Vis Potentia: Beginnings of Ascendancy

Episode 3

The landscape outside shifted. The lush green fields of the Dawnfire estate turned into thick forests with towering, ancient trees. Their long shadows sprawled across the twisty roads. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their melodic songs a testament to the beauty of nature.

Damien seemed unimpressed. He leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, a scowl on his face. Every so often, he'd cast a fleeting glance outside, but his mood remained sour.

Seeing Damien's discomfort. "These woods have stood for centuries, young master." They've seen the rise and fall of dynasties, the ebb and flow of power. They're a reminder of the enduring nature of the world, even as everything around us changes."

Damien huffed, "I'd rather be back home, practicing or even reading. Why do I have to go to Julian's place anyway?"

Sir Boreas sighed, "Duties and responsibilities often take us places we'd rather not be. But every experience, even the ones we'd rather avoid, can teach us something."

The car took a sharp turn, revealing a clear stream that glistened under the sun. The water floated over rocks, creating a gentle, soothing sound. Nearby, a family of deer grazed.

Damien glanced at them.

Sir Boreas nodded, "Nature has its challenges, young master. Predators, the changing seasons, finding food. But yes, they don't have societal obligations. Remember, with the privileges we have come responsibilities."

Damien sighed.

Sir Boreas placed a reassuring hand on Damien's shoulder, "In time, you'll understand. And who knows? Today might not be as bad as you think."

The car's journey seemed to stretch for Damien. What felt like hours later, the dense woods receded and the landscape began to change once more. The rolling hills flattened. The horizon broken by the distant silhouette of grand structures. As they drew closer, the unmistakable signs of preparation for a grand event became evident.

Tall banners bearing the Redwood family crest — a majestic oak with deep crimson leaves — fluttered in the gentle breeze. The path was lined with lanterns, their soft glow hinting at the approach of evening. Servants were everywhere, tweaking the outdoor seating. Musicians fine-tuned their instruments, filling the air with test notes.

The centerpiece was the Redwood mansion itself, a sprawling edifice of stone and wood, its towers reaching for the skies. Surrounding it, are manicured gardens with fountains and statues. In the distance, a large marquee, under which guests had already begun to gather, their voices a soft murmur of anticipation.

As the car pulled up to the entrance, a footman promptly opened the door, offering a bow. "Welcome back to the Redwood estate, Lord Dawnfire. Lady Dawnfire." he intoned with a slight bow.

Damien peered out, his earlier reluctance replaced by a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The grandeur of the setting was undeniable, but the weight of the occasion and the memories of his last visit loomed large in his mind.

Sir Boreas leaned in, whispering, "Remember, young master, stand tall and be polite. This is as much a stage as any, and all eyes will be on the Dawnfire heir."

"Sure..."

The adults gathered, their voices a soft hum of conversation. From his shorter vantage point, Damien noticed his parents' posture was different today. They seemed more reserved, nodding more than usual, their voices softer. It was clear they were showing respect to many of the families present.

Damien had heard tales of "Vis" from the old stories, whispered legends spoken in hushed tones, tales that danced on the edge of myth and reality. Today, he was to witness it firsthand. Sir Gerald told him there would be a vis performance.

The children's area was abuzz with anticipation. In the open courtyard were stalls, children playing, and food merchants hawking their dishes. It was the performers' presence that commanded all the attention of the crowd. With a mere gesture, flames sprang to life. Wrapping around the performer, reflecting in the awed eyes of the onlookers. The fire didn't consume; it danced, entranced, almost sentient.

To the performer's right, a Magician made water rise from a vessel, droplets suspended in the air like a galaxy of stars. Shimmering and dancing, crafted patterns of ethereal beauty that became steam when it met flames. Whispers ran through the crowd, the legends of Vis coming alive before them.

A gust of wind swirled, summoned by another, its playful tendrils making children laugh and adults gasp. It wasn't chaotic; it was art, a dance of nature itself helping to dissipate the steam.

And then, the very earth rumbled. Rocks levitated, shaped into creatures and forms that seemed to breathe, live, and play for a brief moment in time. Walls of earth surrounded the group of 4, hiding them from the crowd.

Damien's heart raced. The tales were true. Vis was not magic—it was a symphony of the elements, a dance of the world's very essence. He realized he wasn't watching a performance; he was witnessing the heartbeat of the world.

"Wow, look at that!" Clara exclaimed, tugging at Damien's sleeve, her eyes wide with amazement.

Before Damien could share in her excitement, the unmistakable voice of Julian, a boy older by a few years, broke through. "Oh, it's the little Dawnfire kids," he said in a sing-song voice, flanked by his friends Marcus, Illian, and Tyler. You guys like the baby magic show?"

Clara, puffing up a bit, shot back, "It's cool! Bet you can't do any of that!"

Julian smirked, "you wait. When I get my vis, I'll be way better."

Before things could escalate, Cidny, always attentive, stepped in. "Miss Clara, there's a lovely butterfly exhibit over there. Let's go see!" she suggested, pointing to another part of the garden.

Clara hesitated for a moment, shooting a protective glance at Damien. She then nodded, allowing Cidny to lead her away.

Julian, his eyes wide with the boundless enthusiasm of an eight-year-old, leaned in closer to Damien. "Guess what, Damien?" he whispered, glancing around to ensure they weren't overheard. "We can go into my family's practice dungeon!"

Damien's eyes widened in surprise. He had heard stories about the Redwood family's dungeon, a place where adept-level Knights and Magicians trained. "Isn't that place for grown-ups?" he asked a hint of caution in his voice. It was starting to turn into the "cookie" incident yet again.

Julian puffed up his chest. "I've been there with my dad! It's so cool! There are shiny crystals and everything!"

Marcus, always eager to join any mischief, piped up, "Are you scared, Damien? It's like one of those adventure games we play!"

Illian and Tyler giggled. "Yeah, Damien, don't be a scaredy-cat!" Tyler teased.

Damien frowned, he did not like the mocking directed toward him. "I'm not scared," he said, trying to sound brave.

Seeing his chance, Julian reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, shiny amulet. "Look!" he whispered, showing it to Damien. "Dad says this can hide us so no one will know we're there. We can sneak in, look around, and sneak out! It'll be like... like being invisible explorers!"

Damien looked at the amulet, its glow reflecting in his eyes. The idea of a secret adventure was tempting, especially with the promise of the amulet's protection. He took a deep breath, considering the proposition.

The group of young adventurers huddled close together, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Julian, holding the amulet, whispered, "Remember, we have to stay close to each other. The amulet's magic works best when we're together."

Damien, his eyes shining with anticipation, nodded. "This is going to be so cool!" he whispered back.

Marcus, the second oldest but with a mischievous glint in his eyes, grinned. "like the stories, Grandpa tells!"

Lillian, her braided hair swaying as she shifted from foot to foot, added, "I can't believe we're doing this!"

Tyler, the youngest but with a fierce determination in his eyes, clenched his small fist. "Let's go!"

With the amulet's soft glow enveloping them, the world around the children seemed to shift. Sounds from inside the circle became muffled, and the vibrant colors of the party dimmed, making the path to the dungeon clearer.