The Mark of Aether

The Academy~Part I

Obeying, like all, I opened my heavy volume and scanned the inked page with my eyes. My researches back at the Whitestone manor paid off for the first few lines. After that, each word turned to an agonizing litany of letters.

"Professor Fairlon?" asked one student from the back of the room. "It is mentioned that the strength of one's elemental and its variety is related to its natal continent. Then, it is said that the power of our blood also interferes with it. Can you please explain?"

"The matter is actually quite simple. Like we all know, before the continents were united, it was impossible to find diversity of elementals in the same race. Naiads only controlled water, fae solely possessed air, but it has changed.

After coronation of the first King, the continents became open one to another. It wasn't rare anymore to find a mage married to someone from different species, and thus the birth of a new type of power. It is true that our origins play a wide part in what power we inherit, but so does the blood of our parents. For example, I am a fae from the first rimelian lands. Yet, the fire that flows in my father's veins also does in mine. When a god decides to give his blessing, no power can say otherwise.''

"And what about the Royal Armedes house?"

"Well, they are referred to as ruler of time for they hold the chosen symbol. It has been told that their powers were seemingly endless, that each heir could at least shake an entire continent with his magic. Their potential is strong, and so are their elementals.''

"There have been rumors about the king curing the black smoke before his recent state. How much of it is true?"

"The rumors that you heard about, Jeremiah, are not enough to describe. It is true. King Aragon fought the black smoke when it rose, freed almost all Arelesia by his own self. What you never knew was that he checked each shelter and healed one by one each person in need. And my words ring true, for that I had the chance to witness his doing. Now, continue reading. What is not done by the end of the second hour will be an assigned homework.''

And with that, the class went silent. Once again, I stared with a blank mind at the page, my thoughts drifting from one to the other. The only thing I could understand was that magic was the weakest form of power, only centered on healing, shielding and striking. Elementals were one's true pride and power, almost found in every Ardorian blood after the great union. As the bell rung, I closed my book and headed to my next class.

*****

The alchemy classroom was harder to find, settled in the farther end of the norm. Reaching it merely a couple of minutes before class started, Mayra and I hastily stood behind one table, picking the potions inscribed on the chalk-board. Next to it, our professor stood. He was rather short, with curled, grey hair resting on his head. His eyes were hypnotizing, a splash of continuously swirling colors hidden underneath bushy eyebrows.

He vaguely reminded me of Einstein, and I wondered if Newton was just around the corner. The first part of the class was easy, watching him prepare a resizing potion. The other half didn't end quite well. Several of the potions the students tried making, including ours, didn't end properly. Instead, thick, green smoke filled the entire room. Professor Angheris Grunbel did warn us it wasn't poisonous, but he canceled the rest of the class.Most possibly to have somebody clean the mess we caused.

*****

Given a free hour as a break after what happened in alchemy, I decided to go through what Professor Fairlon had assigned us for tomorrow. With Mayra having to attend a separate class, I had to manage alone. As in attempt to force control over our power, she asked us to exercise several striking spells.

Ramos had taught me how to strike, but I feared it would be harder since my mark was wrapped and hidden. My magic still hummed and ran in my blood, but it wasn't as strong as when I first unlocked it. Or when the warriors attacked.

Wandering through the training yard, I found a fully empty spot where I could practice without worrying about hurting anyone, or revealing my heritage. The place was a small back garden squeezed in a nook between the first and third's year buildings. Green grass covered the earth as a bowing weeper cascaded its leaves and branches over my head. But most important of all, no one was there.

Concentrating on calling for my powers, I reached for that light inside of me. Looked deep until I found, once again, the point where dreams and nightmares met. And I let it free. Bright light swirled around my fingers, dancing on my skin. I tried striking, but it came out feeble and weak. Nothing like the strike that burnt the tree to its roots.

Worries started building inside of me.

Taking in another deep breath, I focused on my magic, let it drift by its own. And then, I let it go.

And I wished I didn't.

A thundering bolt emerged from my hands, the strength leaving my body with such speed it made my knees weak. The flare of magic caused wind to swirl around me, making my clothes rattle against my skin.

But it wasn't why I was scared.

It was because the area wasn't empty. Because a man appeared out of nowhere, landing straight in front of the attack. And everything around me blurred with panic. I almost screamed at the sound of crashing powers hit my hearing, but my voice was nowhere to be found.

And my heartbeats only ceased when the thunder died and the remaining flickers of magic were the ones of a protective barrier. And behind it, the student stood scratches-less. His protection faded, allowing me to see his face fully. Smoldering amber eyes lined with thick black lashes met mine, a burning intensity in them. And I didn't know if it was anger or shock. But I knew the recognition that sparked too strongly to be denied.

"I apologize,'' I said, walking to him. ''I hope you are not hurt.''

''I am clean, worry not,'' he replied, his eyes studying my every inch. ''Aren't you the court leader's newest student?''

''Yes, I am. My name is Celestia. And you are?''

"Blake, your name rings familiar. Does it happen that you know Carter Cardelyon?''

"Yes, we met at the Whitestone manor.''

"This explains it all. What are you doing here by your own?''

"Practicing; it is an assignment. I thought it would be safer where there is no one.''

''It surely would with the intensity of your power. But tell me, don't the new first year's students have a gathering with the professors at the moment?''

"Excuse me for a moment," I said, running to check my scroll. Worries washed over me as I realized what he said was true. And I was late. Ramos wouldn't be so glad.

"Do you need help finding your way?"

"I would appreciate it.''

''Then follow me,'' said Blake, leading the way.

*****Personal Message*****

Hope you enjoyed getting to discover the world of Ardoria through Celestia's eyes. What do you think about Blake? Will he play a role as she discovers her true self?

If you enjoyed this installment, please click the 'vote' button. It is such a simple act that shines as bright as thousand stars in an author's sky. If you so ever wish to get notified about each news and update, feel free to add this book to your library/reading list or follow, even.

Next update will be up on Saturday, 6. Until then, have a great day.