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

(6)Chapter Sixteen: Swordplay

Even though Devin disagreed with Messa's teaching methods, he still did everything she told him to do. After a night of self-pity and reflect, Devin ultimately decided that when the seven months are over, he would just have Jared teach him what he wanted to know. As much as it pained him to admit, Devin knew that his magical prowess wasn't anything to brag about and that by being there under Messa, he'd be able to at least improve with his magic. The only problem was that Messa wasn't doing much of that. All she had him doing really was physical activity like running and pushups. Mari had explained that Messa was simply building up his stamina because if a mage can't last long in a fight, it doesn't matter how powerful his magic is.

After about two weeks of this sort of training, Messa went away for a day and a half. She claimed that it was so that she could make a little money. None of them actually believed that. When Messa came back, she had a package with her.

"Devin!" She shouted. Devin had just come back from his afternoon jog and stood straight before her. "I got ya a present."

"Why?" Devin asked as he took it from her.

"You've been a real trooper with me after that spat we had and I'm real proud of that." Messa looked down at him. "Think of this as a reward." Devin looked at her then at the object in his hands. Without another moment's hesitation, Devin unwrapped the gift and his jaw hit the ground when he realized what it was.

"But, I thought you said..." Devin looked at her.

"I wasn't wrong in my beliefs, but that doesn't mean you were wrong in yers." Messa explained. "I had this made special, real special." She winked.

"You don't mean," Devin didn't even bother to finish. He gripped the handle, channeled his magic and gave it a good swing. As he did, a fire like slash came out of it. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!" Devin marveled at his new weapon. It was a double edge sword. The black leather handle fit like a glove in his hand and the weight was balanced perfectly.  It glittered in the sunlight, but not from its polished steel.

"Heh, it took that blacksmith longer than I had originally thought for him to work in them crystals, but he was able to do it nonetheless." The transparent jewels had been smoothed over so that they wouldn't stick out and blended right in with the metal. Unless someone took a close inspection upon the blade or was a skilled mage, they would never notice them.

"With this, I'll be able to fight the way I want to right?" Devin just wanted confirmation.

"And the way I want you to fight." Messa reminded him. "While yer under me roof, ya be following my teachings, that was the deal, remember?" She wagged her finger at him.

"But, then I how will I use this the way I want to?" Devin asked.

"There's a place in town," Mari and Nadia had just walked over to see what had gotten Devin so excited. "There's a man down there who will teach ya a few things," Messa told him. "He be one of them few folks who doesn't see me as some wacky woman. Tell 'em I sent ya to learn a thing or two and he'll do just that."

"Really?" Devin looked at Mari and Nadia who seemed equally surprised as him. "But then when would I train under you?"

"Once you get them basics down I'll have you back up here learning the way I want. I've already mentioned it to him so he's expecting ya. Better hurry." Messa waved him off.

"Wait, now? You're sending him now?" Mari looked at Messa.

"No time like the present eh?" She chuckled. Mari was about to say something to Devin but he had already Flashed out.

"Ah," Messa had remembered something, "Shoulda mentioned that the geezer only agreed to train the boy if he showed any talent for the sword. Oh well, he'll be fine." She chuckled to herself.