Chapter 1: Knives (3)

Chapter 1: Knives (3)

You eard me right, Gem continued. My two friends are no soldiers. Nay, theyre mages, assigned by the Mage Parleement itself to watch over our convoy. Unfortunately, one of them as taken issue with some of the rather crude comments weve heard. In fact, Im both nervous and disappointed to say that this mage is considering turning the lot of you into toads or sheep.

Which absolutely wasnt possible. Seers who studied the Sinitu order of magic could indeed perform transmutations of the physical form. In other words, shapeshifting. But neither Seers nor High Seers of that order could transmute multiple people into toads or sheeps. Above the Seer level were the Mystics. And while Sinitu Mystics could perform mass transmutations for a very short time, and a Sinitu High Mystic could cast such a spell that would last about an hour, neither could make the effects permanent. Not that it was relevant considering neither Xerxes, Gandash, or Bel were Sinitu mages.

Of course, these Unsighted farmers didnt know much at all about how magic worked, and from the looks on the faces of various crowd members, ranging from slightly nervous to outright fearful, it seemed Gems monologue was having the intended effect. They were really starting to look sufficiently cowed.

Thankfully, Gem said, I intervened on your behalf. And instead of casting spells, my friend decided that a simple demonstration of magical skill would convince you of the amazing nature of the mages in our kingdom. Thus, Id like to introduce you to my friend Xerxes son of Ataneedusu, a Seer of the Asgagu order, born and raised in the capital, and a mage of immense power and insight.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Xerxes was just preparing to stand up when someone in the crowd spoke up.

Asgagu? said a skinny man with a deep tan that could only come from long days working outside in the fields. Aint that the kind of combat magic?

Gem nodded. Exactly, my farmer friend. You see, Xerxes could probably slaughter every one of you in this room while ardly breaking a sweat, and definitely without a prick of conscience. In fact, back in the capital, I was personally present when e removed the eads of seventeen brigands. But only after dismembering them first!

Clear the way, friends! Xerxes said, then bent his legs and jumped with the agility of a feline hunter onto the next table. The wood thumped dully under his boots, and the patrons leaned out of his way as made a second jump, landing square on the stage.

Twirling to face the crowd, he raised his voice and said, Honorable patrons of this establishment, you may be aware that mages are inherently stronger and faster than an ordinary person. But that doesnt mean we cant improve ourselves. And thus, every morning and evening on the road, I strive to better myself, from reactions and reflexes, to combat skill and magical abilities.

Also scrambling onto the table, Gem said, Friends, observe the superhuman strength and speed of a Seer!

Before anyone knew what was happening, a brace of knives appeared in Gems hand, each of them about a hand long including handle and blade. They were real knives, but with dull edges as they were designed for throwing. That said, they were sharp enough at the point to pierce into wood, let alone skin.

During the short moment in which Gem spoke, Xerxes, having gauged the distance between the two of them, took half a step back.

Watch! Gem said, pulling out one of the knives, placing the blade between his fingers and holding it up in front of his face.

Bring it on, old man! Xerxes said.

Gem threw the knife seemingly with all his might, and it whizzed through the air toward Xerxes.