Academy Rebels, page 13
part #1 of Card Mage Series
A small murmur of chuckles and slight smiles filled the auditorium.
Luthis eyed the crowd, “I see so many passionate champions. This moment will be a turning point in your lives. Treasure the time spent with your companions. The Trial will strengthen bonds that will go beyond your time here in the academy. Enjoy the journey and you will come out with your better self.”
The elf cleared his throat and continued, “Coteries have been determined and formed. Professors will be reaching out to many who did not perform well in the exams with your coterie assignments. Those of you who did perform well during the exam, you may gather your coterie and your supplies.
“Groups will be stacked and released in intervals. The students with high marks and their coteries will get the chance to leave first. Gather your companions and supplies. When you are ready, you will be contacted and allowed to start your Trial.”
Luthis’s expression beamed with pride, “We wish you the best journey. Strive to be an excellent champion and you will do no wrong. I, and the faculty here of Kinarth Academy salute you!”
Every student stood up and clapped, gleeful shouts filling the air. Dax clapped, excitement running through his veins. It was finally his chance to really prove himself beyond a technique. He could show that he was meant to be here to become a champion.
Luthis stepped off the stage and greeted wide-eyed students. Dax was up and ready to make his way over to the High Dean when a hand touched his shoulder. Dax turned his gaze to Nuria’s subdued smile.
“It looks like you picked me for your coterie. I can’t say I’m not flattered,” the mage dripped with self-indulgent pride.
Dax smiled and tilted his head forward, “We needed another body to help carry supplies. When you tried to punch me, Symon said you felt pretty strong so we decided we needed a mule.”
Nuria’s demeanor shifted to rage as her eyes narrowed. “You piece of rotten…” Nuria was cut off when Dax lifted his hands up, palms out.
“I’m sorry. Sometimes I can’t help myself. I saw how you took charge during the exam, even if you didn’t include me. I thought it over and figured your leadership might work well with us. You’re the strongest mage in our class and we want to win every badge.”
Nuria’s heated eyes cooled before she lifted her chin. “I accept your invitation to your coterie. Since you were the one to pick your companions, that makes you the leader, but don’t think for a second you can boss me around. You may be in charge, but we both know who really is in charge.”
Dax nodded. “Yea, me.”
Nuria’s body shook with rage.
“We will be among the first groups to leave. We are gathering at the Eastern Gate in a few hours. Meet us there,” Dax stated with a chum eating smile.
The mage let out a small growl before she turned and left. Dax watched her leave, seeing Clive waiting for her in the aisle. She snapped her fingers and walked past him. Clive looked to Dax with a sad expression before he turned and followed his mistress out of the auditorium.
“This is not going to be an easy journey,” Vance said as he stood next to Dax.
“No, but it will be fun,” the mage grinned.
Eleven
Dax walked up to the Eastern Gate. Symon, Fern, Vance, and Zarra were waiting, everyone with their Packs of Holding over their shoulders. The mage pulled on the straps to his pack, enjoying the lightness to it even though it carried a tent, sleeping roll, rations, fire making kit, torches, waterskin, several robes, and small clothes. The Academy outdid themselves with supplies for each champion, giving out the packs to each student for their journey around the island.
An azure sky filled the heavens and the sun was high in the morning air. Dax enjoyed the feeling, excitement and energy filling his heart and limbs. After the Trial lecture, he spent the rest of the day getting ready with most of his coterie. They picked up supplies, organized everything needed and even went over the provided maps to the island. The journey was a simple one, but they didn’t want to take any chances. The mood was infectious and they all laughed except for one of their members who didn’t bother to show up.
Dax approached his coterie and looked around. “We seem to still be one short.”
Symon smirked and pointed past Dax’s shoulder.
The group turned their attention to Nuria and Clive as they approached. Nuria’s mouth was twisted into a sardonic smile. When she was about fifteen feet away, she stopped abruptly and turned to Clive.
