July 26, 2002
Shades of Gray, Part I
Chapter 1: Black Mist Rising
The kingdom of Mystacore was one of the most magical places on all of Etheria, home to the ever-popular school of magic. Every year, parents fought to just have their kids tested in hopes that they possessed some sort of magical ability, but very few ever got in. It was there that the chosen few lived and attended classes in Academy of Magic, learning the ways of magic. As the students progressed in the school, a few would leave to go seek private tutoring by a handful of Mystacore's greatest magicians. It was a great honor, for only the most dedicated students got their own private teacher.
Norwyn had been one of those chosen students when he was attending the school in his younger years. Now it had been ten years since he had graduated the Academy of Magic, an ambitious eighteen-year-old who could not wait to show his magical talents to the planet of Etheria. Even though he may have finished the school, a student never finishes learning. Norwyn had a lot to learn, and through his many adventures, some accomplishments and others failures, he was now a more powerful and knowledgeable sorcerer than he ever had been. Now it was his turn to be the teacher and chose a student to be his apprentice. It would be a hard choice since so many of the students were hardworking and dedicated to learning the ways of white magic, the greatest and most powerful of all magic. The entire planet of Etheria relied on white magic to keep it in balance, to keep it in peace and harmony, protecting it from evil, which relied on black magic to feed it. The most difficult lesson that Norwyn had ever encountered at the Academy was learning to recognize both white and black magic, and to keep him from being consumed by the evil. For years, Mystacore had not a trace of black magic, but if anybody were to become obsessed with it and let it consume him, it would mean great danger for the planet.
For months, Norwyn visited his old school to meet with the students, in hope that one of them might stand out from the rest. He had set high standards and wanted someone who was strong and dedicated to learning white magic. Mentoring student magicians was hard, for the young were also eager and could often be careless. The younger the students, the easier it was to train them at your own pace. The older students were usually never selected since they had been set in their ways of training and often proved to be out of control for even the most powerful wizards. Norwyn met many students, ages ranging from four to close to almost twenty. Norwyn knew that his own magic would guide him in finding the right apprentice and that when he met them, he would know.
Someone knocking on the door to his private chambers in the Enchanted Castle awakened Norwyn one morning. He slowly got out bed, walked over to the mirror on his wall; to make sure he looked presentable. His light brown hair was a little unruly, having been slept. His nicely trimmed beard that he wore tried to conceal his young looking face, so he was not mistaken for a student when he visited the school. He opened the door and saw that it was one of his fellow teachers at the academy, Candor.
"Pardon me for waking you, Norwyn, but I bring urgent news", said Candor, a young teacher with blond hair that hung past his shoulders.
"What's wrong?" asked Norwyn.
"Something terrible has happened to one of our small villages", said Candor, his voice starting to tremble.
"What? What happened?" asked Norwyn.
"The village of Galeheart was completely destroyed by a terrible fire. We have no idea what caused this blaze, but it consumed the city in just minutes, like an explosion", cried Candor, no longer trying to remain calm.
"You got to be kidding? How could our magic have not seen this coming?" asked Norwyn, as he grabbed his robes and started to get dressed in the doorway.
"We don't know, Norwyn. We have just discussed the matter with the Council of Kings, and they demand an investigation take place at once", said Candor.
"It has to be some sort of magic. A simple out of control campfire would not engulf a village that fast. If it was magic, then it was evil magic. White magic does not harm", said Norwyn, as he tied his blue robe together with a gold sash.
"You mean someone is using black magic?" asked Candor.
"It seems that way and if someone possesses that evil power, then we have to put a stop to it", said Norwyn.
"What do we do?" asked Candor.
Norwyn shut the door to his chambers and locked it. He turned around to face Candor, as he stood all white faced in the hallway. "I am going to village to check for survivors", said Norwyn.
"Norwyn, I saw the damage. That village just exploded. No buildings are even left standing. Earlier we tried to see if we could save anybody but the heat was so intense we could not get near it", said Candor, as he laid a hand on Norwyn's shoulder.
"I am going to the stables to get my steed ready and going to that village. Maybe no one did survive, but if anybody did, I have to see about helping them", said Norwyn, as he walked past Candor and down the hall.
