The Lives Before The Legend
Chapter One: Zagan academy
James sat out side the house watching the sun rise and letting the serene beauty engulf him. He watched as sunlight bathed over the hill, right on schedule; he would have to leave in a little while for work. The door behind him opened and soft footsteps echoed in the silence of the virgin day. Lilly, her brilliant red hair flowing over her shoulder as she watched her husband. She smiled at him, so predictable.
He'd taken to getting up early and trying to be silent, as not to wake her. Glancing out across their yard she saw the glistening steed that was James's horse, walking around and preparing for the day.
"Good morning," James smiled at her, his eyes still sparkling as if it were the first time he'd ever laid eyes on her.
"Good morning," she smiled back and handed him a plate of breakfast as she sat beside him. They never had long together in the morning, but never missed breakfast together. Even if it was only a bagel and coffee.
"How are you?" James asked, reaching up and tracing his hand along her cheek, glad to see more color in it. Lilly had been sick recently. For the last two weeks she'd been on bed rest. Her adoring husband barely slept, afraid of loosing her.
"A lot better," Lilly stated proudly, giving him a sideways glance and a smile. "You should know I'm tougher than some illness."
"You look better," James nodded. "It looks to be a good day. No smell of rain."
"Yes, I'll try and get some sun today. It'd be a nice change. Might go over to see Adam and Beth."
"Sounds good."
"Oh, Sirius sent word. Said he'd meet you for lunch."
James smiled. He met with Sirius at least once a week, yet his friend still though it best to remind him. Lilly took James's plate and headed into the kitchen. James's thoughts drifted to Remus. He hadn't heard from him in a while, which wasn't that odd anymore, but still annoyed him.
The Order meetings were a nice reunion, that was ruined by ill news every time. James got to his feet and looked to Lily, who was waiting in the doorway; he kissed her on the cheek and hugged her, then headed off to get Gyriph*
He mounted the horse and was off. He trotted up the hill, turned sideways and commanded the horse to rear up with a flick of the reins and a tinny kick. Lilly waved back, laughing at the heroic gesture as James signaled the horse to trot.
"Morning Adam," James waved to his neighbor.
"Mornin' Mr. Potter," Adam waved back, tired. "How's your wife?"
"She's feeling better," James explained. "She'll probably be by later," he grabbed the news paper off the top of Adam's mail box and tossed it to him. Adam had been confined to a wheel chair and had a God awful time getting across the yard.
"Thanks," Adam nodded, saluting with the newspaper.
James nodded back and gave a wave goodbye. "Let's go!" He commanded Gyriph. The horse sped up and they loped along until they emerged into an open field. Horse and rider sped down the lain and when they got to the top speed Gyriph could reach on land, wings erupted from its sides. James smiled as he heard the familiar sound if the wind taking the wings and lifting them off the ground. The horse raced on in the air towards the guild. Higher and higher they flew until they were past the clouds.
James showed the emblem on his cloak and a portal opened up. A tunnel of amazing colors surrounded them as they flew through, dizzying images that could be both wonderful and nauseating. They came out after about fifteen minutes and arrived at the Academy. James dismounted, leaving Gyriph with a stable-hand, and headed for his room.
He dropped off his bag, letting it drop onto his desk with a thud. He quickly glanced around the room, Lilly had decorated it for him and he was always pleased by his home away from home. It had been furnished in well polished leather and fabrics of men's suits, giving it a classy bachelor pad look. A picture of his wedding was propped up next to a school picture. Seventh year.
The best year he'd had at Hogwarts. James smiled at the picture- everyone was looking slightly to the left in it- and went to his guild's main office. James's guild was the guild of defenders. In charge of magic defense it was their job to defend the magical and Muggle community against possible threats. They also acted as guards and did a lot of things, but the main point is they rule! He had finished filing some claims and seen five of the new students when Master Clef's assistant arrived and handed him a letter.
The letter read:
James Potter
I need to discuss something with you that is of great importance. Please, come to my chamber. I want to tell you before the council decides anything so you can make a decision...you were volunteered to handle this one.
Clef
"...Thank you. I shall meet with him in a few minutes," James nodded. The assistant nodded back and retreated out of the office.
James was one of the Main Guild council members, and a well-respected one at that. The council was the final word in all of the guilds decisions. It was in charge of everything and Clef, the leader of the council, was the major authority at the academy. All the guild masters looked up to him, though they all knew that should Clef die, James was the most likely one to take his place, instead of his apprentice.
The different guilds were in charge of different things, but the main purpose was defense. People could hire some of the students, who where ages twenty-one and up, to protect them. The students where given a young foal when they entered the academy at age eighteen and it was their jobs to raise their foals. They trained during there final years at whatever school it was that they were attending. They trained for two years to prove they were good enough. About fifty people came each year to train and, at most, twenty of them would be chosen for the next step.