Dax and the others waited as she whispered in his ear before giving it a playful lick. The large mage looked down, unfazed by her sudden affection. She kissed his cheek and sauntered away from him, Clive watching her go with a creeping sadness in his eyes.
“Well, are we ready?” Nuria asked like a queen bee.
“You’re late. If you’re late again, we leave you,” Dax stated simply.
“I had to say my…” Nuria began before Dax turned from her and addressed the rest of the group.
“Let’s begin. On foot, it’s about an hour to Silver Port,” Dax addressed the group.
“We won’t be in a wagon or on horses like that fateful night,” Symon smiled as he remembered the night he and Dax were caught by the magistrates.
Dax nodded. “This time, we are going out as champions. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m looking to get all five badges!”
“Hell Yeah!” Fern grinned while others nodded.
Nuria fumed in the back, watching Dax take the lead and begin walking. The group followed and Nuria reluctantly followed behind them.
The coterie passed through the Eastern Gate and stepped out onto the road, Silver Port in the distance.
Dax walked, glancing at his people, noting everyone’s equipment. Mind working, he wanted to be sure everyone was truly ready for this journey. It wouldn’t do if they were caught unawares and taken down if they weren’t at their peak.
Symon stood tall, marching like a soldier. He wore leather armor with some metal plates on the shoulders, arm bracers, shin plates, a brand-new sword on one hip and a chained spell book sheathed on the other hip. Dax knew Symon only had two spells to work with, lightning and fire, but matching that with his fighting skills, it would be more than enough for the Spellsword.
Fern had stayed in her small form, fluttering about like a large insect. The fairy wore leather armor with runes carved into it, similar to the mace that hung on her belt. Fern informed the group that the clothes, armor, and mace were specially made for her, growing and shrinking with her size. If she didn’t have the enchantments, clothes would rip and the mace would be too big to carry. With the magical weapons and armor, she would be effective in whichever size she chose.
Vance walked along in his black robe, pack on his back and satchel laying against his hip. The tall mage looked ahead, his face blank. Blonde, spiky hair glowed in the sunlight as he walked at a leisurely pace.
Zarra walked in her white robes and staff in hand. Dax had to take a double take, seeing that the dragon in humanoid form wore white robes that barely covered her figure. Cloth flowed down along her arms and shoulders, but bare skin showed along her sides, cloth barely holding her large breasts. From the waist, the robe covered her legs except for a slit that ran from her hips down to her ankles. When she walked, hints of smooth, but strong legs appeared. The staff in her hand held a holy symbol, depicting the Holy Wing of Umus. A pack was firmly against her back and a circlet surrounded her head, a green jewel shining on her forehead.
The dragon had made it clear the night before that she had to wear the circlet at all times. She had a restriction placed on her, unable to change into her dragon form and her power greatly diminished. It leveled the playing field where she didn’t have an advantage. Dax wondered if things really got bad, could he take it off her?
Respect the rules or they will throw you out for good this time.
Nuria trailed behind everyone. Her robe adhered to her body, but Dax often looked back to see she had the same kind of slit Zarra had. Pale legs revealed themselves and the mage had to look away or he would be caught staring. When she did catch him looking, he turned to Symon and simply talked, which weirded out his tall friend.
The group moved on, walking like they would own the world. When they reached Silver Port, they made their way down the main street, looking in all directions.
Dax took lead, walking and looking when he saw a familiar sign hanging from a tavern.
“We should get a drink,” Dax smiled.
Everyone looked at each other, but it was Symon who spoke up.
“Shouldn’t we find our puzzle quest giver?” the spellsword said.
“It’s mid-day and we are on a grand adventure, why should we do it sober?” Dax said and started walking.
“He is our coterie leader? This is bad luck,” Nuria rolled her eyes.
“I want a drink,” Fern zipped ahead and hovered over Dax’s shoulder.
Symon and Vance shrugged before they followed. Zarra said nothing, following the two tall men.
