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    The Magic Maker
    The Magic Maker
    The Magic Maker
    Ebook348 pages5 hours

    The Magic Maker

    By Ned Tarrington

    ()

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    About this ebook

    As an Alchemist Apprentice, Eycar lives in the small village of Zent, tucked away at the edge of the mysterious Old Forest. His position of prestige heralds a bright future crafting the metals sought throughout all Eraethia. But circumstances soon vault him into dangers that even a Hero or Wizard might fear to face.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherNed Tarrington
    Release dateDec 12, 2010
    ISBN9781458132260
    The Magic Maker
    Author

    Ned Tarrington

    As a long time fan of fairy tales and the joyous enthusiasm of youth, Ned presents stories appropriate to children of all ages. Whether the story teaches and instructs the student, or merely entertains, the act of reading should always expand our comprehension of the world about us. With three university degrees, he continues to write for education as well as adventure.Contests/Awards:Honorable Mention, May 2009 Short Story Contest, Writers’ Journal, “Slide Heights”Third Prize, November 2007 Travel Writing Contest, Writers’ Journal, “Out Wickenburg Way”

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      Book preview

      The Magic Maker - Ned Tarrington

      The Magic Maker

      By Ned Tarrington

      *****

      Smashwords Edition, License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      This is a work of fiction, and any characters, names, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, businesses, establishments, events, etc are entirely coincidental.

      Copyright 2010 by Ned Tarrington

      http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/nedtarrington

      *****

      Table of Contents

      Chapter 1 -- Apprentice

      Chapter 2 -- The Old Forest

      Chapter 3 -- Wizard

      Chapter 4 -- Council in Session

      Chapter 5 -- Out of the Forest

      Chapter 6 -- Duty Begun

      Chapter 7 -- New Friends

      Chapter 8 -- Library

      Chapter 9 -- Flight

      Chapter 10 -- Paths

      Chapter 11 -- Tarmon

      Chapter 12 -- Nether Realm

      Chapter 13 -- Return

      Chapter 14 -- Set To Rights

      *****

      Chapter 1 -- Apprentice

      A large iron pot of molten metal bubbled over a hot fire of orange and blue flames. The intense heat, coming from several dozen black cubes, kept the young attendant at a safe distance.

      The boy was dressed in thick protective leather, gloves, and a skullcap that kept his blonde hair from settling before his eyes. He poked the cubes with a long thin pole of iron, the tip of which glowed a cheery red.

      The cubes themselves gave off a type of mystical heat in stark proportion to their small size. And even now Eycar could see that the leading edges had caught and were slowly giving up their stored energy that was locked securely within.

      Eycar stepped back and wiped his brow, still watching the slow transformation that never ceased to amaze him. These black cubes, first invented by the Wizard Craftsman Artemenus, emitted the special gold and blue flames so necessary for the proper transformations in alchemy.

      Once he had asked his master, the Alchemist Clantra, how the fire cubes were made and where they originated. He had replied in a gruff voice, from the East, and its no business of mine how they’re made.

      Eycar saw that his master did not hold the little cubes with the same high esteem as did he, and sometimes admonished him when he asked questions concerning the strange tools they used in their trade. So over the months that Eycar worked as Clantra’s apprentice he had learned to keep his silence, though every now and then a question would still find its way to his lips.

      Eycar tried his best not to let his curiosity upset his master who, overall, was really a kind man, though not overly prone to patience. But Clantra’s attitude did not quell his quest for knowledge, a personality trait that made him a hard working lad with a quick mind and an eager will to learn. Indeed, his master was well pleased with his performance, for Eycar’s diligence left Clantra much time for more professional pursuits into the realm of alchemy.

      Eycar! Eycar, my boy, came Clantra’s call from the front of the shop. The young apprentice ceased his tending of the fire, which now burned slowly on its own, and placed the long pole in a rack on the wall. He entered the small front office from the back door dressed in the long stiff apron that shielded his body from the intense heat of the fire cubes.

      Well, Eycar. How changes the metal? asked his master from behind a massive desk strewn with scattered papers, flasks of different colored liquids, and small samples of varicolored metals.

      Fine, sir. I’ve just started the cleaving process.

      Good, good, replied the alchemist, scratching the stubble from several day’s worth of beard. Clantra had a habit of neglecting some daily tasks, and it was often up to Eycar to clean and prepare his master’s clothes, and even to fix the meals.

      Even though it hasn’t begun the secondary change yet, I think that perhaps it could use a few more pinches of Seaver Flower, Eycar suggested.

