Light & Dark: The Awakening of the Mageknight

Chapter 13

The storm subsided as the Radiance passed into the pale glow of the mild moonlight, leaving swirling black clouds in her wake. The protective shield surrounding the ship waned for a moment before blinking out of existence.

Danny watched the fury of the storm rage on behind them, erupting in flashes of unseen lightning and booms of distant thunder.

"Look at that, man," said Chris next to him.

Danny turned and followed his gaze. An island of solid white rock with high cliffs that soared well beyond the reach of the crashing waves lay before them. Their eyes were attracted to two landmarks, one on the eastern side and one on the western side. An enormous castle complete with two brilliant white spires stood far above the waterline on the shore. On the opposite side of the island, a huge white dome, surrounded by smaller white brick buildings, dominated a large tract of land. However, the most stunning eye-grabbing phenomenon was the surging storm. It encircled the island like the eye of a great hurricane. Above, the sky was clear and cloudless, revealing an assortment of distant stars. The tempest created by the Eye of Darkness fumed with a dangerous fury only a few miles out. It was kept at bay by some unknown force.

Before Danny could finish taking everything in, his eyes diverted to Nicholi Ormstead. The weary navi lifted from his perch and climbed back onto the deck. With unsteady legs, he descended a couple of steps, almost falling. Danny shot forward, offering a helping hand. Chris and Sabrina did the same, moving to the opposite side of the navi.

"Thank you, squires. Navigating that storm tends to take a lot out of me."

"Are you alright?" Danny asked.

After a moment to get his bearings, the wizard's smile widened as he eased the pressure of his weight back on his legs. "Nothing a long nap won't cure," he said, standing solidly on his feet again. "You are nearly there, my young squires. You would do well to worry about your upcoming training and less about my wellbeing."

"Any advice?" Danny asked, taking two steps back, giving the navi his space.

"I am no warrior, Squire Firoth, but I have witnessed some of the schoolings you will take part in, and it is not for the faint of heart. The trials for a Knight of the Light are difficult and taxing. If I could tell you anything worthwhile, it would be to stay focused and do your best."

"Thank you, Nicholi," said Danny appreciatively.

"No, my young squire, thank you. I look forward to hearing from you and your friends and how you fare."

"As will I," said Danny with a grin.

Returning the smile, Nicholi Ormstead gathered his robes about him. "If you will excuse me, I am in desperate need of a nap."

"Of course," said Danny, moving out of the navi's way. Chris and Sabrina did the same.

Nicholi crossed the deck and went below.

"Sabrina, there you are!" yelled someone from behind.

Danny turned to find Rogen approaching at a brisk walk, his long blond hair fluttering out behind him. "Great," muttered Danny under his breath.

"Where have you been?" Rogen asked, directing his question toward Sabrina. He stopped in front of her, ignoring Danny as well as everyone else.

"We ate, and then we took a nap," said Sabrina, indicating that she was not the only one who would be participating in the conversation.

"Oh," said Rogen in a flat tone, looking around, seemingly noticing the others for the first time. Shrugging, he continued, ignoring everyone but Sabrina. "I can't wait to find out which army I have been assigned to. Hopefully, it'll be Dragon Army. Captain Vyce looks stronger than ever. I'm sure he's going to win the Chalice of Light again this year."