Chapter 271: Priceless
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Chapter 271: Priceless
Tala was looking around for Master Grediv, when a loud voice shouted from the balcony just as it had when Tala arrived with the now missing Paragon, Brother!
The proclamation was followed by Furgal jumping over the railing and dropping towards the ground.
As Furgal landed, magics from his staff cushioned the fall.
Tala rolled her eyes and spoke under her breath, Oh, yes. Watch out! Its that one guy.
Rane had been frowning, but when he heard her, he had to suppress a smile, seeming barely able to contain his laughter. Should I hit him like sixty-five times?
Tala glanced toward Rane and frowned. Do you really need more than one?
Rane did bark a laugh at that before patting her on the shoulderthe one Terry wasnt onand turning to his brother. What do you want, Furgal?
Tala examined Ranes older brother and had to reassess. One punch from Rane would likely kill the simple Mage, and that would be less than ideal.
What even are his magics? It seems like his only inscriptions are his keystone, a weak version of magesight, and scripts for connecting to the staff. She frowned. That cant be good for him, basing so much of his magic outside his body?
-Yeah, it has to have stunted his growth. Is that some sort of trap? Someone malicious gave that to him?-
Who knows? Its probably worse though.
-Worse?-
Yeah, it was probably someone who thought they were being helpful.
Furgal bowed towards Tala. My apologies, Mistress, for this unseemly display. This is the second time that I have shamed my House before you.
Tala felt something visceral shift within her, and she was suddenly breathing heavily, her hand drifting towards Flow and her eyes flicking towards the various exits, looking for an escape route.
-Tala. Tala! You are back in the human lands. He doesnt mean House that way.-
With great effort, and Alats help, Tala was able to pull herself back from the brink much more rapidly than should have been possible.
Even so, by the time she refocused on the conversation, it seemed like Rane and Furgal had been speaking back and forth for a bit and hadnt noticed her reaction at all.
Furgals face was red, and he gesticulated as he almost shouted, Enough! This farce has gone on long enough. You stole my master, now you are leaving with him again? You keep him from taking me on as he rightly should, as I rightly deserve. I will not have it.
Furgal, Master Grediv picks his students. No one can force his choice.
Furgal lifted the staff. Yet, I have the staff. I was chosen for the staff, for his tutelage.
Rane growled. But not by him. Both of us have tried to explain that that staff, without guidance, is ruining you. I understand why you ignore me, but why wont you listen to him?
He just wants to give it to you, since hes stuck with you.
Furgal. This is ridiculous. Why cant
The older brother cut across Rane, "I challenge you to a duel."
Rane just shook his head, one hand rubbing his own face in exasperation. Again? Really?"
"Of course! I will continue to challenge you until you see your lack. The fact that you are so poorly able to deal with me, a mere Mage, while being so far more advanced proves how unworthy you are."
Wait, is he serious? Tala felt her incredulity paint her features. If Rane wanted, he could kill Furgal with ease. Of course, its hard to beat a stubborn opponent into submission when you greatly overpower them. Doing it with anything less than perfect care could kill.
Rane sighed. "I beat you every day, Furgal, multiple times a day when youre being particularly stubborn. This is getting exhausting, and honestly, it's a bit sad." He then continued in a mutter, showing that he was thinking along the same lines as Tala, Of course, it isnt fast. I dont want to obliterate you well, I want to, but I wont.
Tala hid her grin and didnt comment. I knew it.
Furgal just shook his head. "Your cowardice disgraces us all. Fight me."
"No. We're leaving now. Goodbye, Furgal." Shaking his head, Rane moved back towards Tala and the exit.
The older Mage slammed the staff into the ground, magic rippling outwards. While I hold this staff, I am heir apparent. You will not leave unless I allow it!
Rane turned back, giving his brother an incredulous look. You cant be serious. Are you threatening to what? Kick me out of the House? Master Grediv would never let it stand.
He would not deny the very rules he set up. Fight me, or be unwelcome within these walls.
Rane growled, clearly nearing the edge of his considerable patience. Are you sure you wish to do this, brother?
I am utterly firm in my conviction. You are unworthy to be Master Gredivs pupil. I will never stop until he recognizes that.
Under his breath, Rane muttered, Then you will never stop. He shook his head, continuing quietly, That staff is holding you back, brother. This is for your own good.