      Clantra peered at the lad through thick spectacles and released a disagreeable sigh. Now, boy, let me be the judge of that. This one’s a new batch I’ve been working on, and I expect it to be a slow changer. Sometimes, if you speed the process, the final result will be brittle, with little market value.

      Very well, master, replied Eycar, thoroughly admonished.

      Now, where is that sheet? Clantra reached across his desk and rummaged through the scattered papers, coming up with a list of items that the alchemist handed to Eycar. Procure these at once. We’ll need them for some experiments I’ll be conducting. And, mind you, I want the best quality that Farnam’s got, with no scrimping on the weight!

      Eycar glanced at the list and noticed that all the items were readily available in a single shop, a shop that Eycar often enjoyed visiting. Fortunately, his master gave little consideration as to price, only that the quality of supplies be superb and the selection adequate.

      Now, hurry along, he said. I’ll tend the fires while you’re out.

      Yes, sir, Eycar replied.

      And, mind you, no dawdling along the way! his master called out after him as Eycar left the shop at a near run.

      Without hesitation he set off down the main street at a swift pace, his ungainly apron flapping back and forth as he walked. It was about mid-afternoon in the village of Zent, and people hurried here and there intent upon their business. Horses clip-clopped their way up and down the cobblestone street pulling rattling carts filled with loads of hay, or crates of merchandise.

      Business among the different craftsmen was at its peak, and many were the merchantmen that dickered with the different proprietors. For Zent was at a strategic location, being at the head of the only known route through the confines of the Old Forest. Thus, trade flourished here, especially among those who plied the routes to the many markets in the north.

      Eycar stopped for moment, sighting a column of soldiers approaching from the far end of the street. He stepped to the side and quietly watched them pass, as did most of the other townsfolk who stood nearby.

      First came the foot soldiers, with their shields and light armor, long spears held in steady hands. Next passed knights on horseback, their armor shining in the sunlight, swords slung in scabbards at their side.

      He noticed the fine craftsmanship of intricate inlaid gold on the armor and weapons worn by the officers. Eycar considered it likely that they were an elite class of soldiery, possibly bound for an expedition into the unknown lands of the West. And over the entire procession hung the brown and gold colors of the Council.

      Eycar thought of the rumors he had heard concerning their elite troops, especially those of the Council’s own Guard. Word had it that their armor resisted blows more readily than was natural for even those special metals, and that their swords would pass through any armor other than their own. If such tales were true, and Eycar had no way to verify the veracity of such claims, then those weapons obviously possessed a profound enchantment. But no one put too much stock in whispered rumors, and Eycar had filed away the information, always interested in any discussion in the ways and mysteries of magic.

      He continued down the street as the last soldier in the small column passed him by. The other villagers ceased their wary glances and returned to their business at hand. Such occurrences of military units in the village of Zent were at one time considered unusual, but with the growing rumors of faraway wars, they had seen increasing numbers of soldiers headed west, perhaps never to be seen from again. And, every time a column of soldiers made their way through the village, they were once again reminded of the ruling authority and power of the Council.

      Eycar passed several small shops along the way to his destination, each displaying their unique wares, before he turned and pulled open a quaint little door with a shining stained glass window. The hinges squeaked from less than frequent use as he stepped into the front room and approached the large counter. A bell at the door had announced his arrival, and a large woman with graying hair and a kindly face came out from the back room to greet him.

      Good day, Mrs. Farner, called out Eycar with a smile.

      She immediately recognized the young lad. And, how’s my favorite young Alchemist this day? she asked.

      Just fine, ma’am, and you?

      Never been better, she replied. Now what can I do for you? Is Clantra getting low on some particular items?

      Yes, ma’am. I have a list here of some special ingredients that we require.

      He handed her the scrawled list, and she gave it a tentative glance, then went back and concentrated on each individual item, frowning. Your master’s handwriting will be the death of me yet, she commented. Now, let’s see. He wants two pintels of favornum leaves, five of… and her voice trailed off into a series low mumbles as she turned and began to rummage through an assortment of cabinets and shelves that reached nearly to the ceiling.

      Mrs. Farner ran the small herb shop with the help of her husband. It carried a large variety of items including an assortment of salts, powders, elixirs, and of course, herbs. Now most of the villagers who had a need for herbs usually grew them in their own gardens, especially if they contained much sought after medicinal properties. Thus Clantra was perhaps their principle customer, for he used for the most part the more exotic herbs and other things that were imported and sold at a considerable profit. And as a favored customer, the alchemist also carried a business account that he settled in full, usually at the end of each month.

      At last the final package of dried leaves or ground root was carefully sealed away and packed in a small carrying crate for Eycar. Mrs. Farner smiled and placed the box at the front of the counter. This goes, I presume, on the noble Clantra’s account? she inquired.

