Creation: Order of Maget, #1

Prologue

An intense blaze flowed through the forest in a wave of destruction, scorching everything it touched. Each tree burst into flame like torches in the night. The area reeked of brimstone from the dragons breathing their intense fire, and spells of every make flew about. Screams echoed throughout the land as one dragon after another fell from the skies, and the wizard attached felt the pain.

Gillock knew Demosi was in trouble but placed a block to muffle the dragon’s thoughts. Even though every tree surrounding him was on fire, Gillock’s focus was solely the wizard across the small glade from him. No quarter would be given to Kinsley, not now.

During this battle it became apparent that the dark wizard had no intention of being taken prisoner, which made Kinsley far more dangerous. Gillock’s long black hair clung to his face with sweat and ash. His robe was in tatters and barely hanging over his gangly body. With all the energy he could muster, Gillock threw the last bit of magic he had left towards his foe. Catching his breath, Gillock watched as Kinsley fell to the ground. A sense of relief coursed through his body as everything which occurred over the past hour finally concluded.

Kinsley lay on the forest floor, in a pool of his own blood, his blond hair-stained red. He could feel his life draining away. Gillock's last barrage of spells had taken on a more sinister note. Kinsley knew the idea was originally to take him prisoner, but during the fight Gillock must have realized that was not going to happen.

Tilting his head towards Gillock, Kinsley began to laugh. You may have won, Gillock, but remember this; you created darkness this day. The wizard gasped for breath, and each one was getting harder. Kinsley knew he had to make the transfer now. He had desired to do it in a controlled environment in case things went wrong, but with his life leaving his body, there was no choice. Reaching inside his tunic, Kinsley grasped the amulet he wore, and chanted three words. After that, his hand slid off, and he was gone.

Gillock limped over to Kinsley, to make certain the wizard was truly dead. Resting his ear to his chest, Gillock heard no heartbeat. Pulling back the wizard also noticed Kinsley’s chest did not rise. With a great breath, Gillock collapsed down, sitting among the rubble, next to the body. He did not know how this had escalated so quickly, and the emotions finally got the better of him. Sobs could be heard, blending in with the sounds of battle on the other side of the wall sitting in the distance, but only for a moment.

Strange explosions rocked the region, accompanied by a sudden silence. Gillock sat staring at the wall and watched as it faded from his sight. Mordekai stated earlier, he was going to shift the school to keep their foe from getting their prize, unless the enemy somehow destroyed it first. Watching it fade from view, Gillock felt relieved. His heart hoped the school only shifted, and was not, in fact, destroyed. Glancing at the body adjacent to him, Gillock shook his head. Kinsley was dead, and although his final words were cryptic, Gillock pushed them to the back of his mind. The school no longer existed, and if the battle was intense as he believed, it was in all probability very few wizards lived. One thing became clear to Gillock as he looked around the area, carnage was everywhere. Everything was either burned or crushed. Dragons falling from the sky ruined the land they fell on. And then there were the bystanders. Innocents caught up in this battle must be avenged. That was the way, and the king would have no choice but to go after all surviving wizards, if there were any.

Gillock stared off over the empty space left by the school. With a heavy sigh, he called on what little energy he had left, and cast a worldwide spell. Until he knew what was in store, no one would remember him as a wizard. Standing, he sighed once more. Leaving was his only option, so Gillock Rampor brushed off his robes, and left to find shelter for the night. Tomorrow, he would leave the Central Lands for as long as necessary.

RICHARD STOOD NEXT to the king on a balcony which faced the west. Far in the distance, smoke could be seen, as well as shoots of strange colours. The wizards battle, raging for thirteen weeks now, was coming to its conclusion, and both wondered if the land would survive it.

Richard, I know that you just recently became my advisor, but you are a wizard. How do you think my kingdom will fare from this? asked King Eldwin.

Richard continued to keep his dark eyes focused on the smoke, trying to compose his thoughts. King Eldwin was old, his son had already been declared by the council to be the next king. The queen died a month earlier, and with this war of wizards happening, Richard wondered how much longer the king’s heart would hold out.

Sire, I do not know what it will do, he replied, frankly. Should the dark forces win, we are all doomed. However, I’m not certain that the other side would be any better at this point.

The king inhaled deep, and it was clear his heart was heavy. King Edwin was going to ask another question when Richard suddenly gasped, clutched his chest, and dropped to the ground. Immediately the king, and three guards nearby, rushed to the advisor’s side.

Richard are you all, right? asked the king.

After a few moments of spasms, Richard calmed down, and his eyes focused.

