We Three Mages (Editing)

Chapter Twenty Nine: Recruited

Night fell shortly after the mages conducted their own raid on the raiders and using the bandit’s equipment, they sat up a camp. They were around the fire, doing their best to take it easy. Mari was eagerly counting the loot they just acquired while Jared answered any questions Devin had about magic. Lieutenant Ross was keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings, as well as their new guest.

“And here I thought I was saved.” Calvin groaned from the tree he was tied to.

“Shh.” Lieutenant Ross glared at him. “Your story is far too convenient for our current situation.”

“Well I’m sorry. But it is the truth,” Calvin pouted. “Not my fault the Eestri Army wanted nothing to do with me.” He looked over to the fire and stared at the mages. “Besides, who are you people anyway? You look like you’re straight out of a story book or something.” Calvin had pale white skin, light brown freckled face and bright red-orange hair. His brown eyes revealed that he was dealing with more than being tied up against his will.

“Not our fault we look like this.” Mari walked up to the teen and knelt down in front of him. “We have two people here who think heroes are the coolest thing around.”

“Hey!” Devin’s head jerked up. “Nadia chose your clothes.”

“I’m buying new ones before we reach Maetic, I look ridiculous.”

“What do you want Ms. Dixen?” Lieutenant Ross asked.

“I’m here to relieve you.” Mari stood up. “Nadia just came back with more firewood and since you won’t let any of us touch the fire…”

“Fine.” Lieutenant Ross headed over to everyone else and Mari simply leaned against the tree and watch Lieutenant Ross take over Jared’ teaching position.

“Your name’s Calvin right?” Mari asked after a few minutes of silence.

“Yeah, and yours?” Calvin raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry pal, you’re not getting that.” Mari kept looking ahead. “The Lieutenant wouldn’t tell us who you are or how you ended up tied up in the back of a bandit’s wagon. Care to share?”

“If I do, can I get your name?” Calvin asked.

“Depends on your story.”

“Good enough.” Calvin took a deep breath in than out. “Since Demintrea decided to start this war, Trajare has begun to gather as many troops as possible to counterattack their invasion so they’ve reached out to their ally, Eestri. Of course Eestri is going to help. Trajare’s been protecting our coasts and people for years and even during this war, they’ve only withdrawn a minimum amount of troops, a couple thousand; which is more than kind. Anyway, Eestri has been funding Trajare and what not, but even if Trajare has the money, what good is money if they don’t have the soldiers?

“So Eestri began to increase their own military, very slowly as to not draw attention from Demintrea or any other county; rather than a draft, it’s a volunteer system, and hundreds sign up for it. I was one of those hundreds. I trained and passed the basics just the same as anyone else, but when it came to the battle training, I washed out big time.”

“How? A country such as yours would take anybody in, magical and non-magical.” Mari looked down at Calvin.

“Well, at first they were thrilled since I am capable of performing magic, unlike a good sixty percent of Eestri residents. But when they found out what type of magic I perform, they kicked me out fast and hard.” Calvin seemed really disappointed over the matter. “I was really looking forward to helping out Trajare and to serve my country.”