The mage from nowhere, p.34
The Mage From Nowhere, page 34
“Mastery of radiance lC, C, uC
Light and heat: C, D.
Gravity field: C, E, G (extremely mana-consuming spell)
Heat beam: lC, C, lD, D. *NEEDS TESTING, NOT YET CAST BECAUSE TARAK CANNOT DO IT. HE TRIED WITH C, D AND IT ONLY MADE A SMALL AMOUNT OF LIGHT AND HEAT*”
Tarak huffed at seeing Charlie’s note with all capital letters and remembering how disappointed Charlie was when Tarak could not cast all four notes at the same time. Tarak needed more time to practice, but he wasn’t very inclined until Charlie better explained what he meant by heat beam. What was the point of that? Who cared about a beam of heat? Charlie claimed it might be exceptionally powerful, but Tarak figured a better use of his energy was spent practicing with gravity and light.
He continued reading.
“TIME
Time A, C, E
Slow: lA, A (Add more octaves of A to make time slow even more). Add G to make the spell stick to a target.
Time Bubble: lB, A, C, E! —2B, 3G. Add Octaves of A before the rev to make the spell slow time even more.
Caarda can read time with just three notes A, C, E, but that spell only creates an image of Caarda reading time, like a loop. With a bit more focus, he can push this spell to show some versions of himself in the future, but they are very limited and unclear.
Other spells are more practical but far more difficult:
Read Energy: A, C, E, D (A,C, E, is the base spell of time. Add D to read energy.).
Read Gravity: A, C, E, B (A,C, E, is the base spell of time. Add B to read gravity.)
Here is where things start to become tricky:
Read multiple paths of time and energy: A, C, E, D, uA, uD
Read multiple paths of time and gravity: A, C, E, B, uA, uB
These two spells are not that useful yet because they are missing one key ingredient, something that tells mana to read matter as well, and that is the combination of B (energy) and D (gravity).
The spell listed below is the primary spell Caarda uses to predict the futures of not just himself but others whose mana he can connect with. He connects to their mana because they are close or because their paths of time intersect with his. To someone who does not understand sorcery, it may look like a rudimentary spell, but it is actually the strangest spell I have ever come across because it is just five notes in order! I never would’ve guessed a spell could have three notes in order, let alone five! There are no cases of this in history.
Read All: A, B, C, D, E.
Very strange!
Note: We had no name for “All,” but it is energy, gravity, matter, and time all combined. It is basically more than the world we see and feel. It is what shapes our world, what creates the rules we must follow, and seems to be connected to mana in ways we might never understand. It is everything around everywhere, and it is also time, which seems to be its own thing that I am still trying to understand. It most certainly needs a name. For now Leon and I have agreed to call it the continuum.
Read Continuum: A, B, C, D, E.
Now here is where things become even more tricky!
Read Multiple Paths of Continuum: A, B, C, D, E, uA, uB, uC, uD, uE
Caarda describes casting the spell like mashing his mana together until it clicks and then pushing it out with all of his strength. His readings are not very clear compared to using half the notes. It is usually feelings, sometimes sounds and images, that his mana provides to him. It is for this reason that he can usually only discern extreme events like cataclysmic disasters, large-scale battles, or death. Everything in between is fuzz, blur, haze. There are many words he has used, but he says none do it justice. It is more like a dream he is incapable of remembering. He only uses this many notes when trying to see further into the future, past the point the normal “Read Continuum” spell can see.
Final notes
There are clearly three subdivisions within the divination specialization: gravity, light, and time. This discovery is incredibly exciting because of how structured everything is within the tree. Gravity is C, E, and G. Time is A, C, and E. And Light is lC, C, uC.
I believe these three spells will produce results in every tree. It is the variation of these spells, the branches, that differ from tree to tree. Much more testing needs to be done to discover every spell for the other trees. However, I believe we have completed almost the entire divination tree!
