Chapter 330: Bad Moon Rising
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Chapter 330: Bad Moon Rising
Bad Moon Rising
With the threat to his friends taken care of, Martel could stop worrying so much and focus on his lessons instead. At the same time, his class in advanced elemental magic brought his mind back to the fight at the Four Flagon Tavern. His primary opponent in that fight had not been the warriors, but Flora with her frost rays. Had the fight taken place on terrain more favourable to her, she would undoubtedly have raised her earth wall before he remembered to use his own fire equivalent, and they might have lost the brawl.
It made Martel realise that he still was underequipped facing mages with abilities different than his own. He might beat them in the Chamber of Earth, but only because he was more experienced and specifically trained for combat. His only regular sparring partners with equal training were the other fire acolytes or the mageknights, none of whom could prepare him for facing a veteran mage skilled in air, earth, or water.
"Master Alastair, are there defensive spells one might use to protect against other elements? I'm not worried about fire, obviously, but what about the others?"
His teacher calmed the winds around them in the Hall of Elements and looked at the acolyte. "There is. I had use of them against the Tyrians, who are quite skilled with water magic. But you'll most likely be facing Khivans, my boy, who don't employ magic of any kind. I'm not sure your time is best spent with this."
Martel had other concerns besides Khivans. "Still, I'd like to learn. Just to be prepared."This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
"Very well. We should have time before you finish the year. Once you have mastered the elemental bolt, we'll move on to a counterspell."
"Thank you, master." With this promise obtained, Martel resumed practising the air bolt.
***
Leaving the hall after class, Martel had not gone far down the corridor when he saw a sight to make him freeze on the spot. Two inquisitors came towards him in quick stride, looking dour as always. Just as Martel was about to turn around and find Master Alastair to help him, the mage hunters moved right past and continued on their way.
Martel's relief was quickly replaced by curiosity. He had not seen the inquisitors inside the Lyceum for months. It made him wonder what had brought them back.
Looking for quick answers, Martel turned around and walked the other way to cross the dining hall and reach the entrance of the school, where he approached Henry sitting behind the desk. "What're the inquisitors doing here?"
The air acolyte looked uncomfortable, either from the topic or Martel's presence, perhaps both. Still, he replied, "Same old chestnut. Searching for the maleficar that keeps eluding them. Bloody useless, they are."
"I am Master Martel of the Lyceum." He saw her eyes widen. "I need to speak to your daughter. The small child."
She cleared her throat. "Yes, good master. Child, come here!"
The little girl appeared soon after, almost hiding behind the doorframe until her mother grabbed her by the neck and pulled her forward.
Martel knelt down to even some of the height difference. "You remember we talked about my friend, who lives down the hall?"
The girl nodded.
"When did you last see her?"
"Yesterday."
"Do you know where she went?"
The girl shook her head.
"But she's not been back?"
"She's never outside during daylight, master mage," the mother interjected. "It's true, your friend left late last night. We've not seen or heard sign of her since then, though she's a slippery sort. Pardon me saying so," she quickly added.
Martel got back on his feet. "Thanks." He left without further words, hearing the door quickly shutting behind him.
Back on the street, Martel's mind churned with thoughts as he walked back towards the Lyceum. Most likely, this was all a coincidence and Julia was fine. Certainly, none could argue it was his responsibility to stop this maleficar. But if the dark sorcerer had taken another victim, Julia or someone else, they would presumably die at his hand, fodder for his cruel rituals. Martel could try to warn his teachers, but he imagined that by the time he finished explaining everything, time would be up. And they would positively chain him to his bed if he had to admit the details about his pursuit of the maleficar.
Martel had a choice. Do nothing or attempt to save a life, assuming anyone was actually in danger. Above him, the full moon slowly climbed further and further up.
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Chapter 330: Bad Moon Rising
Bad Moon Rising
With the threat to his friends taken care of, Martel could stop worrying so much and focus on his lessons instead. At the same time, his class in advanced elemental magic brought his mind back to the fight at the Four Flagon Tavern. His primary opponent in that fight had not been the warriors, but Flora with her frost rays. Had the fight taken place on terrain more favourable to her, she would undoubtedly have raised her earth wall before he remembered to use his own fire equivalent, and they might have lost the brawl.
It made Martel realise that he still was underequipped facing mages with abilities different than his own. He might beat them in the Chamber of Earth, but only because he was more experienced and specifically trained for combat. His only regular sparring partners with equal training were the other fire acolytes or the mageknights, none of whom could prepare him for facing a veteran mage skilled in air, earth, or water.
"Master Alastair, are there defensive spells one might use to protect against other elements? I'm not worried about fire, obviously, but what about the others?"
His teacher calmed the winds around them in the Hall of Elements and looked at the acolyte. "There is. I had use of them against the Tyrians, who are quite skilled with water magic. But you'll most likely be facing Khivans, my boy, who don't employ magic of any kind. I'm not sure your time is best spent with this."
Martel had other concerns besides Khivans. "Still, I'd like to learn. Just to be prepared."This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
"Very well. We should have time before you finish the year. Once you have mastered the elemental bolt, we'll move on to a counterspell."
"Thank you, master." With this promise obtained, Martel resumed practising the air bolt.
***
Leaving the hall after class, Martel had not gone far down the corridor when he saw a sight to make him freeze on the spot. Two inquisitors came towards him in quick stride, looking dour as always. Just as Martel was about to turn around and find Master Alastair to help him, the mage hunters moved right past and continued on their way.
