First Book of the Thirteenth (Fantasy World Launch) by Richard Burr

Author:Richard Burr [Burr, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fantasy World Books
Published: 2023-07-21T23:00:00+00:00

The Nature of Magic

Domor hummed and scratched his head in mock confusion as he joined Rem and his teacher by the waiting firepit. Saxius shot him a tired glare as the demon sat down opposite the illusion mage on the ground, before returning to the task he had set himself.

“What do you already know?” he asked, clapping his hands together and leaning forward.

“This is pointless," Ailduin muttered before Rem could form a response to such a broad request. The elf continued in his chore of putting up a tent as he spoke, his tone bored. “He cannot perform magic, why attempt to teach him something he cannot learn?”

“His Aspect hasn’t been identified yet, that is not the same as being unable to perform any magic," Saxius pointed out, his usual playfulness interestingly missing, replaced with a kind of stern bearing. It took Rem a few moments of nagging sensation before he realised where he had seen that before: his tutors. Saxius Shade was wearing his metaphorical teacher’s hat. “We have all sensed his power. It’s there, we just don’t recognise its nature yet.”

“Without an Aspect, what use will magic be to him?”

“He’ll be able to shield himself when we meet those mages again, in the very least," Xelea put in from where she stood unpacking the bags from Praxion’s back. “Then we’ll have one less thing to worry about.”

Rem’s feeling of elation at Xelea’s apparent belief that he might actually contribute was wiped away again at her tone; she saw him as a burden and nothing more.

“Suit yourself," Ailduin grumbled, retreating into his tent.

“Now, what do you know?” Saxius repeated, returning to his business-like posture, “I would imagine that even before searching for your Aspect, your family would have begun your education into the theory of casting?”

“Um…” Rem felt somewhat panicked at being asked such an open-ended question, one that would only reinforce his companions’ belief that he shouldn’t be with them. Saxius and Domor were both looking at him, the former in expectation and the latter pulling an expression of mocking interest. “Well… I know that magic in Gatheon comes from the gods in twelve forms, known as Aspects,” he began, falling back into formality and counting his points off on his fingers, beginning with his companions. “Mages draw magic from their patron gods. From Zallor comes pyromancy, from Dixtris comes druidry, from Cesasriel comes illusion magic, from-”

“And so on," Saxius interrupted and then waved a hand encouragingly. “Continue.”

“Each mage has a natural ability towards only one Aspect, usually the same as their parents, though there have been some exceptions, and can draw upon that Aspect to varying degrees.”

“Everything sounds good so far," Saxius nodded, and once more Rem found that he genuinely liked the Cesasi man, the only member of the coven to not treat him like a pariah or a subject for amusement. “Do you know anything about the actual process of spellcasting?”

“Well… only what I have read or overheard," Rem admitted, feeling his face grow hot under the scrutiny of Saxius and Domor, who continued to watch attentively.

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