You had to be born with a certain ability to be accepted into the academy. At age nineteen some of the twenty chosen drop out, others will have to prove them selves ready for phase three. Five out of the twenty will make it. Then at age twenty, they can agree to serve as a bodyguard-or mercenary- to someone, but it is usually simple tasks. Then at age twenty- two, those who have done well and are at a high enough rank will go on to become guild members. The rest will leave. Their horses must also past the tests. Zagan horses have 'ghost feet' they call it. The feet can past through objects so that the ride is smooth and the horse will never trip. If the rider cannot make the horse obtain the level of magic to get ghost feet then both horse and rider will fail.
There have been many great warriors who were expelled for being either too soft or not good with animals. Zagan Riders also must obtain the ability to speak to animals. Sometimes if the foal is strong enough it can grant its owner the ability to talk to it. If the rider is strong enough he or she will be able to accept the power and communicate to their animal, but that is rare. Riders are stronger then the Hit-Wizards and go through much more training then them. Aurors and Hit wizards will occasionally work with Riders. The Riders are privately funded by Clef, so they are very elite. Clef started the academy because he loved to teach strong magic, and can sometimes tell the future, he knew Riders would be needed.
James had passed all this and had even gone on to being a council member; he was extremely young to be one. He was in his thirties, but was chosen quickly.
"Lord James," A voice called.
James looked up to see a guildsman* (basically a student that aids a council member or Rider...kinda like a squire. Guildsmen are known by their lord or by their guild. The guild of writers was in charge or writing down important magical events, Guild of book keepers was in charge of keeping track of those books and remembering the information they contained, the guild of messengers, the guild of languages, the guild of magical creatures, and the guild of the true Zagan Riders.)
"Hello, Cota," James greeted as the guildsman bowed formally. (By the way, it is pronounced (Coat-uh)
"Waiting to see Master Clef?" Cota asked.
"Yes, he said he wanted to talk to me about something important. A mission of great urgency I gather. He says I should be told soon so I may think about my response," James explained.
"They chose the right person; you're a wonderful council member, Lord James," announced one of Cota's fellow guildsmen. "However, I am still bothered by why they chose you so early. They wanted to get you on the council before the job made you cold and bitter. But, I thought that the attitude came with the territory. I thought the meanness of some of the other Riders was a good thing. Aren't we supposed to be superior to the normal witches and wizards?" The guildsman asked as he joined in the conversation.
"Has your Lord taught you nothing, Oweiry? (Oh-err-E) We are not superior. We are an elite group that has advanced magic and is taught stricter rules. We are formed to have stronger will and mental stableness. But, have you not seen all the ones that are kicked out? You must be born with the will and strength. Do you consider Witches and Wizards of a magic family to be superior to that of a Muggle family Witch or Wizard?" Cota inquired.
"Very good point, Cota. And in answer to your question, young guildsman, (A lord calling you a 'young guildsman' once you have become a 'squire', is like saying you need more training. Basically, it is calling you immature.) the Riders who have gotten so cold are being let go. The work is affecting them too much. Riders must be calm, not rude. Riders are a tad superior only because people know there power and respect them. The people know we protect them and do the jobs they thank God they don't have to, so they treat us well," James explained
Oweiry stared at Cota; He hated him, they had been in the same classes and yet Cota always seemed to be more advanced. Oweiry lived with Lord Ramier (Rah-meer) and had learned a lot from him, but Ramier never took the same care in teaching Oweiry as James did in teaching Cota..
"Well, it seems there is a debate occurring in the hall," Clefs assistant announced. "And I do agree with your point young Cota. Do Witches and Wizards get more respect then those of Muggle families? Yes, we even have mean names like Mud blood for the ones of Muggle parents. I do not think it is fair at all," The assistant added.
"Is Master Clef ready to see me?" James asked and gave a meaning full and proud smile to Cota, who responded with a modest shrug.
"Ah yes, Lord James. Please, come right this way," The assistant moved aside to let James pass.
"Should I go and tell Sirius were you are?" Cota asked as James stepped past the assistant.
"Thank you, Cota," James nodded and stepped into the chamber hall.
Cota nodded goodbye to Oweiry and turned to leave. He walked briskly down the long halls, unaware that a few feet behind him, Oweiry followed with spiteful eyes watching his every move and hating him for being praised by Master Clefs assistant. The assistant might tell Master Clef that he saw Cota besting Oweiry. That wouldn't look good. After all, Cota was to be a Zagan Rider, and Owiery was just aiming for guild master. He wasn't about to let a Zagan Rider best a Guild master again. Too many people though highly of the Zagan riders and it sickened Owiery. Why were they so special? Because they trained harder? So what?