There may be single notes, possibly in the Low-Lower octaves, that may produce an undiscovered spell, like how our ranger uses Earth (llG) to sense movement on the continuum. However, I find that to be unlikely. It is more likely for octaves to produce results, as this seems to be a theme in this specialization. I imagine our ranger might even find more ability to sense movement if she added an octave of G to her spell of llG, but she does not have the range for it, and no one else has the range to reach llG.
I also think there may be other versions of Gravity by using the Lower or Upper octaves of C, E, and G, but they will probably just produce a weaker version of the primary Gravity spell: Middle C, E and G.
Lastly, the divination tree has shown that something we once thought to be impossible is actually possible! Modifying an element not made by mana can be done. Time can be slowed by mana. And there are even specific gravity spells that seem to negate the effect of gravity as if the natural gravity itself is changed by the mana. However, these spells seem to be done with bubbles of mana surrounding the target, usually revs. (That goes to say there might be other “bubble” spells in other trees.) It is only within these mana-made bubbles that natural time/gravity/light are negated. It does not seem possible for Caarda to surround, say, a tree with a bubble of gravity and have it lift out of the ground by negating natural gravity. Even he cannot make the bubble much larger than the height and width of two men standing beside each other, so I doubt anyone can make one much bigger.
I believe, however, that neither natural gravity nor time can be reversed. I also believe light cannot be destroyed. All three can be altered, however. Now that we know these three natural forces can be modified by mana, I predict that mana can actually alter other natural elements as well. For example, mana should be able to change water into ice or even into vapor. It might even be able to change the state of other elements. As a metal mage, I know some elements already can be manipulated this way. Why not all of them? What is stopping us? What other elements is mana capable of making? Stone? Metal? This is only the beginning!”
Charlie’s writing might’ve been the only thing Tarak could read that made him forget about his appetite. It gave Tarak an inside look into Charlie’s mind, and while it was often complex and even insulting at times, there was a beautiful clarity to it.
Tarak took the scrolls of notes with him as he left the apartments and happily strolled over to the great hall nearby. He walked into the dining quarters, glad to see Charlie sitting with the other two boys, Michael and Reuben. He sat in front of Charlie, next to Michael, and handed over the scrolls.
“Charlie, my good man, I will read anything you write. These are fine notes. Damn fine notes!”
A large smile split Charlie’s face. “Thank you! It is exciting, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Tarak agreed, but then realized he didn’t know what Charlie was referring to. “What is exciting, exactly?”
“We can use our discovery about the divination tree to figure out others.”
Tarak felt someone looking at him a ways down the long table. He caught Illia’s glance. She waved, her new bracelet glittering from the sunlight entering through the windows. He waved back.
“Speaking of,” Tarak said, “Come with me a moment, Charlie.” Tarak stood up and started toward the girls’ side of the table.
“What for?” Charlie asked, though he followed along his side of the table.
“You are interested in the discovery of other trees, are you not?”
“Of course.”
“Illia,” Tarak said as they arrived. She sat at the end of the group of girls, with Eden beside her, and Aliana and the princess on the other side. Illia stood up.
“Tarak?”
“How am I to explain this?” he asked himself. “Sorcery,” he told her. “Make sorcery, and Charlie here will tell you what it is.”
Charlie mumbled, “I might not be able to, Tarak, if it’s a tree I don’t recognize.”
“Have confidence, my friend. The bigger issue is getting through to Illy.” She seemed confused. Tarak pointed at the bracelet, then closed his fist as if for strength. “Sorcery, Illy. Make sorcery.”
She shook her head. “Ya itrasi,” she said.
Tarak knew “ya” was “I” from previous conversations, and he figured from her demeanor that “itrasi” had to be “cannot.” That meant she at least understood his request.
“You can,” he said, then made another gesture of strength.
But Illia shook her head. “Ya itrasi,” she repeated. “I not. I know not,” she said in common tongue.