      Yes, ma’am, replied Eycar. And, with his thanks.

      Well, then, tell him I hope everything is to his liking, and if there’s any mistake bring the item right back.

      I will, Mrs. Farner, Eycar promised, as he reached for the box and tucked it under one arm.

      Oh, and be careful with the red-stamped envelopes! she called out. They’re quite susceptible to decay and should be stored in a dark, dry place.

      I’ll see that they are stored properly, Eycar assured her as he pulled open the small door with a jingle. Have a nice day, he said and stepped out onto the village street.

      The same to you, young man, replied Mrs. Farner, though Eycar was already too far away to hear.

      Eycar made his way back towards his master’s shop, now taking his time, looking in the store windows at various products on display, when he encountered one of his younger friends upon an errand of his own. Morning, Eycar, called out the young lad, panting a little as if from recent exertion.

      What are you all excited about, Talon? inquired Eycar.

      Didn’t you see them? he asked.

      Who?

      The soldiers, of course! I bet they marched all the way from Edenwood. He paused for a moment, and said in a whispered voice, They might even be Council Guards.

      The elite personal soldiers of the governing Council of the Unified Kingdoms were often referred to as Council Guards, though their duties involved far more than guarding.

      Not likely, opinioned Eycar. They were probably conscripts from the outer kingdoms on their way to the West. Anyway, what would Council Guards be doing out here?

      I don’t know, but father says that if it was up to him they would get a free tour of the Old Forest!

      Quiet, admonished Eycar. You know you shouldn’t talk that way.

      Uh, sorry. But, that’s what he said—the clobbies deserve it too.

      Perhaps, but there’s better justice for deeds like theirs than commitment to the dark confines of the Old Forest. We understand the Old Forest, but strangers don’t. After all, Zent has prospered right next to that dark expanse as far back as anyone can remember. In fact, my father’s farm runs right up to its edge, and many a time I’ve walked nearby when going home.

      The other boy caught his breath at Eycar’s admission. Weren’t you scared? he asked. I mean, I’ve seen some of the tracks left outside during the night, and he gave an involuntary shudder.

      Well, maybe a little, Eycar admitted. But I was careful and avoided anything that happened to come my way. Everyone knows if you just mind your own business, most that wander outside the forest will usually leave you alone.

      Well, you won’t catch me taking any such chances, declared the younger boy. My luck just might run out. He looked across the street, noticing a man. Hey, there’s Mr. Tamarion…

      A decrepit old man leaned from a narrow shop door and sighted the two boys as they slowly approached. He smiled with a merry round face and greeted them cordially.

      Mr. Tamarion was the sole owner of the only equivalent of a bookstore in Zent. He was a fairly short man, of later years, and was always kind to patrons and passersby alike. He had long made friends with the more inquisitive apprentices in the village, as most had an interest in books, and the secrets they often contained. Sometimes he even allowed them to page through some of his more rare volumes at various times, reading of ancient tales and lands far away.

      Now most apprentices could read and write, for the village law required masters to provide that coveted skill, no matter their various trades. But, the items scarce to everyone were books, and Mr. Tamarion possessed a whole shop full of wondrous titles. These precious tomes of ancient wisdom he rented, bought and sold to his profit and enjoyment. A visit to his shop never failed to interest a young apprentice of Zent.

      Well, my boys, how goes this lovely morning, called out Mr. Tamarion, gazing at them over fine gold spectacles.

      Very well, sir, they responded in turn.

      Might you be pleased to enter my humble abode and gaze upon a few works of a rare and profound nature that I have recently acquired?

      The two boys looked at each other in evident eagerness, each hoping the other would commit himself to his generous hospitality. Then with the wisdom of a few years difference, Eycar responded with a sigh. I’m very sorry, Mr. Tamarion, but I for one must soon return to my master’s shop.

      I as well, added the younger boy, even more reluctantly than Eycar.

      Oh, very well, young apprentices, replied the old bookkeeper. I don’t mean to keep you from your tasks. Run along, and next chance you get, I’ll be glad to let you take a gander at them.

      Thank you, Mr. Tamarion, said Eycar. His friend Talon nodded his head in agreement.

      Mr. Tamarion closed the door to his small shop, shutting out the smell of old books, and the two boys continued down the street together, as both of their master’s shops were nearby. Talon’s shop was a livery stable just down the street.

      Say, he remarked, recalling their previous conversation, don’t you go home pretty soon?

      This very evening, agreed Eycar, for as an apprentice he was allowed home visits from time to time.

      Sure you’re not afraid when it gets dark? young Talon asked, still not wholly convinced of Eycar’s unconcern.

