Syrus lead Kyjus down a deserted corridor; the walls were made by laying large bricks of sandstone together. What seemed slightly out of place was the fact that the stone bricks appeared fused by some sort of metallic substance. The hall was somewhat drafty, and the walls were lit by torchlight. Each torch was placed about thirty feet apart and they alternated which side they were on as too maximize the light efficiency or, so Kyjus guessed.
The corridor was very long with a few scattered passerby's all of whom managed a slight nod to Syrus as they rushed by. This appeared to be the main corridor as they passed many smaller less populated areas.
Kyjus managed a few quick looks toward Syrus as they headed right, down a smaller corridor that veered down the right of the main corridor. They passed several doors before Syrus came to a stop. He wrapped lightly three times on the door and waited. A man opened a small hole at waist level in the door.
"What do ye need to be banging on me door this late, I hope ya be having a good excuse", the man paused as he saw who it was and then he continued. "Oh, I am begging your pardon I be opening the door right away for you Master Syrus. You're here to see the boy I am guessing. Yes, yes, right away I will let you in right away," the creature said in a faint shrill voice.
Kyjus heard something scrape across the floor and then the door began to open. Inside the room was a diminutive figure. This must have been the speaker with the somewhat shrill high-pitched voice. The creature could not have been much more than 3 feet tall. He had large pointy ears, grey hair (what little there was of it) and long flowing white robes. His teeth were large and crooked, but he was immaculately clean and kempt.
"So glad I am to see of you Syrus. Long have you been gone it has. And this must be master Kyjus. What a pleasure it is to meet you young sir. I have been taking well care of your friend Ryan, have I. Please follow me this way," the gnome said as he led them through the main room down a small corridor. He directed them into the first room on the left.
The lights were off in the room. The gnome whispered something, and the lamps sprung to life. Judging by the size of the lamps they looked like they could put off more light however, the amount of light that they were putting off seemed to be plenty to see the layout of the room and to find Ryan.
"I will leave you to your friend young master, I am afraid he is sleeping rather soundly. I did not give him anything to help him sleep in case you decided to show up. I am sure Ryan won't mind if you wake him, he spoke rather often of you after I got him all mended," the friendly creature said as he turned to depart the room.
He stopped suddenly as if he remembered something and turned and bowed to Kyjus and then turned to Syrus. "If you would be so kind as to tell me when you leave, and I will turn our young friend's lights down and give him a sleeping potion to help him sleep better tonight. I imagine he will need it being excited to see you young master."
"Of course," Syrus responded as the small creature exited the room.
Kyjus first looked to Syrus for some sort of an explanation.
"My apologies", he said to Kyjus forgetting that the young man was not used to any of this.
"That was Deemus, he is a Gnome hailing from Calrenthia, a land far to the north and west of Scorched Earth on Minlas. He is an admirable Cleric in his own right and quite the healer if I do say myself. Have a look at his work for yourself," the old mage said as he gestured toward Ryan.
Kyjus accepted the answer and being of a curious nature made his way over to the bed in which Ryan was laying. He pulled up one of the plush chairs and sat down. He began to try and nudge Ryan awake. After a few minutes of this Ryan finally awoke.
"Kyjus, man am I glad to see you. I sort of blacked out after I fell, and I woke up here in this bed with some little guy or something has been all fussing over me. I got my arm in a sling for some reason and this, whatever it is running around, won't let me get out of bed," his young friend said somewhat frantically.
Once he saw the concern on Kyjus face he backtracked a bit, "now don't get me wrong he has been very nice, and he pretty much brings me whatever I want so it's not all bad but I think he is being a bit protective. Where am I anyways and who is this guy," Ryan asked as he nodded toward Syrus.
Kyjus chuckled. "Well glad to see fracturing your shoulder blade hasn't dulled your spirits."
"Say what, don't be daft man my shoulder is fine I think I just bruised it a little bit," Ryan said a bit defiantly.
Kyjus looked at Syrus who shook his head to indicate the shoulder was most definitely broken.
"Well, whatever happened you seem to be all better now and that is the important thing. Oh, and this is Syrus", he said as he nodded the old mages way. He is the reason we are both here, Ryan.
Both Syrus and Ryan nodded their hellos.
