The Elemental Aspect (Book 1 of the Caster Project Series)

Chapter 12: The Arrival of the Five

Veranim remained silent. His fists were clenched as he was reminded of his blunder.

The Shadow simply scoffed. "That what I thought." The humanoid figure walked over to the cages and continued, "Because of the emergence with the new Casters, we must make Casters of our own. Already, I have one among them."

"You mean the peasant girl you found?"

"Indeed. She will prove to be instrumental. Already, she is being led to her objective."

"I don't understand. I thought she was meant to kill the Casters before they could master their power," the soldier said.

The Shadow chuckled as it faced it's subordinate. "Ah, the limits of being human. The destruction of the Caster's is only secondary for now. Her main goal therein lies with the King. With his downfall, Liskeon will severely be weakened, allowing us to take hold of the Region Stone."

"Is this what our master wants? Or is it what you want?" Veranim asked gruffly.

The creature hissed at the soldier. "Are you accusing me of betraying my master?! The same person who saved me from those vermin all those years ago!?"

"I'm just making sure that you have your priorities straight. Power is a dangerous tool, even when wielding the Region Stone."

"What do you know about wielding the stone? You weren't even born when it was first used."

"I know enough that if we intend to use the Stone, we should use it on the master. It could speed his revival tenfold."

"I know that you idiot! I was there when the Stone was used to revive the first Fire Caster. When he gave the killing blow, I was helpless to save my own master. I will never let that happen again."

"So," Veranim started. His hand was on the hilt of his sword as he continued. "What are your orders?"

"Attack Liskeon. Send your men to the West Gate. That is the least protected area of the city. Cause chaos and destruction. Force the Casters to face you. Once that happens, Aliana will fully be awakened."

"Very well," Veranim said. The warrior bowed to the Shadow and departed, leaving the entity alone in a cave full of cages.

===

As the group soared through the sky on their winged beasts, Vitiate was deep in thought. Recent events had forced his hand to bring the young Casters to Aralion. It was already hard enough for the mage to keep them safe, but in this world, the danger is everywhere. He sighed as he felt the wind hit his face. His peisil was gliding on the wind current as if it were surfing, adjusting its body when need be. Every decision he made was being judged by the High Council, and that made it all the more nerve-wracking.

He looked back and quietly smiled as the teenagers examined his home from above. It truly was a magical place. Fields made of glowing flowers that attracted the unlikeliest of creatures. Forests that spanned in all directions filled with the most beautiful wonders man could see. Mountains that reached for the sky and waterfalls as tall as skyscrapers spouted water to the surface. Oceans, so deep that the treasures awaiting below would be worth the venture. Even so, beauty holds danger, and in danger lies death.

As they continued to glide through the sky, he noticed at the corner of his eye that Catherine had caught up to him. He looked at the Light Caster as the wind lifted her hair. An awkward silence settled upon the two as the distant laughs of the others filled the sky.

"Thank you," Catherine suddenly said.

"Excuse me?" Vitiate asked. He was confused at the sudden choice of words.

The young woman sighed and looked at the mage. "I never got to properly thank you for saving us from Veranim. If you weren't there when it happened, we would've been killed, or worse."

"It was nothing. You all defended yourselves valiantly. Even without any training, you managed to control your powers and overcome trained warriors. That is no easy feat, Catherine."

"Still, I think it was just the adrenaline, the need to stay alive. He threatened us, and then, well I guess we all snapped" She looked at the towering mountains before them and continued, "When I killed that man, I didn't feel anything Vitiate. There was no remorse, no shock, just...nothing."

The mage bit the bottom of his lip as he bowed his head. "You killed the man in self-defense. I don't know what else to tell you. Perhaps you're in denial."

"Am I?" She asked. Tears started to form at the rim of her eyes as she tried to hold back her emotions. "I killed a man, Vitiate. A man who had a life, who probably had a wife and children. If I'm supposed to be one of your heroes, I don't know how I can do this job."

Vitiate remained silent as they flew over the city walls. He didn't realize that they were close until now. He looked at Catherine and said, "We'll continue this conversation later. I promise."

She only nodded and wiped the tears from her face as they approached the massive wooden doors. As the doors opened, a thousand fates would be tied to the young heroes. Away from prying eyes, the Stone shined as the trials began.