《Throes of Chaos》


 Arrival at Gandava

    The air was crisp with the bite of the impending winter as students bustled through the courtyards of the Driochta Academy. Callum sniffled and briefly pulled his handkerchief to wipe his nose. He looked down at his coat, brown leather handsewn by his mother on his 16th birthday, and smiled. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Winter didn¡¯t get this cold in the south, not even after the Attrition. His father told him stories passed down from his great-grandfather about how it ¡°never so much as snowed¡± in Tarrintown. The weather was the same on every day of every year. Even in father¡¯s retelling, Callum could tell that his great-grandfather yearned for simpler times. The predictable weather patterns made farming more of a task and less of an art. Callum stopped suddenly as he entered the main square of the campus, his attention drawn to the enormous tower in front of him. It had to be nearly a mile high, made of the most ornate and well-carved stone he¡¯d ever seen. His back foot moved without thought and caught him - Callum¡¯s sense of balance did not enjoy looking at something this tall, apparently. He quickly stood up straight, his embarrassment telling him not to look around for fear of someone having taken notice.


    Callum continued forward toward the towering building that would be his new home - the Driochta - the best and largest academy of learned magic in the entire world. He had received a raven from the archmage¡¯s office two weeks before, informing him of his acceptance and providing direction on travel. His father was ecstatic to hear of Callum¡¯s approval, and gifted him a riding horse named Thicket, who safely brought him across the continent over the next 12 days. Callum¡¯s father, Galdren, was an accomplished mage who studied at the Driochta as well, and with Callum now being accepted, he¡¯d only been the 2nd human from the entire city of Tarrintown to be accepted. Much had been learned of magic since the Attrition, and one thing that had become clear is that humans did not possess the highest innate ability to learn it. With one of the shorter lifespans of all the species in the world, it was difficult for most humans to truly gain a grasp on magic in such a short time.


    Callum walked up the large, marble staircase that wrapped the front of the ornate stone tower, alongside several other students and professors, who all seemed too busy to notice him. Not that this surprised Callum; he learned at a young age that there wasn¡¯t anything truly remarkable about his appearance. Short, shaggy brown hair, tan skin, freckles, and hazel eyes were a fairly common description for a human from the south. He blended in just fine with any farmer or blacksmith¡¯s apprentice for many miles around. He did begin to notice, however, that he was one of the only humans in the area. He began to take a tally as he traversed up the stairs toward the Grand Hall. The first he saw was two elven girls, possibly twins, who were rushing excitedly down the stairs. They were¡­ Arbor Elves? Callum thought to himself, believing this to be correct from his limited knowledge. All elves had distinct pointed ears and sharp features, but arbor elves had darker skin than their counterparts, and usually reddish brown hair. These two fit the bill. Callum counted a number of arbor elves as well as a starlight elf - paler skin with silver hair, standing a head taller than his counterparts from the wooded areas of the continent, and with a certain air about him. He always admired elves, they had a grace to them that Callum couldn¡¯t explain. Perhaps it had been simply because he had seen so few growing up in the south, but it was almost as if they would float ever-so-slightly as they walked. Callum then quickly noticed a couple of Drakken - they weren¡¯t hard to miss - taller than even the tallest elves, Drakken had scales ranging a number of colors anywhere from black to white and all shades in between. The two he saw were cinderdrakken, with bright red scales, draconic features, a tail, and a natural affinity for fire. He had a friend, Branax, back home who was also a cinderdrakken, and he was always an excellent help at his father¡¯s forge. Drakken were common enough back home - more common than any other species anyway - and Callum believed he had been told that was still true for the majority of the world. As he finished the long climb up the grand staircase, he took note of a few dwarves, red dwarves he believed, standing at the top and making jokes to each other. Dwarves were also a common sight at home. Strong-minded, boastful folk as they were, you would never find a person more willing to give you the shirt off their back than a dwarf. Callum took a long breath in and stopped to capture the view behind him. He could see the entire southern bay from up here on the platform. It was a stunning view. The sun was getting ready to set off toward the western horizon to his right, and the bay was glistening, dotted with the last ships of the day making port. Something in his head told him that once he turned around and entered the grand hall, his life was going to be different. Taking one last look at the horizon, he took another breath and pivoted on his heel, marching determined toward the doors.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The Grand Hall buzzed with anticipation. Although classes would not begin for nearly a day and a half more, many students had arrived early and were being assigned rooms, meeting new roommates, and taking in the verbosity of the hall before them. Callum¡¯s father had described it to him growing up, but to see it himself was another experience entirely. Pillars made of ornately etched marble surrounded the long, rectangular room. The nearly fifty-foot tall ceiling of the Grand Hall was painted with ornate tapestries of historical events in between robust wooden beams, and a large staircase to the second floor dominated the back of the room. He walked forward, noticing a makeshift greeting center off to the right where several new students had lined up. He assumed this was the right place, as everyone in this area had mismatched clothes from home, juxtaposed by all of the other people in the room wearing their official robes. Callum was impressed by the quality as one current student drifted by; long, dark blue robes with a silver cloth belt. It appeared to have quite a few pockets, as well as a padded hood, presumably for the impending winter. The man in front of him turned quickly once he noticed Callum standing behind him, an elven man with wild brown hair and bright green eyes stared at him, smiling.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Avandor! It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you¡± he said with a soft voice that could hardly hide his excitement. The elf extended his hand, and Callum quickly shook it. ¡°Callum.. Callum Thorne.¡± Callum smiled, happy at the thought of making a friend this quickly. ¡°Amazing! Amazing! A human! Wow, you don¡¯t see a lot of humans passing the entry exam for this place, I imagine you¡¯re quite the quick learner, then, eh?¡± His eyes widened in an almost unnatural way as he let his enthusiasm escape. Callum cleared his throat and barely got a chance to mumble some affirmation before a booming voice called out from behind his new friend: ¡°NEXT¡± the voice echoed through the Great Hall. Avandor quickly and effortlessly spun around toward the desk in the front of the line.


