Grendilton: Rise of the Shadows

25 | Chapter Twenty Five

Hearts desire.

Connor felt relief that Macey received closure for her twin, a sun sage just like the many legends that were told to him when he was a child. Her smile was like a million stars only he could see and it made him grin knowing that Connor was the cause. But he still received little sleep, for that was only one dilemma in a much bigger picture — shadows were still on the rise.

"Any info on shadows?" asked Connor, looking at Iza who wrote notes in his book about the lesson at hand. But all he got in reply was a head shake with Iza telling him, "sorry Connor. My parents are still attempting to figure out what makes these creatures tick."

This knowledge irritated him, making Connor ball his fists in anger, almost snapping his pencil in half. Not even Michael had anything to share with him, receiving only muddled words and questions about the success of the spell three weeks ago.

Connor groaned, which caught the attention of Gilden who glared at him in retort. "Is there something bothering you Connor?"

Many things. But rather create a scene, he shifted his head to the side and said, "not at all professor."

Gilden didn't reply back. Instead, he continued to teach the class, cupping his hands behind his back, pacing back and forth. Connor didn't believe that the lesson was anything important, having every word from his professor go through one ear and out the other, more interested in the well-being of the Citadel, the cause of all the shadows and more importantly — how to stop them. He thought of his brother, and perhaps the possibility of him finding out a solution to this epidemic.

Connor always believed that Michael could solve anything when he put his mind to it, saving the day when no one else could. But while he felt the metal magic of Gilden fluctuating across the room and flames circulating along his skin, it reminded him about the events at the summoners headquarters — and how sudden and unknown such an epidemic was to their world.

"The reflection spell can hinder a shadows advancements, with the right element." Gilden lifted the large barrier above his head, lowering it down with such force that the timber below them sounded as if it cracked. "Sometimes it's very difficult to tell a creature's element. Focus on the colour of their fur or maybe even the shimmer of their eyes, if they have any."

Connor brooded. "So this spell doesn't extinguish a shadow? But merely stuns the beast?"

Gilden nodded. "I know that it's not much, given the circumstances that are placed upon us — but indeed this spell will paralyse them, giving you enough time to flee."

Fleeing was a cowardly option, with Connor creasing his brows at the thought of attempting to run away from the larger shadows. However, looking at the professor, whose posture was slumped, the tone in his voice seemed to warn out and his facial expressions were tired — he himself could only do the minimum until a more higher rank could figure out the cause and necessary answer to stop what was going on. 

"I believe that this lesson is over. Thank you all for turning up and I shall see you again tomorrow."

Connor rose to his feet, making his way out of the lecture hall just after Iza who struggled to put his books in his bag.

"Oh, Connor," Gilden suddenly yelled, attracting Connors attention just as he was near the exit. "There's something you left behind the other day. I feel it is of much importance to you."