The Bard: Tales from Syphyna, #1

By Jean Hanna

As a bard, Caldorian Kana knew how to spin epic tales. He never thought he might be thrown into one himself. On one particularly drizzily night, Caldorian meets Valentin Boehrer, the second noble son of Ormarshian noblity. Intrigued by this human's offer of magical research, Caldorian follows him back to his home where the two make a discovery that was about to change everything. Adventure, magic, sleeping gods, and dragons wait for Caldorian in this epic first tale from the contenant of Syphina.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jean Hanna
• Release date: Feb 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393445890

Jean Hanna

Jean Hanna was born and raised in Treaty 4 territory in South West Saskatchewan. As a non-binary asexual, Jean loves writing stories that anyone can see themselves in. On cold winter days, Jean enjoys cuddling up with Paladin, Rogue, and Merryweather while coming up with more tales set in the world of Syphina.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Chapter 1

The cold rain stung his cheek as he watched the patrons of the tavern come and go. He pulled his rain soaked cloak closer to his body. Hoping this would protect his most precious possession: a lute that had been his mother’s final gift to him. Caldorian shivered, wishing he had more coin in his purse to take up a room in the tavern. He brought his hands up to his mouth, his thin fingers steepled together against his lips. He let out a slow breath allowing his magic to flow through him. The small amount of fire magic he summoned heated his hands lighting up his face. His large lavender coloured eyes reflected the light making him stand out a bit more than he wanted to.

Since coming to Ormarsh, Caldorian found that he needed to limit his magic use. It was worse here in the capital city of Highbarrow. The Banneret were vigilant when it came to misuses of magic. Upon his arrival in the bustling city, he had had a bit of an altercation with one of the citizens. Caldorian had bumped into the person, but was quick to apologize. The person he had bumped into wasn't about to accept the apology. He demanded Caldorian pay-up less he wanted to find himself in the local infirm. Caldorian refused and a fight broke out. Caldorian used a simple nightmare spell to escape. The man summoned the Banneret to arrest him.

Caldorian shivered as he recalled the way the three Banneret knights had arrived. Their breastplates made of a gleaming silver alloy glared in the afternoon sun and he lost focus. The centre knight gripped his mace in both hands grinning at him, mad with power. Caldorian could make out the snaggle lower tooth that had turned black from tartar build up. A bead of sweat dripped down the side of the knight’s lumpy round face. His dark hair was wet with the heat of the summer sun. The knights on the left and right wore helmets that shone as bright as the rest of their armor. They kept moving the crowd along while the centre knight snorted and spat near Caldorian’s feet.

Well, well, well, what do we have here boys? the knight had asked his comrades.

Looks like an elf that strayed too far from the merchant’s quarter, answered the knight on the left. The knight on the right punched him in the shoulder, chastising him for a stupid answer.

Idiot. It was a... what do you call it? A rhetoric question, he said.

I believe you meant rhetorical, Caldorian helped

That’s what I said! the knight on the right snapped. Caldorian gave him a nervous little laugh. The centre knight's glare was dark.

No, you nitwits, he snapped. It’s a mage who don’t follow the rules!

The two knights looked at each other as they understood what their leader was getting at. Caldorian took their momentary distraction to try and flee the scene. The two knights in the helmets were not as stupid as he had thought. They spotted his attempted escape. He didn’t know which one had ordered him to stop, but the moment he tried to run he felt the mace graze past his pointed ear. His eyes went wide with shock and he dared to look back at the three knights now in pursuit. He was sure they had meant to kill him with that throw.

Since that day he continued to thank whatever spirits were protecting him. His escape had been nothing short of a miracle. Once he had given them the slip, he learned from some of the locals that the Banneret often killed mages on sight. This was in contrast to the Banneret of his home country, Faelyn, who would bring unruly mages to heel in the courts. Afterwords he resolved to keep a low profile while he was staying in Highbarrow.

The rain continued to pour down and Caldorian was becoming stiff. He had been sitting in this downpour for what seemed like hours and he was getting impatient. He was waiting for the bard that was currently entertaining the tavern to retire for the night. She had been singing for most of the day. In the intervals that the door opened, Caldorian could hear her voice wavering. His stomach protested being empty and he let out a defeated sigh. Waiting, clearly, was no longer an option for him. When he was about to leave, the door to the tavern opened and he could hear that the music had stopped.

