Academy Rebels, page 5
part #1 of Card Mage Series
Nuria stepped into the circle. “I will,” she said smugly.
Professor Frost stepped back until she was out of the circle. Arms crossed, she eyed the two mages as they faced each other.
“Check your abilities first. We don’t want the Academy thinking we wasted time giving you all those beautiful tattoos.”
Nuria and Dax nodded.
Shit! Really? She’s going to kick my ass and love every second of it!
Dax called up his stats.
Name: Dax Sage
Class: Mage
Health: Normal
Mana: 500
Mana Shards: 0
Spheres of Magic
Air: 1
Water: 1
Fire: 0
Urth: 0
Life: 1
Decay: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Time: 0
Space: 0
Mind: 2
Body: 0
I have to keep her off balance. I’m not sure how I’m going to do that since she is a much better caster than I am. An air spell is too obvious and she will be expecting it. I need time to get a spell off. I may be a slow caster, but my body isn’t.
“Non-lethal spells. We are, after all, only training,” Professor Frost said with a sardonic tone.
Nuria’s hand hovered over her satchel, the top folding back on its own. The mage eyed Dax like a wolf before a kill. A delicate tongue slipped out, licking her lips in a seductive fashion.
Dax was stunned as he could not resist her allure, hand not moving to open his satchel.
Nuria’s eyes narrowed before her hand dove into her satchel, lightning quick. Book out, pages turned until it fell on the spell she wanted. Dax woke from his stupor as arcane words spilled from Nuria’s lips.
“Shit!” Dax whispered and lightning crackled.
Time slowed, as did Dax. Hand diving into his satchel, he was already too late to get a spell off. Lightning blazed into a whip, filling Nuria’s hand and her spellbook in her other hand. With a laugh, she lifted the lightning whip, spun it over her head and brought it down.
Dax’s body was moving, stepping aside as the whip crashed to the floor, light flashing. Spellbook in hand, he called on a spell and the pages turned on their own. His book didn’t have many spells, but he needed the page to ensure the spell didn’t fizzle. The pages turned to the spell and Dax was leaping to the side, energy whip slamming into the spot he was just before.
Boots hitting the wood floor, Dax slid as he mumbled his incantation. Time slowed down even further, the words not coming out as fast as his body moved. It created a sense of imbalance as he stepped and dodged the lightning whip. Nuria laughed like a mad woman as she swung the whip around and arced it down.
Dax continued to move, his body twisting and turning as the whip missed him by inches. She only needed one strike and it was over. Channeling mana into a mind spell, Mirror Image, the words came out slowly as his body danced to Nuria’s whip.
Professor Frost and the class watched with intense eyes, seeing Dax move like an acrobat, but he still didn’t finish casting his spell. It was maddening to watch as all gathered would have finished it by now.
As 100 points of mana surged into the spell and finally, after a somersault, Dax landed and spoke the command word of power.
Nuria’s arm spun with whip arcing over her head. She watched as Dax split into three images, each one holding a spellbook and speaking incantations.
She has to attack one of my images and hopefully it will give me enough time to cast an air bolt spell!
Nuria laughed as she let go of the whip and it faded from sight. The three Dax images pointed a hand while their slow incantations filled the air. Time was running out but Dax kept his eyes on the prize.
“Turtles move faster than you,” Nuria laughed before the pages to her book turned and she began an incantation.
Dax continued, his words moving slowly, but his ears took in Nuria’s rapid rattling off of mystical words. It was almost too fast and he wondered if her spell was even going to work when light burst from her hand in several directions.
Dax’s eyes widened just before he was able to give the command word. Light slammed into each image at once, causing his spell to fizzle. Two images vanished but the final one to the right shook violently as electricity surged through his body. When it was almost too much, it stopped. Smoke rose up from Dax’s clothes before he stumbled back and fell on his rump, senses dazzled and spellbook on the floor before him.
The class started laughing and some pointed. Nuria put her hand to her stomach, laughing with the crowd.
Dax tried to clear away the shock when a shadow appeared next to him. Looking up, he saw Vance stretch out his hand. Professor Frost approached, her hand out and Dax’s spellbook flying to her waiting palm.
The mage looked to Vance’s hand again for a moment before he reached out and took it, the taller mage pulling Dax to his feet and made sure he was steady. Professor Frost stepped close and held out the spellbook to Dax.
“You better get some practice in before the exam or I may have to send you home anyway. No one will work with a slow mage,” Professor Frost said before handing the spellbook to the mage and turning to the laughing class.
“Enough! We have a lot more practice before sunset! Get out your books!” Professor Frost shouted and the laughing died to fumbling hands grabbing at leather bound books.
Vance helped Dax to the outer side of the circle. “It was a nice attempt and it would have worked if you were just a little faster.”
“Yea, a little faster,” Dax said, his confidence in ribbons, along with his spirit.
***
Dax sat on a stone bench, staring at the cobblestones as Symon sat next to him, quill moving against parchment. The spellsword worked, practicing his symbols again and again. The sun just touched the horizon to the west, golden light painting the top of towers as the day was drawing to a close.