Norwyn took no time getting to the stables and mounting his white stallion. He kicked the sides of his horse and he took off running toward the dark gray mist that hung in the air up ahead, the remains of the village of Galeheart.
As Norwyn approached the place where Galeheart had once stood, he could sense sadness and fear in him. Galeheart was the farthest village that made up part of the kingdom of Mystacore. It was home to many of Mystacore's most well known families, especially those that had been very powerful in white magic. He had no idea why someone would destroy the small peaceful village. Perhaps, he wondered if it might be a warning, of something that was yet to come. If someone was trying to make a point, then Galeheart was the most likely target, being the farthest from the castle. Norwyn slapped the reins down on his steed, trying to pick up speed, but just as he was about to enter the village, the horse reared up onto its hind legs, letting out a pained whinny, and throwing Norwyn onto the ground.
"Whoa! Hey! What is it?" cried Norwyn, as he rolled over and saw his horse take off, back towards the castle.
Norwyn was a little stunned, starting to get a little worried, for something had scared his horse. He looked around, even trying to touch with his magical sixth sense to see if he could find any survivors, but he had no luck. He stood up and walked through the blackened ground, covered in tiny shreds to ashes. No buildings were even in sight. He kept walking until he saw what looked like the remains of a foundation. Some larger pieces that looked like charred wood were in a heap. Norwyn crept closer to the pile. He took a step to grab one of the pieces to move it, but suddenly, without warning, he fell through the ground.
When the dust had cleared, Norwyn started to sit up, but moaned as he realized he had landed pretty hard on his elbow, possibly badly bruising it. He moved it a little, but he could sense that nothing was broken. He looked around and saw that he was an underground tunnel. The tunnels led all through Mystacore, for easy access in the winter months for supplies to go through. It was very rarely opened to the public, sealed in magic during the warmer months. Perhaps some people had opened the entrance and gotten in, saving themselves from the blast, but by the looks of what happened, it was not possible that the people had any time to react. Norwyn had not seen any bodies and neither had anyone else. The people that once lived in peace in Galeheart were nothing but bits and pieces of ash, along with their homes.
Norwyn picked up a rock, and slammed it hard against the walls of the tunnel, cursing, "What evil monster did this?"
Norwyn wanted to kneel down and weep, remembering his many trips to Galeheart, being greeted by the friendly faces that inhabited the town. He closed his eyes and tried to remember the village of what it had been, not the way it was now, but his concentration was interrupted by the sounds of someone crying. Norwyn looked around, startled by the noise. He closed his eyes and tried to listen more carefully. He concentrated, hoping his magic could guide him to the source of the crying. It sounded like a small child. He walked through the tunnel, listening, as the crying got louder. He soon has to use his magic to create a ball of light in his hand to see where he was going. The bit if light that shown through the hall he had fallen through was not enough to light the entire tunnel.
Norwyn looked ahead as the crying got louder. He then lowered his hand with the ball of light and was startled when he a small being in front of him. He heard a scream and dropped the ball of light. He then took a deep breath and picked up the light and saw a small blond haired girl, about nine years old, cowering against the wall. The child was dressed in the normal peasant gear of a gray tunic tied around the waist with a robe. He blond hair was unkempt and covered in ash.
"It's okay. I won't hurt you", said Norwyn, as he reached his hand out toward the girl.
The girl sat up against the wall, he face was more of determination than of fear. She stared at Norwyn, wondering what to make of him.
"I am Norwyn. What is your name?" asked Norwyn, trying to comfort the child.
"I am Liora Light Spinner", said the girl, confidence in her voice.
"Liora. That is such a pretty name. I sense such bravery in you, my child", said Norwyn.
Liora started to ease up. She looked at Norwyn and asked, "Are you a wizard?"
"Why yes, my child. I am a wizard. I teach over at the Academy of Magic, a great school where kids learn how to be magic makers", said Norwyn.
"Can you help my friend?" asked Liora, as she slowly stood up.
"Friend? Is there somebody else down here?" asked Norwyn.
"Yes, come", said Liora, as she did not hesitate to grab Norwyn's arm and pull him down deeper into the tunnels.
