Vendetta's Rise (The Dragon Realms Saga: Book 1)

Chapter 3

"Do you feel it, Grandchild? It flows through the earth as it would flow through your soul. It is the essence of life, it is the Magi. Do you feel it?"

Koda strained his hands as he spread his fingers, reaching for any synapse of Magi that might exist in the ground. Sweat beaded down the side of his face as he struggled. "Grandfather, I don't... I don't feel it."

The ancient elf threw back his massive deep blue cape to reach for his grandson's hand. "Let me help you. Together we are bound by blood. Feel what I feel, see what I see."

A jolt of energy spasmed up the young elf's arm as a flash of vivid lights blinded him turning his vibrant blue eyes to a pale white. A sound hummed as it bounced through his long ears, then it all went quiet. The lights faded until he could only see the old twisting forest. His hand felt as if he were in a warm bath, relaxing, calm, tranquil.

"Do you feel it?" His mentor asked again.

"I do! I feel it!"

His grandfather released Koda's hand, "Concentrate. Do as I say. Concentrate, young one. Do you still feel it?"

Koda melded his mind with the aether's steady flow. "Yes, I still feel it."

His grandfather nodded. "Hold onto it. Envelope it into your hand and embrace it."

A fluxing shape of light transversed through Koda's body. His eyes gaped open with awe. "Grandfather Xile, what do I do with it?" Koda asked, somewhat frightened.

"Wield it carefully, Grandchild. It is volatile in this form, for it is pure and raw. Quickly, pass it to me!"

Koda, gingerly locked fingers with Xile and the magic rapidly passed over to the more experienced elf.

"Raw magic is found only in the rarest of mana streams within our world. Only a true master can tame it. Magic that a mage uses is not in its raw form, but bred over countless generations. It is weaker in nature, but much more malleable than its raw brethren." Xile shot his hand out towards the sky. The magic sparked in a brilliant shower of lights before firing into the air and exploding in a crack of energy.

Koda gasped at the display. "Amazing!"

The old elf hid a smile within his cowl, "You were not the first to be amazed by such power."

Koda turned away from the remnants of the spectacle, "My Father and Uncle Tull?"

Xile waved a hand in dismissal, "If only my sons had half the interest in the Magi as you do. No, I speak of my first two students. Boys no younger than fourteen, about your age, Koda."

Koda looked up inquisitively, "Were they Dawnedge elves?"

"They weren't elves at all. That was my first mistake, but not my biggest...teaching them anything was my greatest failure!" Xile spat in disgust before regaining his composure. "We must keep our secrets within the family. Remember this and never make the same mistakes that I've made, my grandchild."

Koda had never heard of such students and prodded his elder further. "What did they do? Why haven't I heard of them before? What ever happened to them?"

Xile rubbed his brow. "I think it's time for bed, Koda. We have much to do in the morning."

Koda persisted, "Please? History is as important as anything else you are teaching me!"

"It isn't important what became of them as long as you know whom you are to become and what you are meant to do. Koda, you must always respect the Magi. Not merely as a weapon, but as something to revere, to respect, and to uphold above all else." Xile kneeled down to Koda's level, "Can you do this?"