Fate & Veritas Day 3

The Chieftain of the Fennian's was a large, muscled man, with red skin, a bald head, and a thick grey beard. He was fearsome, but when he smiled, he was the friendliest sight that could ever be seen.

“Ah, Blythe, Meredith, welcome back once again.” He smiled and patted the pair on the back.

“Chief La Bron,” Blythe began, feeling heavy with the news he was about to relay, “I'm afraid we weren't able to free them. And the rest of the team, they were killed too. I was the only one who survived.” Blythe felt guilty with his admission.

“We had scouts in the audience, and they've already given us an account of what happened. I'm just glad to see you're safe and well.”

“There's something else we have to tell you, sir.” Meredith chimed in, a serious look on her face. “Blythe got a Golden Ticket for the tournament.” Meredith and Blythe explained how he received the ticket, and that they didn't think the Queen had suspected he was with the Fennians.

“Those people he's going to be fighting against have been training their whole lives for this one day. Yeah, Blythe was lucky at the stadium, but this tournament is serious. He could die.” Meredith looked away, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Boy, this is true.” La Bron said, appraising Blythe. “If you go through with this, you're probably going to be killed. You haven't had any training, you don't even have a focusing amulet or channeling tablet.”

While they were saying this, Blythe thought silently about a certain advantage that no one else knew he had, and that their worries were likely for nothing. But, he couldn't tell them this, or they would no longer trust him. And he needed their trust to accomplish what he set out to do.

“Listen,” Blythe interrupted, “I might not even be here when the tournament rolls around. It's already been two weeks, and that's longer than I've ever stayed before. I'm sure this won't even be a problem, and if it is, I'll face it then.”

Meredith and La Bron nodded. “ I can't help but wonder what's keeping you here. You're usually here for a couple days, and then gone. Perhaps the Spirit knows our goal, and is on our side, and keeps you here because of that?” Said La Bron.

“Yeah, that could be it.” Said Blythe, though he had a feeling that wasn't the really the case. It was strange, since he first arrived in the strange place called Chimera, he had felt more at ease than he ever did at home. His anxious tendencies seemed to dissipate to the point where he could breathe, and if he tried really hard, he could function and do things.

But when he was home, life was completely different. He was a nervous wreck; palms sweating, heaving to breathe, heart racing, and lightheadedness, were just a few of his daily symptoms. He had to pop sedatives just to feel sane and hear himself think. But ever since the stadium, ever since that big blue fire, he felt even more at ease – he felt a peace and tranquility come over him that he had never even hoped to feel before.

But he knew in his heart it was fleeting, he could already feel the anxiety building back up, and taking his nervous system hostage. All he could do was focus on his greater purpose, on the single goal that kept him going.

“Chief La Bron,” Blythe looked him squarely in the eye, “we will rid this world of magic, and balance will be brought back to nature. The veil will be lifted, and you will join the old world once again. I will make sure of it.”

Blythe had a way of speaking that made the Chief feel hopeful, almost assured about the future. “Yes, of course, we will.” The Chief raised a mug in agreement, and drank deeply.

“Now, you two, it's a long drive here from the city, and it said to storm tonight, so you are welcome to use a spare tent for tonight.”

They wished the Chief goodnight, and headed for the spare tent at the edge of the encampment.

CHAPTER 6

The day of the tournament was finally here, and I felt more nervous than I had a week ago. I walked down to the dining hall with grace, and an air of confidence, but I knew deep down it was a lie. A cheap facade I wore to ensure that my position and power was still in tact.

People are drawn to weakness, and once they spot it, they're out for blood. It was fine if my sister knew the truth, but she wouldn't stand for anyone else knowing it. My weakness casts doubt on the family, which casts doubt on her ability and strength to lead. She would toss me over the rail into the freezing ocean before she let that happen.

Either way, today I would face the truth. Was I too weak to even spar with amateurs? Was my ability so unfocused that I would kill us all? Training had gone well with Hugo, but he still beat me down quickly. I pondered about not getting accepted into the academy, something I had skipped in my youth, due to my early years of diligent training and natural talent, and to now, at almost one hundred years old, not be able to get into the academy, while that dirty little peasant gallivants in – that was just too much for my mind to comprehend.

