Devin stood in a defensive position, hand on the handle of his sword, ready to draw should anything happen. Nothing but black surrounded him; fog gently danced on the floor. He had already tried several spells and with each chant, no magic followed. Devin had called out to his friends numerous times and with no answer, despair had started to sink in.
"Relax my boy," A deep voice came from behind him. Devin didn't even think about it. As he drew his sword, he spun around then attempted to slash whoever had stood behind him.
"Who are you?" Devin took a step back when his sword did nothing to the figure.
"A ghost of a very old man," he chuckled.
"A ghost?" Devin gripped his sword tighter.
"Calm down boy," Aftemath placed a hand on Devin's shoulder. "Just think for a moment."
"Aftemath," Devin said instantly. "You're Aftemath."
"Quite perspective of you for one so young."
"I'm twelve. I'm not that young." Devin defended himself.
"Ah, but you are. Though the cloud of war and loss though has clearly told you otherwise."
"Where are my friends? Where am I?" Devin looked around once more hoping they would come out.
"You are a very interesting lad," Aftemath once again chuckled.
"How?" Devin raised an eyebrow.
"I find it wonderous that your safe place is not a physical location, but rather a group of people. Because of your strong feelings, the spell that had been cast was nearly broken."
"Spell?" Devin lowered his guard. "What kind of spell?"
"It was an enchantment that was set to active once those who had been chosen had all gathered. It was to separate you all and create an illusionary space based on the place where you felt the most comfortable, your safe place."
"That's really cool," Devin had sheathed his sword and was completely committed to learning more about that spell.
"Ah, there will be time for that later. I believe you have questions for me." Aftemath smiled. Devin's enthusiasm faded away and was replaced by uncertainty.
"Why...me?" he spoke softly. "Why was I able to come with them?"
"There are many reasons that could answer this question, but what it all comes down to is that the world needs to know that the Mages of Legend are not all powerful. And the only way they shall believe such a concept is through you."
"But I'm nothing special!" Devin protested.
"Hahaha," Aftemath let out a hearty laugh. "That, my boy, could not be farther from the truth!" He got down to Devin's height and made direct eye contact with him. "You are the only one with the drive and capability to blend the old and new magic into something incredible. You are the only one who can truly stand on equal terms with those three."
"M-Me?" Devin stared at the old man, wondering if he had gone crazy in his last few years.
"A child who could perform magic before the rest and strives for the impossible shall take his place among those called the impossible." Aftemath recited for Devin. "What is it that you wish to do?"
"I, I want to make the Forbidden magic usable again," Devin answered.
"You, who wish to make the impossible possible, are exactly what those three need. They know how strong you truly are and that your learning capacity is infinite. You shall catch up to them and be just as strong. Once the people see this, they will learn that your friends are not gods to be worshipped, but humans to be followed. That is why you are with them."
Tears slowly ran down Devin's face.
"I'm glad you've accepted your role." Aftemath's index and middle finger began to warmly glow and he gently pressed them to Devin's forehead. "Because it is something that you will need to hold onto. What I have just given you is to be used in a time of great distress, and only then. And yes, it is something that you will use so save it until you need it most."
YOU ARE READING
Ruins In The End (We Three Mages, Book Two)
Adventure(Highly Recommend first book should be read before this one.) Six months. Six months have passed since the Mages of Legend separated to follow the path that they believed was theirs to take. Reunited at where their adventure began, they are stronger...