Nuria stared at them before she sighed, following after them.
The group reached The Drinking Serpent and stepped through the front door. The place was nearly empty, a passed out drunk soul in a corner. The windows were shuttered, but thin rays of light penetrated the darkness, painting tiny parts of the wooden floor in golden light.
The academy students approached the bar and looked around. The bar was empty. A second later the door opened and a man stepped out.
Tofer’s eyes held a contained menace as he approached the bar and put his hands on the smooth, wood surface. He eyed the group, but his gaze soon centered on Dax. Silence filled the tavern as the two men stared at each other.
The bartender spoke first, “I should take your rat ass and toss you out onto the street after what you pulled.”
Dax let a smirk slip. “I am reformed. I no longer chase dreams of becoming an underground battle card mage.”
The mage took hold of Zarra’s staff and held it, looking at the holy wings of Umus. “I have found the light, my wicked urges purged. Umus has forgiven me and I believe you should as well.”
Fern had to turn away, hiding her smile. Symon’s shoulders sagged. Zarra simply blinked and Vance smiled wide, unable to hold back the humor he felt. Nuria sat on a bar stool and moaned her contempt.
Tofer glared at Dax for a long moment before his hand whipped out and snatched the staff from Dax’s hand. The mage protested as the bartender handed it back to Zarra and bowed his head.
“Forgive him for he knows not what he does,” Tofer said to Zarra.
The cleric nodded and gave a kind smile. “He will learn. Don’t give up on him.”
Tofer nodded and stood up straight, looking at Dax.
The mage cleared his throat, “We would like a few bottles of your finest ale. We have started our Trials and…” Dax was caught off by Tofer’s chuckling.
“Yea, I know. I’m your puzzle quest giver,” the bartender grinned.
Shit!
“I see. Well, we would like a couple bottles of your finest ale and our puzzle to solve, please.”
Tofer shook his head. “No ale till after the puzzle quest is solved.”
Dax nodded. “Then, one puzzle quest please.”
Tofer’s grin faded away. “I have half a mind to fail you, you piece of trash.”
Dax put his hand over his heart and made a painful expression like he was just stabbed.
Tofer looked over to Zarra and his expression softened, “But, it wouldn’t be fair to your coterie if they paid for your mistakes. Consider this forgiveness for past crimes.”
“You are most generous,” Dax beamed.
Tofer shook his head. “My customers have been complaining about strange noises from the building next door. It hasn’t been used in years and is boarded up. I recommend you try the back door and investigate. Find out what the noises are and stop it. Come back here when you’re finished.”
Dax nodded. “Is there any…” the mage trailed off.
Tofer turned and went through the door he just emerged from, closing it behind him.
“…thing more you can tell us,” Dax finished his thought.
“You have a gift with people,” Vance snickered.
“How many people have you pissed off on the island?” Fern asked as she hovered by the mage.
“Not many but I’m glad we can get this out of the way now. We should have an easier time in the other towns since I never visited them before,” Dax said.
“Thank the goddess,” Nuria said as she slid off the bar stool and stood under her own power.
“It’s high noon. Maybe we should investigate now so we don’t run into any surprises?” Symon asked.
Dax clapped his hands, “Sounds excellent. It seems our first badge might be the easiest. Let’s get to it!”
Dax led the way and the group followed. They spilled out into the street and began walking. The corner had an odd angle, the tavern on a point where the street forked. Dax walked with urgency, wanting to see this abandoned building. When they stepped about forty feet, the mage’s excited demeanor dimmed.
A rickety building stood. It had three levels and everything was boarded up. The wood slats were cracked and weathered, some of them barely hanging on. The place looked like it was abandoned for years and as they approached, a decaying smell touched their senses.
“What’s that smell?” Fern held her tiny nose.
“Decaying meat,” Zarra said plainly.
Nuria eyed it and shook her head, “We have to go in there? It looks dirty and gross.”
Vance looked to the dark-haired mage, “Being a champion is not glamorous.”
