Phoenix Magic: Ch1 The Apprentice: Part 2

At this hour of day the streets were already crowded with merchants carrying heavy carts behind them and street peddlers pressing their goods at the passing stream of people. Dartin ignored them, but a few of the people in the crowd or off to the side of the streets turned to watch him as he followed his father through the mess of people. This city of Karwin was an important port for the nation of Lindor. Although not nearly as big as some cities it was not small either. However quite a few of the folk here seemed to know this was Dartin's day as they watched him when he passed.1

They turned and were now on the main street headed for the great royal court. Already Dartin could see a tall spire jutting up around the surrounding earthen buildings off down the road a ways. On this sunny day a scent of fish also filled the air as Dartin looked down towards the docks. At this distance though he could just barely see the top of one tall masted sailing vessel.2

His father ever marched forward though not seemingly aware of any of the bustle going on around them. Indeed he even seemed to be ignoring a young brat trying to keep up and talk with Jakel with little success. If this family was known for one thing it was that they could walk faster than most other humans in Karwin.3

Now as they approached the royal court Dartin could make out the large bell housed near the top of the steeple shining brightly in the noonday sun. As they opened the doors and started in the bell swung ominously and a loud gong filled the square around them. Now they were inside a small entrance room and a lady stood watching the three curiously. His father motioned to him and Dartin started forward towards the lady with his invitation in hand. She snatched it from him and then before he knew it was opening the large door in front of them. She started in and motioned the three to follow her.4

Dartin took the lead of the three hesitantly trailing the woman. Now they entered a large chamber filled with paintings and immaculately carved desks and tabletops. Near the front of the room six ornate benches of silver could be seen and on them twelve hard faced men sat staring at the group void of any emotions. Above the high ceiling continued upward into the spire ending with the large bell still resounding the hour with that loud pure tone. The spire also had large glass wrought windows that filled this great chamber with an odd sort of light.5

As they neared the center of the room the lady servant ahead of them stopped and Dartin brought himself to a halt as well a short distance behind her. She curtsied towards the men as Dartin and his family gave a deep bow. Suddenly one man near the center rose to speak. "What has this man come for?" He inquired.6

"He comes to face his Day of Faith as he seeks to secure his destiny. Thus do I present him to you." The lady said. It appeared to be some sort of dialog for the man simply nodded at the words before going on.7

Then he turned to face Dartin and said. "Dartin go forth the wise man awaits you. We of Karwin eagerly wait to hear your response." The man said as he pointed towards an open door near the back of the chamber. It was almost dark inside despite the sun, but the room seemed to beckon to him.8

As he went forth he gave one last look at his father and sister. His father stood there proud next to the lady servant. His sister looked like she wanted to follow him, but she too held her place. As his father had taught him he strode into the room confident with his chin held high. Suddenly he noticed that it was darker in here, and he almost lost that confident edge as behind him the doors slammed shut. Only three candles lit the room and one small desk with a man behind it. He was very old from what Dartin could see. His hair was completely white and his long beard hung down to his knees. He looked sharply at Dartin with that all knowing eye that seemed to pierce through him.9

"Please sit my young friend." He said motioning to one of the small chairs in front of the desk. Dartin sat down keeping his eyes on the man the whole time. "My name is Raed Findel . I have been the wise man of Karwin for twenty-three years. Your name is Dartin Tungy and this is the Day of your Faith. All this morning I have been seeking guidance concerning you my friend. Yet first I would like to hear your opinion. What do you feel you would be good at doing? What would you like to do?" asked Raed.10

"I... um... well. I would like to learn the sword... no but it wouldn't work. My mother you see doesn't approve of it." Dartin stated.11

"So I see. But yes that sword does seem to fit you. I imagine you've had some practice with it, no?" Dartin only nodded his head. "Like I said I have been seeking guidance for you. I do it for everyone who comes in those doors. When I do I can sometimes see things about people. I see them doing the job they were meant for. I've seen young men come in hear hammering on an iron and then before they know it they are indeed a famous blacksmith. About you I see only one thing young Dartin. Only one choice." Explained Raed.12

"What? What do you see for me wise one." He asked nervously.13

"I see a large sword before you the hilt pure gold in the shape of a phoenix." Said Raed.14