    Callum wasn¡¯t sure when or how the line got so short, but he was relieved that he was going to get his room information soon - he was truly exhausted from the last 12 days of travel. Even on the safe, main roads through Validaine, the continent was still a place to remain vigilant. There had been rumors of Skolkin taking up residence in the ruins of Blightspear, and the road from Tarrintown to Gandava skates awfully close to that ancient place. Don¡¯t you think about rooting around that old ruin, Callum. It¡¯s full of memories of death and blood. He remembered his father¡¯s words as he left several mornings ago. Callum was already a learned student of history, and knowing that the entire city of Blightspear was reduced to rubble during the Attrition did spark a bit of curiosity in the young boy¡¯s heart, but not enough to overcome the fear his father¡¯s words left.


    Almost drifting off to sleep standing there, Callum roused suddenly when he felt a breeze hit his face. He refocused his eyes and caught a glimpse of Avandor rushing past him, Callum was next in line. He turned to face the source of the booming yell heard moments ago and was surprised to see a woman - an older dwarven woman with long red hair, tied back in a neat braid, sporting a long braided beard, impatiently looking at Callum. ¡°Well, come on then, I haven¡¯t got all night and you look like you need a room¡± she exclaimed. He stepped another pace toward the desk and reached into his jacket pocket, retrieving the acceptance letter and placing it neatly in the hands of the woman. She opened it and her eyes darted across the page. She quickly put it down and haphazardly began shuffling through other papers on the desk. ¡°Thane, Theirra, Thorpe - ope, there it is, Thorne¡± her eyes narrowed, as if to read smaller text - ¡°Says here you¡¯ll be in Gander Hall on the fourth floor, and your roommate is Brand Hallspark¡± she handed him a small pamphlet and forced a smile. ¡°Go up the center stairs and take the hall on either side¡± she pointed behind him - ¡°you¡¯ll find the dormitory stairs through the first door, then your room number should be easy to find from there. Brand hasn¡¯t arrived yet, so you may have the place to yourself tonight. Good luck.¡± She quickly stated. He turned around to give a thankful smile, but stopped short when he noticed her waving her hands aggressively, as if to shoo him. He quickly stepped toward the center stairs, excited to lay in a warm bed for the first time in weeks.

 Life

    The winter has fully arrived in Gandava now ¡ª only a month into his first term, Callum was struggling to cope with the bitter cold that the academy common areas exposed him to. Even with the decent layer of fur on his school cloak felt meager when the wind kicked up as it often did. He moved hurriedly through the alchemy hall on the fourth floor to the west staircase for his Histories & Exploration lesson, now running late after stumbling into Gemma in the hallway. Gemma was the first person who forced Callum out of his shell during his first few weeks. She had long braided hair of jet black set against her ashen skin. They bonded quickly over their kindred upbringings; she was an Ashok, a being native to Clayburn, the southern capital and the nearest city to Callum¡¯s hometown of Tarrintown. Callum always admired the Ashok. A strong, large-statured folk with tusks, and eyes like fire. They were the predominant species in Clayburn, and they ran the city with order and elegance.