“Feel.” He put his hand over her chest.
Charlie said, “Sorcery is almost never done by feeling alone.”
“What about Caarda?”
“That is different. He is exceptional.”
“Illy probably is as well. How else would you explain her use of sorcery without knowing what she is doing?”
“Tarak?” she asked.
“I am to try something,” Tarak announced, then moved Illia’s hair out of her face. He leaned down as if to kiss her. Her cheeks became flushed as she glanced around nervously at the many watching them.
Suddenly Tarak became nervous as well. Her bracelet glowed.
“Now, Charlie!” Tarak said.
Charlie stuck his hand between Tarak and Illia. He gasped. “It’s the note C, and it’s the mortal magic tree!”
“Are you certain?” Tarak asked.
“Yes! This is a fine discovery, Tarak. I have been wondering what the notes of C create in the mortal magic tree. Leon uses notes of F for healing and G for power. I had assumed the main chords of the tree were not based on C, like they are in the elemental tree. Just in case I was wrong, I had Leon test with notes of C but nothing happened. Now I see he is not capable of affecting emotions like Illia can.”
“Thank the powers for that,” Tarak said.
“C is the basis after all! A very fine discovery! I wonder what else we can find?”
“Tarak?” Illia asked.
“Good! Very good!” Tarak replied.
“Good?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“You are a sorcerer. Powerful!”
She grinned. “I?”
“Yes.”
Illia laughed and hugged Tarak.
“Charlie, what is she doing when she casts C?”
“I can only guess that this is where the curse wound up after magic reverted back to the old ways. It was a spell of dteria that required blood or hair before, and often other ingredients. Now it appears that ingredients are no longer necessary and it is part of the mortal magic tree, along with healing and strength.”
“So it is a curse?”
“No…maybe?” Charlie scratched his head. “But curses had lasting effects even when they were over. Her spells do not. Perhaps those were simply side-effects of using dteria in general.”
“But what is she doing with her mana precisely?” Tarak asked. “I felt nervous.”
Callie spoke. “She must be projecting her emotions through mana in some way that changes yours. I felt nervous as well, though just for a moment.”
“I did, too,” Aliana said.
Charlie said, “Curses have been known to amplify emotions and even affect the caster. Isn’t that right, Eden?”
Eden, who Tarak still hadn’t gotten to know, rubbed her dark eyebrow for a moment. “I haven’t used a curse in a long time, Charlie, and I was never very good at them.”
“But they amplified emotions, didn’t they?” Charlie asked knowingly.
“Yes, but Illia’s spell doesn’t feel like a curse to me,” she replied. “Like you said, there is no after-effect like with curses, and it feels more like a natural shift of emotion. The destruction of dteria probably has something to do with that.”
Callie said, “Whatever’s happening, it affects everyone with mana and seems to be out of her control.”
“Her skill can be pinpointed with training,” Charlie suggested. “Tell her that, Tarak.”
“I do not know how to say that.”
“You don’t know analyse?”
“No,” Tarak said. “Only a few words.”
“Then how have you and Illia become romantic with each other?” Charlie asked.
There were a few snickers.
Michael chimed in, “I’ve wondered the same thing, actually. How did that even begin?”
“Attraction,” Tarak answered.
“Probably Illia’s spells gone awry,” Aliana muttered.
“Tarak?” Illia asked, clearly confused.
He inhaled and exhaled slowly as he tried to figure out how to explain.
“What the hell is this?” Leon blurted from behind Tarak. “There is an Ancient coming who might want Tarak dead and all of you are gabbing away like it’s any other day!”
“We’re eating,” Aliana argued.
Charlie added, “And confirming Illia’s sorcery. She uses the mortal magic tree.”
“I don’t care right now. The only reason we stayed up so late with Caarda last night was because he’s not likely to stick around. There is no more time to waste. All of you should finish your food and prepare. I have just spoken with Arthur. The Ancient will arrive momentarily.”
