Child of Spellcasters

The Cleric's Tower

Miron was a Necromancer, and not a weak one. Like most Necromancers, he was pure, and like most Necromancers, he hated Sorcerers. His darling sister, Chanta, loved Sorcerers as much as he did. They were the key people in the attack against the Mage's Fort, and what a fort it was.

Oddly, though Oracles were never ones to side with any race, the Wraith Oracle wasn't too pleased with what transpired. In fact, she had voiced that opinion many times before the attack. After the attack, wisely, she kept her thoughts to herself, but occasionally a consulting Cleric could hear her muttering about disaster to come.

Disaster! From Mages? Clearly, even the Oracles underestimate the power of the dead. Vengeful spirits of old eager to take the living with them, are powerful and merciless when summoned to the brutal task, and Sorcerers, for all their boastful powers of creating magic, ( which, Miron had to admit, was quite remarkable, as without Sorcerers Necromancers wouldn't be who they were, but that didn't mean they had to like them) even they cannot withstand the wrath of the dead.

It was two weeks after the attack on the Mage's Fort. Though Necromancers were undoubtedly the more powerful of the two, the Sorcerers, with their Enchanter and Wizard friends, had wounded the Cleric numbers slightly, and killed a small number. Currently, Miron was doing his best to help the wounded. The idea that Necromancers can revive the dead was not a myth, but there hasn't been one that powerful for nearly fifteen hundred years. Too bad, they could use one.

" The wounded are recovering nicely," Arleen announced. She was a Druid, and a great one at that, " It looks to me like the Wraith Oracle was wrong after all."

" I should like to think that." Miron knew the power of the Wraith Oracle, and also knew it would be wise not to belittle her too much.

" Strangely," Arleen went on, " She seems more distressed than ever after the attack."

" Oh?" Could it be that the Wraith Oracle is actually sympathizing for the Mages?

" She kept on wailing that we are doomed, she is doomed, everyone here is doomed."

" That woman must have gone mad." Miron frowned. " Certainly, the Mages will strike back, but—"

" She did not mention the Mages really." Arleen answered. As she went out, Miron followed her. " She seems more concerned with what we're going to do next."

" Oh?"

" Too bad she didn't elaborate," Arleen went on, " I have absolutely no idea what she meant by that."

" Well," Miron shrugged. " Perhaps her pride was hurt. Who knows. In the meantime, we may hold a feast for the success of our…project."

" That would be appropriate." Arleen agreed. " Where is your sister?"

" Preparing for the said feast." Miron grinned.

There was a sudden yell, starting a loud bout of murmurs. Miron took leave of Arleen to go out and inspect.

Three young children, at most thirteen or fourteen, had ridden into the Tower. Miron frowned. Who are they?

There was a black-haired, blue-eyed boy, not very tall but very big, riding on a rather proud black stallion. Something in his stature reminded Miron uncomfortably of an arrogant Sorcerer, but no Sorcerer, however foolish, would enter Cleric territory, especially the Cleric's Tower. To the opposite side, a demonic-like youth, with flaming red hair and burning red eyes, glared at everyone from his own flaming red horse. The appearance of this boy was so alarming that Miron almost wanted to test to make sure he's not a ghost.

If he really wanted to test them, however, he would test the one in the middle. Brown hair, clear blue eyes, with a face like a solemn angel. This boy was tall and fair, with a lean frame and a certain mix of frailty and power about him. Around his head, he wore a circlet of sapphires and a strange metal.

He must be an angel. Miron felt entranced by this one's beauty, but also slightly worried. What are these three doing here?

" I am Miron, also called the Black Vulture." Miron introduced himself, stepping up past the guards. The three boys dismounted out of courtesy.

" I am called Azuri." The angel said, and Miron was instantly mesmerized by his voice. " These are my brothers, Shad and Yan. I am a part Necromancer, part Druid, and part Oracle, traveling abroad to seek training from such masters. My brothers accompany me." He did not elaborate any further.

" How far have you come, Azuri?" Miron inquired. " You speak our tongue well."

" I have studied ten different tongues in my youth," Azuri replied, " And had learned to speak them comprehensively. As to how far I have come, some bird's flight away, for the areas I have crossed are in too tense an atmosphere for one to study in."

" I see." This made sense. Miron gestured to the Tower, which was not really a tower but a collection of tall buildings, " You are welcome here, Azuri, Shad, and Yan. I'm afraid the situations here will become tense quite soon, but I hope it would still be comfortable enough for you to further your craft. How old are you, Azuri?"

He should have paid more attention to the other two, but Azuri was too beautiful and too strange a figure to be ignored. Azuri did not seem to mind, and the others did not voice any objections.

" I am fourteen." Azuri answered. " Though I fear I did not learn of my abilities other than Oracular visions until recently, so I am far behind."

" Ah, but you seem to show promise of mind. I am sure we can remedy that particular problem. But come, you appear to have been traveling long. Arleen!"

Arleen came out, acknowledging the three briefly, before awaiting her orders.