"As to where you are I am not sure, but I believe that is a question best left for another time", Syrus finished for Kyjus. "I just brought master Kyjus by to make sure you are OK. So, since he can see you are fine, we will be returning you home sometime tomorrow. Your scouting troop will be finishing their fishing trip and will be heading back in another day and the plan is to have you there to leave with your friends I promise. Now I was informed to make this brief so you can get some much-needed rest so I think we should be off. I will fetch Deemus to make sure you have everything needed before you get back to sleep. Good night Ryan," the old mage said with a slight bow.
"Night Ryan I am glad you're OK", Kyjus said as he turned to exit the room. A definite sadness filled his heart as he was keenly aware that this may very well be the last time, he saw his friend.
Both Kyjus and Syrus left Ryan and made their way down the hall to the main room. Deemus was nowhere to be found so Syrus called his name. Within a few seconds the little gnome bound into the room. "All set to go then sir"?
Syrus nodded.
Kyjus turned to go but paused and turned around to face the little gnome. "Thank you for taking care of my friend, sir. It really means a lot to me."
The little figure seemed a little embarrassed by this but managed a response. "Please master Kyjus there is no reason to call me sir, you may call me Deemus; I am but a servant to the council. Besides it was most definitely my pleasure. Good night to both of you", the gnome called as they shut door.
"Good night to you also Deemus. It was a pleasure meeting you", Kyjus called back to the gnome.
"As it was meeting you master Kyjus" the gnome said half talking half whispering. He knew Kyjus would not have heard his response but saying it just felt right. He walked back to Ryan bringing him some milk (with some sleeping potion mixed in) and a few cookies.
After Ryan had polished off the snack sat out for him, he heard Deemus mutter something he could not understand and then the lamps went out. Ryan was asleep before the gnome exited the room. "Goodnight friend Ryan," the little gnome whispered to no one in particular.
~~~~~!!!~~~~~
Syrus led Kyjus down several different corridors to a large foyer. At the other end of the foyer were two doors one on the left and the other on the right. Syrus headed to the door on the right and Kyjus followed. Inside the doorway was a spiral staircase. Syrus headed up, Kyjus figured they were up about four stories when they came to the fourth door. Syrus touched the middle of the door, a red square lit up, "Ambrosia" he said rather loudly and clearly. The lock clicked and the door opened.
Once inside Syrus looked at Kyjus. "You are not yet configured to use this door, you have heard the password, but I warn you until I have told you it is OK for you to use the door, to do so would be folly indeed."
Kyjus nodded his head as if he understood.
Syrus lead him down another small hallway where they came to a four-way intersection. About fifty feet in each direction stood a door. Syrus motioned Kyjus to the door straight ahead.
Kyjus headed for the door directly in front of their current position. "The room behind this door is yours and yours alone. I will be staying at the room down the hall to the right", Syrus said as they reached the door.
Syrus paused at the door and mumbled something that he Kyjus did not quite catch and then nodded to Kyjus to do the honors. Opening the door Kyjus discovered that the room was quite elegant containing a large cathedral ceiling, several paintings, murals, and a wooden sculpture of a winged beast that sat on a three-foot high jade pedestal. It was a depiction of a creature that Kyjus had never seen before.
There were other statues of beings that Kyjus had never heard of or seen before lining the perimeter of the room. There were three arched doorways leading out of the room other than the doorway from which they entered.
"Ahem", Syrus cleared his throat
"If you would allow me young master, I can show you around and introduce you to your servant"
"My what", Kyjus said whipping his head around to look at Syrus.
"You are now a distinguished guest of the council. As such you have certain privileges. A plush room in the best and most secure part of the city and yes also included in that is someone to help look after you and see that you are taken care of."
Kyjus stood mouth open and totally dumfounded by the precarious albeit totally cool situation he has just been placed into. He decided it would be best if he would do what most other fourteen-year-olds would do in this situation and that was to take full advantage of it. He managed a slight smile.
As if sensing the smile and its meaning Syrus continued. "Now don't misunderstand me there are limits to what Weemus will do for you".
As if on cue another diminutive figure emerged from the food pantry. "Why good evening young master Kyjus," he said as he nodded Kyjus way. "Good evening to you Syrus".