I finally reached the dining hall, and sat in my place next to my sister's empty seat. I looked down over the other tables, and saw a familiar blond head of hair, and strange violet eyes staring at me. His gaze made me feel like I was losing control all over again. I clenched my fists, and looked away. I can't let this rat get to me, I thought to myself. He is nothing. He doesn't have a title or distinction. He just got lucky. But even I couldn't lie to myself. That stupid little runt was good, he was really good. I looked back and saw him, still staring. I steadied my gaze, and gave him the most disdainful look I could manage, until he looked away.

CHAPTER 7

Blythe and Rubini arrived in the dining hall rather early, but were excited to find that a magnificent breakfast awaited them. They sat down and delved into heaps of pancakes, maple syrup, eggs, and bacon, and nearly forgot all about the challenge ahead of them.

Blythe was surprised that he had managed to stay so long and actually make it to the tournament. He had been sure that he'd be home well before this day. But apparently fate had other plans, he smiled to himself, shoving a spoonful of eggs in his mouth.

Without warning, a wave of dizziness hit Blythe, and he feared that he might be having another anxiety attack, like he was used to back home. But it passed almost as quickly as it came. Rubini noticed, and asked Blythe if he was okay. Blythe nodded. Blythe looked around the room, and spotted a familiar, tall, foreboding figure, sitting up at the table on the stage.

What? Blythe was surprised to see the young nobleman from the execution again, then he remembered that he was also going to be in the ring, participating in the tournament for a seat in the academy. Oh great, he sighed.

“Who are you looking at?” Rubini asked, his mouth full of eggs and toast.

“Oh no one, just the ass from the execution that handed me the ticket”.

“HE handed you the Golden Ticket?” Rubini gaped, food showing, “you do realize who that is, right?”

“That's His Royal Highness, Prince Adairus Glacialis, second in line for the Glacialis crown. And he, handed you a Golden Ticket. I swear, I wish I had half your luck! You must have made a good impression at the execution, saving everyone from that Blue Fire some stupid sod let off.”

Then, suddenly, things became clear to Blythe. It was this Adairus who had let off the insane blue fire. He was a prince, and he used the blue fire to ensure the prisoners were executed, and it got out of control. And then I stopped it, he was wide eyed. Blythe realized now why Adairus had been so rude, and seemed to be enraged- he'd been bested by a nobody.

“Rube, I hope you made a will, cause we're gonna die today.” Blythe felt the terror building up in his chest. There was no way someone as evil as a Glacialis spawn would leave any chance of this happening again.

Rubini raised an eyebrow, but brushed Blythe's worries away as nervousness for the tournament.

Blythe looked over at the high table, and to his surprise saw a pair of icy eyes staring back at him, with volatile hatred. He quickly look down at his plate, and focused hard on his scrambled eggs. This was going to be an interesting, if not horrible, day.

After breakfast, everyone was split into their elements, water, fire, earth and air, and given an orientation on how the tournament would proceed, along with rules of engagement.

Blythe felt awkward being separated from Rubini. He hated to admit it, but growing up with anxiety had led him to a natural distrust of people, and dislike of being around those he didn't know well. It was easier, here in Chimera, as his attacks were less frequent, but at home it was hell.

He was deep in thought when a tall, thin girl, with a big smile approached him. “Hi, I'm Tawry, Tawry Cates. Want to be spar partners?”

“Sure, I'm Blythe Talon.”

The pair headed for the practice room with the others who had paired up.

“So Blythe, where you from?” She asked, summoning a small flame in the palm of her hand. “Well, my family is from a small town called Belgrave, but lately I've been staying with my friend's family in

Blythe put his hand a few inches above the flame and it steadily grew into a ball of orange fire. Toray seemed surprised.

“Wow, you're good at this!”

“Oh, this, it's nothing really. Just picture the flame moving, like the planet does, swirling around..”

