The Sorceror's Lament (Chapter One)
‘Most Magicians shall be of a single discipline, but the most gifted have
shown that two can be attainable…’ —The Magician Code
The Grand Hall seemed
to expand into infinity, and soon I would be in the centre of it. Still, between
the red and black drapery, the gold trim and hundreds of rapidly filling seats,
I had to close my eyes. I dug my nails into my palms, fighting the temptation
to rake my hands through my hair. Such a display of nerves disgusted me,
especially when I’d been here a thousand times, if not more. How could I be as
pathetic as the students beside me, who shuffled between the backstage
furniture and whispered, even though we weren’t supposed to be talking? I
turned my back to them, scoffing. Let them wallow in their weakness. I wouldn’t
lower myself to their standards.
I opened my eyes,
once again confronting the swathes of spectators that dribbled inside. The
chamber was large enough to accommodate almost the entire city of Begara, and from
current appearances, it was going to meet that quota. I’d never seen it so
full. But rather than be daunted, I embraced the growing crowd. All it meant
was that so many more would witness my triumph, and my name would be even
more widely known. I could hardly let them down.
The stage set, I
rocked on my heels, awaiting the Dean who would be leading affairs. The other Faculty
staff were already seated behind the podium, dressed in their finest. Each wore
a coloured sash denoting their field of magic; red for Thermocryism, silver for
Mekinetics, blue for Kronologics, white for Leukonitics, and yellow for Kymamorphism.
I too wore a red and silver band on my arm, denoting my own disciplines. Much
to the resentment of the students behind me, who, bar one other, only bore a
single colour. I couldn’t help but smirk. One of my many achievements that
would soon be recognised.
Beside the podium
stood a table stacked with scrolls. My eyes settled on the one at the top, wrapped
in gold ribbon instead of red. I licked my lips. It was a foregone conclusion,
of course, yet I was ravenous to hold that confirmation in my hands. It would
be the highest honour any of my family had achieved, and it was all thanks to grinding
Goddess-knew how many hours of study, skill and talent.
A flash of blue crossed
my vision, and my eyes lit up. The Dean had entered and was making his way to
the stage, his white temples stark against the rest of his black hair and dark
Bayaani complexion. It was strange seeing him in such formal dress, but it did
little to temper his trademark optimism. I stood tall, brushing down any stray
creases that had worked their way into my graduation robes. It was time.
Dean Ezengarde
climbed to the stage, his ceremonial gown billowing out over his beige shirt
and white cravat. He took his place behind the podium, then raised his hands. The
murmurs died down, replaced with applause, and my grin stretched from ear to
ear. I clasped my hands together, my shoulders back and head held high. I could
look nothing less than perfect.
“Welcome everyone.
Thank you for attending on this wonderful occasion.” The Dean’s voice rang out,
tinged with his Bayaani accent. “Today marks a prestigious moment in our
calendar, where we congratulate our magnificent and hard-working students. Now
they are fully fledged Magicians, and I couldn’t be prouder of this year’s
cohort.”
He rambled on,
and I rolled my eyes. Of course, he had to stick with the expected spiel, even
if it was utter garbage. My peers were nothing much to speak of, except perhaps
for Nathan. He stood behind me, sporting a white and yellow armband; the only
other Dual-Class Magician of our year. Our kind were rare, as most Magicians
could only control one of the five disciplines, whereas Nathan and I were
master of two. Yet even he, powerful as he was, still wasn’t on my level. I was
simply something else.
“And so, first,
we commend our brightest and highest scoring student of the year,” Dean
Ezengarde announced, and a jolt raced through me. “Her performance has been
truly remarkable, achieving perfect grades in almost all of her studies, as
well as being one of our exceptional Dual-Class Magicians. Not only that, but
she has mastered her arts at eighteen years, making her the youngest graduate we
have ever had.” He paused, and the masses gave an awed gasp. My heart betrayed
me, fluttering faster. “Thus, I award this year’s Prima Magus to Jessica Nisha
Balthanders!”
