The Mage and the Paladin
Chapter 1: The Dream
There is perhaps no greater force to exist in our world than that of magic. Indeed, the mystical arts may seem incomprehensible to the average commoner and heretical by others. Still, there exists many an institution dedicated to studying and harnessing these mysterious arts, none as great as the famed College of Sorcery in Silverymoon…"
-From Volo's Guide to the Forbidden Realms
Waterdeep Press, 2134 I.C.
It began, as most stories begin, with a dream.
The girl, just on the cusp of her twentieth summer, looked around at her surroundings, a faint glimmer of fear festering within her chest. Everything seemed blurry and misshapen, as if someone had poured water on a freshly painted easel. At first, she believed that the fault lay with her spectacles, but nothing changed even after adjusting and re-adjusting them. The air felt still, stagnant; every breath seemed to take more effort than the last. She felt her footsteps heavy, as if she walked with a weight upon her shoulders.
Wherever she was, it felt….wrong
"What is this?" she gasped out, finding it difficult to speak in this horrid place. Each word seemed to die her throat and she found herself forcing out each syllable. "Where….where am I?"
"The end of days…"The girl's eyes shot wide open as she heard the voice.
"Who said that? Show yourself!" She demanded, trying to find the source. Whatever spoke to must be the same one who brought her to this unholy place. Perhaps it may offer some answers, some explanation about what was occurring.
As if to answer her demands, the girl saw something materializing in her peripheral vision. She turned immediately, feeling magical energy collect at her fingertips as she prepared a spell. She did not know if the new arrival was friend or foe, but she would not allow herself to be caught unawares. Whatever demon the Nine Hells had conjured, she would not allow it to take her.
What she saw was, in fact, not a demon. Nor was it a dark wizard infiltrating her dreams.
It was a child, a small boy upon closer inspection. He was crouching with his face buried in his knees. The girl could hear soft sobs coming for the recumbent form. Immediately, the rush of power that flooded her fingertips dissipated, a wave of compassion filling her heart as she began to approach the boy.
"Hello, my dear friend," she said softly, trying to calm the poor boy down, "my name is Mei. What is yours?" He turned around and the girl gasped softly as she finally got a good look at his face. The boy was extremely emaciated, his skin clinging closely to bone. His eyes were glazed over and sunk into his skull; upon closer inspection, Mei could see that his eyes remain unfocused, even while looking at her and immediately she realized that he was blind.
"Derval," said the boy, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Hello Derval," answered Mei; she felt tears form on her eyes as she took in the full extent of Derval's pitiful state, "what are you doing here? Do you know where we are?"
Derval sniffed; "I'm looking for me mum, m'lady," he said, "I miss her terribly. I look for her all the time but I can't find her." Tears began streaming down his cheeks.
Mei shushed the crying boy. "Please do not cry; I am here to help. Come, we can look for her together."
She held out her hand for Derval, which he took somewhat hesitantly. His hands felt callused and rough, like a laborer's hand, as if he was forced into hard labor since his birth. Who did this to you, my dear child, Mei thought to herself, her heart full of both pity and righteous anger towards whatever monster did this to him. Whoever, or whatever it was, she did not know if she would be able to hold herself from Eldritch Blasting the devil into the deepest of the Nine Hells.
"Now, if we can only find out where exactly are we," mused Mei. She scanned her surroundings once more; everything around her seemed to wax and wane, never staying consistent for more than a second. Try as she might, Mei was unable to make out even a single path out of this place.
Just pick a direction and go, Mei decided to herself. After giving the sniffling child one more warm look, she pressed forth, hoping that she may find some sort of clue as to how to escape this place. However, she only managed to move a few paces forwards when she felt Derval stiffen and stop. Mei turned to see him standing still as a statue with his head bowed forwards, obscuring his eyes.
"Derval? What is the matter?" she asked, worried about her new companion's sudden change.
"The end of days comes." The voice that she heard earlier spoke again, louder and clearer than before. IT was then she realized that that voice came directly from Derval.
"Derval? W…what did you say?"