“Planet?

“Oh,” Blythe realized his mistake and said, “nevermind ha ha, it's a science thing.”

Toray laughed and said, “I hope someday I can create a ball of fire like you did two weeks ago.”

“You saw that?” Blythe blushed.

“Um yeah, everybody saw that. It was amazing. You saved everyone from-” she looked from side to side and whispered, “Adairus Glacialis' blue fire. It could of killed us.”

If Blythe wasn't convinced before, he was certainly was now. Adairus would be out to get him in a couple of hours, and though this mysterious royal definitely seemed untrained, and unskillful, he had enormous energy, and all he'd have to do is direct it at one target to get the outcome he undoubtably wanted, to kill Blythe.

CHAPTER 8

Practice was over, and I was ready to get my pound of flesh from that scrawny runt. I looked over the charts and Brom had done me well, he had me and Jaques paired against Blythe and some unknown named Toray.

Jacques stood next to me, casting a shadow over the tournament list, and cracked his knuckles.

“We're going to crush them, Adairus.”

“Yes, Jacques, we are. Into the ground.” I savoured the thought. I knew after this tournament, if I decided to let the runt live, he'd have nightmares for years to come about today.

The dinner bell rang, and a herd of water elementals rushed past me, and when I looked up, Jacques had already disappeared among the horde.

I made my way slowly, behind the crowd, wondering what I might say to that little turd when I saw him. Perhaps I would sit with the rabble, and make sure he was within ear shot, where Jacques would boast of my earlier conquests, and abilities from the inquisition. And how word of my presence would cause the men to piss themselves in fear. I had been great once, truly great. And I was determined to be great again. But first I had to deal with a certain little annoyance.

It was a twenty minute walk to the dining hall, and while I'd considered taking a quicker route by water, I kind of felt like walking, and imagining all the different ways to torture the boy. Perhaps I'd make him scream for mercy, on his knees? Or have him –

I was ripped from my sweet reverie, when a blond haired boy darted in front of me from a hallway on the left. He had nearly tripped me, but we'd only just grazed each other. Immediately, he spun around, I stopped, and we were face to face, nearly chest to chest.

“YOU.” I growled.

CHAPTER 9

Blythe found himself face to face with the last person he ever wanted to see. His royal highness himself. He had been hurrying to meet Rubini, as they were going to have dinner with Meredith in the scholar dorms of Wytchtower, but he'd been held back by an eager Professor, impressed by his flame throwing skills.

Adairus said something, but Blythe felt dazed, the shoulder that he'd hit Adairus with tingled. He oddly felt at peace, even when Adairus' enraged face screaming at him. Blythe soaked in the icy pepperment breath of the seething noble standing over him, and felt his senses slip away.

Unconsciously, he reached to touch Adairus' hands, which were raised in anger and disgust. Adairus looked shocked by the touch, and stood stock still for several seconds. Blythe felt his fingers tingle at the touch, and wonder if Adairus felt it too. It was like electricity.

“What are you doing?” Adairus sounded calmer now, but seemed more curious and irritated than angry.

“I have no idea. But it feels neat. Like touching an electric socket and not dying.”

Adairus smacked Blythe's hand away, and huffed. “How dare you touch a member of the royal family, you little creep. I hope your family has a coffin picked out for you.”

“I don't know,” said Blythe, “you didn't fair too well last time I saw you. I shot down your little blue fire pretty quick, especially for a royal.”

Adairus' face twisted and he made to move forward, and Blythe stepped back.

Out of no where, Hugo appeared next to the boys.

“Your Royal Majesty, the Queen wishes to dine with you in her private chambers.”

Adairus stiffened. “Of course Hugo, I've spent too much time with this peasant as it is.”

The pair walked away, leaving Blythe staring from behind, wondering if his life had just been saved by the mysterious bald man.

CHAPTER 10

“Your majesty should refrain from contact with peasants. It's said to cause illness and inflammation of the joints.”

I ignored Hugo's veiled warning, “what does my sister want?”

“It is likely she will want to discuss potential outcomes of the tournament, as well as consequences.”

