The Coward

Chapter One: Magic

Jaxon Flare was preached two truths his entire life. That his father was a wizard and that Magic was evil. All his life he was told that Magic was the root of all destruction in the world. That it was the bane of life and the reason he lived in a hovel in the middle of a weedy field 10 miles outside of town. His father had been a Magic user. A wizard, a fool, a demon. These words were synonomous. People would see the child around convent town and turn their noses up or stare. He was the son of the infamous Wizard.

By the time Jaxon reached 18 he had become a strong young man, helpful around town and well liked. His past was behind him and he had his own identity. He was making his monthly trip to town to trade crops he had grown to buy supplies and medicine for his mother. "Hey Jax, how are you today?" Asked a lively shop owner. "I'm fine, I just came by to sell some produce." Jaxon replied, equally as jovial. "I'm sorry Jax." The shop owner somberly apologized. "Price of produce is down since the soldiers have occupied town."

Imperial soldiers had moved in while Jaxon was gone. In only a month they had established a new law. The town was under strict management. Farmers were worked double time to increase food output. Hospitals were full of injured or sick soldiers. They took precedence over the townspeople and they ruled over them with an iron fist. The citizens were downtrodden and quiet. The entire town was gloomy. Somehow the shopkeeper of Convent trading was happy though. He was cheery and friendly when the rest of the town was bitter and even violent. Most importantly however, his shop didn't house a single soldier.

As he was making his way back through town, Jaxon pondered what the soldiers were doing in his little town. In some strange way he was loyal to it even after he was shunned for so long. Looking up from his thoughtful trance, he saw a wanted poster of a young man with black hair and deep blue eyes. He was wanted for using magic. Jaxon's stomach dropped. Right next to the poster, there was another that read: Magic is illegal and anyone caught using it or suspected of uisng it will be brought to justice. He felt sick but he kept his cool. Sitting down, Jaxon realized how foolish he was. The wanted poster was for him.

Before he could even think of what to do next, Jaxon heard yelling. The voice of a man he thought was his friend was shouting "There he is! That's the wizard!" The young wizard started running as imperial soldiers closed in on him. He saw a huddle of people in front of him and trying to avoid them, jumped over a nearby table. Nearly falling, he looked back as the soldiers merely trampled the citizens and kept on the pursuit. He couldn't outrun them. He knew he would have to fight. He had a dagger strapped to his waist but his strength was in his magic. The magic he practiced in secret, or so he thought. Jaxon turned around and stood still. The soldiers stopped and drew their swords. The lead soldier, a grizzly man with a rough beard and black eyes, spoke with a booming voice. "Give up and get on your knees." Jaxon stared him down while concentrating on summoning his mana. The tightly fit armor jangled audibly as the soldiers stepped forward. The town went quiet as the young fugitive's hands began to glow.

Jaxon felt the energy coursing through him, converging in his hands to be manipulated to his will. The soldiers were visibly shaken, all except the bearded one. He alone approached as the rest of his men stood still. Some were examining the predicament while a few started praying. The young wizard saw that he had one opponent and imagined the insatiable heat of fire. And flames, as green as a lime manifested in his hands. They were unnatural but they burned as hot as real fire. Jaxon quickly threw the flames towards captain beard and struck him square in the chest with one and grazing his chin with the second. The large man let out a surprising screech and dropped to the ground, rolling frantically to remove the fire that enveloped him. Four of the six watching soldiers ran. The other two just watched. The bearded man eventually got up, the flames extinguished. He narrowed his eyes and growled. Jaxon threatened him. "Leave me alone or I will cook you alive." The soldiers were relieved to see their leader's hand fly up giving the signal to stop. "We'll get you wizard scum." The burned soldier snarled as he backed up and pushed onlookers out of his way. The eyes of the frightened townsfolk shifted to Jaxon as his hands stopped glowing. No words were spoken and Jaxon walked towards the town's entrance.

Jaxon began his journey home on his horse Fleete. The grey animal had been one of his only companions since his father dissapeared. And now he would have to dissapear. How could he with his mother in her state? He couldn't stay though, the soldiers would come for him. What could he do? Run. Just like his father. He could fight. He wouldn't stand a chance. All thoughts ran from his mind as he saw smoke rising from his home. As he crested a hill, his fears were realized. His home was burning down.