"A phoenix? But what does that have to do with anything? What does it mean wise one?" Asked Dartin.15

"Truly I do not know except one day the blade will be yours. It matters not for the way before you is clear now. There is a mercenary in town right now who needs a good sword arm beside him. He knows his art well and would make a fine teacher for you. His name is Trom and you would be his apprentice. I must know now though. Do you accept his offer?" Asked Raed.16

A mercenary, a real swords-man just as he had hoped! Dartin's mind floated through the clouds as he gave his answer. "Yes. I would love to be his apprentice."17

"Good." The old man said as he hastily scribbled something onto a piece of paper on his desk. Grabbing it up he went to the door and opened it. Dartin looked back, but could only see a hand reach for the piece of paper and disappear again. Raed still stood by the entrance of the door. "Come then Dartin for today you are a man. We shall announce you before the council."18

Dartin stood and followed the man from the room. Reentering the larger chamber Dartin momentarily put his hands over his eyes to shield them from the bright light. His family now sat in two chairs brought where they had been standing. The young lady still was standing behind them. A third chair sat empty between the two and Raed briefly bent over towards Dartin. "Please, go sit with your family now." He said.19

Dartin walked over to the seat and sat down his father looking up questioningly. His sister just sat there with a sly smile beaming across her smooth face. However they did not have time to talk as Raed was now motioning for the council to stand as well as Dartin's family. "I have talked with Dartin Tungy and have found him ready to take on a man's responsibilities." The old man started. "He shall now be known as the apprentice to Trom the mercenary who currently resides in our town. He will teach Dartin the art of the sword until such time as Dartin is ready to pass the test of acceptance for his skill. And now you." He said pointing at his father Karl. "Do you have the man's teaching price?"20

"I do wise one." Said Karl as he held up the large leather knapsack. Dartin didn't know what it contained, but it had to be valuable and he thought he could see something sparkling near an open corner of it.21

"Good. Trom shall meet you out side of this royal court soon. Talk with him and make the exchange. Dartin. You shall enter Trom's services tomorrow. Today you had best make preparations and what else have you. The council will now show their support to the new apprentice." He said as he turned towards the court.22

They chanted in unison. "We the council of Karwin will support apprentice Dartin Tungy and from now on will acknowledge him as such." With that they sat down.23

"Then this council is dismissed. Good luck Dartin!"24

Then everybody was moving around. His father gave him a hard hug. "I knew when I got that sword for you you'd find a good use for it." He told Dartin.25

Then he turned around as his sister hugged him as well. "Don't worry." She said soothingly. "Mother will understand. After all no one questions the wise one's decision." Yes, he thought. He hoped that she would understand.26

"Yes enough with the talk and emotions." Karl said. "We must go out side and find your new teacher." Dartin almost did not want to leave the beautiful building. It truly was magnificent, and the best one he had seen in Karwin. They did go back through the large doors however.27

As always the large square outside the court was filled with many people of all types. Dartin was even sure he saw the pointy ears of an elf or two. Those elves here were rare so far away from their homelands. Out of the corner of his eye he could also he a gruff middle-aged man approach the group. Turning towards him the man spoke. "Might you be the man I am looking for Dartin Tungy?" the man asked politely.28

?Yes that is me.? Replied Dartin uncertainly. "Are you... you're...29

"The name's Trom and you no doubt are my new apprentice. Nice to meet you lad." He said giving Dartin a very firm handshake. The man was tall and muscles rippled beneath his loose shirt. A fine long sword hung from his belt in its sheath.30

"And you must be the man's father." Trom said turning to Karl. "Do you have his teaching price?"31

"I do indeed." Responded his father handing Trom the heavy knapsack. Trom quickly loosed the tight string around the top and glared inside. With one stroke of a finger across whatever the bag held the man quickly tied the bag shut again. "You care a lot for your son don't you? Why somebody might rob me if they knew what I carried in here."32

"My son is precious to me, but I don't doubt that you'll take good care of him wherever you go and teach him well." Said Karl.33

