Hope of Ethiny - a Story of Pride

By Samuel Li

Kenan Moarins, a man who is only good with money, has just signed up to take lessons to become a mage. The enemy known as Arnicans had waged war on Ethiny taking no prisoners for reasons unknown, and has been pushing Ethiny to desperate times. And now, the remaining Moarins family- Lamech, Madai, and Kenan struggle to keep their country alive. But little did they know the story that is about to unfold which is bigger than all of them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483683690

Samuel Li

Samuel Li is an aspiring Christian author looking to create a world from his own imagination; he envisions a world where technology is completely different - one that heavily revolves around magics. He is a man of few words and in many cases have traits that are commonly found related to the symbol of a lion.

Book preview

Chapter 1

"K enan Moarins." The magic academy member called.

The room was lit by lamps with magical fuel created by the mages themselves. These lamps are refueled every hour by the one on duty at the moment. One had just demonstrated his ability to manipulate magic by creating several pieces of wood to throw into the lamps. Kenan noticed that the wood lasts unusually long for burning. He was certainly intrigued by the convenience of magics. It was his time to learn magic, so Kenan got up from his seat and went into the hallway.

We’re going to determine your elemental affinities. If you do not know what that means, I’ll explain it to you. Do you need an explanation? The academy member asked as they walked.

Yes, I am new to this but I am willing to learn so I can defend my homeland. Kenan replied.

Good spirit. There are 5 main types of magic. Manipulation of: fire, water, earth, ice, and air. These are the basics; however, you can combine magics together to form greater spells such as thunderclouds should the weather be in optimal condition. You can also use magic to amplify the effects of whatever is already in place such as fires. The escort explained. The door was then within reach of the mage.

We are here at the chamber. I will explain more when we finish analyzing your gifts. The member opened the door and motioned Kenan to go in.

The chamber was lit by several candles, there were two other members watching. There is a large pentagon in the middle with each joint using a symbol to represent its elements.

Walk into the middle and we will do the rest. And Kenan did so.

The mages put their palms on the pentagon in a triangle formation. Kenan stood still awaiting the result. The floor then began to light up, gave a flash and settled. The floor was lit by an ocean blue colour. The outline of the five sided shape inside of the pentagon had one corner touching the perimeter, one corner around three quarters of the way, two others reaching half way, while the last corner was only a quarter of the way.

Your greatest affinity is ‘water.’ Come back tomorrow as we have to inform your instructor as well as recording down your results today. The member said, showing him the way back to the hallway.

So what can water mages do? Kenan asked.

That’s a common misconception. Mages are not separated by their natural affinities although they’re more proficient at that certain type of magic. Water magic is mostly defensive and is usually effective fending off fire attacks. Although when a battle occurs, water does not always beat fire. It depends solely on the capabilities of the mages in battle. For example, my greatest affinity is earth but I can use all elements when required. There are offensive usage for water spells seeing as how you can drown opponents should you be strong enough with your water. However, the most devastating raw offensive element will always be fire, although you can mix elements for more effective spells. The member stopped explaining.

So what would be the most devastating spell? Kenan asked.

If you’re going to mix elements, the thundercloud lightning would be the most devastating should you be able to control where it hits. But very few mages can do so, much less be accurate with it. Often, it will hit your own allies so it’s not used in combat at all. Anyways, it’s pointless to tell you what is the most devastating spell seeing as how you need to learn what you’re best with instead of forcing yourself to learn the impossible. Power will always come at a price. It might be cliché but the foundation is the key to success. The member answered.

Thanks for helping me out. What’s your name? Kenan asked.

I’m Jared Namansing. I doubt we will meet again in the near future seeing as how we will each be busy since the invasion is getting closer. Jared says.

And Kenan walked out of the academy, looking up into the sky, and then started to move towards home. The kingdom had lost nearly all hope and it is easily seen in the streets. Many worried faces and hopelessness poured out of its people. Shattered dreams and mourning were commonplace amongst Ethiny.

Water huh? Seems pretty useless. Kenan mumbles as he walks into the streets of the hopeless.