“Maybe we can ask for an extension?” Symon said as he continued to perfect a particular symbol.
Dax shook his head, shadows covering his eyes. “We won’t have to,” the mage said and looked up.
Vance approached, two rolled up scrolls in his hand. The tall mage gave a small smile as he stepped closer. Symon looked up, raising an eyebrow. Dax stood up, the shadows never leaving his eyes.
Vance stopped before them, eyes on Dax. Lifting up the scrolls, he unrolled them and handed one to Dax. The mage looked it over, seeing that Vance created a club called Heroes of Kinarth. Basic details were given, telling what the club was about and how it would enrich the academy with tales of Kinarth’s deeds and adventures.
Dax scanned the parchment, seeing that Fern and Zarra had added their names down as members. There were two empty lines left, one for Dax and the other for Symon.
“It’s a standard club charter, but we can add to it. I am the founder and leader, but we know that in such a small group, it's meaningless,” Vance stated plainly.
Symon stood up, stepped closer and looked down at the parchment. Turning his gaze to Dax, concern bled into his eyes.
“Are you okay with this?” the spellsword asked.
Dax nodded. “We will be okay.”
The mage looked to Vance, “Thank you.”
“I believe this was needed for all of us. Where else will all the odd champions come together,” Vance smiled. “I have a second copy. You and Symon will need to sign both. I’ll hand in one to the administration office and you do what you will with the other copy. Our first meeting will be tomorrow evening. Just bring yourselves.”
Dax held up his open hand. Symon pressed his quill to it and Dax began scribbling his name on the parchment.
***
Edrin looked down on scrolls, quill moving as he wrote down notes. Sunlight painted one of his walls in a pale orange, the sun nearly setting. The counselor continued to write as a knock touched his sensitive ears.
“Come in Dax and Symon,” the counselor boomed.
The door opened and the mage and spellsword stepped in. Dax crossed the room and placed an open scroll on Edrin’s desk.
The counselor didn’t look up as he continued with his writing. “Congratulations, you beat the deadline.”
“Is there anything else we need to do?” Dax asked, ears alert.
Edrin stopped writing and looked up with a kind smile. “Excel at your classes and in the club. I’ll be watching both of you and I may stop by to see how your club is doing. For now, focus on your studies and prepare for the exam.”
The mage and spellsword nodded before they turned and started for the door.
“Oh, and Mr. Sage and Mr. Shieldbrook,” Edrin called out.
The two friends turned their heads right when they reached the door.
Edrin’s smile grew wider, “Build your friendships. Real champions don’t always succeed on the their own.”
Dax and Symon smiled before they bowed their heads and left the counselor’s office with renewed confidence.
Five
The next day flowed like a river. Relief washed over Dax as he felt everything was going to get better, now that he and Symon had their second chance. Classes came and went, Dax excelling at his studies. Symon took to scribe crafting with Dax giving him pointers. Even casting class wasn’t as bad this time, Dax moving a little faster, but still not fast enough to stop another student from blasting him with an air bolt spell. On the floor, several classmates helped him up and the mage laughed off the loss.
When the classes were over, Dax and Symon walked the courtyard, talking about the exams and strategies they could do so that they could stay together during the actual trials.
“I don’t know how we are going to pull it off against other champions? Skill levels are all over the place and only top tier winners will get to choose their trial team,” Symon said as he looked ahead, deep in thought.
“What’s your fighting skill levels?” Dax asked?
“Okay, I think. It’s the spell part I just started. I’m not sure I’ll have enough time to memorize one or two spells. If I was just a fighter, I think I would have the edge, but now I’m going to compete against other spellswords and they have had more time to practice.”
Dax nodded. “You may still have a better chance than me. I still can’t increase my casting speed. I still get knocked around in class.”
“Yea, but you had a great idea to keep moving. Not many of the other mages are as fit as you are. I’ve seen them practice small spells in the courtyard. They tend to stand around and cast spells, but you managed to do both, even if your casting is a little slow.”
Dax smiled for a moment before it faded away. “It was worth a shot, but I’m not sure it will be enough.”
Symon looked to his friend, “You could try switching classes and try to become a spellsword? You have the physical ability and the magic part.”
Dax shook his head. “Dodging and acrobatics are one thing, sticking a sword into another person is something else. I can take a punch, but magic is my passion. Armor, even light armor, slows me down. Now, if they had a spell rogue, I might be able to pull that off.”
“Some of the other academies are experimenting with new class combinations,” Symon said, trying to be helpful.
Dax eyed his friend. “And leave you here, no chance. Without me, you would be lost.”
Symon’s brow wrinkled. “I can’t tell if that’s a compliment or an insult?”
“Yes,” Dax laughed.
Symon chuckled.
The two students walked along before they both looked to the Commons Building.
“The first meeting will start soon,” Symon said simply.
Dax nodded. “We’re going to have to go to these regularly or Skullcut will have our hides.”
“I think he is really trying to help, in his weird way,” Symon sighed.
“I just hope the power doesn’t rush to Vance’s head. He is helping, but it’s hard to trust a family like his.”
