Legacy 5
by Redkage
If Tyrune had thought Alron was tough before, the Eladrin could now only be called nothing short of pure, demonic evil. Alron cancelled all of Tyrune’s other duties, activities and studies so that the overgrown boy could focus on one thing and one thing only: magic. From morning until dusk they worked at it, stopping only for meals and a short swordplay lesson. (The wizard always kept his promises, and it put Tyrune in a much better mood.) However, despite all the long, hard, drawn out hours, Tyrune did not learn a single damn thing! All that hard work would have been better spent with a country bumpkin than Tyrune.“Absolutely not!”
“Oh come on, you gotta let me do this!” Tyrune’s fists clenched. “My reputation is hanging on this!”
“I am not about to suspend your lessons for some silly games.” Alron stated adamantly.
“It’s not a game; it’s a sword fighting competition!” Tyrune glared. “It’s the kingdom’s most important event for warriors to test their skills and fight for their honor!”
“You have more important things to attend to than a contest of brawn.” Alron reminded him. “Instead of swinging that oversized hunk of metal you should be dedicating all your free time to studying.”
“Oh come on, I’ve done nothing but study for the past two and a half months!”
“And yet you still can’t manage to cast an elementary shield spell.” Alron tapped his foot on the floor, his patience wearing thin. “You can argue with me all afternoon, but until you produce the results the answer will be no.”
Tyrune slammed his fist on the table so hard it actually broke in half. “Screw you, you elf bastard!” With that he stormed off, yelling at the top of his lungs in anger. Alron groaned and rubbed his temples.
“You know, maybe it’s about time you gave him a little break.”
Alron looked up and saw Jasper walk in. “Tell me you did not just suggest that.”
“Why not?” Jasper took a seat. “It seems to me that both of you need it.”
“What we need is a miracle!” Alron leaned back in his chair and tried to relax to no avail. “I haven’t taken this seriously enough. Tomorrow, we’ll go harder than ever!”
“Master, if I may say something,” Jasper started. “I think you should actually cut back and go easy on him, and also allow him to take part in the tournament.”
Alron immediately jumped. “Do you even hear yourself!? If you were someone else, you would have been transported into the nearest pile of troll dung!”
“Just hear me out.” Jasper held up his hands defensively. “I know the importance of Tyrune mastering his magic within a few months, but you have to remember that everyone can go so far. I can see that he’s reached his mental limit, and if you push him too far it might do him more harm than good.”
“These are desperate times, Jasper.”
“All the more reason why he needs a bit of rest,” Jasper said. “Listen, you may see him as a vessel of great power, but you’re overlooking the fact he is still a young boy.”
“Do you know any young boys who are over seven feet tall and weigh several hundred pounds of muscle?”
“No, but having all that power and not being able to exercise it can turn things rather disastrous,” Jasper grinned.
“Oh I see what you’re trying to do, using my own words to back me into a corner.” Alron gave Jasper a firm look. “Why are you pushing this so much?”
“The tournament is actually a charity event that Tyrune had started. Fighters from all over come just to participate and have a chance to win the prize and title. Not only that, but it’s a great opportunity for the market.”
“And I imagine that the money would eventually come back to the crown.” Alron accused.
“Yes, I do suppose that does happen.” Jasper scratched his chin. “Though, the fact that Tyrune participates is actually important to Elterra’s welfare as well.”
“Jasper, stop leading me around and explain already.” Alron ordered impatiently, the air around him starting to crackle with magic.
Laughing, Jasper raised his hands again in case he needed to shield himself. “Alright master, don’t blast me yet. Some of the warriors participating are from…how should I say this…rowdy countries. By fighting and winning in the tournament, Tyrune would set a rather strong image of our kingdom and gain respect. However, if Tyrune appears to be weak…”
“It would be an open invitation for those barbarian brutes to invade.” Alron finished. Letting out a tired sigh, he buried his face in his hands. “Fine…if Tyrune at least meditates tomorrow, he can participate.”
“It’s too bad you can’t somehow make Tyrune interested in magic the same way he’s interesting in swordplay.” Jasper sighed and shook his head.
