Hehehe… Ark let out an awkward laugh as he scratched the back of his neck.His face reddened when he saw the amused look on master Rico's face.
Join me, he gestured his hand towards the carriage as he led the way. They both climbed into the carriage. The inside was a cozy haven, adorned with rich dark polished woods and plush velvet curtains that filtered the scorching sunlight from assaulting them casting a warm, golden glow. The squishy cotton seats seemed to envelop him as he sat down inviting him to sink into their softness. Meals were spread on the table upfront of him. The aroma of roasted meats and fresh herbs wafted up making Ark's stomach rumble and grumble for a bite. He ate till his stomach bulged. This was the best meal he had ever had. He let out a contented sign staring outside the window. After a while, he turned to look at Master Rico, hesitated and then asked, is it possible for me to learn magic and spells?. Master Rico who was reading paused mid-air, his eyes still scanning a page. He didn't look away from the book. Depends on your aptitude and dedication, he said, his voice steady as he turned a new page. There are various spells and magical abilities. Elemental magic which comprises fire, water,earth and air. Healing and protection spells, then divination and prophecy. But spells are just a part of it. True magic requires a natural born ability. We just learn to harness that power from within us to manipulate the Elements and forces. Some are born with it, others….many never grasp it, no matter how hard they try. The little ray of hope which was sprouting within extinguished and his bright eyes dimmed. Seems he can never become an apprentice. Ark's face fell. Master Rico seeing the crestfallen look on his face consoled him. Hey, it isn't the end of the world, you can explore other disciplines.
It will be quite hard for you to learn now since you haven't even mastered the basics of elemental magic. Some get stuck there and never advance, others give up but you don't have to. You can still learn if you want to. You never know what can happen with determination.
Ark could see his home ahead as the familiar contours of the village loomed in front of him. Thatched roofs and the granaries growing bigger as they approached. His hut was nearer to the forest so he bid farewell and sprinted back home. Master Rico shook his head with a small smile gracing his face as he watched his back.
Ark pushed open the worn wooden door of his hut and stepped into the cozy hut, the warm glow of a lamp welcomed him home.
He stripped out of his blood stained robe, tossed it into a basket and went to the back of the hut. A small stream could be seen.He headed to the stream, eager to wash off the dust,sweat and dried up blood from his body. The cool water rippled over his skin, refreshing him. He splashed water on his face and body , feeling rejuvenated. After a good wash, he stepped out , wearing the new set of clothes he had placed on a rock.
Ark looked around,his eyes pausing on the rusted bucket at the corner. It seemed to pull him, drawing him closer. An ancient voice whispered into his ear, come…come closer Ark. His feet automatically moved as he took heavy unsteady steps forward. He felt like he had lost all power and the owner of the voice was now controlling him.
He wrapped his fingers around the rusted bucket's handle and lifted it. As he did, the black ore, nestled within the bucket's confines, began to tremble. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with an otherworldly energy. The ore shook, vibrating with an intense force, before suddenly plunging into his palm. He watched in horror as the ore sunk into the flesh of his palm.
A scream escaped from his lips, raw and ragged, as searing pain coursed through his body spreading like wildfire. His eyes went wide, frozen in horror, as the ore seemed to melt into his skin, merging with his very being. He stumbled backwards, the bucket tumbling to the ground with a loud clang , forgotten. The world around him began to blur, as he kept drifting into nothingness.
After what felt like forever, it completely buried into his palm, leaving a gruesome wound in his palm. He knelt on the ground, holding his palm, his breath ragged and back drenched in sweat. Then suddenly, the ground started to sink as a rift tore into the ground.
Ha! He jumped in fright trying to move to a safer location but it seemed to follow him. It claws extending to his reach. One of his feet got stuck and he tripped and fell down. The ground swallowed him whole. He kept plunging deeper into the earth, consumed by the darkness, the earth closing in around him like a void.
Is this where l die?
Hahaha, he let out a painful laugh. Grandmother, Mom, Dad I guess l will be joining you soon after all.
His whole body was bruised with broken bones and joints. He could barely move so he gave up on his struggle and closed his eyes shut, the feeling of dirt filling his mouth.
Suddenly, a blinding light pierced from his palm, he squinted his red eyes terrified as his body started to disintegrate. Slowly fading into nothingness.
The chaos unfolding had left its mark on the small isolated hut as the building began to crumble.
500 meters away on a fighting arena, the crowd were seated watching in awe . A child around age 6 with jet black hair, average look and determined expression lifted his palm, a fiery red fire shot upwards into the sky.
Hyah! He pushed both hands forward as the earth began shaking underneath their feet, pieces of rocks shot up mid air.
The crowd erupted in cheers as his flames soar higher, rocks suspended in mid-air. They whistled, and shouted his name, faces alight with excitement. "Elois Elois! Elios!" The child's eyes gleamed with pride, his chest heaving with exertion.
On the high table, the master magicians eyes lit up, whispering amongst themselves. They had seen their fair share of magic, this was okay, not necessarily impressive but they could tell he had potential. He could control two elements.