“Consequences resulting from an outcome of defeat?”

“It is likely, sire.”

We reached my sister's royal apartments, and Hugo departed. The butler led me to the dining chamber, where my sister sat with her ladies in waiting. Upon seeing me, she set down her wine glass, and waved the girls away, so that it was just the two of us.

“Please sit.”

I sat, stiff, and silent.

“I know you've had your troubles, after the illness. Your bed maid has told me you have nightmares, and speak in your sleep. You cry out names, and then awaken suddenly.”

“It's true. I've been taking a sleeping elixer, but even that can't seem to conquer the ghosts of my coma.” I had never told anyone about the dreams, or rather nightmares, before. They were to horrific, and thinking about them for too long forced me to consider there could be some truth hidden in them.

“You should come to me when you feel troubled, we can sit and talk, like we used to. Like we're doing right now.” She smiled, probably trying to comfort me, but it was such an unnatural sight it made my skin crawl.

“I know sister, I should come to you more often, but your duties seem to take up much of your time.”

“That they do brother. But right now, I want to focus on you, and the tournament.”

Adairus lowered his head.

“Your little display had me worried, but Hugo assures me you've gained control over your magic, and their won't be any further embarrassments.”

“And if their were?” I asked, looking her squarely in the eye, wondering if she had the guts for an honest answer.

“My duty is to the crown, and I can't have anyone, not even you dear brother, sully our family's name. We are the strongest water elementals of the realm, and your display at the execution, at least to those who saw it, has put our strength in question. It has put me in question as queen by some of my advisors. I think they're just worried that if one as strong as yourself could lose his ability that they could as well. You were once stronger than me, do you remember?” She asked, sounding wistful and slightly hardbroken, “and just as savage. Where did my fearsome brother go?” She sounded mournful.

“I won't let you down Aduna. I won't let mother down.”

She embraced him, in a stiff cold manner, “I know you won't.”  

Fate and Veritas Day 2

CHAPTER 2

Even though a week had passed, I couldn't stop thinking about all the different ways I was going to pummel that meddling peasant boy in the ring. During dull meetings with my sisters advisers and aides, I would find my mind drifting to pleasanter thoughts, such as filling Blythe's throat with water and then commanding it to freeze. Although killing wasn't recommended in sparring matches, mistakes happen, I squirmed in my chair at the very thought.

“Adairus,” my sister called out to me from across the table. “The testing is coming up soon. I forbid you to embarrass this family again. I want you to train with Hugo for the days leading up to the exam to be sure you don't fall on your ass, or worse.” Hugo, a tall bald man, wearing the light blue robes of the advisers, inclined his head in agreement.

“Of course sister.” I nodded, and resumed my murderous thoughts.

That evening I met with Hugo on the Eastern terrace. We were halfway up the peak, and the clouds were so close we could almost touch them. A chilly breeze blew past, and I breathed it in, ready to face the challenge of this Titan of a man.

He bowed his head, and greeted me, and took a fighting stance. I did the same, and waved him forward. Hugo rushed at me, stopped a foot away, and surrounded me in a veil of ice. Then, with a flick of a wrist the shield of ice surrounding me burst, sending me flying at the wall. I steadied myself just in time, and managed to force out a spray of water to stop me from hitting the side of the mountain.

Crumpled on the ground, and filled with defeat, I looked up at the huge figure standing next to me.

“My lord,” he began, looking like he was trying to decide the right way to deliver a verbal blow.

“I should have sensed the ice veil.” I was mystified. Had my abilities really weakened that much?

“My lord, you have been asleep these past sixteen years. While your mind may not have felt the time, the elements have felt your distance, and your ties with them have weakened.” I knew what he was saying was true. “You must convince them they are not abandoned, give them time to trust your spirit once again”.

“I am confident your abilities will return, and ten fold, once you get back into the heat of battle. Give yourself some time to adjust.” He smiled.

“Tell that to Aduna.” I sighed. “We will meet each morning and each evening here until the tournament. I will not have them see me like this.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

Hugo and I went our separate ways, and I went to search out two old, trustworthy friends.

