The Divine Summoner II (bxb)

Chapter 19

"He has wings."

The way Elder Orion say the words was full of amazement.

"I came to the conclusion that Elves would evolve growing wings. I let the children drink a drop of the golden water but it did not change them. For Elves, this fountain here is just like ordinary water. They already had been gifted by it and that is youth. Elves has longer life span than the other races, that was a gift of the fountain. So I thought, 'Only lucky ones get to be born as winged Elves."

"What amazed me more was that this winged Elf were more talented than ordinary ones. He had extraordinary abilities that ordinary Elves do not have. For one, they have the latent ability of being a leader."

"So, I trained him to become a better leader. I honed his talents and he turned out to be better than what I hoped for. He became the second Elder. Of course, before I made this political heirarchy, I talked to the six original Fair Elves and they agreed. They also saw the capabilities of the young one. We decided for the name and settled with High Elves."

He looked again at the top and his eyes was filled with longing. He looked at me and gave me a sad smile, "I don't know what happened to the Drows. I don't know if they also has this strange phenomenon occur to them. What I know though is that, they are alive. Somewhere out there."

He stood up and offered his hand, "Come. They have prepared a celebration for you."

I took his hand and he led me to one of the passages. We were going uphill, he waved his hand and the earth above us opened revealing the long trees and the stars above them. The sound of cheering and laughing was all I could hear. It echoed all around us.

Elder Orion put his hand on my lower back to encourage me to go forward. He led me to a gathering. Elves were encircling a huge campfire watching the kids dance around it. They were clapping and some were even up dancing to the beat of the music their fellow Elves played.

When Elder Orion announced his presence, all activity stopped and went to their seats. Nobody made a complaint, eagerly looking to the Elder to listen to what he has to announce. I examined the crowd looking for familiar faces. I saw the other Elders in the center accompanied by Master Rashid.

Somehow, I feel bad for the Light Master. I took him for granted, once I arrived, I immediately focused my attention to other things not even giving any thanks to him. My thoughts were interrupted by the First Elder when he started talking.

"Everyone. Tonight, we celebrate the return of our brother."

My cheeks burned when the Elves started to cheer. I was glad but a bit embarrassed. It was a nice feeling.

"He travelled for a long time just to find his true heritage and at last, he found us. He found his home."

Another cheer reached my ears. My eyes started to water but I held them. I don't want to ruin such a beautiful night because I cried.

Master Orion placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed it. It was for comfort but for some reason, I knew it was also an indication that the stage is mine. It is my time to speak.

"I- i don't know what to say. I was not warned that I have to prepare my own speech. I did not recite any lines."

At first, I hesitated but the encouraging smiles and nods by the Elders gave me courage.

"All I want to say is that, thank you! Thank you for everything."

This time, I did not hesitate to let my tears flow. I did not care whether I'm embarrasing myself in front of them, I did not care that I might crash this party because of me. All I care about is that, I'm home.

I was sobbing on my hands when I felt two pairs of arms hugged my waist. I looked down to see both Rin and Ren looking up at me with their wide smiles. I smiled back and crouched to their level and hugged them back.

When I released them, they ran to a male elf and hugged his thighs. He was probably their father. The Elders stood up and went my way. Elder Mia hugged me as hard as she could. Elder Rexx' hug was bone-breaking while I received a small pat on the shoulder by Elder Lance.

The Elves started to stand up one by one and instead of shaking my hand like a stranger does, they hugged me like a family. It was nice. They congratulated me and such. The last person who congratulated me was the person I owe so much.

His smile was very bright and his eyes showed so much pride. He opened his arms and I dove in to his chest burying my face on it.

"Thank you." I whispered. "Grandpa."

We were together for a short time but the bond I've bond with him sure is memorable.

He looked at me with a raised eyebrow, "Grandpa?" I though he don't want to be called like that but he smiled, "I like the sound of that."

We danced and sang and eat and dance some more. It was like the night is not gonna end. But just like anything, it would always end.

I was supposed to have my own cottage but since Master Rashid, I mean Grandpa Rashid accepted me as his, we have our own cottage. His cottage was just like everyone but bigger, it has three rooms on it so I went to an empty room.

I thought everything was going great but an hour after I fell asleep, I woke up gasping for breath dripping with sweat. To see myself rampaging around killing dozens of people and destroying their homes. I was afraid. Of me.

That night, I stayed up in the bed looking up on the stars until it brightened and I could not see the stars anymore. Grandpa has still not woken up, he was a late-riser. I made breakfast and ate them. I also stored up some food for Grandpa. When I finished eating, I heard the knocking of the door.

I opened it and the sight of both brothers, Ren and Rin welcomed me. They have their usual large grins on their faces.

"Elder Orion requested for you presence." The gentler brother said before they both ran away chasing each other. I smiled at the sight. Dean and I used to do that when we were younger, 'How much I missed the old days.'

I climbed over one of the vacant lift and went down to meet the First Elder. The day was just like what I saw yesterday. Elves doing their daily routines. The difference was that I am now greeted everytime I meet an elf.

When I arrived at the bottom of the tree, the entrance was closed and can only be controlled by the First Elder. While waiting, I thought of what I would be able to learn today. You see, the Elder summoned me here because as a High Elf. I have the duty to be an Elder and before that, I have to learn Nature Magic first before I can be an Elder.

The entrance suddenly opened and beckoned for me to enter so I did. It closed the moment I completely stepped inside. I followed the tunnel and was led to the familiar place where the Fountain of Youth is located. Elder Orion was there sitting on one of his flower chair while eyes closed.

I silently walked over his direction and seated myself in top of an empty flower chair. He was probably meditating or something so I patiently waited for him to finish.

Elder Orion moved and took something underneath his robes. I was surprised, what he took was my book. The book where I found what Guardian Summonung is. It was titled Ancient Magic.

He opened his eyes and looked at me.

"I took it. I hoped you don't mind."

"It's okay."

It was okay really. Even if I refused, I can't do anything.

"Before we go over to the discussion about Nature Magic, we will talk about this book here and what it contains."

The last time we opened it, it was not permanent. It closed after a few minutes. We have been warned that we can only open it by the help of a Master Wood Elemental. Elder Orion is certainly not one.

I wonder how he can open it.