The Realms Of Exentra

Chapter7: A Tale of the Past

The two drank their tea in one of the castle's many living rooms. A magnificent stone fireplace doubled as the room's heat source. The room was furnished with couches that had polished wood frames and luxurious red cushions. Pillows with gold tassels were placed at the end of the couch. A stone table that matched the color and texture of the floor sat in the middle. On one side of the table there was the couch on the other, two armchairs made of the same materials.

Cloud took a seat on the couch,while Racton relaxed on one of the armchairs.
As Cloud took his first sip of the tea he was amazed. The tea was sweet but,not too sweet. Surprisingly, Cloud hadn't put in any sugar. It tasted like it had honey in it but once again he hadn't put any in. A fruity taste stuck in your mouth after each sip, making you want to drink more. It was also warm to the point where tickled your tongue, then warmed your insides with each swallow. It was the perfect tea.

"What type of tea is this?"he asked curiously.

"It's a special tea from my homeland. Enchanted to make it taste the best to however drinks it. For me the flavor is unexplainable, but it is a very complex taste."

"I think it tastes like a summery fruit salad.'' Cloud stated plainly. " Do you think you could tell me a bit your homeland?" He asked nervously. His father had never really mentioned the subject. Actually, up until he had discovered his father was Racton, Cloud had only ever known his father was from beyond the borders.

"I think you should learn a bit more about it, it is your ancestral home as well, so yes I'll tell you.

I'm from an island where though we are human, we are different, all our magical abilities are enhanced. Our power to channel the elements is better than most other humans, and we can all enchant weapons with enough practice. Put simply you can cast spells of all elements,but your core elements are still much stronger. These abilities are all sourced from an ancient connection with the island we live on.

The name of the island is Ranowaya. To the mortal eye the island looks very small but in reality it's huge. The island is divided into sections based on the core elements, Energy, Life, Earth, Fire,and Water. In the center is a grand temple. On the top is a crystal of unimaginable beauty and power, from a time beyond memory.

It gives us wisdom in times of need, and protects us during times of war.The magic of the crystal exists in every Ranowayian. Aiding and guiding us no matter how far from home we get. You have it inside you.

We hide the island for this reason, to protect the crystal. One of my greatest wishes is that someday I will return there with you."
Cloud was close to speechless. The fact there was an entire island full of talented sorcerers, and that he had the potential to be one too was hard to comprehend. He too hoped to go there with his father and gaze upon the crystal. But the fact that there was a land separate from the continent, not recorded in maps, made his mind beg for more answers.

"Why would you have left such a magical place" He asked baffled by the fact someone would willingly leave such a wonderful place.

"I left because everyone there is so talented. I was still one of the best wizards there. But I felt my talent wasn't being used to help others,or anyone but me for that matter. So I left to go to fulfil my dream. Here people looked up to me as a man of unheard power." he said taking a breath. "But enough talk about that subject for one day, how about the story of my arrival at Castle Meridax.

When I first arrived it was a stormy night. As lightning flickered it lit up the castle on top of the hill, the image of my future coming in and out of view. The thunder like thousands of drums being played at once,I walked up a muddy path through the village, in the pouring rain. While people gave me strange looks. I walked all the way to the gate, in a waterproof green robe, before I was stopped.

I was still a fairly young lad at the time. My beard was absent from my face along with my wrinkles.

The guard told me to state my business. I told him I was a wizard from a far off land here to lend my service to the king. He surprisingly cranked open the gate and let me through without another question. When I reached the throne room of the castle it was such a beautiful sight. A stained glass window of the builder of the castle, King Meridax, in the back wall. An assortment of flowers and plants hanging in pots around the room. A few plant pots were placed on the ground.

The king was sitting in his throne and called me forward. "I'm King George Nemadon of Meridan, descendant of Meridax the Magnificent. State your name and business." he boomed.

"My name is Racton. I have come from a far away place to aid your kingdom in its war against darkness. I also wish to become a Mage in your army." I replied.

"What is the name of this far away place you come from?"

I sighed then reluctantly told him, though I didn't like revealing the secret of the island but I had little choice. " I come from the legendary kingdom of Ranowaya under the rule of King Magini. My position in the kingdom was one of the head guards of The Crystal of Admasrarey and a trusted advisor of the king."

Though the soilders had no idea what Ranowaya was, I knew he was one of the few kings trusted with the secret.

"Servants leave us, but guards you shall stay."

"Now I will only ask once, so think before you speak. What is a Ranowayian like yourself doing in Meridan?"

"I seek a place where I can aid the side of the light, a place where I can change the lives of others for the better.'

" Your answer is just what I'm looking for but now I need an example of your magical ability."
I asked for one of the nearby soldiers swords. A short knight handed me his sword reluctantly. I flipped it thrice in my hands and it started to spin. I closed my eyes and......." Racton left on a cliffhanger.

Cloud was on the edge on seat when his father had stopped. He couldn't believe his father had stopped right in the middle of his story. Cloud had been imagining the story so well it seemed as if he was there with his father and the king. "If that's the end of the story my head is going to explode" Cloud thought.
Racton suddenly started speaking again. " I looked into the knight who gave me the swords' soul. I looked into the soul because it harbours your magical talent. I saw that this particular knight was strong in the element of water. I took a deep breath and my eyes shot open. The sword was also wrapped in a dark blue light. The light swirled around the sword a few times before seemingly seeping into the metal like water to a sponge. I handed the knight his sword and then fell backwards. This was one of the side effects of enchantment the first few times a wizard performed it. I staggered back to my feet. I then told the knight to wave his sword.

The knight did as I told and made a perfect diagonal slash. His sword was suddenly covered in a watery print. Water droplets floated around it, sparkling when lightning flashed. The king was impressed and allowed me to join immediately. That is the end of the story of how I became a member of the Meridian Army." Racton ended.
"Thanks for telling me that story father it was very interesting. But it's been a long day, so I'm off to bed." Cloud yawned.

They exchanged farewells and Cloud walked off to his chambers. Owls hooted as Cloud walked back. It was a cool crisp night and Cloud loved the chilly breeze that blew making some trees leafs ruffle. It also helped keep him awake no matter how sleepy he got. Cloud pulled out a shiny gold key and pushed it into the lock. He turned the key and the door opened. Cloud didn't even change out of his clothes but just plopped down on the bed. His head lay on a feather pillow. His body covered by a silk blanket. As Cloud dozed off to sleep he dreamt of the coming day at the Academy. It would be his first day as a full time student.