The boy's head shot up and Mei saw that his eyes became a bright, shining white, as if possessed. "The end of days comes. The realm will know fire and death. He comes…"
Mei's heart began thumping wildly in her chest. This voice, this unholy voice, filled her with dread. She gulped, suddenly feeling her throat to be very dry.
"Who? Who is coming?"
"The Ravager. The Fell Blade. He will come for all and leave only ruin in his wake," answered the voice, "Drakos. Drakos. Drakos."
As the entity possessing Derval chanted the name, Mei was immediately assaulted with mental images; she saw cities rent asunder, forests set ablaze, and mounds of corpses infesting farmlands. Her heart beat at a fever pitch; she felt dizzy, her head pounding.
"But it need not be the end," the voice said finally, "look to your companions. They will deliver you to salvation, to your destiny."
As soon as the Derval-thing finished, Mei saw everything around her began to melt away, slowly replaced with an abyssal darkness.
"Wait!" she cried, "Tell me more! Who are these companions?" However, all her questions fell on deaf ears as Derval, began to melt away.
Soon, Mei's world became black.
'***
The girl's eyes shot open and she immediately sat up with a loud gasp. She breathed heavily, still reeling from the shock of what she witnessed. Mei rested a hand upon her forehead and felt that she was drenched in sweat.
"That dream…."she gasped out in short breaths. The events that occurred continued to play within her head: Derval, the voice, these "companions," and this…Drakos.
In truth, this had not been the first time she had this dream. It began on the eve of her final test before Mei was anointed as a full-fledged Mage. At first, she attributed these dreams to stress, but overtime, they became more prevalent.
Just what were they trying to tell her?
A soft murring sound brought Mei out of her thoughts. She looked down to her bedside table, where a small mass of red fur looked at her, seemingly both worried and frustrated at being woken up. Mei chuckled and began stroking her familiar behind its ears. "Forgive me, Sun," she apologized, "I did not mean to wake you."
Sun had been her longtime companion since she first started her studies at the College. Her instructors explained to her that familiars were extensions of the conjurer themselves, formed by energy from the Astral Plane. They were able to take any form the conjurer wanted; in Mei's case, she made Sun into the form of a red panda, the only link she had to her old homeland.
Just as quick as they came, Mei suppressed any thoughts regarding home. No, not now, she chastised herself, I cannot think about that now. Not after what I just saw.
Sun seemed to notice her master's distress as she nuzzled her head against her arm. Mei smiled warmly, appreciating the creature's company. While most familiars mostly preferred staying within the Astral Plane, only summoned into the Material World in times of need, Sun rather enjoyed spending more time with her master. Truly, Mei was thankful to have such a loyal companion.
She pulled off her bedsheet, and saw the rest of her body glistening with sweat in the pale moonlight that bled through the single window in her quarters. With a sigh, she stood up from her bed, strode towards her window, opening it, and allowing the cool autumn air blow inside. The feeling was a pleasant recompense after what she had just been through and provided a distinct reprieve from the normal stuffiness of her room.
Mei leaned forward and rested her arms upon the windowsill. Her quarters stood in one of the northern towers of the College, allowing her a pristine view of both the Northbank and Southbank districts. Dawn was coming, and she saw the inhabitants already waking and taking part in their usual routines. Trade barges meandered through the River Rauvin, no doubt making a stop before heading towards larger cities such as Waterdeep and Ten Towns.
Mei took a deep breath and felt the Winds of Magic fill her with an almost mystical warmth. Lately, it felt as if the Winds had been increasing in strength more so than usual. However, it was not completely unusual for it to wax and wane as the years pass. The mage became to focus her inner power towards her fingertips, creating several motes of light that lit up the room as if midday had come early.
She was interrupted, however, by a loud grumbling coming from the pit of her stomach. Knowing that it was time for breakfast, she changed out of her nightclothes and into her daily robes, taking care to fix her fiery red hair and wiping any trace of sweat still lingering upon her body. Grabbing her spectacles from the bedside table, Mei made her way to her door, with Sun following closely behind her.
Amity and Luz may know more, she mused before locking the door behind her.
