Chapter 19

"Where have you been?" asked Vivacia as her roommate walked in the door. Amora was wearing the same warm smile she always wore, but her best friend knew her too well to be fooled. Something was troubling her.
"Guild business," Amora replied curtly. "The gnome boy was being examined, and my father wanted me on hand for some reason," She rolled her eyes and flung her bag down on the couch.
Amora and Vivacia's apartment in Tiesan hall was small, but cozy. Two semicircular beds jutted out from the walls like shelves, with ladders against each wall leading up to them. The bottom floor contained a desk (which was hardly ever used,) a small couch, and, in the center of the chamber, a fire pit with a spit over it, which seemed completely out of place in the tiny, second story room. Currently there was small cauldron suspended from the spit, and there was something simmering in it.
"What's cooking?" asked Amora, with hint of wry humor.
"Oh, just a potion for Lady Cecilia," Vivacia replied, "She's gonna stop by here in a little while, by the way. Needs my help with some ritual,"
"I've been wondering about that," commented Amora after a moment. "She seems to need your help a lot lately. Isn't it... a bit odd?"
"Not really," answered her friend, "Why would it be?"
"Well, she's, like, the most powerful witch in the world, right?"
"She's up there," Vivacia replied proudly.
"Well, no offense, I mean, you're good, but you've been doing this - two years? Three? Why wouldn't Lady Cecilia choose a more... experienced witch?"
"Oh," said Vivacia. She began to blush a bit. "Well, it's kind of, um... I mean, yes, she wants the most experienced witch possible, but some rituals require a younger witch, and some..." she trailed off. The cauldron whistled; she got up and and began to stir it.
"Yes?" asked Amora after a moment.
"Younger," said Vivacia decidedly. She was blushing quite a bit now."Some rituals just... need a younger witch. So, um, this gnome boy, how was he?"
Amora understood that her friend was not telling her everything, but she decided to let her change the subject.
"Hardly much of a threat," she said. "In fact, I think he could be kind of useful. I just wish I hadn't introduced myself to him by cursing him. My uncle's right. I need to be building support, not alienating people."
"I'm sorry," replied the human. "It's my fault. If you hadn't shot at Bogue -"
Amora cut her off. "It was my bad judgement as well as yours. No more messing around, though. I can't afford to take the chance,"
They sat in silence for a moment.
"You really think your uncle's gonna die?" asked Vivacia. "Like, soon? I mean, not elf soon, cause that could be forever, but like, human soon?"
"He thinks so," Amora answered. "He's getting his affairs in order."
Vivacia thought for a moment.
"Unless," she said eventually.
"Unless what?" asked Amora.
"Well, he told you not to tell anyone, especially Lady Cecilia, right?" asked Vivacia.
"So?" prodded the elf.
"So keeping secrets has never been your strong suit, Am. He knows that. He also knows I'm your best friend, and he knows I'm kind of Lady Cecilia's protege... "
"You thinking he wants it to get out," observed Amora.
"It all kind of adds up, doesn't it?" Vivacia replied.
Amora made to reply, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. She had barely opened it a crack when a tiny purple and beige figure zoomed through. Simile slowed down and came level with Amora's face. She was carrying a scroll which was slightly larger than she was. She proffered it to Amora.
"From your uncle," she said, irritably, "Apparently Thurigen isn't the only one in this city who thinks 'pixie' is synonymous with 'carrier pigeon'."
"Thanks, Simile," said Amora, taking the scroll. She unrolled it and began to read. Simile zoomed over to the cauldron and hovered over it briefly, then flew over to Vivacia.
"Smells good," she said. "But do you really want the Lady to come in here and smell a love potion?"
"Viv!" Amora exclaimed.
A look of panic had spread across the face of the young witch.
"You can smell it already?" she asked. "It still has to stew for a few weeks - how...?"
"Pixie nose," Simile replied, "A little stronger than a human's. But if you think they've invented a potion Lady Cecilia can't recognize, in any stage..."
"Viv, what is that for?" asked Amora.
"A friend," answered Vivacia.
"You're a terrible liar," said the pixie, zooming between the two women.
"It's not what you think," the witch began, but just then there was another knock. The room fell silent.
"Vivacia?" came Lady Cecilia's voice from the other side of the door. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, just a moment!" called the young woman.
"May I come in?" asked the matron.
"Um... I'm not decent," Vivacia replied.
"Alright, I'll wait in the lobby," answered Lady Cecilia.
Vivian waited a moment for her to leave, then mouthed, "That was close,"
"The woman can read minds," admonished Simile, rounding her tiny body on the pale witch. "You're a fool if you think you can hide anything from her. What were you thinking?"
"Hang on," said Amora. "What's so bad about Vivacia brewing a love potion? I mean, I know they're dangerous and all, but it's not really her any of her business, is it?'
"It is if she has to train up a new virgin!" exclaimed Simile.
"Simile!" cried Vivacia.
A look of understanding passed over Amora's face.
"A 'younger witch," she said. "I had no idea,"
"That's important to witch's magic," said the pixie. "The maiden, the mother, and the crone,"
Vivacia looked adamant. "I wasn't gonna actually... you know..."
"Not if you want to keep your job you weren't," laughed Simile. "Not really in need of another mother, is she? I gotta run. So do you. Best not to keep the lady waiting." She zoomed up and out the chimney.
Amora looked to her friend, who seemed on the verge of tears. A small green bubble appeared in the elf's hand.
"Cheer up," she said. "We'll talk about this later, but Lady Cecilia shouldn't see you like this,"
The witch nodded. Amora flicked the little bolt of happiness over to her friend. As it sunk in a smile flickered over her face.
"Thanks" she said. "I'll see you tonight. Take care,"
She slid out the door, closing it behind her. Amora settled on the couch.

Chapter XVIII

"In the mountains of Orgakaborka
Far beyond the Shadow Ring
Lived an Ogre named Morshagalorka
Who loved to dance and sing!"
Durner Rockfendursteen was uncertain as to why the popular children's ballad had popped into his head, unaware as he was that it's author had been in his restaurant that very morning. As we plowed through the chorus, somewhat off-key and an octave too low to accommodate his booming dwarven baritone, he heard the bell tell him a customer was approaching.
"Welcome ta Durney's Dwarven Diner!" he cried "Delicacies Digested -" he stopped, recognizing his customer, "Archmage!"he cried, pleasantly. "Lovely ter see ya! What can' I do fer ye today?"
"I need a private table," said the archmage, "I'm meeting someone for lunch, and we have things of a... sensitive nature to discuss,"
For a moment the normally Jovial face of the Archmage of Erilliance seemed unusually grave. As quickly as it came, however, it passed, like the shadow of a bird crossing over his face.
"Of course, sir!" Said Durney, "I'll get the private room set up fer ya upstairs! Just one moment,"
The restaurateur hurried upstairs to prepare the room. A few minutes later, the door chimed again, and a sandy-haired wizard in maroon robes approached. He appeared to be talking to himself. The Archmage thought it only polite to wait for him to finish.
After several minutes, he gave up on this sentiment.
"Bogue?" he asked tentatively. The taller wizard continued his mumbling. "Bogue!" intoned the Archmage sharply. The runemaster seemed to come back from a trance.
"Yes?" he said, startled, "Oh, right I'm here. You summoned me, sir?"
"I did," replied Archmage, returning to his usual, friendly demeanor, "And that means I need your mind as well as your body!"
"Of course," said Bogue, "I was working on a possible way of getting around Kreegan's third law of summoning. It occurred to me that perhaps, if a cluster of dragon-tallow candles were positioned opposite each wizard in a summoning circle, and Suveny's Incantation were cast on the candlesticks, we might be able to create a resonating magical field which could, with the proper runic inscriptions guiding it, of course, be used to replicate both the power and the control components of an additional participating wizard,"
During this explanation, Durney had reappeared at the bottom of the stairs. He was now standing there with a bewildered expression on his face.
"Uh, Archmage?" he said, "Yer table is ready,"
"Excellent," said the portly wizard, obviously glad for an excuse not to discuss Kreegan's laws with Bogue.
The three preceded up the stairs to a small, dimly lit room with a single round table in the middle. There was a small window on the far wall which emitted all the light in the room. The archmage sat down at the table and gestured for Bogue to do the the same.
"Are we ready ta order?" asked Durney, "Or do ye need a little more time?"
"I'll have my usual," said the Archmage. Bogue was staring intently at the menu.
"What's a flurgamburger?" he asked after a moment.
"Well it's a flurgam between two pieces o' bread, of course, what else would it be?" Durney replied impatiently.
"Yes," said Bogue, "But what's a - never mind, I'll try one of those,"
"Very good sir," said Durney, "And to drink?"
"Do you have vorum juice?" Bogue asked.
The Archmage and Durney shared a hearty Dwarven laugh. When they'd finished, Durney leaned over the table.
"Ye don't have much experience with Dwarven food, do ye?" he asked.
"No," Bogue replied, "I can't say I do,"
"Well, we Dwarves like variety in our cuisine, make no mistake!" he said, "But when it comes to drinks, there's really only two options. One is Ale. Do ye know what the other one is?"
"Milk?" asked Bogue, after a moment.
The dwarves shared another chuckle, then bellowed in unison "More Ale!" This sent them into another hearty Dwarven laugh. Bogue remained stoic.
"Only jokin', sir," said Durney after a minute. "I have some milk we use in cookin', you want me ter bring ye some o' that?"
"Sure," said Bogue, "Thanks,"
"Alright," said Durney, "Be right back,"
A few minutes later, he returned with a large mug of dwarven ale for the Archmage and a mug filled with a pale blue substance Bogue could only assume was supposed to be milk. When he had departed, Bogue spoke.
"So, do you think it would work?" he asked.
"What?" asked the Archmage.
"Dragon-tallow," replied Bogue. "It has enough internal magic to power Suveny's Incantation, so the ambient magic could be channeled into the summoning spell. I mean, if it were to work, we might just have to write off Kreegan's laws as obsolete. You see, I'd never consider using the inherent magical properties of the focus components to augment -"
"Look," the Archmage interrupted, "This is all very fascinating, but I didn't call you here to discuss your new theory,"
"I know," said Bogue, eyeing the milk suspiciously. He had yet to take a drink. "I just thought - since we're here, I might run it by you, see what you think. I mean, I've been mulling over it for days now, and I think, if I could just streamline the runic inscription for the summoning circle, we might actually be able to-"
"Bogue!" the Archmage interrupted, "You need to think about something other than work once in a while. You're a very promising young wizard and a very powerful runesmith, ridiculously powerful for a human - no offense meant of course- but if you keep going at this rate, you're going to burn out. You need to relax every so often, take time to recharge," He leaned back and took a hearty swig of ale. Bogue's milk was still untouched, but had now been pushed to the far corner of the table.
"I don't think so sir," said Bogue. "With all due respect, the only time I really feel fully charged is when I am working. People make me... uncomfortable,"
"I realize that," the Archmage was taking a gentler, almost fatherly tone with the young human now, "But sooner or later you're going to have to learn to deal with them, and not just other Wizards. Which is precisely what I wanted to talk to you you about. Now, I know Amora of Tiesan is not the easiest person to get along with. I've had difficulties with her myself. But you have to pick your battles! I'm not sure you're aware, but things on the council have been a bit... dicey lately. It's not a good time for an impromptu duel between a wizard and a sorceress, especially not when the sorceress involved is Xindor's niece. It makes the people... uneasy,"
"With all due respect, sir," said Bogue, "She attacked me,"
"That as it may be -" the Archmage began.
"And I did not fight back," said Bogue, "I deflected. That's all. What else could I have done?"
The Archmage's reply was cut off by the arrival of Durney with the food.
"One Kurgaloth combo, and one flurgamburger," he said, laying down a plate of food in front of each of them. "Anything else?"
"No, thank you,we're fine," replied the Archmage.
"Ye haven't touched yer milk!" Durney observed, "Ya sure ye don't want some Ale?"
"Really, I'm fine," said Bogue, somewhat impatiently.
"Alright, Alright," said Durney, "I'll leave ye ta yer secret meeting. Let me know when ye want the bill!"
When he had gone, the Archmage resumed.
"My dear boy," he began, "I didn't call you here to scold you or to give you guidelines for how to behave. I called you because I have a job for you,"
"If this is about that lecturing post professor Mayborn left open, I'm really not your man," said Bogue, "I specialize in the practical application of runes, their historical origin is little more than a diversion for me. I hardly think -"
"Bogue!" bellowed the Archmage, losing his calm again for just a moment, "You would do well to wait until I am finished speaking to ask questions. Now, I am not talking about a lecturing post. Nothing so... official. There are things going on in this city. Things I don't know about. And I don't like being out of the loop. I need someone close to Xindor to keep an eye out. Now you don't have to tell me you're not the ideal choice for an informant. But that's what I'm counting on - Xindor likes you, thinks you're harmless, and is far more likely to let something slip around you than around me,"
"Do you need me to find out something specific?" asked Bogue.
"I need you," said the Archmage, "To get yourself into a position where you have Xindor's trust, and his ear, then await further instruction,"
"And how, exactly, do you propose I do that?" asked Bogue.
"Those three gnomes who arrived in town yesterday," said the Archmage. "They're the key. Xindor has an unusual interest in them. They're new here, they're tiny, and they'll be wanting friends. You protected the gnome boy, so they're likely to trust you. Cultivate that friendship. Use them to get to Xindor. Tell me anything and everything you find out,"
Bogue sat for a moment, munching on his burger and thinking.
"I'm a wizard," he said after a moment, "Espionage is not my strong suit,"
"It doesn't have to be." replied the the Archmage, "Just keep your ears and eyes open. This goes well, there may be a lecturing post in practical runes opening up after all."
And with that, he got up and left the table, leaving Bogue staring pensively at the untouched, blue substance in the glass. He wondered if it might have inherent magical properties he could use to augment a summoning spell...