Nuria shook her head. “Speak for yourself. I plan to be a Court Mage. Unlike the rest of you, I don’t plan on hunting for artifacts. That’s a job for those without ambition.”
Dax turned to the group, “I think we should send Nuria in first.”
Nuria’s eyes widened.
“I agree,” Vance smirked.
“Yea, good idea,” Fern grinned.
Zarra simply nodded.
Nuria’s eyes blazed with hate. “I’m not going in there first! Are you all mad? You never send a mage in first!”
“Not with that attitude,” Vance covered his smile with his hand.
The mage’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not going first!”
Dax held up a hand, “Fine, Nuria is too scared. I’ll go first.” Dax turned to walk toward the alley when a hand touched his shoulder.
“She’s right, the mage never goes first,” Symon smiled. “I’ll take point. The rest of you follow me in.”
Symon stepped ahead, hand resting on the pommel of his blade.
“True bravery. I think we should all buy Symon a drink after we’re finished,” Dax mentioned.
All heads nodded except for Nuria who continued to stare daggers into the group.
The group moved single file, walking through the alley. The dilapidated building seemed to groan by the ocean breeze as they made their way into the back. Symon looked at a small yard, overgrown with weeds and white stones scattered about. The closer he stepped into the small yard, the more he noticed the white stones were not stones.
Pieces of animal skulls and bones lay scattered among the tall weeds. A wooden fence surrounded the yard, the sounds of the ocean just beyond. Sun had bleached the bones to an alabaster white and vacant eye sockets stared out at nothing.
“I don’t believe we are dealing with murder hobos,” Symon said over his shoulder.
Nuria blinked from the back, “What are murder hobos?”
“Adventurers who travel around the world, starting fights and normally killing people in fits of greedy rage. They have no homes to speak of and spend their time plundering artifacts for personal wealth,” Dax said matter of fact as he looked at the house.
Nuria eyed Dax, “How on Ikkudran did you learn that?”
Dax turned to the beautiful mage, “When you’re not running in the slums, you're defending yourself against monsters of all kinds. Some of them wear people masks, but they can be monstrous on the inside.”
Fern floated closer to the decaying building. “I’ll scout around,” the fairy said and zipped into the air.
Symon eyed the door that was partially open. Several boards lay on the cracked porch, weeds sticking out of the cracks.
“I’ll take lead,” the spellsword said and drew his blade.
“The rest of us will follow,” Dax said before looking to Zarra, “Follow behind and be prepared to heal us.”
Zarra nodded.
The breeze picked up as the group slowly approached the back porch. Fern zipped around, fluttering from boarded up window to boarded up window. She peered into the darkness but found it difficult to make anything out.
Symon stepped onto the porch and made his way to the door. The porch creaked and everyone froze. When nothing else moved, they continued.
“No fire spells,” Dax whispered over his shoulder to Vance and Nuria.
The two mages nodded, spellbooks pulled from satchels and held in left hands.
Dax reached into his robe and pulled out a card.
Name: Lightning Bolt
Element: Air
Degree: 1
Ability: Damage
Special Ability: None
The card was charged and ready for use. Dax hoped he wouldn’t have to use it. He would have an edge over his fellow mages and didn’t want them to resent him.
Well, I don’t want Vance to feel bad.
The mage chuckled to himself as he stayed behind Symon.
The spellsword reached out to the slightly ajar door. Hand touching the cracked wood, he gave it a small push.
The door opened slowly, a creak causing everyone to wince silently. Symon stepped in, careful of his footing. The mages followed and Zarra stepped carefully behind them. Fern zipped through the door and hovered between Symon and Dax.
“I think I saw some movement on the top floor,” the fairy whispered.
Dax and Symon looked over to the stairs, dust covering the handrail. The inner walls had large holes and peeling wallpaper. Dust motes floated through the thin beams of sunlight filtering in, giving the empty floor an other-worldly appearance.
