The man stumbled backward, dropping what he carried. A small rod—thin and covered in bumps like the spindle form a music box—and a book with a gem on its cover.
"Hey, watch where you're…are you okay?"
Despite not wanting to actually use the spell on him, I could already feel the tether forming. I was in physical pain as I resisted the urge to suck out his mana, and his life. My chest was tight and my throat dry, but I choked out, "I'm fine."
"Silvon," Lumia called as she and Nanae rushed to my side. "What's going on, are you okay?"
I wasn't. I felt like I was dying and the only thing that would stop it was using Zolmann's—or was it my uncle's spell—on this man.
I could practically see the mana in his core, swirling with energy and bursting to get out. It wanted to be taken; it wanted to become mine as badly as my body wanted to take it.
He was a mage from Selvarus—a scholarly community of humans. I could tell by his clothes. Aside from elves and dragons, Selvarians likely had the greatest magical might, and may have also had greater understanding of mana.
"Silvon!"
Lumia's hand landed gently on my shoulder as she stepped between me and the Selvarian.
The spell was broken and the desire faded.
The man scrambled to his feet and ran away. I noticed only then that he had been cowering against a shop window—The Sorcerer's Secret. He left behind the book he must've just purchased.
It didn't have a title, and its leather bound cover looked worn. The opaque crystal on the cover was one I didn't recognize.
As I knelt down to examine the book futher, Lumia asked, "what just happened?"
"I'm not sure…I just…" unsure how to explain, I let my voice trail off.
Flipping through the pages quickly, I realized every single one was empty. Still, I was drawn to the book so I stored it in my dimensional ring.
Nanae approached, placing herself protectively in front of me. "We should get off the streets before things get complicated," she said.
All around us, people had stopped what they were doing. They looked at me with fear as if I were some ferocious beast. I knew they couldn't have seen the tether, but those with mana cores definitely would've felt my intent.
I nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly that we should leave the area. We hurried to her house. When we arrived, I promptly locked myself in a room without taking time to consider the place.
There were stairs; I ran up them. There was an open space and a hall with three doors; I tried the first, it was a closet of some kind. The second was a full sized room with a lock on the door; I entered. I locked the door. I sat on an unmade bed pushed up against the wall and buried my face in my hands as I tried to understand what had occurred.
After a few minutes, Lumia knocked lightly. "Silv, what's wrong?" she asked through the door.
"It's nothing. I'll be alright." I said, trying to convince myself as much as her. "I just need some rest."
"I know you're lying," she said, her voice cracking slightly. "I want to help you, but you have to let me. You have to tell me what's wrong."
"I don't know what's wrong." I replied quietly, my words coming out weak and forced. "Ever since the proving there's been this feeling, an urge, but...I don't know what it is, or where it's coming from. I just feel...empty."
"Is it because of my father?"
She didn't understand, and I didn't know how to put it into words. How was I supposed to tell her that I wanted to suck the life and magic out of that Selvarian? If she hadn't come, I wouldn't have been able to stop myself, but what would Lumia think of me if she knew.
"It wasn't your fault Silv. He never intended to—"
"It's not that." I said trying not to let my emotions pass through to her. "I just need time, okay?"
"Okay," she replied weakly. There was a small thump followed by a dragging sound as she leaned against the door and let herself slide down to the floor.
I thought about letting her in because I felt bad leaving her out in the hall, but I didn't trust myself with her yet. I was worried that if the feeling returned, I might not be able to stop myself from using that leaching magic on her.
I moved and sat a few feet from the door, facing it and picturing Lumia on the other side. I wanted nothing more than to hug her and have her tell me we'd get through this together—that we could figure this out, whatever this was. But I didn't dare open the door.
***
I fell asleep on the floor after the suns went down. I was tired, but I slept fitfully throughout the night. My dreams weren't pleasant at all, filled instead with scenes of Lumia bleeding out on the ground. I was awakened again and again by the nightmares, but I'd eventually fall back to sleep.
However much I'd actually slept, it didn't matter. I felt as if I had spent the night in an endless battle. My body ached, limbs felt heavy. I was exhausted, but my eyes just wouldn't shut anymore. When the first rays of sunlight began to illuminate the world, I got up and gently opened the door.
Lumia was still leaning against it, but didn't fall back when I pulled it open. She turned toward me with a smile. For such a beautiful face, she looked exhausted; dark circles ringed under eyes that lacked any spark. Even so, she radiated warmth and kindness.