He stood up and stretched out his sore leg muscles. They protested the sudden movement. His toes had gone numb from the cold rain and lack of circulation. He watched as the bard had left the tavern apologizing to the patrons for leaving at such a time. Now was his chance. He hurried forward, his first few steps ungraceful as the feeling returned to his feet. He knew he could have gone to any one of the many taverns in the city, but this one paid the most coin. Sometimes the owner, an elf too, would offer him food and drink if he could keep the patrons from fighting.

The bard closed the tavern door and pulled her cloak close against the rain. She paused as she spotted Caldorian approaching.

Of course you’re here, she said. Her voice was hoarse, but it did not hide her dislike for the elf that stood before her. Good luck in there, she spat out, nothing but the working class who can barely rub two coins together to buy a pint.

Caldorian gave her a warm smile. Don’t worry about me Miranda. I don’t expect a human to have quite the same talent for the craft as me. He let out a laugh as he blocked her kick with the tavern door. She was throwing a string of well worded curses at him as he walked in and pulled off his cloak.

Inside the tavern, the crowd cheered his arrival once they spotted his lute. The barkeeper sighed in relief as he was about to break up a fight between two patrons who were now distracted. The two elves nodded to each other as Caldorian took his place by the fire and warmed his instrument up.

Any requests? He called into the sea of drinkers.

No one replied as they went back to their conversations. He began to play a lively little tune not committing to any tale until asked. That was Miranda’s mistake. She spent her entire day singing all the old songs until her voice grew tired. She also repeated herself often enough that no one tipped her. Caldorian was more experienced than that. He didn’t sing unless the crowd asked him to and he would never repeat a song unless paid.

The bartender made his way over.

Thank Melpokayin you arrived when you did, he said, clapping him on the shoulder. I thought for sure my tables wouldn't last the night!

Oh, he mused. I am sure it was less Melpokayin’s doing and more the fact I was waiting outside, Caldorian admitted. The barkeep took his dark green cloak to hang by the fire to dry. Caldorian's light blue tunic and brown leather pants were steaming in the heat. His cloak had kept his dark red braid dry, a small miracle, he thought to himself. The bartender laughed and clapped a hand on his shoulder again. This caused the elf to play the wrong note, but he was quick to cover his mistake.

You are luck incarnate Mr. Kana, the bartender let out another booming laugh. I’ll bring you stew and some bread on the house.

Why not throw in a pint of your finest honey mead and I will sing your favourite song, Caldorian negotiated. The bartender clapped him on the back again and declared it a deal. For someone as lithe as an elf, Caldorian thought the bartender was as strong as any human he had met. He rolled out his shoulder and kept playing. He would wait until his meal arrived to make good on his promise. In the meantime he looked out into the tavern to read the mood.

Miranda was right about one thing: most of the people who were in there drinking were the working class. The tavern was full of men and women working on Grand Oracle Adela's new Basilica. Rumor was they received very little for their labour and time. The Grand Oracle justified the rob in wages by claiming they were doing the Goddess Melpokayin’s work. Those that were loyal to the project the Goddess herself would bless. Caldorian thought this was a terrible crime. Yet as a bard, an elf, and an illegal mage, there was nothing more he could do, but lift their spirits with song.

He kept the music lively, adding a bit of a mood lifting spell into his fingertips. He needed to be careful, as mood altering magic was strictly forbidden. The Order of Melpokayin could tolerate the use of magic for self defense. This restricted the mages in Ormarsh to research, entertainment, and servitude. Using magic to manipulate the thoughts and feelings of others or to cause harm was heretical. Mages accused of such crimes were executed without trial. The Banneret doled this punishment out. They were in charge of keeping the peace and protecting all citizens of Ormarsh after all. Human mages, Caldorian had noticed, were treated slightly better than his elven brethren. They chose to hide their magic use as much as possible.

The Order’s reach did not extend to the neighbouring country of Faelyn. Where Caldorian came from, mages went to schools and learned to control their magic. When they became adults, the brightest mages attended the Emperor’s University. There they could specialize in any field of magic they chose. The mages that showed the most promise received full scholarships. This allowed them to study as many types of magic as they chose. Humans and elves were, for the most part, treated as equals. The Banneret in Faelyn were also different. Anyone who was accused of a crime was arrested and put on trial. Very rarely did the Banneret carry out executions.