Alron started to give a reply when he paused. “Yes…” He said thoughtfully. “Jasper, please leave me along right now. I have a lesson to plan out, and I need all the concentration I can get!”
* * *
The next morning, Tyrune let out a deep sigh as he made his way towards Alron’s quarters for another lesson. Already he could feel his legs cramping up and his ears burn that usually came from the meditation session. Halfway there, he turned into the hallway only to find Alron there walking towards him.
“Ah, there you are Tyrune,” Alron greeted, “I was just about to go fetch you.”
“Why? Aren’t we having meditation in your room?” It pained Tyrune to ask that question, but he did it anyways.
To his surprise, Alron shook his head and smiled. “No my boy, today we’ll have meditation outside in the courtyard. I have a feeling you’ll enjoy it as well.”
Somehow Tyrune doubted that. “It doesn’t matter where we do it, I doubt it’ll make it any better.”
Alron winked. “Trust me.”
Somehow that only made Tyrune distrust him even more.
Out in the courtyard, there was a wide chalk circle drawn on the ground. “Alright, just step into the circle and we’ll begin our meditation.” Alron instructed.
Letting out a deep sigh, Tyrune prepared to take his usual position sitting on the hard ground. Alron had other plans however as he threw something at Tyrune. Catching it, he saw that it was a quarterstaff. “What’s this?” He asked, holding it up.
“It’s your new meditation tool.” Alron smiled as he twirled his own staff around. “We’re going to take an alternative route to your studies.” Then without warning Alron swung his staff at Tyrune’s head. Automatically Tyrue raised his own staff and blocked it.
“What were you thinking?” Tyrune demanded angrily.
“Did you think when you blocked my attack?”
“No, I didn’t have time to think!”
“That’s the exact state of mind we’re looking for.” Alron’s grin grew bigger.
Tyrune blinked. “Say what again?”
“Meditation is all about clearing your mind out of all thought and focus only on the flow of energy.” Alron explained. “Normally people learn how to do this in a state of motionlessness, but I’m willing to try teaching you how to do this while in action.”
“You mean, you want me to meditate by fighting?” Tyrune asked dubiously.
“In short, yes.”
Tyrune actually became a little excited about this, though he quickly tried to kill it because of Alron.
“What’s this, given up on learning magic already?” A snobby voice drew both of their attention. As Alron and Tyrune watched, Nirvan stepped out into the courtyard followed by his assistant Silas.
“Actually, we’re about to begin our meditation.” Alron told him calmly. “Why are you here? Have you come to learn something from me?”
“What do you have to teach that I don’t already know?” Nirvan said hauntingly as he conjured a fancy looking seat that looked almost like a throne out of thin air and sat down on it. Instead of doing what his master did and bring out something to sit on, Silas summoned a large umbrella instead which he held over Nirvan to keep the sun off. “I am merely here to supervise and watch you flounder to teach this oaf.” Nirvan continued after he became comfortable.
“As long as you keep your big nose out of things,” Alron stated firmly as he turned his attention back towards Tyrune. “So here is how this will work. W will take turns exchanging blows and block them. The goal here is to synchronize our swings with our breathing, and to sense the changes that occur.”
“You’re teaching him meditation sparring?” Nirvan snorted as he snapped his fingers. Jumping in place, Silas nervously pulled out a glass and a bottle of fine wine and served it. “I can’t believe you think that barbaric form would work.” Nirvan remarked as he took a sip, his lips smacking together as he savored the taste.
“You’re simply jealous because you’ve never been able to master it. Now then Tyrune, breath in…” Alron closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
Tyrune took a swung at Alron, hoping to get in a good hit while the elf’s guard was down. With a flick of his wrist Alron deflected it and sharply rapped Tyrune on the top of his head.
“…and breathe out.” Alron finished.
“How d’you do that?” Tyrune winced as he rubbed the top of his head.
“I was able to sense the change in the flow of energy even before you swung.” Alron explained to him. “Once you’ve achieved the state of meditation, you will be able to sense these kinds of changes yourself. Now let’s return to the exercise and this time focus on your breathing.”
Counting out Nirvan’s constant nags, the next hour was the best meditation session they’ve ever had. Tyrune was still impulsive and thought too much on striking and blocking, but there were moments when Tyrune managed to achieve that level of focus Alron was seeking.