Rane sighed, nodding and seeming to be psyching himself up for something.
In a louder voice, he spoke into the air, Master Grediv, how much do you care about that staff?
A brief instant of silence was broken by a disembodied voice, Its a priceless heirloom, passed down through generations of our family, and should never be misused or abused.
Furgal gave a triumphant smile. The ancestors will has been"
Master Grediv continued, utterly uncaring that he spoke over Furgal, But since it is already being ill-used, I dont much care what becomes of it. Its ruined.
Before Furgal could fully register the words, Rane had covered half the length of the hall to stand before his brother. With almost casual slowness, bordering on what a mundane could perceive, he punched the staff.
Tala, with her always active magesight, saw a very odd thing.
Rane stole the kinetic energy from his own punch as it landed, splitting it into thirds.
One third stayed where he struck, acting as expected, and the remainder was applied elsewhere on the staff, one third at each end, aimed in the opposite direction of his punch.
It was an incredibly effective technique, and Tala couldnt help but wonder how it could be used against a human opponent.
-Not now, Tala.-
I know, I know.
Furgals eyes had just begun to widen as the staff shattered in his hand. The magical power that had been built up within the staff popped and fizzled in the air as a dispersing cloud.
Ranes voice rang out clearly, causing Tala to notice the others who had been watching from the upper balcony, as they shifted with obvious discomfort, You were passed over due to your own failings, Furgal. Learn from that harsh lessonand this oneor wallow in mediocrity and a short life. I no longer care which. The choice is yours. Without another glance at his brother, Rane turned and walked the twenty or so feet back to Tala.
The older Mage simply stared at his now empty hand in abject disbelief. Even the fragments of the staff had dissipated along with the power that had once filled them.
Rane crossed that distance quite quickly for his strike.
Rane winced at that. Im so sorry, Tala. We did look for you. After you vanished from the caravan
She blinked. Oh! I didnt even think of that. Did everyone get to Arconaven alright?
Yeah. Mistress Odrea told me about it when I caught up to her. They booked it, when you were found to be gone that morning. Mistress Odera and a group of Arcane Hunters from Arconaven came back to the campsite after the caravan was safe and searched for you more extensively, but they couldn't find even a trace. He grimaced. Thats when she sent me a message. It took me nearly two weeks to get to Arconaven to join in the search, but as is rather obvious, we never found you, not even a trace.
Tala didnt really know how to take that. They were trying to find me, at least at first. Rather than trying to figure out how to address any part of that, she shifted the subject. How is Mistress Odera? She hasnt responded to my information packet, yet.
She she isnt doing too well. When she stopped searching for you, she seemed to lose her purpose, her drive. Last time I was in Bandfast to see Mistress Lyn, Mistress Aproa, and the others, I stopped by her home. She just sits in her garden all day. Mistress Aproa spends as much time as she can between assignments, and Mistress Odera gives her advice on the mageling who Mistress Aproa took on. That, at least, seems to make the old lady smile. He grinned at the last.
Tala smiled in return. Oh? Id thought Mistress Aproa was against getting a mageling.
She was, but apparently she came around to the idea. Rane shrugged. I think Master Cazor had a hand in that discussion, but I wasnt there, so Im not sure.
Tala was about to ask further when Master Grediv interjected. Theyd walked nearly a mile from the Alefast wall by that point. Mistress Tala, how did you travel on your way here?
She shrugged. I ran, mostly. After a moments hesitation. No, I ran the whole way, there wasnt a mostly involved. She chuckled a bit awkwardly after she answered.
Ahh, well, then well have to use other methods. While that might work, I think we should take a less strenuous means. Are you willing?
Of course. I think Ive had my fill of running cross-country for the next year or so at least.
The Paragon smiled. Very well. I am happy to provide an alternative.
Without a specific explanation, he reached into thin air and pulled out a large sapphire disc. It was easily ten feet across and half-a-foot thick.
It was dense with magic.
Before you ask, no, Im not bonded to this, but yes, I do like the color.
Rane grinned, and Tala chuckled.
Shall we?
Tala looked toward where she felt Terry last. Terry!
The terror bird flickered into being beside Tala, bent low but still taller than her.
Do you want to travel in Kit? Or ride with us or?