Yet between the two countries on the continent of Syphina, Faelyn seemed impoverished. Ormash had rich fertile lands. They believed in the Goddess of Celebration, Melpokayin. This helped its relations to other rich countries that also believed in the Goddess. Trade was never better. Faelyn had very little farmland and had to rely on fishing to feed its people. The people also did not believe in the greatness of Melpokayin. Instead they worshiped Melpokayin’s rival Aldecenk. Seen as an act of defiance, other countries only traded in Faelyn's people. When Faelynians moved to these other countries, they converted to the Melpokayin Order.

Caldorian was suppose to enter into the service of one of Highbarrow’s noble houses. When he landed in Courtwald, Ormash’s port city, he had other plans. It took all the coin he had brought with him, but the ship’s captain told the Servant Brokers he had fallen overboard. After that he had made his way to Highbarrow on his own. His only possessions were the clothes and lute on his back. He never felt more free. He made his transformation into a bard on his way to Highbarrow and the tavern he was currently playing in.

The bartender brought him out of his deep reflection as he set his dinner and honey mead beside him. Caldorian let the magic fade. He could tell that the patrons’ moods were still lively from his playing. He shifted the lute to take a bite of bread and stew. While he chewed, he wondered what kind of meat was in the stew, but thought better than to ask. His stomach was grateful for the warm food and he let out a soft moan as he sipped at the mead. His body warmed and he regained his energy. He picked the lute up once more before anyone noticed he had stopped playing. It was time to pay up.

Sing along if you know ‘Lucoara the Nymph, Hero of Ormarsh’! he began to sing. His voice was sweet and pleasant with few imperfections. He made his way through the tale of Nymph who was responsible for vanquishing Aldecenk and his army.

Lucoara! Lucoara!

The nymph with the golden hair

Lucoara! Lucoara!

She saved us all,

From the man that would enslave us all!

Lucoara! Lucoara!

You made the staff.

Aldecenk’s Ruin destroyed them all!

Lucoara! Lucoara!

The Hero of Ormarsh!

Caldorian hated the song. The legend of Lucoara told across all lands. It was an epic tale of a time when elves and humans were not the only beings to live in Syphina. There use to be dwarves, orcs, dragonkin, fairies, mermaids, and of course nymphs. The two gods, Melpokayin and Aldecenk, created elves and humans together. The two did not get along and often fought about the limitations of their creations. Melpokayin created fairies, mermaids, and nymphs to be superior. Whereas, Aldecenk created dwarves, orcs, and dragonkin in retaliation. The stories of the two gods differed between cultures, but the story of Lucoara remained the same.

Lucoara had been one of Melpokayin’s loyalist nymphs in the final conflict between the two gods. To end the war and bring peace to the lands, Lucoara had created a magic staff. The staff would focus Melpokayin’s powers to put an end to Aldecenk and his army. The plan was mostly successful. Aldecenk and his most loyal generals were banished to the far reaches of Faelyn never to leave. However, in the final battle Aldecenk had managed to break a part of the staff off. Melpokayin’s intention was to kill him, but instead he fell into a deep slumber for all eternity. Peace returned to the two countries. This left the Order of Melpokayin to become the dominant belief system in Syphina.

To the Followers of Aldecenk, Lucoara destroyed any hope Faelyn had of prosperity.

A roar of applause sounded through the tavern as Caldorian finished the song. Coin began to scatter near his feet as he gave a short bow to show his appreciation. He took another quick sip of mead and bite of stew before he continued on.

A feeling of someone watching him with intensity crept over him. He set down his tankard and scanned the room again.

In one of the far shadowy corners, sat a man drinking alone. His hood obscured his face, but Caldorian knew it was him. Silently cursing himself for using his magic earlier, he continued to play. He acted as if nothing was amiss. It was possible that the man watching him was an off duty Banneret. He hoped that he wasn’t one of the more overzealous knights.

The night dragged on. Caldorian continued to play and make coin, but soon the bartender called for the last drink. The patrons grumbled as they stumbled off. They either returned to their rented beds above the tavern, or home to their families. Caldorian grabbed his coin and hurried out of the tavern. He refused the bartender’s offer of a bed for the rest of the night. The man who had been watching him all night was still there, watching and waiting. He had stood once the elf had put on his now dried cloak and began to approach him. Caldorian made a break for the door and back out into the cold night air.

CHAPTER TWO

Chapter 2

Even though the rain had stopped, Caldorian still covered his head to blend with the shadows. He could still feel someone watching his every move.

