DISCLAIMER: I do not own Sofia the First nor do I claim to. I just like the show and wanted to write a little something for it. However, I do own the OC Zwick and Megumi as well as the concept of the Rune Mage I'll be using for this story.
_[ STORY ]_
Cedric marched down the long hallways the ever-present tap of his cane was a welcome for those about to turn a corner, giving them time to stop as the Sorcerer barrelled around the edge without a word.
"What do you think has his knickers in a twist?" a maid asked another as they resumed walking with baskets of linens.
"Shush now, he's probably on an errand for the King," the second maid said, "that's the way to the Kings study," she added pointed down the way Cedric had come.
The conversation between the two went back to more mundane things as they continued; Cedric forgoing pleasantries he barged into Zwick's office startling the man.
Cedric shut the door before he began to bombard the man with questions and retelling of what happened.
"O-okay, back up, slow down and repeat," Zwick said from behind his desk, as Cedric paced the room.
"You know Rune magic, and I've never had such a vivid vision before, and I'm wondering…
"If it has anything to do with the unsealing of your powers," Zwick finished, "alright now we are on the same page."
Cedric gave the doctor a look, "hey you talk to fast sometimes, I can barely understand my children when they get going either, but you may be a Druid and not a Rune Mage," Zwick mused.
"A what?"
"A Druid one who is born that can see days to come, along with being keepers of vast amounts of knowledge, and lore," Zwick explained.
"So a Seer, those are pretty common, and there are those that know a lot more than I," Cedric rebuttal.
"I've seen you use magic, the mastery of so many different spells is remarkable, especially for one so young. You know a lot about magic and magical items," Zwick said, "and the Seer's your thinking of couldn't hold a candle to a Druid in turns of accuracy."
Cedric thought on those words as he took a seat opposite the doctor, "what's the difference of a Rune Mage and Druid?" he asked.
"Not much mostly title, and the vision thing of course...oh and if in my realm a lot more freedom to do things...
Cedric relaxed at the words, "as well as a shortened lifespan…" Zwick added.
"WHAT!?" Cedric shouted.
Zwick cringed at the volume, "dear goodness, calm down, that's for those who actively use that power, yours seems to be random and for events that would affect those you hold close to your heart."
"So you may lose a few years maybe a decade at most if it keeps up," Zwick continued, "I have a few sealing spells that can stop the visions, which would stop you from losing any more time."
Cedric leaned back in the chair, deep in thought for a few moments before looking at the man.
The rest of the day was a blur for Roland, his mind raced with thought, it kept telling him that Cedric was wrong that magic couldn't be trusted, in his heart he knew he needed to trust the Sorcerer, but a second opinion wouldn't hurt.
That night Roland sat in the small sitting room of his bed chambers waiting for his wife, he had sent for her to return from her trip to Wei-Ling early. When Miranda entered the room, she was worried that feeling reinforced when she saw her husband tense and bouncing his foot.
"Rolie, what happened?" she asked joining Roland on the sofa.
Roland stood up and paced the floor as he recanted the day's events as well as his thoughts and fears. "I don't know what to believe Miranda," he told her, "I feel like I'm making the right choice by taking what Cedric told me and acted upon it but at the same time, I'm scared that it will be a fool's errand to have taken such measures."
"It's a lot to take in, perhaps you should talk with Cedric again," Miranda advised, "it can't hurt to go over everything with him again."
"Your right, it's still early, I think I'd sleep better if I talk with him now. I'll be back shortly, " Roland said giving Miranda a quick kiss before heading off.
Roland bounded up the tower stairs a single candle lighting his way, 'why does he keep it so dark?' he asked himself.
The sun had only sunk below the horizon half hour before, but Cedric was already back in his workshop picking at the sandwich he grabbed for dinner after leaving Zwick's office.
"What in the world is with the long face?" a voice asked above Cedric, who jumped at the sudden sound, Cordelia, Calista, and his parents had left some days prior for reasons he can't recall.
So when the voice called he looked up to see a black raven staring down at him, "Wormwood!? By the Almighty you frightened me, why are you here? I thought you wanted nothing to do with me after the whole 'not taking over the kingdom' argument," Cedric asked.
"That's true, but let us say I had a change of heart," Wormwood said looking towards the window.
Cedric followed his a familiars eye and spotted another raven with a white mark on its face looking into the room, "I'd like you to meet Starfall, my mate."
"What!? Well, congratulations Wormwood," Cedric said as Starfall came into the room and landed on Cedric's shoulder, "oh hello, I must say your a lot nicer than Wormwood was when we first met."
"You never answered why your here, Wormwood not that I'm displeased, but after what was said I thought I'd never see you again," Cedric said, giving Starfall a price of bread from his sandwich.
"You are right, I had no intention of coming to see you, but an elder of the Murder* said if I didn't come back I would regret it," Wormwood explained, "and well Starfall would not let it rest until I agreed to at least speak with you."
"It seems the female of any species is always right," Cedric joked, though the frown did little to convey the humor.
"I know that look, what happened?" Wormwood asked, he and Cedric may have parted on bad terms, but they were still each other only companion for many years, and he was genuinely concerned.
"A lot has happened well you were gone, I have my Rune magic back," Cedric sighed, "also those visions I have, have gotten stronger."
"Interesting, all that sounds like good news to me," Wormwood said, "what else did you find out," he pushed.
Cedric hesitated for a moment, "those visions...even using that power unintentionally is killing me, forget making sure I don't use my life force to power spells I may not even see my fifth decade at this rate."
"What do you mean!?" someone asked.
Cedric spun around dislodging Starfall from her perch to see Roland standing in the doorway candle casting an eerie glow over the Kings features.
"YOUR MAJESTY!" Cedric exclaimed trying to jump from his seat; instead, he found himself face first on the floor, "oh Marlins Mushroom's," he muttered.
_[ TO BE CONTINUED ]_
Note: Murder - Is a group of crows or ravens
Note 2: Sorry this is late it was a busy weekend, hope you enjoyed.