I’m sorry, my king. I guess all the magic being thrown about caused me to be overwhelmed for a moment, but I’m fine now, said the young wizard.

Richard sat up, took a sip of wine which was placed before him, then allowed the guards to help him up. He brushed off his cloak and moved back to the railing. I believe the fight is at an end, sire. We should know soon enough what the outcome is.

King Eldwin followed Richard's gaze and wondered how much longer he had to live.

Part 1

RICHARD

Chapter One

3weeks earlier

THESE ARE GRIM TIMES, my boy. Are you certain you are up to the task?

Richard stared into Kinsley’s cold blue eyes with fascination. This man was his mentor and the only family he had. Richard was from an orphanage. Being an unremarkable child, merely one with magical abilities, the wizards took him in. Kinsley did all that he could to ensure Richard had everything. Now, he was informing Richard that he would be a vessel for Kinsley and needed to be in a place of power to continue Kinsley’s plan. The battle between the different wizard factions was at hand, and it was not clear who was going to come out victorious.

I will do this, Richard whispered.

Kinsley handed him the phial and kissed his forehead. For us all, you must have the ear of the king.

Again, Richard stared in awe at Kinsley. First the ring, now this request. Of course, he would do this. Should Kinsley ask it of him, Richard would remove the entire royal family.

Kinsley patted Richard’s arm, Now go. I must prepare for what is to come.

Richard beamed. Clutching the phial, he ran out of the room.

Walking through the Wizard School, Richard focused his mind on this new task as he made his way out. The passing students did not give him a second glance, and that suited him. Richard was a homely looking man. Average height, weight, with short brown hair, and brown eyes. His official mentor was Devon, the king’s advisor. It was he whom Richard was meant to supplant. At eighteen, Richard became Devon’s apprentice. Now he was twenty-one, and if all went according to plan, would succeed Devon within a week.

Upon exiting the school, his mind reeled at what the future held. The school would fall, and Kinsley would take over. Wizards would finally rule the world.

Richard breathed in deep before hopping into the carriage waiting for him. Magic flowed like a soft breeze inside the massive fortress that was labelled a school, and the scent always filled Richard with hope. As the carriage bounced along the road, he took out the phial. One drop in a mug of tea, twice per day, and he should be the new advisor to the king. A cruel grin spread across his face as Richard relished in the possibilities.

By dusk, the carriage rolled into the city of Keenley. It was quite late, but Richard knew he was expected to check in with Devon. Every individual within the city walls knew a battle had begun within the Wizard Order. Some wizards were already dead, their dragons wreaking havoc on the countryside. Devon would be wanting news on what they would need to expect in the coming days.

With a soft rap, Richard waited to enter. When no reply came to his knock, he opened the door. As expected, Devon was at his desk, looking over letters. Clearing his throat, Richard finally got Devon’s attention.

Turning to glance at the door, Devon sat up when he saw it was Richard. Ah, my boy. Please, come, sit, he stated, motioning to a chair.

Richard obliged, and glanced at a table. Would you mind if I poured myself some tea? It was a chore coming back so quickly.

No, of course, help yourself.

As he walked over to the tea, Richard glanced at the empty cup sitting beside Devon. Would you like me to refresh yours as well?

Devon tilted his head towards his cup, Might as well.

As he went back to the papers in front of him, Richard took the cup. With his body blocking Devon’s view, Richard poured a drop of the poison into the cup and filled it with tea. After he placed the cup back on the table, and sat down, Richard waited. This would be the test to see if Devon would taste it.

With bated breath, Richard sipped his tea, and waited for Devon to take some of his. Time ticked by quite slow, then Devon finally finished looking over the letters, took a sip of his tea, and turned to Richard. What news do you have?

Putting his cup down, Richard stared hard at Devon. The war has begun, and there is a chance all will fall under it. Kinsley was hoping to negotiate, however, one close to him was murdered just yesterday, and he took that as a sign of war.

Devon sat back, and drank more of his tea, much to the joy of Richard. This is grim news indeed. We dare not recommend the king send out soldiers, for choosing a side could be disastrous. I know he will not like it, but I am going to propose he sit back, and let these events play out.

Richard smiled and nodded knowingly. I believe that to be a wise choice.

Thank you for this report, Richard. I’m certain you are tired, so feel free to go to your room. I will send for you in the morning.

Finishing his tea, Richard stood. See you in the morning, he said, happy to be able to leave. Nothing was more appealing at this time than a quick bath, and sleep.