A thunder of
applause burst forth, like a surge-storm allowed release, and I walked out from
backstage. The deluge of adoration was a delight to drown in, and I soaked it
all up as I sauntered to the podium. A cheer accompanied when I accepted my
scroll, and I held it close, fighting the temptation to open it there and then.
No, I’d savour that moment later, after the others had received their standard certificates.
A comparatively pointless effort, but I supposed they deserved some piece of
ceremony as well.
I descended to
the front row of empty seats, soon joined by Nathan who was second to be called
up. We exchanged a respectful nod, and I tucked my scroll under my arm, clapping
for the remaining students. Not that any of them were worthy of such a thing.
In a way I pitied them, for if my talents hadn’t allowed me to skip ahead in
training, they could have been considered something special. Even poor Nathan
wouldn’t have been overshadowed, and the Prima Magus would have been his. Alas,
it was not to be, and I’d have to endure being the youngest to have achieved
the award.
Finally, the last
scroll was handed out, and the Dean returned to the podium. The other
professors stood up behind him, and he gave his closing remarks. Blah blah high
expectations, blah blah a great honour…my nose wrinkled. Once he finished, he
conjured a shower of raining confetti—illusory of course, as he was a Leukonitic
Magician. Then, accompanied by the scent of burnt candles, he made his way off
stage and down the aisle, followed by his fellow academics. At the prompt of
the usher, I rose and followed, both hands clasped around my scroll as was
tradition. The other students trailed behind, and with that, the graduation was
officially over.
I emerged into blinding
sunlight. I raised a hand to my eyes, the heat already bringing a sweat to my
brow and other less favourable places. As accomplished as I was in Thermocryism,
even I couldn’t cool down the sun, so I strode to the nearby porticoes of the
Vault of Knowledge. Once in the library’s shade, I untied the scroll ribbon,
then unfurled the parchment. My name glinted in black ink, and I ran my finger
over it, admiring the calligraphy. A feat unheard of in all the decades since magic
had returned. Who would believe a Magician could have graduated three years
early, and a Dual-Class one at that?
I was untouchable.
“Congratulations,
Jessie.”
I looked up from
the scroll. Nathan had approached, his white and yellow armband all but glowing
in the shadows. He rested against the pillar beside me, removing his graduation
cap to free his messy brown locks.
“And
congratulations to you too, Nathan,” I said. “Were you as bored with the
ceremony as you feared?”
“Thankfully no,”
Nathan replied. “I’m glad the Dean couldn’t find a guest speaker in time. The
one for my brother’s a few years ago made everything so drawn out, it was
unbearable.” His eyes fell to my scroll. “You really swept the crowd’s
attention, you know. Not only did you take the Prima Magus, but you’ve set the
record for youngest Magician graduate, too. You must be proud.”
“Not too jealous,
then?” I teased, poking his shoulder. “I heard Professor Amira made a good case
for you, though.”
“No doubt things
might’ve been closer if we shared the same disciplines,” Nathan conceded. “Or
if I’d been a little younger.”
“Some of us
simply have to accept the burden of such talent.” I held a dramatic hand to my
chest, and Nathan laughed.
“Either way, if I’m
going to be outclassed, at least it’s by someone with actual skill,” he said.
“So it doesn’t hurt too much.” He looked out across the city, his smile
broadening. “Doesn’t it feel good to have finally made it?”
“Oh yes,” I said.
“We can use our powers how we want, and without supervision. And this is only
the beginning.” I rolled my scroll back up, then finger sketched a rune over
it. The ribbon obeyed, forced to wrap itself in a perfect bow once more. “That
reminds me, didn’t you have a placement planned?”
Nathan chuckled.
“‘Placement’ is not
really how I’d describe it,” he said. “In fact, I wanted to talk to you about
that.”
“Oh?” I raised a
brow. I hadn’t actually attended any of the career lectures, since nothing they
offered appealed, and especially as there were almost zero pathways suited to the
talents of Dual-Class Magicians. Nathan had faced a similar issue, and so had spoken
with the Dean to look into other options. That happened a few weeks ago, but he’d
remained tight-lipped about it, so I presumed he’d snagged a placement for himself
alone. It was only natural, since I’d always be the priority choice.
