Chapter 401: A Focus for the Fire
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Chapter 401: A Focus for the Fire
A Focus for the Fire
When Moira appeared in the Circle of Fire, all the acolytes could sense this lesson would be different. It was rather obvious as she carried four staves in her arms, and unlike those used for weapon practice, which were rough and simple, these were exquisitely carved. Each had a top with particular markings and carvings, allowing room for something to be inserted. As Moira handed out one staff to each student, Martel got a chance to take a closer look at what rested atop. It was a ruby.
"I don't suppose you knuckleheads remember what Master Fenrick taught you about gems."
Martel suspected that they all did, and he saw no reason to speak up.
Harriet had no such reservations. "Different gems and precious stones amplify different kinds of magic. Rubies are good for fire." She wore a smug expression.
"I knew one of you couldn't resist the chance to show off, explaining what every dumb novice knows," Moira snorted. "I half expected it to be the scarecrow here." She nodded towards Martel. "But I'm not surprised it was you. Mouth as big as yours, you must be putting it to use an awful lot."
Harriet turned red, either from embarrassment or anger; probably both. The other acolytes snickered, except for Martel, who just felt tired of it all.
"Once you trot off to war, you'll each get one of these. The staff of a battlemage. As said, channelling your magic into the ruby will amplify any fire spells you cast. The wood has been enchanted and laid with silver, which should make it easy for your magic to travel through it. It also makes it into a good weapon, as solid as steel."This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
Martel vaguely remembered a lesson in Master Fenrick's classroom last year, showing a silver wand with a sapphire meant for water magic. He had been envious, longing for the day when such an artefact would be his, along with the magic he would wield through it. Now he would get his first taste, though neither the artefact nor his magic was as he had imagined. He placed one hand on the carved haft that was intended to work as the handle, and he felt what Moira had described. Lines of silver touched his palm and fingers, acting like roads through the wilderness for his spells, carrying them to their destination at the top. Though how it actually worked, channelling magic through the ruby, he could not quite imagine.
"It'll take you a while to get used to it, using the gem as a focus for your spells, which means you should stop talking and start practising. Spread out, as I expect your spells will fly all over the place, and give it a try," Moira commanded.
But he could not regret the decision that had revealed the truth about him. Who knew how terrible the fire would have spread across the Khivan quarter if Martel had not been present? Shadi might have died in the flames. Of course, he would not have known her or particularly cared if he had stayed in Engby as Master Ogion's apprentice; it would simply have been news of dreadful fire in faraway Morcaster, meaning nothing more to him than that.
It was a question without answer; Martel would never know if his life could have taken a different path, and whether it would have been better. Accepting this, he decided to write back and have it done with.
Dear mum,
I assume you know that Father Julius wrote to me on your behalf, explaining things. I wish you and dad would have told me. I don't know if things would have been different, but at least I would have known. Everything that happened would have been my own decision.
But I am not upset. This has been for the best. I have learned so much at the Lyceum that I wouldn't elsewhere. I have been able to help so many people, and I will continue to do so. Besides magic, my knowledge of alchemy will be of great use. So everything worked out.
If you are worried about the thought of me joining the legions, you should not be. The war has already dragged on for so many years. Everyone down here is saying that it can't continue much longer. And this is Morcaster where these decisions are made, so they would know. I might not even make it to camp before the whole thing is over, and I am ordered to go back again. Maybe I will even join a legion posted up north. We might march right past Engby, and I can come visit. Else I will do it when I am given leave.
So don't think more about it. Instead, tell me how everyone is when you write to me next. I assume John is still healthy and not in need of more medication, but if so, don't hesitate to write. Mistress Rana, the alchemist who is teaching me the trade, pays me for my work, so I can help if you need it. I might even be able to make the elixir myself. Wouldn't that be grand?
By the time this letter arrives, solstice will have come and gone again. I hope you all have had a wonderful celebration, and I am sorry to miss another one. But there will be a great faire here in Morcaster like last year, I imagine, full of entertainment. I hope you can come and experience it one year as well.
Love,
Martel
He put his quill away, careful not to disturb the parchment as the ink dried.
