“Behold!” Master Konigen bellowed dramatically, drawing his arm in a wide arc, drawing a small object from his sleeve. His students were seated in a semicircle creating a barrier between their master and the pond. They all had their eyes transfixed upon the object, with excitement swiftly turning to disappointment. The master gingerly held the rock between his index thumb and index finger, peering at it, as were it a jewel of great value.
The sun was beating down, the exact reason he had chosen to gather the children at the plateau behind the temple garden, overlooking the narrow straight that separated Fae’lor from Navorri. Shielded by vegetation and cooled by a slight ocean breeze, this was the ideal training grounds in such a heat. The plateau itself rich in loose rocks, ideally suited for today’s exercise.
“Now,” Konigen continued, as he pondered whom might be his victim “which of you can tell me what this is?” A silence befell the class, all too aware that this was a trap. Only the sound of wind passing through the leaves, and the creak’s flow running into the pond, revealed that time hadn’t stopped entirely and out of the small dam built to pool the water into the basin.
“Yima?” As if a chill wind had passed through, the small vastayan pulled at her collar, despite the heat of the glaring sun. Timidly she answered:
“A… a riddle?”
“A metaphor…” corrected Konigen peering over his treasure and upon his class. “But of what?” She now looked down shielding herself from his gaze, trying to determine the nature of the question.
“A rock?” she finally asked. Konigen, smiling as he once more had fooled his class.
“No” he said triumphantly, “this… is magic” ceremoniously he held the stone closer, as to reveal its arcane secrets to his captured audience.
“What might you think happens if I dropped my magic into this pool?” The master threw the stone in an arc above his students. Floating through the air, headed directly for the water it suddenly stopped. Held in place by the master.
“A big splash” Syndra declared confidently. She did tend to find practical lessons more capturing than the theoretical ones. If only she had a little more focus, Konigen thought to himself.
Konigen glanced at his pupils. Hand outstretched, grasping the object.
“Magic, is an element. Yet it is not native to our world. We create magic spells by drawing in what is ambient. And that which is ambient comes from realm of spirits, leaking into our world. And as you all well know, it is also possible to draw in magic from the spirit realm itself.” He paused, wondering how much, would be too much for the young minds. “Magic, when used creates a discharge. It disturbs the magic, both ambient and at its source, as it is performed.” He let go of the stone and it followed its trajectory. With a plop it splashed as predicted. “The waves may be felt on distant shores, but the most catastrophic result is where it collided… A sorcerer must remain vigilant and aware that what is taken must be given in equal measure. If not they risk upsetting the balance of our world, and the world of spirits. And he who loses balance…”
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
“-is doomed to tumble” the pupils finished.
“Good. While I normally would not condone use of reckless magic, you should all feel the consequences of careless management.”
The master, with a wave, pulled many of the rocks that littered the garden, and brought them to the edge of the pond. All in various sizes, and all too heavy for the children to lift physically.
“You should all be able to move these by mind, if not by hand. Toss them into the waters and see the result” The master took seat in the sand, cross-legged and placed his hands on his knees.
“What are you waiting for? Go on!” He waved his hands at hesitant pupils.
Konigen observed the children, as they eyed the different rocks, each trying to decide which would be the right for them. Some even took to working together, and before long, rocks were being tossed with reckless abandon into the waters.
He always enjoyed watching the children play. Not yet burdened by their responsibilities. For now they can play, for now they can be happy, and he was proud he could facilitate a space for them to unfurl. He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the laughter, the arguing, the sun and the cool ocean breeze reaching the temple gardens.
The water did ricochet, as he had intended, and some of the children were hit, but considering the heat, they didn’t mind. He had noticed Syndra hadn’t rushed to pick up any rocks, as he had thought, but scouring the playing children, he could not catch a glimpse of her. It was not the first time she had wandered off. While she listened to his teachings, and the years been kind to her abilities, she would always experiment that girl.
He felt the ground shake, and the sound of rocks tumbling. He looked to the edge of the temple, where the temple ended and the cliffside began. There he saw the eager girl, both hands stretched, looking over the edge, the grass around her turning from green to yellow. Grasping an object from the depths. Suddenly a large dark boulder, at least to worax long and four wide, came flying from the edge, no doubt wrested from the cliffside on which the temple stood. The children scattered, at the notice of the enormous stone, and Konigen, noticing arch of the stone grabbed a deft hold of it, guiding it towards the pool. The water overflowed the shores of the small pond and drenched the teacher.
“Syndra!”
Konigen shot up.
He glared at Syndra, who’s grin rapidly evaporated.