Enimnori: Challenge

By Jeff Webber

After being accidentally transported from Earth, Scott Hathaway first manages to save his new home with the aid of his modern knowledge. Now Scott is very busy learning how to use his newly discovered magical abilities, but what will happen when Landbelow's interstellar origin becomes a problem? And how will

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lewis Publications
• Release date: Aug 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9781087919386

Book preview

Chapter

One

Scott Hathaway stared glumly at the waxed paper cylinder with the flickering candle inside. As thrilling as it was to know that he could do real magic, it was a little frustrating. I can do this stuff, but I’m pretty weak compared to the others. His best effort so far had reduced the air pressure inside the wax cylinder only enough to make the candle burn out in about 13 minutes instead of 15 (¼ mark as these people counted time). Shaking his head to clear it, he flicked a quick glance at Morgan, working in the corner, and then shifted his attention to the trio of small, lead musket balls on the table. They all rose into the air gracefully and began spinning around his head, moving around each other in a complex, rhythmic dance. THIS I can do just fine…better than Brandon, even...can’t move near as much though. I wonder what else….

STUDENT!

The balls froze in place, then lowered to the table. He sighed, and turned his attention to Morgan again. Yes sir?

STUDENT’S DO NOT – Seeing Scott meeting his gaze steadily, Morgan reminded himself that this was no ordinary student, but a highly accomplished...engineer… a word, and concept, that had only recently been introduced to his people (by Scott himself). Taking a deep breath, he continued. I know it can be frustrating, but please try to focus on the assignment.

Sighing, Scott focused on the cylinder again. After a minute, he had a sudden thought. Since movement seemed to be his thing, maybe...he took a deep, slow, cleansing breath and began trying to visualize oxygen moving out through the paper and nitrogen moving in. When he got that still-strange feeling of readiness, he gave the mental ‘execute’ command. About 15 or 20 seconds later, the flame flickered a couple of times and winked out. He chuckled happily, inadvertently catching his teacher’s attention again.

Morgan glanced at the cylinder, then did a sharp double take, his eyes widening. He rose to his feet, walked slowly across the room, and concentrated briefly. His eyes widened even further. He raised the cylinder slightly, and looked at the candle before putting it back down carefully. He stepped back. There was no pressure difference. What did you do?

Scott tried to explain. When the pressure thing didn’t seem to be working, I thought I would try replacing the oxygen inside the cylinder with nitrogen from the outside, he said somewhat sheepishly. I know that’s not exactly what you said, but the effect is basically the same, and it…. he paused, wondering how to express it. Well, it somehow felt more natural for me.

Morgan was torn between anger at being disobeyed and the warm feeling of having a student figure something out for himself. The warm feeling won. I’m not sure I fully understand, but it does seem to have worked well. He stopped to think, reminding himself, for what seemed like the thousandth time, that this was no ordinary student. He looked out the window at the Day Sphere lowering in the western sky. What does Scott call it...the sun? That word still seems strange. Why don’t you run...I mean would you please go to the market and get us some supper? Receiving a nod, he returned to his desk, and sat, deep in thought as Scott left. He considered the situation carefully. It has only been three months, but this just doesn’t feel right...I have to keep reminding myself that this is NOT an ordinary student, but a grown man...a professional who isn’t even really familiar with our ways yet. He’s way beyond student level in so many ways, but I can’t promote him yet...or can I? The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed. Not only did Scott already have a better grasp of control and meditation than most Journeymen (and even a few Elites Morgan could think of), but given his previous accomplishments and special status... Morgan chuckled to himself. Given the rumors I doubt anyone would dare to complain… He frowned. At least not openly. Even if they do, certainly Wesley would approve. While a promotion from Student to Journeyman was unheard of, Morgan knew in his heart that Apprentice status would be just as bad, and damn it, the man was worthy. Smiling to himself, he squared his shoulders, took out a piece of paper, and began to write.

Scott walked toward the market place lost in thought. As usual it was teeming with activity. Most of the vendors simply erected tents to house their wares, with only a select few having permanent wooden buildings. Sadly some of those were still empty following the purges of the late, unlamented Baron Harkness.

