Ruins In The End (We Three Mages, Book Two)

Chapter Eight: Devin's Loss

The Mages of Legend had packed their things and were on their way to meet up with Rocco when person Flashed by them and headed straight into Rocco's work room.

"Come on," Mari urged everyone to pick up the pace. When they entered, the man was babbling.

"Use your words," Rocco looked the guy dead in his eye. "What's the matter?"

"There's been multiple attacks on the border villages of Trajare!" the man finally blurted out.

"What? Get people out there now and assess the damages!" Rocco commanded. "Once I send the Legend Users on their way I'll head the efforts, for now, inform Summer. You'll take your orders from him."

"Of course," The man then Flashed out.

"Jar...Jared," Devin tugged on Jared's sleeve.

"I know, but we need to focus at the mission at hand," Jared reminded Devin.

"No, my home, it's a border village..." Devin looked up at Jared with tears in his eye.

"Mari, we'll be back," Jared placed kneeled down next to Devin. "Picture your village in your head, your favorite spot to be at. Picture it clearly." Devin nodded and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they were in a tree that Devin had often climbed before he went to the Academy. In the distance, smoke was rising.

"No..." Devin jumped down and Flashed his way there. Jared followed.  When the two arrived, there was a mob of people staring in horror at the blaze before them. Devin fell to the ground in a heap of tears.

"Are there people still in there?" Jared shouted.

"I, I don't know," a woman answered.

"Devin, I'm going to need your help," Jared placed a hand on his shoulder. "Water magic isn't my strong suit." Together, the two put out the fires. Devin ran around, looking everywhere for his parents. His house had burned down to a crisp, but there were no signs of bodies.

"Mom, Dad?!" Devin shouted.

"Devin, I'm sorry. No one's seen your parents," a man, which Devin said had been the chief of his village, stepped forward. "We've sent out search parties."

"No, no no no no no no," Devin cried. Jared walked up next the boy and all he could do was stand there.

"Devin, let's get Calvin out here. If your parents are really somewhere around here then he'll find them in an instant." Jared meant what he said.

"No..." Devin shook his head. His face was soggy with tears, but he put on a brave face. "We, we need to go find the Temple. We need to end this freaking war." Devin's heart hurt, but he didn't want to be the reason that his friends put off finding the answers they desperately wanted.

"Are you sure?" Jared need to make sure.

"Yes, I am," Devin regrettable nodded. He looked up at his chief. "I'll be back to see if you've found them. And if you do, then tell them that I'm safe, and that I'm with the greatest people in all of Magistrax." Devin flashed the man a smile before Jared teleported them back to the Lost Republic. When they arrived, Rocco, Nadia, Mari, and Calvin were all waiting for them.

"Devin?" Mari asked. He just shook his head. "Oh gods..." Mari ran up to him and gave him a much needed hug. He broke down again and cried into Mari's shoulder.

"Is, is there anyone else?" Calvin asked.

"I have a half-brother," Devin sniffed. "But I barely know him. I last saw him two years ago."

"When all this is over, we'll take you to him," Mari promised him. "Okay?"

"Okay," Devin nodded. The thought comforted him for a brief moment. That was the last thing he said for a while.

"I'll lead you to the entrance that is nearest the desert," Rocco offered.

"No, those villages need your guidance," Jared stopped the man. "You go and do what you can."

"I'll send Summer then," Rocco thanked him. The group waited in the Market Place for their guide. Devin just sat there, quietly grieving. Summer arrived out of breath.

"Let's move out," Mari helped Devin to his feet and looked at Summer to lead the way.

"Right," Summer lead them through maze after maze of tunnels until they met a rock wall. "Place your hand on the right wall."

"I'll do it," Mari did as she was instructed and a stairwell formed leading to the surface.

"Close it up when you leave," Summer waved the goodbye. "Devin, I'm sorry about what happened. If we find your parents we'll inform them on your situation." And he left.

The five reached the service and felt the sunshine hit their face.

"Feels like ages," Nadia cracked a small smile. "I see the desert over there." She pointed to the east.

The L'Agode Desert was a unique desert. Every several miles or so, a traveler would come upon a lagoon. The lagoons each had their own shade of color, a steel blue or a green hue for example. The chilling lagoons complemented the blazing desert's heat. L'Agode could go from a straight scape to dunes the size of a mountain. It was within this peculiar desert that the mages were going to find their answers.

"Any idea which direction we should go in?" Jared asked once they reached it.

"How about forward?" Calvin shrugged.

"Sounds like a plan," Mari accidently let a small giggle escape her lips. The five then began the start to their new adventure.