“Conjure up your shield spell for me Tyrune.” Alron asked him.
Frowning and concentrating hard, Tyrune spoke the words and tried to raise up the barrier, but all he managed to produce was a pale bit of light. “Yea, I know, I’m horrible at this.” He muttered.
“I believe the word does not adequately describe how-” Nirvan started but Alron jabbed his staff in his direction and a dome erected itself around the so called throne. The corner of Alron’s lips curved upwards as he watched him jump out of his seat and tried to yell, but the dome blocked off all sounds. Even though Nirvan could get out of it within a few short minutes, it was satisfying to see anyway. Alron turned his attention back at Tyrune.
“I know you can do it, Tyrune. The ability to do so is within you.“
“If it was, then it would have come out already.” He shrugged it off.
“It’s because you don’t want it hard enough.” Alron told him. “Magic only comes to those who truly desire it, whether to fight someone, make life easier or to protect people.”
“Protect people…” Tyrune echoed softly, the dull light grew stronger and until it flashed once into a small, misshaped and unstable shield.”
“You’ve done it!” Alron cried happily at the stunned Tyrune. “Sure it’s still far away from real use, but you’ve finally managed to conjure up your shield!”
Tyrune opened his mouth, but at that time Nirvan broke through the dome. “Alron, how dare you cast that on me!”
“I was simply showing Tyrune here some of the unique kinds of shield spells that can be used.” Alron said innocently. “And who better to use as an ideal example then yourself?”
“This…is not over.” Nirvan glared.
“Naturally it’s not.” Alron sighed. “Let’s stop for today. Jasper told me you needed to have your armor fitted for tomorrow’s tournament.”
Tyrune looked at him sharply. “What? You mean you’re letting me fight?”
“Well, you’ve finally come across a big hurdle today.” Alron told him. “You’ve made more progress this one afternoon than in the entire time I’ve been here. I think a reward is definitely in order here.” That wasn’t the full truth, but it wasn’t a lie either.
“You’re allowing him to waste his time playing some silly little game?” NIrvan snorted. “Are you even taking this seriously? You might as well send him on the next ship to the towers.”
“I don’t believe this is any of your business.” Alron waved Nirvan off. “You have your own teaching methods and I have mine.”
“If I were teaching him, he’d be-” Nirvan started before Alron casted another soundproof dome over him.
I have got to learn that one Tyrune’s thought floated to Alron’s mind. The elf smiled. Well, at least one good thing came out of Nirvan’s presence.
* * *
“I still fail to see how this could be considered a civilized sport.” Alron grimaced as he watched the loser was carried out on a stretcher, his nose bloodied and his arm broken.
“Well if we didn’t call it a sport, we wouldn’t be able to tax everything in it.” Jasper looked over at the crowd lining up to make bets.
Alron gave Jasper a look of disgust. “Do you ever think of anything besides politics? Actually, forget I even asked.” Both Alron’s ears and mind were filled with the buzz of the crowd. The birthday ball had been noisy, but at a tolerable and refined level. This, however, with fighters battling it out on a wide stage, the crowd cheering for their favorites, vendors yelling out to be heard to sell their products; it was almost enough to give Alron a massive migraine. Fortunately Alron knew how to filter out most of the noise with his magic, so he was able to bear it until Tyrune was done.
Despite the fact that Alron could still easily defeat Tyrune, the boy did very well in his matches. Some of the opponent’s had skill, but Tyrune had both skill and immense strength. With each swing of the baton, his huge biceps would flex and bulges, a single blow enough overpower a grown, burly man. The boy was easily the biggest out of the collection of brutes, as well as the youngest. Tyrune’s current opponent was a burly barbarian brute from the south eastern plains, standing at 6’2 inches and probably about 250 lbs. of battle toned muscle. As impressive as that was, he was still nowhere as huge or strong as Tyrune was.