Liora stopped, let go of Norwyn, and walked over to a small child, much younger than Liora lying unconscious on the ground. Norwyn walked closer, the ball of light in his hand, as he noticed the young girl, her reddish brown curls were caked in blood and dirt. He wanted to pick her up and cradle her in his arms, but he feared she might not be alive. Norwyn then looked over to Liora, whose bravery had almost fled from her when she knelt down before the girl.
Liora looked up at Norwyn, tears starting to run down her dirt covered face, as she pleaded, "Please, Mighty Wizard, you have to save her. She is the closest I have to a sister. She is only four years old".
Norwyn was touched at how protective Liora seemed to be of this little girl. Norwyn knelt down and touched the face of the still child. It was still warm which was a good sign. Liora started to cry.
"Well, I have to bring her to the Enchanted Castle. I cannot do anything for her here", said Norwyn.
"Is she going to be alright?" asked Liora.
"I don't know, Liora, but she was injured badly", said Norwyn, as he gently lifted the girl's limp body into her arms.
"Can I come to the castle too?" asked Liora, a little bit of excitement in her voice.
"Of course, Liora. I would not want to leave you here", said Norwyn, as he smiled at the child.
Norwyn had to walk from the remains of Galeheart to the Enchanted Castle of Mystacore. He held the small girl in his arms, hoping she would show a sign of life, but she remained unconscious. Norwyn looked at his traveling partner, Liora, as she started to get tired from the long walk. Once in the castle, Norwyn took the unconscious girl to the medical staff, wear they took her into one of the rooms to be checked out. Norwyn grabbed a small box from the room and took Liora by the hand, leading her out.
"No, I want to be with Cassie", cried Liora, trying to fight Norwyn's grip.
"Cassie? So that is her name. Well, let the physicians take care of her. I promise you she is in good hands", said Norwyn.
"Is she going to be okay?" asked Liora, watching with tears in her eyes, as the doors to the medical room shut.
"I don't know yet, but they will do everything in their power to help her. Now come with me, young one. I need to clean up those scratches on your arm", said Norwyn, as he led Liora to a bench that was in the hall.
Norwyn and Liora sat down on the bench. Norwyn reached into the box that he had taken from the medical room, and removed some cotton that he dapped into a jar. He placed it on a cut on Liora's arm. She jerked her arm, and clenched her teeth in pain.
"Easy, Liora, you need to get these clean so they don't get infected. You and your friend have been through a lot", said Norwyn.
"I don't know how we got in those tunnels. When the fire started, everybody started screaming, suddenly there was a blast, and then me and Cassie were lying in that tunnel", said Liora, her eyes watering.
"I am so sorry about your family, Liora. This must be hard for you", said Norwyn.
"I had no family. My family disappeared when I was very little. No one knows that happened to them. Cassie's parents were very loving and took me in. They called her Cassie too, but her real name is Castaspella, because her parents had believed her to have some sort of magic", said Liora.
"Castaspella. That is an interesting name, and sounds like one that would possess such magical abilities", said Norwyn.
Norwyn looked at the young girl, with much interest. For not much more than nine years old, she spoke and acted much more mature. She seemed not the least bit shaken up by what had happened.
"I can do magic", exclaimed Liora.
Norwyn smiled at the young girl. He asked, "Really? Like what?"
"Well, I can't do it now, but I have done things before", said Liora, feeling a little embarrassed.
"Magic can be mysterious and come in times of need when you least expect it. I think if you and Castaspella survived that horrible explosion, then you may both have some sort of magical abilities", said Norwyn, as he took Liora's other arm and started wiping it clean.
"I want to learn magic. I want to learn powerful magic one day", said Liora.
"Well, only the most dedicated individuals and those willing to work very hard can learn true magic.
"I do. Honestly, I do want to learn magic", said Liora.
"Well, Liora, perhaps we can talk about all this later, but I want to know some things first", said Norwyn, as he placed a hand on the side of Liora's face.
"Like what?" asked Liora.
"Well, like did you notice anything strange or unusual before the explosion took place?" asked Norwyn.
"No, I did not see anything. I was with Cassie having breakfast at the table while her mother was doing the cooking. Then I felt really hot, and then I heard screaming and everything went dark", said Liora.
"So you were not in the tunnel when it happened?" asked Norwyn, starting to get more curious.
"No, I told you I had no idea how I got in the tunnel. Cassie and I were in the explosion. When I awoke, I was in the tunnel, Cassie was lying beside me, and her parents were no where in sight", said Liora, her once confident voice starting to crack.
