A Tale of a Mage and His Purpose

By Matthew Robinson

This is a story about a young man named Merlin Coyn, that has lived his life as a mercenary since he was a child, who is in search for the meaning of him having magic and using it. To do that he enters a military school in the country of Mariland where the citizen hate and discriminate against mages. He joins the magic department of the school in the hopes that they he will find out what it means to be a mage. After staying inside the school and learning from both the knight department and the magic department Merlin starts to wonder what he has been doing with his magic. Since, he had been a mercenary all his life and using magic for most of the time to kill his enemies. He meets a mage named Isis who shows him that magic can be used in other ways then just fighting or killing the people around him. After learning this from her he starts to really question what he is really and how he wants to use his magic and what a mage is exactly. But while he is doing that Isis plans to sacrifice the nation of Mariland to summon a demon;s gate. Merlin helps her even while knowing what she plans to do, so he can learn more about the magic she knows. As a result, Mariland is badly damaged and the school is destroyed by Isis and her people. In order to stop her from killing everyone in Mariland, Merlin has to fight Isis and her people to save his new home and friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matthew Robinson
• Release date: Dec 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005060077

Matthew Robinson

Matthew Robinson is a novelist who writes adventure, fantasy, and science fiction stories. He has a Associates of Arts degree and he is earning a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONe

The sun beats down on a city full of bustling people going from shop to shop. As horse pulled carriages passed through the street a young man named Merlin Coyn, ran toward his destination heavy with sweat and short of breath. He stumbled into several people as he ran.

Sorry! I’m in hurry! Merlin said as he got his balance back and pulled up his backpack then continued to run.

Watch it! An old man yelled as he swung his fist.

Merlin apologized with a gesture as he turned the corner. As he did the crowd of people that was behind him disappeared and there is no one in front of him except a man with long-black hair and purple eyes at the end of the street standing in front of gate with a clipboard.

…A barrier? This must be the place! Merlin said as he pulled up his backpack and ran toward the long-haired man. Is this the military academy?

You must be, Merlin, nice to meet you. I am Mor V. Dregs. Mor said as he shoke Merlin’s hand. I just want to confirm. Merlin, are you sure you want to enter this academy?

Hm? Yeah, I’m here to learn magic.

This isn’t a magic school.

…?

I guess, you’ll just have to see for yourself. Follow me. Mor said as he opened the gates with a snap of his fingers. Merlin, this way.

Uh, yeah… Merlin said as he walked in star struck by the size of the school and its facilities. The sound of clashing blades echo and the smell of rust choked the air. The school was like a fortress built to keep intruders out and its students in. Woah… This place is frightening.

Merlin, what are you doing? Over here. Mor said as he walked toward an old run down shack. This is the magical department of this school.

Uh, this is a lot less frightening, but very sad. Merlin said as he tapped the side of the shack.

Be careful, its… Mor said as the shack collapsed. The desks and podium become visible. Fragile… I guess, we’ll be having class outside again today.

Again!? How many time does it collapse?

You don’t want to know.

Then what is that building?

That is the main building, where knights are trained. This is the magical department where we train people who want to specialize in magic. Mor said as he looked at the main building. It’s a large building with multiple floors and is five times the size of the magic department’s shack Do you see now, why I asked if you really wanted to enter here. You can turn back now if you want.

No, I’m good. I’m just glad this place teaches magic. Merlin said as he walked past the wooden planks and sits in a seat. Am I the only student?

You have three other classmates. They were here when I went to get you. Mor said as he looked around then turned back to Merlin. While we wait for them is there anything about the class that you want to know.

Yeah, I’ve got a few questions.

What do you want to know?

Where do I sleep? From what I was told I’d be sleeping on campus.

…The classroom also counts as the quarters for students.

You’re kidding, right?

No, according to the staff it’s to replicate the harshness of war. It’s the same for the knights in training. They have their own quarters inside the main building.

I’m guessing, they have beds, though.

…

Where do we go to eat?

In the main building, lunch last for thirty-minutes.

Do we really get learn magic?