The man sized up his opponent, and since Tyrune had a lot of size, there was a grim look on the challenger’s face. In the opposite corner, Tyrune gave the man the briefest of looks before flashing a confident grin, making the man even grimmer. The moment the bell rang, the barbarian charged after Tyrune with a burst of speed to try to take him off guard as he swung. Tyrune however expected this, jumping back and parrying the attack to the side before whacking him on the shoulder to score a point. The man grunted under the blow and stepped back away from Tyrune’s reach to try to regroup, but the young king wasn’t going to allow that to happen as he took to the offensive. Before the barbarian could blink, Tyrune scored four more points and claimed victory.
“At this rate, Tyrune will claim the championship trophy again.” Jasper predicted as the crowds cheered for him while loser left the stage, wincing at every movement in pain. After eating up the crowd’s praise a bit more, Tyrune also left the stage to make room for the next match.
“I wouldn’t put money on that bet yet if I were you.” The corner of Alron’s lip curved upwards. “There is a skilled elven swordsman from the Mosswoods participating, and from what I’ve seen in his earlier matches, he would prove to be quite the challenge to the boy.”
“Personally I think the Duke of Ruvin will face His Majesty in the finals.”
“Let us see, shall we?”
The roar of the crowds brought them out of their conversation. On top of the stage, the elven swordsman Alron had just been talking about was laying on the ground, completely beaten down and from the look of it, in intense pain.
“What happened?” Jasper asked, confused. “The match should have barely started.”
“I don’t know.” Alron frowned. “That elf had enough skill to give me a challenge.” He looked at the winner who was leaving the stage already. It was a dark haired, scar faced man who looked like a warrior gone to seed. There were still traces of some muscle, but it was hidden under a layer of fat and a gut straining the front of the mail shirt. Even if the man were strong, the quick and nimble Mosswood elf shouldn’t have lost so badly. “Jasper, just who is that competitor?”
Taking out his clipboard, Jasper flipped through the roster. “That is…Warrior Vandet, of the town of Tarns. He was a competitor from last year, though he wasn’t out of shape if I remember correctly. He lost to His Majesty in the third round.”
“It looks like he took that loss pretty badly.” Alron noted the gut on the man. “Hmm…I sense foul play.”
“Are you sure?” Jasper asked him. “The tournament rules clearly states-”
“Someday I’ll have to teach you that just because something is forbidden it doesn’t mean that everyone won’t use it.” Alron told him. “But I can’t tell for sure. I can’t read his mind with all this noise or his aura at this distance.” Without waiting for an answer, Alron began to push his way through the crowd to get closer. He could have taken the man down from where he stood, but without any proof he could be assaulting an innocent man. He would know for sure once he got close and-
“There you are.” Nirvan stepped out in front of him and blocked his path.
Of all the times…”Leave me be Nirvan, I’ve got something important to do.” Alron said trying to ignore the other wizard and continue on his way. However a single word from Nirvan and suddenly he found his feet locked in place.
“You fool, let me go!” Alron yelled at him.
“This is retribution for your childish prank last afternoon.” Nirvan said smugly.
“Now is not the time for revenge you dolt!” Alron waved his staff angrily. “Release me at once!”
“Oh no, you’re going to have to unravel the spell yourself, just like I did.” Nirvan said stubbornly. Without wasting another breath Nirvan teleported away, laughing. Resisting the urge to use some of the colorful terms he learned from Tyrune, Alron went to work on breaking the spell. Ordinary people continued to walk around him, giving him odd looks but Alron ignored them and focused on getting free. A normal wizard would have taken at least an hour to break through, but Alron was a Master and he also knew Nirvan’s way of magic. After only three minutes the spell was lifted and he could move again.
“And now, the reigning champ Tyrune will fight against the challenger Vandet of Tarns!”
What? NO!
Alron pushed through the crowd as he dashed towards the stage, his haste making him forget he could have simply teleported himself. That lapse in memory had cost him for when he reached the stage, a powerful barrier formed around the stage, trapping the two fighters inside.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Tyrune demanded angrily.
“It’s really simple.” Vandet growled. “This tournament has become the setting for my revenge!” The man then threw aside the baton and pulled out his pocketknife. At first Tyrune thought it was a joke, but all of a sudden the blade elongated, stretching itself out until it became a full sized saber.
That didn’t scare Tyrune at all. “You want a fight? Fine, this tournament was getting a little too easy anyway!”
