Godspeed

By Seth Brady

Book 1 in The Wellspring Saga
What if I told you the Gods had been locked up for thousands of years and someone was trying to release them?

The person trying to release them will stop at nothing, including killing three wizards at Circe, a special school for fledgling wizards. New student Jason has just arrived and is quickly caught up in a struggle between Gods, Wizards, and Kasigah, the caretaker of an ancient Wellspring.

Jason embarks on a journey that will bring him in contact with the legendary Kasigah, and expand his powers more than he ever thought possible. Will he be able to discover how to deal with the Gods and the person who is trying to harness their power in the dynamic first book of the Kasigah series?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clear Fork Press
• Release date: Aug 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9780989956864

Book preview

Prologue

(Atlantis, seven-thousand years ago)

Hello? Hello? Are you, him? Are you the lithomancer? The voice of a child echoed.

Kasigah rose from his bed. He could have sworn he heard a voice, but that was impossible. His house was locked for the night, and since he lived on the edge of the city, he wouldn’t be hearing anyone outside at this time of night.

It was just a dream… Kasigah sighed. He began to lie back down when the voice spoke again.

Hey! Who are you calling a dream?! I most certainly exist!

Who’s there? Kasigah called.

Oh, right, the child’s voice chuckled, I’m the Wellspring. The Wellspring of Atlantis.

Right, Kasigah retorted. How can a wellspring talk?

We can talk about that later, the voice said, getting impatient. But right now, I need some help getting something done. You’re a lithomancer, right?

That is correct, Kasigah returned, I create and sell crystal figurines.

Good. Have you ever used your crystals to store magic energy?

Yes. A few times, I have stored Light spells in my figurines. They were special orders. Why do you ask? Are you planning on buying a figurine for a wellspring that you fancy?

Now isn’t a good time for jokes, I’m afraid. Look, I need you to build me a special energy container.

I am not making a figurine for a wellspring. Honestly, I don’t think this is happening. I think I’m just going insane, or someone’s pulling a prank on me. Even if that’s not the case, I’ll not waste my time making a product for a customer that cannot pay me. Now, goodnight, Wellspring.

Listen to me for just a second! The Wellspring shouted at Kasigah. The force was enough to knock Kasigah back on his bed. You really are in-tune… This isn’t just some order, okay? If you don’t help me, a lot of innocent people will get hurt.

Kasigah stopped. Alright, you have my attention. What am I storing?

Me. All of me. I need to be taken from Atlantis. They plan to use my power to attack the neighboring elf tribes. At this, the voice paused, and when it resumed, it was shaky. I know that if I am taken from here, the city will collapse, but… I cannot allow them to slaughter so many innocent lives. Please mage, help me. I know that your heart is kind. Please…

Wellspring, I can’t, Kasigah replied, The kind of power it would take to seal you in a crystal would be immense. I don’t know if I could even begin to.

With my help, you can. You know how to seal magical energy, and I am no different from what you have done in the past. You are incredibly in-tune with magical energy, I can tell. If you use my energy to cast the spell, it will not only give you the strength, but it will also make me easier to channel. You will need something larger, and stronger, than one of your usual figurines, though. Make a staff of iron, and fill it with crystal. Then, seal it at one end with some more crystal. When the time comes, you will seal me inside it. It will be difficult, but we can do it.

How long do I have? Kasigah inquired.

Two weeks. One week to build the staff, and one week to get your people to stop the war.

---

For the first week, Kasigah began work on his staff. He was not a skilled ferromancer, but he did not wish to involve anyone else. It took him five days of work, and two months of pay, to construct the iron shell of his staff. It was as tall as he was, and only twice the width of an arrow. It was hollow, however, so he had to be very careful with it before he put the crystal in the staff.

Occasionally, the Wellspring would speak to him, asking him about himself, while checking on his progress.

So, where is your family? The Wellspring asked.

I don’t know, Kasigah somberly replied, I was taken from them when I was young. After the prefect of my district discovered my talents in magic, he immediately sent me off to be an apprentice. My master taught me the basics of lithomancy, and I developed my own form with crystal work. However, when I was old enough to travel in the city again, my family was no longer in the same place. I inquired as to where they went, but no one knew anything. After that, I only had my master. He had no family himself, so we became family to each other. But two years ago, when I turned nineteen summers old, he died. I inherited his shop, and have been on my own ever since.

That’s so sad, the voice of the child responded.