    ¡°Young Master Thorne, you''re late!¡± Professor Thena barked at him as he entered the auditorium, trying and failing to remain unseen. Callum nodded and quickened his pace to find any available seat. The Elemental class was difficult to get into for a first year student, but Callum got lucky. Scanning the rows, Callum was beginning to think there wasn''t one left, until he spotted a smiling Avandor near the back, waving at Callum excitedly and smiling wide. Callum let a bit of frustrated breath from his nose, knowing he wouldn''t learn as much as he could today sitting next to Avandor. He rolled his eyes and let out a curt smile as he sat down next to the overly energetic elf. Avandor, while a bit excitable at times, was a clever young man and had been very kind to Callum when a number of other students sneered at him. Callum had been performing well in his classes so far; well enough, in fact, that several other first years had taken a disliking to Callum and spread rumors that he was only accepted to the Driochta because of his father''s reputation. ¡°Well now, let''s get started.¡± Professor Thena cleared her throat. ¡°Although the lands of our world are vastly unexplored outside of our home here on Validaine, there have been a number of expeditions that scholars and explorers have made that have had a significant impact on our understanding of magic.  Until merely thirty-two years ago, it was thought that Order was the sole source of magic. We now know, due to research completed during excursions Eastward into the Syneri desert, that the native Synerians have channeled a second source for their healing magic: Life. It has now been theorized that Life magic exists everywhere, but we know very little about it.¡±


    Callum''s jaw opened slightly ¡ª never did he think he would''ve been present to learn about a second source of magic during his time here. Whispers began humming across the auditorium before Professor Thena tapped her wand on the podium. The room sat still after a moment as she cleared her throat and smiled. ¡°To answer some questions about this newfound source of magic, we have a special guest. I welcome Professor Amun of the Umoya School of Learning.¡±


    There was no stopping the murmurs now, the students were much too excited. Avandor nearly hopped out of his seat; not only would we be hearing about this new source of magic, but a Valzadi would be making an appearance? This was unheard of. The Valzadi were a highly secretive people, having shut themselves off from the rest of society many  millennia before even the Attrition. No one Callum knew had ever even heard of someone from the island continent to the east ever making landfall in his home continent, much less anyone who actually met one. Before anyone could truly gather themselves, he began to walk out on stage. A man with black, short, curly hair with streaks of gray - definitely humanesque in appearance, but much taller and broader than anyone Callum had ever seen. His skin was nearly as dark, and he was wearing fine robes made of golden silk. He walked with a cane, but even hunched he must''ve stood over eight feet tall. Golden tattoos cascaded down his right wrist, glistening off the sunlight peering in from the high window. Professor Thena, a rather tall elven woman, was made to look tiny next to this giant man. It was a story Callum''s father told him when he was young that came to mind first: The nation of Valzad was once ruled by dragons. Not the wyverns and drakes of today, but true dragons: gargantuan, intelligent and powerful beasts with immense magical abilities. The most dangerous thing about these dragons of old, though, was that they thought themselves superior to other beings in every way. Their intellect, strength, size, and magic could easily make the case after all. The Valzadi people were mistreated under draconic rule, and desired independence. It is said that they made a pact with some dark entity who granted them their increased size and strength to rival the dragons, along with an affinity for magic, and they freed themselves; slaughtering many dragons in the process. If it was to be believed, Callum could definitely see the man in front of him standing a much better chance against a dragon than many other men.


    ¡°Thank you for the opportunity to speak here, Professor Thena.¡± He turned to address the students. ¡°I have spent many years of my life on an expedition my people made eastward, beyond our homeland into the horizon. What I discovered there was incredible. A desert we believe to be larger than the entire continents of Validaine and Valzad combined. In it, we were even more surprised to discover a native people.¡± He paused, seemingly for dramatic effect. ¡°The Synerians were reluctant to make contact initially, but we have forged an allyship with them, and learned the ways of their people.¡± This was incredible Callum thought to himself. A new people entirely! He wondered what they looked like, how they spoke, if they knew of any others outside of their home¡­


    ¡°The Synerians are nomadic, moving between settlements constantly, and have established an extensive trade practice between themselves. They have learned to harvest desert plants as we have in order to obtain water, and are adept hunters and trackers. In addition, a significant portion of their species have the ability to use healing magic. We observed their spellcasting, and were surprised to see a lack of runes, books, or precise somatic gestures you all are familiar with.¡± Professor Amun continued to describe this new form of spellcasting to an audience of open-mouthed students who couldn¡¯t believe that they were hearing. Callum himself was shocked to know you could perform magic without these structured rituals demonstrated to him by his teachers. Professor Amun continued, describing fluid body motions and humming or singing, rather than the standard rigid hand movements and articulated speech. He clarified that their magic seemed stronger in places with more plant life, but also noted that the plant life didn¡¯t seem to be affected by the use of magic. Callum had been taught from a young age that magic takes something from a person when it is cast. Typical mages would experience physical and mental fatigue from overuse, but Amun said there was no apparent weakness among the Synerians after many hours of casting spells and incantations. He talked for nearly an hour, the rest of the class duration, about this newly discovered source of magic, and touted his own university¡¯s recently opened program on the subject. Professor Thena stepped forward, and the gentle giant rested. The students stood and clapped for several moments as he exited the stage. Professor Thena stood behind the podium again, clearly demanding silence.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Students, I advise you to consider what you¡¯ve learned today. I think it¡¯s safe to say magic is a complex art, and we still have endless learning to do about it. Let nothing stop you from changing your perspective when presented with new evidence. Lastly, please keep this knowledge within the Driochta.¡± The tone of that last sentence was more serious than he had ever heard Thena speak before.