“Don’t!” Alron swung his staff at the barrier, using the strongest spell breaker in his knowledge, but it simply bounced off the translucent wall ineffectively.
“Fine, we’ll do this the hard way!” Swearing loudly, he touched the tip of his staff to the barrier and began to unravel it bit by bit. It was frustrating and painstakingly long but it was the only way to get through.
Meanwhile back in the ring, Tyrune was busy off parrying the attacks of Vandet with his baton, his skill showing through even using a different weapon than his normal great sword. However with each swing, Tyrune felt odd. His vision started to blur, as if he were looking through milky glass. Vandet took another swing at him and Tyrune tried to block, but somehow he missed and metal met his skin, cutting him shallowly.
“How does it feel, having your senses slowly taken away?” Vandet asked, grinning wolfishly.
“This is your doing!” Tyrune said, blinking rapidly trying to restore his vision, but that simply deteriorated it faster.
“You didn’t think I’d go this far just to fight fairly did you?” Vandet snorted at him. “You ruined my life! Ever since you defeated me, I’ve been the laughingstock of the town! O think me, the best warrior in the village, beaten by a little boy! They wouldn’t believe me when I told them you were bigger than any other man, and made fun of me! No one respected me anymore, and ever since then I’ve gone downhill. And now…now I’ll slowly kill you, letting you die in the dark where you belong!” Vandet jumped forward, attacking fiercely. Tyrune tried to block and dodge him all, but both his sight and his hearing was getting worse and worse, allowing the man to cut him several more times. At this rate he was going to be dead in no time!
“Don’t give up Tyrune!”
Hearing those words somehow calmed him down and focused. That’s right, he wasn’t going to get out of this by panicking. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath.
“Giving up already? That just makes this much easier!” Vandat lunged forward.
Without even thinking, Tyrune’s body reacted and knocked the attack away. Vandat was caught off guard, not knowing how Tyrune had blocked him, shrugging it off as a lucky move, he attacked again but once more Tyrune blocked him. Again and again Vandat assaulted the man, getting more and more reckless but each and every time he was smoothly fended off.
Even though Tyrune didn’t see him with his eyes, he could feel him so vividly. Unlike Alron, the flow of energy that was passing from Vandat was loud and easily predictable. Blow after blow he blocked, feeling his opponent getting more and more desperate until finally Vandat swung as hard as he could. Nimbly Tyrune dodged it and with his baton he struck Vandat’s hand so hard that he could hear the bones break, followed by the ringing of metal from his dropped sword.
“How are you doing that!?” Vandat demanded, cradling his broken hand close to him.
Tyrune grinned cockily. “I can beat a loser like yourself blindfolded.”
The warrior shook with pure rage. “You...how dare you look down on me! I was going to kill you off with my own hands before I used this, but now you leave me no choice!” Vandat pulled out an talisman inscribed with runes. Alron gasped when he saw the talisman. The runes inscribed on it as well as the menacing energy stored was enough to wipe out a quarter of the city, and Elterra was a big city! The wizard threw everything he had at the barrier. Just 5 more seconds!
“Now the two of us along with everyone here will die together!” Vandat said as he pressed a rune to activate it.
“NO!” Tyrune lunged forward. His concentration completely broke and Vandant barely managed to jump out of the way…only to trip over and fall, the talisman flying in the air.
What happened next was so fast, many of the spectators was unsure if they had missed it from blinking. The barrier broke as Alron finally shattered it. Bright orange bands of energy appeared and coiled around Vandat in a painfully tight bind. A bubble appeared around the talisman in midair before it disappeared, teleported away to a far off empty and deserted location to detonate safely without harming anyone.
“Your Majesty!” Jasper dashed onto the stage to Tyrune’s side, followed by Alron, Nirvan and the assistant Silas.
“How dare someone attempt to commit a crime while in my presence,” Nirvan said as he waved his staff. The struggling Vandant began to rise up in the air like a tied up hog. When the man began to swear at the top of his lungs, Alron decided to further strengthened the man’s image as a pig by conjuring an oversized apple into his mouth.
“So what are we going to do with him?” Alron asked.
“Put him on a torture wheel and stretch him out like a piece of taffy.” Jasper said menacingly, his arms placed protectively around Tyrune.