Both Kyjus and Syrus said their hello's as Weemus grabbed Kyjus' backpack. "Sir with your permission I will set the pack in your room." Kyjus nodded his approval. "Oh, and sir I took the liberty of stocking the cupboards with some of your planets favorite food types. I am also taking the pleasure of stocking your wardrobe, but my apologies Syrus felt it would be best if we kept it to Desmonia attire only", the Gnome said as he bowed and began to make his way to the Kyjus' bedroom.
"Thanks for all of that", Kyjus hollered after Weemus had left the room.
"I must apologize for the clothing arrangement master Kyjus, but the council felt it best if you actually blended in with the other races from Minlas, most specifically the humans from our planet. I hope this does not sadden or grieve you much"
"It is fine Syrus; I am not very particular with what I wear just as long as it covers me. I must say I am more interested about the food then the clothes, Kyjus said trying but failing miserably to hide his sly smile."
"Ahh yes we have gathered for you many of your earthen culinary feasts and combined them with some of Minlas' favorites. If you would follow me, I will show you," Syrus said as he went through the archway that lie straight ahead.
"The room we just left is the sitting room and the foyer. This room sir is the food pantry. That is the fire pit and oven. Do not and I repeat do NOT attempt to utilize either of these. They do not operate like your heating apparatus on earth, and you would most likely burn yourself trying. Besides that, is what Weemus is here for. These cupboards here are not for your perusing so leave them be. They are spell locked anyway so you do not have access and trust me you don't want to really know what is in there, mostly spices and cooking utensils I gather."
"Now this cabinet" Syrus said as he walked over behind and to the left of the fire pit near the dining table. "This cabinet you have total access to, the password is Violet". Having spoken the password, the door slowly wafted open. "It should be easy to remember for you sir as it has the color and type of flower engraved upon it."
Kyjus glanced in to see what was in the cabinet and his mouth dropped. There were cookies and cakes of all varieties, nuts, fruits, and berries and into a large compartment on the left side were cheese, milk, and containers of liquid.
Syrus reached in and grabbed a carafe of clear liquid out of the left compartment and a chunk of cheese and set them on the table. He then went to the right of the big cabinet and opened a much littler cupboard and grabbed a loaf of very strange looking bread and a jar of something similar to jam.
"I am sure you are hungry, once I finish the tour, we can make you something to eat but for now I think we should continue on," Syrus said motioning thru a small archway on the other side of the dining room table.
Kyjus frowned but followed still retaining the piece of cheese he munched as he was shown around. No sense in not doing both at the same time he thought to himself.
After they had both entered the next room Syrus continued. "Now this young sir is the parlor. It is the only room in the house it would be proper in which one would smoke. I am sure that you are much too young for that sir but if you desire Weemus can always make you a fire in the courtier or what you Earthen Folk refer to as a fireplace."
Kyjus entered the room and was thoroughly amazed with his surroundings. There was a large statue of a warrior type figure in the corner, a large plush rug covering the middle of the room and a large fireplace in the middle of the far wall. In the middle of the room was a large square stand. It sat low to the floor, with large multicolored plush sitting pillows around it and a marbled chessboard containing several elaborate ivory chess pieces.
In the far-right corner was a small fountain that flowed with sparkling blue water. In the water were a variety of fish. Next to the fountain was a built-in shelf that contained a few books and several containers of fish food.
In the middle of the right wall were sliding double doors that were made of solid oak and decorated with a very distinguished chiseled burn pattern.
Syrus motioned toward the doors and Kyjus made his way over to them, he attempted to open them, but they would not budge. Syrus sort of smiled as Kyjus continued to try and make the doors cooperate but still they would not budge.
"I am sorry but like the front door, the doors to the master suite are password protected. The password to open both is Belinarc", as Syrus spoke the password the doors slowly opened. Inside was a very large walk-in closet to the left and the right and an arched doorway directly opposite the entrance.
As the doors opened Kyjus could see Weemus hanging some clothes, all of them looked strangely odd to Kyjus, who immediately assumed this was his new wardrobe.
"Ahh master Kyjus I am just finishing hanging up your clothes. As soon as you want to rid yourself of those garments", he tried to say without too much disdain but failed miserably, "I will dispose of them for you. Also, I have placed a fresh change of clothes for you on your bed. Of course, you are going to want to bathe first I am sure, so I have taken the liberty of making you a bath kind sir. It will remain hot until your tour has ended," Weemus said as he exited out the way in which they had just entered.