"Why yes he will do just fine and you don't have to worry about a thing. I've been around Lindor quite a few times myself." Then he looked over towards Jakel who was just standing watching the whole scene. "And this must be your lucky sister. Quite a pretty one isn't she? Not to worry though. We won't be gone from Karwin for too long."34

"Where do you plan to go?" Asked Karl as Jakel started to blush from the remark. 35

"Why we'll be going up to Lansart. I hear there's trouble up there. Some sort of rebellion or such. We'll put things in order and see what else we can find to do before we come back here. We do leave early tomorrow, but don't you worry about a thing Dartin, I'll take care of all the provisions. Best you say good-bye to all your folk before we set off though. No telling how long we'll be gone." Trom told him.36

"A rebellion you say. Is it anything serious against Lindor?" Asked Karl now with a little worry.37

"No. I just heard it's a couple of brave fools who think they can change things. Truly I must be going now to prepare for our trip, but Dartin I expect you to be ready and waiting at Tarnkey's stable before sunrise."38

"Yes, of course master." Dartin responded dutifully.39

"Ah now. You're my apprentice, not my slave. Please just call me Trom. Now good day to you all." Trom said as he turned around and headed off quickly.40

"Wow, this is going to be so fun." Said Dartin.41

"Yes, just remember son this is now your profession. Learn it well, for one day your life will depend on it. Now let's get back home. There are still many things we need to do."42

The walk home was a quick one and Dartin's head was filled with visions of their marvelous journeys and vanquishing monsters. He quickly packed the few things he would take along on the trip. His short sword of course and his favorite book "Legends of the Elf Kin." Elves had always fascinated Dartin as a youth, and maybe now he would get to see one up close, or talk to it. Now he looked up as his sister came into the room.43

"I knew you were busy packing so I went to find somebody for you. They're here now and they want to talk with you before you go." Jakel said.44

"Here? Who is it Yrak or Goranthe?" Asked Dartin wondering who is sister had managed to find.45

"No, it's Merinya. She really wants to talk with you." Jakel said. Merinya. He had almost hoped he would not see her. He had no idea what to tell the girl.46

Not two seconds later though she bolted in the door behind Jakel. She looked beautiful as always and oh those large green eyes were shimmering and he could not pull himself away. "I'll just leave you two alone for a while." Jakel said. As Merinya entered he could see Jakel gave him an evil wink as she closed the door behind her.47

"Dartin I heard the news. I'm so proud of you!" She said as she stared him in the eyes. That red-golden hair fell loosely past her shoulders and her face could melt pete marble he was sure of it.48

She plopped herself down on his bed as he remained standing and facing her not knowing what to say at a time like this. She just stared at him intently apparently waiting for something. He began unsteadily. "Merinya I... I don't know what."49

She stopped him with her upraised finger. "Don't worry Dartin. I have thought about this a lot. I assume you will have many adventures as an apprentice swordsman. You will no doubt meet many young people from other places. You already know how I feel about you. However I will understand if you... if you find another." She said quietly. 50

"I... Merinya I don't want another. What man could ask for more than what you are?? Dartin asked her.51

?Dartin," she said finally as her eyes grew wet. "I'm certainly going to miss you." With that she was up from the bed. Now tears began to stream down her silk cheeks as a river cuts its way through the finest sand. He met her in a tight hug as she sobbed loudly.52

Pulling her back so he could look at her face to face he said softly. "I'm going to miss you too, but don't worry. I will be back." Dartin said.53

"Just don't get yourself killed now." She said as she pounded a fist into his back. "You have to come back here and tell me about all your adventures, ok?" Merinya asked hope filling her eyes.54

"Of course." Dartin responded. "I'll tell you everything." Again she was staring into his eyes. He couldn't help but stare back at her. Oh that face was so pretty and so young. Her head moved closer as she closed her eyes. Dartin did the same as their lips met with a rich kiss. Then after a minute of paradise she pulled away. 55

"I have to go now Dartin." She said with resolve. "Please take care of yourself and don[t forget me. Here, take this." She said finally as she handed him a bracelet. He looked at it as he put it on. It appeared to be made of silver with the main piece overlaid with gold in an intricate pattern of soft leaves and fire. "A mage told me it had magical powers, but even if it doesn't keep it to remember me." Merinya turned to go now as her face again filled with streaking tears.56