*asks friends to find out who this blythe talon was, who his family is, where he was born, etc. , as well as to help set up blythe at the match for failure

CHAPTER 3

Blythe woke with a start. Looking up he saw two familiar forms shaking him awake.

“We heard what happened,” Rubini said, a worried expression splayed across his freckled face.

“We came as soon as we could. Stole mother's carriage, it's waiting for us outside. I thought you'd been captured, I don't know what I would have done, oh my lord, Blythe, what were you thinking!?” Meredith spoke so fast she was heaving for air.

Blythe sat up, and touched both their shoulders in reassurance.

“I'm okay. Everything is okay.” He sighed, “but I can't say the same for those men on the execution racks.” He shook his head.

Meredith and Rubini sat down on the bed, on either side of him.

“It's okay, Blythe,” Meredith said.

“We're just glad you're okay, buddy.” Rubini smiled.

“It was too much of a risk for you to go with them anyhow.”

“I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. Those people were counting on us. I knew some of them, I grew up with some of them.” Blythe could feel tears welling up. “We – we failed them, and now they and the group rescuing them is dead. And you know what I get? You know what I get? A damn golden ticket.” Blythe was standing now, shaking.

Meredith and Rubini looked shocked.

“A golden ticket?” They both said at once.

“How did you manage that? I mean we were wondering why you weren't thrown in prison after they saw you defending those people, but a golden ticket? You can't even prove your parentage. You're not even from here.”

“You are one lucky son of--” Rubini laughed, “I had to wait for years to finally get mine, Sod.”

“I thought for sure I was gonna be dead when the Queen was standing in front of me. THE QUEEN of Glacialis. I knew it was all over.”

“How did you manage that?” Rubini asked.

Blythe shrugged, “divine providence?”. The trio laughed.

“Now what is this golden ticket anyway?”

“Well, you're not going to believe it.” Rubini pulled something gold and glimmering.

“Remember how I was trying to get into the academy? And all those years of practice? And then I finally got the acceptance letter for try outs, for the big tournament in a week?”

“Yeah”

“Weeell, this beauty here,” Rubini held up a golden ticket, “is what came inside the acceptance letter. I've been registered for the tournament. Mom's talking about framing it if I get in.” He laughed.

“Oh.”

“You see, Blythe?” Meredith's peircing gaze met his, “you got one too. You're going to be competing for a place in the academy. But why? And an invitation from the Queen herself.” Meredith rubbed her chin, “perhaps she was impressed by your abilities during the execution. I mean, whoever fired that blue flame didn't seem to have any control over it. It could have killed us all.”

“If you hadn't of done what you did, we might all be dead.” Rubini looked serious for once.

“That must be it then,” she said, “the Queen must have been impressed, and didn't know you were actually one of the rebels trying to save the prisoners.”

“Well this is insane.” Blythe said, exasperated, waving his hands about. “There's no way I'm joining her little army of merciless killers. No way at all. If I had a ticket I'd be tearing it up in her face. I might not even be here by the time the tournament is here.”

Rubini looked slightly insulted. “Hey, not all of us have an easy way out of this life. We have to do what we can to make a better life, even if it means enlisting. I mean, we'll get full training, that's much better than anything we can do in the schoolyard with friends.”

“Sorry man, yeah you're right. I just can't stand the idea of doing anything that serves that evil witch.”

“Hey, watch who you're calling witch,” Meredith frowned, and then smiled, “you're insulting the rest of us!” The trio laughed, and started to make plans for the tournament.

CHAPTER FOUR

I made my way down to the apartments, a residency for noble families once favoured by my mother, and now also my sister. Our family's fortress was carved out from the Glacialis mountain, the largest peak in our icy realm. Every year new tunnels and new rooms were being chiseled out from the rock. It was like an ever expanding city, all within an endlessly large mountain.

I reached the apartments belonging to my two oldest friends, Count Brom of Icelington, and his wife, the Countess Lilith of Icelington.