Chapter XVII

Brandon looked around at the cargo hold of Wild Abandon. It was a dank, musty place, smelling like an odd mixture of mothballs, sweat, and rotten banannas. Even compared to the rest of the ship (which mostly smelled like monkeys) it was a very strong odor. Brandon held his breath.
Besides picking up Brandon, the Wild Abandon had taken on several crates of supplies to last them on the journey to Errilliance. These contained assorted foodstuffs, medicines, a little clothing, and of course, barrels of rum. Any good pirate likes his rum, and the simian nature of the crew did nothing to combat this. Next to the rum was a large crate and six small ones, containing Brandon's personal effects. Two small boxes were stacked on top of the large one. It was one of these that Brandon had come down here to claim. The strange thing was, he only remembered packing the six small ones.
The large box began to shake.
Brandon regarded the box suspiciously. This was a magic ship - a moving box could mean a lot of things, not all of them pleasant. He looked around for something he could use as a weapon. Surveying the crowded hold, he noticed a broken mop leaning against a wall. He grabbed the mop handle and held it out in front of him like a quarterstaff. Slowly he approached the box.
Finally, the box shook hard enough to knock the two boxes on top of it onto the floor. Then it lurched forward, towards Brandon.
"Hold it!" said Brandon in heavily accented Human. "I'm armed,"
"Mmpph mrr?" went the box. It stopped shaking.
"Who or what are you?" asked Brandon, "And what are you doing here?"
"Mmphh mrr!" went the box, rattling again, "Mmphh mrr mrrpp mrrp mrrrr!"
As Brandon listened more closely, he realized that what he was hearing was a muffled voice from inside the box. Slowly we walked up to the box and kicked it. It let out a yelp.
Brandon bent down and knocked on the box.
"Mmrrt rmrrr rrt ff hrr!" insisted the voice. It was still too muffled to hear.
Brandon knocked on the box again until he found a spot that sounded hollow. Then, being careful not to let it go any farther in then was neccesary, he jabbed it into the top of the box. It poked through the wood.
"Oww!" went a voice from inside the box. It's whiny, feminine pitch was instantly familiar.
"Jiuni?" asked Brandon, throwing the mop handle aside and peering into the hole.
"You hit me!" cried his half-sister, in Xarnippi.
"You're in a box," Brandon pointed out, as if the fact were not obvious.
"I'm hiding," said Jiuni. "I was going to hide here until the box was unloaded in Errilliance. I brought food with me and everything,"
"What happened?" asked Brandon.
"I had to pee," she answered.
Brandon rolled his eyes.
"Can you make a bigger hole?" asked Jiuni.
Brandon sighed again, and went to pick up the mop handle. Just then he heard the door of the hold open.
"You okay down there?" asked Clayton. "Finding everything okay?"
"Just fine!" Brandon replied, "Just had a little trouble with a box,"
Technically true, he thought. He really wasn't sure how his father would react to their little stow away.
"Need help?" asked Clayton.
"No, I'm fine now!" he answered. He heard the door shut again. He picked up the mop handle and went back over to the box. The he leaned in and whispered into the hole.
"Scoot all the way over," he said. The box lurched slightly to the side as she followed his instructions. He jabbed the handle into the box again widening the hole. Then he stepped to the side.
Jiuni's head popped out of the hole. A few seconds later, the rest of her followed, leaving the top of the box in splinters.
"Ow!" she said as she unfolded herself. Jiuni was fourteen, but small for her age (a wonder considering her parentage.) Her limbs were very thin and her bust just starting to develop. Even so, the box had obviously been quite cramped. She looked around at the musty hold, then down at her erstwhile prison.
"What now?" asked Brandon after a moment.
"I have to go," said his sister.
"Go where?" asked Brandon. "We're on a ship in the middle of the ocean. There's no where to run!"
"No," said Jiuni, urgently, grabbing herself and dancing up and down a bit "I have to go,"
"Oh," said her half-brother comprehendingly. "I have a chamber pot in my cabin, I'll go get it. Just - try and stay out of site, okay?"
He ran out of the hold.
"Hurry!" she called back after him. The ship rocked back and forth on the sea.

City of Mages - Primer

I'm just gonna say it: City of Mages is essentially a soap opera set in a fantasy world of my own devising. Here's what you need to know:
The world of City of Mages, currently nameless, consists of one large continent, referred simply as "the continent" an numerous small islands. As far as these characters are concerned, that is the world.
There are two kinds of magic in this world - stargem magic and elemental magic. Stargem magic is big and flashy and practiced by Wizards and Sorcerers. Elemental magic is more quiet and reserved, and practiced by Witches and Druids.
All Stargem magic comes from an actual object called the Star gem. The closer you are to the Star gem, the more powerful your magic is. The Star gem is located in the Tower of Doom in the City of Errilliance. That's where most of the story is set.
As mentioned earlier, four kinds of magicians live in Erriliance (magician being a catch-all term for any magic user.) They are:
Sorcerers: Sorcerers are those rare individuals with a natural talent for Stargem magic. Most have one or two natural abilities which they can use pretty much at will, and of course some are more powerful then others. They are organized into the Sorcerers' Guild. Though non-guild sorcerers do exist (Clayton Darkwood, for one) they are treated as criminals and hunted down by the guild. Female sorcerers are called Sorceresses, and are quite common.
Wizards: Wizards have no inborn talent - they manipulate Stargem magic through rituals and ceremonies. Wizards are basically incapable of doing magic on the fly, but given a few hours, some candles and a book of magic runes, they can do things a sorcerer can only dream of. The Wizards are loosely organized by a group called the College of Wizardry, but they don't force all Wizards to join. Still, unrestricted access to the Colleges libraries is usually enough of an enticement. Female Wizards are called Wizardesses, and are very rare.
Druids: Druids cast nature magic by communing with the elements. Nature magic can be very powerful, but is usually not obvious. Some Druids are capable of communing with all four elements, whereas some only really have power over two or three. Druidism is taught by a master-apprentice system, and has no official organization, although Thurigen has professed himself their leader, and no one has questioned him yet. Male and female Druids occur with equal frequency.
Witches: Witches are by far the most subtle of the spellcasters. Most of their power comes from making potions with they brew in strange rituals using bizzare ingredients. They also can, and often do, cast complex spells similar to those used by wizards, but employing the power of the elements, not of the stargem. As these often require three or more witches to perform, and witchcraft is taught in a manner similar to Druidism, witches have a complex social network but no official organization beyond the coven (a group of three witches of varying ages.) Male witches, even rarer then female Wizards, are called Warlocks.

Everything else you need to know comes from the relationships among the many characters. Here is an updated version of a brief "Guide to Characters" I wrote some time ago:

Lady Cecilia:
Race: Human. Leader of the Witches (mostly by virtue of no one else wanting the job.) Small elderly woman, usually very friendly and motherly, but can have some bite. Incredibly clairvoyant.

The Archmage:
Race: Dwarf. Portly Leader of Erilliance's Wizards. Middle aged, friendly and cheerful.

Thurigen:
Race: High Elf of the Citadel. Thurigen, Leader of the Druids, has transcended his corporeal form and now exists as an almost Demigod. Ancient, powerful, enigmatic and a bit tempermental. His assistant is Simile.

Xindor the Incredible:
Race: High Elf of the Citadel. Leader of the Sorcerers' Guild. One of the most powerful and popular sorcerors of all time (Also one of the most Arrogant and self-centered.) Pushing 450, due to die in less than three years (According to Lady Cecilia's prophecy.) His Niece is Amora of Tiesan. He harbors a grudge against Clayton Darkwood.

Halyn:
Race: Hill Gnome. Halyn is a Bard. He cares for his younger brother Erdyn and his younger sister Tiryn. He once wrote a very catchy song about Xindor the Incredible.

Erdyn:
Race: Hill Gnome. Erdyn wants to be a sorceror, but has thus far displayed only minimal powers. His sister is Tiryn. His brother is Halyn.

Tiryn:
Race: Hill Gnome. Tiryn is an insatiably curious and energetic young gnome. Sister to Halyn and Erdyn.

Clayton Darkwood: Race: Human. The Notorious Sorceror Pirate has been banished from both Xarnip and Erilliance. He currently commands the Simian scallywags of the Pirate Ship Abandon. He is old friends with Lady Cecilia. He hates Xindor the Incredible. He was once married to The Queen of Xarnip. His son is Brandon Darkwood.