Chapter 2

Kenan walks into his dead silent home. It reminded him why he had to start training instead of running a business. His family was destroyed at the start of the war with the death of his father in the first few days of the war. His mother committed suicide shortly after the news. It is now just a group that lived under the same roof united in one purpose: to defend whatever is left of their homeland. It was once a family of six—now reduced to three: Kenan and his two elder brothers. There was once a sister in the house, but she married and died while giving childbirth. There was certainly rage within all of them, but Kenan himself has shame as well. He was simply not built for war. He was a guy who was smart with his money, and that he knew what to do to make money. But making money is useless when your country’s desperate enough to give free magic lessons to defend itself from genocide. The wealthy had already fled the country, all except the ones that defend the king with their pride and honour or ones that had sworn loyalty and are bound by it until their deaths, whom are executed when found deserting.

Kenan’s dream was to become a wealthy merchant. A merchant that would get recognition wherever he goes that would have a store in every city. His dream was starting to grow when the war suddenly came. And then the situation grew more and more dire.

Kenan’s housemate returned and immediately sat down to rest on a chair.

Where’s Madai, Lamech? Kenan asked.

Madai is on guard duty tonight, he’s not going to be home until dawn. His brother answered.

By the way, how was the day at the academy? Lamech asked as he got up to take off his equipment.

It was only determining affinity today, they said they’re taking care of the registrations and classes will start for me tomorrow. Kenan answered.

So what is your affinity? Lamech asks, although the sound from him was expecting a certain answer from Kenan. Kenan knew that his brothers would want him to be fire affinity so that he can take revenge as soon as possible for his family, even he himself had wished it to be so. He pondered if he should lie about his affinity, since he recalls that all mages can use any element.

Water. Kenan opted to not lie.

Lamech remained silent for a moment, showing symptoms of stress.

You’ll have to tell Madai it’s fire. Or at least ice. I doubt he wants to hear water seeing as how it’s seemingly the worse affinity. Lamech advised Kenan.

Even I have doubts about this water element. Kenan agrees to his brother’s comment.

Although in reality, the water element might be able to help the most us seeing as how there will be fire attacks everywhere anyhow. I saw a lot of mages practicing fire related spells lately whenever I had errands to give to the academy head. I feel that there’s a lack of defensive spells on our end seeing as how there were only a handful of mages practicing the other elements. I suppose many of our people desire revenge or just to have a way to satisfy their rage. That water affinity is definitely needed more than fire right now when I think clearly about it. The best defense is never all out offense, especially when the enemy overwhelms you in that department. Lamech states.

Thanks brother. I’ll do my best in the upcoming days. Kenan lets a sigh of relief out, glad that he decided to be honest.

Oh, I almost forgot, Esther is pretty angry that you forgot about her birthday today. On my way home, she bumped into me and told me that if you want to live, you better stay out of her sight for a few days. And then bring her a gift after that. Lamech informs Kenan, who then starts getting nervous. He had a feeling he forgot something important when he was waiting for the elemental affinity test.

Lamech laughs. I wonder if you’ll live long enough for the Arnicans to arrive.

Well, I’ll probably live, just crippled to the point where they’ll laugh to death, especially if I keep this up. Kenan jokes with his brother.

Esther’s a good lady, but you should think about what’s best for her. I suggest you part ways with her after apologizing, seeing as how a few nobles are interested in her and it might be better for her since she can gain status. She will live a life that is envied by many that way. Lamech says with a serious tone.

I will apologize, but I’m not going to part ways with her until she says so. She is the one with the options and it was her decision to choose me over the nobles. So I should not disrespect her decision like that. Knowing Esther, she has reasons for what she does. Kenan stands his ground.

And I thought I was the most reasonable person in this home. Well Kenan, you’ve got me there. Maybe I can take a few pointers from you when we get out of this war. Lamech says while returning to the joking tone.

It’ll cost you for my tips. Kenan plays along.

Still the merchant, aren’t you? Fine. I don’t mind paying to get a good wife.

Glad you agree to the terms, I trust that we don’t need a contract seeing as how we’re brothers. Kenan offers a handshake as a dealing tool.

No, but you better give me a discount. Lamech accepts the handshake.

Only if you land one before Madai does. You’re both on even grounds right now seeing as neither of you are as successful as I am in that category. Kenan laughs.

