Pandora Chronicles

4 - Goodnight, and Good Luck

***Istoviir’s POV***

On the other side of the city from this captivating young woman, I was walking down the halls of the Darksword Castle. My magical abilities allowed me to appear in places of my choosing within moments, a skill I had mastered in childhood. I entered his father’s audience chamber, where I heard the voice of my dear old friend, Marchus Wicksthorn, and in a moment I began to put everything together.

“Valshar Eklar, (King Eklar)” Marchus began, speaking to my father; a tall Ilythrin, with long white hair, and yellow eyes. “Il zhah lil mzilt xun faern, Usstan rynil wanre. (She is the most accomplished wizard, I have ever apprenticed.)” He said bluntly.

The King paced back and forth in front of his throne. “I’n waelin zhah Il? (How young is she?)” He asked.

“Il zhah del draszith. (She is of twenty)” Marchus answered. “Il inba irith faer whol szidhdra fira. (She has studied magic for just over twelve years.)” He continued.

Wicksthorn was trying to get Wolf into the Solicere, or the Ilythrin Academy of Wizardry and Magic, here in Baerevhel. He had taught her everything that he was willing to, which was likely almost everything he knew, but he needed her to attend the Solicere for a few months, just long enough to finish her minimum 13 years of training before she was released as a Master Wizard. It was all so clear now.

“Il zhah waelin, Marchus. (She is young, Marchus.)” My father, King Eklar began. “Vel’uss zhah Il? (Who is she?)” He continued to press, knowing his old friend would not bring just any surface dweller into his city and ask they be allowed to study in the Solicere.

“Il zhah Lily Morit ulu lil Rivvin. (She is Lily Morit to the Humans.)” Marchus began. “Jhal Il zhah Wolf Faer a riluss d’faer. (But she is Wolf Faer by everyone of magic.)” He continued.

The name sparked an interest in my father’s mind, for she was well heard of, and we had all heard her name mentioned more than once for noble and courageous acts. As King, he had spies bringing him news from everywhere, even the surface. I entered the room at this and said, “Marchus Wicksthorn, I have not seen you since the sun.” I shook hands generously with Marchus aand he smiled happily to see me.

“I’n phuul dos, ussta abbil? (How are you, my friend?)” Marchus said happily in my native tongue, it was disrespectful to speak to royalty, especially in the throne room, in anything else.

“I am very well.” I answered in the common tongue. As prince, I could do whatever I wanted.

“Dos phuul nautil al. (You are never well.)” My father said mockingly. “Vel’bol xun dos talinth bauth lil Wolf, Istoviir? (What do you think about the Wolf, Istoviir?)” He asked me, for he saw me lurking at the end of the hall and knew I had heard everything.

“Usstan talinth ol zhah natha phla’ta ul’hyrr. (I think it is a terrible idea.)” I told him truly concerned, to Marchus’ great surprise.

“Luethele zhah nindel ussta dalharuk? (And why is that, my son?)” The king responded.

“Ilta waess zhah izil t’puuli iz’ lil Lurod Kuttran, xun dos talinth whol natha klew’ar il orn’la tlu ja’hai-na a lil tosdki baut-waelen, xor lil veldruken whol nindel selg’tarn? (Her skin is as white as the Lurod Mushrooms, do you think for a moment she would be accepted by the other students, or the masters for that matter?)” I explained even though I wanted her to stay. I remembered the incident at the Tavern, I knew well how volatile my people could be. “Nind orn’la jiv’elgg ilta, lueth biu wanre d’Obok Jabbuk Wicksthorn rytho’len alur. (They would torture her, and an apprentice of High Master Wicksthorn deserves better.)”

“Il zhah ves col’niz de’ plynn’iz kyon d’iltan. (She is very capable of taking care of herself.)” Marchus defended.

“De’ nindel usstan xun naut guu’lac, rilu’oh, Usstan uil zhuanus ol orn’la ulk’na lil magthere oltan, lueth mziln ilta sreen’auri orn’la tlu mafi’ti a jal draevalen. Usstan orn’la phlith ulu talinth de’ vel’bol lil Karizen orn’la xun ulu ilta. (Of that I do not doubt Marchus, however, I am sure it would disrupt the school itself, and also her safety would be compromised at all times. I would hate to think of what the Purists would do to her.)” I said, speaking about the students who had been raised to hate all other races but their own.

“Bwael, il zhah dossta wanre zhahn. (Good, she is your apprentice then.)” My father said with a finality that told both Marchus and me this conversation was over and his decision had been made, ending the argument to my great surprise. I was not expecting my father to grant me this and wondered if my father had heard my heart's desires for this woman. I shook the thought from my mind, for I knew my father would not condone such behaviors.

“Usstan varinare Il draa neuau wun Baerevhel. (I promised her two days in Baerevhel.)” Marchus said.

“Ula, ula. Dos emerith izil ka dos temi ruin. (Fine, fine. You look as if you need rest.)” My father said to Marchus.

“Usstan z’ress plynn ukta ulu ukt cuass’ili. (I will take him to his room.)” I told my father.

The King waved us off and I led Marchus to his room on the far east side of the castle, up in one of the towers that were more like pillars to the roof of the cave. “I am very happy that my Wolf is in your care.” Marchus began in common now that he was away from the throne room. “I think of her as my daughter.”

“How long has she been your pupil?” I asked politely, wanting to choke after he said daughter.

“Ten years.” Marchus answered with a smile. “She learns everything in one or two tries. She hates waking up, especially early, yet hates going to sleep. She is plagued by night terrors. She is defiant and as stubborn as a dragon. She has a friend in every animal, but has fewer friends than enemies, at such an age. She’s learned every language in Zioa from hearing it once, she remembers everything, and most importantly...” Marchus continued, “...She is a wonderfully difficult pupil.” He finished as we walked into his room.

“I have met your Wolf, Marchus.” I told him honestly. “She asked how she might get to the book house.”

“Did she cause any trouble?” Marchus asked quickly, concerned.

“Nau. Not at all. I fear I caused the most.” I answered, chuckling to myself. “I am afraid I was, very, forward.” I said as delicately as possible.

“What did she say?” Marchus asked curiously.

“She said that she, promised, Master she would stay out of...” I paused to think of the word that she used, “to cause trouble...mischief.” I finished.

“Those were her words.” Marchus said, smiling proudly as he sat down on the bed. “I would know them anywhere.”

“Do you have any advice for me?” I asked as he smiled.

“That young woman is both the elixir of life, and the swiftest poison. The flavor she serves you, is dependent on how you treat her.” he answered seriously.

“I will leave you now. Sleep well my friend.” I said as I walked out of the door.

“Goodnight Istoviir.” Marchus answered right before he closed it. “Goodnight, and good luck.” He whispered.