Markham IV
Once the haze was lifted from the minds of all in attendance Markham ran from the podium and the weakened Grand Master Cazbin over to Elandra who had fallen to her knees in the stands. She was breathing heavy and pawed at Markham's shoulders as he dropped to one knee to comfort her. Markham held her close and rocked back and forth to soothe the panicked Elandra. Her breathing eventually slowed and she looked up to him.
"Zandrine's grace, was that it? That- what in the hell?"
"I have never seen magic of these proportions before in all my time.."
"I truly don't believe anyone has, Markham. This is-"
"Remarkable." Markham grinned.
"Terrifying! This is horrible Markham!"
"Both are the case, my love. And soon I'll be setting out to discover what lies at the crash site. It should be landing in mere minutes!" Markham exuded excitement which gave Elandra pause.
"Darling, you must exercise some caution you're acting like you're an apprentice again!"
She was right, in all honesty. This power both terrible and remarkable had awakened something within Markham. As a young learner in the academy Markham had always sought new ways of using magic, new power and knowledge. There was an exuberance and feeling of utter glee that would often manifest visually upon his face. It was the reason he was so willing to leave the life of a Prince behind. Who needed such things like servants and wealth when you could ben the elements to your will? When you could fling fire from your hands in one moment then reconstruct a devastated home with some swishes of your hands the next? This was the thrill that Markham was made for. This is what he sought every day of his life and since becoming a Master at the academy this feeling had slowly been eroded away. There was not much to learn these days and no true goals to reach for, not at least until Grand Master Cazbin died and Markham had no wish for him to perish any time soon. This, this was everything and now the time was to be seized!
"Caution, of course, my love." He helped Elandra to her feet and looked into her eyes. "I want you and Amara to join me on the expedition. She will learn so much on the road and I wish to have you both in my company for such a historic event! We could be remembered for a millennia!" Markham's grin returned and he practically bounced.
Elandra sighed but smirked in Markham's direction. As much as she was terrified and as much as she wanted Markham to be cautious this was indeed the man she fell in love with. He was both a scholar and a man of action, and she loved him. She raised her right hand to Markham's bearded cheek and the other hand rested on his left shoulder. She kissed him softly and smiled back at him sweetly.
"Very well, Markham. We should talk to Amara after the council is adjourned. But with this power, this mysterious situation, I think we will require more then just the three of us. As strong in magic and learned as we are, this could be something even beyond us."
"Don't you worry, I will petition the local lord for his most experienced guide and perhaps we can hire a mercenary or two to assist us along the way. I would never let anything befall either of you. You will be safe, you have my word." he reciprocated another kiss and let her go, turning to return back to the podium where Cazbin had been recovering.
The Devilkin, now recovered, once again stood at the podium and flicked his wrist, causing his body to shimmer with the spell that propelled his voice. Markham joined by his side and Cazbin extended the spell to him as well. Both shone brightly as the Grand Master began to address the room of frazzled mages. As the words began to make their way from his mouth he paused for a brief moment, processed things for another moment, then began again.
"As you can see, whatever it is, it has arrived. Immediately Master Trevelyan will begin preparations to study, retrieve, capture, investigate, whatever adjective is needed for this anomaly! I will be sending Ravens to both our local lord and the royal family of Beldercaust. They should be aware that their subjects are about to be eviscerated, yes? And while were at it, do say a prayer to whatever god you hold dear for their souls. It'll be a quick death but horrible all the same. Master Trevelyan, you have the floor. If this has given you any pause or inspired your mind please do enlighten us."
"My resolve remains, Grand Master. I will be leaving on the expedition as soon as possible! Now although I've lived in Beldercaust for some time I have never been to the southern parts of the country. I will be in need of a guide, I was considering asking the local lord for one of his men. However, if anyone here knows of such experts or is one themselves, now is the time so speak up. You will join us on this expedition and will be apart of making history! Any takers? Any at all?" Markham's eyes searched left, right, up then down. No hands were raised, no voices called out.
"Very well! I shall petition Lord Philber once the council is adjourned and hope for a swift reply. That being said there is more to discuss! I have decided the beginnings of my company! I shall be taking my apprentice, Amara. As well as the good master Elandra, who has been my partner in the seeking of knowledge for many a year! Is there anyone else here willing to join us on this adventure? Anyone looking to make a name for themselves?" yet again, utter silence. It was clear now to Markham that the event that had just taken place may have rattled them a little bit too much.
"I understand the apprehension. Do not worry! I will find other means! For three of us is simply not enough to take on such a task. That, my friends is a start, yes. But I will need a full party, so I humbly ask the masters of the academy to grant my expedition proper funds. I must hire mercenaries then, and I must be able to feed them as well as myself, master Elandra and my apprentice. I also plan to hire a carriage or two to usher us along faster then our feet could carry us. I believe five thousand gold from the academy coffers will suffice. Do I have your approval? I would rather avoid a vote if possible." a series of nods and murmurs of agreeance filled the room. "I thank you all, now Grand Master Cazbin, I humbly ask that you adjourn the meeting so I may begin my work and all these fine mages may go back to their homes."
"This meeting is adjourned! Gather around and let's get you all portaled home!"
The mass of mages stood form their seats and raised their hands, magic pouring from their inner beings. Spells such as teleportation took many mages to conjure and even then, only certain places strong in magic could sustain portals. Most places in the world were not fit for such magic, for example in all of Zandrina only their mage academy could sustain such magic for it was the only place in the kingdom that magic was practiced. So many mages all in one spot created just enough magical energy to both allow and sustain a portal to and from Beldercaust. Beldercaust, however was home to many magical sources of energy. The Elven population alone was a great source of magic. Then there was leftover magical energies from past wars, relics of the past, ruins of ancient civilizations. All of which make Beldercaust one of the greatest countries for magical use. Not the best. That would be the Elven homelands of Ilaria, a true magical wonder of the world. Such portals were common place in Ilaria, probably more common than horses at this point in time.
The mages of the academy after some time had finally done it. The portals burst into being in front of the crowd and the mages from every corner of the globe began to pile in, each being magically propelled across the world safely back into their homes. Markham witnessed the return of Quinlan who promptly rushed into the portal, not even glancing back. That man would most definitely come back to haunt him, or at least Markham believed so. Soon every non-Beldercaustian mage had left and the Beldercaustian mages who were present had vacated the room. All besides Elandra and the Grand Master. Elandra made her way to the podium and the trio began their post-mortem on the council meeting. An hour or two went by in discussions and preparations, ravens were sent and gold was acquired. The hour was late and slumbers hold was taking over all three mages. But now, there was only one thing left to do. Markham and Elandra said their goodnight's to the Grand Master and made way for Markham's office. Inside, Amara sat in Markham's chair. She perked up as the duo entered.
"Father? Mother?" she stood up from the desk.
"Amara, we have a great deal to tell you." said Elandra.
That big devilish grin returned to Markham's face.
"You can hear every last bit of it as we pack our bags."