"Mage: The Awakening; chapters 3 and 4"

"Mage: The Awakening;chapters 3 and 4"

By;fernand jiro 

Silirenkath

Quinn leveled her sword, wary, runes glowing on its blade. She walked on, sword held at the ready, circling, lest something sneak up on her from behind. The only sounds were her footsteps and a constant drip-drip-drip from somewhere deep within the cave. Carefully, she sent out a wave of magic, sensing for her prey. There! A tang of FreeMagic.

There were several creatures in the world, most of them unfriendly, that were made in part or entirely of Free Magic. Free Mages of old had experimented with their powers, unwillingly unleashing several creatures with terrifying power. The lesser of these creatures could be destroyed by a Free Mage. The stronger ones could not. They could only be bound, and even that took a great amount of magic.

Quinn was hunting one of these. It had taken refuge under the school, in one of the uncharted caves, and Quinn was determined to get it out. Of course, the teachers didn’t know what she was doing. She would probably be expelled if they knew. And Zephyr would tell her that she wasn’t strong enough yet, that she wasn’t in control enough. And did she even know how to bind such a creature?

As a matter of fact, she did know how. She had been listening particularly attentively in binding class since she heard of this creature beneath the school, and had done some research in one of the school’s library books that was forbidden to all students, save her — she was a Free Mage, and therefore had the power to cast a number of the very dangerous spells within. One such spell was the one she needed to bind a Free Magic creature. She had studied it in great depth, making sure there was no way she could fail. Of course, she knew that there was a very high chance that she might fail anyway, but she was determined to try.

A noise. Rocks falling. She spun swiftly, raising her sword once again, searching for the source of the noise. In her free hand, she held a clear crystal orb. It was within the orb that she planned on binding the creature. She relaxed when she saw a rat scuttle away from her light. So it wasn’t the creature after all.

Suddenly, she heard a high-pitched whooshing sound, closely followed by a loud shriek. Trying to ignore the pain in her ears, Quinn desperately searched for the creature, for she knew it had come. She saw it a split second before it rammed into her. She just managed to get her sword between herself and it, before it bowled her over. She had enough sense to keep her grip on the orb, even with the searing pain on her back, neck and head as the fall threw her against several sharp rocks. She kicked the creature off her, seeing it open its huge maw to bite her neck. It had long, white hair and pasty white skin. Its teeth were yellow and as long as her hand. Its arms were twice as long as a man’s and ended in mantis-like claws instead of hands. When it stood, it was taller than Quinn by a foot, despite its posture, hunched almost in half.

Quinn scrambled to her feet. As she raised her sword, the creature hissed and fled. Quinn knew it wasn’t over. It was hiding, slinking around her to strike unexpectedly somewhere else. Calmly, Quinn closed her eyes, spreading out her magic. She caught its presence and followed it. It was behind her. Before it could spring anew, she faced it, pointing her sword at it and yelled a word of power. It flew from her throat, tearing the muscles there, and at the creature.

It struck the creature head-on. Shrieking, the creature tumbled from the rocky cliff on which it stood and landed at Quinn’s feet. As Quinn rubbed her sore throat, the creature began to change. It was reverting back to its true form, the one it had held when it was originally created, before becoming wild.

Its skin and hair remained white, but it became more pure, like snow. Its arms shortened, and hands replaced the claws. When its change was complete, it resembled a young man, clothed in a very pale silver robe. It glared at her with silver eyes.

“Free Mage,” it spat, eyes filled with hatred. It now knew that she could seal it, and it was becoming afraid.

But when Quinn pointed at it with her sword, holding out the orb, its fear faded. Quinn couldn’t speak, as hard as she tried. The spell she had used to reveal its true form had torn her vocal cords. She was powerless.

The creature grinned evilly. It sprang at her once again. In panic, Quinn somehow managed to cry out the binding spell. “Mann rack shai loch!” The words flew from her throat, burning her lips as they passed.

The creature screamed in disbelief as it was dragged irresistibly toward the crystal orb. Its form was absorbed by the crystal, and Quinn sealed it with another word of power that sent fire streaming through her lungs. She coughed violently, blood staining her hand over her mouth. When the coughing stilled, she held up the orb. She had done it!