Of course, but I’m here to teach you to fight with magic, nothing else. You’ll learn how to use magic at a fundamental level and how to apply that magic in the field. What certain signals mean when your commander wants you to use a certain type of magic and how to work together in a team of mages and a team of knights. Mor said as he picked up a piece of wood then looked at Merlin. I have a question for you, Merlin.

What?

… Why did you come here?

Hm?

Why did you come to this city, to this nation. Mariland hates magic and treats the people who use it like dirt.

To learn magic and to become a mage, that’s why I came here.

This place is not fit for that.

Are you going to teach me magic?

Of course, but…

Then it’s fine, I believe my want to learn magic is more important than the environment that I learn it in.

Heh, you must really like magic, Merlin.

Yeah! Plus, if this was enough to stop me there is no way I could become a sorcerer in the future! Merlin said as he puffs out his chest. Mor turned around in shock, but pulled his attention away from Merlin to catch a short-blonde young man wearing white from head to toe before he hits the ground, but they both crash to the floor.

Rei, what are you doing!? Mor shouted as Rei slowly rose to his feet while brushing off the debris and dirt.

My bad I didn’t see his punch coming. Rei said as he dashed out of the classroom. This time he is going down!

Um, Mor, You okay?

I’m fine, but I better stop my idiot of a student before he causes some real damage. Mor said as he got up off the floor and brushes off the dust.

Wait, that was one of my classmates?

Yes, his name is Rei Star and he is probably causing more trouble as we speak so, let’s go. We have to stop him before he gets our department shut down. Mor said as he runs after Rei.

Wait, what do you mean shut down! Merlin shouted as he chases after Mor. They run up to see Rei and several knights standing around another short-blonde hair man pointing his sword. Mor, what did you mean?

I’ll explain in a minute, but first. Surt, Rei, what are you doing!?

Ask the shiny tin man, who takes hostages? Where is my sister you scum bags! Rei shouted as he punched and Surt catches his fist.

CHAPTER Two

The clouds block the sun’s light as several of the knights, chuckle as Rei struggled to pull his fist away from Surt. He smiles while Rei grit his teeth in pain. The chuckling of the surrounding knights turned to laughter as Surt tightens his grip on Rei’s fist. Mor grabbed Rei’s and Surt’s wrist.

I think that’s enough. Mor said as he looked at them. Surt looked at Mor with a smirk then releases Rei’s fist.

I understand, teach, but I’ve done nothing wrong. This is just an unfortunate misunderstanding.

What misunderstanding! When I came to pick up, Alice, you and your thugs dragged her away! Rei shouted as he stepped forward, but Mor pushed him back.

Rei, you have to calm down.

Why should I!? If he’s done anything to her I’ll kill him! Rei shouted as magic energy flares from his body.

Woah, I’m a knight, if anything I would escort a damsel in distress, especially one as pretty as her. I mean, with her being blind she wouldn’t be able to protect herself would she.

Surt, do you know where Alice Star is?

Hmm? I might’ve have seen her wandering around the equipment shed with her ‘friends’. Surt said as he looked at Rei. Rei turned pale as he dashed off. I’m not one to judge, but she went off with a rough group, I hope she’s okay.

Rei!... Surt, if anything has happened…

I wouldn’t have anything to do with it. Teach.

Merlin, come on, we have to catch up with Rei. He might do something he’ll regret. Mor said as he chases after Rei. Merlin looked back at Surt as he smiles and waves.

Mor, is that alright? He definitely had something to do with it.

…

Mor? Merlin said but Mor continued forward in silence. They run until they see Rei standing in front of two girls. One with short pink hair with bandages over her eyes sitting on the ground and the other with long black hair and purple eyes standing next to her. There’s Rei.

What have you done to Alice! Rei shouted as he dashed forward covered in magic energy.

Bone Hand! Mor chanted as a giant bone hand appeared out of the ground and grabbed Rei. Rei, you have to calm down.

Let me go, Mor! I’m going to kill anyone who… Hm? Rei said as he looked at the long black hair girl. Ari…

I’ve told you time and time again. Don’t let your temper get to you. Mor said as he walked past Rei. Are you two alright?

