Talent’s POV

The moon was nearly at its peak. Twinkling stars filled the sky and a gentle breeze carried the fresh smell of spring flowers. Talent looked down from the balcony to the courtyard below where hundreds had gathered to watch his show.

They chanted his name, sang his praises, even begged and pleaded for him to beguile them with his beautiful magic.

It was hollow, without meaning or purpose, but Talent would perform regardless. His skills brought joy to the people, made them feel safe, and that was enough for him.

Talent raised his hands, eliciting an excited roar from the crowd. He lowered his hands then repeated the gesture prompting a wave of even louder cheers.

The crowd was always pleased with him. He was their favorite performer and he could make any show memorable. His father, though, well… Lord Asher was never pleased.

Talent shook his head to clear his mind. He needed to focus. With a gesture, he silenced the crowd. At his command a cloud of shadows covered the sky, blocking all natural light. Musicians playing strings began a hopeful tune as a ball of fire blossomed in the sky. Talent smiled and clapped his hands, bringing forth a burst of bright light from the flame. The music grew louder and the crowd cheered once more.

Talent waved his hands in a graceful dance, moving with the music as he manipulated the flame. Soon the fire took the form of a brilliant star. It gave light, and life to a vast and colorful landscape. Rolling plains grew into rocky mountains capped with ice, waves washed over a sandy beach, and clouds drifted across a crystal blue sky.

The crowd gasped and shouted in awe as a marble city sprang up. The buildings reached to the heavens and each was populated by little glowing flecks, each one appearing like a tiny person.

Talent smirked with anticipation. How would the crowd react to what was coming?

He’d been careful to hide a growing shadow, but now it was time for the darkness to emerge.

Talent clapped his hands together and a flash of lightning struck the tallest building. In its wake a towering, black cloud appeared. He moved his hands and the cloud spread out, covering the land with darkness. The crowd gasped, and Talent was sure he heard at least a few screams.

A massive beast descended from the cloud. Its body was smoke and shadow, impervious to myriad spells launched by the small people. They were helpless as the creature spat sparks and electric energy across their city.

Talent watched the crowd, their eyes wide in anticipation. He made sure to keep the shadowy monster alive, to let it terrorize his imaginary world, and to make the people suffer.

Then he moved his hands, summoning a powerful light that rose up from among the people. It was a majestic beast with scales covering its hind legs, tail, and back. Sharp ridges jutted out like spikes alongits spine. Powerful feathered wings lifted the creature’s lithe form high into the false sky. Its forelegs were lean, but chiseled and covered in a layer of short pale fur. A thick fuzzy mane surrounded its neck, hiding yet more spikes and enhancing the ferocity of its cat-like face.

As the beautiful creature rose, it closed its claws around a blade of pure light. The crowd pointed and cheered. They recognized Glyd’vei immediately. The crystal guardian was the perfect symbol for Talent’s show.

The crowd cheered as the mythical beast slashed up towards the dark cloud. The shadow twisted away from the blow and the two great entities fought a graceful battle that looked almost like a dance.

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Glyd’vei had a clear advantage. As a creature made of light, the shadow couldn’t touch him. Even the electric energy of the beast could not hurt the crystal guardian. It was only a matter of time before he cut the shadow down.

Finally, the dark beast crashed to the ground. Glyd’vei stood over the greater, his sword pointed down. With a final thrust, the battle came to an end. Shadows scattered into the night and the people cheered.

The music stopped. The fire died, and the world disappeared, leaving behind the night sky and a courtyard full of applause.

Talent took a bow as fireworks erupted over his head. When the last firework fell, Talent walked back through the archway that led inside the mansion. He felt drained of all energy, but he knew it was worth it. He smiled as he stepped inside, but that smile faded when he saw his father standing just beyond the door.

“You’ve always had a talent for magic; a pity this is what you use it for.”

Talent bowed his head and said, “Thank you.” He was sure it wasn’t intended as a compliment, but he chose to take it as one.

Asher waved a hand dismissively. “You should know better than to waste your time and energy on such frivolous nonsense. What of your training? If you devoted as much attention to—”

“IT’S POINTLESS!” Talent snapped, his emotions spilling over. He bit his tongue and averted his eyes.

The lord was silent and Talent feared he would be punished for his insolence, but his father only sighed and shook his head.

“I try, father, I do. Every day I have tried and yet, still, I am broken. What was taken, I don’t know how to reclaim. Even your own ruling could not fix it.” Talent breathed out his frustration as acceptance settled on his shoulders.

Lord Asher was not a merciful man and his punishment was swift. He struck his son with the back of his hand. The force of the blow knocked Talent off his feet and he landed on the floor with a thud. He looked up at his father, his cheek stinging, his head throbbing.

The Lord stepped up to Talent and glared down at him. The veins in face bulged and his eyes pulse with yellow light. His nose twitched and his voice came out like gavel as he said, “Your excuse is the very evidence that it’s possible. The simple fact that you are not bound by my ruling shows that you are still in essence a judge, that on this matter, your will is stronger than mine. I suspect it is your cowardice that holds you back and I will remind you that it is only the strength of a firm ruling that prevents our enemies from descending like flies.”

Talent knew this lecture all too well. He did not need to hear it again, but it was clear his father didn’t care.

Lord Asher knelt down and placed a hand on Talent's shoulder. “I have done half the work for you. You need only take back what you foolishly gave.”

Talent wanted to scream that he couldn’t, but he knew he had to try. He forced a smile and said, “Yes, father.”

Asher nodded in approval before rising and walking away. “Show no mercy and do not reveal your emotions so easily in future. A projection of power is the best way to crush your opponents confidence.”

Talent stood, then bowed deeply. He watched his father leave, waiting for the moment the man was out of sight before he turned to the balcony. He paused there a moment, listening to the crowd below. They still cheered, calling for another show even as music and merrymaking filled the air.

He didn't want to disappoint them, but he knew his father was right. He had to try. He had to succeed because if he did not, then when the shadow descended on their domain, he would be powerless to help them.

Talent ran out onto the balcony, diving over the edge and letting himself plummet fifty feet or so.

A scream cut through the night, “The Lord is falling!”

Dancing turned to panic as people scrambled to make a safe landing pad. Musicians stopped playing as all eyes turned up to the sky.

Mages began casting, trying to slow the lordling’s fall, but their efforts seemed only to accelerate his descent.

Those below as they watched helplessly astheir lordling continued to fall.

A dozen yards from impact, Talent caught himself in a current of air that carried him over the crowd.

Talent had a flare for drama and he did not disappoint his audience. Fire and ice swirled around the boy as he glided in intricate patterns over the courtyard. His magic trailed behind him, forming a blazing work of art that captured the attention of all.

He spun and twisted, his hair trailing in the wind. He moved like a bird, soaring high above the crowd. The world below seemed small and insignificant and his problems seemed distant.

But this was only a momentary distraction. When morning came, Talent would have to confront his fears. He’d have to face the one who betrayed him and take back what was his.

When he returned to his balcony, he felt a bit better, but the anxiety remained. His father might never forgive him if he failed.