It unnerved him.

He ran across the street as quick as he could. His feet slid around in the mud slowing his getaway. Dodging around a corner, he pressed himself against the wall of a darkened shop.

He held his breath and waited.

Nothing.

He let the breath out as the person from the tavern came around the corner.

Finally! The man was out of breath from pursuit. Feeling much like a scared cat, Caldorian jumped fifty feet into the air from the sudden fright. He clutched his hand to his chest as the man removed his hood.

Beneath it was, as he suspected, a human. The man had golden-brown well taken care of skin. Rich, thought Caldorian. His hair was short, disheveled and light brown, and his eyes were a stunning stormy gray. His smile was full of mirth and lit his entire face with amusement at having scared Caldorian. Caldorian could see a faint scar beneath the stubble on his square jaw and cheeks. This man was no Banneret.

You are a hard one to find Mr. Kana, the man said, snapping Caldorian out of his own thoughts.

I thought you were a Banner, Caldorian admitted. He relaxed only a little, but kept his guard up in case there was trouble. The man let out a hearty laugh that would sure wake someone, or at least alert to their location.

No, no, you silly elf! he chuckled. Mages can’t join the Banner,

The elf let out a sigh of relief. So this man was a mage. It still didn’t explain what a rich human was doing following him down the muddy streets of lower Highbarrow. Good skin meant rich, and Caldorian did not remember the man tipping him tonight.

Alright, his voice was full of suspicion, what do you want?

Ah, yes, allow me to introduce myself! He gave the smaller mage a low bow. Valentin of house Boehrer, son of his lordship Silas Boehrer of the Highbarrow Mage Guild. At your service.

Caldorian rolled his eyes. You’re grandstanding.

My apologies, I saw your performance in the marketplace last week and I wanted to speak to you. I have never met another mage who wasn’t in servitude of the Order. And I certainly have never met an elf who didn’t serve a noble house. Your magic has quite the finesse to it. To the untrained you could pass off as a normal elf! It is truly extraordinary!

Thanks? he was unsure of how to respond.

I want to know where you trained. It was more a demand than a request.

Fellgryf University of Magic, he said with a slight shrug. Thinking that was all this strange noble wanted, he turned to leave. Valentin grabbed him by the shoulders. His eyes were wide with wonder, like he had never seen a Faelynian mage before.

You’re an actual mage from Faelyn? He asked. Are you one of those dark elves the Order prattles on about? He seemed fascinated by Caldorian.

Dark elf? Caldorian raised an eyebrow. He had heard rumours that Ormarshians had strange ideas about his home country. This was the first time he had actually had someone ask such a question.

Yes! Valentin wasn’t exactly interested in the answer. It seemed he found Caldorian intriguing. He began to move around him, examining him with curious eyes. Caldorian tried again to get away from the overly enthusiastic noble. Valentin just put his arm around him instead and led him off down the street.

The sky began to brighten as the two made their way through the sleepy city. Caldorian felt exhausted, but Valentin didn’t seem to show any sign of leaving him be. The man was ranting on about Highbarrow and his family. The Mages guild was responsible for all Ormash’s arcane research. The Boehrer family was in charge of the guild, making them one of the wealthiest families in Ormarsh. Lord Silas, while not a mage himself, kept Valentin sheltered for most of his life. Caldorian had lost track of the conversation. Heading home to bed sounded like a dream.

Of course there is also our family's library, Valentin said. This made Caldorian perk up a little.

Your family has a library? Caldorian asked. Valentin laughed.

So you are paying attention, he said. Yes, my family has a rather large collection of books from across all Syphina. Even a tome or two on the Arcane that the Order would surely like to get their hands on.

I bet it is amazing, Caldorian mused. He missed his days of research. It had been a while since he had learned any new magic. But the public library in Highbarrow only held books on Melpokayin lore.

Well, then come with me to my home! Valentin suggested, leading him towards the larger estates.

Be serious, he responded, stopping in his tracks. Caldorian had kept to the lower side and marketplace of Highbarrow. Less chance of running into the Banneret. Shaking his head, Valentin returned his arm around the elf’s shoulders. He continued to lead him up the street.

Shutters began to open along the streets as the morning became brighter. The two mages sauntered along, one without a care in the world and the other wanting to go to bed. How did this human mage have the energy to keep going? Caldorian wondered. Especially when they began the steep climb to the estate quarter of Highbarrow. Shifting his lute, the elf pushed on beside the human trying to keep up.