Without saying anything else, she stood up gracefully. We hugged for what felt like an eternity but was actually only a few seconds before Nanae came up the stairs. She smiled shyly upon seeing us embrace.
Without warning, Lumia stepped away from me, breaking eye contact.
Nervous tension flooded every part of me until Nanae spoke.
"...word just arrived from the church. Lila is here and she's waiting to see you."
I looked at Lumia, smiled, then said, "You should go on without me."
Lumia shook her head. "No Silv, we go together."
"That's not a good idea. What happened yesterday…it could happen again." Without knowing exactly what caused the episode, I just couldn't feel comfortable. I'd even considered the possibility of severing my bond with Lumia and finding a secluded place to hide. I was sure she would refuse to allow it though.
"So what, you'll just hide away in a room for the rest of your life?"
I opened my mouth, but before I could get a word out Lumia continued.
"No Silv! Besides, the light bearers might know what's wrong. Maybe…they can fix it." She didn't sound very confident, but it was at least worth a try.
If they could tell me the cause, then maybe they could also tell me how to fix it. Even if they couldn't tell me anything, they might still be able to fix it. I didn't believe dragons were gods, but I had seen them do impressive things and it was a well known fact that they were masters over mana.
I nodded. "Alright, but you have to promise me; if I start acting strangely then you'll knock me out immediately."
Lumia looked uncertain as she gazed into my eyes. Through our bond, I knew she could tell just how serious I was. If she wouldn't make that promise then I wouldn't go with her.
"Okay, Silv…but it won't come to that."
***
When we arrived at the church, light bearers—also called holy knights—were everywhere. In the plaza outside the building, standing guard at the entrance, and occupying nearly every square inch of space within the building.
The soldiers stood in two rows on either side of the entrance hall, leaving only a narrow walkway between them. They filled every pew, standing at attention and focused wholly on the stage..
Lila stood, stiff and awkward, as a priest and priestess drew symbols on her bare skin. The stone dragon statues, animated to life, stood to either side of her. They were covered in identical runes, glowing blue, all down their backs.
Behind Lila, a band was playing intense music while another priest, who stood off to the left, spoke the story of the illuminated one. On the right a small choir added their voices to the already eerie atmosphere.
I was beginning to regret coming. I'd never been to the church before, but I had heard some of their teachings. I didn't agree with their beliefs. This ritual, whatever its purpose might be, was just creepy.
If I had come in on my own and found this, I'd have turned and left immediately. I might've even now, but it wasn't an option. Lumia had her arm locked around mine. She pulled me into a room on the right side of the hall, just before we entered the sanctuary.
The room was small with a single sofa against the left wall. There were snacks laid out on a coffee table and cups of water as well. The space was at least soundproof, but that didn't stop the powerful vibrations of the drums from getting through.
We sat on the couch. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but Lumia kept herself pressed close so neither of us moved much. Nanae left us there and went to watch the ritual. I cringed at the thought.
Absent anything else to do, Lumia and I waited patiently until the ceremony ended.
"Silv…" Lumia whispered in my ear, "are you okay?"
Without thinking about it, I'd been staring straight ahead, focusing all my concentration on keeping myself calm. "Yes."
"…Good," she said quietly, relieved.
We remained silent together for several minutes. Then, the door opened and Nanae came in followed by Lila and a light bearer.
Lila looked different now. It wasn't just the symbols, but something deeper. She seemed more mature somehow, elegant and poised with the wisdom of centuries.
Her dress was different too. No longer short and puerile, but long and ruffled like waves flowing endlessly.
I wasn't sure if it was just my imagination, but her mana felt different too—powerful and wild like her father's. I wanted to taste it, but instinctually, I knew it would cost me my life.
There was momentary discomfort, then a radiance shown from her like the light of the sun, and all my desire was gone.
Her gaze fell on me briefly, then shifted to Lumia.
"Sister… you—"
"You came tell me about the invasion of Faerelle and ask for the dragon's aid."
We both nodded.
Nanae took a seat beside Lumia on the sofa, and Lila moved across the table from us. Despite there not being any place to sit, she sat and crossed her legs as she reclined in the air. It was then that I realized she'd been gliding the whole time. Something was definitely different now.
Looking between us once more, she said simply, "The dragons won't help."
With a deep exhale I realized I'd been holding my breath since she asked. I hadn't expected much from Lord Andrhei, it was clear he didn't care for me, but I was surprised that Lila didn't even bother asking him.
"You didn't even deliver the message." I groaned.
"I didn't need to. The High Lord was aware of the invasion before you. He received word of it during the proving and warned me to take a different route to reach Sunder."
