"Please, sit down, my dear." Vehéres pulled out a chair from an empty desk. Trisphyra stood frozen in place. For the first time, she'd entered a filled classroom. Everyone was looking at her with the same expression; disbelief. They seemed to vary in ages. Some were older and others seemed to be about her age. She swallowed and sat down by the desk, placing the flowers in front of her.
"Wonderful." He smiled, "Alright then my water drops! Back to what we were doing!" The eyes on Trisphyra moved away one by one, back to their teacher. She felt herself relax, it was nice to not be the center of attention.
Vehéres was such a contrast to Guprix. Unlike her Master who approached his lessons systematically, the aquanian were all over the place, making jokes whilst swirling around the classroom. He was explaining the different schools of magic and how different kinds of magic affected both the user and those exposed to the spells. It was a lot to take in but she found that she enjoyed the lesson. A faint memory of her classes with Matilda appeared in her mind. It had been so long. Was this what it really should be like?
"Time to practice!" The mage shouted with joy, "What would you all like this time? A dragon? A night crawler?"
"A troll!" One student shouted.
"Aha!" Vehéres grinned, "A troll! A fearsome beast." He snapped his fingers and out of the thin air, each and every student received a small wooden sculpture of a troll. Everyone gasped in awe.
"Now, in a real situation I wouldn't ask you to use just any spell against a troll. Why?" He looked around the room.
A small, human girl raised her hand. Vehéres nodded towards her.
"Because trolls can regenerate their wounds. Only fire and acid spells work against them."
"Correct!" His excitement almost scared Trisphyra out of her chair. She sure wasn't used to this kind of energy. He drummed his fingers against each other, "Now, as much as I'd love to see you all unleash your inner dualist powers, I think we're gonna take it down just a notch."
Some students groaned in disappointment.
"Easy now. The frostbite spell is effective in its own right. Done correctly it can inflict damage from the inside as well as the outside. It can even weaken structures of many different buildings, be it stone or wood." He conjured a wooden sculpture in his own hand and demonstrated. The frost quickly covered the entire troll. Everyone could hear the cracking of the wood as the ice penetrated the surface and after just a few seconds Vehéres crushed it in his hand. The students applauded.
"Give it try."
Trisphyra felt her heart sink. This was always the part she dreaded the most. She grabbed the statue and closed her eyes, fishing for that energy inside her like she always did.
She kept trying for what felt like an hour. Her eyes opened and looked around. Many of the students had gotten the hang of it quickly and been given new sculptures to practice on. It was hard to not feel a sense of defeat. In the corner of her eye she could even see some of them peeking at her with a smirk.
Vehéres walked up to her and knelt down beside her desk, "What seems to be the problem, my dear?"
"I promise I'm trying. I just… It's always like this. No matter how hard I try."
"Hey now. That's okay. We all have different roads to our magic. Show me what you're doing and let's see if perhaps I can help, huh?"
His warm voice encouraged her to try once more. She closed her eyes for a minute. Nothing. A sigh escaped her lips, "I'm sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry for. I can see what Master Lombard was trying to teach and perhaps with some time… it will work for you. However, what if this time we do what you wanna do?"
"I-I don't understand."
He smiled, "Forget about the frostbite spell and all that. That's for when you're able to guide your magical essence. You need to familiarize yourself with how to find it. Stop pushing yourself and get comfortable with the sensation. It needs to come naturally."
He placed her hands around the statue, "Look at it. Just look. Feel its surface. What do you want it to become?"
She touched the smooth edge. Tracing the lines left by the bark. It reminded her of Aldertrunk and how she'd somehow made him bloom.
Bloom?
Her eyes went to the flowers. Holding them made her feel calm. Perhaps…
She felt the excitement grow as she looked at the statue. The sensation grew but not to a degree that it felt scary this time.
The bark suddenly split and sprouted flowers all around its body. Trisphyra's eyes widened.