Martel's relief was quickly replaced by curiosity. He had not seen the inquisitors inside the Lyceum for months. It made him wonder what had brought them back.
Looking for quick answers, Martel turned around and walked the other way to cross the dining hall and reach the entrance of the school, where he approached Henry sitting behind the desk. "What're the inquisitors doing here?"
The air acolyte looked uncomfortable, either from the topic or Martel's presence, perhaps both. Still, he replied, "Same old chestnut. Searching for the maleficar that keeps eluding them. Bloody useless, they are."
"I am Master Martel of the Lyceum." He saw her eyes widen. "I need to speak to your daughter. The small child."
She cleared her throat. "Yes, good master. Child, come here!"
The little girl appeared soon after, almost hiding behind the doorframe until her mother grabbed her by the neck and pulled her forward.
Martel knelt down to even some of the height difference. "You remember we talked about my friend, who lives down the hall?"
The girl nodded.
"When did you last see her?"
"Yesterday."
"Do you know where she went?"
The girl shook her head.
"But she's not been back?"
"She's never outside during daylight, master mage," the mother interjected. "It's true, your friend left late last night. We've not seen or heard sign of her since then, though she's a slippery sort. Pardon me saying so," she quickly added.
Martel got back on his feet. "Thanks." He left without further words, hearing the door quickly shutting behind him.
Back on the street, Martel's mind churned with thoughts as he walked back towards the Lyceum. Most likely, this was all a coincidence and Julia was fine. Certainly, none could argue it was his responsibility to stop this maleficar. But if the dark sorcerer had taken another victim, Julia or someone else, they would presumably die at his hand, fodder for his cruel rituals. Martel could try to warn his teachers, but he imagined that by the time he finished explaining everything, time would be up. And they would positively chain him to his bed if he had to admit the details about his pursuit of the maleficar.
Martel had a choice. Do nothing or attempt to save a life, assuming anyone was actually in danger. Above him, the full moon slowly climbed further and further up.
Chapter 330: Bad Moon RisingBad Moon RisingWith the threat to his friends taken care of, Martel could stop worrying so much and focus on his lessons instead. At the same time, his class in advanced elemental magic brought his mind back to the fight at the Four Flagon Tavern. His primary opponent in that fight had not been the warriors, but Flora with her frost rays. Had the fight taken place on terrain more favourable to her, she would undoubtedly have raised her earth wall before he remembered to use his own fire equivalent, and they might have lost the brawl.It made Martel realise that he still was underequipped facing mages with abilities different than his own. He might beat them in the Chamber of Earth, but only because he was more experienced and specifically trained for combat. His only regular sparring partners with equal training were the other fire acolytes or the mageknights, none of whom could prepare him for facing a veteran mage skilled in air, earth, or water."Master Alastair, are there defensive spells one might use to protect against other elements? I'm not worried about fire, obviously, but what about the others?"His teacher calmed the winds around them in the Hall of Elements and looked at the acolyte. "There is. I had use of them against the Tyrians, who are quite skilled with water magic. But you'll most likely be facing Khivans, my boy, who don't employ magic of any kind. I'm not sure your time is best spent with this."Martel had other concerns besides Khivans. "Still, I'd like to learn. Just to be prepared."This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site."Very well. We should have time before you finish the year. Once you have mastered the elemental bolt, we'll move on to a counterspell.""Thank you, master." With this promise obtained, Martel resumed practising the air bolt.***Leaving the hall after class, Martel had not gone far down the corridor when he saw a sight to make him freeze on the spot. Two inquisitors came towards him in quick stride, looking dour as always. Just as Martel was about to turn around and find Master Alastair to help him, the mage hunters moved right past and continued on their way.Martel's relief was quickly replaced by curiosity. He had not seen the inquisitors inside the Lyceum for months. It made him wonder what had brought them back.Looking for quick answers, Martel turned around and walked the other way to cross the dining hall and reach the entrance of the school, where he approached Henry sitting behind the desk. "What're the inquisitors doing here?"The air acolyte looked uncomfortable, either from the topic or Martel's presence, perhaps both. Still, he replied, "Same old chestnut. Searching for the maleficar that keeps eluding them. Bloody useless, they are.""I am Master Martel of the Lyceum." He saw her eyes widen. "I need to speak to your daughter. The small child."She cleared her throat. "Yes, good master. Child, come here!"The little girl appeared soon after, almost hiding behind the doorframe until her mother grabbed her by the neck and pulled her forward.Martel knelt down to even some of the height difference. "You remember we talked about my friend, who lives down the hall?"The girl nodded."When did you last see her?""Yesterday.""Do you know where she went?"The girl shook her head."But she's not been back?""She's never outside during daylight, master mage," the mother interjected. "It's true, your friend left late last night. We've not seen or heard sign of her since then, though she's a slippery sort. Pardon me saying so," she quickly added.Martel got back on his feet. "Thanks." He left without further words, hearing the door quickly shutting behind him.Back on the street, Martel's mind churned with thoughts as he walked back towards the Lyceum. Most likely, this was all a coincidence and Julia was fine. Certainly, none could argue it was his responsibility to stop this maleficar. But if the dark sorcerer had taken another victim, Julia or someone else, they would presumably die at his hand, fodder for his cruel rituals. Martel could try to warn his teachers, but he imagined that by the time he finished explaining everything, time would be up. And they would positively chain him to his bed if he had to admit the details about his pursuit of the maleficar.Martel had a choice. Do nothing or attempt to save a life, assuming anyone was actually in danger. Above him, the full moon slowly climbed further and further up.