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Chapter 401: A Focus for the Fire
A Focus for the Fire
When Moira appeared in the Circle of Fire, all the acolytes could sense this lesson would be different. It was rather obvious as she carried four staves in her arms, and unlike those used for weapon practice, which were rough and simple, these were exquisitely carved. Each had a top with particular markings and carvings, allowing room for something to be inserted. As Moira handed out one staff to each student, Martel got a chance to take a closer look at what rested atop. It was a ruby.
"I don't suppose you knuckleheads remember what Master Fenrick taught you about gems."
Martel suspected that they all did, and he saw no reason to speak up.
Harriet had no such reservations. "Different gems and precious stones amplify different kinds of magic. Rubies are good for fire." She wore a smug expression.
"I knew one of you couldn't resist the chance to show off, explaining what every dumb novice knows," Moira snorted. "I half expected it to be the scarecrow here." She nodded towards Martel. "But I'm not surprised it was you. Mouth as big as yours, you must be putting it to use an awful lot."
Harriet turned red, either from embarrassment or anger; probably both. The other acolytes snickered, except for Martel, who just felt tired of it all.
"Once you trot off to war, you'll each get one of these. The staff of a battlemage. As said, channelling your magic into the ruby will amplify any fire spells you cast. The wood has been enchanted and laid with silver, which should make it easy for your magic to travel through it. It also makes it into a good weapon, as solid as steel."This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
Martel vaguely remembered a lesson in Master Fenrick's classroom last year, showing a silver wand with a sapphire meant for water magic. He had been envious, longing for the day when such an artefact would be his, along with the magic he would wield through it. Now he would get his first taste, though neither the artefact nor his magic was as he had imagined. He placed one hand on the carved haft that was intended to work as the handle, and he felt what Moira had described. Lines of silver touched his palm and fingers, acting like roads through the wilderness for his spells, carrying them to their destination at the top. Though how it actually worked, channelling magic through the ruby, he could not quite imagine.
"It'll take you a while to get used to it, using the gem as a focus for your spells, which means you should stop talking and start practising. Spread out, as I expect your spells will fly all over the place, and give it a try," Moira commanded.
But he could not regret the decision that had revealed the truth about him. Who knew how terrible the fire would have spread across the Khivan quarter if Martel had not been present? Shadi might have died in the flames. Of course, he would not have known her or particularly cared if he had stayed in Engby as Master Ogion's apprentice; it would simply have been news of dreadful fire in faraway Morcaster, meaning nothing more to him than that.
It was a question without answer; Martel would never know if his life could have taken a different path, and whether it would have been better. Accepting this, he decided to write back and have it done with.
Dear mum,
I assume you know that Father Julius wrote to me on your behalf, explaining things. I wish you and dad would have told me. I don't know if things would have been different, but at least I would have known. Everything that happened would have been my own decision.
But I am not upset. This has been for the best. I have learned so much at the Lyceum that I wouldn't elsewhere. I have been able to help so many people, and I will continue to do so. Besides magic, my knowledge of alchemy will be of great use. So everything worked out.
If you are worried about the thought of me joining the legions, you should not be. The war has already dragged on for so many years. Everyone down here is saying that it can't continue much longer. And this is Morcaster where these decisions are made, so they would know. I might not even make it to camp before the whole thing is over, and I am ordered to go back again. Maybe I will even join a legion posted up north. We might march right past Engby, and I can come visit. Else I will do it when I am given leave.
So don't think more about it. Instead, tell me how everyone is when you write to me next. I assume John is still healthy and not in need of more medication, but if so, don't hesitate to write. Mistress Rana, the alchemist who is teaching me the trade, pays me for my work, so I can help if you need it. I might even be able to make the elixir myself. Wouldn't that be grand?
By the time this letter arrives, solstice will have come and gone again. I hope you all have had a wonderful celebration, and I am sorry to miss another one. But there will be a great faire here in Morcaster like last year, I imagine, full of entertainment. I hope you can come and experience it one year as well.
Love,
Martel
He put his quill away, careful not to disturb the parchment as the ink dried.
