Trealm World

Chapter 1: Mage Blood

My parents told me when I was just a five-year-old that our family, the Cierre, had mage blood flowing inside our vein ever since one of my ancestors married to a Seer. Yet, the Cierre never bother to hone their magical potential because there was the family tavern business, the Drunkard Grail, to think about and in this kind of world where material wealth was everything, the Cierre had chosen the tavern. None the less, they could not completely forget about the mage blood for magic could be destructive when left alone. Thus, a tradition had been practiced constituting that every child born to the Cierre had their magic potential sealed upon birth. And I, Edmonte Cierre, was no exception to this rule.

I guessed the family believed that by imposing the seal on our body, our magical ability should be locked somehow. Furthermore, the mage blood trait should be diluted to a mere strain since there was no new case of a Cierre married to another mage or those of mage descendant. Although things sometimes did not go as smoothly as one desired and I definitely did not expect my magic power to grow at all.

I remembered I was eight years old then. It was in the middle of the night and I was jerked awake from my slumber. At first, I had no idea what it was that woke me. My mind was heavy and disoriented so I decided to go back to sleep. Then, I suddenly became aware of a cold, forbidding presence at the window. I directed my gaze there and saw a translucent image of a woman with red eyes just floating there outside the window. I was instantly on my feet and ran towards my parents.

The next day, while I was down with fever on the bed from the shock of seeing the ghost, my parents went to get a warding mage – any normal parents would have gotten a cleric or a healer, yet my parents went to get a warding mage instead because they suspected that my sudden ability to see the ghost had something to do with the seal on me; they thought the seal had lost its effectiveness. My parents had it close but not entirely correct; to be precise, there was a leakage of magic from over excess of mana power, which activated my Second Sight and let me see things that normal people would not be able to see with naked eyes. The warding mage suggested that I should undergo a proper magical training. However, it was against the Cierre tradition to pursue any magical training so my parents just bought me a few sealing accessories to stop the magical leakage and told me to forget about the whole thing.

That was easier said than done. After the incident, it made me wonder if it was right for a mage to seal his power away just because he did not want to make use of it. Moreover, I realized that my mana could grow overtime – I found out about this when I began to feel and see spirits presences around me yet again, regardless the spirits were of the living or the dead. Of course, this time, I did not go off running for my parents because I knew the only thing they would do was to buy me more sealing accessories.

Chapter 2: Apprenticeship

The warding mage words were still echoed in my mind although much time had passed since then. I believed I need magical training to control my growing power, though I knew there would not be any chances for me to be a proper apprentice with a master without my parents consent and they would have a fit if I ever mentioned the matter to them. That was why whenever I had the chance; I spent my time in Bedin National Library to read on matters associated with magic and how to control it.

Well, the library did have something on magic. In fact, I read about the different type of magic branches existed in the world. I also knew the type of magic I was categorized in; I am an Esper with the power of Sight. Unfortunately, they did not have anything on magic control and practice, even after I had read through all the books in the magic section of the library. I was ready to give up and told my parents about my situation when I chanced upon a mage in practice.

It was sundown and I was on my way home from spending the whole afternoon in the library when someone in a black robe in one of the street alleyways caught my attention. I should mind my own business, yet my intuition told me to take a glimpse and maybe I could pick a hint or two for a way to control magic. So, I got slipped in closer in time to see a spirit of a girl before it disappeared.

“Can you actually talk to a ghost?” I asked. The curiosity of a child knew no bound.

The mage just stared at me with widened eyes for a while before he asked, “You can see spirit?”

“I can always see and sense them.”

“I see. What’s your name?”

“Ed.”

“I am Raul and I am a necromancer. Do you know what a necromancer is?”

“Yes. I’ve read about necromancer before; a necromancer is those who study over spirit and matter of the dead,” I recited the words as I had remembered them.

“That’s correct. Well, you can see spirit and that means you have the potential to be a necromancer.”

“I thought I’m just an Esper of Sight; those who can see the unseen.”

“Esper can be trained in other magic branches, such as necromancy. So, want to be my apprentice?”

The offer was good to be true. I could have accepted it there and then if I had forgotten about my family constitution. “Well, I would like to, but my family forbids pursue of magical training so I can’t be your apprentice.”

“Oh,” the necromancer said before he was lost in his own thoughts for a while. “But what do you think? Do you want to train in magic?”

“I want to train in magic,” I said, honestly.

“I can take you as my apprentice.”

“But~”

“Your family doesn’t have to know. We can meet somewhere for an hour or two for your lesson. So, how it is about?”

One should really think hard when making a decision. Even as a child of ten, I knew that making rash decision would only bring regret later in life. Even so I had been searching for a way to control my growing power and here was a mage who wanted to take me as an apprentice. In the end, I just accept the proposal. “Okay.”

We could have talk more about my apprenticeship procedure but now was not the right time to do so – Master Raul had other business to take care of and I was due for home. We agreed to meet again at Bedin National Library by the second bell of the afternoon tomorrow and that was what happened the next day after I had finished my chores at the tavern.

On our second meeting, there was a lot of introduction and insight to be done on each other’s background. I told Master Raul about my family tavern business and the expectation my parents had on me as the only male heir of the Cierre – that meant one day I would become the owner of Drunkard Grail. I need mana for my magical training but to erase the seal completely would raise the suspicion of my parents and who knows what they would do then. Master Raul was not alarmed though. All he had to do was modified the seal a bit to enable me to open or close the seal to let me use my mana when necessary.

Next, we discussed about the lesson. Necromancy was not something a decent mage or any sane person would have chosen because it thread closely to the realm of the forbidden – life and death. In other word, I should be prepared for the treatment I would expect to receive for practicing necromancy and to emphasize this matter, master Raul took me to his dwelling.

I thought he was taking me to some abandon place to show me necromancy technique because he led me to the slum district where most of the unfortunate and the poor people of the society lived and the house that we entered looked rundown and on the verge of collapsing. Yet, I could feel the magic barrier as passed through the gapping doorway and down the basement. It was then I realized the house was just a camouflage to hide the real place at the basement.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” Master Raul said as he lighted a nearby torch and all the other torches lighted by themselves to reveal a room that was divided into different sections by a bunch of screen – the sleeping area, the kitchen, and a sitting area. There were two other doors at the opposite wall from where we were. “This is the common room where I sleep, eat and meet clients who seek necromancy service. The door to the right leads to my study room where I keep my necromancy stuff and the one on the left leads to the working room where I did most of my necromancy practice.”

Then we went to the designated study room, which housed cabinets such lie the ones at the library. The only differences between here and the library was the shelves were lined with jars, pots and chests of varying sizes instead of books. I went to see what Master Raul kept inside those jars and saw eyeballs, ears and other human as well as animals organs. The sight of them sent gasp through my lips.

“Easy there,” the master necromancer said as he held on to my shoulder, as if preventing me from bolting away. “Those animals’ parts I’ve gotten from dead corpses lying around the town. While the human body parts I got from unclaimed body of the dead in the morgue house. I used them for most of the necromancy spell. That is to say, practicing necromancy means we often have to go beyond the normal means to accomplish something. Do you understand?”

I did not answer immediately. I did not know what to say actually. Then I realized something strange since Master Raul started explaining the matter of necromancy. “Do you want me to reconsider this apprenticeship in necromancy?”

It seemed I was correct in my suspicion. “Necromancy is very hard to practice, either in its philosophy or its techniques. It can be unethical and immoral on certain aspect of life so I really want you to think about your decision to study necromancy. I can introduce you to some mage friends if you rather practice other magic.”

Master Raul had not understood my determination and now would be the right time to clear the misunderstanding so the same thing would not happen again in the future. “Master Raul, I’ve told you just yesterday that I read about necromancy in the library and judging from how little I could find, it tells me it’s not something any mage would practice or that there are taboos undisclosed to the general public. So when I agree to be your apprentice, I already prepare myself of the consequences. Well, are you going to teach me necromancy or not?”

At first, Master Raul just looked at me without saying anything. Then he burst into laughter. “Well, my eager pupil let me tell you the rules and fundamentals of necromancy for a start…”

For the first month or two, Master Raul only taught me the theoretical aspects of necromancy because it was important that I understood them before I did my application, in term of practical and spell casting. For that I had the option of reading through Master Raul’s necromancy books and scroll, or copy them in my own magic reference book. I chose the second option because I was not confident to take his book home and I learnt better and faster if I wrote what I need to learn. Although I never thought my magic book would become the very thing that exposed my secret to my family.

By then, nearly two years had passed by and I had graduated from mere theoretical necromancy to doing some simple necromancy spells and techniques. Even simple incantation should be done correctly since necromancy spell return to the caster if there was a slightest mistake in the process, thus in between chores, I would open up my magic book and revised my notes. I was so engrossed in my reading that I did not hear my father’s calling until he came and grabbed the book from my hand. Seeing the book in his hand, I predicted doom.

“What is this?” my father asked, waving the book in the air. There was unmistakable anger behind those words.

“It’s my magic book,” I answered honestly.

“…Magic book? Why would you have a magic book with you?”

“Well, because I learning to control my magic ability.”

That does it. For the next three hours, I got an ear-splitting lecture emphasizing the Cierre Family constitution concerning magic training. It was a good thing I did not specify which magic branch I was training on or I would get more than just a recollection of the family constitution. The worst case that came out of the lecture was to have my magic book thrown into the fire. My father said he would pardon me and excuse me from any punishment if I vowed never to pursue any magical training ever. However, I refused to heed the words – I had spent a lot of time and effort on my magical training and my determination to master necromancy left no room for a change of heart. For my insolence, my father gave me the ultimatum; disowned from the Cierre.

“If you refuse to follow the Cierre Family Constitution, than consider yourself a Cierre no more. I won’t acknowledge you as my son and a member of this family. Now get out!!”

My father did not have to repeat his words for I was already on my way towards the door, ignoring my mother, my sisters and the customers who witnessed the whole scene. I did not take anything with me except the clothes on my back and the few change in my pocket. I had just one destination in mind as I briskly walk through the street.

Master Raul was surprised when he saw me outside his place that evening. He invited me in and as soon as I got myself a seat, I told him everything leading to my presence here at his place. “So, can I stay here for a while until I found my own place?”

“Of course, you can. In fact, this is what it should be the moment I claim you my apprentice. I see you didn’t bring anything with you?”

“There was no time to get my stuff and my father threw my magic book into the fire. Can I copy your book again?”

“Sure. We’ll talk about this matter tomorrow. I’m just making dinner and I’m sure you’re hungry.”

I nodded in reply and helped myself with the simple meal.

Chapter 3: The Second Calling

Since I took shelter at Master Raul’s place, my lifestyle changes drastically; I used to wake up early to help with the kitchen work – that was my usual chores at the tavern that run twenty-four-hour daily, now I woke up to help Master Raul prepared breakfast before I took over the task as I grew accustomed with my new lifestyle. After breakfast, it was training all the way to the night with lunch and dinner break in between. My understanding and practice on necromancy also improved many times over and even Master Raul was impressed with my progress. Thus, he let me assist when people came seeking his service.

In truth, I had a personal opinion having people coming to seek service of something they considered taboo, like curses and stuff, but I never voiced it out either to Master Raul or other people because this was the only way a full-fledged necromancer supported himself. In exchange for a certain amount of gold coins, a necromancer would do whatever a client requested in the field of necromancy – from investigating spirit phenomenon to inflicting curses to hated adversary. As Master Raul liked to say, ‘Someone needs to do the dirty job’

. Anyway, it was not my place to critique something I would be doing once I graduated and for now I concentrated on my training, and assist Master Raul in any way that I could, just liked when the time when a pair of trooper from Estrey Regional Trooper came calling.

I was reviewing on a spell when the bell by the main door jingled. It meant that someone or something had entered the barrier – either a client or an intruder. Setting aside the magic book I was holding, I went out of the door and up the basement stair to meet with a pair of trooper halfway. I recognized one of them as Master Raul’s acquaintances.

“Morning, Ed. Raul’s around?” Ashley Luciel, a Lieutenant of Estrey Regional Trooper, greeted.

“Morning, Lieutenant Luciel. Yes, master is around. Come on down,” I invited as I led them both to the underground dwelling. Lieutenant Luciel seemed at ease but his partner was otherwise; nervous at entering a necromancer’s lair. Well, it was nothing new to me.