" Take these young lads up to the fourth tower." Miron smiled benignly, " Give them new clothes, food and water, and make sure they feel at home. There is to be a feast tonight, Azuri, and I hope you and your brothers would like to join us?"

" A feast?" Azuri blinked. " Why, of course. May I ask to what occasion is this…"

" We have recently launched an attack against the…unruly Mages." Miron answered. If he had been paying attention to the two beside Azuri, he would have noticed their eyes flashing in anger, but Azuri's eyes showed nothing but surprise. The boy nodded.

" I take it that it was successful?"

" Of course. The Mages suffered great casualties—we on the other hand, did not suffer so terribly. They were rather ignorant by nature, so we had an element of surprise. But come, I will tell you this at the feast."

Azuri bowed in gratitude, and his two brothers followed suit, if a little stiffly.

oO

The Wraith Oracle came during the end of the preparations.

" I hear we have visitors." She said to Miron. Chanta frowned at the Oracle.

" You ought to know already." Miron answered.

" Perhaps." Said she. " His name is Azuri?"

" Yes." Miron frowned. What is she up to now?

" I take it that you have taken quite a fancy to him." The Wraith Oracle went on.

" Perhaps."

" He has more potential for magic than his potential for beauty." The Oracle answered. " I suggest that, if you find him a master, you find him a good one."

" No more words of our coming doom?" Miron could not resist taunting.

" You will get what will come." The Oracle's ageless eyes held no mirth. It was obvious she was hiding something, but Miron did not know of what nature and she apparently would not tell. " If the end does come, it would be of your doing. But why this child remains, see that he remains unharmed and well-trained."

" You seem to take a liking to him as well." Miron shifted. " Why is that?"

" Because I know what he will become." The Oracle answered sagely. " And this all Oracles will answer to, and say no more."

After she left, Miron was in a rather sour mood. Chanta noticed.

" What's this, the Black Vulture ruffled by a few words from a prophet?" She teased. " I see that this new child of yours has really caught your attention."

" Hm." Miron answered. " He is an interesting figure."

" One can't deny quite handsome too." Chanta countered laughingly. " He has a face of an angel-child, though perhaps not quite as innocent. Who do you plan to make his master?"

" I am the most powerful Necromancer, and I do need an apprentice." Miron answered. " As for Druidism, perhaps Aranol, or Gderl. Perhaps even Arleen."

Chanta laughed gaily, slapping her brother's shoulder, and left him.

oO

Azuri showed, as promised, with his brothers close by his side. Miron did not like the other two, especially not the redhead, and had caused them to sit separately, which they complied if a little reluctantly, while Azuri won the privilege and honor of sitting beside the Necromancer at the feast. After giving the required speech, congratulating all, including the wounded, Miron happily turned his attention to the young Oracle.

" Where have you come from, Azuri?" Miron asked.

" Very far to the North." Azuri answered vaguely, clearly implying he did not wish to talk about it.

" North?" Miron nodded with approval. " There are many good Necromancers there, few as we are in general. You were taught the Sword Dance?"

" Yes." Azuri nodded, and Miron found it odd that the boy had not smiled once thus far. " I have received training."

" Tomorrow I should like to test you, see how far you need to learn." Miron nodded. " In the morning then, before lunch. Is that well with you?"

" Of course." The boy replied. " My greatest thanks for your generosity, Black Vulture."

Miron was a little disappointed that Azuri called him by his formal name, but then found it appropriate. Miron was his senior, and Azuri would soon be his apprentice, even if the lad does not know it yet.

" No problem at all." He answered. " We Clerics should always help each other. I do wonder though, there are few mixed Clerics abroad. Who are your parents?"

" I do not know." Azuri answered. " I was adopted." He left it at that.

Ah. I was wondering how this little one could be brother to those two. Miron thought with satisfaction. But if this is so, no wonder he does not want to speak of his past.

" If it is not too inconvenient," Azuri suddenly spoke, " I should like to know the customs of the rest of the Clerics. My brothers and I have led a secluded life, and unfortunately know too little of the outside world besides our visions."

" You are all Oracles then?"

" No." Azuri blushed. " Shad is not really a spellcaster, we are not sure what he is. His parents, by far, are true spellcasters, but the essence of magic seems to have died in him. Yan has some abilities in Oracular visions, but he is fairly weak."

" And you?" Miron set down the cup after he swallowed. " You are a true Oracle?"

Azuri hesitated. " Yes."

" Do you have a name?"

" I was named the Dragon Oracle."

" Dragon Oracle." Miron tilted his head to regard the boy. " Fitting name, I do not know why, but there is something about you that reminds me of a Dragon child. But why this name? Surely it could not simply be that."

" I do not know." Azuri answered. " Perhaps it was my love for dragons. Perhaps it was the dragons I have in my visions. I never thought it important enough to ask."

" Who named you this?"

" The Silver Oracle."

" The Silver Oracle? He is a powerful Oracle, to be sure." Miron was surprised. " But he's on the other side of the Tower."