Terry glanced toward the sapphire disc that was now hovering just off the ground, Master Grediv and Rane already waiting atop it.
The avian squawked disinterestedly then nosed her pouch.
In Kit it is. She grinned and opened her Sanctum so Terry could flicker in.
Without another word, she stepped up beside the two men.
Lets away.
Master Grediv nodded, and Tala felt his power flexing around them, layering them in a cocoon of sorts.
Its shape was reminiscent of the form shed given her aura to reduce her magical resonance. Oh! Is this more aerodynamic? Or magic-dynamic? No, thats not a good term.
Master Grediv smiled. I understand your meaning, and yes, Mistress Tala. This is the best-known shape for an aura or isolation field to reduce magical resonance. He glanced toward Rane. I recommend that you both study it while we travel.
They both nodded.
Then, lets be off.
The disc rose up into the air about a hundred feet and took off, just slower than Tala had been running through the plains.
Even being a bit slower, and with a perfectly designed isolation cocoon, Tala could tell that they were pushing up against the edge of magical resonance.
Master Grediv sighed. This is slower than Id have liked, but not by much. Well make good time.
Tala nodded and smiled. Better than running. Thank you.
Certainly, Mistress Tala. I am happy to oblige.
Tala began thinking of all those she was going to see, and all those that she would still need to reach out to, outside of Bandfast. Mostly, that was her family.
OH! Alat?
-Yeah, I just noticed. Its Nalac and Illies birthday.- The messages that shed received from the twins before being taken had always been established from their end, and she simply responded. The last message from them sat in her Archive; shed never responded. In looking at that message, she was the only one able to access it within the Archive, so she didnt really know how to go about responding. Huh, I didnt actually realize that before.
Master Grediv?
Yes?
If I wanted to send a message to the Academy, specifically two students, how would I do that?
Oh! He thought for a moment. Here, I will grant you access to a repository. Place your letter within that, clearly labeled for the recipient, and it will get to them.
Today?
After a moments thought, or some form of investigation, Master Grediv nodded. Yes. Barring unforeseen issues, it should reach them at dinner mail-call. This is assuming you dont take too long. They are further ahead than we are, time wise.
Tala suppressed the bad memories that she had associated with dinner mail-call and smiled. Thank you.
Lets get to it. How much time do we have?
-Less than an hour, to be safe. We should be good for two, but it would be quite frustrating to finish and not be able to deliver it.-
Thats the truth. Tala began thinking on what to say and realized that it had been nearly a year since shed seen them, and their last message to her had asked for her help.
I never replied. I thought Id have time in Arconaven.
-Tala, you couldnt have known.-
But I should have prioritized them when I could.
-Well? You can now.-
Yes. Yes I can. First, shed check on their fundamental understandings. That was a recurring issue the first few years at the Academy, and a fairly safe place to begin.
With that as a place to start, Tala quickly sat and worked with Alat to compose a letter to each of her two siblings for their birthday.
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Chapter 271: Priceless
Tala was looking around for Master Grediv, when a loud voice shouted from the balcony just as it had when Tala arrived with the now missing Paragon, Brother!
The proclamation was followed by Furgal jumping over the railing and dropping towards the ground.
As Furgal landed, magics from his staff cushioned the fall.
Tala rolled her eyes and spoke under her breath, Oh, yes. Watch out! Its that one guy.
Rane had been frowning, but when he heard her, he had to suppress a smile, seeming barely able to contain his laughter. Should I hit him like sixty-five times?
Tala glanced toward Rane and frowned. Do you really need more than one?
Rane did bark a laugh at that before patting her on the shoulderthe one Terry wasnt onand turning to his brother. What do you want, Furgal?
Tala examined Ranes older brother and had to reassess. One punch from Rane would likely kill the simple Mage, and that would be less than ideal.
What even are his magics? It seems like his only inscriptions are his keystone, a weak version of magesight, and scripts for connecting to the staff. She frowned. That cant be good for him, basing so much of his magic outside his body?
-Yeah, it has to have stunted his growth. Is that some sort of trap? Someone malicious gave that to him?-
Who knows? Its probably worse though.
-Worse?-
Yeah, it was probably someone who thought they were being helpful.
