Bas felt Magnus approach. Looking up at the wizard, he watched as the man and his friends sat at the same table. This was a scouting mission, he thought.

  "Good morning, Yara. I see that you've come over to talk to the newest falcon as well," the fire wizard said sounding pleasant enough.

  "Congratulations, Falcon Sebastian, no hard feelings, right?" The man offered his hand for a shake to Bas.

  The falcon took it reluctantly, but tried to hide the feeling behind a wall of stone. "About what?," he replied in turn.

  "That's the spirit!," Magnus said as he clapped him on the back. "So, have you gotten to tell Yara of your experiences on patrol yet? I know that I'd be interested in finding out what you did that was so special they raised you to falcon. Maybe I can become wizard with the next patrol if I duplicate your success?"

  "There's not much to tell really. We were ambushed, but I felt it coming and disrupted it. Nearly half of the patrol was killed including Mirez who you might remember from the ride up to Windmeer."

  The wizard nodded soberly. "I had heard there were losses. I'm sorry. Go on, falcon."

  Surprised by the wizard's apparent caring, Bas continued. "We had several more wounded. Less than half of our group were still in fighting shape. It was decided to run for home before the main war party came for revenge. Doing what we could for our wounded and burying the dead, I was put in charge to lead us home."

  "But the others came back without you," one of the wizards said not comprehending. "If you led, why did Fala bring everyone back without you?"

  "I was getting to that. With our wounded slowing us down, Fala could tell that it would be a close thing. Making it back that is. I took Palose, the only other battle mage left and healthy. He was still considered a trainee, but the man was competent enough to be a falcon. Maybe better than me in some ways.

  "Anyway, Palose and I lay an ambush of our own for the nomads by doubling back on our trail. It worked by distracting them, but Palose was killed. I continued on using some of the healing magic I've learned and eventually reached the wall where I sent word of warning along the line. Then I came back by following the wall. No more nomads pursued once I neared the wall."

  The men all shook their heads. Bas noted the Magnus' eyes. Yara seemed to be looking for falseness in them, but, after exchanging glances, neither believed that they saw any.

  "Palose, was one of the other trainees we rode in with, wasn't he?," Magnus asked thoughtfully rubbing his chin.

  "Yes."

  "Seemed like a promising mage. Tough luck there too. You mages took some sore hits. I hear Justin died too?"

  "In the ambush, yes. He was dead by the time I reentered the camp. My healing magic had no chance of helping him. Fala survived as you already stated. I healed Ziera and Sergeant Bylok of severe wounds that they would have died from by the time they could have returned for other help. I'm glad that I had Yara teach me what she did," he nodded looking gratefully at the wizard across from him.

  "You were an excellent student," the woman replied with eyes glancing to the other wizards for displeasure. It was unheard of for her kind to try and teach a mage magic. The men actually clapped in appreciation. With the encouragement, Yara added, "I'm just glad that you asked for their sakes. You were right. If we can develop battle mages that can heal on the battlefield, I think a lot fewer would die of severe but less than fatal wounds. Most die from blood loss and not the original wound, you know."

  Magnus laughed, "Yara's a true healer, boys. Even now, she preaches the benefits of healing. I hope that you don't mind if I stick to what I do best, Yara. Healing just doesn't come easily to a fire wizard."

  "So why are you two hanging out?," another wizard asked from the group.

  "We became friends on the way to Windmeer, Rodmie," Yara said rolling her eyes. She expected such questions, but they still annoyed her. "Such friendships do occur once in awhile, you know?"

  The young man held up his hands

  defensively. "Yeesh, just asking. You don't need to take me out back and flog me for it."

  "You wish, Yara'd flog you, Rodmie," another of the wizards laughed.

  "In your dreams," Yara said looking disgustedly at Bas who could only shrug.

  "Ouch," Magnus added reaching towards his heart. "The healer can still do damage, Rodmie. Protect yourself. But really, Yara, you're telling me that you would rather hang out with a falcon," he clapped Bas on the shoulder like a close friend, "than give us lowly apprentices the benefits of your wisdom."