As soon as we entered the basement, I invited both men to sit on the few chairs we had around and then I served them tea regardless they drink it or not. Then, I went to the study room to inform Master Raul about his guests. I let Master Raul took over the task of entertaining the troopers as I went back to my reading, although that was short lived when Master Raul informed me that we would be going to the trooper headquarter for a while.

On the way to our destination, Master Raul briefed me on what I missed; the trooper had captured an agent of a syndicate group which had caused trouble in Estrey and so far, they could not get any information from the person so they enlisted Master Raul’s assistant in forcing any information out of the prisoner’s mouth using necromancy means. Well, we did have something like that and it was what the trooper usually asked for when they came seeking for necromancy service from Master Raul.

Once we reached the headquarters, Lieutenant Luciel continued to lead us through the place and down to the catacombs where they housed the prisons and interrogation rooms. We passed through a few hallways until we reached a room guarded by a pair of trooper and a warding talisman plastered on the door. As the door was opened to let us in, I sensed presences of spirit unfamiliar to me. I turned to Master Raul for this but it was as if he did not notice the presences as he entered the room.

There were seven people in the room with one of them behind the small cell at the opposite wall section. Master Raul was taken to be introduced to the other while I just stood aside to scan the whole room with both my eyes and my magical senses. I pin-pointed the unfamiliar spirit presences in two places – the mercenary who was currently talking with Master Raul, and the man behind the cell. Ignoring the mercenary, I turned my attention to the prisoner.

From my study of spirit in necromancy, spirit did not entangle together under normal circumstances because there was the individuality trait existed in every living and dead spirit which prevent a total fusion between different spirit. However, the way I sensed it, that unfamiliar spirit was enclosing the man’s spirit so I used necromancy to confirm it.

“What’s the matter, Ed?” Master Raul called out.

“Master Raul, there is another spirit caging the man’s spirit,” I told.

“Let me check,” Master Raul said and did so. “I can’t sense nor see that other spirit. Are you sure it’s there?”

“Yes. It’s not like any of the spirit we’ve come across before.”

“Then my suspicious is correct,” another voice joined in. It was from the mercenary. “You must’ve sensed the demon-spirit within the man. I already notice its presence when I enter this room but I could not differentiate if the demon-spirit is the man’s guardian or the one in control of the host body. So you say the demon-spirit caged the man’s spirit, eh?”

“Yes,” I said, although I had no idea what he meant by demon-spirit or what.

“Dane, if you please,” the mercenary said to the other mange in the room who nodded and began chanting an incantation which encircled the prisoner in a light barrier. Then, the mercenary positioned himself in front of the prisoner. “Now, who are you?”

“Lindsay…,” the prisoner began to say only to be cut off by the mercenary.

“I’m not talking about the host’s identity; I want to know yours.”

The prisoner was silence for a while and when he did answer, his voice was quite different from the one used before. “Please, don’t kill me and let me be in this body. I’m going to borrow this body until I can find a way to return to my world.”

“I’m not going to let you do that unless he is really your master. Beside, there has never been any case of demon-spirit returning to their realm. I should know because my clan has been living with demon-spirit for centuries.”

“But if I leave this body, I might disintegrate into nothingness.”

“Who told you that?”

“The man who summons me into this world told me.”

“That’s totally absurd. You can’t kill a demon-spirit unless you destroy its essence and nobody has the power to do that so can you release the man now? I promise not to harm you if you do that.”

The demon-spirit was quiet for a while before he agreed to release the man. First, a white light engulfed the man, then, when the light disappeared; the man slumped to the floor unmoving. The mercenary informed the other that the demon-spirit had gone out of the prisoner’s body and one of the guards went to check the prisoner’s pulse to see if the man was still alive. There was a pulse and with that the current situation came under control or so I thought.

“Hey, kid. Thanks for helping out,” the mercenary told me. “I’m Kasheel of Zamos Clan, currently with Mecor. You can call me Kash. What’s your name?”

“Edmonte – Ed for short. I’m a necromancer trainee.”

“You seem to be able to sense demon-spirit or are that part of necromancy?”

“No, we don’t have that kind of technique nor spell in necromancy,” Master Raul supplied. “You think he has potential to be a demon-bearer?”

“Let’s see…Say, can you see my demon-spirit?” Kash turned back to me.

I let my gaze wonder to where I could sense the two demon-spirits – Yes, I could sense two demon-spirits with the mercenary. I used necromancy to heighten my senses. However, all I could muster was their presences and not their physical materialization. “No, I can only sense their presence there,” I told as I pointed to the place where I suspected them to be.

Kash was silent. “Well, I guess being a necromancer makes you very sensitive to spirit presences including those of demon-spirit.”

I did not reply. In truth, I did not know how to reply back. I had no idea what those demon-spirit or demon-bearer were all about and I did not remember if I ever came across them during my research on magic back then. Fortunately, I was spare the need to answer when Master Raul voiced his desired to return home. Thus, after bidding everyone farewell, we went out of Estrey Regional Troop Headquarter.

Master Raul did not talk about what happened a few moments ago. We usually did not talk about any business or task that we had just accomplished because it was no use dwelling on the past. Master Raul also did not mentioned about the demon-spirit stuff either because he chose not to discuss the matter, or he lacked the knowledge on the matter. Either way, it had nothing to do with me nor necromancy anyway since I probably would not encounter matter concerning demon-spirit again. Of course, one could not predict the future and I could not have guess I would be meeting another demon-spirit that would became my own.

At that time, Master Raul was away out of Bedin on business and I was left alone to take care of the house and to receive any request from client. Master Raul also left me with a long list of instruction on my magic training and I was busy copying notes when I felt a distortion on the barrier Master Raul put around the premise. Strange enough, the bell did not jingle to announce the presence so I went up to see what was going on.

The silence of night greeted me when I reached up the stair. I noticed shadow scurrying around outside my field of vision though I ignored them. My main aim was to find out about the presences which now I could identify as the same type as the one back at the trooper headquarters. I went towards the direction of the presences in one of the rooms and was not expected to see what I was about to see; there was a swarm of butterflies in the room – there were not normal butterflies because they were glowing and their silver and gold streak black wings were sprinkling gold dust as they flapped around. The sight of them stunned me where I stood until a voice spoke in my mind.

“Are you the master of this place?” the voice was coming from one butterfly which was bigger then the other – its body was one foot long and its wings spanned as wide as the window frame. I could even see its beady amber eyes.

“No, this is my master place though our dwelling is just in the basement. Are you a demon-spirit?”

“Yes, these are my children. Is it fine for us to stay here? There’s no other place which can accommodate my big family?”

“It’s actually not my place to discuss this but I’m sure my master would not mind. He won’t notice you guys anyway. Just don’t ever wander down to the basement. Okay?”

“Yes, and thank you,” the demon-spirit agreed, so I returned back downstairs.

The conversation with the demon-spirit was rather short. I could have ask more about matter concerning demon-spirit but at that time I was concern more about my training in necromancy. Moreover, the incident that night should have told me something about my potential as a demon-bearer. Well, nobody could understand something they were not familiar with, right? That was until Lieutenant Luciel came looking for me for a bit of an assistance.

Right; Lieutenant Luciel did not ask for Master Raul, he asked for me. Master Raul just let me go with the trooper without much protest. I thought we were going to the trooper headquarters but that was not the case. In fact, Lieutenant took me to a deeper section of the slum district to another dilapidated house no different than that of Master Raul’s. We entered the house and I saw four other people with an older one inside a ward circle. I recognized Dane and Kash while the other young man was undoubtedly a demon-bearer judging from the sight of a glowing white wolf by his side.

“Ed, can you check him?” Kash asked, straight to the point as he pointed the man in the ward circle.

I did and told him the result. “Yes, he’s the same as the other one.”

“Right…,” Kash said as he turned towards the man for the interrogation. However, before he could proceed with it, the man began to struggle and a black mist engulfed him. Once the most disappeared, what stood in the man’s place was a creature with a bird’s head and a bulky man’s body.

I found out that when a demon-spirit assimilated with its host, it would lose its ability of invisibility. Now, it could be see even by Lieutenant Luciel and Dane. It could also be susceptible to normal attacks as it was bounced back by the barrier I erected around myself when it tried to charged me – I was probably the weakest one there and it chose me as first victim. The white wolf and Kash’s pair of horned wolves took the opportunity to pounce on the creature and tore it with claws and fangs until the creature ceased moving.

“So that’s what happen when a demon-spirit taken over a body,” I said.

“Yes, it’ll devour the host spirit. Don’t worry; it won’t happen under normal circumstances. By the way, my name’s Kyle. So you’re the necromancer named Ed who got potential to be a demon-bearer.”

“Kyle, he’s not a demon-bearer. He can only sense their presences,” Kash interjected.

“Are you sure? Can you see my demon-spirit, boy?” Kyle asked me and my gazed turned instantly to the white wolf.

“Why does your white wolf doesn’t have horns like Kash’s brown wolves?” I asked instead.

“What? You can see them now?” Kash asked in surprised.

“I think his ability just awakened when you met him,” Kyle told the mercenary. “You see, demon-spirit could be categorized into two: Noble and Royal. Noble is when they materialized into one type of animal, while Royal is when they materialized into a combination of two or many types of animals. Anyway, Ed, you’re definitely a demon-bearer so have you ever seen any other demon-spirit lately?”

“Not that I’ve noticed,” I answered.

“Well, if you ever found yourself being follows persistently by a demon-spirit, it might be that it wants to have you as master.”

“Okay…, but why would I want to have a demon-spirit anyway?”

My question silenced Kyle for a while. He took a glance at Kash who shrugged in reply. “I guess different people have different reason to acquire a demon-spirit. I have mine to stop other demon-spirit from pestering me relentlessly,” Kyle said.

“Eh?” I got confused over his words.

“Kyle has a rare ability to attract demon-spirit. In fact he got himself three Nobles to guard him,” Kash explained. “As for me, the clan where I came from co-existed with demon-spirits for centuries and generations so it’s kind of a tradition for clansman to bond with a demon-spirit. I’ve mine when I was twelve.”

“That is to say, I can choose not to form any bond with any demon-spirit?” I came to that conclusion after hearing their explanation, which brought another silence to both Kash and Kyle. “Well, if there’s nothing more, I would like to return to Master Raul’s place,” I informed.

“Wait,” Lieutenant Luciel said as he fumbled with the pouch attached to his belt and produced two pieces of gold coins from it. “Thank you for the service.”

Of course, every service called for a payment though I did not think I did anything worth paying for. “You know, I didn’t do any necromancy service for you so you don’t have to pay me anything at all,” I told, still weighing whether to take the coins or not.

“I did seek your assistance. Beside, your master would ask the reason why you return empty handed,” the trooper reasoned. Master Raul would do no such thing because he already knew the trooper came for my demon-spirit sensing ability else he would have asked me to bring along necromancy tools and the price for the service should have been discussed beforehand.

“Then, I’ll take this as a sign of goodwill,” I said before I bid them farewell.

Back at Master Raul’s place, I just reported that my task was a success and gave him the two gold coin pieces payment to his surprised. Then, I went back to my training. After that, I was called a few times to assist Mecor and Estrey Regional Trooper which somewhat changed my view on the bond between demon-bearer and their demon-spirits – from the cooperation of Kash and Kyle with their demon-spirits. And I wondered why a demon-spirits would want to bond with a master when they could roam free without being disturbed. I asked that to the closest demon-spirit I knew.

“Mana is our source of living. Although we didn’t need a lot of it, it still essential for survival. That’s why we need to find places with magic residue. Those with master can take mana from their master,” the matriarch butterfly explained when I asked her about it. Indeed, even demon-spirit had different gender.

I hoped the swarm of demon-spirits here did not take the strength of the barrier of the premise when they feed. Although I did not think these butterflies knew they were feeding on working magic rather than a magical residue. I had to do something before matter became worst. “How about you bond with me and you don’t have to worry about magic residue stuff,” I offered.

“If I bond with you, my children and I would be feeding on your mana.”

“No worry. It’s not like I need my magic power every time. Besides, I have a huge reserve under my seal. So what do I need to do?”

“Hold out your right hand and accept me as your guardian.”

The procedure was simple enough although nobody told me about the bonding signature between the demon-bearer and the demon-spirit. I was gasping for breath for a few moments from the burning sensation at the back of my neck while the demon-spirit who introduced herself as Iris told me now I could command her and her children to do any bidding. Well, there was nothing for them to do for me now so I let them stay as they were at the room.