Don’t pity me, Wellspring. I may be alone for now, but I know I’ll find my place in time. First though, I need to finish this.

Kasigah finished the staff, filling it with crystal on the sixth day. On the seventh, he slept, knowing he had much ahead of him in the coming week.

---

The next three days were spent waiting for an audience with the king. Atlantis was a huge city, rivaling in size the newly budding Egypt. As such, the king was often busy giving audience to his subjects, as well as travelers from nearby nations. However, to compliment the size of the city, the Atlantis Empire dwarfed all civilizations. The empire stretched out from the main city, which rested in the ocean just West of Africa, and had outposts in the four lands that surrounded the ocean. The Elves, who had opposed expansion of the Atlantis Empire, stood their ground in the land North of Egypt. The lands East of the Elves and Egypt were a mystery to the Atlanteans. Sea-faring merchants told tales of nations ruled by gods, a concept that the powerful magicians and kings of Atlantis scoffed at.

The city itself was divided by the classes of people within it. The center of the city held the palace and city square. Within the square lay the city’s fountain, the mouth of Atlantis’ Wellspring. Just outside that lay the residences of the wealthy: the merchants, philosophers, architects, scholars, and royal attendants. The next layer of the city was where the businessmen kept their shops. While Kasigah was a craftsman, he’d never had enough money to move into this circle, also known as Market Street. The buildings in those circles were made of metal, some polished, some frosted, and some colored. The streets themselves were also metal, though some stone alleyways existed behind major thoroughfares.

The outermost circle of the city was where the majority of Atlantis’ people lay their heads. Here were the farmers, poor craftsmen, struggling artists, and laborers of the empire. The buildings were made of stone, with thatch roofs, and the streets were all stone. There were several ports in the city, and most were those used by the poor farmers who went to the Empire’s many islands to tend to their crops.

Kasigah was amazed that he was able to gain audience with the king in only three days. During his wait, he traveled the city, speaking with people, some familiar, some strangers. He bought a few tokens from merchants. He purchased a scroll filled with the folk tales of Atlantis and a short sword from the blacksmith. He had admired it for quite some time, but hadn’t had the money to spend. Now, with his city’s fate hanging in the balance, he knew he wouldn’t need the money for supplies much longer.

On the third day, he received a summons from the king. As he came to the palace, he again walked down Market Street. Most days, he would have passed by, unnoticed by the merchants in his outer district clothing. However, on this day of chance, one merchant stopped him.

Boy! Oh, boy! an elderly merchant called, Where are you off to? I can tell from your clothes you aren’t from this district.

I have an audience with the king, and I really must be going, Kasigah replied.

Wait one moment then, the old man said, turning to grab something from behind him. As he turned to face Kasigah again, he lifted a simple chain with an Atlantean coin strung on it. Take this to your audience, for luck.

No thank you, sir, Kasigah said, turning down the coin necklace. I don’t have the money.

It’s free, the old man replied, forcing the pendant into Kasigah’s hand, I don’t know why, but I can tell you’ll need some luck soon.

Kasigah thanked the old merchant, putting the pendant around his neck as he walked off. He would most definitely need luck if he was to stop a war. As he arrived at the palace, he stood in awe of its grandeur. He had seen it before, when he came to request audience, but its size and beauty still astounded him. While most buildings were made of stone or metal in Atlantis, the palace was made entirely of colored glass, with only a few metal beams holding the pieces of glass together. Five spires surrounded a central tower which loomed over all else in Atlantis.

Don’t be too impressed, the voice of the wellspring echoed. The glory of man is fickle and fleeting. It is the soul that is eternal, and any soul willing to murder the innocent, any empire built on the blood of others, deserves to fall.

Yes, Kasigah replied, but that doesn’t stop me from admiring. You forget, wellspring, that unlike you, I cannot gaze into the soul.

---

Kasigah stepped forward into the palace and showed his summons to the guard at the gate. The guard gave him instructions to the waiting chamber. There, an escort took Kasigah to the audience chamber. The inner workings of the palace were more similar to typical Atlantean architecture. The walls were made of metal, primarily steel. However, as a testament to the power of royalty, every wall was ordained with silver and gold. The trek to the hearing chamber seemed infinitely long as Kasigah took in the opulence of it all. Finally, Kasigah stood before his king.