"We found no one else, Liora. You and Cassie are the only survivors of the blast", said Norwyn.
Liora just stared at Norwyn. It suddenly hit her that her caretakers were most likely dead and that she and Cassie were the only survivors of the explosion that had destroyed her village.
"Did you find anybody else?" asked Liora.
"No, Liora, you and Cassie are all that is left of that village. I am afraid that everyone else in that village is dead, including Cassie's parents", said Norwyn.
"No, they can't be dead", said Liora, as she started to cry.
"Liora, be strong. You have to be brave and strong for Cassie", said Norwyn, feeling a little guilty that he had upset the child.
"Could they have just used magic and disappeared before the blast, like most magicians that I have seen do?" asked Liora.
"The explosion happened much too fast for any spell to take effect. I am not saying it is not impossible, but Cassie's parents are nowhere to be found. It is a miracle that you two made it out of there in one piece", said Norwyn.
Liora looked down at the ground for a few minutes, then back up at Norwyn. Norwyn looked at the child. She had much courage and strength. He sensed a great power in her and in the younger girl. Perhaps they were the students that he had hoped to find. Very rarely did a teacher privately tutor two students for it sometimes proved difficult to give them undivided attention. These girls were very close, close enough to be sisters. Liora had taken on the role of being the older sister figure to Castaspella, being protective and caring of her. Norwyn had to think some more, but he hoped that Castaspella would live, and he could train the two girls to be Mystacore's more powerful sorceresses.
"Do you think Cassie will live?" asked Liora.
"The most we can do is pray. She needs your strength to see to it that she makes a full recovery", said Norwyn.
"I don't to lose her. She is all I have left now", said Liora, as faced the ground.
"You won't, Liora. Now I think perhaps you should get some rest. We have many nice guestrooms that you could stay in here at the castle. You are our guest and we will take good care of both of you", said Norwyn, as he placed a reassuring hand on Liora's shoulder.
Later that night, after Norwyn had gotten Liora Light Spinner situated in one of the guest rooms in the Enchanted Castle, he went into the medical room where he saw young Castaspella lying still in one of the beds. He was amazed that the physical damage she had endured was just a few scrapes and bruises, not burns that he would have suspected she should have gotten during the explosion. Liora was also free of any burns, just a few scrapes and bruises.
Norwyn looked down at the sleeping child, her brown curls framing her delicate face. He smiled and said, "You are now safe with us, Castaspella. I will see to it that you and Liora have a wonderful family here in Mystacore".
The next morning, Norwyn woke up early and then wandered over to the guestroom where Liora stayed the night. He was surprised that Liora was already awake and sitting on the edge of her bed, just staring out the window. He slowly entered the room.
"Did you sleep well, Liora?" asked Norwyn.
Liora slowly turned around and faced Norwyn. He could see the sadness in her eyes. It was obvious she must have been crying most of the night, traumatized by her near death experience and her worry over Castaspella.
"Yes, I think so. How is Cassie?" asked Liora.
"She is resting well. I have a feeling she is going to be all right", said Norwyn.
"A feeling? Do you know she is going to be all right?" asked Liora, as she stepped off the bed, and then walked over to Norwyn.
"Sit back down, Liora", said Norwyn, as he sat on the edge of the bed, and then Liora sat down beside him.
"Remember, Liora, magic is a very mysterious power. Those physicians can only tell by the tests and facts that they see now, but I can see much further than that. Your friend is strong and powerful like yourself. She will make it", said Norwyn.
"That's great, but what do you mean like strong and powerful like myself. I am not powerful", said Liora, her face a look of puzzlement.
"No, Liora, you are wrong. You and Cassie possess magical abilities. What else could have explained that you and Cassie are the only survivors of a terrible explosion that should have destroyed you? You and Cassie are very lucky", said Norwyn.
"What's going to happen to us now?" asked Liora.
"No need to worry. If I have my way, you and Castaspella are going to have a wonderful life here in Mystacore", said Norwyn.
"What? Are you going to let us stay here in your Enchanted Castle?" asked Liora.
"Just wait and see. Patience, my young friend. When Castaspella gets better, you shall know what I have planned for you", said Norwyn.