Furgal bowed towards Tala. My apologies, Mistress, for this unseemly display. This is the second time that I have shamed my House before you.
Tala felt something visceral shift within her, and she was suddenly breathing heavily, her hand drifting towards Flow and her eyes flicking towards the various exits, looking for an escape route.
-Tala. Tala! You are back in the human lands. He doesnt mean House that way.-
With great effort, and Alats help, Tala was able to pull herself back from the brink much more rapidly than should have been possible.
Even so, by the time she refocused on the conversation, it seemed like Rane and Furgal had been speaking back and forth for a bit and hadnt noticed her reaction at all.
Furgals face was red, and he gesticulated as he almost shouted, Enough! This farce has gone on long enough. You stole my master, now you are leaving with him again? You keep him from taking me on as he rightly should, as I rightly deserve. I will not have it.
Furgal, Master Grediv picks his students. No one can force his choice.
Furgal lifted the staff. Yet, I have the staff. I was chosen for the staff, for his tutelage.
Rane growled. But not by him. Both of us have tried to explain that that staff, without guidance, is ruining you. I understand why you ignore me, but why wont you listen to him?
He just wants to give it to you, since hes stuck with you.
Furgal. This is ridiculous. Why cant
The older brother cut across Rane, "I challenge you to a duel."
Rane just shook his head, one hand rubbing his own face in exasperation. Again? Really?"
"Of course! I will continue to challenge you until you see your lack. The fact that you are so poorly able to deal with me, a mere Mage, while being so far more advanced proves how unworthy you are."
Wait, is he serious? Tala felt her incredulity paint her features. If Rane wanted, he could kill Furgal with ease. Of course, its hard to beat a stubborn opponent into submission when you greatly overpower them. Doing it with anything less than perfect care could kill.
Rane sighed. "I beat you every day, Furgal, multiple times a day when youre being particularly stubborn. This is getting exhausting, and honestly, it's a bit sad." He then continued in a mutter, showing that he was thinking along the same lines as Tala, Of course, it isnt fast. I dont want to obliterate you well, I want to, but I wont.
Tala hid her grin and didnt comment. I knew it.
Furgal just shook his head. "Your cowardice disgraces us all. Fight me."
"No. We're leaving now. Goodbye, Furgal." Shaking his head, Rane moved back towards Tala and the exit.
The older Mage slammed the staff into the ground, magic rippling outwards. While I hold this staff, I am heir apparent. You will not leave unless I allow it!
Rane turned back, giving his brother an incredulous look. You cant be serious. Are you threatening to what? Kick me out of the House? Master Grediv would never let it stand.
He would not deny the very rules he set up. Fight me, or be unwelcome within these walls.
Rane growled, clearly nearing the edge of his considerable patience. Are you sure you wish to do this, brother?
I am utterly firm in my conviction. You are unworthy to be Master Gredivs pupil. I will never stop until he recognizes that.
Under his breath, Rane muttered, Then you will never stop. He shook his head, continuing quietly, That staff is holding you back, brother. This is for your own good.
Rane sighed, nodding and seeming to be psyching himself up for something.
In a louder voice, he spoke into the air, Master Grediv, how much do you care about that staff?
A brief instant of silence was broken by a disembodied voice, Its a priceless heirloom, passed down through generations of our family, and should never be misused or abused.
Furgal gave a triumphant smile. The ancestors will has been"
Master Grediv continued, utterly uncaring that he spoke over Furgal, But since it is already being ill-used, I dont much care what becomes of it. Its ruined.
Before Furgal could fully register the words, Rane had covered half the length of the hall to stand before his brother. With almost casual slowness, bordering on what a mundane could perceive, he punched the staff.
Tala, with her always active magesight, saw a very odd thing.
Rane stole the kinetic energy from his own punch as it landed, splitting it into thirds.
One third stayed where he struck, acting as expected, and the remainder was applied elsewhere on the staff, one third at each end, aimed in the opposite direction of his punch.
It was an incredibly effective technique, and Tala couldnt help but wonder how it could be used against a human opponent.
-Not now, Tala.-
I know, I know.
Furgals eyes had just begun to widen as the staff shattered in his hand. The magical power that had been built up within the staff popped and fizzled in the air as a dispersing cloud.
