Tipping the Scale

Chapter 16: Breaking of their Sanctuary (Part 1)

The gift of concurring magic is one inherited by blood. Therefore, the chance of a child to be born with an ability is high when its parents held magic as well. However, it is noteworthy that ancestry does not dictate the kind of magic a child will develop. Rather, it is speculated that the type of magic is linked to one's nature.

This supposition has given rise to a quasi-scientific pursuit known as "fate reading" through magical attributes. A preposterous concept that claims that individuals born with particular magical abilities are fated for exceptional destinies compared to their counterparts.

Though ludicrous, such beliefs are based on a very true hierarchy perceived within magic society. Enhanced physical abilities are seen as the lowest ranked, followed by practitioners of most elemental magics, with the exception of light and dark magic due to their affinity for advanced spells. They are seen as part of the higher magicians, together with abilities like telepathy, healing, or astral projection.

Yet, there exists a form of magic which is both coveted and dreaded in equal measure. The power of time.

Children born with this rare gift possess the ability to glimpse into the future and even alter past events. But such unfathomable power comes at the great cost of a limited life span. The magic is simply too great to be controlled and drains away their life force, causing them to die in early childhood.

This kind of magic user, known as a Ziener, has seen but one known individual who surpassed the age of infancy. Her name was Relisha Naheem, who met her fate at the tender age of seven.

The extent to which their abilities might develop if nurtured and permitted to reach maturity, remains a subject of speculation. But, for the delicate equilibrium of our world, it is perhaps for the better that such a prospect seems impossible.

~ The History and People of Magic by Sir Rainaldus Gale

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"Hold your ground! Don't be intimidated, Cedric!"

Standing from the side, Lidea looked on as the smaller man listened to her advice and blocked the incoming attack instead of evading it as he had been doing. She was still amazed at the growth he had experienced since her arrival at the shelter. If they weren't in their current situation, she would have advised him to try out for the royal army. After all, he was already better than the average recruit they accepted within their ranks. Sadly that wasn't an option for a magician like him.

Cedric grunted as he struggled underneath his opponent's longsword, but before she had to advise him again, he kicked against the man's ankle. His opponent crumbled to the ground and Cedric took the opportunity to hold him at his sword end until he was declared the victor.

"Well done."

At her words, Cedric broke out into a wide grin.

"I got our prickly princess to finally give me a compliment!"

The men all around them started laughing as Lidea glared before throwing her glove at his head with utmost precision.

"Seems like you want your ass kicked. Again."

"No, no, no. Sorry Lidea!"

The laughter grew louder, and Lidea shook her head at his behavior but inside she was glad that it had brought some levity to the group. Her number of trainees had grown substantially, with the many civilians joining their ranks. Though some were angered by the King's actions and wanted to help, she suspected most just wanted to become better fighters. To help them defend themselves, as well as open up other roads of employment in their uncertain future.