“Jasper, git off.” Tyrune said, embaressed that the man was babying him, blinking rapidly..
“How is your eyesight?” Alron knelt down next to the lad.
“It’s…getting better already.” Tyrune said, his voice subdued.
Nirvan cleared his throat impatiently, drawing the attention back to him. “I think I will personally deal with this vagabond.” He told them. “I’d like to know where he obtained such a powerful explosive.”
“Very well.” Alron nodded, too worked up to give his usual retorts. Nirvan pounded his staff on the stage loudly more for show than effect before he, the prisoner and Silas disappeared into thin air.
“Are you sure you’re alright Your Majesty?” Jasper asked again, still refusing to let go.
“I said I’m fine!” Tyrune pushed Jasper away angrily. “Geez, just leave me alone, the both of you!” Tyrune scrambled to his feet and ran off, the crowd parting ways for the huge lad.
Jasper began to go after him when Alron laid a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll go.” He told him. “You need to take care of things here.”
Reluctantly, Jasper nodded, and then Alron headed off to follow Tyrune.
The young king was feeling horrible. He was strong, had bigger muscles than any other man he’s seen, the ruler of a vast kingdom with tons of wealth and power. And yet, there on the stage, he was unable to stop that man from trying to kill everyone around him! That feeling of helplessness ate away at his chest, feeding his frustration.
On and on he ran, trying to get away. He took the side alleys and back ways in order to get to the less populated locations in town until he finally rounded into a deserted area. After he gotten far enough from the people, he paused to lean against a wall and wipe his eyes. “Maybe…maybe it’s time I started taking my studies seriously.”
What are you saying!? A voice echoed inside Tyrune’s head. You hate magic. Magic
“I’m saying I can’t ignore my magic any longer.” Tyrune said out loud. “I…I can’t just ignore it any longer, I’ve got to do this.”
Tyrune, you are making a big mistake!
“You’re the one making the big mistake! Just what are you doing to my student!?”
Tyrune jumped two feet into the air and looked around wildly for the source of the voice. Alron threw off his invisibility spell and marched towards him with a furious look on his face. “Very clever, using Tyrune’s powerful and chaotic aura to shield yourself from me. However, now that he’s been dieting and bathing in sage waters regularly, you can’t hide from me any longer, tiefling!”
Tyrune growled, upon seeing Alron. "What are _you_ doing here? Have you been spying on me?"
Alron ignored him and swung his staff sharply. A wave of energy struck Tyrune and seemed to concentrate on his shadow. The particles of light gathered around what appeared to be an outline of a person. and flashed, leaving a living being behind.
He was roughly Tyrune’s age, wearing a worn out grey hooded clock and torn up pants. of average height, but had a solid build on him. Wisps of grey hair peeked out from the hood, and his eyes were pure black.
“This creature has been hiding in your shadow and using it’s trickery to lead you down the wrong path!”
“What in blazes are you talking about?” Tyrune demanded. “He’s just a regular guy!
Alron marched up to him and with the tip of his staff he knocked the hood back, revealing two horns growing from the top of the boy’s head. “Does this look like ‘a regular guy’ to you?”
“Some Master Arcane Wizard you are, taking so long to find me!” the boy sneered.
“All this time, all those accidents and mishaps have been your doing!” Alron pointed the head of his staff towards him.
“Zoster was just doing some harmless pranks!” Tyrune stepped between the two of them and spread his arms out. “He was just trying to cheer me up.”
“Tyrune, do you KNOW what he is?” Alron asked. “He’s a tiefling, a demon spawn!”
“Yes, I do,” he said, “but I don’t care! Zoster couldn’t help how he was born and shouldn’t be discriminated because of it! He’s my best friend!”
“You’re best friend? That…that thing?” Alron looked appalled. “Tyrune, you of all people shouldn’t be associating with that evil creature!”
“He’s not evil; he’s not a creature. He’s like you and me!” Tyrune roared. “And what should it matter who I decide to be with? It’s my decision to choose the company I keep.”
“You…Tyrune, you mean you don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“That you’re-“
A note cut him off. Turning his attention back towards Zoster, he saw the boy’s fingers dancing on a small harp.