Nevertheless, my life did not differ that much since I acquired a demon-spirit. Even when I brought two of Iris’ brood with me when Mecor and the trooper asked for assistance, they were nothing more than watchers, though Kash told me that the demon-spirits I had could poison adversary with their poisonous dust. One day, Kash came to tell me they were going to attack the heart of the crisis once and for all and offered me to go with them. I refused kindly because I wanted to concentrate on my training. After that, I did not hear anything about them until the end of the campaign a few months later.

Chapter 4: Land of the Magus

I had no idea how long a mage let need to train before being called full-fledged. I had read all of Master Raul’s notes on necromancy and perfected my necromancy techniques under his tutelage, and a week after I celebrated my sixteenth birthday, Master Raul announced that he had nothing more to teach me and deemed me graduated from the level of apprentice. That night, we had a fine dinner to celebrate my graduation.

Afterwards, Master Raul gave me a few presents; a parchment stating I already finished my apprenticeship and I am now a full-fledged necromancer, a six-foot black oaken staff shod with iron in its base and end points, a black robe, and a small chest containing small jars and pots of necromancy potions and materials. He also gave me my share of profit throughout the years I became his assistant in his work in the form of two pouches of gold coins, the size of a man’s fist each. We reminiscences on my days as apprentice before he asked me what I wanted to do in the future.

“First, I want to go to the Land of the Magus,” I told.

“Soparto?”

Soparto Kingdom was known as the Land of the Magus because it was where magic was first introduced and acknowledged. The kingdom also ruled by long line of rulers who practiced magic. In my opinion, any mages born outside Soparto should visit the land once in their lifetime.

“Yes, I’ll pick up my pace from there.”

“So when are you heading for Soparto?”

“The sooner I realize my dream, the sooner I can get on with my life.”

“Well, I know you never leave Estrey Region, much less Bedin so I suggest you follow anyone bound for Kyrun, the port city of the region, and from there, board a ship to Islandville, the Capital City of Soparto Kingdom…Maybe I should go with you…,” Master Raul offered.

“No, that’s okay. You have the necromancy business to mind and I need to learn to survive on my own, and what better time than this?”

“If that’s what you want…If you change your mind, you know where to find me,” Master Raul said and that end our conversation.

The next morning, after having breakfast with Master Raul, I bid him farewell and walked out of the place which I called home for nearly half a decade. Master Raul told me to find people bound for Kyrun and the best place to search for these people were likely the tavern and eating houses. Of course, I knew success would not come that easily and I had been going to a lot of places – avoiding the Drunkard Grail – with no avail. I purposely did not don my necromancer robe but I guessed being young and inexperienced with travelling lore made my request being turned down even though I found a few group of people heading for Kyrun after that.

I never though to meet an old acquaintance, especially Kash; the moment I entered the dining house, a familiar presence struck me so I scanned the whole place and noticed Kash sitting at the bar counter. His demon-spirit informed him of me for the young man whirl around his seat to face me as I walked towards him.

“Hey, Ed, long time no see,” Kash greeted as I took the empty seat beside him and place my stuff by my feet – well, I need to carry all my stuff around now that I did not lived with Master Raul.

“Hello,” I greeted back before I turned to the bartender to order my meal. “I heard the campaign against the troublemaker in Medie a success so everything gone back to normal then?”

“Pretty much though there are some wanted fugitives on the loose but I don’t think they’ll make a move whatsoever to repeat the crisis. Mm…, Ed, don’t you feel bother by them?”

“Bother by what?”

“Well, you’ve mentioned that the two you have with you that time just part of the horde, I didn’t expect this much. You know you could have leaved them at your master’s place,” Kash said and it was then I realized he was talking about my demon-spirits. Normal people would not notice the butterflies but a demon-bearer could see a swarm of them clinging on my heads, clothes as well as my stuff – I got used to them so I was not actually bother by the huge mass.

“It’s not bothersome. Besides, I’m going to Soparto so I can’t leave anyone behind.”

“You’re doing errand for your master?”

“Nope, I’ve just graduated from my apprenticeship and I’m thinking of visiting Soparto first before I move on. Master Raul advice to tag along with people bound for Kyrun since I don’t have travelling experience and I’ve been doing search for one since this morning with no success. I’m going to continue again after lunch.”

“If he’s so concern about travelling experience, shouldn’t he be the one to train you in that?”

“Ah, Master Raul did offer but I decide that I’m going to learn things by myself.”

“I see. Then, would you mind if I show you the finer points of travelling?”

“Really? Thank you!”

After I had finished my meal, Kash took me to scoop around for travelling kit. At the same time, he taught me what to bring for different travelling situation and different length of travelling as well as travelling during different weather condition. The fastest mode of travelling would be upon horse back but I probably would not be able to afford a horse, least of all to ride or rented one. When I had finished by a few essential travelling kits – must mind the amount of money I had – it was already sundown so Kash took me to where he was lodging for the night and he continued to teach me the lore of travelling all throughout the night. The next day, after we had our breakfast, we began our journey for Kyrun.

It took a few days to travel from Bedin to Kyrun and I had the chance to experienced sleeping out including one under a bad weather – I felt sorry for Iris and her brood for this and I make them a makeshift tent to shelter them from the rain the whole night. Kash told me that frequent travelers usually wait for good weather before they set on the road but it was also a good idea to experience bad weather once in a while so that one could knew what to do and what to expect in such condition. Besides, weather condition could change in a span of a day while travelling so it was always hard to expect a good weather for travelling.

Well, it was not just the weather we had to worry about; there was also the problem of bandits and wild animals. That was the main reason for the need of travelling escort fighters or at least knowledge in fighting. I kept this information at the back of my mind for future reference.

It was dawn of the third day when we caught sight of Kyrun – Kash roused me from my slumber to let me see the flame tower which served to guide ship to the port city. It was a little speck of orange light from where we were and I could not imagine how a ship could see it at all. Anyway, when the sky was lighted enough, we made our way to Kyrun without having our breakfast because that would be our first agenda once we arrived at the port city.

I could have asked Kash to accompany me all the way to Islandville of Soparto and back but I held my tongue from voicing such request and Kash did not offer me his assistance as well so when breakfast ended, we went on our separated ways. Kyrun was a whole new place for me and I could have tour the place before I set for Soparto. Yet, I was thinking that I would be coming back to the place anyway so I went straight to the harbor to book myself a passage to Islandville. Luckily, I got one that left within an hour so I paid the ticket and board the ship.

My first sailing on a ship was normal and peaceful. Throughout the one week journey, I spent most of my time in the sleeping quarter reviewing my magic book or playing with Iris and her brood. Sometimes when the sea was smooth, I spent a few hours on the deck, savoring the feel of the breeze on my face. When I found myself on land again, I was thinking of booking a passage on a ship that would go through bad weather just to elevate the boredom of sailing.

According to Kash, the first thing a traveler should do when arriving at a new town was to secure the lodging issue so I went about Islandville looking for a cheap yet decent place to stay. After scouting around and talking to the locals, I finally found one. When I get my room, I went about setting barrier and wards so that nobody would come stealing my stuff. Iris and most of the other butterflies decided to stay behind so I only had a few of the butterflies with me as I began my sight-seeing.

Islandville was really different from than Bedin of Estrey Region. Not only the buildings were structured differently, the sight of the society here also far from what I could see of the capital city of Estrey Region – more people wore robes here than in Bedin. Besides, the influence of magic usage was quite strong here with most of its premises boasted warding spell and other protective magic; definitely the Land of Magus. From the inn where I lodged, I followed down the street and looked at any and every interesting sight along the way. An hour of walking and I chanced upon a commotion.

At first I had no idea what was going as some people came running from in front followed by some people shouting ‘Danger!’ and ‘Out of the way!’. Curious onlookers including myself did not heed the call and went to see what the commotion was all about. Walking a little bit and I saw the cause: a man was swinging around an ornamented sword, near to a stall which displayed antiques goods. Moreover, from the sword, I could sense an evil spirit. That was to say, the man was being controlled by the sword. I could mind my own business and let the local authority control the situation but I could not let an evil spirit loose either.

Ignoring the other people around me, I stepped forward and hold out one hand towards the direction of the enraged man. Then, I chanted a spell which paralyzed the man – actually, it was a spell to lock the spirit of the dead. While the man was immobilized, I drew nearer and took the sword from him. Instantly, the man slumped to the ground, unconscious.

“Someone takes this man to a healer,” I said to no particular person before I turned my attention to the sword and put another layer of spirit-binding spell on it. While I was doing that, a pair of knight came into the scene.

“Disperse! Disperse!” one of the knights said while the other one went towards my direction.

“Well, it seems everything is under control so can you tell me what’s happened?” the other knight asked me.

“I also don’t know what has happened. When I come here, I saw that man was being possessed by the evil spirit from the sword so I bind the spirit so that it won’t possessed anyone who touches the sword. Here you go,” I wanted to give the sword back to the dealer who backed away, not wanting to touch the sword. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“You can take it,” the dealer said.

“Sorry but a mage like me have no use for a sword like this. You guys want it?” I turned towards the knight.

“Uh…You can keep it,” the knight said before he turned to join his partner in inquiring the other bystanders.

Obviously, they all afraid of the sword although I already bind the evil spirit with a double binding spell. It seemed like the sword stuck with me until I found a way to get rid of it, although I could not carry it around with the blade showing. Sighing, I turned to the dealer. “Do you have a scabbard?”

“I’ll go and see. In the meantime, can you check if any of the other wares are dangerous? I don’t want the same thing happening again. It’s bad for business,” the dealer said before he went to look for the scabbard. I did as he requested and found none of the other hazardous though a few were possessed with spirit, which I did not tell the dealer when he came back with the scabbard.

I guessed the other vendors along the street saw what happened and asked me to have a look at their merchandize of weapons, armors, trinkets and all sort of stuff to see whether any spirit dwell in them. After being approached for the eighth time, without making progress with my sight-seeing, I finally told the vendors that I was going to charge them some money if they approach with their request. The fact of spending their money on intangible stuff stopped them from approaching me so I was able to enjoy the remainder of the day without much hassle. It was already sundown when I got back to the inn.

My plan was to spend two days sight-seeing and another to think about my future – whether to follow Master Raul’s footstep by selling necromancy goods and service, or seek solace to practice necromancy to a higher level somewhere. Anyway, I still got one more day to enjoy so after breakfast, I continued the sight-seeing, this time taking the opposite street from yesterday. Luckily, there was no commotion to disrupt my peace and I could enjoy my time all throughout the morning. When noon came, I went to have a meal at one of the street café.

“Excuse me, young man?” someone greeted so I turned towards the direction of the voice to see an old man in his late fifties or sixties, clad in a richly embroider white and gold robe. Behind him were the two knights from yesterday.

“Can I help you with anything, sir?” I asked.

“Are you the young man who helps the antique seller down by the Merchant Street yesterday?”

“Yes, that was probably me. My name’s Edmonte and I am a necromancer from Estrey,” I introduced. “If you don’t mind me eating my lunch while we talk, you can have the seat,” I invited.

“Thank you,” the old man said and sat on the chair opposite of mine. “Let me introduce myself; my name is Olsen Hirscher, Arch mage of Soparto.” I almost choke on the cider I was drinking when I heard his title. I might be a country bumpkin but I knew the title of the advisor to the ruler of Soparto in matter of magic. That was why he was richly clothed. I wondered if I did something wrong to bring the arch mage towards my attention. After all, I did not know much about Soparto and its law. “I’m sorry if I surprise you. You see, I establish Magus Association roughly a year ago. It is an institute for those who want to learn magic and I’ve been looking for capable mages to join the rank of tutor. I’ve heard you’re a mage so I want to invite you to join Magus Association.”

“I must remind you, sir, that I practice necromancy.”

“Necromancy is also part of magic practices and people have the liberty to choose which magic branches they want to practice.” Indeed. I chose to practice necromancy despite my ability of Second Sight could be used for other magic practice.

“What can the Magus Association do for me in exchange for the service?”

“You will have your own place for sleep, research and study. We will support all living and research expenses as long as you’re with Magus Association. And you don’t have to search far and wide to find your apprentice. We can discuss any other additional benefits if it’s within our power to do so. If you agree with these conditions, you can come to the Magus Association Institute at the Uptown Section of Islandville with this,” the arch mage said as he handed me a leather-bound parchment. “I’ll be expecting you anytime,” he added before he went away from there, followed by the two knights.

I was left alone to enjoy my meal and to ponder on the matter afterwards.