Ranes voice rang out clearly, causing Tala to notice the others who had been watching from the upper balcony, as they shifted with obvious discomfort, You were passed over due to your own failings, Furgal. Learn from that harsh lessonand this oneor wallow in mediocrity and a short life. I no longer care which. The choice is yours. Without another glance at his brother, Rane turned and walked the twenty or so feet back to Tala.
The older Mage simply stared at his now empty hand in abject disbelief. Even the fragments of the staff had dissipated along with the power that had once filled them.
Rane crossed that distance quite quickly for his strike.
Rane winced at that. Im so sorry, Tala. We did look for you. After you vanished from the caravan
She blinked. Oh! I didnt even think of that. Did everyone get to Arconaven alright?
Yeah. Mistress Odrea told me about it when I caught up to her. They booked it, when you were found to be gone that morning. Mistress Odera and a group of Arcane Hunters from Arconaven came back to the campsite after the caravan was safe and searched for you more extensively, but they couldn't find even a trace. He grimaced. Thats when she sent me a message. It took me nearly two weeks to get to Arconaven to join in the search, but as is rather obvious, we never found you, not even a trace.
Tala didnt really know how to take that. They were trying to find me, at least at first. Rather than trying to figure out how to address any part of that, she shifted the subject. How is Mistress Odera? She hasnt responded to my information packet, yet.
She she isnt doing too well. When she stopped searching for you, she seemed to lose her purpose, her drive. Last time I was in Bandfast to see Mistress Lyn, Mistress Aproa, and the others, I stopped by her home. She just sits in her garden all day. Mistress Aproa spends as much time as she can between assignments, and Mistress Odera gives her advice on the mageling who Mistress Aproa took on. That, at least, seems to make the old lady smile. He grinned at the last.
Tala smiled in return. Oh? Id thought Mistress Aproa was against getting a mageling.
She was, but apparently she came around to the idea. Rane shrugged. I think Master Cazor had a hand in that discussion, but I wasnt there, so Im not sure.
Tala was about to ask further when Master Grediv interjected. Theyd walked nearly a mile from the Alefast wall by that point. Mistress Tala, how did you travel on your way here?
She shrugged. I ran, mostly. After a moments hesitation. No, I ran the whole way, there wasnt a mostly involved. She chuckled a bit awkwardly after she answered.
Ahh, well, then well have to use other methods. While that might work, I think we should take a less strenuous means. Are you willing?
Of course. I think Ive had my fill of running cross-country for the next year or so at least.
The Paragon smiled. Very well. I am happy to provide an alternative.
Without a specific explanation, he reached into thin air and pulled out a large sapphire disc. It was easily ten feet across and half-a-foot thick.
It was dense with magic.
Before you ask, no, Im not bonded to this, but yes, I do like the color.
Rane grinned, and Tala chuckled.
Shall we?
Tala looked toward where she felt Terry last. Terry!
The terror bird flickered into being beside Tala, bent low but still taller than her.
Do you want to travel in Kit? Or ride with us or?
Terry glanced toward the sapphire disc that was now hovering just off the ground, Master Grediv and Rane already waiting atop it.
The avian squawked disinterestedly then nosed her pouch.
In Kit it is. She grinned and opened her Sanctum so Terry could flicker in.
Without another word, she stepped up beside the two men.
Lets away.
Master Grediv nodded, and Tala felt his power flexing around them, layering them in a cocoon of sorts.
Its shape was reminiscent of the form shed given her aura to reduce her magical resonance. Oh! Is this more aerodynamic? Or magic-dynamic? No, thats not a good term.
Master Grediv smiled. I understand your meaning, and yes, Mistress Tala. This is the best-known shape for an aura or isolation field to reduce magical resonance. He glanced toward Rane. I recommend that you both study it while we travel.
They both nodded.
Then, lets be off.
The disc rose up into the air about a hundred feet and took off, just slower than Tala had been running through the plains.
Even being a bit slower, and with a perfectly designed isolation cocoon, Tala could tell that they were pushing up against the edge of magical resonance.
Master Grediv sighed. This is slower than Id have liked, but not by much. Well make good time.
Tala nodded and smiled. Better than running. Thank you.
Certainly, Mistress Tala. I am happy to oblige.
Tala began thinking of all those she was going to see, and all those that she would still need to reach out to, outside of Bandfast. Mostly, that was her family.