“Zoster, Although your music is good, I don’t think this is the time for a song,” Tyrune told him.
“Ah, sorry, it just seemed like the right moment.” Zoster gave Alron a sly look.
Alron gritted his teeth in rage. Although the song looked and sounded ordinary, it was actually a spell to put a geis over him. A geis was a kind of mystical restriction, and this one prevented him from telling anyone anything about that particular subject.
“You think I’ll let something like that stop me!?” Alron took a step forward.
“Alron, no!” Tyrune held his ground.
“Tyrune, move or I’ll make you move.”
“No!”
Alron didn’t bother asking twice. Making a pass with his staff, he sent Tyrune flying out of the way (carefully, since he didn’t want to actually hurt him). Zoster began to strum up another spell, but with a snap of Alron’s fingers, a lightning quick shot cut all the strings, rendering the harp useless. “You’ve played your last tune, tiefling!”
“I’m not afraid!” Zoster stood his ground. “You don’t have it in you to kill me, and even if you did, it won’t take back what’s been done!”
Alron knew it was true. Part of the geis prevented him from killing the caster, and wouldn’t break so easily. “I may be unable to break the geis, but I can at least send a monster like you back to the underworld where you belong.”
That managed to cause some doubt and fear to form on Zoster’s face. “You wouldn’t.”
Alron raised his staff to strike him down. The whole world around them seemed to darken as all the light was sucked into the tip. The very earth shaking at the immense power that was being gathered in one spot, fueled by Alron’s rage towards the hell spawn.
“NO!”
All of a sudden Tyrune jumped in front of Zoster and placing him in the direct line of fire.
Alron reacted immediately and jerked his staff upright just as the spell shot out from his staff and launched high up in the air above the city when it detonated.
The resulting explosion was, comparatively, at the same level of a volcanic eruption, immediately covering the area with spoke and flying debrisEven up in the air, the explosion had enough impact for the blast to hit them on the ground. Alron threw up a hasty shield to protect himself, but it wasn’t until after the worst was over that he remembered he wasn’t alone.
“Tyrune!” He tried to look for him, but the dust was so thick he couldn’t see anything. Holding off some choice oaths, he swung his staff in a wide arc. A strong breeze came and blew the dust away. To Alron’s relief and complete surprise, Tyrune (and the tiefling, unfortunately) was perfectly safe within the barrier spell he had been trying to teach him for the past month.
“Tyrune-”
“No, I won’t let you hurt him!” Tyrune stated firmly. “I won’t let you hurt Zoster! If you want to get to him, you’ll have to kill me first!”
Although there was a lot of power behind the shield spell, it was rather poorly made and Alron could easily break it without much effort by striking the right places. However, when he looked into Tyrune’s eyes, he saw something in those gold eyes.
Please…don’t hurt him. Tyrune begged. Please…
Gripping his staff tightly, he reluctantly lowered his arms. He looked at Tyrune, forcing a spell out to protect Zoster, a tiefling. However, this was the first time Tyrune had ever cast a spell intentionally and successfully manifesting it. “I will make you a deal,” he said finally.
“Wh-what?” Tyrune blinked.
“I’ll make you a deal,” Alron repeated. “If you will seriously study magic, and I mean put your whole effort into it, I won’t touch Zoster. HOWEVER, the moment I find out he’s up to no good, all bets are off.”
Tyrune glanced at Zoster, then back to Alron. “Alright, I’ll do it.” He told him. “I’ll…I’ll start being serious.”
“Tyrune…” Zoster started.
“He’s made his decision, tiefling.” Alron cut him off. “So you better not go convincing him otherwise. I don’t know what you’re planning, but for the boy’s sake I’ll spare you. Mark my words, if you do anything to him, I won’t rest until I hunt you down and make you pay.”
Tyrune automatically put a protective arm around Zoster. “Like I’ll ever let you touch him.”
“T-thank you Tyrune,” Zoster stutted. “You’re the greatest friend I could ever ask for.” Automatically Tyrune pulled him into a hug to comfort him.
Alron couldn’t believe that Tyrune bought that act. However, not only did Tyrune believe in Zoster, but cared greatly about him as well.
“And here I thought things couldn’t become any more complicated…” Alron groaned.