*****

Zephyr was livid with fury when Quinn ran into him in the Entrance Hall. She had come from the forest, he believed, and she had been practicing words of power. She tried to deny it, but when she couldn’t speak, he knew.

“There is a reason I don’t want you to be using words of power,” he said with strained calm. “They’re dangerous! If you’d been a hair less powerful, they would have consumed you! Now promise me you won’t use any again, until I say you can.”

Unable to speak, Quinn nodded.

Back in her room, she examined the orb. It had become a cold silver-white, and was no longer clear. It was heavy and as cold as ice.

Come out, she told the creature in her mind.

To her shock, it obeyed. A smoke-like substance billowed from the crystal and materialized into the man she had sealed.

“You have called, and I have come,” he said, his voice haunting. “What do you wish of me, Mistress?”

Who are you? Quinn found herself asking.

“I am Silirenkath. I was created by the first Free Mage, and am several thousand years old. You may call me Silk.”

Why were you created?

“My creator wanted a companion. Since he felt that human beings were beneath him, he created me. Of course, I had to be as powerful as he, to keep up when he cast his many and various spells. Unfortunately for him, I was stronger than he anticipated.”

You killed him.

“I did.”

Will you kill me too?

“As long as I am bound by the crystal, I am your servant.” Silk bowed. Quinn couldn’t sense any malice in him now.

And how long will that be?

“As long as thecrystal lasts.”

*****

It was several weeks before Quinn could speak again. The words of power she had used had thoroughly torn her throat and vocal cords. The healers in the Infirmary had, at first, believed that she would never be able to speak again, as the wounds were beyond their level to heal. But as a Free Mage, Quinn could do what they could not. Still, she didn’t speak much, as her throat was still very sore. During her weeks of silence, Quinn had thoroughly questioned Silk: where he had come from, how he had been created, why he killed his maker and how.

So, how old did you say you were? Quinn asked, still telepathically to soothe her throat.

“I do not fully understand your mortal ways of monitoring the passing of time, but as far as I can tell, I am several thousand human years old.”

Do you know why you were created? I know you said it was because the Free Mage who created you wanted a worthy companion, but is there anything else?

“Not that I am aware of. I recall him saying something about my serving a higher purpose, but as of yet, I have not done much that will change the world.”

Why did you kill him?

“He was unworthy of me.” Quinn had noticed that Silk was very vain. “He thought he was still my master, but I surpassed him in power and skill.”

Your powers can grow? I thought that when a Free Magic creature was created, it would stay that way forever. Or at least until it was destroyed.

“That is true for the regular ones, but so much magic went into my creation, that I was unwittingly given the ability to improve. Furthermore, my master wished for me to be able to keep up with him. I believe that I did well on that account.” He grinned nastily.

And you will kill me as well once you are free of the crystal, am I right?

“I am your servant.”

No matter how many times Quinn asked him that question, Silk would always evade having to answer. No amount of insisting could get a straight answer out of him.

“Oh, Mistress, don’t worry yourself over the future,” Silk said sleekly, draping his arms around her shoulders from behind. He leaned his chin on her shoulder. “All that matters now is that I am bound to you,” he whispered in her ear.

Quinn gently extricated herself from his embrace. She really didn’t like Silk. He gave her the creeps, particularly when he touched her. But he might have his uses, though she didn’t quite know what they might be yet. And he didn’t judge her like everyone else at MWSI; she could talk to him without him thinking rude things about her. He was the closest thing to a friend that she had.

*****

Hard as she tried to keep Silk’s existence a secret from Zephyr, he found out nonetheless. He was furious. He even tried to confiscate the orb.

“I can’t give it to you,” she said, horrified, clutching the orb. “Silk is dangerous. If he isn’t contained, he’ll break free.”

“Which is precisely why I want you to give it to me.”

“No.”

“Harlequinn, I’m serious. This is not a game.”

“I know it’s not. Besides, he won’t listen to anyone else but me. What would you do with him?”