The well in the center of the square was the center of its own hive of activity, with city dwellers as well as the vendors filling buckets. Glancing at the two guards following discreetly behind him, Scott mused, they bugged the hell out of me at first, but everybody insisted…and you know, they’ve become friends, and now I would miss them if they weren’t there. He felt the warmth of the sun on his shoulders and smiled. He sighed, I guess I’m going to have to try and act more humble and obedient in front of Morgan. He’s trying, but I can tell it bugs him when I’m not subservient. It grates on me, but what the hell? I really do respect the man tremendously, and I do want to learn as much as I can. He wondered glumly how long he would have to put up with it. I don’t know how long the student thing lasts, but I seem to remember that apprenticeships can last for years, and from what Brandon said, that might even be worse! Oh well, everything he learned would hopefully bring him one step closer to going home, or at least somehow being able to tell them he was okay.

Scott! A familiar voice brought him out of his reverie.

He looked around. Winston! Hi, it’s good to see you. How is your arm? Several months ago, Winston, the ambassador from Landbelow, the last remnant of technological civilization in this world, had taken an arrow in the shoulder, one that had been aimed at Scott.

Better, thank you. Winston slowly raised his arm to shoulder level, wincing slightly.

That’s a lot better than it was! How are you getting along with Count Wesley? Wow! That arm has really healed well! I wonder if Morgan or one of his friends had a hand in that?

The man nodded carefully (Winston tended to do most things carefully). I would say quite well. We are attempting to decide what items would be most useful for trade and have tentatively scheduled a return trip in about 3 more months. How are your studies going?

Scott shrugged. Kind of slow. It’s not really easy being treated like a student, even though the material is quite...ah...interesting.

One of Winston’s guards coughed, and pointedly looked at the sun. I’m sorry, I am expected at the castle. I almost forgot, Mason asked if he could meet you in the market about noon tomorrow. Would you care to respond?

Why yes, would you please tell him...that would be acceptable, Scott answered gravely.

Very well. I wish you well and hope to see you again soon. He bowed stiffly and walked away, leaving Scott grinning at his back. He has certainly changed! He was such a prissy, stiff-necked xenophobe, and now look at him! He almost laughed at remembering how the man had almost gotten himself lynched by trying to have the hunters guarding the caravan shine their shoes and march in a straight line through the forest on the way back from Dener Peak. Shaking his head and glancing at the guards, he suddenly realized he had forgotten to activate the spell that enabled him to sense moods. Crap! I keep forgetting that spell! I really should get used to doing it when I go out in public, even if just for practice. He carefully yawned hugely and stretched to hide the gestures. Speaking the necessary words under his breath, he became aware of an undercurrent of feelings surrounding him. Embarrassingly, several people were surreptitiously regarding him with awe, and a little fear, while one young woman...blushing slightly, he hastily withdrew from that direction, and, smiling at his guards, continued on his way. Trying to distract himself from the young woman who seemed to be fantasizing about him, he focused as closely as he could in the other direction, and, just to make things harder, he ratcheted up his hearing as well. As much as I don’t like eavesdropping, I really need to practice, ESPECIALLY at doing multiple things at once. That still tends to give me headaches!

He stumbled slightly, and recovered with a mild curse. Oh great! Now I’m tripping over pebbles in the street! He forced himself to stay aware of his surroundings while still concentrating, and began to sweat, despite the coolness of the afternoon. He slowed his walk. What the heck is that? Stopping at a random booth, he lowered his head as if examining the items on the table in front of him, and tried to tune out his surroundings entirely. THERE...off to the right. There was no anger, or aggression, but something was wrong. Someone was subvocalizing "the wind is blowing quietly through the forest" over and over again, like a mantra of some kind. He blinked and glanced over, expecting to see someone meditating, but just saw the thinning crowd swirling around the vendor’s tables. Why would somebody be...something clicked in his mind. DAMN, this is too much like those people in the forest when Brandon was kidnapped. He stiffened and his head snapped around, eyes searching the crowd. They MUST have been trained to think of something calm so as not to trip the ‘threat detection’ spell. The mantra stopped instantly, and suddenly he sensed shock, followed by annoyance mixed with fear. There was a stirring in the crowd, and the feeling faded. John and Karg, his two guards, stiffened, hands reaching for weapons, as they saw him react. He shook his head slightly and gave the ‘okay’ hand signal. John stepped forward quickly and grabbed his arm to steady him as he wavered and almost fell. What is it? he asked quietly. Are you alright?