Cota hopped on his horse, Patrick, Pat for short. The feisty young horse tossed it's head and shuffled its feet. Oweiry watched from under a tree as Pat walked off with Cota sitting high in the saddle. They entered the warm up ring and in ten minutes, Pat was ready to go! He turned the horse and held his arm out in front of him, pointing ahead with his index finger.
"Alright. Go, Pat!" He commanded in a friendly voice, waiting for what he knew was coming.
The horse whinnied with delight and charged forward picking up speed as it dashed faster and faster. Cota's horse did not have wings yet, so he used the portal to get back down to earth. He sped on across the hills and saw the train heading to Hogwarts. He raced the train and matched its speed, Pat being an amazing racer. Exited students crowded the window. Fogging up the glass in their rush to see a Student from the Zagan academy. When Cota was tired of this game he turned to the left, away from the train, and began traveling into the magical neighborhoods where the Witches and Wizards live.
He slowed his horse to a walk as he enjoyed the peaceful quiet of the neighborhood. He arrived at Sirius's house and jumped off Pat. The horse glistened with pride upon arriving at its destination without fault. Cota petted the horse and praised him for a swift journey. Pat laid down to rest and Cota walked up the pathway to the front door. He saw a black dog watching him with an eerie smile. He looked at it cautiously then knocked on the door; the dog seemed amused by this and perked up. After a few minutes the dog came closer, Cota knocked again and pretended to ignore the dog while watching it closely in the reflection of the window. The dog came closer and Cota spoke to it with his mind.
"Stay away," He warned. Cota had been trying very hard to be able to do animal-telepathy. They couldn't answer him, but heard what he said.
The dog seemed to laugh slightly and turned to go around the back of the house. Cota found this to be extremely weird, though the dog made him uneasy so he decided not to care. He had been attacked the first time he had seen the dog because he had been trying to ambush James. It was all in good fun, but when he went to jump the dog lunged at him and wouldn't get off him until James told it, in plain English, that Cota was a Guildsman and was supposed to ambush him because it was part of training. The dog had then released him and James had snickered and told the dog to fetch Sirius.
He had grinned at the dog when he said fetch, and the dog had seemed to be laughing as it nodded and left. Cota took out a piece of parchment and wrote a note saying that James had been invited into Master Clef's chambers for a very important meeting and might be late for lunch. He slipped the note under the door and slowly walked back to Patrick. To his surprise, Oweiry arrived. Oweiry sat high on his horse and glared at him.
"Not home?" he asked with an annoyed and impatient voice as he stared at the house. The voice was natural for Owiery, but he seemed slightly curious this time.
"I'm not sure. I have to be back at the Guild house though, so I just left a note," Cota explained and continued walking toward Patrick. He wasn't about to admit that that dog seemed to love to attack and scare him so he had decided not to wait around.
Oweiry put his horse between Cota and Patrick. "What did Clef want to see James about?" he questioned.
"It is an important matter and if he wants to tell you he will. Also we are not in class, we are on duty. So, unless you are a friend of Lord James, I suggest you address him properly," Cota scolded, tired of watching Owiery traipse all over the rules.
Oweiry sneered evilly and turned his horse. He walked away in a snobbish manner that Cota didn't think a horse was capable of. Cota shook his head and walked towards Pat, who whinnied loudly. Cota stopped, alarmed by the shrillness in the horse's voice. He was about to take another step when three figures jumped from the trees and surrounded him.
They all held weapons and looked to be wanting a fight. Cota hastily took out his wand and took stance, preparing for the fight as the three figures circled him. Oweiry didn't seem to see them as he walked away.
"Owiery! Come quickly now! I am out numbered and in need of aid," Cota called, spreading his arms out to keep his attackers at bay and knowing that when attacked a student was always to call for aid, if possible.
One of the figures leaped to attack and Cota barely dodged and used his wand to blast the attacker away. Another attack and Cota found these attackers were Hit-Wizards. Experienced and ready to kill.
"Come now Cota, you don't need MY help. You're the Zagan rider. I'm sure you can take care of it," Oweiry scoffed and galloped off, leaving his fellow student to the attackers' mercy.
"Aquor!" Cota casted, trying to blast his attackers away. His plan failed as one of them quickly grabbed his wand as the other two attacked. One pushing him to the ground and the other hitting him with a staff.
"Oweiry!" Cota growled as he was knocked to the ground.