" We missed the Tower at first," Azuri answered, " And were about to head to the Mage's. The Silver Oracle met us before we did and showed us the correct path."

" You have an interesting story to tell." Miron commented.

" It is rather unpleasant." Azuri answered. It was an obvious hint that he no longer wished to speak of it. Miron nodded in understanding.

Azuri ate very little, though Miron was not surprised given his rather thin frame. Azuri inquired about tomorrow's tryout.

" How am I to be tried, exactly?"

" I will ask a few other masters to spare their apprentices some time." Miron answered. " We'll see how far you are. Do not worry." He grinned. " We won't kill you."

Azuri managed a rather uncomfortable smile, before sipping some wine to cover his discomfort. Miron sighed inwardly. The boy was in a rather unfamiliar environment, after all.

oO

Chanta came to Miron after the feast, just after Miron had bid Azuri goodnight.

" You are being too obvious in your interest with him." She said disapprovingly. " You completely ignored the other two, and I doubt those boys appreciated it."

Miron raised his eyebrows. " What do you mean?"

" What do you mean, ' what do you mean'? You think they didn't notice?" His sister huffed. " Sitting them so far away from their brother, while you allow this child to sit next to you! And you never gave him an opportunity to talk to someone else besides you. It's a good thing the Druids understand, otherwise they would complain. Unless they don't understand," She eyed him critically.

" I do not have those tastes." Miron answered indignantly. " I did not have those ideas."

" Really?" Chanta sniffed. " Be sure that you don't. We don't need scandals around here, especially now that the Mages are undoubtedly preparing their own attacks on us."

Miron sighed.

" I did not think of him that way, Chanta."

" See that you don't." She warned.

Feeling less than satisfied now, Miron decided to sleep for now and worry about his annoying sister later.

oO

" I'm sure you'll do fine." Miron assured Azuri. " This is just a test, after all, not a competition."

Azuri had some reason to be nervous, Miron admitted. The Druid he must go against in Sword Dancing is a rather intimidating-looking boy, with a hooked nose and sharp green eyes. He is actually just as tall as Azuri was, but he is a lot bigger and stronger-looking in general. There was something about this one, whose name was Omi, that suggested he could snap someone's neck just by pinching it. Omi, however, is a rather gentle giant in most aspects, and as his master warned him that this was but a test, Miron was certain Azuri would not come to serious harm.

The two apprentices, or one that was soon to be an apprentice, bowed to each other, before assuming a fighting stance. Miron began observing with a critical eye. The boy's posture is very stable and balanced, at the same time light, promising quick movements.

There was a pause when each apprentice waited for the other to strike. Omi struck first, a vertical slash down that promised to slice the boy to pieces. Azuri blocked smoothly, pushing Omi back, and from there his movements became deadly fast. Miron observed with some joy that Azuri was as graceful in combat as he was in everything else so far. Unfortunately though, there were still some flaws, but for someone of Azuri's age, he really is quite adept.

The flaws were deadly though. Azuri was beginning to tire. Omi suddenly knocked Azuri's sword clean out, but the boy, not expecting it, connected that blow with another vertical slash that would have killed Azuri immediately. Azuri hurriedly clapped both hands over the blade and held it there. Omi had stopped as well.

Miron frowned and looked over at the two brothers. They seem a little surprised as well, in fact, very worried. Azuri was panting and sweat was rolling down his face. Omi retreated, sheathing his sword, and gave Azuri a hand. Azuri hesitated, before taking it and giving Omi a smile. The other masters nodded in approval.

" Omi is strong." Miron told Azuri when the boy came over to take a drink of water. " Though I have a feeling you normally don't tire so easily."

" I don't." Azuri frowned. " I usually last longer even in my weakest state. I'm not sure what just happened."

The brothers hurried over.

" What happened there?" Asked…was it Shad?
" I don't know." Azuri answered. " I just felt dizzy for a moment, like someone hit me on the head."

" Well, it certainly was not Omi."

Miron frowned. Could it be that Azuri was ill? He doubted it; the boy had enough color to him.

" Are you good with the spear?" Miron asked.

" Not as good, I'm afraid." Azuri looked almost apologetically at Shad.

" That's alright. This is a test. Though I must say, it was rather worrisome earlier." Miron nodded.

Before Azuri faced his spear-opponent, Omi came to apologize.

" I must say though," The boy laughed, " That was the most fun I've ever had. Perhaps we can do it again sometime?"

Azuri smiled, and Miron noticed it was only with Omi that the angel child smiled his true smile. " I would like that, thanks."

Azuri wasn't quite as amazing with the spear, but he kept his grace, and appeared to be much better spirits than he had when he faced Omi.

Azuri was awfully bad at controlling anything but ghosts, which he did only moderately, and as for Druidism he seemed to have no experience whatsoever. There was promise though, and when the boys went back to their quarters, Miron went to his to ponder. He would definitely take Azuri for his apprentice in Necromancy, and several high reputed Druids wanted him as a student.

It should prove interesting.