It was his first time seeing King Lorine. He was older, in his mid-forties. Still, he exuded great power, and though Kasigah had never seen him before, he knew of the king’s power. Apparently, magic was taught throughout the royal family, but King Lorine was especially powerful. It was said that he could fire lighting from his hands at just a word. Rumor told of the messenger of a foolhardy prince. The prince demanded that Lorine pays him tribute, or else die in battle. The king replied by sending the prince the charred body of his own messenger.

The king was tall of stature, though as Kasigah came to the audience chamber, he was seated upon his throne of solid gold. The king had black hair and even blacker eyes. His face was stern as he spoke to an adviser standing next to the throne. He finished his business with the advisor and sent him on his way. Finally, he took notice of Kasigah.

---

Yes, boy, the king said in a gravelly voice. What is it that you need?

Kasigah was distracted by all the voices in the room. Viziers and advisors ran to and fro, conducting business. Women filled the area behind the throne, and some fed and fanned the king. Kasigah was not sure if they were servants, wives or concubines. Whatever the situation, Kasigah found it difficult to think, let alone speak, amidst this noise. Finally, though, he spoke up.

Your highness, he said, I need to speak about the war you plan to wage upon the Elves.

At this, all noise ceased. The viziers, advisors, and women all stared at him. They all looked at him as though he were a madman. The king’s voice broke the silence.

Leave us, the king said. With one wave of his hand, the others in the room began to leave through doors on the side and back of the room. Once the king was certain the last of them had left, he turned his hard gaze upon Kasigah. How do you, someone from the outer districts, from the look of your clothes, know about the war I wish to wage? Only I and my ten top magicians know about this war. Tell me the name of the traitor, and I will reward you handsomely.

There is no traitor, my lord, Kasigah returned. He knew his next words must be chosen carefully; the king could not know of Kasigah’s contact with the wellspring. I know… because it came to me in a vision.

Do you receive such visions often?

No, your highness. I am but a simple lithomancer from the outer district, as you said.

Ah, the king said, his face and tone lightening. Then you wish to assist in the war effort. I will not say no to another who wishes to assist the empire.

No, your majesty, I came to ask you to stop the war. You plan to slaughter thousands of innocent lives, lives that have not threatened us.

Again, the king’s face turned harsh. Boy, the elves oppress the mainlanders, preventing them from settling in the jungles and forests. Do not say they are innocent; do not say they have not threatened us. Their time is over. Now, it is the age of man, the age of Atlantis.

Oh, king, Kasigah pleaded, if you attack them, Atlantis will fall. I have seen it in my vision!

Ridiculous, the king said, As long as we have the wellspring at our foundation, we shall never fall. Kasigah opened his mouth to protest, but the king cut him off. No more. You will not change my mind on this. In five days, we shall go to war. Now leave my presence. I have no time for narrow-minded fools!

---

Rage emanated from the king's stare. Kasigah knew there would be no changing his mind. He bowed politely and left the audience chamber. Atlantis would fall; Kasigah needed to get as many people to leave as possible.

---

The next four days, Kasigah traveled the streets, telling everyone he could to leave Atlantis. He told them that the city would fall in just a few days. No one believed him. It was understandable. Since its founding, Atlantis had thrived, all thanks to the wellspring. None of them knew, though, that the wellspring had abandoned them and their king.

On the fourth day, the day before the king said he would start the war, the wellspring called to Kasigah.

Kasigah, it is time. We must seal me away from Atlantis. Come to the fountain in the central square. Please hurry. I can hear the king. The war starts at dawn.

---

Kasigah grabbed the staff he had made and ran to the square. It was twilight now, and the sun was nearly set on Atlantis. As he ran through the city streets from the outskirts to the square, he knew he would draw attention at this time of night. He had on the ceremonial cloak his master had bought him, and within it, he had the scroll and sword he had purchased just days before. The pendant the old man had given him hung around his neck, and he clasped one hand around it. Oddly, it gave him comfort.

It took him an hour to get to the square. The sun was set now, and only a few lights throughout the city lit his way. Their glow, reflected off the metal roads, filled his heart with sorrow, as he knew this would be the last he would see of his city’s beauty. As was custom, the fountain was still well lit, welcoming those few who wished to relax under the stars. Once he had arrived, Kasigah took a moment to catch his breath.

The fountain was a massive round pool. It was shallow, but as wide across as the height of seven men, and circular in shape. The water in it was perfectly clear, purified by the magic energy from the Wellspring in its foundation. Lights sparkled off the water’s slightly rippling surface like millions of fireflies dancing upon a lake. A small spout of water shot from the center of the fountain, a sparkling stream in the glittering illumination.

