That's So Wizard

Chapter 6 - Push

Eldrian floated down to the heels of his shoes atop the mountain peak. It wasn't as graceful as his winged companion, but he managed. The wizard ceased flying and beside him the crow grew and shifted back into the human it was earlier. Around them were the ancient ruined remains of Inca stone.

Beyond the various faded walls was a drop of emerald green. They were incredibly high in altitude, but it wasn't fear that caught the wizard's eye, but the beauty of thew view he was given. The air was fresh and cool, and the mountains surrounded the area were thickly covered in trees and grass. There was not another soul around them as well—just Eldrian and Daveon standing at Machu Picchu, waiting for the others to catch up. They would be arriving soon, but until then, they had a moment of quiet.

"Why are you here, Eldrian?"

"What do you mean?" the wizard asked in quick reply. "To figure out how Rend got so powerful. Lucy asked me. If she asks me to look into a matter, I probably do it."

"But, why exactly? Are you going to take the power yourself?"

"Besides not really wanting to look like he did... No, I wouldn't anyway. I want to be a powerful wizard, but I'm not going to take some great power out from under someone's nose. If someone offers me help, I'll take it, but I'm not here to take anything, no. Really, I'm just curious!"

"Curious to see what's here?"

Eldrian nodded. "An ancient group of magicians..."

"I don't know that much about them myself, you know. Like I said, we might not even be able to get inside. I've heard only the legends of the Inca Monks. Stories tell of a group, hidden away from even wizards, who practice magic and guard dangerous artifacts from falling into the wrong hands. One more question, though, Eldrian. Why are you even trying to be a great wizard?"

"Why wouldn't I? Being a wizard is a lot of fun. And I guess, I can protect people, especially the ones who mean a lot to me."

"We made it!" shouted Kevin.

Both him and Deena came up and around the bend, reaching the top to join their companions. They looked a little winded, but the two approached Eldrian and Daveon, and finally they were back together. All four could enjoy the sight.

"Flying is one of the most tricky types of magic," Deena said.

"I've been practicing really hard," responded Eldrian. "I figure it's about time. I've been getting better, and when is flying not useful? So, just tell us where to go, Daveon. I'll be right behind you."

Daveon nodded. He started his way through the ruins. Visitors came here often, but it's unlikely any knew of the hidden location, magically secreted among the ruins for countless years. Some knew, and Daveon was one of them. He brought them around the walls and eventually into one of the broken structures. Inside was nothing but smooth stone and silence. Not even Eldrian's magic eyes noticed anything obvious.

Slowly, the druid knocked his knuckles against the wall. He placed his palm with fingers out-stretched, and embraced the coldness of the rock. Around this, a delicate hue of arcane figures wrapped a circle near his hand. It rippled, and the magic soon subsided.

Then, nothing.

"Did it work?" Eldrian asked.

"I don't know... I heard that all you need to do is knock, and signal with magic. I've never actually been in before."

"What if it doesn't exist?" Kevin spoke. "That would suck."

Eldrian shook his head. "It has to exist. I can feel it. Legends start for a reason, and you're slowly going to realize that in the word of wizardry, very little is impossible."