Chapter 401: A Focus for the FireA Focus for the FireWhen Moira appeared in the Circle of Fire, all the acolytes could sense this lesson would be different. It was rather obvious as she carried four staves in her arms, and unlike those used for weapon practice, which were rough and simple, these were exquisitely carved. Each had a top with particular markings and carvings, allowing room for something to be inserted. As Moira handed out one staff to each student, Martel got a chance to take a closer look at what rested atop. It was a ruby."I don't suppose you knuckleheads remember what Master Fenrick taught you about gems."Martel suspected that they all did, and he saw no reason to speak up.Harriet had no such reservations. "Different gems and precious stones amplify different kinds of magic. Rubies are good for fire." She wore a smug expression."I knew one of you couldn't resist the chance to show off, explaining what every dumb novice knows," Moira snorted. "I half expected it to be the scarecrow here." She nodded towards Martel. "But I'm not surprised it was you. Mouth as big as yours, you must be putting it to use an awful lot."Harriet turned red, either from embarrassment or anger; probably both. The other acolytes snickered, except for Martel, who just felt tired of it all."Once you trot off to war, you'll each get one of these. The staff of a battlemage. As said, channelling your magic into the ruby will amplify any fire spells you cast. The wood has been enchanted and laid with silver, which should make it easy for your magic to travel through it. It also makes it into a good weapon, as solid as steel."This chapter was first shared on the Nvl1n platform.Martel vaguely remembered a lesson in Master Fenrick's classroom last year, showing a silver wand with a sapphire meant for water magic. He had been envious, longing for the day when such an artefact would be his, along with the magic he would wield through it. Now he would get his first taste, though neither the artefact nor his magic was as he had imagined. He placed one hand on the carved haft that was intended to work as the handle, and he felt what Moira had described. Lines of silver touched his palm and fingers, acting like roads through the wilderness for his spells, carrying them to their destination at the top. Though how it actually worked, channelling magic through the ruby, he could not quite imagine."It'll take you a while to get used to it, using the gem as a focus for your spells, which means you should stop talking and start practising. Spread out, as I expect your spells will fly all over the place, and give it a try," Moira commanded.But he could not regret the decision that had revealed the truth about him. Who knew how terrible the fire would have spread across the Khivan quarter if Martel had not been present? Shadi might have died in the flames. Of course, he would not have known her or particularly cared if he had stayed in Engby as Master Ogion's apprentice; it would simply have been news of dreadful fire in faraway Morcaster, meaning nothing more to him than that.It was a question without answer; Martel would never know if his life could have taken a different path, and whether it would have been better. Accepting this, he decided to write back and have it done with.Dear mum,I assume you know that Father Julius wrote to me on your behalf, explaining things. I wish you and dad would have told me. I don't know if things would have been different, but at least I would have known. Everything that happened would have been my own decision.But I am not upset. This has been for the best. I have learned so much at the Lyceum that I wouldn't elsewhere. I have been able to help so many people, and I will continue to do so. Besides magic, my knowledge of alchemy will be of great use. So everything worked out.If you are worried about the thought of me joining the legions, you should not be. The war has already dragged on for so many years. Everyone down here is saying that it can't continue much longer. And this is Morcaster where these decisions are made, so they would know. I might not even make it to camp before the whole thing is over, and I am ordered to go back again. Maybe I will even join a legion posted up north. We might march right past Engby, and I can come visit. Else I will do it when I am given leave.So don't think more about it. Instead, tell me how everyone is when you write to me next. I assume John is still healthy and not in need of more medication, but if so, don't hesitate to write. Mistress Rana, the alchemist who is teaching me the trade, pays me for my work, so I can help if you need it. I might even be able to make the elixir myself. Wouldn't that be grand?By the time this letter arrives, solstice will have come and gone again. I hope you all have had a wonderful celebration, and I am sorry to miss another one. But there will be a great faire here in Morcaster like last year, I imagine, full of entertainment. I hope you can come and experience it one year as well.Love,MartelHe put his quill away, careful not to disturb the parchment as the ink dried.