"There it is! Hold on to it!" Vehéres exclaimed, conjuring another in front of her.
She smiled and swapped statues. It felt like such a rush. With this one, she was able to make it switch poses several times. The teacher grabbed her shoulder, "Easy now. Knowing how to control it also means knowing how to turn it off."
She took a few deep breaths, letting the sensations fade away.
"Try the spell now." He encouraged, "You got it."
Trisphyra wasn't scared this time. She actually wanted to do it. Not out of fear or pressure, because she wanted to.
With the tip of her finger, she touched the nose of the troll. The frost grew quickly and covered the sculpture. The flowers that had sprouted from its bark now darkened and fell out. The sounds of cracking wood became louder before it burst into splinters. Even Master Vehéres jumped in surprise.
"Now that's what I call frostbite! Very well done!" He grinned.
"Thank you so much for your guidance. I don't know how…" She ran out of words.
"Three times a day. Practice by using this technique. You'll come to find it much easier to perform spells from now on."
"I-I will." She nodded.
"Dare I say your lessons with the Master will be easier as well. He'll teach you a great deal."
Trisphyra wasn't sure how she wanted to respond to that. Vehéres stood up and clapped his hands, "I think that's enough of that, my drops. Let's not push ourselves this early in the day. Bring out your book of attunement and turn to page 562."
"You can look at mine." Someone whispered.
Trisphyra looked to her left. It was a girl, a winan girl. Winans look like elves or humans with wings and from what Guprix had told her, a very rare race. She had long auburn hair tied into a braid with hazel eyes and a warm smile. She angled the book so that Trisphyra could have an easier time reading it.
"Thank you." She replied.
Meanwhile, the members of the Elder Council who were present; Ishan, Aaliyah and Wrismov, had gathered in the council hall, along with the three Masters.
"Arguing. Insulting each other. Don't you think it's a little irresponsible to be doing so in the middle of the school yard?" Aaliyah asked angrily, "What will the students think of this?"
Gurpix's jaw tensed, "With respect, Master. It doesn't concern me what other students think when one of our most important ones is being stolen."
Taenya rolled her eyes, "I didn't steal her. She fled your classroom, remember? You should be thankful I managed to get her back to you."
"After parading her through your section."
"Having her hands burnt I figured she needed some distractions."
"Her hands were fine!"
"She healed, you idiot!"
"ENOUGH!" Ishan's voice echoed loudly. He stood up. The two elves lowered their heads. The general kept her head straight.
"It is clear you both overstepped. As leaders of your respective sections you are supposed to be communicating. It seems you have forgotten this in your roles of power. Is it time or Lady Trisphyra that is the reason for your squabble? How is the girl?"
Aaliyah leaned in, "I had Master Manral take care of her for now. She's in good hands."
The principal looked at Gurpix, "Why did she run?"
He was reluctant to answer, "I may have… pushed her a bit too hard." He admitted, "She's been showing some great signs and I thought-"
"The girl is in turmoil." Wrismov interrupted.
Everyone turned to the mysterious shade. Their featureless face stared at Gurpix, "I inspected her room as you requested, Lombard. I made an interesting discovery."
"What?"
"The girl's visitor was definitely that of Luna'Celesia, but also of Aiselec'Anul; the white moon's dark side."
A chill went down the old elf's spine, "You mean-"
"Hang on, you mean Aiselec can take form now?" Aaliyah asked. All the Elders turned to Guprix.
"It's complicated. Some stories claim that the white moon and her darker half are to separate deities fighting over their home. However… Others say they're the same person."
"How is it possible that no one knows for sure? The goddess has been worshiped for centuries."
"During my expedition to find the temple of Ithilunar, I stumbled across stories of how Arx, the bright god and Karma, our sun goddess, work together every day to ensure the dark side does not take over when Luna'Celesia is at her weakest."
"Does this mean the goddess is fading?"