"Oh, and sir", Weemus called from the other room, "I took the liberty of packing all your earthen spell books, your new spell books, supplies, regents, your cloak and your staff. They are security locked in the safe".
Kyjus turned to look at Syrus. "Syrus what on Earth is he babbling about. I haven't got earthen spell books they are just books, and I don't have any components, cloak or a staff, and I don't even know what a reagent is".
"Well Kyjus, I will explain it all right after you bathe and eat and right before you turn in for the night. I promise." With that Syrus nodded toward an archway on the other side of the walk-in closet, indicating that in that direction he would find his bath water.
Kyjus walked the length of the vast master suite to the archway. Just past the archway the wall took a left and then a right turn and opened into a large cathedral ceiling with four skylights, one covering each major direction. In the center of the room was a very large tub filled with bubbling water complete with steam escaping from its top and to Kyjus surprise it seemed to be reentering back into the water.
To the left back corner was a changing area complete with a changing shade to block the view of any who might happen to wander into the room. In the far-right corner were dual basins complete with two large oval mirrors with elegant bronze trim and in the middle and on either side of each mirror were lights that were made to resemble the torches that lined the hallways. These operated by some sort of battery Kyjus presumed as they were not plugged in. In looking around Kyjus finally noticed there were no electrical plugs in any of the rooms, odd he thought to himself.
To the closest corner to the entryway but on the other side of the wall were what Syrus referred to as both a standing and sitting latrine. Both of which were blocked by two large changing shades of very similar design to the one near the changing area.
There were several built in shelves that contained very elegant towels, soaps and bathing crystals.
And lastly the floor contained several large plush rugs that most definitely would be a welcomed feel upon your feet when one exited the bath.
Syrus exited quickly after he explained where everything was, it seemed unlike the food pantry area he could readily see and use everything in the bathroom. For some strange reason this made him smile.
Without hesitation he slipped off his clothes and entered the tub. It was as Weemus promised a deep cleansing warm bath. It seemed as if the bubbles washed away all the day's weariness and a fair portion of the dirt and grime or at least Kyjus had hoped as he scrubbed to get clean.
After Kyjus felt he had enough of his bath he exited and grabbed a towel to dry off. He then walked into his bedchamber to find the clothes that Weemus had sat out for him. They closely resembled pajamas and although he felt he was a bit old for pajamas he did not want to offend anyone, so he put them on.
It was odd that he did not feel like a child in them but rather quite the opposite. He felt older somehow and more dignified. Shaking his head and thinking it was just the exhaustion setting in he made his way to the food pantry.
On the table in the food pantry sat quite a feast. There were cookies, fruits, a variety of breads and cheeses; there was something that resembled potato chips, and several types of nuts. To drink there was a small glass of milk and large glass of almost clear liquid.
"I hope this is acceptable young master. I was not sure what you would like so I made a small sampling of each, and I thought you could decide" Weemus said as he added a plate of various types of meats.
"Well, uh, yes this will do quite nicely Weemus", Kyjus said somewhat stunned at the variety of foods he had to choose from. He didn't really know where to start so he kind of just dove into a little of this and a little of that.
He had a meat sandwich first which he thought would make his mother proud. He didn't know how many times he had been told you must always eat something that your body needs before you eat what your taste buds desire. Odd that he would remember that here and now he thought to himself.
Thinking of this made him think of his mother, this brought a tear to his eye. He wondered how she was doing and his father too of course. What would they do when they found out that he was lost on the scouting trip? What would they do if they found out that he was no longer on the planet? That thought brought a slight chuckle as he could only picture his father at hearing the news.
He feasted for nearly an hour and when he finally could not imagine eating one more bite, the front door opened. Syrus had returned.
"I trust your meal was to your liking Kyjus," he said with a smile.
Kyjus nodded "most definitely" he said as he smiled back to Syrus.
"Great then I have a few things you need to see and then it's time to turn in. There is someone you will be meeting tomorrow and then you will be in for many months of intense training. I am not going to bore you will all the gory details now, but I would like to at least show you some of the things that you will be using and studying." Syrus then motioned for Kyjus to follow him. He first went into the parlor and then into the closet of Kyjus' newly acquired bedroom.