  The girl sighed, "Some people can't be taught." She smiled grimly and shook her head, "How much time did I spend with you, Magnus? Wisdom lost," she finished with another sigh and smiled brightly.

  The other wizards laughed at their leader who feigned injury. "Waiter! Check, please!," he added looking for the imaginary help.

  Bas stood up. He was finished and had to report to headquarters for his new assignment. A new mentor of sorts would be given him as he learned his new duties. "Maybe I'll see you later, Yara," he stated non-chalantly. "Later, gentlemen."

  Yara nodded, "Perhaps. It is a small castle, after all."

  The apprentices said goodbye in a friendly enough way as Bas walked away. At the door, he tried to casually look back for a last glance at Yara. The woman was talking with the wizards comfortably, but he noted her eyes flick to him and he waved with a curt flick of his hand. A small smile touched her lips and she looked away.

  Chapter 29-Surprising Events

  Bas was surprised to find out his first assignment. Mages were an uncomplicated lot in general. Like most soldiers, they trained. Day in and day out, their goal was to attain perfection. Different drills were performed. Different skills were focused on with each different drill, but in the end all of it was training to become the fiercest warriors possible with the help of their battle magic.

  One of the fiercest looking mages was named Rathmor. A giant battle mage in his late thirties, the man still looked capable of breaking any two men in half with his bare hands. It was said that the mage could use his fire sword to fell a fair sized tree with one mighty stroke. When Bas witnessed the legend coming towards him, he swallowed hard and believed.

  "Falcon Sebastian?," the giant pointed at Bas and gestured to follow. "I will be your new mentor for now. If you're sent back to White Hall, you might be assigned to someone else there, but, for now, you are mine to do with as I must." His deep voice seemed to shatter the air between them. There was nothing about Rathmor that was soft, Bas thought.

  Bas nodded.

  The giant began to walk and, like a faithful puppy, the new falcon found himself following behind. "Most of the time you'll be training like everyone else does. Other times, we help out in town or ride patrol. You know about the patrols or you wouldn't be here. Today you get the unique experience of training in a cadet."

  Bas started. "A cadet?"

  The giant chuckled. "Yeah, a cadet. You'll like her, but don't drool. She's a strong fighter and doesn't seem to like being treated like a flower in a garden. You'll put her through the standard paces and I'll keep an eye on you both. I'm told that you're a fair swordsman. Let's see if you can teach some of that to someone else."

  Soon, he found himself on a training ground that he hadn't used before, which wasn't surprising since he had hardly been at Windmeer since his transfer. Several trainees and their tutors were already sparring. Another surprise quickly followed and Rathmor pointed to a tall girl with brown hair.

  "Falcon Sebastian this is...," the giant began.

  "Sylvie?!," Bas cried out gleefully.

  The girl started and came over to give him a quick hug. "Bas... er, Falcon Sebastian?," she replied in confusion as she noticed his new uniform colors. "What happened to you? I only saw you two weeks ago."

  He chuckled.

  "You two know each other?," Rathmor asked shaking his head. "Damn administration, can't keep this sort of stuff straight to save my life."

  "It's a long story, Sylvie. I'll have to tell you later," Bas added with a wink.

  The girl nodded and turned to Rathmor expectantly.

  "All right, all right, enough pleasantries. If you're ready, cadet, Falcon Sebastian here will be today's sparring partner."

  Sylvie drew her sword.

  "Sword," Bas ordered his blue fire blade unthinkingly.

  Sylvie nearly dropped her weapon as her jaw followed. "How'd you do that? Falcon Rathmor, that's not in any book that I've seen."

  Bas turned to look at the mute giant who looked equally surprised by the event.

  Running his fingers through his hair selfconsciously, Bas replied, "Part of the long story. I've been learning new tricks along the way. I haven't used my sword in more than a week. The sword spell is just as natural to me now."

  "You'll need to teach me that one, Bas," Sylvie grinned.

  "Me too," the giant mumbled appreciatively. "All right, enough surprises and reunions, time to spar. Take your positions. Shields up unless the falcon has something else to show us today?" The last was said sarcastically.

