle. She was no magus and most certainly not a Lady, not looking like she imagined she did currently. The ornate halls of the High Chambers rose dizzyingly upwards, dwarfing anyone that stepped foot within.

Briar had been here once before and so she was fairly confident that she knew the way. Soon enough she saw the hem of a blue robe disappearing around a corner. She moved quickly to catch up, slipping her shoes on as she went and retying her bun which had come loose during the mad dash. Closing the distance to the corner she rounded it and was greeted by Lady Estree staring at a small, brass pocket watch. "You're late," she said pointedly.

"I'm so sorry, Lady Estree, please forgive me I lost track of time when working on my studies, I didn't mean to, please don't send me ba-" Lady Estree held up her hand.

"Calm down, young mage, no use for excuses now. You are two minutes late, and that is a fact that won't change. Do not make a habit of it." With that, she turned and strode into the court.

Briar stood dumbstruck for a second. Her worst fears had not been realised, she was still going to attend court and continue her mage studies. More surprising, she thought, was that she had made it all this way in 13 minutes.

The High Court of King Cyneheard was a sight to behold. Four large pillars, adorned with golden carvings, held up the vaulted ceiling, upon which was painted an impression of the founding of Esterre. Behind these pillars, above the ground, were balconies where soldiers with crossbows stood watch. Upon the white marble floor, a red and purple carpet rested between the doors and the dais of the throne.

On either side of the throne, on a lower layer, stood the two royal advisors, both dressed in robes of orange and gold. Briar, Lady Estree, and the other mages stood amongst some pews on the right side, opposite a similar setup holding the military advisors. Her heart leapt in her chest. A flutter of butterflies filled her stomach and she covered her mouth in surprise. Across from her, standing next to his father was Talion. Her Talion.

She did not know why she was so surprised. She knew that Talion was the son of Captain Edward Blacke, the leader of the Royal Guard, and as such was often invited to tactics meetings, but still it was a surprise. A pleasant one at that. Talion smiled at her from across the court and Briar smiled back. She moved her arm to wave, but then glanced sideways at the other mages, they all stood perfectly still and emotionless. Perhaps this was not the time for this sort of cheery meeting.

Quashing her smile, she made a slight motion with her hand, placing her fingertips on her sternum and then up and across to her right shoulder. Talion removed his smile and repeated the motion. It was confirmed then, they would meet each other tonight.

The sound of the door opening brought Briar back to reality again. The guards and military advisors all stood to attention while the advisors and the mages bowed. Briar quickly joined in, holding the position for what felt like ages as she heard the softened sound of footsteps on carpet slowly moving across the room.

"Be seated," King Cyneheard said with a gesture. Immediately the other mages sat down and Briar hurriedly followed suit, but she knew her off-timing must be noticeable to everyone in the room, especially the king! Her indiscretion was clearly not important, as no one, not even Lady Estree, gave her a sideways glance.

"Let's begin then, shall we?" The King’s soft voice echoed through the chamber. "Steward, who is our first petitioner?"

The steward, a portly man with a bushy moustache and a floppy hat approached the throne with a scroll. He unraveled it with a flourish and began to read.

"Count Edgar Adaire petitions the court about funding for Winter Solstice Festival." Lady Estree let out a small sigh, barely audible to Briar, even the King seemed to have slipped lower in his seat.

"Very well," he said calmly, "send him in."

The main doors opened letting in a tall, thin man in gaudy robes. His posture and his expression, in fact, his entire being seemed to exude arrogance and pompousness that Briar figured must have come from a life of excessive luxury. Bowing slightly to the king, he began his petition.

"Your most royal highness, I come to you as representative of the Cultural Council of Esterre..."

"Unfortunately," Lady Estree began, leaning over towards Briar, "this is most of what the Royal Court is like. Make yourself comfortable, but try not to fall asleep."