Simile:
Race: Doom Pixie. Sorceress, currently adjunct to Thurigen.

Dukalb Argoldson of Viiri: Race: Dwelf (Half Dwarf, half Elf.) Rejected by both his peoples, Dukalb sought out life as a Druid. Due to his mixed heritage, he has an affinity for trees and rocks. He's not a very good Druid, mostly due to a total lack of training. His master is Grosk.

Brandon Darkwood: Race: Half-Xarnipi Human. The Prince of Xarnip, often ostracized for his light skin, has recently begun accidentily turning people into animals. His father is Clayton Darkwood. His mother is The Queen of Xarnip. His half-sister is Jiuni.

Jiuni:
Race: Xarnipi Human. Half sister to Brandon Darkwood. Last we saw her, she was trying to talk her mother into letting her come to Errilliance.

The Queen of Xarnip: Race: Xarnipi Human. Large, wealthy, and Powerful. Formerly married to Clayton Darkwood. Mother of numerous children, including Brandon Darkwood and Jiuni.

Vivacia Brown:
Race: Human. Thin, mousy witch with a mess of brown hair. Resident of the prestigous Tiesan Hall. Shy, but friendly. Very close friends with Amora of Tiesan. Has a huge crush on Bogue. Trained by Lady Cecilia.

Bogue:
Race: Human. Erilliance's leading Rune Master, Bogue is slightly disconnected to reality, due to spending so much time in the theoretical world of Runes. Something of a prodigy.

Amora of Tiesan:
Race: High Elf of the Citadel. Amora is a powerful budding sorceress. She has been spoiled both by her family's wealth and prestige and by her own great power, that of creating projectiles that alter people's emotions. She is controlling and manipulative, but essentially a decent person. Her best friend is Vivacia Brown. Her uncle is Xindor the Incredible.

Grosk:
Race: Hobgoblin. An experienced druid, Grosk is the only hobgoblin in the city of Errilliance. He is a trusted lieutenant of Thurigen. Currently training Dukalb.

Durner Rockfendursteen:
Race: Dwarf. Owner and operator of Durney's Dwarven Diner, the only dwarven restaraunt in the city, and a popular hangout for Wizards and sorcerors alike.

The Story so Far:
Chapter 1:
Our story begins when Lady Cecilia has a vision. In this vision, she learns that Xindor will die in three years time and if something is not done soon, there will be no one to take his place as leader of the sorcerers guild. Xindor objects to this - he does not believe he's going to die, and even if he does, he's confident someone will step up to take over. Unable to convince the council, Lady Cecilia decides to take matters into her own hands...

Chapter 2:
Three gnomes, Halyn, Erdyn, and Tirdyn, approach Errilliance. Haylyn once wrote a very popular ballad about Xindor, and now Xindor has summoned him back to the city. His younger brother has some powers and wishes to become a sorcerer.

Chapter 3:
Clayton Darkwood, the infamous sorcerer pirate, is returning to the mainland after years of exile when he is contacted by Lady Cecilia. Lady Cecilia asks Clayton to retrieve his son from the custody of his mother, the Queen of Xarnip, despite the fact that she said she'd kill him if he ever set foot in her country again, and bring him to Errilliance to study. She promises that if Brandon comes to Errilliance, he could be leader of the sorcerers guild in as little as three years.

Chapter 4:
Xindor tries to contact his niece, Amora, but fails. Lady Cecilia finds him and informs him that Clayton is coming to Errilliance. Xindor is furious, but eventually agrees not to harm Clayton while he is in the city.

Chapter 5:
Dukald, a druid in the forest outside Errilliance, is summoned to the druidic leader Thurigen and made an offer - accept training from a new teacher or be exiled from the city. He takes the training.

Chapter 6:
Meanwhile, in Xarnip, Brandon Darkwood, Clayton's son, has been accidentally and inexplicably turning people into animals. Fortunately, these transformations have all been temporary. His mother the Queen of Xarnip, reveals that he is in fact a sorcerer, and the his father will be arriving soon to take him to Errilliance to be trained. Then she turns into a hippopotamaus.

Chapter 7:
The Gnomes arrive in Errilliance. Xindor sends a Wizard named Bogue to escort Erdyn and Tirdyn to their rooms, and summons Haylyn to his office. He admits that he, in fact, believes Lady Cecilia about his upcoming death, and is concerned about his legacy - he wants Halyn to write another ballad about his final adventure. Unfortunately, to do this, Halyn will have to live in Errilliance. The Gnome says he needs time to think about the offer.

Chapter 8:
Xindor's niece Amora and her best friend and roommate Vivacia are standing out on the roof of their building when they see Bogue and the two Gnomes walking by. Vivacia, infatuated with Bogue, talks Amora into shooting a bolt of pure love at him (Amora can fire blasts which manipulate emotions.) Amora fires, but misses and hits Erdyn, who immediately becomes infatuated with everyone. She goes down to try and reverse the spell and ends up nearly getting in a duel with Bogue. Fortunately Xindor interferes just before it starts and teleports Amora to his office.

Chapter 9:
Xindor chastises Amora for the attack, and reveals Lady Cecilia's prophecy, stating that he hopes she will be ready to succeed him should anything happen to him. Unbeknowest to him, she has already been planning to take over the guild for years.

Chapter 10:
Brandon's half-sister, Juini, tries to talk her mother into letting her come with Brandon to Errilliance, but the Queen says no. Clayton arrives in Xarnip with much fanfare.

Chapter 11:
Erdyn wakes up, thinking he's still in love with Amora. He and Halyn head off to breakfast before Erdyn's appointment.

Chapter 12:
Dukalb meets his new teacher, and is surprised to discover that he is a hobgoblin.

Chapter 13:
Erdyn and Halyn go to Durney's Dwarven Diner for breakfast. Erdyn tells Haylyn he loves Amora, but Halyn explains this is just an after effect of her magic. Erdyn prepares for his test.

Chapter 14:
Clayton and Brandon start to catch up. Clayton gives his son a gift - a chunk of oblivium which can nullify all magic in an area.

Chapter 15:
Grosk explains to Dukalb (and the readers) how Druidic powers work.

Chapter 16:
After a long wait in the lobby, Erdyn goes before the Sorcerer's Guild council to be tested. He demonstrates his abilities - the manipulation of small beads of light and the ability to slightly morph his facial features. The council seems impressed.

That's it so far. Next up: The story continues!

Chapter XVI

Because it's been too damn long since I've written anything.

Erdyn paced the lobby of the Sorcerer's guild Pyramid. Not fair, he thought. He had rushed through his breakfast to get here exactly on time, and he'd been waiting for nearly half a fig.* This was absurd.
He looked around the large, rectangular room. The sorcerers, it was obvious, liked to show off. The two large couches on either side of the entrance changed color every few twigs, oscillating from red to orange to yellow and all the way down the spectrum, inexplicably stopping off at plaid in between blue and turquoise. The door on the opposite side had a few simple wooden chairs by it, perfectly normal except that they occasionally got up and walked around the room on their four legs. On the floor surrounding the door, carved into the wooden floor, were two concentric rings, with an ornate pattern strung between them. Every foot or so was a tiny circular indentation, inlayed with silver. On the right wall was a large portrait of a dark-skinned, bald human. He was quite muscular, in a turquoise vest with silver trim and sparkly silver pants and holding a wooden staff with a shining gem in it. The staff Erdyn recognized - Xindor had been carrying it when he first arrived. The inscription on the portrait simply read "Damien Windhammer, first Lord of the Stargem." This confused Erdyn - he wasn't one humdred percent sure what the stargem was, but he didn't even know it needed one lord, much less several. The only other ornamentation in the room was definately the most bizarre - and enormous, pulsating pair of human-looking ears on the left wall.
"I'm sure they'll see you as soon as they can Erdyn," reassured his brother. "They must be very busy,"
Just then, an unfamiliar elf stepped through the door. He was short, for an elf, bald and quite wiry, and he was holding a clipboard.
"Erdyn son of Indryn?" he said, looking down at the clip board. Erdyn nodded. "The council will see you now,"
"Finally," said Erdyn.
"Erdyn," said Halyn sharply.
The younger gnome glared at him.
"This way," said the elf.
Erdyn and Halyn followed him out the doorand to the left. He led them into a long hallway filled with portraits of various sorcerers in decisive, take-charge, action poses. All carried the same shining wooden staff. After two right turns, they reached a small, black door. Well, not exactly a door. More sort of a doorway. It was pure black as if no light could possibly escape. As if looking into it too long could be spomehow dangerous.
The elf spoke some words in a language Erdyn couldn't understand, and suddenly the doorway changed. Now instead of pure darkness it was sheathed in pure light. Erdyn shielded his eyes and turned away.
"Step through please," said their guide.
What? said Erdyn.
"It's safe," said the elf. "This is the entrance to the floor. Your brother and I are going to the gallery. They're expecting you. Step through,"
Erdyn took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and stepped into the light. RThe light was so bright he clould feel it with his eyes closed. He kept walking forward. He was about to risk opening his eyes when he heard a shrill, female voice.
"Close the damn gateway!" it said.
There was a flash, and the light was gone. Erdyn opened his eyes.
He was standing on a large, circular platform. The room was dark - the main source of light was a ring of blue lights on the cieling and a bright white rectangle somewhere far above him, which vanished shortly. Actually, the platform he was on appeared, inexplicably, quite well lit. It was empty except for a lecturn and a bench next to it, and another black doorway, which appeared to lead nowhere. Beyond the platform however, was total darkness.
"Clear the lecturn," said Xindor's voice. The lecturn and bench vanished.
"Welcome, Erdyn, son of Indryn, of the Hills of Gloob," said Xindor. "Why have you come before the Elder Council of the Sorerer's Guild?"
You could hear the capitalization.
Erdyn thought this was rather silly. Xindor obviously knew why he was here. But he decided to play along anyway.
"I want to become a sorcerer," he said clearly.
"The guild is not for everyone," said another voice, this one lower and gravelly, "What makes you think you posess the innate magical skill required to manipulate the universe?"
Damn he's dramatic, thought Erdyn. He wondered whether it would be better to seem humble or confident. He thought what he could do was pretty good, but having seen the wonders he had since coming to Errilliance, he was no longer quite so sure.
"Well?" asked the rumbling voice.
"I have powers," said Erdyn. "In the past couple of months I've realized I could do things - not normal things,"
"Have you any bloodline?" asked the grumbly voice.
"Yes," said Erdyn. This part he had rehearsed, "My Great, Great, Grandfather, Sildyn son of Moolyn, was a member of the guild,"
"That is all?" said the low voice.
"That I know of," answered Erdyn.
"These powers," said a third voice. It was higher, female sounding, and somewhat shrill, "Can you control them, or do they happen spontaneously?"
"They basically only happen when I want them to," said Erdyn. This was mostly true.
"Would you care to demonstrate them, then?" she asked.
Erdyn nodded. He took a deep breath in and beban to concentrate very hard. He was glad it was dark. That would make this more impressive.
"Take your time," said Xindor, "We're in no hurry,"
Erdyn clasped his hand together and focused. Then he opened his hands just slightly and peeked in. A bead of light was nestled in his palm. He closed his hands again and concentrated even harder. Finally, he opened his hands. Four tiny circles of light, like bright fireflies, floated out. There was a mix of sounds from the group, mostly murmurs of what Erdyn hoped was approval.
Spurred on somewhat by this, Erdyn moved on to his next trick. He raised his hands into the air and thrust them forward, willing the lights to follow. The little beads zoomed off in the direction he was pointing, straight out into the gallery, until the illuminated Xindor's face, which Erdyn saw had broken into a small smile.
Erdyn pulled his hands in, beckoning the lights to return to him, then winked them out.
The crowd was murmering excitedly now, which Erdyn thought of as a good sign. There seemed to be quite a few more of them then he'd originally thought, though.
"Is that all?" asked the gruff voice.
Erdyn considered for a moment. Aw, what the underrealm? he thought, Might as well give it a shot. "There is one more little thing," he said uncertainly.
"Well, by all means, show us," said Xindor.
Erdyn nodded. He concentrated again, this time on his ears. He had decided some time ago his large, gnomish ears made the best demonstration of this ability. He concentrated on shrinking them.
After a minute or so, he reached up and touched them. They were smaller, but he wasn't sure the change was enough to be noticable.
There was hushed talking going on in a language Erdyn couldn't understand. Then the female voice spoke up.
"Is it just your ears, or can you resize anything?" she asked.
They'd noticed! Erdyn breathed a sigh of relief.
"I've only managed my ears, nose, and eyes. I tried to grow my whole head and I got a massive headache,"
Xindor laughed - a brief, percussive laugh that stopped almost immediately.
"SO it's a real change then - " he said, "Not illusory?"
"As far as I know," answered Erdyn.
"Then I would stop experimenting with it," said XIndor, "Transmutation magic can be very dangerous in the hands of an amatuer. Is that everything?"
"Yes sir," said Erdyn.
"You may go then," said Xindor."We'll let you know our decision by tomorrow. Thank you for your time,"
The black doorway behind Erdyn flashed white again. Erdyn closed his eyes and stepped through. He strode through the portrait hall with a little bounce in his step. He'd impressed them, he was sure of it. And he was on his way to becoming a sorcerer!