I kept telling myself that I was going to return the parchment to the arch mage as I made my way to the institute the next day. I spent the whole night thinking the matter over, weighing the pros and cons of accepting the offer. In the end, I still had not come to the conclusion because a part of me still not confident enough to teach new apprentice necromancy when I was just an apprentice myself not so long ago. Yet, here I was on the way to Magus Association Institute in my black robes and with staff.

Arch mage Hirscher told me he was still looking for tutors for Magus Association so I assumed the institute was still in the process of establishment, I did not expect it to be in full operation when I arrived at the three stories building which was as big as the Estrey Regional Troop Headquarter, and the compound was surrounded by nearly five foot tall stone wall. There was a huge label ‘Magus Association Institute’ chiseled above the open gate. I went to the guard stand to announce presence as well as intention of coming here – I doubted the place was as laid-back as it seemed with no protective wards against intruder.

“Mm, excuse me,” I greeted, catching on the attention of mage knight who was in the guard hut.

“You seek magic training, kid?” the mage knight began to asked until he saw that I was wearing a black robe. “What business do you have here, Necromancer?” he asked, with a tone of suspicious behind those words.

His change of manner after realizing that I was a necromancer somehow gave me an insight of how my life could be if I stay in the institute. The arch mage might not mind my presence but who knows what other thought of me, and obviously this man had a dislike of necromancer. At that point, I came to a conclusion regarding the matter of Magus Association – I would never succeed being a tutor here.

“None with you, that’s for sure. I just want to check how’s Magus Association is all about before I take up Arch mage Hirscher’s offer of being a tutor here, but I see my presence is not welcome so will you be kind enough to give this back to the arch mage?” I asked as I produced the letter of appointment and gave it to the knight.

“Where did you get this?”

Obviously, he would not believed it even when I told him that the arch mage gave it to me himself but I did not want to start a useless debate here and caused myself a headache so I reminded the mage knight to hand over the document to the arch mage before I walked away from there. I might have not realized it but I subconsciously expect the tolerance of those in the Soparto towards necromancer to be a bit different. After all, this was the Land of the Magus. Yet, the stigma was still the same. Somehow, I longed for Estrey now. In fact, the moment I reached the inn, I checked out and booked passage back to Kyrun.

Chapter 5: Journey On

After that incident at the Magus Association Institute, I vowed never to accept any offer from the arch mage again in term of being a tutor there, least of all, stepping on Islandville ever again. Of course, I was not so crushed that I would seek recluse. In fact, I began selling out necromancy service; much liked what Master Raul did for living. The pace was rather slow at first but the momentum pick up after a few week or so. Moreover, I did not just stay at Kyrun; for the next few months after that, I travelled up and down Estrey Region selling my service. I guessed that was why it took time for the agent of Magus Association to find me. By then, a year and a half had passed since my graduation.

I was in Joarna investigating a case of a person being possessed by a dead animal. Cleansing or exorcising a person should be the work of a cleric but the family of the possessed did not have the time and money to call for one. All that I could do was transfer the spirit from the person to a straw doll and bind the spirit there until I found a cleric to banish the spirit. The family gave me a piece of bun as payment – the payment I ask would vary depending on the wealth status of the client. It was then one of the butterflies that I placed at the inn I was staying informed me of people looking for me. Bidding the farmer and his family farewell, I made my way to the inn.

The innkeeper told me I had visitors waiting at the dinning room so I went straight to the designated place to see a mage knight and a pair of boys, although one of them was just a spirit.

“Master Edmonte, my name is Bartholomew and I am a Mage Knight currently attach to the Magus Association,” the young mage knight, who was clad in a light armor, introduced himself when he saw me entering. “This is Gabriel…”

“I don’t do exorcism,” I told outright.

“What? Ah, you’ve notice Theodore.”

“Theodore?”

“He’s Gabriel twin.”

“So, what does the association wants me to do with the boys? You can’t possibly want me to teach them necromancy, do you?”

“Precisely.”

“I’m sure the association has other residence necromancer to tutor them. Or is there any special case I need to be aware of?”

“First of all, Arch mage Hirscher wants to apologize for bringing this matter to you even though you’re not part of Magus Association but he hopes that you won’t turn down the offer since the residence necromancer and other mages in residence don’t wants to take chance to train them anything in the lore of magic. Will you take them?”

I had no problem taking Gabriel and train him the lore of necromancy, though I had no idea what to do with Theodore. Of course, I also suspected that they would be inseparable and if I want to take one, I also need to take the other. “Sure I can take them and train them the lore of necromancy but they also have to decide for themselves whether they want to be taught by me or not.” I turned towards the boys. “My master taught me that any full-fledged mages have the obligation to train potential mages in the lore of magic but I am a necromancer who travel places to sell my skill so if you guys don’t mind travelling different places with me, I will be glad to share my necromancy knowledge with you two. How about it? Do you want to be my apprentices?”

The boys did not answer immediately. The two of them were lost in their own private discussion. I did not blame them for taking time to decide. If I were to be rejected so many times, I would be wary of an offer too. After ten minutes or so, Gabriel spoke up, “Okay.”

“Then I’ll leave them in your care, Master Edmonte,” the mage knight bowed towards me before excusing himself from there.

“Well, let’s go up to my room and I’ll tell you a bit about necromancy,” I told them as I stood up and lead the way to my room.

Telling them about necromancy reminded me of my days with Master Raul. I showed them the kind of materials to be used in a necromancy spell and even showed a simple necromancer technique. If they were impressed or bored by the demonstration, they did not show it – their faces were expressionless the whole time. After dinner, I let the boys had an early shutter while I thought of the lesson plan before I took the bed myself.

“Master, the spirit boy is standing by your bedside,” Iris jerked me awake.

“What’s the matter, Theo? You can’t sleep?” I asked when I opened my eyes to see the ghostly boy. I wondered if he could speak by himself since the whole time since I met them, it was Gabriel, or Gaby, who took the helm in talking. At this time, Gaby was deeply asleep from the sound of his breathing.

“Why do you agree to take us in? You don’t have the obligation to follow that arch mage’s words. You didn’t even belong to the Magus Association,” Theo retorted.

“I’m not following’s anyone’s order. It’s what I’ve decided myself. Besides, you yourself choose to become your brother’s power so can we stop this conversation, yes?”

“…So, you knew?”

“I didn’t notice at first but I’m very sensitive in term of spirit, either of the dead or the living, or those of mage and not. Thus, I could distinguish that you have more potential but since you’re just a spirit, you can’t do much so you share that power with your brother. Correct?”

“You knew and you still…”

“Theo, I’m taking you two in as my apprentices. I’m going to train you two in the lore of necromancy for the next few years and we can discuss this matter again after you two graduate. For now, get some sleep. Okay?”

Theo did not sound convinced yet he agreed to end the conversation and went to where Gaby was. In truth, I had no concrete answer to his question except I remembered Master Raul’s words about a full-fledged mage’s obligation to potential mages. Well, I had years to think of the answer and for now sleep beckoned.

Chapter 6: After Power Comes Responsibility

When I came to a decision, it was unlikely that I changed it, and I would not take back my decision of refusing the offer to join Magus Association, to be a tutor there in the lore of necromancy – my reason behind the refusal, at first was because of the treatment I received when I went to the Magus Association Institute, though now the reason was because I enjoyed going to places peddling my skill in necromancy. Yet, it seemed that the arch mage of Soparto Kingdom, who was the founder and Chancellor of Magus Association was more stubborn than I could imagine – he still sent me letter of offer for the position. I remembered it was six months after I got Gaby and Theo as my apprentices. We were in Biryn Town then when a knight mage found me.

“Do you put a tracking device on me?” I wondered aloud when a familiar knight mage approached the table where we sat for lunch. It was the same knight that sent Gaby and Theo to me, and I believed his name was Sir Bartholomew. I could see the corner of the knight mage’s mouth twitched when I threw the question on him.

“It’s just my inherent ability to track people I’ve met with,” Sir Barth answered. I did not believe him, though I did not press him further.

“So, what brings you here?”

“I come to deliver this,” Sir Barth said as he handed me a leather-bound parchment.

I took the leather-bound parchment, uncoiled the string, unrolled the parchment and read the content. I did not have to read twice to understand the meaning written in the parchment. “Tell the arch mage I’m refusing this offer,” I told as I returned the parchment.

“Then I’ll hire a courier to send the parchment back to Arch mage Hirscher.”

“Excuse me?” I was confused by his reply.

“Arch mage Hirscher gave me an order to stay with you as your bodyguards.”

“What the…Why would he do that?!”

“He told me you’re a great asset for Magus Association.”

“But I’m not even of Magus Association. Besides, don’t you fell awkward guarding a necromancer?”

“Not really.”

“But–!”

“Master Ed, I don’t think he will ever listen to whatever you want to say so I think you should just let him follow us,” Theo advised. I wanted to rebuke Theo’s words but decided against it. I realized that arguing further with a stubborn person would not get me anywhere. The first person to teach me that was the Arch mage of Soparto himself.

“All right, you can stay with us, Sir Bartholomew, but I won’t be paying you for the job,” I finally said.

“Thank you. You don’t have to worry about any payment. The Magus Association is handling that and you can just call me Barth,” the knight mage replied before he called for the waiter to take his meal order.

Having Sir Barth around getting a bit of a used to. I was worried about the public perception towards him; hanging around necromancy practitioners liked us. However, my worries were baseless since he just acted as if he was hanging around normal people. He was also handy in term of fighting of highways men and finding food while we journey – not that I got trouble with those two things since I had Iris and her hordes to be my guardians.

Nevertheless, he did not forget about his obligation to Arch mage Hirscher. Every time we stopped in Bedin, he would ask permission to be gone for a while. I found out from the butterflies that I sent with him that he went to Mecor Headquarter to meet a fellow knight mage to give report on my well-being and to receive funding from his employer, hence I need not pay him for his bodyguard job. He also received letter from Arch mage Hirscher addressed to me, usually just discussing on the matter of magic. Not to mention the letter of offer that I became so familiar with these days.

“Urgh

, can’t he stop sending me this offer letter? I don’t mind being an unofficial advisor to him in necromancy but I will continue to refuse his offer to be a tutor in Magus Association,” I complained to Sir Barth; having received the letter of offer for the fifth times really got on my nerve.

“Is that so?” Sir Barth asked, with a grin on his face. I should be suspicious of that grin but I was so frustrated by the continuous offer letter that I promptly forgotten about that. And the next time we stopped by Bedin City, Sir Barth gave me a letter appointing me as an unofficial advisor of Magus Association, along with a signet and a plaque bearing my official symbol and name.

“You…”

“But you did said it last time,” Sir Barth said innocently.

You reap what you sow

; that saying echoed in my mind. Sighing, I just accepted my past error. “All right, I’ll accept this appointment,” I said.

“Then, I congratulate you on your appointment, Master Ed.”

“Right, right. Now, let’s enjoy the dinner,” I ended the conversation.

My appointment as unofficial advisor to Magus Association did not extremely change my way of living. I still went up and down Estrey Region selling my necromancy skill, and the only time I acted as advisor was when Arch mage Hirscher and any other magic practitioners of magic from the Magus Associate, including the resident necromancers, sent letter to discuss matter of Magus Association and any necromancy stuff. I believed my relationship with Magus Association would not be more than this, yet I underestimate the arch mage’s perseverance again when it come to me, and it seemed that Arch mage Hirscher had more in store for me than I could ever imagine.

It began when the news of Arch mage Hirscher’s death spread across the realm. The Magical Advisor of to three generations of Soparto’s rulers died of old age one winter night. The people of Soparto and those who respected him mourned him for seven days and nights – I also said a silent prayer when I heard of his death. He was one of the few people whom I respected in this life. Inevitably, the countless letters that I received from Magus Association also seemed to cease since his death. Part of me was quite happy that the trails of letter finally end, but a part of me was quite saddened because I enjoyed discussion matter of magic with other mages regardless which magic lore they practiced. Nevertheless, I continued on with my life. While I was ready to leave matters of the Magus Association behind me, agent from the institute came to find me.

My entourage was in Kyrun Port City, after a week journey on the sea from Nyra Town of Estrey Region. I sent Sir Barth, Gaby and Theo to replenish the supply of necromancy spell and other necessary items, while I went to the local cleric centre for exorcism services to drop off wandering spirits that I bound in effigies from the job offers I got – Well, necromancy does not deal with exorcism and the work was better left to the expert with a few coin exchange. When that task was done, I went to wait for the others at the inn where we were staying. Upon arriving at the inn, I chanced upon people whom I had never seen for the passed few years.