/
"And you say this was not the first time you have had this dream?" Amity asked, curiosity apparent in her delicate elven features. She was slightly taller than Mei, with pale skin and bright aquamarine hair; an unusual hair color for High Elves, to be sure, but she had always said it went well with her robes.
"That is correct," answered Mei, gulping down a spoonful of her eggs. The dining hall had just begun to open when she had arrived, so her breakfast was hot and fresh. Beside her, Sun was greedily enjoying a bowl of assorted vegetables graciously provided by one of the Halfling chefs.
"Derval. Drakos. 'The end of days.' Definitely sounds ominous," chimed in Luz in slightly accented Common, running a hand through her dark brown hair. The human woman was a recent addition to the College, hailing from Amn to the South of the Sword Coast. She did not possess the same affinity for the arcane as Amity did, but she had shown great potential and the elf had been willing, incredibly so, to help her hone her arts.
"Do any of those names seem familiar to you?" Mei asked, sipping some of her Altivan Red; the wine always seemed to lift her spirits, even in light of the previous night's events.
The other two mages shook their heads almost in unison. "Can't say that I have," replied Luz, "But whoever they are, they sound like trouble."
Amity's face scrunched up and she scratch her chin, deep in though. "Do you perhaps think this has something to do with how the Winds of Magic seem to be getting strong as of late?" she hypothesized.
Mei shrugged; the elf had made a good point. "It could be, but would that not mean that you two should also be having these dreams?"
"Well, some mages seem more finely attuned to the Winds. Who knows? Maybe you have more affinity," said Amity with what seemed like a slight hint of jealousy.
Luz chuckled at the elf's remark. "Am I hearing this correctly? Perfect Amity admitting there may be a mage stronger than her? The end of days truly has come!"
"I said no such thing and you know it!" Amity retorted.
Luz held her hands up in mock surrender. "Peace, my dear. I only jest." The human lightly elbowed Amity's arm. "Besides, you having the patience of a monk when helping me practice my magic already makes you the best mage in Silverymoon by my reckoning."
Mei smiled as she saw the elf girl's pale cheeks redden deeply at Luz's compliment. Somehow, she suspected that Amity's offer to help Luz was more than an offer of charity.
Out of the corner of her eye, Mei caught a blurry shape rushing towards her. She turned her head just in time to catch sight of a white dove perching on her shoulder.
"A messenger dove?" asked Amity in surprise, "but….that must mean…"
"The Archlector is summoning you," Luz answered, finishing Amity's thoughts.
Indeed, the moment the dove landed on Mei's shoulder, she could hear the Archlector's voice echo in her mind. My dearest student, it said, it is of the utmost importance that you come see me in my study at once. With the message, conveyed, the dove dissipated in a puff of white smoke and ozone.
Mei felt her heart rate begin to quicken. It was not often that Archlector Sorias summoned students to his own personal study. What could be so important that he would summon her of all people?
"Well, it would not be wise to keep him waiting, now would it?" Amity remarked, once again a tinge of jealousy present in her voice.
"I suppose you are correct," Mei replied, "I will see you both later?"
Luz nodded, "You can count on it."
Mei nodded back. "Come, Sun," she called to the red panda who had finished the last of its vegetables. The familiar chirped and climbed up Mei's back, laying it its usual place in the cowl of her robes.
Saying her farewells to her fellow mages, Mei began to make her way to the study, and to whatever matter that Sorias deemed so important.
/
As Mei walked the halls of the College, her mind raced with all the possibilities that awaited her in her impromptu meeting. Was she being offered a teaching role for young prospects? Would she be sent on an expedition to the old Elven ruins in the East? Was she to be assigned to a Lord or King as an advisor?
So preoccupied was she with her thoughts, that she often almost ran into the magic powered automatons working in the hallways. She felt a slight spring in her step as her heart bounced with excitement.
Eventually, Mei found herself before the enormous gilded doors that lead to the private study of Archlector Sorias himself. She breathed deeply in order to compose herself before finally reaching out towards the large, brass knocker to announce her presence
Before she could reach it, however, the doors began to slowly creak open, as if inviting her in on their own accord. She passed the threshold but found herself glued into place, not daring to move another step for fear of breaching some sort of etiquette.