OH! Alat?
-Yeah, I just noticed. Its Nalac and Illies birthday.- The messages that shed received from the twins before being taken had always been established from their end, and she simply responded. The last message from them sat in her Archive; shed never responded. In looking at that message, she was the only one able to access it within the Archive, so she didnt really know how to go about responding. Huh, I didnt actually realize that before.
Master Grediv?
Yes?
If I wanted to send a message to the Academy, specifically two students, how would I do that?
Oh! He thought for a moment. Here, I will grant you access to a repository. Place your letter within that, clearly labeled for the recipient, and it will get to them.
Today?
After a moments thought, or some form of investigation, Master Grediv nodded. Yes. Barring unforeseen issues, it should reach them at dinner mail-call. This is assuming you dont take too long. They are further ahead than we are, time wise.
Tala suppressed the bad memories that she had associated with dinner mail-call and smiled. Thank you.
Lets get to it. How much time do we have?
-Less than an hour, to be safe. We should be good for two, but it would be quite frustrating to finish and not be able to deliver it.-
Thats the truth. Tala began thinking on what to say and realized that it had been nearly a year since shed seen them, and their last message to her had asked for her help.
I never replied. I thought Id have time in Arconaven.
-Tala, you couldnt have known.-
But I should have prioritized them when I could.
-Well? You can now.-
Yes. Yes I can. First, shed check on their fundamental understandings. That was a recurring issue the first few years at the Academy, and a fairly safe place to begin.
With that as a place to start, Tala quickly sat and worked with Alat to compose a letter to each of her two siblings for their birthday.
Chapter 271: PricelessTala was looking around for Master Grediv, when a loud voice shouted from the balcony just as it had when Tala arrived with the now missing Paragon, Brother!The proclamation was followed by Furgal jumping over the railing and dropping towards the ground.As Furgal landed, magics from his staff cushioned the fall.Tala rolled her eyes and spoke under her breath, Oh, yes. Watch out! Its that one guy.Rane had been frowning, but when he heard her, he had to suppress a smile, seeming barely able to contain his laughter. Should I hit him like sixty-five times?Tala glanced toward Rane and frowned. Do you really need more than one?Rane did bark a laugh at that before patting her on the shoulderthe one Terry wasnt onand turning to his brother. What do you want, Furgal?Tala examined Ranes older brother and had to reassess. One punch from Rane would likely kill the simple Mage, and that would be less than ideal.What even are his magics? It seems like his only inscriptions are his keystone, a weak version of magesight, and scripts for connecting to the staff. She frowned. That cant be good for him, basing so much of his magic outside his body?-Yeah, it has to have stunted his growth. Is that some sort of trap? Someone malicious gave that to him?-Who knows? Its probably worse though.-Worse?-Yeah, it was probably someone who thought they were being helpful.Furgal bowed towards Tala. My apologies, Mistress, for this unseemly display. This is the second time that I have shamed my House before you.Tala felt something visceral shift within her, and she was suddenly breathing heavily, her hand drifting towards Flow and her eyes flicking towards the various exits, looking for an escape route.-Tala. Tala! You are back in the human lands. He doesnt mean House that way.-With great effort, and Alats help, Tala was able to pull herself back from the brink much more rapidly than should have been possible.Even so, by the time she refocused on the conversation, it seemed like Rane and Furgal had been speaking back and forth for a bit and hadnt noticed her reaction at all.Furgals face was red, and he gesticulated as he almost shouted, Enough! This farce has gone on long enough. You stole my master, now you are leaving with him again? You keep him from taking me on as he rightly should, as I rightly deserve. I will not have it.Furgal, Master Grediv picks his students. No one can force his choice.Furgal lifted the staff. Yet, I have the staff. I was chosen for the staff, for his tutelage.Rane growled. But not by him. Both of us have tried to explain that that staff, without guidance, is ruining you. I understand why you ignore me, but why wont you listen to him?He just wants to give it to you, since hes stuck with you.Furgal. This is ridiculous. Why cantThe older brother cut across Rane, "I challenge you to a duel."Rane just shook his head, one hand rubbing his own face in exasperation. Again? Really?""Of course! I will continue to challenge you until you see your lack. The fact that you are so poorly able to deal with