The three continued their attack and poor Cota tried his hardest to get up, but the staff had been enchanted and when it hit him, he could not move. He saw a mark on one of the men's arms. They were part of the DarkThorn clan. Rider killers for hire. The staff pierced his skin and his arm went limp as it did. He managed to get one of the three away from him and tried to get up. These people were no amateurs; they knew exactly what they were doing.
Cota knocked the second one away as the third one hit him over the head with the staff. He went down and saw Sirius standing a few feet away; Sirius pointed his wand at the remaining attacker, who looked from Cota, to Sirius, as if debating. He then took his eyes off Cota and turned slightly to face Sirius.
"I dare you," Sirius growled at the assassins, his eyes flashing with the challenge.
Part 2
James arrived in the Master Clef's Chamber, his mind racing with ideas about the cause behind the meeting. Master Clef, who was waiting for him, stood up and walked over to greet him. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, Lord James," Clef greeted politely.
"It was no trouble at all," James bowed. "I sent Cota to tell my friend that I would be late for lunch and that was really the only thing I needed to do," he responded, dismissing any guilt from being called away from anything.
He knew well that Clef liked to play with people's minds. Saying he was sorry to call on such short notice was almost laughable. The Master of the academy, apologizing to a mere council member. It would have been like Dumbledore apologizing to one of the students for calling him away from a prank in order to receive punishment. Or and employer apologizing for interrupting work with a speech on raising production. Clef sat down behind his desk and James sat in the chair in front of it. Like in Dumbledore's office, the chair was comfortable, relaxing yet scary.
"As you know, a strange creature has been killing off anything that has more then one magical power and has been causing fear and panic to spread through out England," Clef began, staring at James.
"Yes," James nodded, he knew better than to lag on current event knowledge.
"Well, we think that it is collecting blood," Clef informed James.
"What? But why?" James asked, he'd read the reports many times and was intrigued to find that the creature was capable of such a feat.
"A researcher showed me earlier that the creature could separate magical genes from the blood and store them. We do not know why it does this for sure. But we do suspect that this creature it not natural, someone must have made it. I sent Sefiro out to follow the creature," Clef explained.
"He has trained for a very long time to be able to track down thing such as this creature. I've heard of him many times, has he come back yet?"
"He came back last night, very shaken. He reported that the creature was man made and that the people who made it were trying to make some sort of weapon, a creature that is able to adapt to different kinds of magic. More they are trying to make it accept different blood They plan to make it into an ultimate killing machine. Some kind of foul creature that has no emotion and will be trained from the moment it is created, to kill. The genes are being combined and sorted in a lab. Sefiro said that he knew the new creature needs an exact amount of blood in order to survive."
"But, why would they create a creature that drains blood and a creature that needs a certain amount of blood. If the two ever combined the one that needs blood would die."
"That is true. I think the first creature is a back up incase the newer one goes wrong."
"That's terrible. Have we found no way to kill the first monster?"
"We have tried every spell and every soldier that goes against this thing dies. I have seen our strongest Rider attack this creature. He hated that monster so much."
They both sat in silence. Remembering Thomas.
"What it is I have been volunteered to do?" James asked after a long silence.
"You will be in charge of attacking the base where these two monsters come from. You and your team will attack and kill the new creature. As for the old one, maybe we will find a way to kill it from the journals kept at the base." Clef said with a hint of remorse in his eyes.
"I thank you for telling me this early enough for me to prepare a response...Can the creature they are creating be saved, though...? I would hate to have to kill something unless I was sure it couldn't be saved and be peaceful," James answered, surprised by his own words.
"It has no soul, James. It is created in a lab, from magical genes and blood that is supposedly to come from a being that died thousands of years ago. It will be trained to kill, and it will live a life of suffering. It has no soul and will kill thousands. I hate to say this James, I really do. I believe everything has a soul. But something created to kill, shown and taught only to kill and knows only to kill...will kill," Clef said with a great deal sadness in his voice. "I don't like it either, but it must be destroyed."
Clef handed James a map of the base. The two went over it for half an hour then James left saying he did not want to keep Sirius any longer. James walked out with his mind still troubled. He had to kill something that had never even lived. He had to kill something that had not done anything wrong. He and Lily were expecting a son and James couldn't help but think that he had to kill a baby that, just like his son... was innocent.
'It's a beast,' he reminded himself. 'So is a phoenix,' a stronger voice reminded him. 'Born from ashes, it works for good, not evil.'
***
Eve: Hey. My name is Eve. I'm 16.I started writing this a while ago and my friends read it and though it was great. You'll be hearing a lot from them; Trust me. Well, lets see. I don't know what to say other then I hope you enjoyed reading this even though it was long. Umm well what do you think? It is my honor to end the first chapter.
May magic be with you always.
Reviewers I'd love to hear from you so review!