Wellspring, I am here, he said, What must I do now?

Can you feel my energy?

Yes.

Good. Simply channel me into the crystal of your staff. Just like your figures. Don’t worry; I will help you keep control.

Kasigah reached out to the Wellspring, drawing on its power as he had done with the magical energy in the air around him when performing other spells. Then, he channeled the power of the Wellspring through himself and into the staff. The moment he did, however, he felt his entire body begin to burn. He couldn’t control himself, so the spell released as he cried out in agony.

---

Please, Kasigah, endure! This hurts me as much as it hurts you. I will not let my power destroy you, but you must endure the pain!

---

Kasigah got back on his feet, still tingling from the earlier pain. He initiated the spell again, and again the immense power and nature of the Wellspring’s spirit burned him. Still, he endured. He knew this must be done, even if he had to die with Atlantis.

Kasigah?

Yes, Wellspring?

The next bit will hurt the most. The purest part of my soul is about to pass through you, but I need you to push forward. If you stop now, we could both die here, and I don’t want that.

Alright, Wellspring, I’ll try.

---

Kasigah pushed forward and felt the Wellspring attached to Atlantis begin to dwindle. And as it had said, channeling the spirit itself was agony. Kasigah felt as though his body was being torn apart, so he did the only thing he knew: he clasped the pendant in his free hand. The old man had said it would give him luck, and he needed luck more than ever. Finally, the last of the Wellspring channeled through him and into the staff, but the channeling had had its toll on him. Kasigah fell to his knees in exhaustion and pain.

---

Kasigah! It’s over! You did it! the voice was quieter now, but closer. Kasigah could feel the spirit inside his staff. His staff had become the wellspring.

That’s right, we did it, Kasigah said as he felt consciousness slipping. But before he collapsed, the wellspring pushed its power into him. It was warm and compassionate, giving him strength where he had none. Though he was still sore, he could stand again, thanks to the support of the wellspring. He knew the city would begin to collapse soon, so he turned to leave the city. As he did, though, he met a face he had not expected to see.

---

There, before him stood King Lorine. Kasigah had never seen such anger before. His face was contorted in ways that looked painful, and sparks of lightning twirled around him. So great was his power that Kasigah could feel it from the distance of twenty feet between them.

---

You! the king shouted indignantly, Traitor! I will have your head! How dare you steal power from our wellspring! When you told me that Atlantis would fall, I never imagined you meant that you would cause it to fall! For that, you shall die!

Lightning shot from the king’s fingers. Kasigah had no time to think, so he reacted with the only thing he knew to do. He stretched out his arm, and in an instant, the king and his lightning became encased in crystal. Kasigah had only planned to shield himself; he had never created crystal so large before.

Now you see why we had to take me from here. If your magic is that greatly enhanced by relying on my power, how terrible would the war have been?

Kasigah understood. He hadn’t even been trying to use the wellspring’s power, and yet it had given him that much more strength. If King Lorine and his magicians had used the wellspring, their spells would have truly devastated the nations. As Kasigah reflected on this, he felt the ground begin to shake.

We need to leave, Kasigah said to the wellspring, the city’s collapsing! Kasigah ran south from the square. If he could make it to the docks, he could sail from the city.

It took him thirty minutes to reach the southern docks. On his way, the entirety of the city continued to shake. Stands collapsed, pottery crashed onto the floor, and in several houses he heard children crying for their parent’s comfort. He had been the architect of this; he held responsibility for everyone that died here today. After fifteen minutes of running people began to leave their houses in a panic, but most headed toward the square, toward the palace. They still hoped the king would save them. By the time he made it to the docks, he heard screams coming from the square. The citizens of the city had probably found the crystalline king. Truly, they had lost all hope.

Kasigah untied a small boat and got aboard. He’d be free of the collapse in only an hour of sailing, but it would take three more days before he had left the other cities in the nation of Atlantis. They would die without the prosperity of the main city, but the inhabitants could move and thrive elsewhere. The empire of Atlantis was dying. Kasigah had killed it. One man, a simple craftsman, had destroyed the world’s greatest empire. The human’s paragon of magic was killed by a single person.

What have I done? Kasigah asked.

You did what was necessary, and now we must hide me away, the wellspring said, its voice resonating from the iron staff for the first time, others like Lorine will try to abuse my power.