me, a mere Mage, while being so far more advanced proves how unworthy you are."Wait, is he serious? Tala felt her incredulity paint her features. If Rane wanted, he could kill Furgal with ease. Of course, its hard to beat a stubborn opponent into submission when you greatly overpower them. Doing it with anything less than perfect care could kill.Rane sighed. "I beat you every day, Furgal, multiple times a day when youre being particularly stubborn. This is getting exhausting, and honestly, it's a bit sad." He then continued in a mutter, showing that he was thinking along the same lines as Tala, Of course, it isnt fast. I dont want to obliterate you well, I want to, but I wont.Tala hid her grin and didnt comment. I knew it.Furgal just shook his head. "Your cowardice disgraces us all. Fight me.""No. We're leaving now. Goodbye, Furgal." Shaking his head, Rane moved back towards Tala and the exit.The older Mage slammed the staff into the ground, magic rippling outwards. While I hold this staff, I am heir apparent. You will not leave unless I allow it!Rane turned back, giving his brother an incredulous look. You cant be serious. Are you threatening to what? Kick me out of the House? Master Grediv would never let it stand.He would not deny the very rules he set up. Fight me, or be unwelcome within these walls.Rane growled, clearly nearing the edge of his considerable patience. Are you sure you wish to do this, brother?I am utterly firm in my conviction. You are unworthy to be Master Gredivs pupil. I will never stop until he recognizes that.Under his breath, Rane muttered, Then you will never stop. He shook his head, continuing quietly, That staff is holding you back, brother. This is for your own good.Rane sighed, nodding and seeming to be psyching himself up for something.In a louder voice, he spoke into the air, Master Grediv, how much do you care about that staff?A brief instant of silence was broken by a disembodied voice, Its a priceless heirloom, passed down through generations of our family, and should never be misused or abused.Furgal gave a triumphant smile. The ancestors will has been"Master Grediv continued, utterly uncaring that he spoke over Furgal, But since it is already being ill-used, I dont much care what becomes of it. Its ruined.Before Furgal could fully register the words, Rane had covered half the length of the hall to stand before his brother. With almost casual slowness, bordering on what a mundane could perceive, he punched the staff.Tala, with her always active magesight, saw a very odd thing.Rane stole the kinetic energy from his own punch as it landed, splitting it into thirds.One third stayed where he struck, acting as expected, and the remainder was applied elsewhere on the staff, one third at each end, aimed in the opposite direction of his punch.It was an incredibly effective technique, and Tala couldnt help but wonder how it could be used against a human opponent.-Not now, Tala.-I know, I know.Furgals eyes had just begun to widen as the staff shattered in his hand. The magical power that had been built up within the staff popped and fizzled in the air as a dispersing cloud.Ranes voice rang out clearly, causing Tala to notice the others who had been watching from the upper balcony, as they shifted with obvious discomfort, You were passed over due to your own failings, Furgal. Learn from that harsh lessonand this oneor wallow in mediocrity and a short life. I no longer care which. The choice is yours. Without another glance at his brother, Rane turned and walked the twenty or so feet back to Tala.The older Mage simply stared at his now empty hand in abject disbelief. Even the fragments of the staff had dissipated along with the power that had once filled them.Rane crossed that distance quite quickly for his strike.Rane winced at that. Im so sorry, Tala. We did look for you. After you vanished from the caravanShe blinked. Oh! I didnt even think of that. Did everyone get to Arconaven alright?Yeah. Mistress Odrea told me about it when I caught up to her. They booked it, when you were found to be gone that morning. Mistress Odera and a group of Arcane Hunters from Arconaven came back to the campsite after the caravan was safe and searched for you more extensively, but they couldn't find even a trace. He grimaced. Thats when she sent me a message. It took me nearly two weeks to get to Arconaven to join in the search, but as is rather obvious, we never found you, not even a trace.Tala didnt really know how to take that. They were trying to find me, at least at first. Rather than trying to figure out how to address any part of that, she shifted the subject. How is Mistress Odera? She hasnt responded to my information packet, yet.She she isnt doing too well. When she stopped searching for you, she seemed to lose her purpose, her drive. Last time I was in Bandfast to see Mistress Lyn, Mistress Aproa, and the others, I stopped by her home. She just sits