Mages: A Rise of Darkness

IX Metal

"So, your Direwolf suggests that young Nickolas was attacked by a Drakaenis?" Asked Grand Master Ganhold. I looked at him, still worried about Nick and confused at what a Drakaenis was. "Yes, sir, that's what he said, but what is a Drakaenis?" He looked at me, eyes showing interest, face showing that he was in a serious mood. "Well, think of a little lizard, then imagine it the height of a full-grown man and the length of a large fishing boat," as he spoke, images began to fill my mind, "now give it fangs the size of small swords and a frill around its head, that is a Drakaenis." As I imagined his description, I felt a strange tug in my head and an image appeared of what Ganhold had just described. That is what this wise man is speaking of, only it breathes fire. It had never occurred to me that Larenius could send me images from his memories until now. "Well, if that's what attacked him then we need to go back and help Ben!" I exclaimed. "If that is what attacked them then Ben is already gone, I have arranged to meet with his family and inform them of what has happened. In the meantime, if you go looking for him you will be suspended, I can't have you risking your life for someone who is far gone." He stated. "Now, let's have a look at your Larenius. That is his name, correct?"

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As we walked outside to meet with Larenius, we found him laying down, looking very bored and annoyed, with Faura the Hippogriff playing on his back and Jentus apparently playing with her. Sahra walked up to us, with a worried look. "Hello, Grand Master Ganhold, is Nickolas alright?" "He is resting, I believe he will make a full recovery by tomorrow, I am here to speak with Larenius, and learn from him." He looked up towards the great grey beast. This wise man is interested in knowing how and why I came to choose you, I assume. I nodded. Let him ask. I told the Grand Master that Larenius would allow him to ask questions. "Great Larenius, why is it that you saved young Alexander from that panther?" He asked. "He says that he was instructed by a higher being to protect me, though he won't say who or what." I answered for him. Ganhold processed this, a quizzical look on his face. "I ask if this secrecy as well depends on Alexander's safety?" Larenius nodded, his blue eyes gleaming with intelligence. Ganhold looked content, for now. "You two will report back here in two hours." He gestured to Larenius, Fauna and Jentus.

Two hours passed, Sahra and I walked to the arena to find Nickolas sitting in a saddle on Jentus's back. "The nurse said he is still recovering and has instructed him not to attempt walk for another day." Stated Ganhold as he walked out of the armory. He was holding the shield that I had used the previous day, an Ash wood bow and a quiver full of arrow. "He must have been hit in the back by the Drakaenis because he was temporarily paralyzed from his waist down." He walked over to us and handed the bow and quiver to Sahra and the shield to me. "What are these for?" Sahra inquired. Ganhold chuckled, "This bow is a gift from your mother, a present, she said, for harnessing little Faura." He said, giving the bow to Sahra. "And this shield is a gift to you, Alexander, I noticed that you seemed to prefer it, so am giving it to you in a way of congratulations for harnessing your first Thírio." He handed me the shield, its yellow-green tint and Oak leaf glinting in the sun light. When I took it from him something about it felt different. It was lighter, and I could feel a slight tingling. I strapped it to my arm and tested it, but this time I could feel a surge of strength as I pulled it across my chest. "I had it enchanted, its lighter and has a strength spell over it." Ganhold said. "Now!" He exclaimed to the three of us, shaking Nick out of his daze. "We begin training!"