Alright, but seeing as we seem to have some time, we should learn about each other some more, Kasigah said. Do you have a name?

I did once, but I have long since forgotten it.

---

Well then, we'll need to work on that. Kasigah thought for a moment when an old name came to mind. Porginem. It means ‘new beginnings'.

---

I like it. Porginem.

1

The New Spell

(Wisconsin, 2013)

Jason had had an uneventful day at school. It was the end of the spring semester, so not much was happening at his school. His teachers were alright, but none of them gave him much respect. He wasn’t very good in school. Even though he was only in fifth grade, he wasn’t very good at science or English. Both subjects required making conclusions. He did enjoy math, though. It was straightforward. The numbers never asked for hypotheses or interpretation.

Jason Caroldi was ten years old. Both his hair and eyes were a muddy brown, and his skin was rather pale. He was short for his age and rather thin. Because of this, in addition to the lack of respect his teachers gave him, he was often bullied by other students. Surprisingly, it didn't bother him too much, though he was often lonely. His only friend was a girl in his class named Lorelei.

---

Lorelei Sylvani was a very kind girl. She seemed to have a fondness for all life, and she often spent recess by the schoolyard tree. She’d even named many of the squirrels that had taken up residence in the tree, and miraculously, she never got them mixed up. Like Jason, she had brown hair, though her skin was a more olive tone, and her eyes were hazel. She was about the same height as Jason, and also thin, though not as thin as Jason was. For some reason, no one ever bullied Lorelei, but she didn’t spend time with any of the other students. The only person she seemed to enjoy being around was Jason.

You’ve got the look about you, she said one day.

What look?

I don’t know how to describe it. It’s just the… ‘look’. Lorelei was never afraid to speak her mind, but sometimes her mind was hard to follow.

---

Both Jason and Lorelei were around the same age. Lorelei had been born on April 10, and she had just turned eleven three weeks ago. Jason’s birthday was tomorrow, May 1, and he too would turn eleven. He was excited. His parents had told him they had a special surprise for him this year, so he was pretty certain he’d get out of another sweater this year.

Jason lived in Verona, Wisconsin, so it was cool as he walked home. He only had a fifteen-minute walk home, but he enjoyed the sights as he strolled along the long street. It was beautifully green along his walk, especially in the spring. Honestly, Jason thought that Lorelei had rubbed off on him since he'd learned so much about nature from her. He'd even taken to naming the squirrels along his route home.

---

In fact, he had just started to pass by one. Hi, Everett, he called to the little brown creature.

Oh, ain’t that cute, fellas? He’s talking to a squirrel. And all this time, I thought the squirt didn’t have any friends. Boy, was I wrong.

---

Jason looked up to see Mark Richardson. Behind him, his friends were laughing at Jason. Mark was popular at their school, that was for sure. He did well in most classes, and both teachers and students alike loved him. However, he was never kind to Jason. Because he was so mean, Jason had decided to decline to help Mark in math, his only weak subject, one day. Needless to say, that didn't strengthen relations between the two. Ever since then, Mark had not just been mean to Jason; he'd gone out of his way to pick on him.

Look, squirt, Mark said, antagonistically, Normally, I’d have some insults for you before I steal what money you’ve got today, but I hear tomorrow’s your birthday, so I got you a gift. Mark picked Jason up by the collar of his shirt and pinned him against a nearby tree. He cocked his arm and clenched a fist. Here’s your present! As Mark hit him, Jason closed his eyes. When contact was made, Jason felt blood start to run from his nose. And one more for you to grow an inch! In fear, Jason opened his eyes to see Mark cocking his arm again. This time, though, something was off.

As Jason looked as Mark and his friends, he saw something surrounding all of them: what appeared to be a blue flame. But unlike fire, the intensity wasn't even, and it seemed to flow throughout them like water. Upon each boy, there was a spot that seemed brighter than the rest of the fire. However, Jason didn't worry about it for long; Mark was still about to hit him again. Instinctively, Jason pushed out a palm, hoping to shove Mark away. Perhaps, if Jason slipped away, he could run home.

Stop! Leave me alone!

---

As his palm made contact, Jason felt a force shoot from his body and saw that it was made of the same blue fire that enveloped the other boys. As the force hit Mark, Jason saw the blue fire ripple, again like water. For just a moment, Mark went stiff. Then, he went limp and collapsed. The moment he hit the ground, all of the other boys ran off, some screaming, and some crying in fear. They weren't the only ones.