in her garden all day. Mistress Aproa spends as much time as she can between assignments, and Mistress Odera gives her advice on the mageling who Mistress Aproa took on. That, at least, seems to make the old lady smile. He grinned at the last.Tala smiled in return. Oh? Id thought Mistress Aproa was against getting a mageling.She was, but apparently she came around to the idea. Rane shrugged. I think Master Cazor had a hand in that discussion, but I wasnt there, so Im not sure.Tala was about to ask further when Master Grediv interjected. Theyd walked nearly a mile from the Alefast wall by that point. Mistress Tala, how did you travel on your way here?She shrugged. I ran, mostly. After a moments hesitation. No, I ran the whole way, there wasnt a mostly involved. She chuckled a bit awkwardly after she answered.Ahh, well, then well have to use other methods. While that might work, I think we should take a less strenuous means. Are you willing?Of course. I think Ive had my fill of running cross-country for the next year or so at least.The Paragon smiled. Very well. I am happy to provide an alternative.Without a specific explanation, he reached into thin air and pulled out a large sapphire disc. It was easily ten feet across and half-a-foot thick.It was dense with magic.Before you ask, no, Im not bonded to this, but yes, I do like the color.Rane grinned, and Tala chuckled.Shall we?Tala looked toward where she felt Terry last. Terry!The terror bird flickered into being beside Tala, bent low but still taller than her.Do you want to travel in Kit? Or ride with us or?Terry glanced toward the sapphire disc that was now hovering just off the ground, Master Grediv and Rane already waiting atop it.The avian squawked disinterestedly then nosed her pouch.In Kit it is. She grinned and opened her Sanctum so Terry could flicker in.Without another word, she stepped up beside the two men.Lets away.Master Grediv nodded, and Tala felt his power flexing around them, layering them in a cocoon of sorts.Its shape was reminiscent of the form shed given her aura to reduce her magical resonance. Oh! Is this more aerodynamic? Or magic-dynamic? No, thats not a good term.Master Grediv smiled. I understand your meaning, and yes, Mistress Tala. This is the best-known shape for an aura or isolation field to reduce magical resonance. He glanced toward Rane. I recommend that you both study it while we travel.They both nodded.Then, lets be off.The disc rose up into the air about a hundred feet and took off, just slower than Tala had been running through the plains.Even being a bit slower, and with a perfectly designed isolation cocoon, Tala could tell that they were pushing up against the edge of magical resonance.Master Grediv sighed. This is slower than Id have liked, but not by much. Well make good time.Tala nodded and smiled. Better than running. Thank you.Certainly, Mistress Tala. I am happy to oblige.Tala began thinking of all those she was going to see, and all those that she would still need to reach out to, outside of Bandfast. Mostly, that was her family.OH! Alat?-Yeah, I just noticed. Its Nalac and Illies birthday.- The messages that shed received from the twins before being taken had always been established from their end, and she simply responded. The last message from them sat in her Archive; shed never responded. In looking at that message, she was the only one able to access it within the Archive, so she didnt really know how to go about responding. Huh, I didnt actually realize that before.Master Grediv?Yes?If I wanted to send a message to the Academy, specifically two students, how would I do that?Oh! He thought for a moment. Here, I will grant you access to a repository. Place your letter within that, clearly labeled for the recipient, and it will get to them.Today?After a moments thought, or some form of investigation, Master Grediv nodded. Yes. Barring unforeseen issues, it should reach them at dinner mail-call. This is assuming you dont take too long. They are further ahead than we are, time wise.Tala suppressed the bad memories that she had associated with dinner mail-call and smiled. Thank you.Lets get to it. How much time do we have?-Less than an hour, to be safe. We should be good for two, but it would be quite frustrating to finish and not be able to deliver it.-Thats the truth. Tala began thinking on what to say and realized that it had been nearly a year since shed seen them, and their last message to her had asked for her help.I never replied. I thought Id have time in Arconaven.-Tala, you couldnt have known.-But I should have prioritized them when I could.-Well? You can now.-Yes. Yes I can. First, shed check on their fundamental understandings. That was a recurring issue the first few years at the Academy, and a fairly safe place to begin.With that as a place to start, Tala quickly sat and worked with Alat to compose a letter to each of her two siblings for their birthday.