"Come in, my dear, please," a soft, kindly voice came from the other side of the study. Sorias was an older man, his head completely devoid of hair and his face lined with deep wrinkles. His robes were of the finest silk, imported straight from the Eastern empires, and lined with gold embroidery. He looked at Mei with a kind, gentle expression, and one that he always seemed to wear even with the most rebellious of students.
"Please, sit, dear Mei." Sorias gestured at the empty chair that stood at the other side of his mahogany desk. Without hesitation, Mei took her place in front of the Archlector, her throat dry with anticipation.
"You must have a deluge of questions as to why I have summoned you in such short notice. Am I right?"
"I…well, yes. But, I am sure it is for a good reason," Mei answered. Her palms felt slick with sweat. She was here, face to face with one of the most prominent mages of the Forgotten Realms since Khelben Blackstaff. Most mages would kills for an opportunity such as this.
The Archlector's smile grew. "You are quite perceptive as always, my faithful student. Indeed, there is a good reason as to why I've summoned you." He leaned back on his chair and steepled his fingers. "Tell me, do you know of the Dwarf hold of Karag Krazak?"
Mei's brow furrowed. "I know of it, master. It is one of the greatest suppliers of precious metals and raw ore. I believe many of automatons are made out of adamantine straight from their mines?"
Sorias chuckled; it was a warm, soothing sound. "Quite true, quite true. But, there is one you thing you forgot to include: it is also the home of the great Guild of Runesmiths."
Mei metaphorically kicked herself for her mistake. Of course! How could she forget? Dwarfs as a whole were unable to harness the powers provide by the Winds of Magic, which explained why one never saw a Dwarven mage. However, being the industrious and adaptable people they are, they were still able accomplish arcane feats with the use of Runes. While not as powerful as the magic mages were able to accomplish, these Runes were powerful in their own right.
"Yes, master, forgive me,"
The Archlector held up his hand. "Do not fret, my dear. Indeed, however, the Guild is exactly why I called you in today."
Mei found herself leaning forward in anticipation.
"You see, the High Runemaster of the Guild and I are old friends. I have here a missive of high importance." With this, Sorias held up a scroll, sealed with max imprinted with the coat of arms of the College. "This must be delivered to his and his hands only."
"Could you not send this through a raven?" asked Mei.
Sorias shook his head. "No, not with something this important. The risks are too great and I cannot have this fall into prying hands. No, this needs to be taken straight to him by hand; it is much safe that way. Mei, I want you to be the one to bring him this message. As my star pupil, I can think of no one more capable to carry out this important task."
"Master, it would be an honor to undertake this task," said Mei, stoically. However, her inner feeling betrayed her calm demeanor. The Archlector is entrusting me with an important quest! ME! she screamed internally. The fact that Sorias would trust young Mei with something this important made her heart jump with bliss.
"I promise you, Master, I will not fail you!" Mei exclaimed, "I will begin preparations tonight and leave post haste."
At this, Soria held up a hand. "Now wait a moment, my dear. I will be sending you with a protector."
The joy that Mei felt was suddenly replaced with indignation. A protector? Why on earth would he believe that she needed a protector?
"With respect, Master, I don't need a watchdog. I can handle myself just fine of the road."
The old man shook his head and his face hardened slightly. "I have no doubt that you can look after yourself, Mei. However, the road have become increasingly dangerous as of late. Reports of goblin and orc tribes migrating from the mountain homes have come by my desk. You may have graduated your combat magic studies, but it will be much safer if you had a capable fighter alongside you."
Mei desperately wanted to protest, but the look on Sorias' face told her that his mind was made up and that he would not listen to her complaints any longer. She sighed deeply in defeat. "Very well. As you command, Master. Who will you send with me?"
"I have been in contact with the High Marshall of the Order of Tyr. He has agreed to send one of his paladins to accompany you all the way to Karag Krazak. I am told she is quite skilled with the blade, so you are in good hands."
She, eh? Mei thought, I suppose that is a small mercy. I cannot imagine having to travel with a brute as a bodyguard.