“Kash! Luciel! Good to see you guys again!” I greeted when I saw them by the reception counter. There were another two men with them, a mage in brown elementalist robe and a knight mage in light armor, but I ignored them for now.

“Good to see you too, kid,” Luciel greeted back.

“How are you?” Kash asked.

“Oh, I’m fine,” I answered simply. “How about you guys?”

“We’re fine as well. I heard from your former master you’re travelling places to sell your necromancy skills and that you’ve gotten yourself apprentices?” Kash asked. Well, I was still in contact with my former training master by sending him news of my well-beings, once or twice a month. The mercenary was the same as usual, though a bit older, with his faithful horned-wolves staying nearby.

“Oh, I’m sending my boys on some errands and we’re just stopping here for a few days before moving on to Bedin,” I informed. “How about you guys?” I asked.

“I’m here to escort an official from Soparto Kingdom to Bedin,” Luciel answered. He waved his hand behind him to indicate the elementalist mage and knight mage I saw earlier.

“Oh, I just happen to meet Luc here and since we’re going to the same place, I thought of sticking around,” Kash said. It seemed like the mercenary had a lot of free time in his hand.

“I see,” I said.

“You want to come along? Since you’ll be heading to Bedin anyway,” Luciel offered.

“Mm…no, thanks. I don’t want to be a hindrance to you,” I rejected politely. I still had the complexity problem of how general people perceived necromancer. I also need to ask member of my entourage whenever there was any change of schedule to be done.

“You won’t be a hindrance,” Luciel said. “Right?” this he asked of the elementalist mage. “By the way, this kid is Ed, a friend. He was my other friend’s, Master Necromancer Raul, apprentice,” the trooper added.

“Former apprentice to Master Necromancer Raul of Estrey…You mean Master Edmonte of Estrey?” the mage said as he looked at me with awe – an expression that was so foreign to someone of my status and station.

“Excuse me, but who are you?” I asked. I knew I sounded rude but I had never seen this mage before. People just did not know my full name and any former Master’s name unless I knew about them and this did not sit well with me.

“Ah, pardon me, Your Excellency. My name’s Zhou Li Men and I served Magus Association as the Head of Elemantalist Department, and this is my travelling companion, Sir Anton,” the mage introduced himself and the knight mage. I instantly recognized the name as one of the few mages who used to send me letters over the course of time I became the unofficial advisor for Magus Association. “Master Edmonte, I’m glad to finally meet you in person,” the mage added, clasping my hands for a firm handshake.

“Ah, Master Zhou, I see. I see,” I said, returning the handshake. “Anyway, can we drop just that thing about ‘Your Excellency’

? I’m just an unofficial advisor to Magus Association so you can just simply call me as Edmonte or Ed.”

“What?” Luciel exclaimed.

“You never told us this,” the mercenary accused.

True. I never told anyone about my appointment as ‘unofficial advisor’

. Not even to Master Raul. The only ones who knew were Sir Barth and my two apprentices. “Well, it’s just an unofficial advisor; nothing grand, and it’s the only position I can compromise with the late Arch mage Hirscher then when he offer me a position as tutor in Magus Association. Being a tutor require me to be in Magus Association most of the time, while being unofficial advisor give me rein to do as I please and go wherever I want,” I explained. “So, what are you doing here so far from the institute, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Actually, I’m here to look for you on behalf of the Magus Association, Your Excellency. Since Sir Barth has not been in contact with us since the late arch mage’s demise, we didn’t know where to find you and thus we wanted to enlist the help of the authority here to find you,” Master Zhou said. Thus explained the need to go to Bedin City where the Authority Body of the region situated.

“I see,” I said simply. I was already aware that Sir Barth had not been in contact with Magus Association since he handed me the notice of Arch mage Hirscher’s death that he received from his contact person. However, they could just send a tracker to track us down; no need to get the Octagon Council of Estrey Region involved. “Well, I’m here now so what can I do for you, Master Zhou?” I asked. With me here, I supposed there would be no need for Sir Zhou to go to Bedin now.

Master Zhou surprised me, and probably the others when he took my right hand and knelt in front of me. “Master Edmonte, please come to Magus Association and assume the chancellor seat,” the elemetalist said before he kissed the signet ring, the symbol of my office and affiliation with the Magus Association.

I was rendered speechless by the announcement and show of fealty. My mind was totally blank. “Let’s find ourselves a table and you can tell me what is going on,” I said when I finally got my rationality back. Thus, we went to the dining area of the inn, chose a table and continue with the conversation.

Master Zhou told me that a few weeks before the late arch mage taken ill, members of the associate committee and a few officials from the Council of Advisors of the Soparto Kingdom were having a discussion about the future direction of the Magus Association. One of the agenda of the discussion was the appointment of the next chancellor. Of course, knowing the late arch mage, he nominated me as a candidate, stating out the all duties that I had been doing for the Magus Association. Except for the late arch mage (and presently Master Zhou), nobody had ever meet me so the members of the Council of Advisors were skeptic about my appointment and wanted my representation in person. The Magus Association committee wanted to send someone to get me then, but Arch mage Hirscher fell ill, and died, and only after the mourning period that they have the time to send someone to get me.

“I couldn’t be the only candidate for the chancellor. Who else are nominated?” I asked after hearing Master Zhou’s account. I could see the elementalist grimaced a little when I brought up the question, as if he did not want to tell me about the matter. Curiosity engulfed me then.

“Master Irving, Mistress Thora, and Viscount Graham,” he answered. “Master Irving is now the new Arch mage of Soparto Kingdom; Mistress Thora currently overseeing Magus Association’s matter while waiting for your appointment approval; while Viscount Graham is a non mage and one of the council of advisor.” I had no problem with Master Irving and Mistress Thora; both had the rights to the seat of chancellor as Master Irving was the former arch mage aide, while Mistress Thora served as Vice Chancellor of Magus Association since the opening of the institute. I suspected Viscount Graham was put as candidate for his own agenda, or probably members of the Council of Advisor wanted the post for their own agenda.

“If that’s the case, can I rescind my nomination?” I asked outright. I still did not like the idea of travelling to Islandville of Soparto.

“What?” Kash blurted.

“Why?” Luciel asked.

Master Zhou remained silent. Then abruptly, he put both his palm on the table and bowed until his forehead touched the table. “Master Edmonte, we beg you to reconsider,” he began as we were shocked by his action. “It was the late Arch mage Hirscher’s will that you took the helm of the Magus Association once he stepped down from the chancellor’s position. He made no secret of it and everyone in the Magus Association knew about it. He knew you would not agree to it if he told you outright so we have been discreetly giving you a chancellor’s duties in the guise of getting advice. In fact, for the last six months, you have been doing most of the chancellor’s duties with the late Arch mage Hirscher as your proxy. We apologize greatly for deceiving you but we really need you to head the Magus Association.”

I had no idea how should react with this confession. Should I be angry for being deceived all these times? Should I be sympathetic? Should I just pretend that I had not listened correctly?

“Master, this mage is causing you distress. Shall I do something to him?” Iris offered as he positioned herself above the elememtalist. I could see Kash’s horned-wolves growling as they keep their eyes on my guardian-demon.

“No, love, and come here,” I thought as held out my arm for the majestic butterfly to perched on. It was only then I realized I erred. “Damn,” I muttered, amid the looks confusion from the others, and a chuckled from Kash. “Shut it, Kash,” I said, only to bring more chuckles from the mercenary.

“What’s so funny?” Luciel asked in interest.

“I’m just interacting with a wandering spirit,” I said, and changed the topic, “Anyway, with there other candidates; I believe my ascension to chancellor won’t be that smooth. I believe there are objection, yes? That’s the reason behind the candidacy in the first place, right?”

“Correct. When all the candidates present, the voting system among the members of Magus Association take precedent and the candidate with the majority of votes win,” Master Zhou explained. It was a rational way to do when there was more than one candidate for a post. Looking it the other way, there was a possibility that I might avoid being seated with the chancellor post. I did not care who won, as long as it was not me.

“When is the election taking place?”

“The election is on the first week of Summer Solstice. King Salvatore of Soparto Kingdom gives the Magus Association some time to search for you, with the promise that you will be present during the election.”

I had not missed that he stressed the later part of the sentence. Like it or not, I need

to go with them to Soparto. “I still have time then to get on with my usual business,” I conclude, as Summer Solstice would be four months away.

“So, are you coming with us?” Kash repeated his offer.

“No, thank you,” I refused politely. I did not want to get in any other mission Master Zhou was sent to. “Of course, if you need my help, just seek me out. I’ll probably be in Bedin next week.”

“Okay. Then see you around, Ed,” Luciel and Kash said.

“Until next time, Master Edmonte,” Master Zhou said.

I believed that we would not be seeing each other again soon so I did not mention about the chance meeting with the mercenary, trooper and the agents from Magus Association to my apprentices and Sir Barth. I also put that matter at the back of my mind. As scheduled, we spent a week in Kyrun where I divided my times between teaching my apprentices necromancy and clients who seek necromancy skill. By the end of the week, we began our journey to the capital city of Estrey Region, Bedin.

Chapter 7: Pain & Gain

The journey to Bedin Capital City should have taken four to five days, and sometimes it might take longer than that for us because we actually not in a hurry to reached our destination and there were bountiful spoils from the forest that could be used in necromancy techniques. Thus, while Sir Barth stayed at the camp, my apprentices and I went around the nearby area collecting herbs and the like. We were well into an hour of collecting the herbs when Iris informed me about visitors at the camp. I bade Gaby and Theo to continue what they were doing while I went back to the camp.

My visitors were a pair of troopers, and Sir Barth was serving them refreshment when I came by. “Oh? We have visitors?” I feigned surprised.

“Master Edmonte, they want to meet you,” Sir Barth informed. He introduced the troopers as Lieutenant Regan and Second Lieutenant Michael. “They said they have a letter address to you from the Governor General of Estrey Region,” the knight mage added as he handed me a leather bound parchment.

Okay, this was really intriguing. It was uncommon to have a general member of the public to receive letter from the governing authority of Estrey Region. Unless it was a warrant letter but that usually come with the use of force and the two troopers here did not make any move to do likewise. Anyway, I took the parchment off Sir Barth’s hand, unrolled the document and read what was written on it.

“What did the letter say?” Sir Barth asked.

“Nothing much; it just tells me briefly that the governor general invited me to join a discussion they will have with the agents from Soparto Kingdom. The discussion will be held at Octagon Palace in Badin City as soon as I am available,” I said.

“Ho-ho,” Sir Barth remarked. “Will you join?”

“Do I have a choice in the matter?” I asked this of the trooper.

“Governor General Endo would appreciate your presence in this discussion since it seems that you are familiar with agents from Soparto Kingdom named Master Zhou Li Men, an Elementalist Mage,” Lieutenant Regan said. I had no idea where the governor general got that information. As much as I knew, it was still disclosed within a small group of people only. I wondered if Luciel mentioned it to his superior when he made a report.

“Can I ask what this discussion is all about?” I need to ask. Of course, I had vague idea what the discussion would be about, but I need the clarification.

“We’re sorry, Master Edmonte. We are commanded to give the letter to you and get your reply,” Lieutenant Regan told, apologetically.

“I see..,” I said simply. Nevertheless, in my mind, I sent commanded to four of my butterflies, “Four of you, two on each man, follow these men.”

“Yes, Master,” the butterflies replied in my mind.

I wrote a simple note to say that I would be attending the discussion and give it to Lieutenant Regan. To my surprised, Lieutenant Regan gave the note to 2nd Lieutenant Michael, who bade farewell to us and went on his way. When I looked the trooper for explanation, he said, “I’m to be your escort and to make sure that you attend the discussion.”

I was quiet baffled by the trooper remarks. “I’ll have you know that I never miss any of my appointments,” I exclaimed. “Whatever, I’m getting Gaby and Theo,” I said as I went away from there.

Half an hour later, we were on our way to Bedin City.

Our entourage was met by a pair of trooper as we came by the Southern Gate of Bedin Capital City, who informed us that they would lead us to our accommodation. We followed them to a prestigious inn that I would not have dream entering with my meager earning, and we were even put into our own rooms – my apprentices’ room to my right and Sir Barth would occupy the adjacent room. I was told that Master Zhou also stays there but he was currently at Mecor Headquarters. It was not my business to know what the elementalist need the mercenary corporation for but anyway, the discussion was schedule to be held by tomorrow morning on the second bell of sun rise, so I could do anything for the rest of the day. Thus, I took the opportunity to pay Master Raul a visit – I left the twins with Sir Barth as they continue their own self training.

