Merlin's Academy for the Magical Arts Chronicles ||Book 1: Warlock

Chapter 1

Nixie was awoken by the protective growl and bark of a wolf. She opened one eye sleepily, "Jaxom..." She complained sleepily. The pure white wolf pup jumped up and bit the sleeve of her pajamas, tugging at it and yipping wildly as if to say, 'There is a strange man in the living room!' Nixie rolled her eyes and got out of bed following the pup out into the living room. Merlin was sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea from a clay mug along with Axel and Marcus. Axel stared at Merlin in awe while Marcus, with his fingers laced together placed before on the table, looked less than pleased about having the wizened warlock as a guest.

The said warlock looked up as Nixie entered the room, "Ah, good morning Nixie. How did you rest?" His voice lacked the tired quality it had held the night before. Instead, it was replaced by a merry, slightly mischievous one.

Nixie laughed a little, finding his attitude somewhat infectious, "I slept well. Were you alright on the couch?" She asked feeling slightly guilty about what accommodations she had to provide.

Merlin, sensing both his hosts' uncomfortable aura smiled; slightly enjoying making Marcus squirm and spoke seeming to have read Nixie's mind, "You do not have to worry about that." And before Nixie could reply he turned to her father and spoke with a smirk twisting his lips, "...So... My dear Marcus, how have you been these past years."

Both Nixie's and Axel's mouths fell open in astonishment and Nixie spoke, "Dad... how the..." She stopped herself before she had cursed. Her father was very disapproving of cursing. She quickly changed her words, "I mean, dad how do you know... wait who is he, anyway?"

"He..." Marcus hesitated, very reluctant to reveal any information. He didn't want to bring to light what he knew or how he knew it. He knew that it would bring up so many questions and many he was not very willing to discuss with Nixie or anyone.

Merlin's smirk grew larger, "Not willing to speak, old friend. Then, I shall speak for you." He turned to Nixie and his smirk turned into a kind smile, "My name is Merlin. I am a warlock and serve the king, Arthur Pendragon in his court."

Axel's features showed his increase of awe at having a famous person in his presence. His jaw slacked in open-mouthed amazement, "You.. you're THE Merlin?!"

Nixie stared blankly at this proclamation. Her father had not told her about anything. Marcus was currently deep in thought as he was remembering things that Merlin's visit had brought to the surface. 

Marcus and Annabelle were in the third year at Merlin's Academy for the Magical Arts. They were sitting underneath a cherry tree in the 'The Enchanted Grove' speaking in hushed voices. Marcus shook his head, "No, Annie. We'll get expelled!" He protested but Annabelle wasn't really listening. She shook her head.

"What are you... SCARED, Markie?" She giggled showing her very mischief-maker esque smirk.

Marcus glowered in annoyance, "You KNOW I hate that nickname, Annie!"

Annabelle pouted, "Awww... you are no fun. You know that right?"

Marcus rolled his eyes, laughing softly. "I know but if I wasn't I wouldn't be able to keep your trouble-seeking nose out of mischief."

Annabelle sighed and settled herself more comfortably against the tree and Marcus, who blushed slightly. "Merlin is an old twat. Do you know what he made us do in History and Magic today?!"

Marcus chuckled. "Now, easy on the language Annie. We don't want anyone to hear. Especially when you are talking about our headmaster."

"Mr. Barrons, sir?" Marcus was called back to earth by Axel's slightly worried voice He blinked and looked up finding both his daughter and her friend staring at him with worried expressions. Merlin, on the other hand, was sitting in his chair with a knowing expression.

"Hmmm... what did I miss...?" Marcus questioned awkwardly.

"...Well, we were talking about who Merlin was. For... ten minutes now. You've been spaced out for most of it." Nixie replied.

Merlin drank the last dregs of his tea and set his clay mug on the table with a muffled thud, "I was hoping, possibly if you'd allow me to take Nixie to my academy. I would also like to take Axel, as he has a powerful flame as well." 

Immediately Marcus's face darkened, "Out of the question, Merlin. Not after..." He quickly shut his mouth and sighed wearily rubbing his face.

Merlin's face turned sad, "I heard about Annabelle. Such a pity. She was a strong and brave lass with a particularly strong flame."

Marcus sighed sadly and shook his head, "I...I know..." He mumbled.

 Nixie had been listening to this exchange wide-eyed and was finding that she was getting slightly angry at her father. She could tell he was hiding something from her, "Dad! What is going on?!" Merlin sighed looking at Marcus with a sort of sad 'I told you so' expression on his face and Nixie's eyes narrowed, "Okay, I deserve an explanation."

Marcus pursed his lips and then sighed. He rubbed his head tiredly and nodded not looking at neither Nixie, Merlin, or Axel, "I guess you do. Well, you know what magic is obviously.... uhm..." He was trying to find the right words to tell his daughter. Finally, after what was around at least four minutes he took a deep breath and began to speak, "Well, your mother and I went to Merlin's academy. Your mother had a very strong flame... err, you see the fire is magical ability. And-"

Nixie angrily interrupted her father, "AND YOU NEVER THOUGHT TO TELL ME THIS?!"

"But, sweetheart it was to protect-"

"DON'T YOU GIVE ME THAT IT WAS TO PROTECT ME CRAP! AND DON'T CALL ME SWEETHEART!! I AM GOING TO THIS ACADEMY WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT AND AXEL IS COMING WITH ME!" Nixie stomped off angrily to her room to cool off and pack to go to the academy.