Wizardly

Chapter Twenty-Six: Past (Captain)

I could feel his uneasiness and I don't blame him. To be honest I'd rather him stay out of this fight, but I know he meant it when he said he'll still fight with or without my permission. Perhaps I'm just sending him to his death, but something tells me this is the right thing to do.

I watched as Tyrian closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He's preparing himself by steeling his mind and body. It was impressive how resolved he looked. He's not the same boy he used to be at all. He walked into the room without any hesitation and began his training.

He's been with us now for 8 years and I really didn't know how to approach him all this time. I sent him off on trips to other guilds so he wouldn't feel left out and hoped he might even meet some friends he could rely on. However, he was so closed off and quiet since that first day he came that I couldn't tell if it was helping or not.

I'm relieved to know he had made some friends over the years, yet also so shocked that he's been through so much. But finally getting to understand him a little more now isn't the only reason I am going through with this training, no it actually goes back to when I first met his parents.

We first met 13 years ago. His parents made a name for themselves by collecting magical items that were thought to be lost long ago. Word got to me that they were able to find these objects somehow and I of course wanted to know what it was they were going to do with them.

When I finally managed to track them down they defended the items as they unwaveringly faced me saying they couldn't let anyone have them. I finally managed to get them to calm down and talk to me after binding their arms so they couldn't fight back.

How did they know about the magical world, what was their purpose for those weapons, how were they able to find them when us magic users couldn't even sense them or find them, and What was their goal? I asked them all those questions and in return I answered theirs.

They were part of a dying human organization called Aelfrun. A name that literally has the meaning "The secret of mystical powers". The organization was know to us Wizards, but had been suspected of dying out hundreds of years ago. It was an organization of normal humans who knew about our kind, formed to help keep other humans from the knowledge of magic.

We started hiring them for jobs from time to time and eventually they became a part of our guild's research team.

Then about 2 years later there was a massive attack made by a dark guild and many many towns people were murdered. Only a hand full survived that attack. By the time we got there to stop the dark guild it was far too late.

A woman who was barely able to walk came up to us, once we had captured all the dark guild members. She had a young 3 year old crying boy in her arms. She explained that the men who attecked them kept saying something about a magical artifact or tool. Of course the towns people not knowing about magic laughed their questions off and then the same men came back and killed everyone.

When asked if her son was okay she explained that he was not her son, but that she had found him next to his dead parents' bodies. Before she collapsed from her wounds she asked that we take the child with us since he had no other place to go. Since the boy had no magical power, Lina and Shawn decided they would take on that responsibility. That boy they saved was actually Tyrian.

We still have no idea who his real parents actually were, but we do know they were normal humans and not magical. We ran as many tests on him we could think of but there was no trace at all of magical power. Lina and Shawn left to live outside the guild, but they still continued to work with us.

They also asked us to never tell Tyrian that they were actually his adopted parents and that his real parents were killed. I assume they wanted it that way because they didn't want him to remember anything from that horrible incident. They really did raise him as their own and he's becoming a very strong man. I wonder if they can see the man he became from wherever they are. I bet they'd be very proud.

Come to think of it though, they never did explain how they could find the magical artifacts. Could it have been something similar to what Tyrian can do now, being around magic he can now sense it? I wonder.

As I watched Tyrian dodge the traps and set off more triggers I smiled. So far he hasn't gotten a scratch yet, at 5 minutes in. He also seemed to be getting better at sensing the projectiles as they launch. His reflexes, his senses, and his stamina are all starting to get better already from this training.

After about a half hour I called him out for a break and he rolled into the doorway as he dodged a trap. He then laid out on the floor panting. I gently put a cold water on his forehead and he reached up to take it.

"I swear, Captain, you just really want to kill me don't you?" he asked before chugging the water. I laughed at his comment and shook my head. A boy without his natural fighting instincts would have been impaled by now. I'm really impressed at his level of fighting skill and it makes me wonder what kind of harsh training he's been doing the last couple of years.

"Honestly, I'm impressed how quickly you're learning and improving. Why don't you go get lunch and we'll continue in about an hour," I said. I've been warned by the medical staff not to push him too hard and I can't just ignore their warning. "By the way, there's been some talk lately that My Niece spent the night in your room a little while back. You better be treating her with respect or I'll kick your ass," I said deciding to change the subject and mess with him a little bit.

He sat up instantly and waved me off as he stumbled with his words. I just laughed at him and sighed. Too easy. Lilliana already explained to me what happened so I know he didn't touch her and honestly I'm glad it's him who decided to ask her out. She told me a while back that she had a crush on him, but didn't think he felt the same way since he was so distant and didn't seem interested in dating.

I had told her to move on and if he felt the same way he would tell her when he was ready to. She was asked out a couple times after that and turned them down politely. Despite my telling her to move on she chose to wait until she knew for sure how he felt. It turned out her choice was the right one.

"I'm going to go get some food. I will see you back here in an hour," I said cutting off his nervous stammering and he turned serious again as well. He nodded firmly and I headed for the Dining Hall.

I saw his friends gathered around their pushed together tables and I smiled a little. He has some good friends, their strong too. I think letting them come here was the right idea. I better give their Guild masters a call at some point just to let them know that they are doing alright.

I'd also better express my condolences to the two who died's Guild master too. I'm actually surprised that they haven't called me yet wondering what was going on or even blaming me for their deaths. It's been days and I know I've been busy, but I really do need to take time to do that. Maybe I will do that after I have eaten Lunch. I did give him a whole hour, which means I also have an hour.

Once in my office I ate and then looked up what guilds they were from. Once I was done eating I picked up the phone. I notified the guild masters their Guild members were safe and then called the last number. It rang for a long time and I almost gave up until someone picked up.

"What do you want Guild Master, Russell Grant?" He asked using my full name, which meant he was mad.

"I just wanted to offer my condolences. I heard about the two guild members of yours that were on that train," I said trying to remain calm and not anger him more.

"Don't play dumb, after you called me about those two they both got another call later and told me that a friend needed their help and asked to go. What did you get us mixed in with, Russell? I heard from the Magic Force that a dark guild is responsible for the train. Why would a dark guild be attacking two kids just going to visit a friend?" he rambled, I stopped him there.

"Look, Shinzo, had I known they'd attack your boys I would never have called you. I can't get into the details for your safety, but I do want to apologize for getting your kids caught in the middle of this. I truly am sorry, we plan to deal with this matter so please just keep away from us for the time being. I promise I will explain everything once this is settled," I said.