Chapter One: Zagan academy
James sat out side the house watching the sun rise and letting the serene beauty engulf him. He watched as sunlight bathed over the hill, right on schedule; he would have to leave in a little while for work. The door behind him opened and soft footsteps echoed in the silence of the virgin day. Lilly, her brilliant red hair flowing over her shoulder as she watched her husband. She smiled at him, so predictable.
He'd taken to getting up early and trying to be silent, as not to wake her. Glancing out across their yard she saw the glistening steed that was James's horse, walking around and preparing for the day.
"Good morning," James smiled at her, his eyes still sparkling as if it were the first time he'd ever laid eyes on her.
"Good morning," she smiled back and handed him a plate of breakfast as she sat beside him. They never had long together in the morning, but never missed breakfast together. Even if it was only a bagel and coffee.
"How are you?" James asked, reaching up and tracing his hand along her cheek, glad to see more color in it. Lilly had been sick recently. For the last two weeks she'd been on bed rest. Her adoring husband barely slept, afraid of loosing her.
"A lot better," Lilly stated proudly, giving him a sideways glance and a smile. "You should know I'm tougher than some illness."
"You look better," James nodded. "It looks to be a good day. No smell of rain."
"Yes, I'll try and get some sun today. It'd be a nice change. Might go over to see Adam and Beth."
"Sounds good."
"Oh, Sirius sent word. Said he'd meet you for lunch."
James smiled. He met with Sirius at least once a week, yet his friend still though it best to remind him. Lilly took James's plate and headed into the kitchen. James's thoughts drifted to Remus. He hadn't heard from him in a while, which wasn't that odd anymore, but still annoyed him.
The Order meetings were a nice reunion, that was ruined by ill news every time. James got to his feet and looked to Lily, who was waiting in the doorway; he kissed her on the cheek and hugged her, then headed off to get Gyriph*
He mounted the horse and was off. He trotted up the hill, turned sideways and commanded the horse to rear up with a flick of the reins and a tinny kick. Lilly waved back, laughing at the heroic gesture as James signaled the horse to trot.
"Morning Adam," James waved to his neighbor.
"Mornin' Mr. Potter," Adam waved back, tired. "How's your wife?"
"She's feeling better," James explained. "She'll probably be by later," he grabbed the news paper off the top of Adam's mail box and tossed it to him. Adam had been confined to a wheel chair and had a God awful time getting across the yard.
"Thanks," Adam nodded, saluting with the newspaper.
James nodded back and gave a wave goodbye. "Let's go!" He commanded Gyriph. The horse sped up and they loped along until they emerged into an open field. Horse and rider sped down the lain and when they got to the top speed Gyriph could reach on land, wings erupted from its sides. James smiled as he heard the familiar sound if the wind taking the wings and lifting them off the ground. The horse raced on in the air towards the guild. Higher and higher they flew until they were past the clouds.
James showed the emblem on his cloak and a portal opened up. A tunnel of amazing colors surrounded them as they flew through, dizzying images that could be both wonderful and nauseating. They came out after about fifteen minutes and arrived at the Academy. James dismounted, leaving Gyriph with a stable-hand, and headed for his room.
He dropped off his bag, letting it drop onto his desk with a thud. He quickly glanced around the room, Lilly had decorated it for him and he was always pleased by his home away from home. It had been furnished in well polished leather and fabrics of men's suits, giving it a classy bachelor pad look. A picture of his wedding was propped up next to a school picture. Seventh year.
The best year he'd had at Hogwarts. James smiled at the picture- everyone was looking slightly to the left in it- and went to his guild's main office. James's guild was the guild of defenders. In charge of magic defense it was their job to defend the magical and Muggle community against possible threats. They also acted as guards and did a lot of things, but the main point is they rule! He had finished filing some claims and seen five of the new students when Master Clef's assistant arrived and handed him a letter.
The letter read:
James Potter
I need to discuss something with you that is of great importance. Please, come to my chamber. I want to tell you before the council decides anything so you can make a decision...you were volunteered to handle this one.
Clef
"...Thank you. I shall meet with him in a few minutes," James nodded. The assistant nodded back and retreated out of the office.
James was one of the Main Guild council members, and a well-respected one at that. The council was the final word in all of the guilds decisions. It was in charge of everything and Clef, the leader of the council, was the major authority at the academy. All the guild masters looked up to him, though they all knew that should Clef die, James was the most likely one to take his place, instead of his apprentice.
The different guilds were in charge of different things, but the main purpose was defense. People could hire some of the students, who where ages twenty-one and up, to protect them. The students where given a young foal when they entered the academy at age eighteen and it was their jobs to raise their foals. They trained during there final years at whatever school it was that they were attending. They trained for two years to prove they were good enough. About fifty people came each year to train and, at most, twenty of them would be chosen for the next step.
