Phoenix Magic: Ch1 The Apprentice: Part 1

Dartin stood in the familiar pose again with his short sword raised high into the evening breeze. As the man attacked Dartin quickly darted to the left as the man's sword swung down where he had been. Then he tried his new move the vertical slice. Sword descended through the cold air as it sped towards its target the man in the purple vest standing not three feet away. Just as the blade would have hit it struck hard into to the wood form the tall man wielded. Dartin himself almost shook as the vibrations from the now still blade rippled through his body. 1

"Dartin, please you must stop now." A sweet voice said from inside the small house behind him. "It is time for your dinner." 2

Now the man he had been fighting helped him remove where the blade had hit into the wood. "You're learning fast young Dartin." Said the man. His name was Galar, and he was known to be one of the best swordsmen in town. A friend of his father's Galar had been teaching the young man Dartin a bit about his new gift the short sword during the past month and Dartin had been learning the moves quickly. "Many men would not have stopped that slice of yours. You'll make a fine swordsman yourself one day if you keep at it. You know the Day of Faith will come for you soon Dartin." Said Galar.3

"You mean maybe I could be the apprentice of a real swordsman?" asked Dartin excitedly.4

"You might just at that. These are bad times with so many thieves about, and few mercenaries are willing to venture from city to city alone anymore."5

"That would be a real adventure. I must be going now before my mom misses me. As always I thank you greatly for your lessons Galar." Said Dartin.6

"It is a fair trade, for after all few men in Karwin can build such a steady house such as your dad can. Good day Dartin." Said Galar as he gave a wave of his hand and walked off with his wooden practice sword in hand.7

He quickly walked from his family's small front garden into his house. His mother seemed to be hovering between the small table by the lonely window and the kitchen. Each time she would return with another plate or bowl of food. This time as she left he followed her into the kitchen and walked to their small washbasin. As he cleaned his hands his mother began to speak. "Dear, I wish you would be careful with that sword we got you. Did you get hurt again?" she asked as she searched him over with a careful eye.8

"No mother not this time. Galar did teach me a new move though. Don't worry mother I try to be careful with it though." He responded as he quickly dried his hands and left to return to the table.9

"I believe you, but I just don't want you to choose to follow that sword on the Day of your Faith." She said admonishingly as he left the room.10

He managed to reach the table and seat himself before she could continue. The Day of Faith was approaching for him and truly Dartin could think of nothing more exciting than going out for a few years to fight with the sword. Maybe he would even become part of the army one day. Every young man in Karwin, the nice port town where Dartin lived waited anxiously for the Day of Faith to come. It meant visiting the wise one of the city and deciding to whom they should become the apprentice of. His father Karl Tungy already had an apprentice, and besides as often as he had helped his father in his childhood, building houses just was not very exciting.11

He looked down at the plate his mother set before him filled with her famous roasted lamb. He eyed the dark meat hungrily as his sister Jakel came into the room. Four years younger than him sometimes it seemed her reason for being was still to make him miserable. When mother had gone back into the kitchen for a second Jakel quickly taking a seat across from her brother stuck her tongue out at him teasing. "I heard Laureeni and the rest of the girls were making fun of you today with that sword. They said you looked like a... she began, but quickly cut off as mother scurried into the room with one last dish. 12

He didn't care how many of the boys thought his sister was cute. She was more annoying every passing year, and that he was certain of. He would show her one-day standing proudly with the sword as the citizens of Karwin revered his name as the best swordsman in the city. No a swords-master he thought. Yes he would be a swords-master and famous and then they would stand in awe of him.13

As he was savoring over those thoughts and the mouth-watering lamb a knock came solidly at the door in two short bursts. His mother got up to get it, but Dartin was already sure who it was. Father would not be home for another few hours and the only one who would knock like that� Hurriedly he stuffed the remaining lamb into his mouth. Tears began to well in his eyes as he attempted to chew the large mouthful quickly.14

He could already hear his mother speaking. "I'm sorry Yran, but you came at a bad time. Dartin is still eating. Maybe..." she said as Dartin darted to the door behind her. He thought he could hear his sister give a giggle back at the table. Quickly he forced the half-chewed lamb down his throat. It slid down uncertainly as he tried to speak.15

"Wait mother. Look I just finished." He said motioning back to the table revealing his now empty plate.16

"Please Mrs. Tungy. It will only be for a few minutes, but it is important." Said Yrak as a matter of fact.17

"Well I suppose." She said. "Just be back before complete dark Dartin."18

"Of course, mother." He said as he hastily made his way out the door with hid friend by his side. When the door shut and they walked a little ways on the small road Dartin looked at his friend. "So Yrak, what is going on?"19

"Yes, its great news Dartin. Today I was down by the docks buying some goatfish for my pa when I overheard him talking. It was the wise man Dartin."20

"Wow, the wise man! Well, what did he have to say?" Dartin asked.21

"I'm not sure, but I am sure that I heard him speak your name. He said your name." Said Yrak. I'm not sure, but if I didn't know any better I'd say he was about to call you in for your Day of Faith."22