"Good-bye my love." He said just loud enough for her to hear. A few large tears dotted his face as well as she closed the door. Oh how he would miss the girl. He resolved with all his effort not to find any one else in his adventures. All his life he had dreamed of marrying Merinya and she had dreamed of marrying him as well. Though his mind was now flustered he went back to quickly finish his packing.57

He placed the rest of his possessions in a large sack and tied it off. Now Jakel came in again. As she saw his face she asked. "Are you ok Dartin? I saw her as she left and just wondered."58

"Yes we are fine. We're just going to miss each other is all. I think I need to take a walk. Who knows the next time I'll see my town." Dartin said as he brushed past his sister and jumbled down the stairs.59

Outside the sun was shining already low in the sky as passing horses and crowds of people brought up clouds of dust on the hard packed road. A wagon pulled by four strong horses came rattling down the path towards. People moved around it irritably. Dartin started off down the street at a fast pace. Every now and then a man would turn to stare at him. Mostly Dartin ignored it as he looked around Karwin. It was a beautiful city filled as well with tall bushy trees and beautiful blue fountains of flowing water.60

He turned towards the docks. Off in the distance a ship was leaving the docks and Dartin could hear some crude orders the captain was speaking to his crew as they scuttled around the large vessel ignoring the rest of the world around them. Then he heard somebody behind them call out his name. As he turned around he could see Yrak running down the street towards him.61

"Dartin!" Said Yrak a little breathlessly. "I almost thought I wasn't going to find you today. I went to your house this morning and only your mom was there. Then I went back and they said you had just left. So I hear you'll be the apprentice of a real mercenary." 62

"Yes. I met him today. He seems a good enough guy and I know we'll have great adventures together." Replied Dartin.63

"Dartin, what happened?" Questioned his friend. "It looks like you've been crying.64

"Merinya stopped by my house. It was a hard good-bye for us both." He explained. "Let's walk around. This is the last time I'll see my town for some time. Tomorrow I go to Lansart with Trom, the mercenary."65

They walked along the side of the docks listening to the ships swaying gently with the movement of the sea. As they reached the end of the docks that led back into the city a squat man came out and stopped Dartin grabbing onto his arm.66

Dartin tried to free himself, but the man was unusually strong. "Boy, come into my shop. I heard you're going out with Trom the mercenary. I have a little something for you." He said pointing back to his shop, which appeared to emanate a reddish glow into the street. Dartin started to follow the man as Yrak strolled along behind not seeming to care what was going on.67

As they entered the shop the red glow filled the air and choked it as clanging noises of metal against metal rang out. Two other men pounded away in the forge. The large man went back behind a large wooden counter, as he appeared to be looking for something. "Trom's a good man, and an even better swordsman." He said. "He'll make a fine teacher of course, but it's never bad to be prepared. Trom likes to fight even if it's against fifty armed men Trom won't back down. It's best that his apprentice is ready for anything as well." He said with a muffled voice behind the counter.68

Then he stood up brandishing two gleaming hiltless daggers. "These my boy," He said proffering the blades in the air, "These are throwing knives. Trom will teach you how to throw them of course, just make sure he doesn't take em from you. Just remember when you can't reach something with that short sword of yours these will do just fine."69

He handed the blades to Dartin. "Now go on. These are a gift, just go out and make Karwin proud of you. And remember a humble blacksmith who helped you out as an apprentice." The man said.70

"Of course. I could never thank you enough blacksmith." Dartin began. Before they knew it though the thick man had ushered them out the door and sent them on their way down the street. As they continued on home the sun was already setting.71

Darkness had begun to set in before Dartin had finally said good-bye to his friend. He went inside to find that his plate of food was the only one left on the table. So he ate alone, and the only sounds he heard were those coming from upstairs. Again Dartin found himself exhausted from the day, but maybe more mentally than physically this time. Excusing himself he said a quick goodnight to his parents before retiring to his room. His sister sat on her bed reading a book by the pale light of a candle sitting on a stand near her bed.72

"Hi Jakel. I am so tired I think I'll go to bed now, but you can keep that candle lit, because it won't bother me." Dartin said as he opened his soft bed. For the first time he realized that this might be the last time he slept in a nice bed for some time.73