By midday, Richard and Devon were in counsel with the King Eldwin, and Prince Jackson. No military were present, due to Devon’s request. Instead, they were patrolling outside the city walls. No one, not even Richard, could guarantee the wizards wouldn’t use the people within as their pawns in this fight. Before the discussion could continue, a page came in with news.

King Eldwin opened the parchment and scowled. The wizards are destroying everything from their fortress to the Unmoving Mountain. Dragons are burning the forest, but it appears once they do, they are moving off to the Northern Mountains. Magic is being tossed about, and they are not caring at all about the consequences.

It was clear by the king’s tone he was angry, but both Richard and Devon heard a bit of fear as well. It was obvious Devon’s worries matched the kings. Richard, knowing the truth in what was going on, attempted to hide his smile.

Jackson’s expression grew dark. When he was upset or angry, his bright blue eyes would lose their sparkle. What should we do? he questioned.

Devon looked over at the prince. We must not interfere. To do so could bring down the wrath of other wizards. For the safety of those within the city, we must wait.

The prince stood, and being over six feet, could appear quite menacing when angered. And leave those outside to be sacrificed? Jackson growled.

Eldwin stared at his son. Almost a mirror image of the king, in his younger years. Jackson’s passion for the people always drew admiration from his father. A wave of the king’s hand calmed the prince, but only slightly. Yes, my son. For the greater good, some lives will be lost.

Jackson took his seat again. His expression showed how little he cared for the idea, but he held his tongue. King Eldwin turned to his advisor and saw the fear within his eyes. Devon, keep an eye on everything and report every little detail to me. We may not be able to join this fight, but we do need to be certain we understand what is going on.

Devon bowed low, as did Richard, and both took their leave.

When they arrived at Devon’s office, the advisor sat, and gazed silently into the hearth. Richard knew he was contemplating all the outcomes, and by the expression on his face, Devon did not sense any good was going to come from this war. Pouring them tea, Richard took a seat. Absently, Devon drank his tea. I must ask something of you, began Devon, his voice a dead tone. I need you to get as close to the fighting as you can and observe. We need information.

Richard looked up and nodded. I will leave now. The sooner we have an idea of what is going on, the better our position will be.

Devon did not speak, only waved him out, but Richard was already gone.

After packing a small bag, and grabbing provisions from the kitchen, Richard took a horse, and rode towards the school. Here was where the main branch of the fighting was expected. Richard did not need to get anywhere near the fight to know what was going on, he just had to be out of sight from the castle.

An hour riding took Richard far enough from the city. Dismounting, he pulled off a glove, and rubbed the ruby ring. No reply came, but he was set upon by intense emotions, and understood what they meant. Pulling out his pack, Richard sat down, and snacked on the food. If he waited until nightfall, it would be long enough to allow Devon to worry over him.

Smiling, Richard thought of how weak Devon already looked. He knew the advisor wasn’t sleeping well, but it was more than that. It was as if his energy was being drained away. When the sun began to set, Richard made his way back to the city to give his report.

Three days later, Devon issued a report to the king. It took all his energy to do so, a fact that was not lost upon King Eldwin. You are not looking well, he observed.

Devon gave the king a weak smile. It is a cold, sire. Nothing more. I only need to get some rest.

The words did not convince the king. There is nothing I need done that Richard cannot do this day. I insist you go to your rooms, and rest until tomorrow.

With a bow, Devon left without an argument. That in itself told the king, his friend was not well.

Once Devon was gone, the king turned to Richard. How long has he had this condition?

Since the main fighting began a few days ago, highness. I believe the fact that we can’t do anything in this battle is bothering him far greater than he is letting on.

Nodding the king placed a hand on Richard’s shoulder. I understand. Now, other than these reports, is there any news?

Richard waited until King Eldwin sat down before taking a seat across from him. Only what I can feel. Intense magic is being thrown about. Spells of immense power, and it’s nothing I’ve ever felt before. Last night I heard what sounded like a dragon being slaughtered and can only imagine the magic involved in that task.

King Eldwin leaned back and focused on the papers strewn about his desk. Each one of these is a report from the different sections of this land. The fighting appears to be about the school, and towards the Unmoving Mountain. My soldiers tried to evacuate all they could, but with magic flying about, they lost more than they could save. The town of Klayhern is bursting at the seams with refugees, and I have no idea if they will ever be able to go home.

We can only hope this conflict ends soon, replied Richard, his voice low.

A knock brought the two back to the conflict. A page brought in word that so much magical blood had been spilled in the west, that an entire farmer's field was on fire. It wasn’t spreading, but it was killing the soil in the area. The king motioned for the page and Richard to leave as he absorbed this new development.

Richard and Tim, the page who delivered the information, were walking the halls.