      What, of some creature? he asked. No, of course not, claimed Eycar, though his friend could discern some bravado in his voice.

      Talon shook his head. I sure would be, he admitted. I’m lucky that my parents live here in Zent, cause I wouldn’t want to chance meeting anything from the Old Forest that makes those eerie calls at night.

      Sounds can’t hurt you, replied Eycar, and neither can they, if you’re careful.

      What do you mean?

      Well, if you’re out at night, just be sure its no more than an hour or so after sunset, as they haven’t begun to roam much by then, and if you’re out past that, which I’ve only been twice, just act like a rabbit and not a lion.

      Wish I had your courage, his friend commented, then maybe I’d go out at night now and then too.

      You’d better not unless you have to, cautioned Eycar. It’s only happened to me by accident, and to tell the truth, I would have been elsewhere if I could have, so it’s got nothing to do with courage. Like my father says, you’ve just got to keep your head about you.

      Has he seen many things? Talon inquired.

      Don’t know—whenever I asked him he wouldn’t tell me, though I suspect he has, living so close to the Old Forest as he does.

      Well, if its anything like what’s stuffed and hanging on the wall of the Woods Tavern, I shouldn’t wonder. They say it took ten fine swordsmen with as many archers as backup to dispatch that one, even waiting in ambush as they were. They say it was getting some of their cattle.

      Now what were you doing in the Woods Tavern? asked Eycar slapping his friend on the back, and the conversation continued on to less frightening subjects.

      Finally the boys parted company, going the last distance to each of their respective master’s shops. Eycar quietly entered the front office, for he knew that he had taken a little longer than usual to complete his errand. Clantra looked across his desk at him and grunted in disapproval at his delay, though the infraction was too minor to warrant any further comment.

      Well, did you get the order? his master inquired.

      Yes, Master Clantra.

      Then, let me see, boy, let me see! he asked as Eycar handed over the box of herbs. Clantra rummaged through the small crate’s contents, muttering to himself in satisfaction. Good, good, he at last decided. Once I get the formulae completed we shall begin experimentation.

      Uh, master?

      Yes.

      Is this not the day I visit home?

      What? Oh, why I guess it is. Well, we can get started at least. Once I get the final formulae written up, it shan’t take long, and if it still needs tending, I’ll stay and oversee it myself. Now, put the supplies away so they’ll be ready for immediate use.

      But as the day progressed it became evident to Eycar that the alchemist Clantra had underestimated the time it would take him to complete the preparations for his experiment. And, when they finally started the day had already slipped to late afternoon.

      Bricks of raw metal direct from the mines were melted in several spare pots again by the use of the versatile fire cubes. Numerous ingredients were then added at the proper stages as the metals began to change and Lemer words were uttered in accordance to the ways of the ancient knowledge of alchemy. The experiment progressed as planned and the day grew ever later. Finally the old alchemist set a ladle aside and addressed his apprentice.

      The process will continue from now on with little supervision, Eycar, he pointed out. You may leave when you wish, though I’ll expect you back early the coming first-day.

      Thank you, master, he replied.

      Eycar went to an area in the back corner of the shop, shielded from the vats by a heavy partition where many of the more volatile ingredients for alchemy were stored. Here he gathered together what personal items from his sleeping area that he thought he would need for a short stay at his parent’s farm.

      I am ready to leave, master, related Eycar.

      Very well, apprentice, replied Clantra, studying a pot of bubbling metal, and mind you be careful, for it’s a later hour than most consider safe this near the Old Forest.

      I will, responded Eycar, relieved to at last be headed home. Good evening to you!

      And to you lad, related Clantra as Eycar left through the heavy back door of the alchemy shop. Clantra latched it behind him and went back to his cursory observation of the changing metal.

      Upon stepping into the back alley, Eycar immediately realized the time was much later than when he usually headed for home. The sun had just set and long shadows now marked the back alleys of the ancient village of Zent. People were closing down for the night, and he saw no one in the alley as he set off at a brisk pace for home.

      A long month had passed since he had last visited his parents at their small farm. Being their only child, they would be more than glad to see him once again, for to them a month was even longer than it was for Eycar. Though he had been an apprentice now for five years, they still missed him dearly when he was away.

      Eycar remembered the days of his early youth on his parent’s farm, of the hard though satisfying chores. Compared to then, his days now were filled with infinite ease; though when he left his father was forced from lack of available farm hands to let several fields near the Old Forest lie fallow. But still, they were very proud of him that day, when from among all the young boys of Zent and the outlying farms for miles around, he had been chosen by Clantra as the most worthy apprentice.

