The Serpent's Crown: Jasper Wychwood Book 1 by Jack Curran

Author:Jack Curran [Curran, Jack]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hawk's Flight Publishing
Published: 2022-06-03T16:00:00+00:00

26

That night Jasper and Alyssa sat up late talking in the function room. Jasper had devoured a plate of fish and chips and allowed himself a single pint of golden ale, which he sipped slowly, savouring the rich, bitter taste. Alyssa had eaten a jacket potato and was enjoying her second glass of white wine.

‘So can any jewel be used to power magic, or only rubies and emeralds?’ Alyssa asked.

Jasper looked at her sidelong. ‘Is this for your PhD?’

Alyssa shrugged. ‘Not really. I’m just curious.’

Strictly speaking, Jasper probably shouldn’t tell her too much, even though she was a seer, but that ship had sailed. She’d witnessed him and Rasmus performing all manner of spells at this point. ‘Rubies, emeralds and sapphires are the main jewels used by mages. They are called the three primaries. When they first start training, young mages choose a primary jewel which best fits their personality.’

Alyssa frowned, looking confused. ‘What do you mean? Jewels don’t have personalities, do they?’

‘No, but rubies, emeralds and sapphires are all capable of channelling a different type of elemental magic—fire, earth and ice respectively. And those elements work best when cast by a mage with a certain temperament.’

‘OK, I get it. So fire mages like you are reckless hotheads, and ice mages are cold and unemotional, is that it?’

Jasper rolled his eyes. ‘That’s putting it a bit strong, but you’ve got the general idea. Fire mages are passionate and follow their emotions, whereas ice mages tend to be aloof and analytical in their outlook. Earth mages are considered to be a balance of the two; slow to act, but powerful when they do.’

‘And that’s it? Three jewels and three types of magic?’

‘There are also secondary jewels that can be used alongside a primary, but they’re only useful in specific situations. Take moonstone for instance; it’s powerful when used against creatures of the night such as vampires and werewolves, but only works at nighttime. Most wizards stick to their primary magic most of the time.’

‘Fascinating,’ Alyssa was typing on her phone. Jasper had a feeling she was making notes on their conversation.

‘I hope you’re going to acknowledge me in your thesis.’

‘Huh?’

‘Actually, forget that. If the Paranormal Office finds out I’ve been telling you the wizarding world’s secrets, I’ll be in even bigger trouble than I am already.’

Alyssa finished typing and put her phone down. ‘Don’t worry, I’m not asking for my doctorate.’

‘How’s that going? Are you getting close to handing it in?’

‘Not really,’ Alyssa said, taking another sip of wine. ‘I haven’t given it much thought lately, what with everything that’s been going on.’

Jasper hesitated, wondering whether to ask her more. From speaking to Professor Cohen, he knew that in reality she’d quit her studies months ago. It sounded like she’d left her course under a cloud. He was curious about what had really happened and why she was being so coy about it, but he also was wary of prying into aspects of her life that she might want to keep private, so he decided to tread lightly.

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