Dax turned to Symon, a wicked smirk on his lips, “Let’s put in our time and see how it goes. We can leave after an hour and get something to eat at the dining hall.”
“Now you’re speaking my language,” Symon smiled.
Dax clapped a hand on Symon’s broad shoulder before the two friends made their way to the Commons Building. Lanterns glowed to life as the sun set on another day.
Inside, Dax and Symon asked the student at the desk where the Heroes of Kinarth were located. She smiled politely and told them to take the stairs to the third floor. Symon thanked her and the two made their way up. Reaching the third floor, they walked down the lavish corridors, searching for their room. Dax expected them to have a tiny room where they would all have to stand. As they walked, they saw the rooms spacing out. When they reached their room, the door was closed and a banner hung down along the side that was embroidered with the words “Heroes of Kinarth”.
Dax shook his head. “I think Vance may be taking this too far.”
“Let’s get into the spirit, even if it's only for tonight,” Symon smiled and took hold of the doorknob.
The door swung open and the two students stepped in. Eyes widened as they took in the spectacle before them.
A long table held a treasure trove of food, each on thick silver plates and steam rising up from cooked lamb, beef, and chicken. Piles of fruit filled bowls and stacks of cups stood by a water spigot. A large table filled the middle of the room and many chairs surrounded the rest of the room. On the table were a dozen copies of the Tales of Sebastian Kinarth. The curtains were partially closed, the fading light of the day casting an ember glow.
Vance stood off to the side, a small smile on his lips and a copy of the Tales of Sebastian Kinarth in his hands.
Dax and Symon blinked.
“Is it a little too much?” Vance asked. “I thought maybe food would bring in more students and see if they wanted to be members. Always have a strong first day,” the mage tried to be positive in his voice but his eyes strained to stay excited.
Dax stepped in, still looking at the mountains of food. “Did you tell anyone else about the club?”
Vance sighed. “No one gave me the time of day. Fern said she would tell everyone she could. I hope there is a big showing.”
Dax looked to the tall mage, “I thought this was just going to be a small club. This is…a bit extravagant.”
“I know you wanted a small club, but I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for us to gain more members and maybe, some new friendships.”
Dax could see the glimmer of hope in Vance’s eyes. The rest of the academy avoided him like the plague because of his family history. Growing up wealthy, he never had a chance to connect with regular people and it showed by the over the top food and club room.
Symon rushed over to the food, “This is amazing!”
The spellsword grabbed a plate and began loading it up with meat.
Vance’s smile brightened a little.
Dax nodded as he stepped closer, “This is amazing. Thank you for providing such a spread. I’m sure it will bring students in.”
“Thank you, Dax. It means a lot to hear it,” Vance said with a smile. “Have some food. I’m sure Fern will be here soon.”
The last rays of sunlight died as evening cast her dark blanket across the sky. Stars twinkled to life as a chill filled the outside air. Inside the club room, warmth and food filled bodies and bellies. Symon ate like a hog at feeding time. Dax joined him at the large table, chowing down on the delicious food. Vance watched, unable to sit just yet, expecting a flood of students to come in. A knock at the door caused the three men to turn their heads, Fern flying in.
The fairy was all smiles as she zipped around the room. Landing on the floor, light engulfed her body and she was five feet tall. Much like Symon, she grabbed a plate of food and began filling it up. When her plate was full, she sauntered over to Dax and plopped down in a seat next to him. Before Dax could finish chewing and say hi, the fairy wrapped her arm around his neck and hugged him close.
“So glad you could make it! I’ve been looking forward to this all day,” the fairy grinned before she let go.
Dax swallowed and smiled. “Yea, this should be fun.”
Vance sat down with a plate of food, “We should have a deluge of students any time now.”
The four nodded and sat, food shoved in their mouths as they waited.
Time ticked on and after an hour, no one else appeared.
Dax and Symon sat back, their bellies full. Fern pulled at a small lock of her hair and then blew out some air to cause it to bounce. Vance’s small smile had long faded, poking his food with his fork.
“I told everyone to come,” Fern sighed before she put her face down on her arms in defeat.
“The exams are just a few days away. Maybe everyone is buckling down and studying?” Symon said, trying to be positive.
Dax stretched his arms over his head. “Or nobody likes us,” the mage yawned.
“Dax!” Symon said with a growl.
Vance nodded. “It could be all of that. I can’t say I’m completely surprised. That’s why I brought a backup.”
Fern lifted her head and looked to Vance. Dax let his arms drop to his side and Symon raised an eyebrow.
Vance stood up and walked over to the food table. Lifting the tablecloth, he reached with his other hand and pulled out a large chest. Bringing it to the center of the room, by the big table, all eyes looked over and down to see what he was doing.
Vance opened the chest and began pulling out bottles of mead, ales, and spirits. The mage placed them on the table, one by one until the chest was empty and a dozen bottles stood.
“Always have a backup plan,” the spikey haired mage said with a small smile.
The three at the table looked to Vance, then each other and finally to the bottles. With excited fervor, hands grabbed at bottles and pulled corks and tops. Alcohol flowed as they laughed and drank. The mood shifted from disappointment to a party atmosphere as they guzzled spirits rather quickly.