"That would be wonderful. I'm not sure though." Said Dartin. "I really I would like to continue learning the sword, but my mom says it's just too dangerous."23

"Don't worry about it Dartin. The wise man has a way of finding out every man's talent. Just think soon your going to be a real man. I almost envy you. They won't call me in probably for several more months."24

As they continued to talk Dartin looked around at Karwin. It was a nice port city on the southwestern coast of Lindor. Small shops littered the streets with their signs swaying slowly in the wind. One day soon he thought I might be working in one of those shops. So close to the docks Dartin was sure he could smell a strong odor of fish in the air. Now the red-hot ball of fire burning in the sky was already sinking on the horizon.25

They walked along talking still as Dartin was lost in one of Yrak's stories about a young elf and a feisty old hobgoblin. "That was a great story Yrak. You can tell them like nobody else. Well I suppose you'll be wanting to leave now."26

"Just don't tell anyone else Dartin. You know how big of a surprise this is supposed to be." Cautioned his friend.27

"Yes, I know. Well Yrak I guess I should be heading home. My mother will be expecting me."28

"Of course. Then I'll see you tomorrow Dartin. And remember what I said."29

Dartin waved good-bye as he turned up his own familiar street. This was so exciting he thought. He could not wait to see the wise one. It was said that he knew about everything.30

Opening the door to his house he found it quiet and no sight of anybody around. He guessed he had stayed out a little later than he had planned, but with Yrak such things happened. He could see the kitchen off to his right beyond the small door was dark and only a single candle remained lit in the main room on this floor. Dartin felt his tired muscles ache from the hard day he had gone through. He was tired, and right now nothing sounded better than lying down on his soft bed. Gingerly he looked towards the small but nicely built staircase. His Dad had built this house with his own hands many years ago, and even though it was quite small it was very sturdy.31

Dartin started up the staircase. He slowly took step after step as every few steps the floorboards gave a slight grunt or squeak under his pressing weight. Almost there he thought as he reached the top of the staircase revealing a short hall. He deftly opened the door to his room without a sound. He had not managed to wake his parent's so far, but now he faced a greater challenge. As he closed the door behind him Dartin didn't bother lighting a candle. He looked over into the cold recesses of a corner of his room. He could faintly make out the shape smothered by layers of rich fluffy covers as his sister, Jakel. She had not stirred so far, but if she did she would as always surely wake up his parents.32

Oh he dreaded the girl he thought as he stood beside his bed at the other extreme of the room. Carefully he slipped off his boots and placed them on the wooden floor at the foot of his bed. Ever so slowly he slipped into his bed and pulled the covers up over himself. He would not risk changing now. His sister was not known to be a heavy sleeper. Then he gave one last look at the girl across the dark shadow filled room. She did not stir. He could not see her well, but the one large window near his bed let in a fair amount of purple hued light from Vithron, the moon that inhabited the sky this time of year.33

Dartin let out a small sigh as he closed his eyes awaiting the sleeper's embrace. Suddenly he heard a voice in the dark. "Oh Dartin, you try so hard sometimes. Hm, I wonder." The voice said mockingly. Oh no he thought! His eyes were no longer closed as they darted over to his sister. She still lay in her bed, but he could clearly see the reflection of blue in the dark staring right at him. Through the shadows he could just barely capture a glimpse of a pretty smile on the girl's face.34

"Oh no Jakel! Please not this time!" Pleaded Dartin. He would not be let out of the house for days if they found out.35

"Do not worry brother I will not tell them this time." Jakel said plainly.36

What? Thought Dartin. What had they done with his sister? "Jakel, but why?" Asked Dartin.37

"Why? Do you think that because I'm your sister I can't act sweet once in a while?" She asked with intent.38

"But, In all my years." Began Dartin. "I've never seen you act sweet to me. Not once."39

"Well things are changing Dartin. In a few years I'll need to start looking for a husband. And you. You might as well go away with that sword of yours and we'll never see you again."40

"Is that what this is about?" Questioned Dartin. "I'm sorry Jakel, but I'll not be doing something that I find no joy in. Besides, you don't even know if the wise one will allow me to follow that path."41

"I hope not." Said Jakel stubbornly.42

"Let us sleep now for I am tired. Soon we shall see sister. Very soon." Dartin said as he again closed his eyes.43

"But my lord!" Came a voice from behind. The man turned around to look at his servant. "They are falling on us as we speak. We must fall back my lord."44

"Nonsense." Said the man as he pointed forward the tip of his shiny long sword. "None shall stand before us." The man said powerfully. All ready the sky crashed with sounds of biting steel and of men suffering the wounds of battle. It did not matter though. Not to General Dartin Tungy. Two of the green-clad men were now charging forward on dark horses of war. As one approached the General easily dodged his blade as he swirled his own in the air and cut into the back of the man now almost past him on his horse.45