      What made the old alchemist select him out of the hundreds of other candidates, he did not know. Clantra had simply stood before each boy and uttered unknown words of power and locked eyes with each, and when finished he was the one chosen. Perhaps luck, perhaps not. But, his parents were extremely proud and happy to have their only son begin apprenticeship to the most respected and important personage in the village of Zent. Among them all, only his profession used the words of power, the Lemer language.

      Eycar had often heard in whispered conversations that the Lemer language originated from a long gone race of dark elves of great mystical power. Others opinioned that the language was the true language of the gods themselves, and not meant for the likes of mortal men. But, no one really knew, and Lemer was absolutely necessary to the practice of alchemy.

      With thoughts of home in his mind, Eycar turned a corner and continued cautiously down a dark alley, which led to another narrow main street. Soon the village would thin out and he would be on a well-known country road leading to his parent’s small but cozy farm.

      Suddenly Eycar stopped in his tracks and listened to an eerie wail that came from the adjacent woods. For several seconds it echoed down the dark alleyways, and when it at last faded into silence, the sound left him chilled to the bone.

      Eycar stared up at the dark eves of the shops that surrounded him and then quickened his pace, glancing back over his shoulder with concern. Though strange noises coming from the Old Forest were a fairly common occurrence, this evening they seemed particularly acute and foreboding.

      The darkness grew deeper among the cobblestone streets as he traversed a familiar route through the back byways of Zent. Already common shapes were taking on a hue of obscurity and perhaps even menace. Even his cautious steps echoed in the confined space with seemingly loud reverberations. He had been caught in the late evenings like this before, but somehow tonight seemed different. Eycar was overwrought and tense, as if he anticipated some unknown event unlike any he had experienced before.

      Eycar studied these feelings that he could not understand, noting the effect but not their cause. Eycar moved as if he were in a world of unreality surrounded by some unknown menace, waiting for his vigilance to falter. And yet he felt that it was not really a tangible menace, but rather a feeling of gathering importance, as if a whirlpool of circumstances were slowly drawing him in. He could either fight the current of events or swim with them and perhaps control his path through the approaching maelstrom. Eycar did not know why he felt this way, though he knew such feelings to be true.

      Eycar dwelt upon this realization for a few minutes as he crept along the alleyways, and then he heard a sound that snapped him back into the reality of his situation. Gone was the feeling of impending menace, now replaced with the slight tapping of feet upon the smooth cobblestones ahead of him.

      Approaching the entrance of an alley to a minor street some subtle sense warned Eycar, and he shrank back into the shadows. Presently an old wizened lady carrying a small bag in her hand ran at a quick pace past the entranceway. He waited a moment, and was about to continue on, when he heard the clanking of metal upon metal and the drumming of several feet. He crouched low and huddled in the darkness as three lumbering shapes went past in evident pursuit of the elderly lady. And, it was not yet too dark for him to notice that they were covered with light armor of a rich and unusual design, and long swords hung at their waists in exquisitely laced scabbards.

      No common soldiers were these. And while their presence here in Zent at this hour was unusual to the extreme, their purposeful intent was not. They were engaged in a hot pursuit of the old crone, who seemed to be giving them quite a chase indeed. Then Eycar heard a scuffling noise, and next a screech of indignation and fear. They had caught her! But the voice of the woman seemed to come from a person much younger than her evident years.

      With curiosity overcoming his reluctance to get involved in something he knew nothing about, Eycar snuck a look around the corner to view what transpired. What he saw surprised him, for as the leading warrior swung the old woman around and grabbed for the bag in her hand, the lady was suddenly revealed as a rather young woman not much older than he.

      But even in the growing darkness Eycar could see that she possessed a head of long jet-black hair, and her features, while partially obscure in the wane light, were clear enough to reveal their unusual beauty.

      This apprentice alchemist was not a hero in most senses of the word, and he would study a problem till he well understood what he should do. Therefore, he did not run immediately for help in a town where most folks were already locked secure in their homes, but rather stayed to see what transpired.

      Then as sometimes comes to those who believe they are quite safe and intend to take no unnecessary risks in a given situation, an ill wind will change these plans almost to the extreme. And so it was for Eycar who intently watched the scene unfold.

      For suddenly he felt a heavy body press against him from behind and he smelled the hot breath of liquor upon his face as someone said, What’s go’in on e’re now? Eycar was already balanced precariously forward viewing the transpiring incident, and the added weight tipped him over, spilling both him and this new intruder upon the cold cobblestones in plain view of the soldiers.

      For a moment Eycar cursed his carelessness for not paying attention to alley behind him. This fellow was a straggler

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