"Not fading." Wrismov added, "Other forces are growing stronger. We have all sensed it. Is that not why so few of us are here today, Lord Ibarin?"
The principal's grip tightened around his staff, "It is true. The others have sent reports of various dark cults starting to take root all over the world. It is possible that this worshiping has aided many deities of evil to grow."
The general who'd remained silent up to this point, spoke out, "Could this negative energy be what is fueling Rook into war?"
"Impossible to say for certain." Wrismov answered, "But possible."
"We cannot stand unprepared for this."
"Easy, General." Aaliyah tried to persuade.
"My soldiers are great warriors, some of the best in the world, but their skills mean nothing until they've been tested out on the field. I need to take them outside our training grounds."
"That would increase the risk of people finding our location."
"Widen our borders then. At least enough so I can take training groups into Elandorr and the northern coast."
"I have to say, I agree with the General." Guprix confessed, "Threats are already appearing inside our borders, hell, one even tried to attack Trisphyra. The least we can do is prepare them. Joarice's agents will be able to scout outside perimeters, more soldiers will get to patrol our borders and… my mages could use some practice."
Both women stared at him with wide eyes. They couldn't believe he was taking their side.
"We've been slumbering for too long, Master." He looked at Ishan.
The old man's face remained firm, "After the great cataclysm, the members of this council, including you three, agreed it was the best decision to protect the schools integrity above all else. We created the magical borders. We limited our communication to the outside world. Because of that decision, no one outside of Arathorn knows of its existence. It has allowed us the great advantage of discretion. You wish to take all of that away?"
Guprix tried to pick his next words carefully, "Times have changed. We don't wish for-"
"The wishes and needs of teachers must not go above those of the students."
"Our wish IS for the students." Ismastis implied, "I don't want them to walk these halls in fear because we failed to give them the tools to protect themselves. Isn't that why they're here?"
"They are here to learn and grow as individuals. I will not prepare them for a war WE caused because WE failed to protect them, much like you three did today. Before I so much as consider letting you expand our borders, I will need to see if you can work together."
There was a long pause.
"I admit varied learning experiences would benefit our students greatly. I will allow the mages and the soldiers to train together. How does that sound, General?"
"A great suggestion! My soldiers have little experience when it comes to fighting spellcasters."
Ishan looked at Guprix. The old elf tried to hide his frustration.
"Perhaps Alluin should take the lead on this."
"I shall see to it, Master."
He sat back down in his chair, "Now, about Aiselec. What does this mean for the girl?"
"At best, nothing." Wrismov hissed, "It would explain why her magical development has been… slow." They looked at Guprix, "If you have been attempting to trigger her magic with trinkets of the moon goddess, perhaps if Lady Trisphyra carries it, the essence of Aiselec has been big enough to shun that away."
"So what then? Do you suggest I bring trinkets from Aiselec instead?"
The old shade let out a raspy laugh, "Of course not. I am merely saying you should think of a different approach. Otherwise the girl might turn in and out of herself."
Aaliyah sighed, "I think it's best if you don't tell Trisphyra about this, Lombard."
He answered coldly, "I suppose. It wouldn't be the first thing we've kept from her."
"The students bicker amongst themselves as it is, we do not need to do so as well." Ishan ordered, "You may leave now."
All three were ushered out the room and the doors slammed behind them. They stood frozen for a minute before Taenya broke the silence, "All things considered I think that went kind of well."
Guprix glared at her, "Do you?"
"None of us are demoted. We get to carry on as usual. Except for you two, I suppose."
"Master Ibarin is gonna be watching us closely from now on."
"Quit your whining. It's you two's fault we're in this mess." Ismastis muttered and began walking down the hall.
"What?!" He exclaimed, clearly offended.
"Let it go, Lunie." Taenya skipped after the centaur, "We know that Ponytail neeeever does anything wrong."
"That's not what I'm saying, but in this instance, I didn't." She disclosed.