---

Jason was terrified; he was still shaking from the conflict. He sat down at the base of the tree, curled in the fetal position, eyes closed shut. What were those blue flames? Why had Mark collapsed? Jason hadn’t hit him that hard. Why couldn’t they just leave him alone? A buzz of emotions whirled through Jason, and he began to cry.

Jason! a voice yelled, close yet sounding distant. Jason! Are you alright? What happened? Jason opened his eyes to see Mrs. Myrtle, a kind woman who lived on the street. He also noticed something else: the blue flames were gone. Even the ones that enveloped him and Mark had disappeared. Jason saw Mrs. Myrtle look at Mark in shock, then turn to Jason. Her face became, even more, concerned when she saw the blood running from his nose. Oh, dear! Come on in, honey. Let's get you cleaned up. I'll call your mother.

---

About thirty minutes later, Jason was no longer bleeding, though his nose was very bruised. Mrs. Myrtle had called Jason’s mother to come pick him up, then the medics to take care of Mark. When the medics arrived, they explained what was wrong.

He’ll be fine. He’s just unconscious; no injury to any organs. At this, he turned to Jason, You got lucky, young man, it looks like you were able to hit a pressure point on him. Knocked him out cold. You just worry about getting better, okay? Jason nodded, scared to talk, lest he cry again.

When Jason’s mother arrived, he immediately ran to her, crying once more. He hugged her leg so tightly; Mrs. Myrtle would have to call the medics back to separate them.

Tabitha, Jason’s mom said to Mrs. Myrtle, Thank you so much for helping Jason. If there’s anything I can do-

No, Mrs. Myrtle responded, Your boy needed help, and I gave it. Nothing more, nothing less. Now, you two get back home. I understand you’re celebrating Jason’s birthday tomorrow.

Yes, we are.

Mrs. Myrtle crouched down to look Jason in the eye as best she could. Have a happy birthday, Jason.

Between sobs, Jason replied, Thank you…. Sniff…. Mrs. Myrtle.

On their drive home, Jason’s mom asked what happened. Jason explained how he had been walking home. How the boys laughed at him. How Mark pinned him and punched him in the face.

---

I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, I saw them all covered in blue fire, said Jason as he tried not to cry for the third time. It was even on me and… and… I was so scared, mommy!

The car jerked to a halt. Jason’s mom seemed stiff, almost as if she’d seen a ghost. Calmly, she spoke to Jason, Blue fire? Are you sure? Jason nodded his head, scared at his mother’s reaction. Did it seem to flow like water? Again, he nodded. Was it brighter in some places than others? Again, he nodded. Your father and I will need to speak when we get home.

Am I in trouble, mommy?

No, honey. Your father and I just need to talk.

And so she began to drive once more, this time in silence.

---

When Jason and his mother arrived home, his father, Lorelei, and her parents were waiting for them. Jason's mom asked him and Lorelei to go play in the backyard while the grown-ups talked for a bit. The two did what they always did when outside: sit under the nearest tree.

---

I wonder what they’re talking about, Lorelei asked while idly tossing an acorn across the yard.

I don’t know. Mom got scared when I told her what happened after school.

What did happen? Lorelei asked kindly, staring at Jason’s bruised nose. He curled up into a ball again. Oh, come on, Jason! It’s me, your friend Lorelei. If you can’t tell me, who can you tell?

Jason told Lorelei what had happened with Mark and the other bullies on the way home. This time, he didn't even cry when telling the story. Lorelei hung on every word, especially when Jason described the blue fire. The event had filled Jason with terror, but it's telling had filled Lorelei with wonder.

I wish I could’ve seen it. Blue fire? That sounds like the third coolest thing ever!

Third coolest?

Duh, silly! Right after tree people and monster squirrels!

It’s not funny, Lorelei! I was scared!

I’m not laughing, Jason. I just think you got to see something cool, and I’m kinda jealous. Besides, you’re okay now. She winced for a moment at Jason’s bruised nose, Well, mostly okay.

Jason, Lorelei, Jason’s mom called to the back yard, come on in! We need to talk to you!

The two children came back inside. When they entered the house, all four parents seemed uncomfortable. For a minute or two, the silence seemed palpable, and it terrified the children. Finally, Jason’s mother broke the silence.

Jason, we want to talk to you and Lorelei about what you saw today… about the blue fire. The mention of it made the children tense up, Jason in fear, Lorelei in excitement. What you saw is called an aura. It’s the contact between a person’s soul and the magical energy in the air. It, in essence, lets you see a person’s soul.