"I understand, Archlector." Mei bowed deeply to the master wizard. "Thank you for keeping my safety in your thoughts."
Sorias smiled as he stood from his chair and strode towards Mei, clasping both her shoulders. "Of course, my student. I would never allow you to face any danger if I can allow it. Now go start making your preparations; we shall meet your companion at the South Gate in two days. May the Bright Flame guide your steps, my dear."
"And may it guide yours," returned Mei.
With another bow, Mei turned and left the room, leaving the wizard alone in the study. He sight deeply and strode to the large window that overlooked the main plaza of Silverymoon.
"Oh dear child, please forgive me," he said sadly to no one in particular, "but I fear that all of our lives may depend on this."
/
On the second day, Mei found herself standing beside the South Gate alongside Sun and Archlector Sorias. Since traveling the roads with her normal robes would be an inconvenience, she garbed herself in a simple brown cloth tunic and breeches with a green travel cloak wrapped around her shoulder. On her back, she carried a rucksack in which she stored enough provisions for a continuous journey, as well as healing poultices for emergencies. Clasped to her belt was her spellbook, bound in rich leather and weathered by time.
She tapped her foot impatiently. Sorias had told Mei that this paladin was supposed to meet them at this hour. Yet, here they were, wasting precious time that would have been better spent had she been allowed to go herself. Still, he was adamant that they wait patiently.
Mei was about to complain to her master for the umpteenth time when she heard a distinctly low, but recognizably feminine voice call out to them. "Ho there!" the voice cried.
The mage turned towards the direction of the voice. As she did so, her eyes fell upon an absolute tower of a woman approaching them, two saddlebreds trotting closely behind her. Her auburn hair was long and curly, with strands curled up into braids that hung loosely over her shoulder. She wore a dark blue surcoat, emblazoned with Tyr's symbol, the Scales of Justice. Under this, Mei could make out a mail shirt worn over a dark tunic. He legs were clad in mail chausses, which produced a slightly clinking sound with every step. On her back, she carried a medium sized iron heater shield, with a longsword tightly hanging from her side.
As she walked closer to them, Mei could begin to appreciate the subtle features of her face. Her cheeks were freckled, especially around her nose. The woman seemed to be adept at battle, judging from the multitude of nicks and scars that peppered her face. Her hazel eyes held a fierceness common with the military arm of the Order, and yet, Mei could not help but notice a warmth in them.
"Ah," said Sorias, smiling at the new arrival, "we have been expecting you! What is your name, mighty paladin?"
"Miriam is my name, noble mage; Knight errant of the Order of Tyr. Apologies for arriving late. I was securing some mounts for the journey," she turned to look at Mei, "well met; I believe you are the one I was told to escort?"
"You may call me Mei," the mage huffed, "a pleasure to meet you. I assume you are aware of your duty?"
The paladin nodded. "I am, my lady. I am to ensure your safety until you reach your final destination, even give my life in need be," she recounted solemnly
Somewhat ominous, but I admire her dedication, Mei conceded. "Very good then. If nothing else remains, we depart immediately."
Both women mounted the horses, with Sun burying itself in one of the saddlebags that clung tightly to the horse's side.
Sorias approached Mei and beckoned her to listen closely. "One more thing, Mei. Under no circumstance must you break the seal on this message. Its contents are for the Runemaster's eyes only. Understood?"
"I understand, my master. I promise I shall return as soon as it is delivered."
The Archlector smiled warmly at her promise; and yet, although Mei could not be entirely sure, she sensed a tinge of sadness in his wizened eyes.
"May the Bright Flame guide you both."
"And may it guide you as well, master."
The pair strode past the open gate and onto the Queensroad. Mei turned her head to get one last look at the city before they set off in earnest.
I will speak to him of my dream once I return, Mei silently promised as they set towards the horizon.
End of Chapter 1
A/N: 10 years. It has been 10 long ass years since I last wrote something on this here site. To think, a Pixar movie about a girl who can turn into a red panda would be the one thing to get the creative juices flowing after toiling in college and medical school. In other words, I'M BACK BABYYYY