You had to be born with a certain ability to be accepted into the academy. At age nineteen some of the twenty chosen drop out, others will have to prove them selves ready for phase three. Five out of the twenty will make it. Then at age twenty, they can agree to serve as a bodyguard-or mercenary- to someone, but it is usually simple tasks. Then at age twenty- two, those who have done well and are at a high enough rank will go on to become guild members. The rest will leave. Their horses must also past the tests. Zagan horses have 'ghost feet' they call it. The feet can past through objects so that the ride is smooth and the horse will never trip. If the rider cannot make the horse obtain the level of magic to get ghost feet then both horse and rider will fail.
There have been many great warriors who were expelled for being either too soft or not good with animals. Zagan Riders also must obtain the ability to speak to animals. Sometimes if the foal is strong enough it can grant its owner the ability to talk to it. If the rider is strong enough he or she will be able to accept the power and communicate to their animal, but that is rare. Riders are stronger then the Hit-Wizards and go through much more training then them. Aurors and Hit wizards will occasionally work with Riders. The Riders are privately funded by Clef, so they are very elite. Clef started the academy because he loved to teach strong magic, and can sometimes tell the future, he knew Riders would be needed.
James had passed all this and had even gone on to being a council member; he was extremely young to be one. He was in his thirties, but was chosen quickly.
"Lord James," A voice called.
James looked up to see a guildsman* (basically a student that aids a council member or Rider...kinda like a squire. Guildsmen are known by their lord or by their guild. The guild of writers was in charge or writing down important magical events, Guild of book keepers was in charge of keeping track of those books and remembering the information they contained, the guild of messengers, the guild of languages, the guild of magical creatures, and the guild of the true Zagan Riders.)
"Hello, Cota," James greeted as the guildsman bowed formally. (By the way, it is pronounced (Coat-uh)
"Waiting to see Master Clef?" Cota asked.
"Yes, he said he wanted to talk to me about something important. A mission of great urgency I gather. He says I should be told soon so I may think about my response," James explained.
"They chose the right person; you're a wonderful council member, Lord James," announced one of Cota's fellow guildsmen. "However, I am still bothered by why they chose you so early. They wanted to get you on the council before the job made you cold and bitter. But, I thought that the attitude came with the territory. I thought the meanness of some of the other Riders was a good thing. Aren't we supposed to be superior to the normal witches and wizards?" The guildsman asked as he joined in the conversation.
"Has your Lord taught you nothing, Oweiry? (Oh-err-E) We are not superior. We are an elite group that has advanced magic and is taught stricter rules. We are formed to have stronger will and mental stableness. But, have you not seen all the ones that are kicked out? You must be born with the will and strength. Do you consider Witches and Wizards of a magic family to be superior to that of a Muggle family Witch or Wizard?" Cota inquired.
"Very good point, Cota. And in answer to your question, young guildsman, (A lord calling you a 'young guildsman' once you have become a 'squire', is like saying you need more training. Basically, it is calling you immature.) the Riders who have gotten so cold are being let go. The work is affecting them too much. Riders must be calm, not rude. Riders are a tad superior only because people know there power and respect them. The people know we protect them and do the jobs they thank God they don't have to, so they treat us well," James explained
Oweiry stared at Cota; He hated him, they had been in the same classes and yet Cota always seemed to be more advanced. Oweiry lived with Lord Ramier (Rah-meer) and had learned a lot from him, but Ramier never took the same care in teaching Oweiry as James did in teaching Cota..
"Well, it seems there is a debate occurring in the hall," Clefs assistant announced. "And I do agree with your point young Cota. Do Witches and Wizards get more respect then those of Muggle families? Yes, we even have mean names like Mud blood for the ones of Muggle parents. I do not think it is fair at all," The assistant added.
"Is Master Clef ready to see me?" James asked and gave a meaning full and proud smile to Cota, who responded with a modest shrug.
"Ah yes, Lord James. Please, come right this way," The assistant moved aside to let James pass.
"Should I go and tell Sirius were you are?" Cota asked as James stepped past the assistant.
"Thank you, Cota," James nodded and stepped into the chamber hall.
Cota nodded goodbye to Oweiry and turned to leave. He walked briskly down the long halls, unaware that a few feet behind him, Oweiry followed with spiteful eyes watching his every move and hating him for being praised by Master Clefs assistant. The assistant might tell Master Clef that he saw Cota besting Oweiry. That wouldn't look good. After all, Cota was to be a Zagan Rider, and Owiery was just aiming for guild master. He wasn't about to let a Zagan Rider best a Guild master again. Too many people though highly of the Zagan riders and it sickened Owiery. Why were they so special? Because they trained harder? So what?
