The Mage Wars

Part One

28 Kore of the year 13004

Everest's Pov

"Eve! Your Father requests your presence," Galen Arthurion, one of my Father's generals. We don't have the best track record. He and I go from being at odds to teaming up. It's a whole pile of shit.

I don't have to glance over my shoulder to tell he's inching closer to the protective circle. The circle only exists because of my aptitude for fire magic when I was choosing a magic type. Father thought I'd burn the crops to ash. Since choosing light magic father has slept better.

To finish this spell I need complete concentration. Galen is not helping. I can sense him standing on the edge of the protective circle in the training field. He attempts to grab my attention yet again. "Your Father won't wait for much longer,"

I slam my book closed and whirl around fast enough my braid whips me in the face. I glare at the general. How did he manage that rank at eighteen? It's not possible. Most knights become recruits at the age of twenty-one. Galen is eighteen.

Galen's arms cross over his chest as he waits. I don't get far, instead, my horse gallops through my path. What?

"Hunter!"

I gawk at my younger brother astride my dark brown horse. I pull a marble filled with crystal dust and throw it. The incantation flows freely from my lips. My feet land a meter ahead of Hunter. I reach out and hoist myself behind my brother. My legs immediately find purchase and squeeze. I yank the reigns from Liron's hands and pull up.

Hunter slowly but surely slows. Thank the spirits.

I hop off before dragging Liron off. The moment his feet touch the ground I tear into him. My hands firmly clamped onto his shirt.

"What in the spirit king's name were you thinking?" I give Liron a short jolt. His eyes widen in fear of his mistake. A mistake that never should have happened.

Sure Liron is an excellent rider but not on my horse. Hunter is nearly twenty hands. He's huge. Galen looks small next to him and Galen is not small. I only ride Hunter because I chose him and we have a bond. Otherwise, he would have been given to a taller rider.

"Of all horses, you chose mine. For the Great Fae's sake Liron you're 12 years old, you could have hurt yourself,"

Hunter snorts. I turn my wrath from Liron to my horse. My hands shake as Liron cowers. It serves him right I don't want a dead brother. Mother would kill me if she thought I put him on, Hunter. Spirits and souls. "Mages above, don't get me started. You shouldn't have moved, even when Liron got on your back,"

Hunter hangs his head. I sigh through my nose and let go of my brother. Liron looks as if he's going to bolt. "Liron go inside and find Mother,"

I turn to Galen. "You and I are taking my horse back to the stables,"

"We best hurry then."

I take Hunter by the reigns and start for the stables. I keep an eye on Liron to ensure he reaches the castle, once he slips inside I focus on the stables. A stable hand takes Hunter and promises to cool him down.

In silence, Galen and I head for the castle. Once inside we roam the halls. We follow the familiar white and gray walls to where father is holding council. Outside the throne room, two guards stand watch. At all times guards stand watch.

The guards open the doors with a soft creak.

The throne room is decorated with red and white banners. Vespera's colours. Light cascades from the tall windows. Half the room is a raised platform where the thrones sit. The round table, a staple of Seraphina. A reminder that no one is above all else.