*A fig is a period of 9 lengths. A day is divided into 18 figs.

Chapter XV

Dukalb was having trouble thinking of anything not stupid to say. So he decided simply to say what was on his mind.
"You're a goblin," he said after a moment.
"Hobgoblin, actually," Grosk corrected him irratibly, "And you're a Dwelf. What of it?"
"Goblins can't do magic," said Dukalb, confused.
"I beg to differ," said Grosk. "And Thurigen obviously agrees with me, as he asked me to teach you how to do magic, which I will find increasingly difficult if you don't stop insulting me,"
Simile sniggered. Grosk attempted to bat her away with his walking stick, but she flew out of the way.
"Have fun guys," she called, zooming off.
"Sorry," said Dukalb after a while. "It's just I didn't think.."
"Didn't think hobgoblins would be allowed in Erilliance?" asked Grosk, still clearly annoyed. "Well, I've been here a lot longer than you have. And I would think someone with your particular heritage would be.. a little more sympathetic towards my plight,"
"What do you mean?" asked Dukalb.
"We have a lot in common," answered Grosk. "We're each the only member of our race in the whole city. And we're both very far from home. And, I suspect, niether of us really thought of it as home to begin with,"
"There are plenty of Elves and Dwarves here-" Dukalb began.
"But no other Dwelves," Grosk said with mock sadness, "And no other hobgoblins. How sad for us,"
"Is that why Thurigen assigned you to me?" asked Dukalb.
"It's possible," rasped Grosk, "But I think it's more a matter of us having compatible essences,"
"Essences?" asked Dukalb quizzically.
Grosk stared incredulously at him. "You really have had no training to speak of, have you? No wonder you've developed only rudimentary powers in three years. Well, if you have no grasp of theory, we'll just have to start at the beginning. Do you honestly not know anything about essences?"
"Well of course I do!" answered Dukalb, indignant. "I'm not an idiot!"
"Well, what do you know about them?" asked the hobgoblin, walking over to a stump and sitting down.
"Umm..." said Dukalb, trying to figure out where to start. "The whole world is comprised of the four elements earth, wind, water, and fire. Every creature, plant, rock or cloud has the essences of these elements inside it in some combination. Druids gain our power by communing with these essences and manipulating them, changing the balance of essences in something to produce the desired effect,"
"So you're not completely stupid," replied Grosk with some relief. "What confused you?"
"I don't understand what you mean when you say we have compatible essences," answered Dukalb.
"Hmm...," went the Hobgoblin. For several seconds he said nothing, as if trying to collect his thoughts. Then he began.
"Have you ever wondered why Dwarves are more comfortable underground? Or why wood elves like to live in the trees?" he asked.
"I figured that's just what they were built for," said Dukalb.
"Kind of," said Grosk. "Actually, it's because the balance of essences is not constant from race to race. Dwarves have rather a lot of earth in them and little of air. Cathedral Elves have almost no earth and a double share of air essence. Only humans tend to have some measure of balance in their essences,"
"Okay..." said Dukalb, taking all this in.
Grosk continued. "A druid derives his powers from his own elemental essences - your ability to manipulate each element is dependant upon the strength of each element within your own essence,"
"Ah...," said Dukalb, with a look of revelation. "So that's why Thurigen likes to appear as a whirlwind,"
"Yes," said Grosk, "He is, or at least was, an elf of the Citadel, just like Xindor. Now. Dwarves, as I've said, have a double share of earth essence and almost no air essence. While wood elves have balanced essences except for an almost total lack of fire essence. So you, as a Dwelf, ought to have a the largest part of your essence connected with earth, and the smallest with fire. By sheer coincidence, this is exactly how a Hobgoblins essence breaks down,"
"But Goblins love fire -" objected Dukalb.
"I'm NOT a Goblin!" bellowed Grosk, suddenly becoming defensive. After another pause of a few seconds he recovered himself enough to continue. "Now naturally each of us having similar essences gives us similar abilities - obviously a natural affinity for stone, but also one for trees - since trees are composed of the earth they grow in, the water they drink, and the air they breath, we have a lot in common with them. They identify with us. Weather control is mostly about air and water, so both of us have limited succes with that, but not too much because we're basically devoid of fire essence - although you have a little more of that from your Dwarven side, which explains how you were able to call a lightning bolt,"
Dukalb was silent, taking all this in. Grosk stopped for a moment, unsure of what to say next. Finally he spoke up.
"That's your first lesson," he said, "Runes, incantations, hand motions - none of that matters to us. Leave it for the wizards and witches to worry about. A good druid needs no sound, no motion, and above all no components to work his magic. We manipulate primal elemental forces simply by being. That is the power you've tapped into, and that is what you can learn from me. If you stop insulting me, that is,"

Chapter XIV

It was with considerably less ceremony that the Wild Abandon left the Port of Xarnip that morning. For Clayton, however, it was a much happier occasion. Finally, for the first time in eleven years, he would get to talk to his son. And there really wasn't any other choice - he was the only person on the boat who spoke Human. So he was a bit surprised when his son addressed him in Xarnipi.
But of course. He should have expect Human-proper would only be a second language to his son, raised in this backwater as he had been. I should have taken him with me, he thought, not for the first time in the eleven years since he'd fled his wife's wrath on the back of a stolen attack whale.
"Good Morning, son," he replied in his son's native language. His brief conversation with his wife the previous night had been the first time he'd used his Xarnipi in nearly eight years, but he had a good memory and it was coming back pretty easily.
"Mornin' Dad," said Brandon.
There was a pause. What do you say after eleven years? thought Clay.
"Oh," he said finally, "I brought you something!"
This had been his Ice-breaking plan for years. In the old days, every time Clayton had come home he'd brought a gift from wherever he'd been. He headed towards the hold, explaining as he went.
"I didn't know what kind of powers you'd manifest," he said, as he opened the door to the hold, "Sorcerer powers can be finicky. So I wasn't sure what to get you. You know, wouldn't want an invisibility cape if you could do it on your own,"
"I turn people into animals," said Brandon, with a strange mix of confusion pride.
"Oh, Transmogrifier, eh?" replied Clayton, clapping him on the shoulder. He stopped and sat down on a box, "Takin' after your old Grandma! She used to turn me into all kinds of useful things. Why I remember once, during my mercenary days, I needed to infiltrate a Goblin camp, and - Say.... You could go into business with me! Been a long time since I had a good transmogrifier at my side! But I'm getting ahead of myself. Come."
He led his somewhat perplexed son through the dank hold until he came to a large box.
"Here it is," he said. He took the top off of the box, bent down and pulled out a small,smooth silver egg. He handed it carefully to his son, who looked it over with confusion.
"What is it?" he finally asked.
"It's a nullifier," said his father. "That little egg can render the most powerful wizard into nothing more than an old man with a stick. You see, it contains a tiny chunk of oblivium,"
Brandon laughed. "Nice one, dad," he said. "Seriously, what does it do?"
"I'm serious," Insisted Clayton, "It has chunk of oblivium in it strong enough to nullify all the magic in a ten-foot radius. Right now it's effects are being suppressed by the silver in the shell. But it's thin. You can break it by throwing it down really hard or smashing it, and then you'll have an approximately twenty-foot radius circle inside which no one can use any magic. Like plopping down a chunk of the badlands right in the middle of Erilliance,"
"Wow," said Brandon, surveying the small metal egg,"Thanks," he continued, mesmerized,"If this is really oblivium, it must be worth..."
"Hey," said his father, "I have eleven years of birthdays to make up for! Speaking of which, we've got a lot to catch up on. You want something to eat?"
"Sure," answered Brandon.
"C'mon," said Clay, "I'll show you the mess. I hope you like Banannas!"

*Sorry it sucks. I just gotta keep writing.

