Age Of Magic: Genesis

Entry 1: The Siege

The city of Marcenia shimmered under the twilight, its canals reflecting the hues of the setting sun. For the Hydromaegi, Marcenia was not just a city; it was a sanctuary where the rhythms of water intertwined with their lives, a place where their magic thrived. The city's beauty was a testament to the harmony between its people and the aquatic elements they commanded.In a modest home near the heart of the city, fourteen-year-old Dalek Orn sat with his parents, Morissa and Dorlen Orn, at the dinner table. The evening was warm, the air filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and simmering stew. Dorlen, a dedicated book-keeper at the local library and a skilled Hydromaegi, looked at his son with a mixture of pride and anticipation. "Well, Dalek," Dorlen began, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "you do realize that soon you will be of age to begin practicing our magical talents?" Dalek's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Do I really get to learn how to be a Hydromaegis like you?" Dorlen chuckled, nodding. "Yes, son. It's a tradition for our people. Soon, you'll be learning to harness the power of water, just as I did, and my father before me." Dalek's heart raced. The thought of wielding the same magic as his father filled him with a sense of wonder and pride. He had always been a quiet, somewhat anti-social boy, often lost in the books his father brought home from the library. But the prospect of learning magic stirred something deep within him. Morissa, who had been quietly observing the exchange, intervened with a gentle but firm voice. "You shouldn't get your hopes up, Dalek. Remember, you can do just as much good without the use of magic." Dalek's enthusiasm dampened slightly, but he nodded obediently. He knew his mother spoke from a place of love and concern. Though she lacked magical abilities herself, Morissa was well-versed in the history and politics of the Hydromaegi and their beautiful city. Suddenly, a deep rumbling noise interrupted their conversation. The house seemed to shake, the dishes rattling on the table." Dorlen, do you hear that?" Morissa asked, her eyes wide with alarm. Dorlen's expression turned grave. They had heard rumors of the assassination of a Pyromaegi official, a crime that had sparked outrage and conflict. The Pyromaegi, once calm and seeking resolution, had declared war after failed attempts at justice. And now, the dreaded sound confirmed their worst fears."It's the Pyros," Dorlen said, his voice tense. "They've started their war conquest, and they've clearly begun with us." Panic seized Morissa as she grabbed Dalek's arm. "Quickly, Dalek! I need you to stay in the basement until you hear me or your father's voice telling you to come out." Dalek, terrified and confused, did as his mother instructed, descending into the dark basement. He could hear his parents barricading the front door, the sounds of furniture scraping across the floor."Whatever happens, NO ONE gets to the basement door," Dorlen said firmly to Morissa. They both knew they were not warriors, but they were determined to protect their home and their son. The sound of footsteps approaching their door made Morissa's heart pound. She grabbed a kitchen knife, while Dorlen prepared to cast a defensive spell. The door burst open, revealing a slim, petite male armed with a spear."Orcali!" Dorlen shouted, casting a spout of water in an attempt to stun the intruder. But the attacker dodged swiftly and retaliated with a massive fireball. "Ismenios!" he shouted, setting the room ablaze. Dorlen fought desperately to extinguish the flames, but the assailant moved with deadly precision. In a swift motion, he impaled Dorlen through the chest with his spear. Morissa screamed, lunging at the attacker and stabbing him repeatedly in the back with her knife. The man fell to the ground. Dorlen, with his last breath, cast one final spell. "Visandri!" he whispered. In the basement, Dalek found himself surrounded by a protective bubble of frozen water.In a final act of vengeance, the dying assailant cast a spell. "Idrious!" he cried, unleashing a torrent of fire that engulfed the house. The heat was unbearable, and moments later, the home exploded in a deafening roar. Dalek, shielded by his father's magic, survived the blast. But as the flames died down and the smoke cleared, his fathers shield began to fade, he emerged to find his home reduced to ashes and his parents gone. Marcenia was under siege, and the city that had once been a beacon of peace and beauty was now a battleground. Dalek's heart ached with loss, but amid the ruins, a resolve began to form. He would learn to harness his powers, not just for his father's legacy, but to defend his people and ensure that the sacrifice of his parents was not in vain. The siege of Marcenia was just the beginning.