That evening, Norwyn had just finished showing young Liora Light Spinner around the kingdom of Mystacore. She seemed in aw of the beauty contained in the many gardens that were created by magic. Magic seemed to flow from the flowers and the water that flowed from the fountains. Norwyn looked ahead and saw his friend, Candor, standing by the entrance into the Enchanted Castle.
"Liora, would you mind waiting here while I go talk to my friend? Take a moment and study the plant life that this garden here offers", said Norwyn, as he rested a hand on Liora's shoulder.
Liora nodded her head and answered, "Sure, I'll wait here".
Liora sat on the edge of the above ground pool that surrounded a statue of an angel. Water poured from the angel's mouth and trickled down, reflecting all sorts of different colors from the setting sun. Liora turned and started hard into the water. She saw her reflection and then extended her hand into the water. It started to swirl, not just by her hand touching the surface, but also by some sort of other force. Liora lifted her hand out of the water, and then moved it over the surface, tiny miniature waves following the movement of her hand and swirling downward into an endless spiral. Liora just smiled and said to herself, "Wow".
Candor greeted his friend with a handshake and then asked, "What became of your visit, Norwyn? I had not seen you since you left yesterday morning. I might have thought something had happened to you, but my magic would have told me otherwise".
"Well, I am alive and well, and I need to talk to you about something", said Norwyn, as he walked alongside his friend.
"Yes, what about?" asked Candor.
Norwyn pointed in the direction of Liora sitting there playing in the water and said, "You see that girl right there. Liora is nine years old and her friend, Castaspella; another girl I found in the ruins is only four years old. Liora is an orphan while Castaspella, unfortunately, lost her family in the fire. They should have been dead, but something protected them from that explosion. They have a power that not even I can understand. Something protected them from that disaster".
"She looks fine for being in an explosion. What of the other girl?" asked Candor, now being very much interested.
"She was badly injured, but she is going to live. I want to take them on as my students", said Norwyn.
"Norwyn, the four-year-old, maybe, but this older girl would be much more difficult. She does not know the responsibilities that creating magic will endure. The younger girl can see it as a way of life, where older students when suddenly handed over this great power take advantage of it. I have seen it before. Students suddenly become aware of the power that behold, and use it unwisely, as a means of showing off and getting out of their daily chores", said Candor.
"Liora seems to be a very bright young girl. I feel she will make a fine sorceress. I need to guide her in the right direction. I intend to teach Liora and Castaspella the ways of magic and other responsibilities if they are to make it through the Academy of Magic", said Norwyn.
"I wish you luck, Norwyn, but the school has not seen these girls. We do not know what they are capable of. You need to think this through, Norwyn. I suggest you take them to the school as soon as you are able to, and then see how they perform in front of the other students", said Candor.
"I plan to take them both to the school as soon as Castaspella makes a full recovery. She needs to adjust first to this new home and deal with the fact that her parents are never coming back. I do not know how to tell her", said Norwyn, as he looked down and shook his head.
"It will be hard, but it must be done. A terrible tragedy this is. I sense that this is not the end to this destruction. We must find out what dark magic is behind this", said Candor.
"Yes, we do, but for now, I need to go get Liora and take her back to her room before nightfall. She needs her rest", said Norwyn, as he looked over at the young girl.
"Goodnight, Norwyn, and take care", said Candor, as he nodded his head and walked into the castle.
"Goodnight, my friend", said Norwyn.
Norwyn walked over to Liora who was still fascinated by making the water move to her waving her hand.
"Norwyn, this is cool. This water is like magic. It moves with my hand", said Liora, as she looked up at Norwyn, with a big smile on her face.
"That water is not magic, Liora. It is you that is moving it. It is magic. Your magic, Liora", said Norwyn.
"My magic. How can I have magic?" asked Liora, as she looked at both of her hands.
"Only few people are born with the ability to understand magic and use it. You are one of them and so is Castaspella. Now, let us go inside. I suggest you get some sleep tonight. I know you did not sleep well last night", said Norwyn, as he laid a hand on Liora's shoulder.
Liora looked up at Norwyn, smiled, and then stood up. She and Norwyn walked into the castle.