After what seemed like ages, the two arrived in front of an impressive looking property. The lawn was still a lush green, despite the fact that winter was drawing ever closer. Magic, Caldorian noted. The trees that lined the path up to the main house had begun to lose their red, purple, orange, and yellow leaves. It was a stunning sight regardless. It would be the perfect walk in the scorching summer months. The path itself was a perfect smooth stone surface. No expense spared for the comfort of any guests of the Boehrer family while they walked up the costly path.

The manor itself rivaled any of the grand Order buildings in Highbarrow. Caldorian counted five stories to the main building. There were at least five tall towers, and two smaller turrets attached to the building. The building was a breathtaking mix of light blueish gray and greens as ivy climbed up the side of one of the towers. The flower beds up against the building were still full and colourful. Caldorian had never seen anything so grandiose in his entire life.

Valentin, meanwhile, ignored the gob-smacked look on Caldorian's face. He quickly ushered him into the main foyer, which was as extravagant as the outside.

The elf didn't have time to marvel at the tall ceiling when a servant came over to grab his cloak. Caldorian fumbled to unfasten it and gave it to the servant. The servant, in turn, seemed disgusted by Caldorian's appearance. Her lip curled as she took the cloak between her thumb and forefinger and went to put it away. Caldorian felt very self conscious and under dressed for a place like this.

My friend and I will take breakfast in two hours in my room. Valentin ordered the servant who had taken his cloak. In the meantime, I will show you to our library. He wrapped an arm around Caldorian’s shoulders once more and led him down the hallway. Caldorian caught the appalled look on the servant’s face, as they turned down the corridor.

Shaking off the feeling that he shouldn’t be there, Caldorian took in his surroundings. He didn't know where to begin looking. Portraits covered the walls. Busts and arcane artifacts in a tidy line under them. There were even little name plates on each explaining origins and function. This made him feel like he was back in school. The anticipation of seeing the Boehrer library warded off any exhaustion.

We have three libraries, Valentin explained, "the first is in service of the Mage Guild. It houses the arcane books that only guild members have access. Those books are much too dangerous for the public eye. The Guild even rented the entire surrounding rooms. High ranking members live and do research there. That is the tower you can see from the front lawn.

Our second library is more military oriented. Any members of the Banneret who wish to join the Paladins study and train here. They keep to the back of the property and to the Guild tower. Rarely will they come to the family’s half the manor."

The Paladins? Caldorian interrupted. Valentin looked at him like he had sprouted a second head, but was quick to chuckle at his own surprise.

I forget the Paladins are unique to Ormarsh, he said. "A century ago, during Grand Oracle Irisae’s time, there was a great conflict between the mages and the Banneret. The Banneret in Ormarsh became quite oppressive and corrupt. They began purging small villages of anyone who showed signs of magic. The mages of Highbarrow responded by beginning the Guild. They learned forbidden magic. Who do you think paid that price? The ordinary people of the city.

In all her grand wisdom, Oracle Irisae founded the Paladins to keep both groups in check. My great-grandfather was among the founders of the Guild. Being a pious and peaceful man, offered our family home as the training grounds and had the Guild join the Order."

That is amazing, Caldorian said. From what I have seen of the Banneret here, they don’t like mages at all. How do the mages here feel about being so close to people that want to kill them?

Well, in order for a Paladin to begin training they need to have a family connection to a divine general. Or have a family member that is a mage and a member of the Guild. That was the stipulation my Great-grandfather placed on having the Paladins train here.

You said your father wasn’t a mage, is he a Paladin then?

Valentin shook his head. He was the only heir to the Boehrer name so my Grandfather would not allow him to join the Banneret. Both my aunts became Paladin field marshals. My older brother is about to make Paladin captain soon, his smile was full of pride.

So, if you have access to three libraries, what is the third one? the elf asked as they passed by a window overlooking the back training grounds. About twenty people were sparing in the yard. In the distance, Caldorian could make out an archery range. He realized they had been walking away from where the Guild library was. He couldn’t imagine Valentin taking him to the Paladin library.

Valentin stopped for a moment to turn and look at him face on. He was a good four inches taller than the elf, so he had to tilt his head down a little. The smile he had been wearing since they first met had never left his face. It eased his