Codex

6 - The White Codex

I sat on the bank of this lake with the book in my hand. It was plain white, there was no text, title, engraving, or marking. Even the pages were all blank, despite the book's thickness.

Donna, what the hell is your story? Like really, where did you come from? This book looks exactly like the one I picked up when you flew into me that day.

She recoiled a little, because she'd told me many times that her memories were in pieces after she took refuge in my mind. "I can't remember, Eric. There are just images in my head of people bowing down to someone."

It was the same old story as before then. I didn't know if to take this as people worshipping a deity or a tyrannical leader abusing his power. "For now, let's just give it to Hydra for safekeeping."

I agreed, and we made the exchange. Hydra returned with the others and I gave the book to her. Ever since I came to Silverport, I've been feeling something tugging at my magic, and I'm certain it was this mysterious white book. But, why? Sure, at this point it's obvious it concerns Donna, but what the hell happened to her?

"Alright, enough has happened here. What do you say we head back?"

"What? No way!" Pyro complained, "Killing those things was pretty fun!" He claimed, shadowboxing like he was some sort of fighter.

My eyebrows raised in surprise. I knew they killed some of the lesser wraiths whilst I was busy tracking down the source. "They were creepy," Dawn commented, "but it was fun fighting them, right Volt?" she tapped his side with her elbow.

"I, won't deny it," he said, knowing he was probably against it at first and only got roped in because of his brother's recklessness but probably began enjoying it.

These were good signs to me. Discovering the thrill in using magic for anything was a pivotal sign of any good mage seeking to advance their knowledge. They had just about mastered the lesser elemental spells too, or at least how to use them.

After we informed the town that they were safe, and the magic anomalies were taken care of, we journeyed back to Aquan.

A couple days after we returned, I was summoned by the council. My mind immediately flashed on the events in Silverport. Flynn and his demon-wife woke me up that morning. I was groggy and grumpy as usual, but straightened up in no time. Mary's eyes alone said enough.

About an hour later, the three of us entered the council's room, a building sealed off even from the Order of Mages. It seemed only few people with clearance and rank could enter, and dad wasn't one of them. Today though, they made an exception.

Pyro and Volt were already there. I sat next to them, around a table, and my parents, next to me. Dawn came in soon after with her parents. Mr Pendulum looked as perplexed as could be.

"Greetings, ladies, gentlemen," a council member spoke from the other side of the table. "Firstly, we apologise for summoning on such short notice and thank you for meeting the request positively. Now, as most of you already know, Eric Archibald is a special instructor of sorts, here at the Order." Their spokesman, turned to me, "Do you know what this meeting is about?"

Isn't it obvious? I said to myself. "Yeah. Weird occurrences in Silverport a few days ago. But, why are mine and Dawn's parents here?"

"Eric Archibald, Dawn Pendulum, your parents are here because you are minors. It would be unethical to sanction this meeting without their approval and presence."

"Fair enough."

Another council member stood up and slid a letter towards the centre of the table, "This is a letter of thanks from Silverport for saving them from those creatures."