Tarak cursed inwardly and rushed back to his spot where his untouched food awaited. “Where is my father?”
“Here, Tarak,” Caarda announced as he entered the dining quarters. He made a fist and turned his hand. He crouched to put one knee down and bowed his head. Then he growled like an animal.
“Oh so dramatic,” Michael whispered. “It’s like watching a play.”
“He does that when something has exceptionally pissed him off,” Tarak said, not as amused as Michael.
Caarda muttered to himself. “Why? How? I do not understand.”
Not a sound could be heard, and it didn’t need to be. Tarak felt more from his mana than his ears could ever tell him. The Ancient was here in the courtyard, and it was awfully similar to how Tarak felt standing near Caarda now that he was in touch with his mana. There was one difference, though.
Power.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Caarda slowly got up and walked out of the dining quarters as he mumbled to himself. “I know how this is possible. I know.” He sounded to be speaking through gritted teeth. “You are wicked!”
Tarak ran to catch up with his father. He could hear the other sorcerers behind him.
“You know the Ancient?” Tarak asked.
“You know him as well, Tarak,” Caarda replied as they entered the courtyard.
Tarak shivered as he thought about what that meant.
The workers had cleared, leaving it empty save the many guards staring down from the ramparts. Arthur stood beside a man who could not be seen. An enchantment remained active on him, his body a mirror. Only his height could be discerned, and he was as tall as Caarda.
The king stepped out from the keep. Leon took his place in front of his majesty as if for protection. The king’s two advisors came out soon after and opted to stand behind Leon as well. Illia went over to Zarin, no doubt for translation.
“There is no reason to hide any longer,” Caarda said. “I feel who you are.”
Arthur appeared confused as he looked back and forth between Caarda and the Ancient. “How is it possible you know him?” he asked Caarda.
The enchantment fell. The Ancient wore a disapproving look on his long face. “Because I am his father,” said the Ancient.
Basael. Tarak cursed under his breath. My grandfather. Caarda said he was dead.
“You cannot call yourself that any longer,” Caarda said. “Not after what you have done.”
Basael had long hair, blond and straight. His eyes, pale blue, seemed to shine among his otherwise dull skin tone. He had a somewhat thin and narrow face, and a wide chin that seemed to meet his cheekbones. Although completely unwrinkled and not a gray hair on him, he somehow appeared old. It might’ve been his manner of standing, as if life had taken away his vigor, even if it had not aged him in other ways.
That was not to say he appeared weak. There was an aura about him, like a spell just before fruition. He held great power, though Tarak assumed only those sensitive to mana could feel it.
“What have I done?” Basael spoke rhetorically. “I am returned to help these people in need. I have provided them rain. I have caught their elusive criminals. I have even saved the life of your son and this ranger.” He gestured at Aliana. “They would both be dead if not for my warning.”
“You pretend to be good,” Caarda accused, “but you are wicked. You must have left before the celestial body destroyed Curdith Forest. You saw it coming and warned no one so you could pretend to have been killed. Where have you been all this time? You claim to be good, but I do not see it. People have been in need for centuries. All you have done is push me and Airinold to create dteria. I figured out why. You had already manipulated mana to grant yourself power. The more sorcerers there were, the more powerful you would become. I have figured out everything about you. You are wicked!”
“You are wise, are you? Tell me, Caarda. Why might I seek more power through sorcery? I will offer a hint. It is not from wickedness.”
“I cannot trust you, for you have lied.”
“Why did I lie?” Basael shouted. “Why Caarda? Was it not to protect?”
“Protect who? Who do you claim to protect?”
“I protect everyone in Dorrinthal.” The strength faded from Basael’s voice. “I tried, at least. I have failed. Now we may be doomed unless my advice is followed.”
“Lies and lies,” Caarda accused. “You lied about your reason for changing sorcery. You wanted only to empower yourself. You lied about your death. You lied to these people about who you are.”
