And so it begins…
320 Words
And so it begins…
Tyrell Caracticus grimaced. It was not as if his students were simpletons, but sometimes they gave answers that just boggled the mind.
"No, no, no," he said. "The founder of the Dome, or rather of the Grand Edifice of the Arcane Wizards Council, to use its proper name, was not the High Mage Weldwyn. How could it be? He died in the very war that founded our realm."
"Was it King Loran?" offered Ekthyn Ramark.
"He provided the funds, of course, but would you honestly expect a king to know how to construct a building like this? Think, people. Use those brains that nature has blessed you with."
He looked around at the students but saw nothing except blank expressions staring back at him. Then the door opened, revealing a senior apprentice.
"Arcanus," the man said. "The magic circle has activated."
"Oh? How interesting. Are we expecting anybody?"
"No, sir."
It took only a moment for Tyrell to realize the implications. "It must be one of the Mercerian mages, coming for a visit. I'd best get down there before they appear."
"And your students, Arcanus?"
The mage turned to see their looks of wonder. "It appears we're all going down to welcome a foreign mage. Come along, students, and you'll see a true master of magic at work."
He led them outside the chamber and then up a flight of stairs to the casting circle. Ekthyn ran ahead, opening the door just in time to witness a cylinder of light flare up, blinding the vision of all who peered within.
The light dimmed, leaving a solitary figure standing unsteadily at its centre. Tyrell recognized Aegryth Malthunen, but she collapsed to the floor before he could get a word in.
"Aegryth?" he cried out in alarm as he rushed forward to investigate, only to spot fresh blood streaming from her eyes and ears. "My goodness, what's happened?"
- Writer