Deal. Don’t tell that hothead though. Lamech joins him.

For a moment, the house was no longer a shattered memory, but a bright and hopeful future.

Chapter 3

"W ake up Kenan." A familiar voice said as he was being shoved around.

It’s the middle of the night, what’s the matter with you? Kenan said as he rolled to face the other way while maintaining his half asleep state.

It’s about Esther. Kenan immediately popped up at the name.

Her family was caught deserting. You know the rules for a noble family to run away after swearing the oath: They’re to be executed at dawn. Kenan’s eyes became wide open.

What? What about Esther? Was she caught too? Kenan immediately stood up.

No, but you know how things work. She will be executed along with them. The voice said.

Not if I can help it. Where is she? He began to get dressed.

I don’t know, I went to tell her the news and gave her time to hide while I distracted my escorts. Though there are not many places she can hide now since half of the night guards are searching in the city. The figure headed out the room.

I’ll go and look for her, thanks for the information, Madai. Kenan said as his brother walked out, and back outside.

Kenan immediately started thinking of a plan to avoid Esther’s execution. It took a few minutes but he had thought of a plan. Kenan immediately went to the living room and opened the box his mother had left behind and grabbed the ring inside. Kenan stormed outside and then thought of the possibilities of where Esther would hide at the current hour with a search warrant on her.

Oh no, I better get there quick. And Kenan ran with all his might.

Esther stared out into the starlit sky—the moon wasn’t out that night. The park had plentiful amount of trees, but there weren’t only trees in the park at that moment. There were occasional sounds of armor clanking. The moon did not shine that night, which made it easier for her to hide, but she had wished the moon was there for her tonight. Esther needed something to embrace her at that moment, even if it was only the moonlight. She held her tears back as long as she could, waiting until the armor clanking sound was gone. The floodgates were opened at the moment the armor clanking faded and disappeared. Her family had betrayed her. Moments later, a voice asked Who’s there?

Esther did not answer.

I order you by the authority given to me by the King to get down from the tree. The man commanded.

Esther obeyed and got down from the tree slowly.

The man’s lamp revealed her face, and immediately he ordered.

Esther Heasy, I hereby place you under arrest.

She’s Esther Moarins, mind you. Kenan shows up behind the guard. He then walked to Esther and grabbed her left hand. He pulled out the ring and put in on her hand swiftly.

She is Esther Heasy, the proud daughter of Tubal Heasy. She is to be arrested for her family’s treason. The guard said.

As I said, she’s Esther Moarins, my wife. She was once the proud but now discarded daughter of Tubal Heasy. You can see the proof on her left hand. Kenan reveals the ring worn on her finger.

If she is your wife, what is she doing here in the middle of the night? I much less heard of your marriage. The guard asked.

Well uhh, you see, it’s pretty embarrassing. I uhhh, sorta forgot… Esther kicks him in the weak spot. Then she proceeded to kick him a few more times on the ground.

And don’t you EVER forget what day it was yesterday. Esther yelled.

Sorry, I won’t forget your birthday again. The guard was then puzzled at what he should do.

I suppose that’s normal. But both of you shall come with me to my superior. He will hear your case and decide then what to do. She is still technically the daughter of the traitor, and at worse, you will be executed with her. Do you still wish to claim she is your wife? The guard asked.

As I said, she is my wife. But before going with you, can I rest a little? She sorta… kicked me real hard in that spot. Kenan requested in his pain. The guard sighed.

Chapter 4

Tubal Heasy was dragged into the court. Esther consciously put her left hand over her right, showing her father the ring.

Tubal Heasy, do you recognize this girl? The judge asked, pointing at Esther.

You dragged me all the way here to show me a girl that I don’t even want to see. I see you wish to mock me until my end? I recognize her. She is something I discarded. Now get her out of my sight. Tubal spat on the judge.

As you wish. Drag him back into the dungeon. The judge commanded. Tubal was once again dragged, but this time it was back to where he came from.

"As you can see, your majesty, Tubal was not content with my wife’s decision of marrying me. It was well known that she was in the eyes and hearts of many nobles but since she chose a person without status like me, her father discarded her for making such a decision. There was no wedding because