Guprix followed along, "Perhaps if you disciplined your soldiers a bit better."
Ismastis scoffed, biting her tongue to prevent herself from getting mad, "If I recall, Master Lombard, YOU were the one who insisted Helon be moved to the upper levels, not me. I distinctly remember being against it."
"Krisric did what he was told, like a good little soldier." Taenya smirked.
"I'm sure he did." The general declared, determined to find that out herself once she got back down.
"I suppose I'll have to talk to Ailluin about these training arrangements." Guprix added, trying to to change the subject.
Taenya raised an eyebrow, "Not off to see your little pupil?"
"I think she's had enough of me today. Vehéres will handle her for now."
"Aw, that's a big step for you; Letting go of your control freak."
"Stop it."
She gave him a wink and proceeded to walk up the stairs that led to the agent's domain. Guprix tried to compose himself. That elf always makes a fool of him.
"Have Master Sahara report to me as soon as you both have come up with a training plan. I'd like to get this started immediately."
"I will and-" He hesitated, "I apologize for what I said about Krisric. He's a fine soldier. I hope today won't make you think less of him."
"You just watch your people and I'll watch mine." She answered sternly.
He simply nodded and went on towards the mage house.
Ismastis sighed. She hated this, messes. People love to make messes which she had to take care of after.
Before heading down she patrolled the main level and made sure her guards were back to their posts. Everything seemed to have gone back to normal. She didn't dare to relax however, there were things she had to do.
As she came down from the giant staircase, it had turned into afternoon. Her soldiers were finishing their routines. Horses and chores were being taken care of.
She scouted the area, searching for her culprit. Her eyes caught a campfire where a large number of people had gathered. She could see the giant frame of Senjumon and Wanrag amongst them. Everyone seemed to be in a cheerful mood. The smell of food and sound of laughter filled the area.
She approached slowly, quite certain of what she'd discover. Commander Senjumon caught her eyes. She didn't have to say anything. He gestured with his head the direction she had to go. Helon was sitting at the other end.
Slowly, she walked around the group, listening to their chatter. Jokes were being made about today's event. It wasn't unusual, however, given the disarray it had caused she felt it was in bad taste to make fun of it. Especially since they were being made by Krisric himself.
"I don't think I've ever seen so many of them panicking at the same time. The look in Lombard's eyes was priceless!"
She walked up behind him, "Priceless, huh? Is that what you think?"
He turned around and nearly choked on his food. Ismastis grabbed him by the neck, pulling him off his feet as if he weighed nothing and tossed him out on the field. He was quick enough to clumsily prevent himself from falling on his butt. He was staring at her with terror. The other soldiers, even the commanders, had fallen deathly quiet.
"You idiot!" She snarled, circling the elf, "Have you any idea how lucky you are?"
"General, I was just following orders." He bawled.
"Bullshit, you did! Lombard told me what you said. You weren't paying attention? You?"
"I-I-"
"As a soldier, no matter what assignment you get, you take it seriously! It's not a game! If you don't get that here, you won't get it out there in the real world where there's real world consequences."
He lowered his head, unable to answer.
"Tell me the truth now." She ordered.
Silence. Helon kept his eyes locked on the ground. Was he ashamed? Was he angry? Even he couldn't tell for certain. All he could see was Trisphyra's frightened eyes when he found her by the pond.
"He's rough, isn't he?" He muttered.
"Speak, Krisric. The truth."
"As a soldier I'm supposed to protect this school and its students, right?" He looked up at the General, "So how could I possibly take her back to him after what he did to her? General, she was terrified."
"You don't know her situation, Krisric. When you don't know then you don't act on intuition. You should've reported back to Lombard, or even me."
"It didn't feel right."
"Doesn't matter. You're a soldier. You follow orders. I've had it with you, following every whim that crosses your mind."
"It's the reason I always win!" He exclaimed, "You say it's some weakness but how come I always beat my opponents in sparring then?"