Whoa, mom, Jason interrupted. I may be ten, but even I don’t believe in magic.

Spoilsport, Lorelei said to Jason.

---

Best start believing, kid, Lorelei’s dad said to Jason as his hand ignited.

Robert! Jason’s dad yelled as water rushed from the kitchen sink to the lit hand.

Spoilsport, Robert said to Jason's dad.

---

Lorelei’s mom squatted down. She looked the children in the face and said, It’s true, Jason. You have the ability to use magic. So does Lorelei. That’s why we brought you here today, with your birthday being tomorrow.

Cool! Lorelei shouted, Does this mean I’ll get to see the blue fire too?

Probably not, dear, Jason’s mom said to Lorelei, Aura vision is rare, especially for someone as young as you and Jason. She turned to face Jason. That’s why I was so scared when you told me, but don’t worry, I can see it too, and in time, you’ll learn to control it.

You can see it too, mom?

Yes honey, she replied. Almost everyone in my family can. It’s perfectly normal.

How come I don’t get to see it? Lorelei loudly protested.

Well dear, her mom said, You know how when you see Jason, he seems to have the ‘look’? That’s you sensing his connection to the magic around him. Different magic users sense magic in different ways. You sense it kind of like feeling it.

Yeah, but it’s still not blue fire, Lorelei pouted.

Anyway, Jason’s dad interrupted, We need to talk to you about something else. Since Lorelei’s already eleven, and you’re turning eleven tomorrow, we wanted to send you to a new school. A special school. Since you two are close friends, we wanted you to both go together.

Cool! Lorelei proclaimed, We’re going to Hogwarts!

No, you’re not, Lorelei’s dad said, I swear, I’m going to kill J.K. She wrote that stuff down, knowing full well it would give our kids false expectations of the magical world.

Alright, Jason’s dad continued. You will be starting your magical education tomorrow. We’re going to fly you to Germany. There, you will study at Circe, a school founded by the Council to educate young magic users.

So, Jason nervously asked, we’re leaving?

Yes, honey, Jason’s mom replied. But don’t worry, you can call us anytime, and you’ve got Lorelei with you. Think of it as an adventure, and promise me you’ll be brave.

I will…

2

Dax

(Dresden)

The only thing worse than the length of the flight to Germany was Jason’s uneasiness. Jason was excited about learning magic, but he was still worried about the new environment. He’d never liked change, and now his entire world was changing. The only constant was Lorelei. Jason took comfort in the fact that she’d still be with him. Still, it all unnerved him.

Before yesterday, magic had been a myth; something fun to imagine. Now it wasn't just reality; it was his reality. Of course, Lorelei took it in stride. More than a stride, really. She was ecstatic. Unlike Jason, she'd always wanted magic to be real. She wanted the change. She needed it. Now she got her wish, and Jason got his nightmare.

The worst part was when Jason’s mom explained something to him. Remember, Jason. Never think yourself better because you know magic. Everyone has the capability. The only things that separate us from those that don’t practice magic are our knowledge of its existence and our ability to sense it. Nothing more. Magic is for all. That’s why our two worlds live in peace.

He still wasn’t special. That’s what she was saying. He didn’t say anything to her: she’d just try to deny it and tell him he was. It made the plane ride agony. The trip, however, didn’t stop when the plane landed. After they arrived in Berlin, they had to take a train to Dresden. Apparently, the school was located just north of there. Jason asked why the school was located in Germany. Apparently, the location was chosen because of Germany’s great number of magical wellsprings. They provided a stable environment for students to train.

They had been on the train for three hours, and the combination of his thoughts and being cooped up in one location for so long was driving him insane. Jason just wanted this to not be real. Miserable as it had been before, Jason wanted his old life back. He decided to close his eyes. He hoped that when he opened them again, this world would be dissolved, and his old one would return.

---

(French Alps)

Kasigah stood upon the mountains of the French Alps. He felt an interesting thrumming passing by.

Germany. Feels like it’s heading to Dresden. What do you think, Porginem?

It’s not very strong, Kasigah, but it’s wild. It feels like it’s being driven by a flurry of emotions, and I’m unfamiliar with the power. We should probably check it out, just to be safe.

Kasigah grasped the coin at his neck. It had oxidized over the years, but it still stood strong, a reminder of home. Next to it hung a crystal arrowhead, a reminder of things lost. Perhaps this power held the key to getting them back.