The place was in shambles. The rundown building that stood there before was leveled to the ground. I tried to search for the entrance to the basement to no avail – there was too much rubble to pint point the entrance! It has not been a few months since I had visited this place, and yet it was already in ruin? There was not even a trace of necromancy at the place nor was there any wandering spirits. The place was truly cleansed. I wondered where Master Raul be and went to ask the people there of his whereabouts. However, I got nothing more than ‘I don’t know’ and ‘stay away’ and an immediate avoidance when I seek the local residence. So I went to a nearby trooper station to inquire.

“Ah, you mean the necromancer who used to live in that area? He died,” the officer there informed me.

“What? When? How? ” I could not hide my anxiety as I demanded the officer to elaborate.

“Let’s see…About a week ago, there was infighting between gang groups that leaves many gang members and a dozen of local residence death. The necromancer was one of those died. We have clerics cleansed the place at once else the other residents would complain of abnormal occurrences around the place. Are you an acquaintance of the necromancer?”

“He was my teacher in the necromancy lore,” I told.

“I see…Sorry, you have my condolences.”

“Anyway, thank you for telling me,” I told the officer there before I walked out of the station.

I did not feel like returning back to the inn so I went walking around the street as I did a lot of thinking. I still could not believe that Master Raul was gone. It was only a month ago that I received a letter from him telling me that was he doing ‘ok’ and now it was already a week since he passed on. Someone could have told me about his demised and when that though struck me, my mind drifted to Master Raul’s other acquaintances, Luciel. My feet quickly went to search for the trooper. I did not get far as I chanced upon him on my way out of the square.

“Ed…,” he began but I cut him short.

“You could have told me,” I accused him. Well, he came to Bedin earlier than me so he should get wind of Master Raul’s demised before me.

“I was planning to tell you when you arrive but I only know about your arrival half an hour ago, and you’re not at the inn when I went to see you,” Luciel retorted.

“You could have send words when you got wind of it,” I said. I was rather saddened by Master Raul’s death that I was not thinking rationally then as I continued to rant my frustration on Luciel. “You know how important Master Raul is to me! You could have sent a courier to find me! I was on my way even to Bedin! I—”

My ranting was cut off when Luciel suddenly pulled me into an embrace. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry so don’t cry, okay?”

“I cried?” I thought when I heard him said that. I touched my cheeks and felt it was wet from tears I was not aware of. I wiped them away but more seemed to flow down. It was like a dam had burst – Well, I did not remember when was the last time I cried. “Crap,” I hissed as I tried without avail in drying out my tears.

“Master?” my butterflies guardians asked with concerned.

“It’s nothing,” I told them.

“Do you want to return to the inn?” Luciel asked, getting the attention back at him. That would be the wisest choice but I did not want to let the others see me like this so I just shook my head. “Okay, let’s got my friend’s place,” he said next and led me along.

I thought we were going to the residential district where most of the local citizen of Bedin lived, yet Luciel took to another part of the Market and Merchants District and we stop just outside a dining house. Nevertheless, it was not just any normal dining house; rather quite a famous one in Bedin called Diner’s Delight. It was a kind of dining place that I rather avoid because I did not want to disrupt the atmosphere of the place with my presence – the general public still not comfortable having necromancer around.

“On second thought, I’ll go back to the inn,” I told Luciel and turned around to leave, only to have my left arm held fast by the trooper.

“Oh, no you don’t. Not as you are. I’m sure you don’t want your apprentices and your guard to see how distress you are,” Luciel reasoned. Indeed. “Come on,” he added as we stepped inside the establishment.

I tried to ignore the gazes that we received when we entered the place. I diverted my eyes out towards the windows while Luciel greeted the bartender, although I could hear most of the conversation between him and the bartender.

“Good afternoon, Seb, you think you have a private room available?”

“Sorry, Young Luc, all private rooms are reserved. How about in the common room?” the bartender suggested.

“Do you see any empty tables around?”

“I don’t think so…”

“Mm…Okay, maybe next time,” Luciel said to the bartender before he turned to me. “Sorry, I guess we find some place else—“

“Hey, you haven’t been visiting me for a while and you want to go without greeting me?” a commanding voice interjected. I turned towards the direction of the voice to a man probably a few years older than Luciel. Nevertheless, he had such an outstanding aura about him.

“Hi, Lucien, it’s not like I purposely trying to avoid you. I’ve been busy and I’m only in Bedin because by current task requires me to be here. Anyway, I just want to have a nice conversation with a friend but since there’s not private room available, we’re going to go somewhere else,” Luciel told.

“Oh, we do have a private room that is if you don’t mind having your conversation at the staff’s private dining room,” Lucien said as pointed to the back.

Luciel was silent for a moment. “Is it okay?”

“Yes.”

“Then, thanks, Luc,” Luciel told the other man as he led us to the kitchen area. However, instead of going to the kitchen as I expected, Luciel took me up the stairs, through the hallway and into an office, probably Lucien’s. “You stay here first while I get us some teas.” Then he disappeared out of the door.

Luciel came back with Lucien a few minutes later with three mugs of warm red teas, of which one they gave to me. I sniffed the aroma of tea and smelt something familiar mixed in. I took a sip and just as quickly spat it out. “Are you trying to drug me?” I exclaimed accusingly toward the trooper who looked baffled by my words. Then, as if realizing something, he turned to Lucien.

“You?” he said simply.

“It’s just a remedy concoction. I think your friend needs it,” Lucien said. “But, it’s suppose to be a tasteless, odorless sleeping concoction, how can you know it?”

“Necromancy deals a lot with herbs and drugs, much like herbalist, and there are some herbs and drugs which bring opposite result when mix together. I can give you a recommendation on any herb and drugs that can works well with red tea,” I told.

“I’ll appreciate that. Well, you look better now than you were half an hour ago,” Lucien commented. I was surprised by the man’s comment, yet I did feel a bit better now than when I first heard about Master Raul’s death.

“Thanks to you and Luciel,” I bowed at each of them.

“No problem. A friend of my younger brother is also my friend,” Lucien said.

“You two are brothers?” I blurted in surprised as I look at one to another. I did not see much resemblance between them.

“We’re not actually brother. It just our name that sound almost similar,” Luciel corrected.

“I see,” I said. Well, ‘Luciel’

and ‘Lucien’

almost sound similar.

The three of us talked some more before I felt that it was time for me to get back to the inn. We bade Lucien farewell and I promised to give him the list of herbs and drugs which could go with different type of solution without changing their properties. Before we parted ways I managed to put in the question about the Lucien’s real identity to the trooper. “So, who or rather what is exactly your friend? He can’t be a regular manager of an eatery. His aura shows that he’s more than he seems and he act normally around a necromancer unlike the other people in the inn,” I said.

“You got that right. Lucien is currently the Liegeman of the Shadow Society,” Luciel said. A chill ran down my spine hearing Luciel’s words. There was no one in Estrey Region who did not hear about the infamous outlaw in the region. I took note not to cross the man whenever possible.

Chapter 8: The 2nd Magus Institute

On the way to the inn, we chanced upon Master Zhou, Sir Anton and Kash. Since I was not actually in the mood yet to return to the inn, I invited them for a drink at a decent tavern where I frequent. I also took the opportunity to ask the elementalist mage the agenda behind meeting the Octagon Council of Estrey Region. Master Zhou seemed surprised when I pointed this out, so I told him that the Governor General Endo required my presence for whatever the discussion with the agent of Magus Association of Soparto Region.

“The association is thinking of setting up a second institute in Estrey Region. We know that there are a lot of potential mages outside Soparto and we realize there are other difficulties which hinder them to come to Islandville for proper magic training, so one of the recommendation propose is to set up a second Magus Association Institute in Estrey Region,” Master Zhou relented.

“Have you already presented this case to the Octagon Council?”

“Only the summary of the proposal to the Exterritorial Director of the Octagon Council, and he scheduled another discussion for tomorrow, and this time with the whole member of the Octagon Council and Governor General Endo in attendance,” Master Zhou said. The Exterritorial Director was responsible for handling for any issues outside the regions.

“Can I see your proposal?” I asked.

“Sure,” Master Zhou said before he gave me a thick piece of leather-bound book with the word ‘Proposal For A Magus Institute in Estrey Region’

written on its front cover page. I wondered if he was discussing this with the mercenary corporation a while ago. The report was commendable, with the aim and objectives clearly defined. The proposed new institute did not have to be newly built; a ready made premise should be sufficient and expenses incurred would come out of the pocket of the masters themselves and from donation. Similarly, there would be no admission fee for those eligible to learn magic and these people would be responsible for themselves once they complete their apprenticeship period. In addition, the names of the proposed teachers, board of directors, and chancellor were also stated in the report including their magical and skill practice – it was a combination of mages and guild people in other skill like smiths and such.

“Try to negotiate a place in Biryn or Joarna,” I commented as I handed the proposal back to Master Zhou.

“Why are you excluding Bedin or Kyrun?” Kash asked.

“It’s probably a good place to start a business but we are building a place of learning here. We need somewhere with open space for future expansion and to grow and rear our own food supply,” I said. “We can deal with land acquirement once the proposal got through so we can have an upper hand in negotiation with landowner in either town.”

I continued to give Master Zhou a few pointers, recommendation and such about the proposal as I had no idea what my role would be during the discussion and I might not be able to help him during the discussion. We only stop as the sun began setting.

Lieutenant Regan came to the inn an hour before the designated meeting. I could not possibly take my apprentices to the discussion and so I let the twins had the day off from training and with Sir Barth to act as their guardian, although it was quite hard to talk Sir Barth into his temporary role; he wanted to accompany me. Then, Lieutenant Regan led Master Zhou, Sir Anton and me to the Octagon Council Building. There was not much talking going on as we went through the hallways to the designated discussion room, though there were whispers here and there, not to mentioned the nervous glances on some of the people we passed by.

“Welcome to the Octagon Council, Master Edmonte, Master Zhou, and Sir Anton of Magus Association,” Governor General Endo greeted when we passed through the doorway. I saw the old man was clad in his military uniforms, and so do some of the council members. The other non-military members were also clad in formal suit. Good thing I did not look too shabby – I donned my necromancer robe and accessories.

The discussion room similar to a theater room, albeit a smaller one; with a podium on a raised platform in front of the room, while the other chairs were neatly arranged in rows facing the platform. The other attendees of the discussion was already seated themselves on the available seats with the governor general on the front row

“You may do you presentation on the podium, Master Zhou,” the governor general continued. Master Zhou bowed slightly towards the governor general and went up to the podium to prepare. “You may sit with us, Master Edmonte,” he turned to me so I just nodded and sat on any empty seat available.

It took roughly one hour and throughout the whole presentation, the other attendees were listening attentively. When the floor was open for discussion, members of the Octagon Council threw out question related to their designation. I was really thankful of the brainstorming session we had before. Nevertheless, Governor General Endo did not join the foray and continue to listen silently for the next thirty minutes until the council member exhausted their inquiries. When he did ask a question, it was towards me rather than to Master Zhou.

“Well, Master Edmonte, what to you think of the proposal?”

“I wish such institution exist during my time,” I answered truthfully. “Beside, it’s beneficial to the region in the long run.”

“And why do you think that?”

“Simply because it would save time and resources to search for master mage for apprenticeship, and for any people looking for skill mages of any practice.”

“I see,” the governor general said before he lapsed into silent. “How fast can it be implemented?” he asked, looking at me and Master Zhou.

“Once the premise is confirmed, we would need a week for renovation of the place to suit training environment. Mind that the renovation priorities the most fundamental needs of both master and apprentices. Other necessities can be added in due time according to priorities, resources and needs. Once that stage is done, we can welcome master and apprentices to residence.” Simple and précised, just liked we practiced.

The governor general lapsed into silence once more. Then he turned to look at each of his council members. “Those who approved, rise you hand,” Governor General Endo asked. Next thing I knew the whole council members there rose up their hands unanimously. “Okay, there you have it. We approve the establishment of the Magus Association Institute in Estrey Region,” he turned back to Master Zhou and me.

“We can get over the list of empty lots available in Biryn Town, which are up for sale or rental. We can also do a site survey before you choose,” the Director of Estrey Regional Development.