I knocked and was greeted by their butler, Sam. He directed me to the waiting room. The room was elegant, but cold like the rest of the palace. Water elementals had a simplistic, rustic taste compared to the others. We liked polished stone floors, furs, leafless branches, and leather – hard, cold, and luxuriant.

I didn't have to wait long. A few minutes later they came into the waiting room. I got up.

“Brom, Lil,” I smiled. “It's good to see you.”

“You too, it's been too long.” Brom grabbed my shoulder.

“We would have visited sooner, but we weren't sure you'd want company while you were still recovering.” Lillith smiled as sincerely as she knew how, but the truth was easy to see. They didn't want to be associated with anyone weak, or anyone who could cause them embarrassment. But I was royalty after all, so they'd make an exception.

They led me to the drawing room, where we sat and waited for coffee.

“So, old friend, what brings you by this time of night? We just returned from the Opera, over in Vincent's Square.”

“I have come to ask a favour.”

“I bet it has something to do with that blond little runt from the execution.” Lilith said with a drawl.

“You would be right, as always, fair Lillith.” I grinned, sipping my coffee.

“And what would you have us do, Adairus?” Brom asked, clearly not as quick as his wife.

“Well, you two oversee the tournament, and I was hoping you would find suitable sparring partners---”

“for you and your new little friend?” Lilith laughed.

“Indeed.” I smirked. “You read me well Lilith, as always.” She flushed.

“Of course, of course,” Brom said, in a pondering tone.

“What about Naill? He could whip some sense into that boy.”

“I was thinking more along the lines of myself, and Jaques, against the boy and whoever he's paired with.”

“But you'll decimate the poor runt,” Brom laughed.

“Oh I intend to.

“Who is the boy anyway?” Asked Lilith, setting down her coffee cup.

“I don't know, no body seems to know. That's the other thing I wanted you to look into.” This runt was plaguing my mind and all I had was a name, I need to know more. “Ask your sources what they have on him, who his family is, where he comes from.”

“Someone with all that power must be related to a noble family somewhere down the line.” Said Brom, “But I don't know any Talons. I will look into this, rest assured.” Brom gave a confident nod, and led Adairus to the door. “Be well, old friend, don't let this runt get to you. You will beat him, and he will be finished.”

I smiled, “I can always count on you to cheer me up.” I left their apartments with more confidence than before. We would ruin that boy, and he will never make it into the academy.

CHAPTER FIVE

Meredith drove the carriage over the slick, icy path, while Blythe sat beside her. They drove into the forest at full speed, hoping not to meet any dark forces, or worse, palace guards, as they made their way to the Fennian outpost.

The Fennian's were a group of ordinary humans, subtly changed by the woods surrounding them. Their ears and eyes were slightly pointed, their skin had a brown tinge at their finger tips, elbows, and toes, and they often had a lot of freckles. They used old magic to travel instantly from realm to realm, which is how they avoided getting caught by the authorities.

They lived simply, in the woods, playing fiddles and flutes, and danced around camp fires. They were the gypsy's of the realms, moving from place to place, so as not to get caught and killed. And they had one goal – to rid the world of the unnatural elementals, humans who had gotten too much power, lived more lives than ten men, and spent their time trying to conquer all the peoples of the realms.

Blythe and Meredith knew this – they knew that elemental magic was an abomination – and was the one thing holding the realms together. And until they removed all magic from this world, they couldn't rejoin the old one, the one they had originated from.

The reached the encampment, and tied up the horses.

“I feel awful leaving Rubini there, asleep, not knowing the truth.”

“So do I, but if he knows, than he's at risk, and that would be worse. This is our task, and we must protect him from it.”

Blythe nodded, he knew in his heart she was right. And Rubini seemed so happy to have gotten his Golden Ticket, that Blythe didn't want to ruin it for him.

The pair headed over to the large clearing. It was fully lit up with bonfires all over the encampment, people jumping about, telling stories, and singing songs. The air was full of tasty smells, and merriment.

They reached the Chieftain’s tent, and called to enter.