Chapter XIII

Erilliance is a city of wonders - massive towers that let off a fiery glow, sorcerers throwing spells everywhere - even the pigeons frequently burst into flames. Yet for years it was impossible to get a good sandwich on the go. If the current Archmage was to be remembered for anything, it would be this - he had offered a large stipend and the lifelong protection of the Wizards of Erilliance to any good restauranteer willing to set up inside the city limits. Slowly, the fear of being turned into a hamburger by a disgruntled customer gave way to greed, and local businesses began to set up shop. One of these young entrepreneurs had been a friendly, optimistic Dwarf named Durner Ruckfendursteen.
Sixteen years later, Durner (Durney to his friends) had a booming business - the only Dwarf restaurant in the city. Dishes like his famous Stone roast stew and Potato smashes offered a little taste of home for the Dwarves of the city, and a hearty, slightly exotic flair for the others. It was well-known that Durney's Dwarven Diner was one of Xindor the Incredible's favorite restaurants, and it didn't hurt his business the plenty of young sorcerers ate there in an attempt to get in on his good side.
Therefore it was surprising how empty it was that morning as the two Gnomes came in.
"Good day to ye!" called Durney, as he walked briskly (for a portly Dwarf) to the door. "Welcome ta Durney's Dwarven Diner, delectables Dished out Daily! Ye ever been here before?"
"No," answered Halyn with a friendly smile, "But you come highly recommended to me,"
"Well, yer in fer a right treat then!" said Durney, "Can I int'rest ye in our breakfast special - Three of our famous thundercakes with sausages and a drink fer eight spiggins a piece! And fer firs' time customers, I throw in a coupla' flundusters fer' dessert!"
"That sound good?" Halyn asked his brother.
"The only word I understood was 'sausages'," Erdyn answered, bewildered.
"Right," said his brother, suddenly coming to a realization, "You've never had Dwarf food! Two of the special, my good man - do you serve Gnome-size portions?"
The Dwarf thought about this for a moment. "Not much call fer that around here, but how's about we make everything half size and charge ya' half price fer' it?"
"Sounds fine to me," said Halyn.
"And ta drink? How about some Dwarven ale? It's never too early fer ale!"
'Water's fine," said Halyn.
"Ye sure?" asked the Dwarf, "No extra charge,"
'Yes," insisted the Gnome, "Water is fine,"
"Alright, then," said Durney, "Two Gnome-sized breakfast specials, commin' right up!"
As he rushed off to prepare the food, the Gnomes sat down.
"Dwarves don't understand that no one else can handle a mug of their ale," said Halyn, as the soon as Durney was out of ear shot. "So, we have about a length and a half until your appointment - that should be plenty of time. You feeling up to it?"
Erdyn held his hand up to his face and stared intently at it. After a moment, three of his fingertips began to glow.
"Yeah," he said, "Once I get some food in me, I should be fine,"
"Good," said Halyn, "Just don't be shy, ok? Don't be afraid to show them everything you got."
"I just hope it's enough," answered Erdyn optimistically.
"It will be," said his older brother, patting his hand, "It will be. So, Xindor wanted me to extend his humblest apologies for his niece's behavior. He also wanted me to let you know that random acts of magic are actually really rare in this city, and you got really unlucky,"
"His niece?" asked Erdyn, a little confused.
"Yeah, the girl who attacked you last night. She was aiming for Bogue... Probably some little feud between them. It happens rather a lot here - sorcerers are known for holding grudges a long time, and I think it just kind of rubs off on everyone else. Why, last time I was here - are you listening to me?"
He waved his hand in front of his brother, who was gazing dreamily out the window.
"Wuh?" he said, "Oh, sorry. Spaced out for a moment. Go on,"
"What is it?"asked Halyn, "Something bothering you?"
"Just... er... Nervous about today," lied Erdyn hastily, "That's all. Don't worry about it,"
"Erdyn," said his brother sternly, "You're a good liar, but you never were able to fool me. What were you thinking about?"
The younger Gnome looked at his brother for a moment, as if trying to decide whether or not he should say what was on his mind.
"Amora," he finally sighed.
"Oh, that's just an after effect of her spell,"said Halyn, blowing him off. "Trust me, sometime tomorrow it'll wear off and you'll be pretty pissed off at her,"
"I don't think that's it," argued Erdyn. "She's beautiful, and she's Xindor's niece, and-"
"And that's all you know about her, that and the fact that she attacked you. You're not in love with her. Trust me. Now, let's talk a little about what Xindor and the rest of the sorcerers on the admission council will be looking for..."
He was interrupted by Durney's return, with breakfast.
"There ye go," said the Dwarf cheerfully, "Two Gnome-sized breakfast specials. I'll bring ye yer flundusters in a little while,"
"I'm... Not sure I'll still be hungry," said Erdyn uncertainly as he surveyed the breakfast.
"That's alright, I'll wrap 'em up fer ya! Ye can't decide how ye feel about Dwarven cuisine without tryin' a flunduster!"
"Of course," said Halyn, "Wrap them up. And could we get a third?"
"Sure thing!" answered the Dwarf, "I'll get them fer ye momentarily!"
He shuffled off to finish the desserts.
Erdyn stared horrified at the thundercakes, large blackened cylinders filled with so many little holes they resemble Swiss cheese. He looked up questioningly at his brother.
"Dig in,"said Halyn, his mouth already full of thundercake, "We only have about a length and five before your appointment,"
Erdyn picked up a thundercake and cautiously bit into it. As he crunched on it, a smile broke across his face.
"This's actually pretty good," he said. "A little crunchy, but it tastes alright,"
"Of course it does," said Halyn, "It's even better with syrup. Now eat up, we haven't got that much time,"
They ate on in relative silence, the only sounds those of contented crunching. As Erdyn munched away at his thundercake, he wondered what other surprises Erilliance had in store for him, and whether they would all be this pleasant.

Chapter XII

On the edge of the city, Simile buzzed around a small cabin. She was annoyed to find the small crack she'd used in the past to gain entrance had since been sealed. Aw well, she thought, nothing else for it! She hovered in front of the window gathering up her magical strength, then let out a blast about her size, incinerating a small hole in the wall. She flew through it.
The cabin was very sparsely furnished. There was a pile of tools piled half-heartedly in one corner. There was a small table, a wardrobe, and a bed, and that was all. She flew towards the bed, and landed on Dukalb's pillow.
"Good Morning!" she intoned, leaning into his ear.
Dukalb literally jumped to his feet. Within seconds, he was standing on top of the bed."What the underealm?!" he said.
Simile floated up to right in front of his face.
"Hey, plenty of guys'd kill to wake up with me in their bed!"
Dukalb glared at her.
"It's Four lengths and two and a half twigs already! What did you do last night?"
"Nothing," answered the Dwelf, jumping off his bed. "I usually get up this late. I try not to let my internal clock be bound by the rules of society,"
"How very Druidic of you," answered the pixie. "However, if you wish to remain in Erilliance, I would suggest you get dressed and get to that clearing,"
"What do you mean, get dressed?" asked Dukalb. "Like I own more than one pair of clothing,"
She surveyed his wrinkled clothes.
"Wow," she said. "You really are a slob. I didn't know you slept in them too,"
Dukalb shrugged. "I don't interact with people very often these days. I figure, what's the point in looking nice. No one see's me anyway. This way I can just... wake up and leave," As if to demonstrate, he walked towards the door.
"So what's that wardrobe for?" asked Simile as she floated next to his ear.
"Things," said Dukalb, "None of your concern - did you burn a whole in my door?"
"That?" said Simile, indicating the whole. "That was there when I got here,"
"Right," said Dukalb sarcastically, as he began striding through the forest, "So it just... Turned up. Should I even bother getting it fixed?"
"Uhhhh....No," said Simile.
"Because next time you needed to get into my house another one would just turn up," said the Druid irritably.
"Probably," answered Simile coyly, "You know how these things are,"
"One of these days you're going to have a nasty encounter with a fly swatter," said Dukalb dryly.
"You gotta catch me first," intoned the pixie playfully as she zoomed out over the trees. Dukalb wandered towards the clearing, thinking about what was about to happen. A master, he reasoned, could never be a good thing. Up until now he'd been setting his own timetables, living a life of relative solitude, and interacting with others only when absolutely necessary. And he was learning a lot. His teachers were the trees, the rocks, the animals. How a druid should learn, he thought. Now he would be subject to the whims of an older druid, one who thought he could teach him to commune with nature through lessons and instruction.
But what else could he do? He couldn't leave Erilliance. Where else could a Dwelf live in peace? Everywhere he'd be an outsider. But here, in a city ruled by a council consisting of a human, a Dwarf, and an Elf, everyone felt like an outsider. And that meant no one did.
He stopped in the same clearing where Thurigen had delivered his ultimatum the previous day. And there, standing in front of him, was a goblin.
It was very tall for a goblin - thin and wiry, with wrinkly green skin and ridiculous bat-like ears. The upturned snout on the front of it's face was rather humorous looking as well.
Dukalb glanced around for a weapon. Eyeing a heavy stick on the ground, he picked it up and held like a club, ready to swing if he was attacked. Goblins were dangerous, hostile creatures, and he wasn't about to take any chances.
"Underrealm of a way to greet your knew teacher," said the goblin, in a raspy voice. "My name is Grosk. You would be Dukalb, I presume?"

Chapter XI

"Hey there!" said a familiar voice, rousing Erdyn from his slumber. "Time to get up! We've got a big day ahead of us!"
Erdyn sat up and looked around confusedly at the unfamiliar room. Where was this place? And how had he gotten here? "Wha?" he said.
"The witch said the sleeping potion might disorient you a bit when you woke up. Give it a moment,"
The voice sounded familiar, but distant, removed. He looked around and finally saw his brother Halyn.
"You were hit by a stray enchantment," he said, "They tried to counter-curse you, but eventually they just ended up giving you a potion to sleep it off. I let you sleep as long as you could, but Xindor made an appointment for the guild to test you today,"
Slowly it was coming back. He was in... Erilliance. He'd come here to be... a sorceror? Yes, and he'd gotten here, and seen the most beautiful elf maiden... what was her name?
"Amora!" he cried out.
"What?" said his brother, "Are you alright?"
"I think so," said Erdyn, as his brain began to solidify. "Yeah, I'm gonna be fine. What time is it?"
His brother stared out the window and squinted a bit. "About four lengths, give or take a twig*,"
"Wow," said Erdyn, "I did sleep in. When's my appointment?"
"In about two lengths. I figured you'd need a little time to get ready,"
"Yeah," said Erdyn, climbing out of his bed, "Where's Tiryn?,"
"She was up almost a fig ago," He answered, "Wanted to see the whole city. Xindor arranged to get her a guided tour,"
"Good," said Erdyn. He looked around, "Where are my clothes?" he asked.
"You're clothes are in that dresser," said Halyn, pointing at a small chest of drawers behind the bed. It jumped a little.
Erdyn approached the dresser cautiosly, unsure of what to do. Eventually, he decided to risk it and get his clothes. He put his hand on the handle, but hesitated.
"What are you so worried about?" asked Halyn.
"I saw it move," answered his brother.
"Quit being such a baby," chided the older gnome, "You're never gonna be a sorcerer if you're afraid of the dresser,"
"I'm not afraid!" defended Erdyn. "I'm just... exercising caution,"
"Just get dressed," said Erdyn, "We haven't got that much time,"
Defeated, Erdyn stepped pulled on the handle. Immediately there was a deafening roar. Erdyn felt the sensation of strong winds blowing past every inch of his body, As if he were caught in a whirlwind. This is it, he thought, I'm going to be torn apart, or carried away and drop from high up, or both or worse. One day in Erilliance and I'm killed by a closet.
And then, just as suddenly as it had started, it was over. He was standing in front of the dresser, and he was dressed, in the green and white vest-tunic ensemble he had picked out for this very purpose.
Halyn was laughing.
'What's funny about this?" asked his brother.
"The look on your face!" answered Halyn.
"What was that?" asked Erdyn, indicating the drawers.
"A dresser," answered Halyn, "A real one. The ones we have back home are just called that. They don't actually dress you. Here in Erilliance, on the other hand... well, never mind. You hungry?"
"A little," answered Erdyn.
"Good," said his brother, "There's a great place across from the Library I've been wanting to try. Let's go,"
Still a bit disoriented, Erdyn followed his brother out the door.