Cota hopped on his horse, Patrick, Pat for short. The feisty young horse tossed it's head and shuffled its feet. Oweiry watched from under a tree as Pat walked off with Cota sitting high in the saddle. They entered the warm up ring and in ten minutes, Pat was ready to go! He turned the horse and held his arm out in front of him, pointing ahead with his index finger.
"Alright. Go, Pat!" He commanded in a friendly voice, waiting for what he knew was coming.
The horse whinnied with delight and charged forward picking up speed as it dashed faster and faster. Cota's horse did not have wings yet, so he used the portal to get back down to earth. He sped on across the hills and saw the train heading to Hogwarts. He raced the train and matched its speed, Pat being an amazing racer. Exited students crowded the window. Fogging up the glass in their rush to see a Student from the Zagan academy. When Cota was tired of this game he turned to the left, away from the train, and began traveling into the magical neighborhoods where the Witches and Wizards live.
He slowed his horse to a walk as he enjoyed the peaceful quiet of the neighborhood. He arrived at Sirius's house and jumped off Pat. The horse glistened with pride upon arriving at its destination without fault. Cota petted the horse and praised him for a swift journey. Pat laid down to rest and Cota walked up the pathway to the front door. He saw a black dog watching him with an eerie smile. He looked at it cautiously then knocked on the door; the dog seemed amused by this and perked up. After a few minutes the dog came closer, Cota knocked again and pretended to ignore the dog while watching it closely in the reflection of the window. The dog came closer and Cota spoke to it with his mind.
"Stay away," He warned. Cota had been trying very hard to be able to do animal-telepathy. They couldn't answer him, but heard what he said.
The dog seemed to laugh slightly and turned to go around the back of the house. Cota found this to be extremely weird, though the dog made him uneasy so he decided not to care. He had been attacked the first time he had seen the dog because he had been trying to ambush James. It was all in good fun, but when he went to jump the dog lunged at him and wouldn't get off him until James told it, in plain English, that Cota was a Guildsman and was supposed to ambush him because it was part of training. The dog had then released him and James had snickered and told the dog to fetch Sirius.
He had grinned at the dog when he said fetch, and the dog had seemed to be laughing as it nodded and left. Cota took out a piece of parchment and wrote a note saying that James had been invited into Master Clef's chambers for a very important meeting and might be late for lunch. He slipped the note under the door and slowly walked back to Patrick. To his surprise, Oweiry arrived. Oweiry sat high on his horse and glared at him.
"Not home?" he asked with an annoyed and impatient voice as he stared at the house. The voice was natural for Owiery, but he seemed slightly curious this time.
"I'm not sure. I have to be back at the Guild house though, so I just left a note," Cota explained and continued walking toward Patrick. He wasn't about to admit that that dog seemed to love to attack and scare him so he had decided not to wait around.
Oweiry put his horse between Cota and Patrick. "What did Clef want to see James about?" he questioned.
"It is an important matter and if he wants to tell you he will. Also we are not in class, we are on duty. So, unless you are a friend of Lord James, I suggest you address him properly," Cota scolded, tired of watching Owiery traipse all over the rules.
Oweiry sneered evilly and turned his horse. He walked away in a snobbish manner that Cota didn't think a horse was capable of. Cota shook his head and walked towards Pat, who whinnied loudly. Cota stopped, alarmed by the shrillness in the horse's voice. He was about to take another step when three figures jumped from the trees and surrounded him.
They all held weapons and looked to be wanting a fight. Cota hastily took out his wand and took stance, preparing for the fight as the three figures circled him. Oweiry didn't seem to see them as he walked away.
"Owiery! Come quickly now! I am out numbered and in need of aid," Cota called, spreading his arms out to keep his attackers at bay and knowing that when attacked a student was always to call for aid, if possible.
One of the figures leaped to attack and Cota barely dodged and used his wand to blast the attacker away. Another attack and Cota found these attackers were Hit-Wizards. Experienced and ready to kill.
"Come now Cota, you don't need MY help. You're the Zagan rider. I'm sure you can take care of it," Oweiry scoffed and galloped off, leaving his fellow student to the attackers' mercy.
"Aquor!" Cota casted, trying to blast his attackers away. His plan failed as one of them quickly grabbed his wand as the other two attacked. One pushing him to the ground and the other hitting him with a staff.
"Oweiry!" Cota growled as he was knocked to the ground.