  "I'm fine for the moment. Thanks," Bas replied before summoning his shield.

  Sylvie called up her mage version of the fire sword to counter his own and they began. Bas hadn't tested Sylvie in ages. The girl's strength was known to him and respected, but her speed was also respectable. Several minutes into the session and both participants were sweating.

  "Should we try stepping it up, Rathmor?," Bas asked after awhile. He was curious if his friend had mastered the technique yet herself.

  "Do you know the spell, cadet?"

  "Of course, sir. It's rare that we get to use it at White Hall."

  Rathmor smiled though neither of the sparring partners noticed as they kept at their attacks and defense. Bas stepped back as did Sylvie. "Reflex," they said simultaneously. "Now," Bas nodded and returned to the fray.

  Sylvie joined him with a grin. "You're good, Bas," she stated through gasps of breath as the girl fought. "You want to go full out against each other?"

  Bas smiled. "Are you sure? I didn't get to be a falcon by a total fluke, you know. I fought Raven Stallis for the right."

  "Stallis? No kidding?," the girl said appreciatively. "Did you win?"

  Bas's grin slipped a bit. "No."

  "Then stop trying to brag and show me what you've got. No holds barred. Any magic goes."

  The girl attacked harder. She tried a gust attack which Bas reflected back at her effortlessly. She let go of a fireball which was equally useless against the falcon. Attacking high and low, Sylvie did her best to unsettle her friend and opponent.

  When he judged her through with her attempts at magic, Bas grinned, "My turn." The girl's eyes raised at the wolfish grin, but she didn't show fear. As swordsmen, they were closely matched. "Sun!," he ordered the light blade. Sylvie fell back blinking. "Gust!," he added throwing dust in her face. She began to cough and tears came unbidden from her assaulted eyes. "Ice!," he lay a patch just behind the blinded girl. "Air lance!," he stated dropping the other spells. Giving her a shove with the lance, Sylvie stepped onto the ice and slipped. Crashing to the ground, her sword flew from her hand and the shield crumbled.

  Sylvie saw the end of the lance pointed at her throat and croaked through her dry and dusted mouth, "I give."

  Bas released the spell and pulled Sylvie up and gave her a hug. She scrubbed at her eyes and shook her head with a rueful smile. "I shouldn't have brought in the magic, should I?"

  "Probably not," he chuckled.

  Laughter and clapping suddenly surrounded the two friends. Bas realized that all the other men and women in the yard were watching. He had to stop drawing crowds one of these days, he thought to himself.

  "What was that, Sebastian?," Rathmor asked over the noise. "A sword as bright as the sun, ice thrown so effortlessly, and an air lance? I'm glad you used the gust. At least I know that one well."

  Bas chuckled. "I'm what they're calling a mizard."

  "A what?," someone in the crowd asked even as others began to ask the same thing.

  "Another battle mage came up with the word," Bas explained. "It means that, even though I'm a battle mage, I've got an affinity for magic almost like a wizard. I've begun translating some of their magic into ours. The higher ups seem happy enough about that."

  "Teach me," some one yelled from the crowd.

  "Is it all right?," Bas asked turning to Rathmor.

  "I'm not your mother, Sebastian. You're a falcon. But if you don't show me at least one of those spells today, I'll be forced to beat them out of you," he laughed.

  "Oh, you don't want to try that, Rathmor. You wouldn't want to see what I do to giants," he said with a wink to Sylvie who was finally recovering.

  The girl thought a moment and paled. "He's right, sir. The last giant I saw Bas fight was turned to stone."

  Rathmor paled a bit himself. "You know that I was joking right?"

  Bas laughed. "All right. Let's start with the fire sword technique," he said turning to the crowd gathered around him. "Form a semicircle. I don't want anyone to have to keep asking me how because they can't see it." The mages, cadet and falcon all, moved quickly to follow his order.

  Bas wanted to laugh again, but, summoning the stone face, the mage tried to put himself forward as a stern teacher and began with the basics.

  Dinner came with the sixth bell. The first moon hung low in the east. A last orange glow of the sun touched the western sky. The sun had set only a few moments before dinner began.