*A Length is a standard unit of both distance and time. Once the two may have been connected, but now they just confusingly share a name. In either case, there are eighteen twigs in a length, and nine lengths in a fig.

Chapter X

Considering his reputation, Brandon Darkwood was surprised at the number of villagers who turned up to see him off the day he was due to leave Xarnip for the city of Erilliance. Many of them, he suspected, were just so happy to see him go they wanted to be there when it finally happened. Others were just waiting around in case someone else got transmogrified - entertainment can be scarce in the port of Xarnip.
Whatever the reason, there was quite the crowd. As cheering as this was to Brandon, it worried his mother. If there was one thing Clayton Darkwood relished, thought the Queen, it was a crowd. Especially one who had seen little enough magic that it they'd hang around for the chance of seeing a fellow villager turn into a toad. She hoped her husband would know enough to restrain himself.
"Over there!" cried someone in the crowd. Brandon squinted at the spot on the horizon where everyone's attention seemed to have been drawn. The top of a sail and a crows nest had appeared. The noise of the crowd swelled as everyone began discussing what they saw. After a while the roar died down again, since it was apparent the ship was still a ways off. Then the Queen's voice exploded over the crowd.
"No you can't 'come with'! What has gotten into you? You've never shown a shred of interest in magic, and you just show up and tell me you wanna ship off to Erilliance?"
She stopped. The entire crowd had shifted it's focus and turned around.
"And what, pray tell, are you all looking at?" she asked.
The crowd rapidly shuffled back around. Brandon pushed through it to see his half-sister Jiuni staring up at their mother.
"But mother!" she implored, "I want to fly again! I was just getting the hang of it and I.. Changed back. But I know someone in Erilliance can teach me how to change myself, I just know it! Please?"
"No!" Insisted the Queen. "I know you, you'll have forgotten about it by tomorrow! And then you'll be stuck in a strange city with no way to get home and I'm gonna hafta bail you out! Now go home and unpack that bag!"
Jiuni ran off crying. The Queen turned to Brandon.
"See what you done?" she said, "You done put idea's in the girl's head! It'll be weeks 'fore she forgives me for that!"
"Your husband is about to see you for the first time in twelve years," said Brandon levelly, "Do you really want to be a hippo when that happens?" sardonically.
The Queen looked at him, but for the first time Brandon could remember, she didn't have anything to say. He smiled as he turned away and walked back towards the port.
Suddenly a murmur broke out across the crowd. Brandon looked to see what everyone was pointing at. A small bolt of purple light was making it's way across the sky having started from the crows nest of the ship. When it reached a certain point in the sky it began to move erratically, leaving a trail, like a giant purple crayon in the sky. First it drew the standard symbol of pirate on all worlds - the skull and crossed bones. Then it added a Wizard's hat and an eye patch. The crowd went wild.
As the ship got nearer the skull emblem didn't fade. And just as the noise of the crowd was starting to die down, the skull opened it's mouth.
"Hellllllllooooooooo Xarnip!" it boomed enthusiastically. The crowd, which now constituted nearly the entire village, let out a roar. Brandon glanced over at his mother. She looked disgusted and was staring disapprovingly at the crowd, but none of them seemed to notice.
"How's everybody doin' today?" continued the skull. Some of the villagers, to wrapped up in the excitement to remember their "official" stance on magic, yelled back various responses.
"Wonderful," said the skull, "Just wonderful. And now, without further ado, the you all came here to see, The infamous sorcerer pirate and your own former king, the one, the only, the incredible CLAAAAAAYTON DARKWOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!"
There was a blinding flash of light and a splash and suddenly the Wild Abandon was at port. To follow this up, Clayton, clad in a flashy purple tunic and cape and flanked by massive orangutans, floated off the deck of the ship and onto the pier.
The Queen strained to make herself heard over crowd as she strolled out to meet her former husband.
"Just what in the name of the Gods do you think you're doing?," she asked, "Did I tell you to come here and do a magic show? You're here to pick up your son and then you are getting out of here, you understand me?"
"Wow," said the Sorcerer sarcastically, "Nice to see you too, honey. What's the matter, afraid you'll fall for me again if I stick around?"
"That was a nice fireworks display," retorted the Queen, "That skull emblem was almost as big as your ego,"
"That's the best you could do?" asked Clayton. "I haven't seen you in twelve years; you'd think you would have had time to come up with a more creative insult,"
"Haven't given it much thought," answered the monarch, "You see unlike some people, I actually have a job,"
"So what's pirating," asked Clayton, feigning offense, "A hobby? Very few people could do what I do,"
She smiled at him. He smiled back. Then they ran up to each other and embraced.
"I've missed you," said Clayton. They pulled apart.
"You're still not staying any longer than you have to," said the Queen, as they turned and walked down the pier.
"Of course not," said Clayton, "We have to be at Erilliance in a few days. My men - "
"Ook!" interrupted his bodyguard.
"Sorry," said Clayton, "My crew needs to load up on supplies. I was hoping we could stay here for tonight and leave early tomorrow morning,"
"I'll have my people prepare you some rooms," said the Queen. She hesitated, looking at the orangutans, "Well, one room and several trees,"
"Much obliged," said Clayton.
The Queen climbed into her Sedan chair. It set off, Clayton and the crowd following behind.

The City of Mages Guide to Characters

So the computer crashing thing kinda killed the website thing. This is plan B. Perhaps it will serve to make all this a little less confusing. In italics, where my inspiration comes from for some of them. This may be updated and reposted every ten chapters or so.

In order of Appearance:

Lady Cecilia: Race: Human. Leader of the Witches (mostly by virtue of no one else wanting the job.) Small elderly woman, usually very friendly and motherly, but can have some bite. Incredibly clairvoyant. All the witches are somewhat Discworld inspired. I'm trying to make Lady Cecilia not a Granny Weatherwax clone, but they do have rather a lot in common.

The Archmage: Race: Dwarf. Portly Leader of Erilliance's Wizards. Middle aged, friendly and cheerful.Who was Ged's best friend in Wizard of Earthsea? I can't remember, but this guy reminds me of him.

Thurigen: Race: Uncertain. Thurigen, Leader of the Druids, has transcended his corporeal form and now exists as an almost Demigod. Ancient, powerful, enigmatic and a bit tempermental. His assistant is Simile.


Xindor the Incredible: Race: High Elf of the Citadel. Leader of the Sorceror's Guild. One of the most powerful and popular sorcerors of all time (Also one of the most Arrogant and self-centered.) Pushing 450, due to die in less than 4 years (According to Lady Cecilia's prophecy.) His Niece is Amora of Tiesan. He harbors a grudge against Clayton Darkwood. Honestly, I worte the song first. Then I went from there.

Halyn: Race: Hill Gnome. Halyn is a Bard. He cares for his younger brother Erdyn and his younger sister Tiryn. He once wrote a very catchy song about Xindor the Incredible. This character is a shout out to Paul Simmons.

Erdyn: Race: Hill Gnome. Erdyn wants to be a sorceror, but has thus far displayed only minimal powers. His sister is Tiryn. His brother is Halyn.

Tiryn: Race: Hill Gnome. Tiryn is an insatiably curious and energetic young gnome. Sister to Halyn and Erdyn.

Clayton Darkwood: Race: Human. The Notorious Sorceror Pirate has been banished from both Xarnip and Erilliance. He currently commands the Simian scallywags of the Pirate Ship Abandon. He is old friends with Lady Cecilia. He hates Xindor the Incredible. He was once married to The Queen of Xarnip. His son is Brandon Darkwood. Though Clayton is just a guest in this series, I fully intend to write a series starring him someday. Ideally, I would like it to be a Manga (Provided I could get someone to draw it.)

Simile: Race: Doom Pixie. Sorceress, currently adjunct to Thurigen.

Dukalb Argoldson of Viiri: Race: Dwelf (Half Dwarf, half Elf.) Rejected by both his peoples, Dukalb sought out life as a Druid. Due to his mixed heritage, he has an affinity for trees and rocks. He's not a very good Druid, mostly due to a total lack of training.

Brandon Darkwood: Race: Half-Xarnipi Human. The Prince of Xarnip, often ostracized for his light skin, has recently begun accidentily turning people into animals. His father is Clayton Darkwood. His mother is The Queen of Xarnip. His half-sister is Jiuni. The main inspiration for Brandon was the account in the Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook of how sorcerors develop their powers.

Jiuni: Race: Xarnipi Human. Half sister to Brandon Darkwood. Last we saw her, she was a parokeet.

The Queen of Xarnip: Race: Xarnipi Human. Large, wealthy, and Powerful. Formerly married to Clayton Darkwood. Mother of Numerous children, including Brandon Darkwood and Jiuni. Inspired by a certain Drama Teacher.

Vivacia Brown: Race: Human. Thin, mousy witch with a mess of brown hair. Resident of the prestigous Tiesan Hall. Shy, but friendly. Very close friends with Amora of Tiesan. Has a huge crush on Bogue. Trained by Lady Cecilia.

Bogue: Race: Human. Erilliance's leading Rune Master, Bogue is slightly disconnected to reality, due to spending so much time in the theoretical world of Runes. Something of a prodigy. Bogue is part Evan, part Marten, and part Rupert Giles, and part something I can't quite figure out.

Amora of Tiesan: Race: High Elf of the Citadel. Amora is a powerful budding sorceress. She has been spoiled both by her family's wealth and prestige and by her own great power, that of creating projectiles that alter people's emotions. She is controlling and manipulative, but essentially a decent person. Her best friend is Vivacia Brown. Her uncle is Xindor the Incredible. Amora is essentially every girl who has ever intentionally messed with my emotions (only she takes it to a whole new level)

More story coming soon. Hope this helps you keep them straight.