“The Dean wasn’t
sure what to offer,” Nathan began, “so he said he’d approach one of his
contacts in the Senate. He said he’d get back to me after the ceremony, and…”
“There you are,
Jessica!” A boisterous shout interrupted him. “Why are you hiding from me?”
My father’s baritone
rumbled, and I cringed. He always addressed me by my full name. Within moments
he charged out from the hall. He swept me in a crushing embrace and I
spluttered, his favourite aftershave engulfing my nostrils. The one that often
left me queasy.
“It seems my
diligence has paid off,” my father beamed, at last releasing me, and I bit back
a scowl. His diligence, indeed. It wasn’t long before he also noticed Nathan,
and he gave a nod of acknowledgement. “Oh, and well done to you, Nathaniel. Though
I’d expect nothing less from a deQuervan.”
There was a
dismissive edge to his tone, and I quietly clenched my fist.
“You’re most kind,
Lord Balthanders.” Nathan gave a polite bow, also catching the hint. “Please
enjoy the rest of the day.” He brushed his fingers over my arm. “We’ll catch up
later, Jessie.”
“Of course,” I
said, disappointed my father had found me so soon. It was no surprise he was
already trying to make my achievements about himself, and I wasn’t looking
forward to more of the same. “See you.”
Nathan nodded,
before disappearing into the mix of families to seek out his own. In his place
stepped my mother, her Bayaani features as radiant as the sun, and I slid out
of my father’s grasp to her arms.
“I’m so proud of
you, darling!” She pulled me close and I hugged her back, grateful I had one
parent who realised what the day was supposed to be about. “Let’s see it,
then.”
Withdrawing from
her, I opened the scroll. Mother immediately fawned over it, unable to tear her
eyes away, while Father gave a cursory glance.
“I can scarcely
believe it,” she breathed. “Prima Magus and a Dual-Class Magician at
only eighteen years. You’ve set an incredible standard, Jessie!”
“We all worked
hard to get her here,” my father interjected. “But this piece of paper is only
the start.” He slammed his hand against my back, and I bit back a wince. “You’re
the first Dual-Class in our family, and one of a handful in Azaria. We must ensure
the Senate recognises this, mark my words!”
“Dear, one thing
at a time,” my mother chided. “Jessie deserves a break after all her hard work.
There’ll be plenty of time to pursue lofty dreams afterwards.”
“We can’t lose
momentum,” countered my father. “But regardless, we’ll discuss things further
at The Clockwork Falcon. We’ve booked the terrace, so we can continue
the celebrations there.”
My ears perked
up. The prospect of Father’s nagging wouldn’t be nearly so bad if it meant we
had a table at such an exclusive venue.
“You got a
reservation?”
“Of course I did.”
My mother nudged my father with her elbow. “It wasn’t easy, but when else would
there be a better time to make the effort?”
“Mother, you’re
amazing!” I wrapped my arms around her again. She always knew how to combat my
father’s overbearing nature. The rooftop of The Clockwork Falcon held a
view of the city that couldn’t be matched, and it served one-of-a-kind drinks
that were specially imported. I’d wanted to visit for ages, though Father had
always complained about the expense. But today even he couldn’t argue.
My parents linked
arms, then descended the stairs towards the campus square. The latter was
packed, the statue of the Goddess poking above the sea of students, parents,
siblings and other nameless relatives. I used it as a landmark, weaving past
the groups of my peers. None of them paid me any heed, so I showed them the
same courtesy. I had no interest in commending their mediocrity.
As I reached the
bottom step, I spied Dean Ezengarde on the corner, talking with the Professors
of Kronologics and Thermocryism. He paused in their conversation, and our eyes
met.
“Oh, one moment,
Jessie!”