She froze suddenly. She cursed herself inwardly for failing to notice Zephyr casting his immobilization spell. She couldn’t move, no matter how hard she tried to counter the spell. “Using magic against a student can get you fired, you know,” she said coldly.

“And facing a Free Magic creature and using illegal words of power can get you expelled, not to mention arrested,” Zephyr replied calmly, reaching behind her and taking the crystal orb. He seemed surprised at its weight and coldness.

The crystal suddenly flared with light and power. The shape of Silk burst from the orb, looming menacingly over Zephyr, grabbing him by the throat. “How dare you,” he boomed in a voice that made both humans’ noses bleed. “You will return me to my mistress at once, and you will release her from your spell.”

“Silk!” Quinn yelled. “Get back in the orb!”

“But, Mistress—”

“Now!”

He grudgingly obeyed, giving Zephyr a final glare, and, pushing his luck, pressed his claw-like nails into his neck.

“Silk!”

He vanished.

Quinn finally managed to free herself from Zephyr’s spell. The first thing she did was take the orb back and put it in her belt purse. Next, she tended to Zephyr’s neck.

“Sorry about that,” she told him, running her fingers over the small wounds, healing them instantly. “But I did warn you. Zephyr?”

Her teacher was trembling. “We have to find a way to destroy him,” he said, his voice shaking as much as he was. “He’s dangerous. More so than I ever imagined. He has a hatred within him that is stronger than any I’ve ever known. Quinn, you are never to call on him. Ever. He would destroy you as soon as look at you. As long as he is sealed in the crystal, you’re safe, but we don’t know how long it will last. Do not call on him again. Do you understand?”

“I understand, Zephyr,” she said. But that doesn’t mean I’ll obey.

Chapter Four

Summer Holidays

“All right, everyone, enjoy your summer holidays,” Zephyr told his class as the final bell rang. “And remember, no magic during the holidays, unless you have a license. And those of you who do, be careful, and don’t exceed your limit.” He glanced pointedly at Quinn when he said this.

The girl pretended not to notice. She had no intention of exceeding her limit. She had seen her limit and had tried to rise above it when she had captured Silk, and she had not liked the consequences. Even now, several months after, her throat still hurt from where the words of power had burned her.

“So, what are your plans for the next two months?” Zephyr asked her once everyone had left. He suspected her of ignoring his orders.

“Training,” she replied simply. “I thought I’d go to a hidden mountain temple.”

“What kind of training?”

Her eyes shone.“That is a secret.”

Quinn gave him a cheeky little wave and dashed from the classroom. She wanted to pack right away. She couldn’t wait to be on her way. The students had been less bitchy than usual, which was a nice change,but she still wanted to get away from the school, to go somewhere quiet where people wouldn’t judge her, or if they did, they had enough meditation training to veil their thoughts from her.

That was one of the major reasons she wanted to go to a mountain temple. She had heard of the exceptional meditation training they offered, and had immediately jumped at the idea. If they could teach her to block out other people’s thoughts — she could hardly imagine it!

Suddenly, as she walked briskly down the hall, a hand reached out, and she was yanked behind a statue.

She reacted immediately and effectively. A blade of pure energy shot out of her hand and pressed against her attacker’s throat before he could even breathe.

Quinn recognized him in an instant.

“Ken!” she exclaimed with a laugh, releasing him. “What are you doing here?”

“Keeping an eye on you, little mage,” he said, pressing her against the back of the statue and kissing her deeply.

Quinn let him do it. She didn’t react at all, but smiled when he stepped back.

“Keeping an eye out for me, you mean,” she retorted. “I don’t need looking after when I’m simply walking down the hall. What are you really doing here?”

He tapped the side of his head. “You can read my thoughts, you tell me.”

She started. “How did you know about that?” she demanded. She had gone white as a sheet. No one knew about it. Not even Zephyr.

“I thought it was rather obvious,” Ken replied, surprised. “But don’t worry. I don’t think anyone else is as immaculately perceptive as I am.”