Fate and Veritas - Day 1

CHAPTER 1

My fingers grazed the icy stone walls as I made my way down to the stadium. I could hear the roar of the crowd far before I set eyes on them.

They were loud, boistrous, excited; it was like a gladitorial event, except there would be no winners. I sauntered up the back way to the pulpit where my sister, Aduna, sat. The guards gave me a nod, and I glided past, and slumped into my cold, hard seat next to hers.

“Feeling better, brother?” She asked in a disinterested tone. I shrugged, and set my sights on the stage below.

The prisoners were standing, barely clothed, on a large sewage grate. There was about twenty of them. Their ankles were chained to the grate, and they stood there shivering, their exhaled breath visible even from the pulpit I sat at.

High above the stadium was a treacherous rock roof, filled with dripping stalactites, looking to crush the unknowing crowd of on lookers below. I grinned, thinking about how even an amateur elemental could shake this cave and stir up even more destruction than the festivities planned for tonight.

My sister raised to stand up, clutching a staff made of ebony wood, except for the point which was a glistening black obsidian. Her aids and I helped her to rise, each of us supporting her elbows. She looked as though she wore a live black bare on her back – the furry cloak was huge, and her head dress was made of metal and was actually held up by her shoulders. She was a fearsome sight to behold.

She paused, waiting for the roaring crowd to notice her standing and quiet down. It only took a moment, and all eyes were suddenly upon her, and with another weighted pause, she raised her staff, and crashed it down on the ground, a boom that echoed throughout the entire underground chamber. I shivered a little, unconsciously, feeling the power she held ripple through me, and the entire audience.

The guards down on the stage moved toward the prisoners, arms extended, ready to shoot on command. A feeling of heightened tension filled the room, it was so strong even I could feel it clenching in my gut.

Aduna raised her staff, and just before she crashed it down, we noticed a stir in the crowd, on the left, near the stage. The guards turned, and just as they were about to raise their arms at the disturbance, they were spun off stage in a cyclone, and strewn into the audience.

My sister turned to me, wide eyed, and I jumped up. A small group peasants were thrashing past people to get to the prisoners.

“Well?” said Aduna, pointing at the scene with her staff, “aren't you going to do something?”

I breathed in deep, and tried not to let me insecurity show. I raised my hands, and focused my mind, summoning all of the power of the icy caverns and underground seas surrounding us. It was as if I could see them all at once, feel their cold entirety traveling through my veins, and into my finger tips.

I channeled their strength like an adept – I lowered my arms, keeping my hands spread apart, a rolling ball of blue fire swirling between them, with a quick, and well practiced flick of my wrists, I cast the ball of energy at the prisoners. The ball of blue fire contracted, and then suddenly expanded to encapsulate the prisoners. Their screams lasted only a half second, and they were ice. The attackers halted and looked up at us in awe. I couldn't restrain the smug grin spreading across my face.

But then their eyes turned in horror, as the ball of blue fire contracted and expanded again, this time surrounding the first couple of rows in the audience. The whole cavern filled with screams.

Aduna swirled around, and said, “call it back at once!” My eyes were wide, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. She hit me with her staff, snapping me out of the horror below. “Did you hear me? Get rid of it NOW!” The ball of blue fire continued to expand, surrounding three more rows in it's wake.

I reached out with all my strength, I could feel the tendons in my forearms tearing, as I tried to pry the blue fire back to me. I was the only one who could control it. It contracted for a moment, and before I could sigh in relief, it expanded, tripling in size.

The screams were getting so loud in the cavern that the ceiling began to shake, I looked up at the stalactites, and then down at the unruly blue fire I had cast, and then back at my sister, who for once, looked panicked.

“Do something!” She screamed.

Suddenly, their was a flash of warm light, which encapsulated the blue fire, creating a soft purple glow, and then both disappeared. A small ball of orange light whizzed back to it's source – one of the attackers – a short boy, with a mop of ash blond hair, and skin paler than my own.