Syrus went to the right once he entered the closet. There was a door built into the wall that unless you were to be looking for it or know it's there you would be hard pressed to find it. "I need for you to go ahead place your hand in the circle on the right for me," Syrus said as he motioned toward the door.
As Kyjus did as instructed Syrus put his hand in the other circle. "PASSWERDICUS INDENTURIFIED", Syrus said the words in a booming type of voice that somewhat startled Kyjus.
"I have reset the door so that only you can open it. You will need to keep all the items that are currently in here stored in here when you are not putting them too good use. To access the contents of the drawer you will need to put a hand in each circle. It will take a few seconds before the door recognizes the entry and open for you".
Syrus nudged him as if he were telling him to give it a try, so he placed each hand in a circle. After a second or two the two circles glowed blue, and the door opened.
Inside Kyjus saw several books and several clear jars of stones and other various items. He also saw a cloak and a stick. The stick had a bluish glow to it.
"These are yours Kyjus and they are yours to keep whether you stay on Desmonia or not. You must, however complete your training before the council will make them yours permanently. It would not behoove us to give magical items to one that is not trained in their use".
Kyjus nodded that he understood.
"Ok then, I suppose a brief explanation of what these items are might be in order. These are your study books he said pointing to the books in the upper right corner. You have a book of herbology, which is the study of herbs and plants. It will also explain their applications in the use of magic, and you must understand that most of these uses evolve around natural elements, salves and oils".
"There is a book of spells and their uses. The book does not actually have any spells in it as you will define those yourself, but it does have some really informative guidelines on what certain types of spells do and what the basic spell concept words are for each type."
"You have jars full of components. These are for the making of potions and some are even used to cast spells. For example, the dull looking brown ones here you need anytime you want to conjure up an earth elemental for your pet"
Syrus was about to continue when he was interrupted. "My what" Kyjus said.
"Your earth pet young master, now please do not tell me that you did not know that mages could summon pets." Kyjus nodded that he had not known. "I see, I see", he said as he rubbed his chin.
"I am going to have to inform Professor Sheplin that you are going to need a remedial course on Mage lore before getting started with any of the more complicated functions. Oh well no matter he will get you trained right proper I can assure you of that young master", Syrus said as he returned his thoughts back to the closet.
"Here is your cloak sir. It is nothing fancy, but it will help you move faster and quieter and it will help you channel and focus your abilities while spell casting. Other than that, it is fairly straight forward and uncomplicated."
"Ah and the last item we have here is your staff. Now while a mage can cast spells without their staff those spells are going to be many times more effective if the mage has their staff in hand. This staff also increases your channeling ability; it will decrease the effect that other spells will have on you, it will increase your ability to recover from spells that you cast, and lastly it will increase your ability to summon a stronger pet"
"This staff is not straight forward and is quite rare as are the abilities it possesses. Only the greatest mages throughout time have wielded this staff, each one of them adding to the staves power as only a great mage can. The last wielder of the staff lived over two thousand years ago. He was a human just like you an extremely gifted man for his time. His name was Socrates. It's a pity what his own kind had done to him a real pity," Syrus said with a very saddened tone.
"I am sure you still have many questions and I do apologize that I could not answer them all as I had hoped but it is getting late in the hour. I fear it is past time for both of us to turn in. I can assure you that Professor Sheplin will be able to answer most of your questions when you start your training."
Kyjus nodded that he understood and began to make his way back to the main confines of his bedroom. He was not upset at the old mage. In fact, he was quite the opposite, so tired he was he was glad for their parting and the sleep he would soon undertake.
"Goodnight young master", Syrus said as he shut the magical items within the secret door and headed towards the front door.
"Goodnight Syrus I will see you in the morning"
"Yes, you certainly will sir and all too early at that" Syrus replied back as he opened the door to leave.
Kyjus wondered what he meant by that last statement. He also would have liked to know more about mages more specifically their pets. He had questions of Professor Sheplin and a host of other topics leapfrogging thru his mind, but he also realized the wisdom in Syrus words and wisely agreed that some sleep right now would do him some good.