  Bas sat with Sylvie at one end of a long table.

  "So Elzen is still at White Hall?," the mage asked of his friend.

  Sylvie took a sip of her cup to wash down the dry roast that had been offered that night. "He was told that he wasn't good enough with a sword yet."

  Bas raised his hands in confusion, "But he's good with his hand shields. I'm surprised that they wouldn't cut him some slack."

  Shrugging, Sylvie suggested, "He got started at White Hall later like you did. I'm a year and a half younger than you and already at Windmeer for my first time. Maybe he'll need to wait until nineteen like you?"

  "Who knows?," Bas replied. "Oh well, it's good to see you here already anyway."

  "Missed me already, huh?," she grinned.

  With a sigh, Bas nodded, "Actually, yeah. Do you remember Palose?"

  "Sure, he left at the same time you did. Didn't he? Why? Did he make falcon too?"

  Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Bas replied, "Not exactly. He went with me on patrol. We were attacked by nomads. The first attack he survived without a wound. We were chased and I was put in charge long enough to make him come with me to create a diversion. The wounded needed more time to make it back to Windmeer. Palose was killed."

  The girl reached across the table to hold his hand. "I'm sorry, Bas. You two got close and he died?"

  "Yeah. I wish that you and Elzen had been here when I got back. I could have used friends like you to help me through."

  "But not to come along for the fight, huh?," the girl looked a little hurt at the thought.

  "We lost half the squad, Sylvie. I wouldn't say that I would want to risk you two being among the dead, but, in most scraps, you know that I want you two along to watch my back. That's what friends are for, especially in a battle mage."

  "You've got me here now, but you seem to have gotten through it already."

  Bas shrugged, "Mostly, though there are times when I get depressed still, but luckily I've made a few friends here that helped me out." He glanced around, but didn't see Yara or Fala yet.

  "You've changed a lot in just a couple of weeks," the girl noted. "I see some pain, but also.... You've got a girlfriend, don't you?"

  Bas looked at her amazed. "Yes and no," was his tactful reply. He felt eyes on him. Magnus sat a table away and, noting Bas's glance, raised his glass in acknowledgement. The wizard smiled, but the mage still wondered if the man hid an agenda meant for him. Bas smiled back and nodded.

  Sylvie turned and noted Magnus. Turning back to him, she whispered, "Don't tell me that you've made friends with Magnus?"

  "I beat him in a battle circle challenge."

  "You fought the wizard in a battle circle?," the girl looked shocked.

  "It wasn't even close," he replied smugly. "We mages have an edge in a fair fight with a wizard. They can't use their spells fast enough in a melee. They need room and a little time. Magnus's

  swordsmanship wasn't as good as his mouth.

  "He still seemed ready to try something, until I returned and was promoted. I figured that he would still want to get back at me, but this morning, when I ate breakfast with Yara, he seemed civil, even pleasant."

  "They say a boar is pleasant enough company until he decides to gore you with his tusks," Sylvie replied with her take on an old saying.

  "I agree with you, but I still feel obligated to give him the benefit of the doubt. We are allies after all."

  The girl nodded, "But don't let down your guard even so. Enough about him. Who's this Yara person? Is that the girl who's kind of your girlfriend?"

  He smiled slightly. "Don't spread it around, all right? We're trying to keep our relationship secret. Only you and Fala know."

  "Fala? How many girls do you know?"

  "Wizard Fala is the one who I learned the air lance from. She and I are friends."

  "Friends with a wizard? Are you insane, Bas?," the girl looked stunned by the news. "Unless Windmeer is different, wizards tend to hate us mages and vice versa."

  Bas grinned. "Then I guess you don't know Yara either?"

  "Oh no, Bas, please don't tell me you're in love with a wizard," she whispered trying to avoid letting anyone hear.

  He shrugged. "That's why you can't tell anyone. She's still an apprentice healer."

  The girl slapped her forehead. Several eyes turned their way, and Sylvie leaned forward to whisper quietly. "They're the worst ones, Bas. If you mess with one of those, they know it instantly. You're gonna get yourself killed messing with her."

 

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