"Then…" I began weakly.
Before I finished, Lila interjected, "Avantia is the least of your concerns now. You've used forbidden magic, haven't you?"
"No!" I replied forcefully. "I would never."
"Lila, how can you—"
Holding up a hand, Lila interrupted her sister. "I sense it. Evil magic that draws life from others."
The light bearer moved her hand towards her sword, gripping it tightly as she visually examined me.
Tentatively I asked, "Do you mean the spell Zolmann taught me?"
Lila nodded. "The magic you used to defeat Borin."
It occurred to me that perhaps I should feel ashamed. But instead I experienced relief mixed with anger. At last, I understood what was happening, why I kept wanting to use the spell. If it was forbidden magic this effect was probably why. I was angry because Zolmann was a well respected healing mage. He didn't use forbidden magic. He could never have taught it to me?
Then I remembered the cane…
It was that cane's wicked mana that desecrated and corrupted the forest. The cane devoured Vorlin as well. I mistook it for an elven weapon at first, but such a tool could only belong to a cursed mage.
There were only two possible explanations: it wasn't Zolmann I met in the woods, or he wasn't the honorable man I thought he was. Considering my uncle's words, I was inclined to believe the first. He claimed it was his magic I learned. My anger grew deeper realizing I'd been tricked.
"The spell is called siphon; the light bearers have caught some of its users." Lila spoke a bit slower than usual. Reaching the end of her sentence, she winced, touching her head as she leaned forward. Then she continued, "The two that we captured, they—" she winced again, this time closing her eyes completely.
Falling from her invisible perch, Lila grabbed her head with both hands. Behind her eyelids, her eyes darted back and forth as her body trembled.
Nanae gasped. Lumia and I both scrambled to try and help, but the light bearer blocked our path with her sword. She tapped on the door twice as we eased back into our seats, then a group of light bearers came in and removed Lila from the room.
"What just happened?" I asked. "Is she okay?"
"It's the integration. The enlightened one has been connected to the source of light. She now has access to every memory of all the enlightened who served before her. She'll be fine after some rest."
That sounded unpleasant, but there was nothing we could do to help.
"Can we see her again later?" Lumia asked.
The knight shook her head. "You can't stay here. And I advise you stay far from Faerelle as well. The dragons may have no interest in fighting the cursed mages, but we certainly do."
Feeling a spark of excitement I asked, "So you're going to attack then?"
"Possibly, but only after we determine the situation there." She answered.
Excitedly I replied, "I can help, I could—"
Speaking loudly, the knight said, "There's no cure for what you've done to yourself. Ordinarily I'd kill you immediately, but you seem to have some relationship with the enlightened one. I'll let you go today, but the next time we meet…" her voice trailed off as she broke eye contact, looking towards the door instead.
I was unsure how to respond. It was never my intention to use forbidden magic and I wouldn't have, if I'd known. It felt unfair being condemned without a chance for redemption. "Is there really nothing that can be done?" I asked softly.
"No, not a thing." She shook her head. "Although, there are rumors of a young dwarf who makes certain artifacts." She rubbed her temples briefly. "His artifacts make it quite difficult, sometimes impossible, for us to track cursed mages. Perhaps he might know a way of curing you, or suppressing your curse at least."
Nodding fervently, I begged, "please, give me his name."
"I'll give you his name on one condition. If you find him, return this to him…" she summoned a piece of broken metal on a chain from dimensional storage and handed it to me "…and ask him what it is. You can send word back through a messenger." She finished with a smile.
There was an engraving on the artifact, but it was too damaged to make out any detail. On the other side, there was a gem housing that might've held a stone at some point, but it would never hold anything again.
The chain was too short to be worn as a necklace, leaving me to think this was supposed to be a bracelet.
There was nothing useful I could tell by just looking at it so I stored it in my own dimension ring. Looking back at the knight, I asked, "What's his name, and where can I find him?"
"His name is Zidg and I don't have a clue how or where you'll find him. If I knew that, I wouldn't need you to go asking about that artifact, or amulet, or whatever it is." The light bearer crossed her arms.
"Can't you at least tell us something general? A region he can be found in, what he looks like, there must be something we can use to find him," Lumia pressed.
The knight shrugged dismissively. "All I know is he helps the cursed mages. He's a dwarf, so go somewhere with dwarves and ask around. Or, if it's too much trouble, hand back the artifact. Either way, it's time you leave."
Lumia and I shared a glanced at each other before I answered, "We'll find him, thanks."