"I suppose." She said looking at him. "That I'll have to take care of the room while you are gone. Where did you get that?" She asked pointed to the bracelet on his wrist.74

"Merinya gave it to me. She also said it had magical powers." He said proudly.75

"Ha!" Responded his sister. "If she said it would make you invincible you would believe it Dartin. She always had her way with you. Maybe it's good that you get out and meet other women."76

"What?" Shouted Dartin. "How dare you mock us? We love each other and nothing can change that. She doesn't have her way with me. We just make sure that we�re both happy."77

"If you say so." Said Jakel.78

How dare she accuse me of that thought Dartin. Maybe it is good I'm leaving this place. There are certain people I will not be missing! Now he turned away from his sister and closed his eyes waiting anxiously for the morning to come.79

The night passed with a fitful sleep. A few dreams he could remember about swords and fighting. Then before he knew it he looked towards the window to see the large purple moon setting and the sky still lose a bit of it's darkness as it waited to once again be bathed by the powerful beams of the sun. Quickly he was out of bed, and dressing himself making sure not to wake anyone else. With his few possessions packed he wrote a short note to his family before he snuck downstairs with his things in hand. He saw as he came to the front door that two candles were lit sitting on the table as their light gently flickered and the shadows on the walls swayed in respond.80

Then he could see a shape sitting by those two candles. "I couldn't sleep well my son. I had to say good-bye to you." Now Dartin saw the dim figure of his father looking up at him. "Yes it is time that you left for Trom will already be waiting for you and there's no need to upset him before you've even started your apprenticeship. Just know that we're going to miss you. And take care of yourself son. This is your profession now, but as always it is a dangerous one. Just remember what I've taught you son about keeping your wit to you and always staying alert and you'll do fine." Said Karl.81

"I know Dad. I will miss you all too. Don't worry I'll be careful, and I'll probably be back here before you know it. I'll return with adventures to tell the whole family no doubt." Dartin said with excitement. 82

"That's right my son." Said Karl as he got up and came near.83

Dartin gave his father a quick, but strong hug. "Good-bye Dad."84

"Good-bye son." Karl responded. With that his Dad opened the door for him as Dartin grabbed up his things and walked out side. It felt strange as if he was walking into a new life. Now as his father shut the door the cozy confines of his home and protection lie behind him. All around him the wind blew by through the streets as the sky struggled to become lighter. At this hour Dartin could see no one else walking the streets and he felt very alone right then.85

He began to walk up the street and made the turn down a broader street with nice hard packed dirt that did not spray up at him in clouds at every gust of the wind. After a short walk he had come near to the edge of town and he could make out the cold stables where his master would be waiting for him. As he drew closer he could indeed make out a man in front of the stables keeping two horses at bay.86

"Are you ready?" Came a deep voice from the man.87

"Yes master. I am ready to ride." Replied Dartin.88

"Good, but remember that I do have a name. Now have you ridden a horse much before?" Asked Trom.89

"No mas... Trom, only on a few journeys with my family is all." Dartin said.90

"Well good then. By the time we come back here you'll be one with this animal so don't you worry. Her name is Gena. Now put your things in the saddle bags and we will go." Ordered Trom.91

"Of course." Dartin said as he opened the saddlebag and stuffed inside it his few possessions. He also put the two sharp throwing knives in the bag. No reason cutting himself with them before he learned how to store them safely. "Gena." He said softly as he put a strong hand across the horse. With his strength Dartin was able to throw himself just barely up into the saddle. He almost fell back again, but narrowly escaped that embarrassing situation.92

Across from him Trom was already on his lighter mare. "Now we leave for Lansart. When at all possible you will ride at my side slightly behind my horse. If we ever become separated just keep riding until you can find safety." Explained Trom clearly. And then he was reining his horse forward as Dartin quickly with effort got his horse to ride up beside Trom's. And then they were off on the road already almost at the north edge of town that led north to the smaller fishing town of Lansart. It was the start of a real adventure thought Dartin as the sun began to peek up above the horizon to the east and its rays brought much craved warmth against the cold gusts of wind that ran across the plains ahead of them.93