The three continued their attack and poor Cota tried his hardest to get up, but the staff had been enchanted and when it hit him, he could not move. He saw a mark on one of the men's arms. They were part of the DarkThorn clan. Rider killers for hire. The staff pierced his skin and his arm went limp as it did. He managed to get one of the three away from him and tried to get up. These people were no amateurs; they knew exactly what they were doing.
Cota knocked the second one away as the third one hit him over the head with the staff. He went down and saw Sirius standing a few feet away; Sirius pointed his wand at the remaining attacker, who looked from Cota, to Sirius, as if debating. He then took his eyes off Cota and turned slightly to face Sirius.
"I dare you," Sirius growled at the assassins, his eyes flashing with the challenge.
Part 2
James arrived in the Master Clef's Chamber, his mind racing with ideas about the cause behind the meeting. Master Clef, who was waiting for him, stood up and walked over to greet him. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, Lord James," Clef greeted politely.
"It was no trouble at all," James bowed. "I sent Cota to tell my friend that I would be late for lunch and that was really the only thing I needed to do," he responded, dismissing any guilt from being called away from anything.
He knew well that Clef liked to play with people's minds. Saying he was sorry to call on such short notice was almost laughable. The Master of the academy, apologizing to a mere council member. It would have been like Dumbledore apologizing to one of the students for calling him away from a prank in order to receive punishment. Or and employer apologizing for interrupting work with a speech on raising production. Clef sat down behind his desk and James sat in the chair in front of it. Like in Dumbledore's office, the chair was comfortable, relaxing yet scary.
"As you know, a strange creature has been killing off anything that has more then one magical power and has been causing fear and panic to spread through out England," Clef began, staring at James.
"Yes," James nodded, he knew better than to lag on current event knowledge.
"Well, we think that it is collecting blood," Clef informed James.
"What? But why?" James asked, he'd read the reports many times and was intrigued to find that the creature was capable of such a feat.
"A researcher showed me earlier that the creature could separate magical genes from the blood and store them. We do not know why it does this for sure. But we do suspect that this creature it not natural, someone must have made it. I sent Sefiro out to follow the creature," Clef explained.
"He has trained for a very long time to be able to track down thing such as this creature. I've heard of him many times, has he come back yet?"
"He came back last night, very shaken. He reported that the creature was man made and that the people who made it were trying to make some sort of weapon, a creature that is able to adapt to different kinds of magic. More they are trying to make it accept different blood They plan to make it into an ultimate killing machine. Some kind of foul creature that has no emotion and will be trained from the moment it is created, to kill. The genes are being combined and sorted in a lab. Sefiro said that he knew the new creature needs an exact amount of blood in order to survive."
"But, why would they create a creature that drains blood and a creature that needs a certain amount of blood. If the two ever combined the one that needs blood would die."
"That is true. I think the first creature is a back up incase the newer one goes wrong."
"That's terrible. Have we found no way to kill the first monster?"
"We have tried every spell and every soldier that goes against this thing dies. I have seen our strongest Rider attack this creature. He hated that monster so much."
They both sat in silence. Remembering Thomas.
"What it is I have been volunteered to do?" James asked after a long silence.
"You will be in charge of attacking the base where these two monsters come from. You and your team will attack and kill the new creature. As for the old one, maybe we will find a way to kill it from the journals kept at the base." Clef said with a hint of remorse in his eyes.
"I thank you for telling me this early enough for me to prepare a response...Can the creature they are creating be saved, though...? I would hate to have to kill something unless I was sure it couldn't be saved and be peaceful," James answered, surprised by his own words.
"It has no soul, James. It is created in a lab, from magical genes and blood that is supposedly to come from a being that died thousands of years ago. It will be trained to kill, and it will live a life of suffering. It has no soul and will kill thousands. I hate to say this James, I really do. I believe everything has a soul. But something created to kill, shown and taught only to kill and knows only to kill...will kill," Clef said with a great deal sadness in his voice. "I don't like it either, but it must be destroyed."
Clef handed James a map of the base. The two went over it for half an hour then James left saying he did not want to keep Sirius any longer. James walked out with his mind still troubled. He had to kill something that had never even lived. He had to kill something that had not done anything wrong. He and Lily were expecting a son and James couldn't help but think that he had to kill a baby that, just like his son... was innocent.
'It's a beast,' he reminded himself. 'So is a phoenix,' a stronger voice reminded him. 'Born from ashes, it works for good, not evil.'
***
Eve: Hey. My name is Eve. I'm 16.I started writing this a while ago and my friends read it and though it was great. You'll be hearing a lot from them; Trust me. Well, lets see. I don't know what to say other then I hope you enjoyed reading this even though it was long. Umm well what do you think? It is my honor to end the first chapter.
May magic be with you always.
Reviewers I'd love to hear from you so review!