Norwyn woke up early the next morning to check on Liora, but he was surprised to see that she was not in her bed. He started to get a little worried, and wandered out into the hallway, hoping to see her. He saw one of the physicians to in the hallway, so he stopped the young woman.
"Dr. Whiteleaf, have you seen a little girl, about nine years old, this high, with blond hair?" asked Norwyn, as he held his hand about three and a half feet from the ground.
"Yeah, I saw a girl like that with our little patient. She is in there right now", said Dr. Whiteleaf.
"Thank you, Dr. Whiteleaf", said Norwyn, as he nodded to the young physician and kept walking down the hall.
Norwyn walked into the room and saw young Liora sitting on the edge of Castaspella's bed. Liora was just looking at Castaspella as she laid sleeping, and holding her hand. Norwyn walked over to Liora who turned and looked at the sorcerer.
"She is squeezing my hand. I think she knows I am here", said Liora, as she looked at her friend.
"I am sure she does", said Norwyn.
Castaspella stirred a little. She then opened her eyes and looked up at Liora.
"Cassie! You're awake!" cried Liora.
Norwyn placed his hand on Liora's shoulder and said, "Easy now, Liora. Just stay calm and wait".
"Cassie, it's me. Please be okay", said Liora.
Castaspella looked up at Liora, her big blue eyes glistening in the sunlight that shone through the window.
"Liora!" cried Castaspella.
Liora leaned over and wrapped her arms around Castaspella.
"You're going to be all right, Cassie. You're safe now", said Liora.
"Where am I?" asked Castaspella, as she looked over at Norwyn.
"You are in the Enchanted Castle, Castaspella. I am Norwyn. You and Liora are two very lucky little girls", said Norwyn.
Castaspella did not say a word. She was a little shocked to have woken up in a strange surrounding. She wrapped her tiny arms around Liora and held on tight.
"Come, Liora, we need to let Cassie rest. She is not fully recovered yet", said Norwyn.
"No, Norwyn. I am going to stay with Cassie. She needs me", said Liora.
Norwyn backed away from Liora and said, "I understand, Liora. I think she needs you hear with her. I'll let you stay, but if she does not look right or something happens, you be sure to notify the physicians here".
"Yes, Norwyn. I'll take good care of Cassie", said Liora, as she looked at her friend.
"Rest up, you two. I have something planned for the both of you as soon as you're both ready", said Norwyn, as he started to walk out of the room.
"What, Norwyn? What do you have planned for us?" asked Liora.
"Just be patient, Liora. Cassie needs to get better first", said Norwyn.
Norwyn and Candor were standing near the entrance that led to the secret hideout where the kings and queens of many of Etheria's kingdoms met once a month. Norwyn smiled at Candor and then looked over to his right at a bush.
"Come on out. Don't be afraid", said Norwyn to the bush.
Liora Light Spinner, all dressed in wizards robes, stepped out from behind the bush with Castaspella holding her hand tightly. Liora's blond hair was let down with a braid pulling the front hairs from off her face. Her red robes were donned with bright gold trim. Castaspella was dressed in similar robes, but her with blue with gold trim. Castaspella's hair was pulled back in front and let down on her shoulders in brown ringlets. Castaspella stayed close to Liora, still not sure of the life that she and Liora would share together in Mystacore.
"Candor, I would like to meet my new students, Liora Light Spinner and Castaspella", said Norwyn.
Castaspella managed to smile a little, and looked up at Liora, who smiled and nodded at Norwyn.
"Welcome to Mystacore, young Liora and Castaspella. I am Master Candor, a teacher like Norwyn here. I assure you, you will like it here a lot", said Candor, as he nodded at the girls.
Norwyn nodded at the girls and said, "Now, you will meet with the Council of Kings. From here on, you are students of mine and will attend classes once a week at the Academy of Magic. I promise you, you will be great sorceresses one day."
Liora and Castaspella followed Norwyn into the secret hideout where they would be introduced to the rulers of Etheria. Liora was excited. She looked over at Castaspella, now her new sister, and then looked up at the man, Norwyn, who would be a father figure to them both. She began to think of how she would work hard and be a great sorceress and make her mentor proud, with Castaspella, by her side. Her old life was gone, but now she had to face, and move on with this new life. She took a deep breath, tugged Castaspella's hand a little and they entered the base of the secret hideout of the Council of Kings.