The Summoner's Mark (First Draft) (Book One)

The Empire's Call

Throughout the first portion of the next day, Sin found himself full of a joy that he wasn't used to feeling. Upon reaching battle class, he expected Sten to try and ruin this joy that seeped from every pore in his body. This was the cause that forced Sin to try and keep himself from becoming a target of the bigoted instructor. Keeping himself on the outskirts of the class, Sin moved in the opposite direction of whichever way that Sten was.

While Sin was busy keeping his one joyous occasion alive within him, his eyes were firmly placed upon the instructor who was currently pacing back and forth before the gathered students.

"Todays class and the classes the next week will be cancelled..." Sten explained as his movement through the arena sent sand scattering through the wind. "...the reason for this is, that I have been called upon by the empire to help ensure its continued survival."

Learning this only allowed the joy within him to grow considering that he will have the next week without Sten looming over him.

Due to his tracking of the older male, Sin could see that he was about to send out another burst of words which informed him that he needed to force his mind to focus on Sten unless he wished to feel his wrath.

Pulling himself from his mind at the exact moment that Sten's voice flooded around them.

"While I am away, I expect that each of you will continue on with your training..." Sten growled out as he stopped his pacing so he could stand in front of the class that was waiting to be dismissed. "...now if I could get the following students to step out of line. The Grand Magus would like to speak with you."

*

Once again, the office of Kanerra's Grand Magus was filled to the brim with more beings than it should possibly be holding. Sin, Castien, Lucius, Nohki and Mita were put to one side of the room while Sten, Harlon and Balor were put on the other. Placed in the middle as if they were trying to keep the peace between two warring parties, were Sierra and Sylris.

"Kanerra has been called upon to help aid the empire in one of its many struggles..." The Grand Magus informed those that served under him in the Academy and while he may have been speaking to everyone that was present within the office, his eyes only landed upon those who were still students within these walls. "...while we normally wouldn't send any student out on mission until they have reached their third year within the Academy; those of you I have called upon have proved yourselves to be tremendous Mages and combatants. Though I won't force any of you to take on this mission and those of you who do, will be rewarded with Zesian Crowns."

While Sin was looking forward to spending a week out of Sten's reach, he was thrilled that the Grand Magus had noticed his skills and achievements. Sin also knew that he wasn't in any position to turn down anything that will allow him to earn an income.

With the Grand Magus's words came to an end, the Grand Magus motioned for Sten to step forward and once he did; Kanerra's Battle Master immediately started speaking. "This mission will bring us to the village of Caso..." Sten called out as he started pacing before them as if he were a general preparing to lead his troops into battle. "...we have learned that Caso has been captured by a horde of raiders that are preparing to ship the villagers across the sea as slaves."

Even though there weren't many beings within Caso that Sin was all that fond of there were a few that were kind to him that he didn't wish to see any harm befall and learning what those who have captured the village were planning for those that lived there; Sin knew that there wasn't going to be any way that he could possibly refuse this mission even if it meant fighting beside Sten.

"To those of you who are wishing to join in this mission should meet within the hour at the Academy stables." Sten informed those that were gathered around him and as his words came to an end, the Battle Master headed for the exit and behind him went Harlon and Balor.

*

When the hour that they were given passed, Sin found himself arriving at the stables that were meant to meet at and upon doing this; he was pleased to see that his companions had also chosen to join this mission. Besides his companions, Sin also spotted Harlon and Balor and though he had wished they would have decided to stay within the Academy; he knew that they would add to their numbers which would be helpful against their enemies.

Upon his arrival, Sin could see that those who would be joining him on this mission were too busy to notice his arrival considering that they were truing to get their mounts ready for their departure. Even though he knew that one of these mounts were meant for him, Sin felt that there was a better way for him to travel.

Reaching for his pendant, Sin pumped a small dose of mana into the item and as the portal opened before him; he could see that this action has caused the others to finally notice his arrival. From the way that their mouths opened and closed, Sin knew that they were wishing to ask him what he was planning to do though since it would be faster for him to show them than to explain it; Sin quickly hurried to complete his objective.

"Soren!"

As his voice cascaded around him and soon faded from this world, the Familiar that he called for quickly shot through the portal. Once he was free from the world that was beyond the portal, Soren circled around those that were gathered below him and while Sin thought about calling for the Griffin, he decided that it would be best to allow the creature to spread his wings for a moment. Eventually, Soren decided that it was time to land and once he did so; he sent dirt and grass flying into the wind as he landed before his Summoner.

For a moment, Sin stood still as he contemplated what his next move should be. While he had rode upon Soren once before without a saddle upon his back; Sin remembered how perilous the journey was considering that he slid across the Griffin's back at almost every turn. Wishing to avoid this happening once again, Sin thought that it would be best for him to find something he could strap upon Soren which is what brought his eyes upon the saddle that was laying near the steed that was meant for him to use for this mission.

While the saddle might not be designed for his Griffin, Sin thought that it would be better than nothing and quickly retrieved the saddle. Once the item was in his hand, Sin immediately started to strap the saddle upon his chosen mount. This process took a little longer than it would normally be due to it being meant for a horse and not a Griffin, but Sin was eventually able to get the straps set in a way where they wouldn't harm Soren.

Once this process was complete, Sin flung himself upon his Griffin. When the others noticed him doing this, they too quickly did the same. Seconds after everyone was mounted, the three full fledged Mages took the lead with those that studied under them following behind and with this; the group was truly on their way to the village of Caso.