"You think winning matches is what makes you a good soldier? A good knight?" She debated, keeping her voice stern.
"Seems like it's a big part of it. That's all we do."
"No!" She corrected, "That's all YOU listen to!"
"What more do I need?"
She waited to respond. It was clear Helon would only respond to one type of answer.
"Fine." She took a few steps back, "Wanrag, give him a sword."
Almost as if he was waiting for it, the minotaur tossed a longsword in front of Helon's feet. The elf's eyes went from the blade to his General. The hands which she usually kept behind her back now rested at her side.
"If you land one scratch on me, I'll make you a white knight of Arathorn and you can finally do as you please."
He wasn't sure if she was serious, "With a sword?"
"Yes."
Fine. He'd play along, "And if you land a scratch on me?"
She scoffed, "If I get your smug face in the dirt you'll fall in line and start doing what I say."
He pulled the blade out from the ground, "Sure you don't want a sword, General?"
"Trust me, Krisric. You don't want me to wield a sword."
She raised her fists, digging her hoof into the ground. Helon took a deep breath. Fighting a centaur would be like fighting a mounted soldier. He'd done that before. The soldiers around them watched intently. For most it would be the first time they'd get to see the General fight. She usually kept herself away from such things, but they all knew she was their leader for a reason. Stories say that every year, in classic lower ground fashion, the General and the commanders spar to see who gets to be in charge. It was an idea Ismastis herself came up with to make sure there was understanding and respect amongst her leaders. Apparently she'd never lost once. It was difficult to imagine how she'd taken down a giant like Senjumon, but he has admitted it himself. They all have.
Helon charged and swung his sword sideways. She dodged, as he expected and so followed up with an upward attack. The General took a step to the side. Helon felt a shove from behind him and stumbled forward a few feet. Her strong horse body had ended up behind him, which resulted in the push. He quickly realized there were so many more zones he had to watch out for.
She galloped towards him, attempting to backhand him. He was able to roll away. Just a stood up he caught a back hoof coming for his face, missing him by an inch. He fell to the ground and Ismastis took her chance, smashing her legs down. The elf desperately crawled backwards. He was able to gather his feet underneath him. As the General came down towards him once more he stood up, pointing his sword upwards. She reared to avoid getting impaled, standing to her full height on her back legs, exposing her belly. Helon attempted to strike but he forgot her front legs. He took a step forward and immediately got hit in the arm, dropping the sword. The pain was sharp. Had he just dislocated his shoulder?
Ismastis came back down, landing on his foot. He let out a grunt and bended forward in pain. Before knowing it, he received a strong hit to his face. She swung around faster than the blink of an eye and bucked her hoofs into his chest, sending him flying.
His ears were ringing as he looked up in the sky. Any confidence he'd gained fighting commander Senjumon was gone. He'd never felt so pathetic. Did it even look like he was trying?
"It takes strength AND discipline!" She came into view, holding his sword by the blade. Helon kept looking at her, catching his breath. Could he see sadness in her eyes?
"I don't know what I must do to make you understand. Your luck and your skills have taken you this far, but to become what you want you also need to master the mind."
With a heavy breath, he managed to say, "I don't deserve your patience, General."
"You don't, but I'm giving it to you anyway. Stop wasting it."
He flipped over to his side, "I'll try."
"Try harder. I've given you enough chances." She turned to their audience, "Soldiers, we've been given a rare opportunity to train with the mages from now on. I don't have the details yet but you can expect it to happen soon. Be ready."
"Yes, General!" They answered in unison.
She left. No one dared to approach Helon on the ground except for Senjumon. He used his trunk to pull the man up. He winced in pain, "I'm tired of being pulled up from the ground."
"Then you should start paying attention. It's about time you get used to it. Get yourself to the nursery."
"No thanks. I think I'll just head to my room and… lick my wounds."
"Don't act tough on me now."
"I'm not, commander. I'm taking the consequences of my defeat."