I’m fine. Alice said as she stood up and brushes off her dress.

What happened? Mor asked as he looked at Ari.

Did they do something to you? Rei asked as he struggled to get out of the bone hand. If they so much as touched a hair on your head I’ll kill them.

Rei, nothing happened, remember I can see the future. There’s no way they could do anything that I didn’t already see coming.

Wait! You used that power again! What did I tell you!? That’s not a power you should use it’ll only hurt you! Rei shouted as he tries pull himself out of the bone hand.

Is he always like this? Merlin asked as he walked up next to Mor.

No, only when it comes to his beloved little sister. Usually, he’s a calm and collected individual that thinks before he acts. Mor said as he rubs his neck.

Hm? New student? Ari asked as she looked at Mor.

I’ll introduce everyone once we get back to the classroom. Mor said as he snaps his finger and the bone hand disappeared and Rei falls to the ground then got up to check on Alice. They all walk back to their classroom in shambles. They walk past the debris and into their desk. Don’t sit down, Merlin, come introduce yourself.

Huh, Okay. Merlin said as he walked up to the podium. The classroom must really get destroyed a lot. They didn’t even react to it.

I don’t want to think about it. Now, come on, introduce yourself.

My name is Merlin Coyn, I’m eighteen, and have been learning magic since I was eleven. And I’ve always loved magic so I came to the magic department to learn more about it. Merlin got ready to head back to his seat when Mor stopped him. Hm?

Does anyone have a question for Merlin?

What’s your favorite type spells? Alice asked.

Oh, elemental spells, I’ve always taken a shine to seeing fire, wind, water and earth come to life from the spells I use in battle.

I have a question. Rei said as he stood up. Is there anyone in this class you’d date or try to make a move on.

Uh…

You can ignore that question, Merlin. Mor said as he shook his head.

Rei! Alice said as she stood up.

I’m kidding… You’ve used magic for what seven years. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done.

Hm? I would have to say killing myself.

Huh!?

Merlin, what do you mean by that? Mor asked.

Just like it… Oh, no I didn’t die all the way I was revived by a friend.

… I wasn’t expecting that or were joking. Mor said as he looked at Merlin’s completely serious face. …Never mind.

Mor, I think we really need to keep an eye on this guy.

I agree.

Hm? What’s wrong? Merlin asked as he looked at them.

Oh, I have a question. Ari said as she playfully raises her hand. Where did you come from exactly, because everyone I know in this country hates magic.

…Ari. Alice said as she looked at Ari while Mor and Rei look away.

I’m just saying it’s refreshing to see a person say they like magic so it had me wondering. I mean I know you all wanted to know the same thing. Ari said as she shrugs her shoulders. The way we are treated in the nation you can’t blame a person if they hated themselves just for being born with magic.

…Well, I don’t exactly know. Merlin said as he scratched his head.

What do you mean?

I’ve been a mercenary, since I was kid.

CHAPTER Three

The sound of gun fire, explosions, and the screams of his fellow comrades surround a young child. The child climbs out of a pile of bodies looking at the people that he had just greeted that morning. He climbs the pile of corpses face full of tears and screams.

Why!? Rei shouted as he banged his fist on the desk. Why would they have a child fight in a war!?

…Well, I think that is enough for an introduction. Merlin, you can have a seat. Mor said as he guides Merlin to his seat. I think it’s time to start out lesson.

What are we doing to today? Alice asked as she leaned forward.

Today, we were going to have a practical test to check everything that you’ve learned over the month you’ve been here, but with a new student here, I think we should review today. Mor said as he walked back up to his podium. So, class, what is magic?

It’s when you use magic energy to bring the users imagination into reality. Alice said as she looked up at Mor.

That’s close, but not quite Alice.

A tool? Rei asked.

…No.

The use of magic energy to bring the users will to reality. Ari said as she looked away.

That’s right.

Question. What’s the difference? Rei asked.

…You two haven’t be studying enough. Mor shook his head. "This review maybe better for you guys