The Ice Eyed Mage

Chapter 5

The two companions wandered into town the next day, Nysia's human appearance receiving many looks by the menfolk. Even in a t-shirt and jeans, she was a stunning woman. She had pulled her extensively long hair into long pigtails which bounced with each step. No matter how beautiful she was, none dared to call after her due to having Crowley at her side. If there's one person you didn't want to anger it would be your doctor.

They walked into a small clothing store and began to look for female clothing. One of the workers walked up to them to see if she could help. "Ah, Magister Crowley, it's so good to see you. How have you been?" She asked folding her arms around her chest in a way that made her small bust seem bigger. Crowley recognized the woman as one who would often flirt with him, to his annoyance.

"Perhaps. My fiancé here just moved from afar and has very little clothing that suits her. However, she and I are on our way to the capital for some business and need a few things that she could wear as we travel. Things that don't take up so much room in a bag." He smiled sweetly. His words worked as the girl removed her arms, pouted a bit, before pulling a few things off of hangers for Nysia.

The two of them left with two plastic bags full of clothes. Once they returned to his shack, she took an outfit from one of the bags and changed. It did indeed suit her. A simple white puffy-sleeved blouse under a deep blue pinafore which hung to her knees and swayed with her movement. A pair of matching blue ribbons were tied to each pigtail.

"Crowley, why did you tell that girl I was your fiancé?" She asked as she packed her new and old clothes into a backpack.

"Get used to it. If anyone asks, that's what you are if not already my wife. Besides, in a way you are. Even if I become king I'll still need to marry you in order to end this fucking war." He stated, shoving things in a much larger backpack. A blush heavily painted her cheeks. She squeaked loudly as a knock came from his door.

He sighed and opened the door angrily. Once again royal guards stood at his door. He took a deep breath before asking if he could help them. He let his hair fall to his left, keeping his eye out from sight.

"We are sorry for disturbing you, Magister, but since you lived away from the rest of town we wanted to make sure you were alright." The Captain explained.

"Well I'm sorry for making you come all this way but I put up several Anti-Fury barriers around my property after you boys left. I'm quite alright although my wife and I will be leaving tomorrow for the capital. No point staying in a place where we could be harmed, right?" He said, trying to explain why the two of them were packing their things.

"Would you like an escort? One of my boys is headed back anyway." The soldier motioned to a much younger man behind him who looked upset at the older man's words. He wasn't in the usual green uniform, being dismissed most likely.

"Obviously not by his choice." He started, making the soldier chuckle.

"Yes, I'm afraid he might be sick. He sleeps rarely, and when he does he wakes in screams. Maybe you could help him." Crowley looked back at the younger man noticing the deep dark circles under his eyes. With a sigh, he motioned the boy to enter but asked his commanding officer to stay outside, with the excuse that he might feel more comfortable without him there.

The boy's eyes widened at the sight of Nysia but didn't say anything. Once the boy took a seat Crowley gave him a thorough look over. The boy had a mess of curly blonde hair and very pale skin, which was odd for a soldier since most had at least a tan or sunburn. Deep dark brown freckles dotted his upper cheeks and nose. The color of the boy's eyes startled him though, at first glance he thought they were blue but they were actually lavender purple. An idea popped into the mage's head and he checked the boy's ears. Indeed they came up to a delicate point.

"I don't think I've ever seen a half-elf in the human military before. What's your name boy?" The boy cursed under his breath, obviously angered that he was found out.

"Bryn, sir, Bryn Olaris."

"Why would you join our army to fight an allied kingdom, Bryn?" The young half-elf's eyes wandered back to Nysia.

"I didn't join, I was drafted, forced into the force. Now if I may ask you a question. Why do you have the Fury we are looking for in disguise? Why are you helping her?" Nysia stiffened, her eyes widening. She whipped around staring at the boy, surprised.

"I keep forgetting elven eyes can see through even the most powerful of spells. I would rather not go back against a favor, but if you say anything, I might have to kill you." Like the night prior, Crowley summoned a flame to his fingertips.

"Go against a favor?" Bryn asked, unaffected by the flame.

"Yes, an elf by the name Almithara Olaris once saved my life. I owe her a debt I'll never be able to repay."

"Almithara was my mother. She wouldn't have risked her life for just anyone. Tell me why my mother would help you and I might keep her identity to myself." Bryn threatened.

Crowley growled, not wanting to reveal his identity but it was much less risky than hers being revealed. With a hiss, he pulled his hair away from his left eye revealing the icy blue color of human royalty. Bryn's own lavender orbs widened at the sight but nodded and kept quiet.

"Now I'm guessing you've been seeing visions? Almithara was known as a powerful seer." He asked, putting his anger off to the side.

"Yes. I've been having two but only one has been keeping me awake. The first one is a man hidden in shadows with a single glowing blue eye surrounded by scarlet flames as if the flames were protecting him. Seeing the two of you I understand it was referring to you. It's the other one that bothers me.

"In that vision I see two dragons fighting each other and as they fight the land beneath them crumbles into dust. People run away screaming as the world crumbles away. Fire and blood reign and it's terrifying."

"That is what our seer said she saw as well. It was the reason why she sent me here to find Crowley. So that vision won't come true. Now that you know who I am you have to help us." She said flipping him off.

"Well, I have no intention of telling that asshat outside. He's as racist as Nikolai." Bryn huffed.

Crowley rolled his eyes before opening the door again. "We will be taking you up on your offer and would be delighted to take him with us. Thank you for your service sir and good day." With that, he shut the door in the soldier's face before receiving an answer. "Well aren't we a merry bunch, a Fury princess, half-elf soldier, and a fugitive prince mage." Crowley sighed heavily. He finished packing his huge pack.

"If you two are headed out tomorrow, I'll go back to the camp and grab my stuff. I've got a horse as well, although only one, it could come in handy. I'll be back tomorrow at first light." Bryn bowed low before heading out.

"Do you think he'll tell?" Nysia questioned zipping her pack closed, finally completely packed.

"No, from his tone he seems to hate his commanding officer and the rest of the military. Besides he's that woman's son." He said the last bit in a whisper, remembering the beautiful golden elf that had helped him.