Alright. Let’s go, Porginem. I don’t know what the end result is, but I can tell that the winds are changing.

---

(New York)

---

Anatoliy studied the book he had uncovered at Alexandria. He'd always kept an open mind about magic, but from what he'd studied, he lacked the senses to pull off stronger spells. This book, however, held good news for him. Books were rare in Alexandria, so this discovery stood out to the archeologist. Now, he learned of nine beings feared by people like him for years: beings of magic that gave power to any they desired. Beings sealed away long ago. If what Anatoliy read was correct, he could release the beings, even with his limited sensitivity to magic. Soon, magic would be given back to the world, and Anatoliy would be the one to cause its rise to power.

---

Jason, a distant voice called, becoming clearer. Jason! It’s time to wake up. We’re here.

Jason's mother stood above him, gently shaking him in an attempt to rouse him. He had woken from his dreams to find his nightmare still around him. Still, the dream he'd had terrified him even more. He had been in an empty void, but far away stood a bright light. It had been hard for Jason to tell what it was, but it looked like a child. As before, Jason saw blue fire surround the child, but this time, it was resplendent beyond belief.

You are strange, the child said. Your power is unique, and somehow I can sense you from this far away. You’re not in-tune like Kasigah is, so why can I reach out to you? Why does your soul blaze like mine?

What do you mean? What is in-tune? Who is Kasigah?

Perhaps later. It may be for the best that you don’t understand yet. We will meet each other soon.

---

The dream faded; the light passed. Again, all was void, and Jason was terrified. Now, here he was, back in reality, and it made much sense to him as did the dream. Jason's mother shook him once more.

---

Come on, sleepyhead, she said, We need to get off the train. A friend is waiting in the station. He’s going to take us to the school.

Mom, Jason whimpered. Do I have to do this?

She kneeled down and looked Jason in the eye. Yes, honey. It’s part of who you are, and you need to learn it. I need you to be brave, okay? I know change is scary, but you’ve got Lorelei with you, and once you’re done, you will love this world that you’re a part of. Can you promise me that you’ll do your best?

Okay, he muttered. Knowing that Lorelei would be with him calmed him greatly, but he was still uneasy about this change. Seeing his conflict, his mother grasped his hand.

Come on, she said, I’m with you. You don’t have to be afraid.

---

Together, they got off the train. In the station outside the car, a man in green stood talking to Jason's father and both of Lorelei's parents. They all seemed to enjoy talking to one another, and Lorelei looked up at the adults with rapt fascination. The man was thin, with medium-tone skin. His hair was black as pitch, and contrasted with his blindingly white smile. He was surprisingly handsome and seemed incredibly young compared to the other adults. Whatever he had said had everyone laughing as Jason and his mother walked up to them.

---

The man turned to Jason’s mom as she joined the group. Anna! The two embraced, looking like long-lost siblings. It’s been so long! I haven’t seen you since we were in class together. How have you been?

Good, she replied, chuckling, I heard you were nominated for a position on the Council. Did you make it?

No, unfortunately. Amber got the position.

I'm sorry to hear that, but at least, it was Amber. I would have hated it if Jonathan had gotten it.

Are you kidding? the man bellowed. Jonathan never even made it to level five!

Jason’s mom twittered, Hey now, neither did Cameron! She pointed her thumb toward Jason’s dad; in response, he rolled his eyes.

Yes, the man continued, but Cameron chose not to. Jonathan tried for years, but he never got past the basics. It’s hilarious considering all the posturing he did through our time at school.

Saddest part, Lorelei’s dad interrupted. He always talked about how he could take us in a fight, and the one day I called him on it, I clobbered him.

True, the man chuckled. Now, down to business. He knelt down to look Jason and Lorelei in the eyes. I’m assuming these two are your children.

Yes, Jason’s mom replied, This is my son Jason, and Lorelei is Robert and Kathy’s daughter. Kids, this is Dax. He is a teacher at Circe. He’s going to take us the last of the way to the campus, and help show you two around.

---

That's right, the man named Dax, replied, It's a pleasure to meet you both. He smiled broadly. Though Jason had felt nervous before, Dax had eased his spirits some. The man oozed charisma, as though he knew how to address the fears of any who came to him. "I'll be teaching you both, at least in part, while you're at Circe. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to come to me. I'm not your parents, but I've been their friend for years, and can hopefully help you as much as