Chapter IX

"Amora!" said Xindor harshly as soon as the door to his office had shut. "I am ashamed of you! Ashamed, and embarrassed! Attacking a prospective student?!!? Halyn and his brothers are guests here, my personal guests, and what's the first thing that happens to them when they arrived? My niece attacks them! I'm... I'm at a loss for words. Explain yourself!"
Amora stared pointedly at her uncle for a moment, as if to say "Are you quite finished?" then spoke up, levelly and confidently.
"To be fair," she said, "I was aiming at Bogue,"
"I fail to see how attacking a wizard is any better," dismissed her uncle, "Unless you'd challenged him to a proper duel, which is moot because you didn't. A sorceress doesn't attack others indiscrimanetly! She does it cooly, and calculatedly, and only when neccesary. And yes, your bolts are a form of attack, even if they're loaded with an emotion like happiness or infatuation,"
"Why are you over reacting like this?" asked Amora. She was still more curious than angry; cool, controlled and almost apathetic. Had the game of poker ever been played in Erilliance, Amora would be the undisputed master of it.
"Messing with people's emotions is no trifling matter Amora! I've taught you better than that! Someday, someone you jinx is come come back to get revenge on you, and I'm not always going to be there to protect you!"
A look of realization crossed Amora's face. Quick as she was to catch the emotion out burst, her uncle caught a glimpse of it.
"Yes, Amora," he said, "I'm dying. Well, not right at this moment, but I will be very soon... or so I hear, anyway. I don't know when or how yet, but it's going to be fairly soon, probably within three years. You can't tell anyone, especially not another sorceror and especially not Lady Cecilia. But I wanted to tell you because... well, the Sorceror's guild is going to need strong leadership and at the moment I can't think of anyone more qualified than you,"
Amora stared coldly at her uncle, digesting all this.
"Why do you care?" she finally asked.
"What do you mean why do I care?" asked Xindor. "What kind of question is that? Your uncle tells you he's dying and you ask him why he cares?"
"No, not about that," said Amora, "Why do you care what happens to me, or to the sorceror's guild, or to anything. You'll be dead. You'll be .. beyond caring, so to speak,"
"Believe it or not," said Xindor, "My own ego is not the most important thing in my life. If it were all about Xindor, I wouldn't have spent the last 70 years as leader of the sorceror's guild - the benefits have never been worth the stress. And if it were all about Xindor, I certainly wouln't have agreed to look after you. I care about the guild, Amora, and even more than that, I care about you, and I want, no, I need to know that both will be able to handle themselves when I'm gone! Can you promise me that, Amora? Can you promise me that you'll try to be less stupid and more focused from now on?"
Amora processed this for a long time. Then she looked up serenely and said, "I'll do my best uncle. I'll take care of the things you care about,"
"That's all I ask," said Xindor, with a sigh.
Me, and the guild. thought Amora amusedly as she walked out of her uncle's office, The two things he cares about more than his ego. I become leader of the sorceror's guild, he can rest in piece. It's a good thing I've been planning that all along.

City of Mages, Chapter VIII

Amora of Tiesan, Niece of Xindor the Incredible, stepped out the door of her dormitory and onto the roof. Vivacia Brown, her roomate, followed her. In sharp contrast to Vivacia's gaunt, willowy figure and mousy face, Amora was beautiful. Her wavy blonde hair fell in short curls around her face, which was beautifully constructed around a pair of round cheekbones, huge eyes, and a cute little nose. She was, perhaps, a bit plump for an elf, but not in an unattractive way. For a human she would have been downright breathtaking.
Amora liked it up on the roof. Technically she was still protected by the ancient magic, but she had a decent view of the city and some fresh air.
"So what did your uncle want to see you about?" asked Vivacia, trying to force her tangled brown hair out of her face.
"I'm not sure," answered Amora. "Something about 'conducting myself in accordance with my position', No doubt. That's what it always is these days,"
"I don't know," answered her friend, "He seemed kind of urgent for just scolding you,"
"I'm sure if it's important I'll find out sooner or later," sighed the elf maiden.
"Well obviously," replied her friend, "You can't stay in Tiesan forever,"
The two stood there for a moment, gazing down at the city below them. Suddenly three figures came into view - a familiar tall one in a maroon robe and two short figures in the bright-colored clothing of the hill gnomes.
Vivacia sighed dreamily.
"Are you still on about Bogue?" asked her roomate.
The girl smiled coyly.
"He's too old for you, V. And I think he's gay. Besides, a witch and a wizard? Never gonna work,"
"I know," said Vivacia, "But a girl can dream, can't she?"
As she looked over at her friend, an idea crossed her mind.
"We're up here," said Vivacia, grinning mischieviously, "If you fired a love bolt at him, no one would know where it came from,"
"It doesn't work like that, V," said Amora, "I can't evoke directed emotions like love for a particular person. Just general love for people in general,"
"That's a lie, and you know it," accused Vivacia, "I know you used it on guys back in school,"
"Ok, so it might have made them a little more... open to suggestion, but it's definately not foolproof. If he see's me first, he might just fall in love with me,"
"Fire one anyway, please?" pleaded the human, "Look, they're about to pass by, and then it'll be too late,"
"Alright," said Amora, "One romantic love bolt, coming right up,"
She stood to her full height, drew back both her arms, then quickly clasped her hands together for about ten seconds. When she pulled them apart, a glowing rose-colored sphere was floating above her right hand. She hurled it downward, towards the creatures who had almost passed out of view.

On the way to Margold hall, Erdyn watched the tall, sandy haired Wizard guide them on their way. He seemed to be in a world all his own, and Erdyn thought it best to give him his space. Tiryn, on the other hand, was bursting with questions. she was jumping up and down in an attempt to better communicate with the Wizard, who was around three times her size.
"Are you really a wizard?" she asked, as if ready to explode with energy.
"Yes," Replied Bogue, distantly.
"What kind of Wizard are you?" continued the twelve-year-old.
"A Rune Master," answered Bogue, still looking at something that didn't appear to exist.
"What does that mean?" asked Tiryn.
"Tiryn!" said her brother grabbing her arm, "Stop bothering the man. Can't you see he's working on something!"
"No, it's quite alright," said Bogue, looking at him for the first time, "I enjoy talking about my work. Helps me figure out problems," He went back to staring distractedly at the air, and speaking his light, floaty tone. "A Rune master is a wizard who studies the ancient magic of runes,"
"What's a Rune?" asked the little girl, shooting her older brother a mischievous grin.
"A Rune is an intricately drawn symbol with magical properties. These days they're mostly used for summoning but - duck,"
For no apparent reason, the man bowed. Erdyn looked around and saw a pink sphere fly over the wizards hunched figure and hit him squarely in the face.
Suddenly he felt happy. He looked up and saw the two most beautiful women in the world arguing with each other. One was a voloptous elf maiden with beautiful blonde hair, the other a tall, thin human with long brown hair. As if in a trance, he walked towards the building where they were.

"He ducked!" said Amora, "How is this my fault?"
"Well," answered vivacia, "You could have waited until he wasn't looking!"
"He wasn't!" answered Amora.
"Then how did he know to duck?" asked her irate roomate.
"How should I know? Look, that was a human sized dose. That little gnome is gonna be head-over-heels for the next creature he lays eyes on, regardless of gender. We've got to find him!"
And with that she rushed off and down the stairs.

Erdyn walked purposefully towards Tiesan Hall, but was stopped shortly bye a hand on his shoulder.
"No men allowed in there," said Bogue. He had now somewhat awakened from his trance and was speaking quite clearly to Erdyn, though his voice still sounded a bit distant.
"Now listen to me," he said, turning Erdyn around to face him. Erdyn hadn't remember how strong and muscular he looked, how perfectly defined his facial features were, or beautiful his piercing green eyes, "You're not in love with anyone. You're feeling the effects of a powerful spell for which our benefactor's ward has a natural affinity. Still it should pass within a few hours. I highly suggest you return your room, take a cold shower, and try and forget all about it,"
"B-but" began Erdyn, "They're so beautiful. I have to -,"
"No you don't," said Bogue, "This is someone's idea of a prank, though a not very funny one in my opinion. Now please, I have been charged to take you to your rooms and I have lot of work to- what are you doing?"
Erdyn had begun stroking the Wizard's hair.
"Your hair," he said, "It's so soft, and blonde, and-"
"Dear Lord," said Bogue, with all trace of airiness gone, "It's worse than I thought. We have to get you to a curse-breaker, here we go, the nearest one's up int the tower,"
"That won't be neccesary," said a voice from behind him. He turned to see Amora walking briskly towards him, with Vivacia in toe.
"I assume this is your handiwork?" he asked.
"Yes," answered Amora, "And if you don't want to suffer the same fate, you won't tell my uncle about it,"
Erdyn detached himself from Bogue and ran to Amora, burying his face in her stomach. A smile flashed briefly across Amora's face, but she pushed him away and held him at arms length.
"You really think you can scare me Amora?" asked Bogue.
"Yes," answered the elf maiden, opening her right hand. A yellow sphere flew out of it towards the wizard, but he reached out with his wizards staff and caught it on the end, like a bubble-wand catching a bubble.
"Fear?" he asked, inspecting the bubble. He blew on it and it popped. "I think not,"
"Fine," said Amora, "I was going to counter my previous attack with a blast of cold, calculated hate, but I think I'll just redirect all this -" she gestured towards Erdyn, who was kissing her left hand as it tried to holfd her at arms length, "towards you,"
A crowd had begun to gather, anticipating a duel. Magic duels were the main form of entertainment in Errilliance.
"You and I both know you can't do that," said Bogue, leveling his staff at the girl, "Now countercurse him,"
"Give up, Bogue!," counter Amora, "You can't do any more offensive magic than he can!"
"No," answered Bogue, "But I could summon something that can,"
"Given a few hours maybe," answered the girl, "Or you could just promise not to tell my father anything, then I'll counter-curse the boy. C'mon, can't you trust me?"
As she said this, she opened her right hand again, this time letting loose a deep purple bubble, which Bogue easily dodged.
"Was that trust?" asked Bogue, "YOu're so predictable,"
"Please," said Vivacia, taking Amora's arm, I'll take full responsibility for this, just reverse it?"
"I'm not backing down," said Amora.
"What's all this about?" said a voice from behind the crowd. Bogue immediately lowered his staff and turned to face the sound. Amora took this opportunity to fire a small light blue bubble at his back, but it was popped in mid-air by a bolt from her uncle's finger.
"Young Lady," said Xindor the incredible, "My office, now!" He zapped her with another bolt, and she vanished, "Now, what's the meaning of all this?"