The next man came around stopping short of Dartin as their swords met loudly with a clang. Dartin met the man's every move with ease. Dartin gave one great swing of his blade as both the horse and rider before him gave way and fell to the ground. The two bodies no longer of interest Dartin turned back towards the servant. Everybody knew of General Tungy he thought, and no one could attack him without facing great fear. As if to prove the point he gestured to the two lifeless green forms at his feet. "See Borain. I told you none could stand against us."46

"But my Lord behind you!" he shouted out. Dartin turned around blade in hand as he saw another green-clad man thrust his sword forward. Suddenly agonizing pain filled Dartin as he reached for the sword now showing through his stomach. The pain raced through his body and Dartin could not move. No. He thought. It was not suppose to end this way for him. He had studied long to master the sword and now this. Slowly blackness crawled in on his vision and the pain subsided. Faintly Dartin could think he heard a bird singing its beautiful melody in the distance. And then even that thought left him.47

Suddenly Dartin jerked awake sitting upright in his bed. Sweat covered his body and his breathing came in quick gasps. Slowly looking around he saw his room and outside a song could be heard by a colorful blue jay. Dartin reached down to his stomach and rolled over smooth skin reassuringly. Maybe he wasn't ready for the sword he thought.48

However he had little time to do anything else. He heard footsteps running up the stairs loudly. Once they faltered and for a minute he thought the person they carried and fallen, but then they came again and then the door to his room crashed open banging loudly against the wall.49

Jakel stood breathing quickly at the entrance with this time a hint of excitement in her eyes. Her skin appeared a little pale as well. One hand held onto the door frame for support as the other tightly clutched a folded sheet of paper. Her mouth opened as she tried to speak, but she could say nothing as she proffered the piece of paper to Dartin. Quickly Dartin was out of bed as he grabbed the paper from her hand and began to read it. It was short, and written in a long noble hand, but excitement grew on Dartin's face as he began to read.50

To Dartin Tungy, son of: Karl and Raquesa Tungy, from the high counsel of Karwin51

Congratulations! Your Day of Faith has come. You are to present yourself to the wise man Raed Findel in the royal court of Karwin this day of Krog 497 at high noon. You are to bring your loved ones and prepare to meet your destiny. We of the council await you earnestly.52

Council of Karwin53

Dartin looked up from the letter and dared a glance at the window. Through the thin branches of a gnarly apple tree Dartin could make out the sun, now well above the horizon. He looked back to his sister who had regained some of her composure. "It appears that your time indeed has come." She said excitedly. "Hurry and dress. Mother is about done making breakfast, and it is quite a feast in your honor. Congratulations Dartin!" she said with a smile. She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek as she turned around and started back down stairs. Dartin still stunned with the paper in his hands thought quickly. This day was said by some men to be the biggest day in their lives.54

I will look my best he thought as he opened a small closet stuffed with clothes. Most of them belonged to his sister, but he quickly went to where his clothes were and went through them. He settled on a pair of nice dark blue pants and trim cut white shirt. As he slipped on his long leather belt he quickly added to it his short sword in its sheath. Despite his nightmare, one had to be prepared on such an important day as this. He quickly put on his firm boots as he ran down stairs to his waiting family.55

As he approached the table he could make out plates of sweet fat bread covered in rich dark red kar sauce and freshly chopped apples with mint and in the center three plump pigeons roasted dark brown. His nose soon began to register the feast as well as it tingled with delight and great anticipation. Oh this truly was a feast, and all for him. Dartin felt kind of giddy as he sat down next to his father at the table.56

"Ah son, it's nice to see you"re looking good on this great day. The wise man will expect that. I hope you have thought long and hard about what it is you want to do. I still remember when I was presented before the wise one myself. Why it was raining that day, and I had to..." His father rambled on with the story Dartin had already heard at least a dozen times. He looked over at his father, but he wasn't listening.57

Truly he had not thought much about this day or his future. Maybe he wasn't ready yet. Maybe he could tell them to put it off. As his father glanced at him he stopped with his story. "Don't worry son. Everybody gets a little nervous on this day. But you'll do fine, I know you will." Dartin wish he could feel as confident as he ate silently. It really was a delicious meal, but right now Dartin did not have much of a desire to eat anything.58

As he stubbornly stuffed the last morsel of fat bread into his mouth his sister jumped up from the table. "Dad look! It's nearly noon." She said with excitement as she pointed firmly to the sun pouring in through the large front window.59

"You're right Jakel." He said half in alarm. "We must be going now. This is not a day to be late on." He said as he too rose from the table. Quickly he went his large sitting chair and grabbed a large knapsack stuffed with something it seemed. "Are you ready Dartin?" 60

"Yes of course Father." He said confidently, but inside he didn't feel so sure. Slowly he too got up as his mother came to give him a hug.61

"I'm sorry son that I have to miss this most important day. Yet my love goes with you." She said as she pulled away from him now, "But you know my thoughts on the matter." She finished with a stern look.62

Yes he thought. He knew how much his mother disapproved of that sword all too well. He quickly joined his father and Jakel at the door. She seemed to be playing with one of her two long braids of sunburst yellow hair. His father led the way to the main street as Dartin closed the door to his house and caught up to the other two.63