The tales of treachery

CASONIUS

Written by: IB
The Stronghold Arcania is a cluster of ancient and colossal dry stone towers located on the Starbryn Isles, a large archipelago off the coast of Etheria, housing the Guild Arcanum, the most powerful and influential group of spellcasters on the continent.

We set our scene in a circular classroom in the Northern Tower of the Stronghold. It was poorly ventilated with only one miniscule window to allow air in. The room was dimly lit by floating candles, some of which occasionally fell out of the sky. The wooden furniture: bookshelves, desks, and cabinets filled the space. The back wall of the room was adorned with maps and paintings, with a large blackboard displaying magical equations on it.

Within the room stood two figures. One was an elf, short in stature, with oddly blue-tinted skin, pointed ears, and large eyes. The elf donned a long black robe with a belt with potions hanging from it. This figure was Ethel- a runaway elf. The other figure was quite tall, with a short, healthy black beard and a glint in his eye that spoke volumes of his superiority. His harsh grey eyes were piercing, and he too wore a long black robe. Around his neck hung a golden amulet intricately carved with runes. The figure had a utilitarian black belt, and a satchel of spell books hung from his right hip. This was none other than me, Casonius Magjia, the most powerful member of the Guild Arcanium.

The classroom exuded an aura of serenity, thanks to the elf's impressive naturalistic spellcasting.

"Excellent work," I said, forced out through a strained smile and gritted teeth.

"Thank you, sir. And, um, could you recommend a book for illusion magic? I have an upcoming examination and could use some assistance," the elf inquired.

"Liber Fallaciarum by Elibrikus Magjia would be an excellent choice," I suggested unenthusiastically.

Despite being renowned as the most powerful member of the Arcane guild, I couldn't perform even the simplest naturalistic magic. It was disheartening to realise that this apprentice could surpass my abilities with ease- which caused me to lose my composure and I was overwhelmed with shame and humiliation.

"Ethel, tell me where you learned naturalistic magic." I said with an aura of apprehension and acrimony. I was confident that Ethel would not dare ignore my request, given my reputation as a powerful mage.

"Sir?" Ethel responded, as she became visibly flustered.

"Tell me where you learned naturalistic magic," I repeated, my voice becoming louder and more insistent with each word.

My frustration grew, and I started questioning why such an inexperienced apprentice would dare to challenge me. With a tone of passive aggression, I asked, "Are you familiar with what a Dumic is, Ethel?"
"Y-yes, Dumics are enchanted items often resembling humanoid features, such as dolls, figures, and training dummies," Ethel answered with a hint of nervousness.
"I commend your diligent nature," I replied, my voice laced with sarcasm. "However, you must be aware that if you were to *accidentally* stumble into a room full of our Dark artefacts, those very same Dumics could devour your soul. It would be quite unnecessary to face such peril merely to avoid offending the guild."

I felt a twinge of remorse as I saw the shame and defeat etched on Ethel's face. I pressed on, determined to know more.
"Who taught you Naturalistic magic, Ethel?" I asked, my tone still curt.
After a moment of hesitation, Ethel replied in a defeated tone, "Mother Magia."
I was surprised by her response, as I knew of the revered Earth Mother who ruled over the vast Greenwood Kingdom. Elves were born with naturalistic abilities, but it seemed that Ethel had received specialised training and care from Mother Magia herself.
"I see," I said, feeling a tinge of empathy. "And yet, you abandoned her for the guild?"
Ethel nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor. "I was her prodigy, but I chose to join the guild- as I knew it was best for me. I doubt she would welcome any friends of mine."
I couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for Ethel, torn between loyalty to her former mentor and the desire to improve her magical abilities through the guild.

I felt guilty for my harsh words and actions. Nonetheless, I reminded myself I had a goal to reach; and I would stop at nothing to achieve that goal.
"Well, luckily I'm not your friend," I retorted, trying to conceal the flicker of sympathy in my eyes.
With a wave of my hand, I dismissed Ethel from my classroom, cautioning her not to divulge our altercation to anyone. Reluctantly, she agreed and scurried off to her chambers, her shoulders hunched with defeat.

As I stepped out of the classroom, I swiftly collected my parchments and spell books before making my way towards the grand, spruce door. With a decisive click, I locked the door and began my descent down the frigid and shadowy corridor. The only sounds were the gentle swishing of my robes and the echoing tap of my footsteps on the slippery cobblestone floor. As I made my way up the treacherous spiral staircase, I tightly gripped the sturdy bannister, using it as a guide to steady myself for the ascent into my chambers.

Thankfully, I reached the top of the staircase without incident.
Upon entering my chambers, I was immediately enveloped in a cosy ambiance created by the intricate tapestries and ornate furniture. The flickering flames of the lit fire cast dancing shadows across the walls. The rich scent of incense was rife throughout my chambers, furthering the comfortable atmosphere.

I deposited my parchments at my desk before heading to my shrine of Veneficus- the god of magic.

I knelt before the shrine- bowing my head in respect.The shrine was a large marble slab, perhaps the size of a desk or small table. Upon the shrine was a 2'6" golden statue of Veneficus, surrounded by various offerings and candles.

"My Lord," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "I humbly seek your divine guidance. I find myself lost, adrift in a sea of confusion and despair. I am unable to master the intricacies of naturalistic magic, a feat that even a mere apprentice has surpassed with ease. I implore you, my Lord, to lead me to Mother Magia- the ruler of the vast Greenwood Kingdom. Grant me the knowledge and skills necessary to become a true master of the arcane arts."

I closed my eyes, focusing all my attention on the deity's aura of arcane energy. As if in response to my plea, a faint whisper filled my ears, carrying with it a message.

"Seek the path of the forest, and you shall find the answers you require," the voice murmured, its tone resolute and commanding.

With renewed courage, I rose from my knees, a sense of purpose coursing through my veins. The message had given me the strength to take on the challenges that lay ahead. I bowed once more to the shrine, offering my thanks to the god of magic, before setting out to fulfil my destiny.