In the end, almost all the directors of the Octagon Council offered assistance in the area they were specialized in – the Director of Security wanted to assigned a number of the troopers to act as security for the institute; the Director of Finance offer an amount of fund to tide us over a period of time, especially in term of monetary expenditure; the Director of Resources offer tangible resources; and the Director of Communication offer transportation assistance. We could have return to the inn by lunch time, but we need the official document of the approval to be drafted and signed, and it was nearly sundown before we were finally on our way back. At dinnertime that night, we related what had transpired over the discussion to Sir Barth and my apprentices.

“Master Zhou, when will you be returning to Soparto?” I asked.

The elementalist mage looked at me. Then he clasped his hand together apologetically. “I’m sorry, Your Excellency. I won’t be accompanying you to Soparto for the chancellor election, as I need to see through the implementation of the proposed second institute. Please go to Soparto for the chancellor election.”

Again I noticed that he stressed the last sentence. I sighed and patted my hand over the older man’s shoulder. “I am going to Soparto and see through the election,” I promised.

“What’s this about going to Soparto?” Sir Barth asked. I knocked myself mentally for the slight error. I never did mention to the knight mage, or to my apprentices, about the chancellor election matter.

“There’s going to be an election for the chancellor seat this coming Summer Solstice and I’m one of the candidates chosen. Thus, we’re going to Soparto sometime soon,” I explained briefly. “Okay with you guys?” I asked Sir Barth, Gaby and Theo.

“I’m okay with this,” the knight mage replied.

“Same with us,” both Gaby and Theo said.

“Do you need to give something to anyone at the Magus Association Institute?” I turned to Master Zhou.

“Mm…Maybe just a brief verbal to Mistress Thora that the proposal come through and to send over a few master mages of various magic practice for assistance, if she could spare any. I will send the full report soon through a courier.”

“Okay,” I said and that ended the night conversation.

Our journey to Soparto started two days later – not that we need much preparation; rather I had prior promise with Lucien of Diner’s Delight. I also mentioned that I would be going to Soparto soon and the young liegeman offered the service of one of the ships operated by the Shadow Society to ferry my entourage there as Islandville of Soparto was one of its charted destination. Lucien would not take ‘no’

for an answer, and argued that the passage would be the payment for the list of herbs and drugs. I just accepted the goodwill as not to enrage the young man or those who worked for him.

There was nothing of importance on the journey to the Port City of Kyrun. We stayed overnight to rest, where I went in search for the captain of Freya at a tavern owned by the Shadow Society, and where Freya’s crew usually went drinking while they dock, as told by Lucien beforehand. I was rather skeptic on the matter, but I did not want to lie to Lucien either that we could not find Freya and took booked passage on another ship. Therefore, I was quite surprised when I found Captain Petr and he agreed to it, saying they received word from the liegemen. I was surprised that order from the top management sure travel fast in Shadow Society. We set sailed for Islandville of Soparto early the next day.

I assumed that I would be pretty busy as soon as I arrived in Islandville so I took the one week journey through the Central Strait to drill my apprentices in the lore of necromancy. One hour in the morning and another hour at night were schedules for meal and privy break. Between spending time with Gaby and Theo, I also had a talk with Captain Petr to ask matter of Soparto generally; who knows of the changes that took place since the last four years that I avoided Soparto. The rest of that I spent conferring with Sir Barth on the matter of Magus Association and possible trouble.

Chapter 9: Broken Vows

I never expected a crowd to gather at the harbor to welcome our arrival at Islandville. I could not imagine Master Zhou to send word beforehand unless through magical means. I guessed a seer was at work to forecast the timing of my arrival, else how could you get a bunch of member of Magus Association and a horse carriage ready? I was rendered speechless when we came out of the harbor vicinity to a collective chorus of ‘Welcome to Islandville, Your Excellency Master Edmonte, and entourage!’

I was momentarily frozen where I stood. I scanned over the sea of grey robe people with various emotions plastered on their faces; awe, surprise, fear, and such. I was debating in my mind whether to run back towards the harbor, though Sir Barth stood behind me making that feat impossible. From the group, three men broke off and went to meet us. One had a demon-spirit in the shape of an owl.

“Welcome to Islandville, Master Edmonte. I am Alseif, Head of the Healing and Cleric Magic Department. My colleagues: Master Zimmon of Demon-bearer Department, and Master Hanai of Weather Magic Department,” the head of the group introduced themselves. I recognized Master Alseif and Master Hanai’s name, and Master Zimmon was definitely a new addition to the institute.

“Nice to meet you, Masters. I didn’t expect such…uh, welcoming party,” I said as I shook hands with each of them. When I shook hand with the Demon bearer, I sent him a silent message with the gold dust written on my hand which read ‘BE SILENT ABOUT THE BUTTERFLY’

. Well, as a fellow demon-bearer, he should be able to see Iris and I never wanted her presence reveal to anyone. It was a good thing the rest of the swarm was still on the ship, or I would not know how the man would react. Master Zimmon bowed slightly to indicate that he understood. “Ah, this is Sir Barth and my apprentices; Gaby and Theo. By the way, please just refer me as Edmonte,” I introduced the rest of my entourage.

“It’s only proper etiquette that we receive your coming to Islandville, Your Excellency. And when the apprentices got wind of the news, they pled to be given permission to come as well,” Master Alseif explained briefly. I noticed that the master mage still refer to me as ‘Your Excellency’. Mentally, I reminded myself just to ignore whatever title or naming they called me with.

Inevitably, I did not know what to reply to Master Alseif’s words. Etiquette or not, there was no need for anyone to welcome us. Of course, I did not say that out loud, else they felt slighted and though I did appreciate the effort. Instead, I said, “Thank you for the sentiment,” as I bowed towards the three masters. “Well, I was thinking of visiting the Magus Association Institute once we found an accommodation for the period of our stay here. If it’s not a bother...I would like to proceed with the search...” It was roughly less than a month left before the Summer Solstice and I was planning to take the opportunity to learn about the current affairs of Soparto in general, about the Magus Association, as well as other business-related matter.

“Ah, we already prepare an accommodation for you and your entourage,” Master Alseif said, before he led us to the horse carriage. This would be the first time in my life to use such transportation. My meager daily earning was not enough to buy me a horse or a mule, let alone a rented one. Mostly went to daily necessities and necromancy-related supplies.

I was glad that Sir Barth and my apprentices were put in the same carriage. It was already awkward to me to be treated with respect and courtesy over the norm, and to be transported in a fancy carriage without my usual company would be make me an introvert. Yet, nobody spoke a word as the carriage took us through the clobber street of Islandville. Well, the city did not change much over the passed four years and I could see a lot places that I visited before still exist. None the less, something seemed to bother me as we continued to ride along without turning on the left junction, where I remember the Merchant Street was supposed to be, or the right junction, where the Magus Association Institute situated of the main road.

“We are we going? I thought the lodging houses and inns are situated in the Merchant Street?” I asked Master Alseif. Sir Barth, Gaby and Theo turned their attention to the master mage when I mentioned this. There was a guilty look on each of the master mages’ faces. My hunches told me something was up. “Spill it,” I demanded.

“In actuality, Your Excellency, someone wanted so much to meet you and he gives us strict order to escort to him as soon as you arrive, without alarming either you or the general public. He also arrange for your accommodation and other necessities you might need while waiting for the designated election day...”

“Good gracious, you’re taking us to meet the King!” I could not help to blurt that out, and I knew I was correct when Master Alseif stayed silent and turned his face away from me – Somehow, I got this ability to get things right the first time in a guessing game. There was also surprised look on faces of Sir Barth, Gaby and Theo. It took a while for my rioting mind to calm down. “Can I ask why would he like to meet me?”

“His Majesty doesn’t specify the reason. The request come when we were about to end the discussion on the matter of the chancellor election. My guess would be that the late Arch mage Hirscher might have mentioned you during his services for the Royal Family.” Indeed, that was a possibility. “We do apologize to keep this from you, Your Excellency,” Master Alseif pled.

“I forgive you, though there is actually nothing to apologize for, and you are correct to withhold the information from me. If I heard this request from Master Zhou while I was still in Estrey Region, I probably find a way not to come to Islandville, ha-ha

,” the master mages’ faces paled at this. “Alas, the opportunity over and pass with and I’m here now in Islandville. Beside, it’s my intention to see the chancellor matter through the end. You can rest assure,” I said as I patted Master Alseif’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Your Excellency,” the master mage replied with relief.

The sight of the Grand Palace was too mesmerizing for a country bumpkin, though I try not to make it show on my expression. I already guessed that the carriage would take us to the palace somehow for an audience with the king, when we rode passed the residential area of the tons and noble bred. The carriage rode on until we came upon what seemed to be one of the entranceway for guest, where a small crowd gathered – One was and old man in a robe that I remembered the late Arch mage wore, and four knights in light armor. I guessed the old man was the current Arch mage of Soparto Kingdom, thus when the carriage stopped and we got off to the ground, I turned towards Arch mage Irving and did my greeting.

“Your Eminence, may I convey my condolence for the demise of the late Arch mage Hirscher, and congratulation for your ascension as the new arch mage of Soparto Kingdom,” I began as I bowed in courtesy. I would have sent the message sooner but since the exchanging of letter ceased, I did not know how to convey my messages to Magus Association.

“Thank you, Master Edmonte. I’m also grateful for that you have decided to come to Islandville again,” Arch mage Irving grabbed my hand for a shake. “King Salvatore is currently engage with state’s affair and only available after dinnertime. Unfortunately, we can’t invite you to join the monarch during the dinner function as there are quite a few people who are still not comfortable dining with necromancers. We apologize for that, Master Edmonte. Of course, we will serve you dinner at your accommodation.”

“The feeling is mutual, Your Eminence. I’m not that fond of a big company for dinner as well. No need to apologize.”

“And speaking of accommodation let me lead you there.”

I actually did not expect that our accommodation to be somewhere in the palace vicinity. I thought that we would only be having an audience with the king when we came to the palace. Thus, I was quite surprised when the arch mage led us through the hallways of the palace to suite apartment housing several sleeping rooms, a living room, kitchen are, and a private bathroom and toilets. My mind was still numb as Sir Barth and my apprentices went to explore the place while I just sat down on one of the cushions on the living room, trying to digest everything.

“I hope the place is to your liking?” Master Irving brought me back from my thoughts.

“Rather, it’s more than I expect.”

“It will be a while before dinner time so what do you want to do for the rest of the day?”

Rest would be the viable option right now. None the less, there was thing I want to do once I arrived at Islandville. “I would like to visit the late Master Hirscher’s grave. I want to pay my respect. Is it possible?”

“Sure.”

I could always drag Sir Barth and my apprentices to follow me to the Royal Mausoleum. Then again, it was not necessary to drag them around wherever I go. Besides, I wanted to be alone for a while. Thus, I gave Gaby and Theo a small pocket money to explore the town and set Sir Barth as their guardian again, despite the knight mage objection. The Royal Mausoleum was situated not far from the palace, though I had to do a bit of walking. The place was enormous and I knocked myself mentally for forgetting to ask Arch mage Irving for the location of the grave so I asked wandering spirit for assistance.

It seemed there was someone at the late arch mage’s grave when I found it. “Excuse me for the intrusion,” I greeted.

The young man, clad in fine casual clothing, and seemed to be in his late twenties, turned at my direction at the sound of my voice. He nodded once as acknowledgement before turning back to look at the tombstone. I drew nearer and placed the wild flowers I picked up on the grave. I said a silent prayer for the deceased, and when that was done, I turned to leave.

“Wait,” the young man halted my step.

“Yes?” I asked.

“You are a necromancer, right? You can see dead spirit, right? Can you see...,” the young man’s voice trailed off towards the end of the question. Nevertheless, I could guess what he was trying to ask me.

“I don’t see Master Hirscher’s spirit anywhere. That’s usually good news for the deceased and those he leaves behind. It means he goes peacefully and he doesn’t have any attachment to the living world,” I said. “Rest assured, Sir.”

“I see. Thank you,” the young man said with much relief.

“Then, excuse me,” I said and went away from there.

Sir Barth and my apprentices were still not back from their excursion of the town when I got back to our suite. I did not felt like going for a walk myself so I sent my guardian butterflies all over the town to send me images and useful information. It was actually a mentally tiring process and I had to command my scouts to stop when headache began to develop. I took herbal medicine and prompted to sleep. I did not remember waking up for dinner and when I opened my eyes next, the place was dark except for the table side where a single oil lamp was left burning. There was also a damp cloth on my forehead.

“Iris?” I queried. The other must have been asleep right now so I turned to the demon-spirit.