He strode over to
me, his robes half-falling off his shoulders, the fox brooch that denoted him
as a member of the Senate sparkling on his breast lapel. True to his Bayaani
heritage, the heat didn’t seem to bother him, which made me envious. I should
have at least been half-resistant thanks to my mother’s side. Then again, he
could have cast a glamour to hide the embarrassing sweat patches.
“Yes, sir?”
“Congratulations
once again,” the Dean said, a proud gleam in his eyes. “I wanted to ask, has Nathan
spoken with you about the upcoming arrangement?”
“Not really.” I fought
the urge to grind my teeth, as now I had another reason to be bitter about my
father’s interruption. I couldn’t blame Nathan, though. After finals we’d
barely seen each other, and that moment at the Vault had been the first time
I’d spoken to him since.
“Ah, then I’m
glad I caught you,” the Dean said. “I would like you to come to my office at
the eighth bell this evening. I have a most exciting proposition to discuss.”
“Really?” My
heart beat faster. “What kind of proposition?”
“It’s rather
complicated, we’ll need the proper time to talk,” Dean Ezengarde said. “Please
try to be punctual, but until then, don’t let me keep you.” He clasped my
shoulder. “Go and celebrate, you deserve it.”
He nodded towards
my father, who was waving from the front of the Goddess statue. I let out a
breath, suddenly not so enthusiastic for my rooftop revelry. So many questions
piled up in my mind. However, as wanting as the Dean’s words left me, I’d have
to wait until the meeting to find out more.
“Thank you, sir,”
I said.
The Dean bowed,
before returning to mingling with the other students. I brushed back my hair
over my shoulders, making a brisk walk towards my parents. Soon we’d returned
to our chit-chat, but internally I couldn’t stop playing back the Dean’s words.
A most exciting proposition? That could only mean one thing; the Senate
was involved, and that sent a thrill through me. It was unheard of for them to
seek the skills of a freshly graduated Magician. Only the absolute best would
be accepted to carry out their work, and only on the strongest of
recommendations.
Exactly the
kind of league I was made to play in.
“Here we are,
darling.”
My mother pushed
open the double doors to the inn. A waitress greeted us, then led the way into
the glass ratchet lift. Archaic compared to the one in the Thermocryism building,
but it held something of an ancient charm. It chugged its way upwards, the cogs
and wheels squealing. Once at the top, I stepped onto the terrace. Four tables
were arranged, shielded by a canopy that blotted out the overbearing sun. The
bar stood in the centre, decorated with coloured lights, the bottles of drinks
bearing cryonic runes to keep them chilled. Beyond the railings sprawled the
rest of Begara, blanketed by the summer haze.
I strode over to
the north railing, awed by the skyscape. The tram slinked its way across the
streets, a steam-snake slithering between the cathedral, Senate and aerial
bridges; the garrison flags hung limp in the breezeless air, and several
airships floated around the airdock tower. The sight made my chest swell.
Begara was the most advanced city in Azaria, and only a place of such calibre
was worthy to be called my home.
“A drink, miss?” The
waitress had returned, bearing a tray of glasses. “I would recommend the
silvermead.”
“Then I’ll have
that,” I said.
I took the glass
she offered, then had a sip, enjoying the sweetened heat as it swept through my
throat. It was unlike anything I’d tasted before, and it left a pleasant tingling
in my chest. It was almost as exceptional as I was.
My father stepped
up beside me, his own drink in hand.
“It’s glorious, isn’t
it?” He gestured to the view. “It was wise of your great-great grandmother to
move here from the old estate. She, too, was a most remarkable woman. Our
family seems to have a knack for producing such talent.” He draped his arm
around me. “You’ve done well, Jessica, but there’s still much to plan for.
House Balthanders is in the strongest position it’s been for many decades, and
I have high hopes for where we’ll go next.”
“You always do,”
I murmured.
My father laughed.
“It’s taken a
long time to get here, Jessica. We can’t afford to squander it, and you have what
we need to move forward.” He squeezed my shoulder, then raised his glass. “To
your future successes!”
I clinked my
glass with his.
“Yes.” My eyes strayed
towards the University, where the Dean’s office lay. “To my future successes.”
TO BE CONTINUED...
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