“I sure hope not,” Quinn muttered under her breath. Against her will, she picked up his thoughts. He had come at Zephyr’s request, to teach a class. “You? Teach a class?” she said incredulously before she could stop herself.

Ken smiled knowingly. “Fighting Arts and Dueling,” he told her. “It seems you’re running low on teachers.”

It was true; teachers had been quitting left and right for some strange reason. Quinn became suspicious. She scanned his mind quickly.

“You’re partially lying to me,” she chided. “You really are here to keep an eye on me. Zephyr asked you to follow me around this summer. Teaching is just an excuse come autumn.”

Ken winced. “Annoying little trick, ain’t it?” he murmured, referring to her mind reading.

“You have no idea,” Quinn replied, though she knew Ken hadn’t expected her to answer. “Look, I can take care of myself. I don’t want anyone following me. I need to be alone for a while. You can understand that, can’t you?”

“I can. But I don’t think Zeph can.”

“Well, if you won’t stay here of your own accord, I might just have to cast a spell on you.”

“You don’t have the power, you know that.”

“I don’t. But Silk does.” She pulled the white crystal from her pocket. As Ken watched, a wisp of silver rose from the orb, solidifying into a human shape.

“You called, Mistress?” an ethereal voice asked. A pair of silver eyes opened, watching Ken with a look of malice and hatred that was gone before Quinn could see it.

“This is your last chance, Ken,” Quinn warned him. “Either leave me alone for two months, or I’ll be forced to make you.” She pleaded with her eyes for him to stay.

“You’re in more danger if that thing stays with you than you realize, Quinn,” Ken told her. He was trembling slightly. “I can’t stay idly here now.”

Quinn looked devastated for a moment. “So be it,” she said sadly. The crystal flashed, and Ken knew no more.

*****

“You’re sure didn’t hurt him?” Quinn asked.

“For the millionth time, Mistress, yes,” Silk replied wearily. She had asked him that already, too many times than he could count. If she hadn’t been so damned strong, he would gladly have killed the man. That a lowly human would dare to come between Silk and his mistress was unforgivable. But Quinn had an iron will, and Silk had been unable to kill.

“He is bound to the school for two months,” Silk assured his mistress. “He won’t be able to break the spell. Not even if he were in his true form.”

“What is his true form?” Quinn wanted to know.

“I know not. Only that he was split into four. I suspect that you know more than I do about it, Mistress.”

Right after Silk had sealed Ken, Quinn had packed her things and left before anyone knew she was gone. She had brought very few things. She would not need much up in the mountain temple. She had been walking for about nine hours now. The mountains towered over her.

“I hope they can help me,” she said aloud.

*****

Zephyr was frantic when school started. For two months he had worried ceaselessly about Quinn. And now, school had started a week ago, and she still hadn’t come back. At first, he had been furious with Ken, but he came to his senses after a while. There was nothing he could’ve done against the Free Magic creature. It was more powerful than any of them could guess. How Quinn had managed to capture it in the first place, Zephyr couldn’t say.

Ken had begun teaching the Fighting Arts. His students worshiped him. The boys were absolutely amazed at his skills and prowess with any weapon. The girls were madly in love with him. They all remembered him from their excursion to the desert, and each girl was determined to make him forget Quinn and think of her instead.

But nothing could make Ken forget about Quinn. He was distant in his class. His absentmindedness had caused one of the students to be sent to the infirmary with a broken foot after Ken’s horse had stepped on it.

He desperately wanted to search for her. But he had his teaching duties to attend to. And besides, that goddamn curse was still in place, even though two months had gone by. He, much like Zephyr, was angry with Quinn for using the creature’s powers, even though they told her that it was dangerous.

“Quinn, where are you?

“I’m here!” cried a familiar voice.

Quinn came running into the practice hall, her clothes dirty and travel-worn. She skidded to a stop in front of Ken, and bent over, resting her hands on her knees, as she gasped for breath.

“Sorry I’m late,” she managed to say. “I lost track of time in the mountains, and when I realized how late I was, I ran all the way back as fast as I could.”

“You ran all the way here?” Ken repeated, impressed. “How far away were you?”

