Theurgy: The Citadel of Light (Book Three)

Chapter 11 Merely a Reflection

"This can not be."

The city came to a halt. The mid morning commute interrupted by the most bizarre of sights any have witnessed in some time. The dominating presence of Liberio, looming over the city as a statement of prestige and mystic power, has now garnered a new feature. Now, all looked upon as a massive dome of purple energy surrounded the structure and all who inhabited it at the time of it's erection. Almost immediately a swarm of the police and city guards gathered at the scene to investigate further. Such magic, at such scale is rarely, if ever seen. Captain Grayson, who had only recently been stationed here in Liberio was hoping that now of all times they would be away from major conflicts. But first they came upon a loose fire elemental, an al out guild war was just around the corner, and now this, whatever it was. It seemed trouble just follows the Sol 'Louche family as it were. Only his third year as a captain and the work only appears to pile on.

"I want a five kilometer blockade around the perimeter, keep all civilian away from this thing until we know of it's nature."

"Have you gotten a hold of Madam Fiora?" asked one of lieutenants.

"Not of current, no," he sighed. "More than likely still on her estate, send word. Hopefully she will simply not be needed."

"Who would do something like this?" the lieutenant asked, stepping closer. They stood only a few meters from the barrier which encompassed the front gates of the school. On the other side, hundreds of students and teachers sat outside, huddled and confused. And even more still were evacuating the building itself. Already their analytical teams were trying to ascertain the exact composition of this barrier to determine the next course of action. He considered using brute force, though he quickly dissuaded himself from such tactics. Such were the ways of his superiors though and rarely has it failed them. Who knows what will happen if they start throwing magic at this barrier, he rather not risk the inhabitants so hastily. His lieutenant Patrice Denoir, a woman a decade his senior and newly appointed, was from the capital. And as a celebrated thaumaturgist, is very familiar with barrier magic and it's differing effects. As she pressed her hand against the smooth outer surface, she recoiled as if touching a hot stove, and had a pale look on her face. Grayson did not like that look at all.

"Don't touch the barrier," a voice, hollow and distant suddenly called for them. Approaching was a woman, perhaps in her mid twenties and obviously a teacher given her attire. Grayson noticed how pale she was, sweat dripping down her face and her uneven breathing. All signs of avra fatigue.

"Identify yourself citizen," he said immediately.

From a small purse at her side, she held up identification given to most instructors of Liberio. She held it at arms length to allow them to inspect it. As Grayson thought, this was the Head Master's daughter, Pheobe Rider. Both had only recently been appointed to Liberio after the previous head master's mysterious injuries.

"Do you have any clue as to what is occurring here?"

"No sir I," she swayed a second, her knees buckling. "I'm sorry. Within this barrier, I believe it's syphoning the avra of all those within it. All the students and faculty reports extreme fatigue. We don't know what or who created this barrier."

"How bizarre," remarked Patrice who withdrew from the barrier. "This barrier is of arcane make, not elemental. It's nature is so . . . perplexing. It will take me significant time to even ascertain what sort of magic could even be effective against it. And even then I'd doubt if we'd have anyone on staff with sufficient power. Should we . . . call in the Madam Fiora after all?"

"Perhaps in due time, but the situation isn't that dire yet," Grayson decided. "Send word to her estate of the situation. But until further development, I wish to dissuade any further chaos. Ms. Rider, I am under the impression that a knight is also trapped within this barrier, correct?"