Scott took a couple of deep breaths. Yeah, sorry, I must be tired or something. I just got a little dizzy for a minute there. I think I’m okay now. The two of them eyed him narrowly, sensing that something was up, but having been warned that their charge was often involved with things it was better not to know about, they kept their silence, but remained wary.

He had originally been going to pick up some fruit and a couple of vegetables, but the enticing aroma of stew and fresh bread had been too much to resist, and he had, almost unconsciously, gone in that direction. Now standing at the small tavern that served the finest stew in Enimnori, he gave in and bought two bowls of stew and a loaf of fresh bread before heading back, stopping only briefly to buy a bag of apples as well.

The two of them were eating the bread and stew when Morgan said warily, John said you had some kind of problem at the market. What happened?

Yeah, I did want to talk to you about that. I was practicing sensing, and was doing the enhanced hearing thing at the same time… Morgan eyebrows went up slightly. And I caught someone trying to hide their emotions. When I turned to look, I lost my balance a bit and stumbled. That’s probably what he meant, but anyway, when the person in question realized that I noticed what he or she was doing, they got frightened and left, he said tightly. It made me think of the ambush when Brandon was kidnapped.

Morgan said slowly, I can see why it would and, while it may be nothing, you may have saved us a lot of trouble. Good job. Now, you don’t usually go around losing your balance. Is there something else I should know about?

Scott sighed. Yes, I got weak and dizzy when I used both spells at the same time. I guess my magic...strength still leaves something to be desired, he said somewhat dejectedly.

Morgan almost looked angry. Scott, I think you still have skewed notions about magical strength from being around Brandon so much. Please remember that he is EXTREMELY powerful, and you shouldn’t judge yourself in comparison. He stroked his beard for a second. Actually, that does bring up another topic I want to discuss with you. He glared at Scott for a moment, then chuckled. In light of your progress so far, I am declaring your Student stage to be at an end. I sent the papers to the guild today. He held up his hand as Scott started to speak. Furthermore, in one week, you will be promoted to Journeyman. He sighed. In all fairness, you probably should have started as an advanced apprentice to begin with, for which I apologize.

Scott was stunned. Are you sure this won’t cause bad feelings or something? I can live with this for a while if needed. You’ve been very understanding, he said ruefully. I do realize that this situation has been hard for you as well.

No, I’ve thought about it, and given your age and advanced meditation skill, anyone who dares to complain can...how did you say it once…’go suck an egg’? Morgan grinned broadly, rose and held out his hand. Congratulations. Just don’t say anything about the Journeyman thing till next week when we have the official ceremony. You can take off the Student hat and armband immediately.

Scott rose, took Morgan’s hand, and said warmly, Thank you. He hesitated. I know you think we have too many projects going as it is, but I have something that’s been on my mind for quite a while….

Morgan looked at him sourly, then suddenly burst out laughing. I had a feeling that I might regret making you a Journeyman, but I didn’t think it would be before you were actually promoted. After next week, there isn’t much to keep you from working on whatever you want to, so go ahead, give me your idea. What bizarre subtlety of the way things work are we going to exploit now? He couldn’t seem to stop laughing. Are we to levitate the Count’s castle to the top of the cliff, or build something to find the best spot for growing apples? No wait, you want to create something so that one of your telescopes will keep watching one of the moons all by itself, as the moon moves across the sky….

Scott couldn’t help but laugh as well. You know that might not be all that hard…there’s something called a servo motor….

This set Morgan off again. Argh! Save me from the monster I have created! After several minutes he managed to stop, and wiped his eyes. "By the powers, I haven’t laughed that hard for