The damage had been done, but the problem was quelled by this mysterious peasant. I looked at him in shock, and he met my gaze, unwavering. It was the most embarrassing, excruciating, moment of my life. My power was quelled by a boy – a peasant boy. My disgust almost overpowered my embarrassment.

The guards finally arrived, raced toward the attackers, and put them in chains. My sister looked over at me, and I lowered my head. How would I explain away losing control like that? In public?

“THIS”, my sister waved her staff over the scene below, “is why you're rejoining the academy. Your coma has wreaked havok on your mind. You can't focus the energy. And you have far too much power to just ignore the problem. You are going back to school.

I inclined my head in solemn acknowledgment.

“Now I have to go deal with this mess. Don't want it in the papers tomorrow.” I stepped back, and she moved past me, and I followed.

Blythe wasn't sure what had just happened. One minute they were saving the prisoners, and the next a blue ball of fire came spiraling out from the royal seats, killing the prisoners instantly. The blue fire started to expand even further, surrounding people in the audience – it was then that Blythe stopped thinking, and acted with instinct- He pushed his hands out, spread his fingers wide and released an orange ball of light. It was small, but once it reached the blue flame, something happened. The two melded together and turned purple, and then disappeared. The little orange ball reappeared and moved into his spread hands. The panic was over, sort of.

Guards rushed at him and his friends – screaming to get down on their knees, and then they were wrapped in the same heavy chains the executed souls were wearing. Blythe's small frame could barely stand the weight of the chains hanging from the collar around his neck.

Suddenly the audience and the guards parted, and the Queen of Glacialis made her way over to them. First, she looked at the executed men, and gave a nod to her guards, and then she met eyes with Blythe, appraising him. He could see another curious face behind her large headdress; a pair of icy blue eyes, and sleek blond hair, curious, and blushing? Or angry? Either way, his cheeks were a deep crimson, and his eyes were set like daggers on Blythe.

With a quip of her staff, a ray of blue light fell over the newly chained prisoners, freezing them to death. All except Blythe.

“This one is clearly an elemental,” the Queen said to her guards. “A powerful one at that. Remove his chains.” She turned to the curious young man at her side, who had been staring daggers at Blythe. “See he gets a golden ticket, Adairus.” Adairus looked exasperated.

Blythe shivered, feeling extremely conflicted – he was free to go, and was to get some sort of golden ticket (reward?), while his comrades had all been murdered. Did the Queen not know he was part of the group trying to save the prisoners? He decided to shield himself from his guilt and wait until he was alone to feel it.

The Queen whispered something to one of her aides, and the group moved on, leaving Blythe and the young man who so clearly hated him, standing across from each other. The young man was extremely well dressed, with a fitted midnight blue suit, and white dress shirt, and dark blue shoes that reflected the flickering torch light.

“You---” the young noble's voice seethed, “are very lucky my sister isn't suspicious of elementals consorting with Fennians, even peasant ones.”

“I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Perhaps she's right – I mean what self respecting elemental would have anything to do with creatures that are barely men, lower than the scuffs on your shoes.”

Blythe bit his lip, and tried to keep his brows from furrowing. Blythe didn't take the bait, and Adairus looked even more frustrated.

But, knowing not what to say next, he rolled his eyes, and pulled out a book. “Name?” He asked, trying to hide his interest.

“Blythe.” Adairus scribbled it down in his book, “just... Blythe? Fatherless then, are we?” Adairus raised a brow.

“It's Blythe Talon.” Blythe stepped forward, fists tightened.

“Blythe Talon,” Adairus said, as if pondering the secrets the name might hold, “be here in a fortnight, at eight in the evening, and your name will be on the list of registrants.”

“A list of registrants?” Blythe wondered what they could be registering for.

“Yes, and make sure to wear apparel more suited to sparring.” The nobleman looked Blythe up and down, “I look forward to getting you in the ring.”

With that the nobleman walked away, head high, leaving Blythe with a pile of chains at his feet, and guards standing all around.  

Welcome to my NanoWrimo Blog

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I'm basically using it as a backup for my NanoWriMo novel. All text is copyright +Sasha Fitzgerald
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