Aron woke up in a cell. He groaned as he got to his feet. There was a guard at the door but when he got up, he ran off. He quickly came back with an important looking man, a boy that seemed to be his son and the mage Aron had fought. The noble spoke first. “I am your king boy. Kneel when I am talking to you.” Aron examined the man closer and realised that it was indeed king Razon. He hurriedly knelt. “This is my son Jale,” he motioned to the boy beside him, “and this is Mage Sommers, the man whose guards you decided to assault.” Much to Aron’s surprise, the mage interrupted the king, “and he did so rightfully. They overstepped their bounds in their jealousy!” Sommers turned to Aron, “My boy, you are the first warlock in a hundred years!”.

The royal family had freed Aron and invited him to dinner. Aron was still in shock. Him, a blacksmith’s apprentice, was a warlock, the strongest type of magic user to ever exist.

The room he was in was larger than his home and the clothes he had on was worth more than what his whole family made in a year.

Aron prepared to leave and to his surprise, Jale was waiting for him. And to Aron’s utter terror a massive panther stood beside him. Jale smiled when he saw his expression. “don’t worry. Reyna here is as friendly as they come. Friendlier than my younger brother at least.” The last statement confused Aron. “Younger? I thought you only had an older brother.”

Jale laughed, “I don’t actually have an older brother. Me and Andrew are twins. I was actually born first, but as you can see,” he gestured to Reyna, “I am just bestial. Andy is an almighty mage. So, my parents lied and named Andrew the heir because they simply couldn’t bear the thought of a mere bestial on the throne.” His words were tinged with bitterness. Aron thought on this. The king didn’t seem like the nicest guy, and from what he knew about him, it was very plausible that that his and her majesty would do such a thing. “Anyway.” Jale said, changing the topic, “what about you? Other than being one of the most powerful magic users in living memory.” He added the last part with humour in his voice. Aron decided that he liked Jale; he understood that Aron didn’t know what he was doing and seemed down to earth for a prince. Aron told him about his family and where he grew up as they walked towards the dining hall.

Aron was situated beside Jale and mage Sommers. The man had done nothing but apologised profusely. Aron thought that Sommers may have underestimated his own strength when he threw the mage bolt, and he’d been nothing but nice since. The man was just genuinely excited and, Aron thought, maybe a bit simple.

what he lacked in communication, he made up for in ingenuity and magical ability. He explained to him about how most magic works and how warlock magic is different. “All types of sorcerers have a magical well. The size of the well depends on the strength of the sorcerer. Warlocks have the biggest magical well, but they don’t just power magical attacks, they power the body as well. Warlocks can go without sleep for many days. They are also immune to all pure magical attacks. I sent a mage bolt strong enough to kill a full-grown ox and you were only knocked unconscious . The only magical things that could work would be things like ice spears, fire or any of the elements or necromancer attacks; they are physical, so they impale you whether or not you’re a warlock. Mind benders can still manipulate you, but you would be aware of it and unless they are very powerful, you’d be able to resist. . Anyway, I’m getting off topic. A warlock’s well is only ever naturally half full, which is about the size of most sorcerers’ well. When a spell hits you absorb the magical energy, filling your well and giving you a huge energy boost. You can also reap people’s energy right out of them, either completely draining them or you can completely take their well, making yours permanently bigger and making them unable to cast magic ever again. This needs physical contact or warlock weapons like those axes of yours. I have heard tales of warlocks past that could take energy from mundanes, making them practically unstoppable. You can also give energy to people, making them even more valuable on the battlefield.” Sommers finally took a breath

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By the Gods I thought he loves the sound of his own voice “Thank you, Sommers. After this would you mind helping me learn my abilities?” Sommers nodded and turned around and talked to the man on his right.

Jale leaned over to Aron and asked, “you are enjoying the night?” Aron nodded, “on this plate alone is more food than I’ve ever seen in one place!” Jale smiled, “enjoy it while it lasts. Mother and Father will start asking you questions about marriage and jobs and the like. They don’t want power in the hands of commoners. They’ll either marry you off to some low ranking noble or give you a job putting you under their direct command, or possibly both.”

As if they had heard what he had said, the queen and king called for attention. Beside them was what looked like a watered-down version of Jale, if Jale had a gut. Aron assumed that was Andrew.

“Thank you all for coming here.” The king began, “I called this feast for a very special reason. Yesterday the first warlock in living memory was found!” applause and cheers rang out. “And this warlock, according to our records of warlocks past, is one of the strongest to ever walk Erlanger, let alone Roxia! May I introduce Aron Wright!” the king pointed to Aron. Aron’s face started to heat up. Some people were looking at him with awe, some with wariness and Andrew was looking at him with an expression of utter loathing. The applause died down. “He will be attending Cranach Dale with my sons and will then come back and help protect the kingdom!” the king said that like it was already decided what Aron would do, whether Aron agreed are not.

After the feast everyone moved to the main hall. Aron stayed near Jale and Sommers as they traversed through the most powerful men and women in Roxia. Between them, the two were pointing out who’s who. Jale looked past Aron and his faced sour, as if he had eaten something bitter. “it’s Duke Wellesley and my brother. That last guy is a phantom from Regalia. He’s a guest of ours. He’ll be going to Cranach Dale with us.”

“So,” the duke greeted, “the warlock. I must say, I haven’t seen you before. What house are you from?” Jale interrupted before Aron could answer. “Aron’s a commoner. Not all magic users are nobles, your grace.” He said your grace like an insult. Whoever this duke was Jale didn’t like him. The duke’s fake smile faltered. “Yes, well, even commoner magicians are usually bastards so even they have noble blood like we assume this one has.” He gestured to the phantom at his side. “How about you son, are you a bastard?” the duke asked maliciously. When Sommers said it, he meant no offense, this man definitely did before Aron could attack him however, the phantom turned around and hit the duke clean under the chin. “You dare!” Andrew screamed. He shot out a continuous stream of energy at the phantom. The energy went through him, and the phantom blurred forward and lifted Andrew up by the neck.

“Drop him!” the kings voice boomed. The phantom dropped the prince and he collapsed like a sack of rocks “What is the meaning of this?” the king asked, “Ronin, explain yourself.” Ronin started gesturing with his hands. He’s mute Aron realised “goddammit boy why do you have to be slow headed!” Ronin’s fists clenched but Jale stepped in front of him. “Father, the good duke said some… unsavoury things about both Ronin and Aron’s ancestry. My dearest brother attacked Ronin and Ronin dealt with him appropriately.”

The king frowned at Jale’s smooth words but nodded. “Fine.” His majesty started to walk away, “and Ronin? Get a board.”

Aron saw Ronin’s face tighten. Boards were what was used for the deaf and mute so they could write on it. Aron walked up to Ronin and slapped his hand on his shoulder. “Do you want a drink?”