    The class poured out of the auditorium into the large hallway. Students rushed out in all directions, hoping to catch Professor Amun leaving, but no one had such luck. Callum stood beside the door, taking in all that he had just heard, when a hand clasped his shoulder.


    ¡°Callum! Do you believe it?¡± Avandor¡¯s smiling eyes nearly penetrated Callum¡¯s skull. Callum smiled and nodded in affirmation. ¡°Yes, that was¡­ mind-blowing, truly.¡± Before Callum could finish his thoughts, Avandor piped up again ¡ª ¡°I can¡¯t imagine it! It seems so obvious now, you know. I¡¯ve always felt this innate connection to nature, maybe it was this source I was feeling!¡± Avandor¡¯s mouth hung open.


    Perhaps it was, Callum thought to himself.


    ¡°Callum! Over here!¡± A voice called from the end of the hall. Callum whipped his head around and saw Gemma, his new friend running towards him. She smiled as she skirted to a halt in front of Callum and Avandor. ¡°I heard you guys got let in on the life thing, huh? I heard about it this morning during Histories. Let¡¯s go to the training grounds and get some practice in. I want to talk all about it and I can focus better when I¡¯m practicing forms.¡± She swiftly grabbed callums sleeve and yanked him along down the hallway. Avandor cheerily followed as the three of them made their way down to the second floor to the training grounds. Callum sat down with his books, studying a few incantations before getting started. Avandor began meditating, and Gemma started stretching her arms and fingers. This was becoming a semi-regular practice between the three of them, as all three had found it easy to practice with one another.


    ¡°Cal, I think I can feel it! The Life Magic here is strong!¡± Avandor exclaimed. Callum chuckled and Gemma rolled her eyes. Callum stood up and closed his eyes, clasping his hands together as if to pray. He folded one hand under the other and turned slightly on his heel. ¡°Etrixu candata¡± he whispered as he extended his arm out suddenly in front of him. He opened his eyes nervously, and was pleased to see a bright, glowing silver light resting in his hand. Avandor and Gemma stood still, not wanting to distract Callum. Callum gently rolled his fingers, and the light moved side to side several feet. He then turned his palm down, and the light followed and hovered just off the stone ground. He then brought his rear arm forward slightly and the light traveled away from him, gliding along the floor and stopping about forty feet in front of him. A single bead of sweat ran down Callum¡¯s forehead, and he closed his fist, extinguishing the light. His friends clapped and Callum took a sarcastic bow. This was a minor incantation his father had taught him, and it was eventually what got him into the academy. What he hadn¡¯t learned until starting classes, however, was the movement. He learned through his Thaumachorics class, the study of magical movements, how to command the light in different directions. Spells were versatile, and slightly different for each user, he had learned. The movement that might drive the light forward for Callum might extinguish the same light for Gemma, for example. Over the next couple of hours until dinner, the three of them practiced their basic spells as assigned by their various professors. Gemma was having an easy enough time with Pyromancy, but struggled with Geomancy, so she practiced extracting and moving pebbles from the stone stack. Avandor seemed to be a natural with whatever he touched, so he practiced his shapeshifting. This was not a first year feat by any means, but Avandor was not a typical first year student. Callum watched as he crouched and forked out three fingers on his right hand. A surge of energy was felt around him and Avandor was overtaken by a sudden flash of golden light. Callum shielded his eyes briefly before looking back over his arm, nearly missing the dark brown hawk that was now Avandor¡¯s form flying up and over the courtyard walls.


    ¡°He¡¯s too flashy.¡± Gemma piped up. Callum laughed quietly and stared in awe at his friend soaring high above them. Gemma smiled and then sighed. Callum turned and looked at her, sensing something. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Geomancy not going how you hoped?¡± he whispered, not wanting to embarrass her.


    Gemma replied. ¡°No, I¡¯m just still thinking about what that Valzadi professor talked about. I want that. I want to go out into the world, beyond the horizons and discover something new and wonderful like that.¡±


    Gemma often spoke about her wanderlust. It was what led her to gladly accept her offer letter to the Driochta and escape her hometown. She had a fine upbringing from what Callum had gathered, but she always felt like she was meant to be out in the world, discovering things for herself rather than reading about someone else¡¯s exploits in some paper or book. Callum nodded, agreeing with her. He shared her sentiment to a degree. How wonderful would it be to explore the world and discover new people, new lands, new magic. The pair watched their friend make a few more long laps around the courtyard before they retired for the night, excited to learn more in the coming days.