“Sorry, Master. We should have known,” the majestic butterfly began. Then she told me how the knight and my apprentices found me in a feverish state when they returned. Thankfully, I had taken medicine so they decided to let me rest without waking me up for dinner. That meant I missed the audience I supposed to have with the king. I need to apologize tomorrow.

“Thank you, Iris,” I told her before I closed my eyes and felt myself drifting off to sleep again.

Chapter 10: Different Views

My fever and fatigue did not abate the next morning and the six days after. The Royal Healer, whom the king graciously sent to attend me, concluded that my body could not cope up with my sudden magical outburst, thus straining my physical self. I admitted, though silently, that I never send out more than a dozen of the butterflies simultaneously as scouts, and that I never really need to open my mana reserved. Maybe my action broke the plug that held my mana reserved and the result was as stated. Thus, I was order to be confined to bed with no visitor and leave to do anything physical and magical – Sir Barth was rather glad to be my personal assistant for that period of inactivity, while my two apprentices had to endure being taught by another necromancer for the time being. I made a mental not to myself that I would not abused myself again to the point that I need someone to help do all the simple stuff like eating, moving my body, and even cleaning myself. Once was enough experience for me!

I thought after my fever and fatigue had dissipated, I would be free to go back to my normal routine, but no, I was not so lucky; I still had restriction the magical restriction and I need to have one healer with me anywhere I go so that they could perform medical emergency in the case of relapse. Therefore, I had to endure being constantly followed by Sir Barth, Iris, and Sven, a stubborn looking pale complexion healer who was only a few older than myself, as I made my way to visit those who help me. My first stop should have been King Salvatore, but I doubt I could just drop by his office without being under heavy scrutiny so I settled for Arch mage Irving.

“I hope my sudden visit didn’t keep you from your work, Your Eminence,” I told the arch mage I observed the few stacked of paper and parchments on the table of his office. There were also some people doing here and there when we arrived at the Department of Magic wings at the castle.

“Oh, it’s okay, and I’m glad that you’re hale now,” Arch mage Irving dismissed. “By the way, I have something to share with regards to the 2nd Magus Institute in Joarna.” He reported that Master Zhou had sent a missive to him and Mistress Thora to informed them that the progress was well into its early third stage, where they would held an opening to the general public to invite them to either be instructors, contributors, or student themselves. The institute would also welcome others non-magical training. Of course, he also concluded he would appreciate any extra personnel from Magus Association to help with the 2nd Magus Institute.

“That’s good,” I nodded. I was extremely glad with the progress. “So, are you going to send some people there?”

“I would like to but it’s not my decision to make. That’s the chancellor’s.”

“What?” I asked bewildered. “Aren’t you the Arch mage of Soparto Kingdom?”

“Your Excellency, I may be the arch mage of Soparto, but I am a normal member of Magus Association, and I neither have the wish nor the time to take on another responsibility.”

With Arch mage Irving and me out of the election, that left two candidates for the upcoming chancellor seat election; Mistress Thora and Viscount Graham. I ran all the mages affiliated with Magus Association that I knew in my mind and could not find anyone else that I could nominated for the position. Well, there was probably some other hidden jewel somewhere in the association, and the best place to ask is the institute itself.

“I’m going to the institute and see if I can find any other candidates for the position,” I told as I stood up from my seat.

“Then, please send my regards to Mistress Thora,” Arch mage Irving said.

“Excuse me,” I said before going out of the room.

I would like to so some thinking while walking my way to the Magus Association Institute, but my guardians would have none of it so I had to do some serious thinking while being driven inside a horse carriage to my destination. When we arrived at the destination, I jumped out even before the carriage came to a full stop and briskly walked into the premises. Actually, I had never seen the inside of the institute and I had no idea where to find Mistress Thora, so I was just going to grab someone for assistant when I caught sight of someone familiar.

“Master Zimmon, how I’m glad to see you,” I greeted the demon-bearer.

“Your Excellency, I see that you have recovered. Are you here to sight-see or to see to your apprentices?”

“I would like to talk to Mistress Thora, but I don’t mind having a tour of the place and see how Gaby and Theo are doing.”

“I see. Then, let me give you a tour of the place,” Master Zimmon said and I followed suit.

The three stories building were divided into three different sections: the study area, the residential area, and the common area. The common area, situated at the ground floor, boasted an administration department, infirmary, a large dining hall, and the kitchen area. The residential area only cover a small the east wing of the ground – Master Zimmon told me that residential area only served as temporary stay and not a permanent accommodation place. Then, the study rooms, laboratory and halls occupied the first and second floor. I also met with Gaby and Theo in one study rooms, being attended by a residential necromancer. All throughout the tour, I had to ignore all the commotion that arose due to my presence there, and I was not sure if it died down when I finally to meet Mistress Thora.

“If you would like a tour of the place, I could have arranged it for you, Your Excellency,” Mistress Thora began. I never met the seer before, although I was aware of her advancing while we exchanged letters. Yet, the old seer with grey in her copper hair still had the sharp look in her hazel eye.

“Ah, it’s okay. I rather like the informal setting so I can see how the institute is normally operating. By the way, Arch mage Irving sends his regards.”

“Thank you. So, what can I do for you today, Your Excellency?”

“I want to know if there are any more candidates suitable for the chancellor seat,” I asked outright. Mistress Thora seemed alarmed and a little surprised by my question.

“May I know why?”

“Well, with me and Arch mage Irving out of the election, that’s only leave you and Viscount Graham as candidates. If you can name me one more candidates, we can appoint two people to be Chancellor and vice-chancellor in this institute, and one person to be the vice-chancellor with Master Zhou as chancellor at the Magus Institute in Joarna, Estrey Region.”

Mistress Thora did not reply immediately. She was lost in thought for a while, and I thought she was thinking of someone for the third candidate. When she finally asks, it was a question for me, “Why don’t you want to be the chancellor, Your Excellency?”

Now it was my turn to be silent. “Because I...believe there are other people who are more suitable to lead Magus Association better than I. Can’t you understand that by seeing me? I’m barely into my two decades of living! I don’t have a clue about organization! And the matter of leadership is so out of my league! I...don’t want my incompetency be the downfall of Magus Association.” There. I finally let out all the reasons for my refusal.

“I beg to differ, Your Excellency. I don’t believe age can hide all the talents one can have, and you certainly didn’t lack talent. I and most of the people who know you will agree with me on this.” I could see Sir Barth nodded in agreement over this statement. “Moreover, it was through your numerous contributions since you become the advisor of Magus Association – such as the introduction of non-magical trainings and the joint study of opposing magical branches and interrelated magic – that we see such improvement in the training curriculum of the institute,” Mistress Thora said. Indeed. I could see the truth in her words. I saw the progress myself during the tour of the institute not so long ago.

Yet, I did not want to admit the truth. I pretty stubborn with my conviction as the late Arch mage Hirscher was in pursuing me. “Let me think about this,” I said instead.

I bade Mistress Thora farewell a moment later.

It was nearly an hour after noon and I did not want to get back to the palace so soon. Thus, after having lunch, I decided to seek out Viscount Graham. Well, since I already talk to two other candidates for the election, I thought it would be fitting to talk to the remaining candidate and to know more about him. After asking around, I found the viscount was at the knight training ground, supervising knight trainees in weapon training.

“It’s good to finally meet you, Master Edmonte. I’m surprise to see how young you are with all the things I heard about you. Or is this part of the necromancy spell?” The black-haired and brown eyes man, who seemed to be in his mid thirties, said frankly when we were only a pace away. He held out his right hand for a handshake.

“No, I’m really just nineteen years old,” I said as I shook his hand. “I heard you’re one of the candidates for the Magus Association chancellor seat, and you’re not a mage, so I want to meet you.”

“And I guess you also want to know my reason for it,” the man said.

“If it’s no trouble,” I said.

“Well..., to put it simply...I want to be a primary niche for the general public to interact with the Magus Association,” Viscount Graham explained briefly. Nevertheless, I could see the underlying truth within the reason. I had no idea how it was in Soparto, but in Estrey unless a normal person really need the skill of a mage or that he had a friendly relationship with a mage, you did not see much interaction between mages and normal people. This seemed to an issue that I, as a mage, did not see.

“Well, that’s an eye-opener,” I admitted. “I’m glad that you’ve mention it, Sir.”

“I’m happy to elaborate more on the subject.”

After that Viscount Graham spent closed to an hour talking about the things he would do for Magus Association if he got selected as the chancellor. The more I hear about it, the more I thought that his candidacy was not a mere stunt by the Council of Advisors to disrupt Magus Association, the more that I like him (in a non-romantic kind of way). When we parted way, I thought that his presence would bring positive changes in the association as a whole.

That night, I drafted a report, stating all the facts that I found about Magus Association, an excerpt about each candidates from my views – the advantages and disadvantages of appointing each candidates, and the recommendations to improve Magus Association, and finally the proposal to tackle this chancellor issue. I drafted the report with my capacity as Advisor of Magus Association. I made four copies of the report, and by morning of the next day, it was dispatched to King Salvatore, Arch mage Irving, Mistress Thora and Viscount Graham. The day after that, I got summoned by the king.

I was quite nervous as I walked to the Summon Hall in my full necromancer robe. It would be the first time I meet a king and I hope to a good impression on our first meeting. I also expected a small group to be presented when I entered the Summon Hall so I was quite surprised to see other than the people I sent the report to, the rest of the Councils of Advisor and a heads of department from the Magus Association institute also there when the door was open to let me in. Moreover, I was surprised to see that the king was the man that I met in front of the late Arch mage Hisrcher’s grave that day.

“Master Edmonte, we are grateful to have you presence here amongst us,” King Salvatore said.

“Your Majesty, let me first apologize for the inconvenience I caused for the few days,” I said as I bowed towards him. “I’m also grateful for the opportunity to be in your presence, Your Majesty.”

“Now, can you relate to us of your proposal about for the chancellor of Magus Association issue?” the king asked straight to the point.

“Certainly, Your Majesty,” I answered before I went into details. The initial proposal was to have one person chosen from the candidates nominated as the chancellor of Magus Association. My proposal was no different from that. The only differences was to have four more people appointed as the upper echelon of Magus Association – two vice-chancellors to head each institute, one security director, and one public relation director. The chancellor and the vice chancellor had to be mages, security director need to be a knight or a person of military background, while the public relation director could be anyone other than mages or military. I also had some of the name of the people to be instated in each position; me as Chancellor, Mistress Thora as Vice Chancellor of Magus Institute in Islandville, Master Zhou as Vice Chancellor of Magus Institute in Joarna, and Viscount Graham as Director of Public Relation. “For now, the Director of Security position is open to any knight or military personnel who are interested in taking the responsibility,” I concluded. “Any question?” Silent greeted me back. I wondered if my explanation was not clear enough as I looked at the king and the rest of the attendees. “No question?” I asked again.

“That’s an excellent proposal, Master Edmonte,” the king said he smiled. Then he faced the rest of his audience. “Now you’ve seen the person; heard him and give no objection to his proposal – I assumed there are no objections to Master Edmonte’s appointment as the Chancellor of Magus Association.”

Someone on the front row stood up, bowed towards the king before he said, “Yes, Your Majesty. We have no further objection to the appointment.”

“Excellent! By the power bestowed to me as Ruler of Soparto Kingdom, I hereby decree Master Edmonte ascension as the Chancellor of Magus Association to be effective by today,” King Salvatore called out, and afterwards most of the attendees stood up and cheered. All the while I was confused by the display, thinking there was some underlying conspiracy on the work.

I was played well; that was the conclusion I got hearing the explanation from King Salvatore, Master Irving, Mistress Thora and Viscount Graham in a private meeting a few hours after that. As explained by Master Zhou, I was the sole heir to the chancellor position nominated by the late Arch mage Hirscher, but nobody knew about me except for those in the Magus Association, and even so there were some skeptics who did not believe a necromancer was good enough to be a chancellor. Moreover, the late Arch mage Hirscher also warned them of how stubborn I could. Therefore, Master Irving and Mistress seek the king’s help to find a way to steer me into accepting the position, while convincing my skeptics to accept me. That where Viscount Graham, as a closed aide to the king, came up with the election façade. I should be made over this, and yet, I did not. It was my own fault to not see the whole picture and now I had to accept the consequences.

You reap what you sow...

Afterword

This is the end of Trealm Cycle: Edmonte's Story.
I hope you readers enjoy reading my work.

Thank you. \(^0^)/

Impressum

Texte: Me, myself and I
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 30.08.2012

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