City of Mages Chapter VII

Xindor the Incredible was feeling rather flustered as he walked out of the Sorceror's guild Pyramid, so he was happy to see an old friend approach him.
"Halyn!" He called, hailing the oldest of the three approaching gnomes, "Welcome to Erriliance! If I'd known your carraige was in I would have gone to greet you. How was your trip?"
He reached Halyn and they shook hands.
"Not too bad," answered the bard, "But long. And we only just got in,"
"And is this the boy you wrote me about?" asked Xindor, indicating Erdyn, who was staring awe-struck at him.
"Yes," answered Halyn, "This is my brother, Erdyn. We think he may have sorceror powers,"
"Well," said Xindor, "We'll see about that. I've set up a testing session for him tomorrow where we'll determine if he's powerful enough for us to take him in. But first, I need to talk to you in my office,"
"It's been a very long day..." Halyn began, "If I could just-"
"Time," said the sorceror, "Is of the essence. I'll have someone show your brother and sister to their rooms. You come with me. Bogue!"
A man who was passing looked up. He had short reddish blonde hair, and was wearing a maroon robe with white symbols all over it.
"Yes?" he said looking up as if coming out of a dream. He looked around, then saw Xindor, "Oh, Hi Xindor!" he said, unexpressively.
"Show these two to their rooms, will you?" asked Xindor.
"Where are their rooms?" asked Bogue, confusedly.
"I've had temporary quarters set up for them at Margold Hall, by the Tower," answered Xindor.
"Ok," said Bogue, staring intently at nothing, "I think I know where that is. This way..."
He wandered off. Halyn shot his brother and sister a look that said "follow him", which they did, a little reluctantly.
"Bogue's a bit strange at times, but nice enough," said Xindor, "Now come with me. We have much to discuss,"
Xindor led Halyn into his office and shut the door. Then he waved he hands over the door and muttered a few words, and a blue field surrounded the room.
"Sound-proofing," Xindor explained, "The walls have ears,"*
"So," said Halyn, "What's so important you sent me all the way from the hills of Gloob, and so secret even the rest of the guild can't hear about it?"
He stared intently at Xindor, who stared back.
"Four years ago," began Xindor, "You wrote a ballad about me. As I remember it was rather popular,"
'Oh, definately," said Halyn, "Really jump-started my career, that number,"
"Yes," said Xindor, "Did wonders for my P.R., too. And such a catchy tune," he began humming the chorus.
Several verses later, Halyn was getting a bit impatient.
"Um... Xindor?" he said.
"Oh, right," said the sorceror, snapping out of it. "While my defeat of the goblins of Kobor was admirable, it's hardly a good summation of my character. I want you to write me new ballad, longer and a bit more serious,"
"If you don't mind my asking," asked Halyn, regardless of whether he did or not, "Why does this have to be said behind closed doors?"
"Because this ballad will determine how I'm viewed by future generations. YOu see, my dear Halyn, I'm dying,"
Halyn looked a bit shocked.
"What are you talking about?" said Halyn, "You look great! You could have twenty, thirty more years left. You're not.."
"I am," said Xindor, "I have two and a half at the most. But of couse I can't let on to anyone... It'd be mass chaos. Still, I need a song about all the great things I've done... a song to remember me by. And you're the only person I trust to write it,"
Halyn was quiet for a while, as he contemplated the magnitude of all this.
"I'm honored," he finally said, "I'll need several consultations with you so we can- "
"Oh, you'll get more than that!" interupted Xindor, "I want you to stay here watching me and taking notes until the end! Only then can you get a really good feel for my character. And you can write about how I faced the last great adventure with my chin held high! Xindor the Incredible's final farewell! What do you say?"
"Live here? But I'm not a magician**. And my brother and sister, they'll need someone to care for them,"
"If your brother shows any aptitude I'll make sure the guild accepts him. Your sister can study with the witches if she wants to. The hills of Gloob have produced some top-notch witches in the past. I'm sure they'll take her on. And even if not, she can still stay here. There are a few non-magicians around, and no one will dare harm you if you're under Guild protection,"
"I'll need time to think about it," said Halyn, after a minute.
"Unfortunately," said Xindor, "Time is the one thing I don't have,"

*In fact, only one wall in the Sorceror's guild had ears, the left wall of the entrance lobby. No one remembers how they got there.
**Umbrella term for Wizards, Sorcerors, Druids, and Witches (and even Wytches.) Anyone who uses magic is a magician.

City of Mages: Chapter VI

Yes, I'm breaking my own rule. The dragon story needs to take a little break, though. Don't worry, it's not over. It's just being fussy, and this story isn't.

Brandon Darkwood gazed at the parokeet. Until a few minutes ago, it had been his half-sister, Jiuni. And it would, he was sure, be again in an hour or so, but at the moment she was a parokeet. This might have struck Brandon as odd, if not for the fact that this was the sixth such incident he had witnessed in the past two weeks. The high priests had pretty much been stumped after the first incident, but after the second (and the realization that Brandon had been the only one present at both), they had immediately suspected him to be the source. The priests had always been suspicious of Brandon due to his unusually light skin, a pale brown in sharp contrast to the jet black of most Xarnipians, and had blamed him before for strange happenings in the village. Fortunately for Brandon, his mother, the Queen of Xarnip, had advised them to seek an alternative solution, if they wanted to keep their heads attached to their bodies. The priests had quickly come up with a whole host of alternate solutions.
The Queen, for her part, seemed remarkably unconcerned about this strange wave of temporary transmogrifications. Whenever one of her servants, advisors, or numerous children would ask her about it, she would merely smile sagely and say she was sure it would all work itself out soon enough.
Brandon privately agreed with ther priests. Not only had he been there for every transformation, they had all happened when he was especially angry, annoyed, or even just bored with the victim. Juini, normally his favorite half-sister, had been going on about all the people she'd turn into animals if she had this power, utterly refusing to understand how involuntary it was, and suddenly she'd found herself a parokeet. Brandon was trying to decide whether or not to alert anyone of this when he heard footsteps in the doorway. He looked up. His mother was staring down at him.
The Queen of Xarnip was an immense, dark-skinned woman, covered from head to toe in various types of jewlery her erstwhile husband had brought her from all over the world. Her wild, fluffy hair was currently tamed in what seemed like millions of tiny braids.
"Where did you get that parokeet?" she asked commandingly. She was not especially angry; that was how she always talked.
Brandon decided not to lie. "It's Jiuni," he said.
"I figured as much," answered the large woman. She turned to address the little bird.
"What are you still doin' here girl?! You can fly! Fly on outa' here!" She walked over, picked up her daughter, and threw her out the window with an amazing amount of force. Just before she hit the ground, she managed to get airborne and steady herself. She turned and flew away.
"Now don't you fly to high, lest you turn back into a little girl and break yo' neck!" her mother called back after her.
"Mother," asked Brandon, respectfully, but not timidly, "You seem remarkably unconcerned about all this,"
"Right you are," said the Monarch, "Right you are,"
"Might I assume you have some idea what's going on?" he continued.
"You very well might," answered the matriarch, "And if you'd stop interupting me I jest might let you in on it,"
Brandon wisely said nothing.
"Ma high priests may be mean-spirited and intolerant, but they's not stupid. YOu know as well as Ah do who's causin' all this,"
"Yes, mother," said Brandon.
"It's your father of course," she said calmly.
"What?" Brandon blurted out.
"Well, not directly obviously," she clarified, "He's halfway across the world. But he obviously passed some of his powers on to you. I was hopin' that wouldn't be the case, but now that it's happened, ain't nothin' we can do but take advantage of it,"
Brandon didn't know much of his father, the notorious sorceror pirate. He remembered anticipating visits from him, up until he was about six, when he had inexplicably stopped coming, and his mother had made a decree that no mention of him be made in the land of Xarnip. Naturally, his memories had been fading since then. His mother continued.
"Anyway, you'se a sorceror now, boy. Ain't nothin' for it but to send you off to live with yo' own kind. Clayton will be here in a coupla' days to take you down to Erilliance, the City 'o Mages, where you'se gonn start a new life,"
"That's it?" asked Brandon angrily, "You're just kicking me out? Just like you kicked out Father?"
He turned to face her, and was surprised to find himself facing an unusually large hippopotomaus, looking ridiculous adorned in his mothers jewels.

City of Mages Chapter V

Simile drifted through the leaves, beating her tiny wings to keep herself aloft. She turned and dove headed for the sound of off-key singing in dwarvish coming from the opposite side of the forest. Finally, as she broke through the canopy, she saw it's source. He was well build but short man, no more than 5'2", with a well-trimmed red beard and slightly pointed ears. As he sang, he was sharpening his axe on a rock. She flew up behind him and landed on his shoulder.
"Boo," she said.
The man jumped and flew the axe into the air. Simile took off and caught it before it hit the floor. It was five or six times larger than her little purple body, but she didn't seem to notice this, a fact which made the sight all the more comical.
"Simile!" said the man, in surprise. Immediately, though, the surprise lifted and he put on an air of carefully calculated charm. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I'm afraid this is strictly a business visit, Dukalb," said the Doom Pixie, "Thurigen requested your presence. He didn't seem to happy, either,"
"How could you tell?" asked Dukalb, "It's not like you could read it on his face,"
"I've known Thuri a few years," answered Simile, "I can tell"
Dukalb laughed, a loud, percussive laugh, typical of his dwarfish heritage. "Thuri? I hope you don't call him that to his face!"
"Of course not," said Simile. "But he likes me. Which is definitely more than you can say, especially after you hear what he has to say to you now,"
"So you know what this is about?" Dukalb asked.
"No idea," answered the Pixie, running a hand through her bright green hair. "But as I said, he didn't sound happy,"
"Well," said Dukalb, "Best get this over with,"
"This way," said Simile. She flew off. Dukalb followed her, running to keep up.
A few minutes later, they reached a clearing with an enormous tree in the middle. The tree was an Erillian Yew, one of about three in existence. It was nearly as old as the city, and was something of a sacred spot for Druids. Thurigen had therefore decided to use it as his headquarters (inasmuch as he had them)
Today Thurigen was, for no apparent reason, appearing in the form of a fountain in the small ceremonial pool at the base of the tree. This was not really apparent until he spoke.
"Dukalb Argoldson of Virii," said the fountain. The voice was a mixture of Thurigen's usual booming voice and the gurgling of a fountain. "Explain yourself!"
Dukalb looked at him confusedly. "Explain what, master?" he asked.
"Do not try to play dumb with me Dukalb!" cried the fountain. It swelled in size, splashing water on him. "I know every Nymph and elemental in this forest. I know everything that happens here! I know that a birch tree near your house was destroyed by lightning last night!"
"Yes, well that is regrettable," answered Dukalb, turning on as much charm as he could possible muster, "But you're the one whose always taught us to let nature take it's course. If the tree was meant to be zapped -"
"The tree was not meant to be zapped!" boom-gurgled (burgled? No, that's already a word) the fountain, "Some Druid zapped it! Some Inept Druid who has never succeeded in controlling the weather, but decided to try it anyway, and ended up killing a perfectly innocent young tree! Some Dwelven Druid, I would guess, an irreverent, unthinking Dwelf who wanted to practice calling lightning in the middle of a forest!"
Dukalb thought for a moment, looking for a way out of this.
"Okay, so you got me," he finally said. "But it was an accident, and while I suppose I could have been a little more careful, these things do happen from time to time, and isn't that what this whole place is for, to learn and practice? SO should I really be punished for -"
"SILENCE" burgled the fountain. "Yes, training is one of the main functions of the forest of Erilliance. But what you do is not training! You're just practicing skills you don't have and not making any effort to learn them! So you haven't really learned anything in three years! And you're destroying things in the process!"
"I'm sorry," Dukalb answered weakly, "I-"
"I'M NOT FINISHED" roared Thurigen. "I'm going to make you an offer, and you're going to say yes or no, and then leave. If you say no, you will pack up all your things and be gone from the city by tomorrow morning, and if you say yes, you will be allowed to stay. Nod if you understand,"
Dukalb opened his mouth as if to protest, then thought better of it and nodded.
"Good," said Thurigen, "Now, you have a natural affinity for trees and stone, and for some reason a bit of skill in weather control. There is one other Druid in Erilliance who shares these powers. I have spoken with him, and he is willing to take you on as an apprentice. Is this acceptable to you?"
Dukalb swallowed. "Yes, Thurigen," he said.
"Very good," said Thurigen, "Grosk will meet you here tomorrow afternoon,"

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It wouldn't be a bad idea to reread the Doom Pixie stuff at the beginning of this blog. I know I'm introducing a lot of characters in this story, and I'm sorry if that's confusing. I'm working on a guide to help you keep the plotlines straight.