“Rockshan mountains,” Quinn gasped.

“Rockshan? That’s three days’ gallop from here! When did you leave?”

“This morning.”

Ken was so impressed, words failed him. He stared at Quinn as she fought for breath. Even more shocking than her speedy return, however, was her hair. While before it had been midnight black with blood red bangs, reaching down to her waist, it was now pure white, tied in a myriad of tiny braids that only reached her shoulders, each of them tipped with a tiny white crystal bead.

“It’s a long story,” she muttered before Ken could comment. Immediately, she heard her classmates’ complaining in her mind. Great, she thought. I’m not back two minutes, and already they’re picking on me.

“You have to go to the principal’s and tell him you’re back,” Ken told her, trying to sound imposing and teacher-like. All he managed to do was make Quinn look at him strangely and laugh. But she nodded nonetheless and trotted off.

It felt good to be back at school. MWSI had been more of a home to her than her own house with her family. The stone halls were drafty and echo-y, too cold in winter and too warm in the summer, but they were as familiar as her bedroom. Everything always looked exactly the same when she came back, and feeling as she never would with her family, she sighed, “I’m home.”

She dropped her travel-bag next to her closed, and began to rummage for some clean clothes. She had learned from the other students that they would be in FA all morning, so she chose some loose, comfortable clothing. Feeling uncomfortably bare in her T-shirt, she wrapped bandages around each of her arms, making sure that no skin was visible above her wrists.

She paused to take an extremely long drink of water. She hadn’t lied to Hariken: she really had left the mountains that very morning and run all the way. Of course, she had been helped along by her magic, but it was thanks to her training that she hadn’t collapsed along the way.

The monks in the mountain temple were incredible! There was nothing they could not do with their bodies: their daily schedule was wake up at three a.m., meditate until four, purification and worship until six, a simple breakfast of rice and fish, then almost non-stop martial arts until noon, then a hearty meal of vegetables, meat, rice and fruits, then another two hours of worship and purification, then more meditation, then more martial arts until six in the evening, then more worship and purification, and more meditation until how ever late one could stay awake. More often than not, several of them were up until passed midnight.

Although Quinn had found it very difficult to keep up in the beginning, she had gotten into the rhythm surprisingly fast. The monks considered her one of their best students, because she could already hold her own against the average monk in martial arts, and she was patient and attentive in meditation. She purified herself when they did, and she meditated while they worshiped — they didn’t expecther to worship as well, because she was not a holy woman. But she respected their ways, and had done everything to accommodate herself to their lifestyle as much as she could.

After such a fierce and strict physical curriculum for the past two months, she was hardly tired from her day long run.

Quinn strolled casually down the hall, thinking of all the things she had learned that summer, and how useful they would be in her everyday life, when suddenly—

“Harlequinn, where the hell have you been?”

Quinn winced when she heard the yell. She turned very slowly to face a furious, seething Zephyr. The principal had taken an extended leave of vacation, she gleaned from his mind, and had left Zephyr in charge. At this point, Quinn wasn’t sure that was a good thing.

“Zephyr, I’m sorry, I lost track of time. The mountain temple was so peaceful, and they have no need to monitor the passing of time, so I forgot.”

“Do you have any idea how much I’ve been worried about you?” he demanded.

“Why? You know perfectly well that I can take care of myself. You saw to that on our fieldtrip to the desert.” Quinn had long suspected that the sandstorm that had taken her and Hariken away had been a set up of some sort; but the deepest recesses of Zephyr’s mind were barred to Quinn’s probing mind.

“That is beside the point, Harlequinn! You used that Free Magic creature on Hariken!” Zephyr yelled. Quinn had never seen him so upset before. “Do you realize that every time you call on it, it gets more powerful? At the rate you’re calling on it, it’ll break free in no time.”

Quinn said nothing. She stared at the wall directly behind Zephyr’s head, not trusting herself to speak. She knew what she was doing. Silk wasn’t going to overpower her.

“Can I go back to class now?” she said finally.

“Yes, you may. Goddess knows you’ve missed enough classes already.”