Grendilton: Rise of the Shadows

40 | Chapter Forty

Final preparations.

Spirals of sun magic twisted around Connor's ankles. His breath felt heavy in the depths of his throat and with each lingering tendril of energy that ripped across his skin, he couldn't help but grimace. Fatigue hit his core immensely and he struggled to keep his eyes open. He began to wonder when his last meal was, as stray pangs of hunger stringed at his stomach with thirst on the horizon of his mouth.

Connor cursed, and only just realised that solar energy was ruining him. What was even more painstaking was that the people around him were beginning to notice — and they looked at him with worry.

"Alright dweeb," Logan sighed with disappointment. "We're done."

Although there was a fragment of determination that keyed in Connor's heart, he couldn't fathom the words from his sand dry mouth to tell the summoner that he could carry on.

Logan noticed his actions, boring his stormy blue eyes at Connor, then shook his head and said, "You're running yourself ragged. By the time it's the sun solstice party, you'll be too injured to even cast a fire spell."

With a lingering eye shooting past Connor, Logan snapped his finger then said, "Iza. Do your thing."

With furrowed brows, Connor looked over his shoulder to see the usually friendly ice sage. He watched Iza raise his hands, creating a whisk of frost to swivel across his body, calming the ravaging pain that solar power created.

"Thanks," said Connor, looking at a disappointed Iza who sighed then mumbled, "perhaps you should rethink about using solar power."

It wasn't like Iza to debate about anything. But, seeing the damage across Connor's arms, he knew that Iza was concerned that he couldn't heal all wounds — with death being one of them.

Connor gulped and was about to detest his claims as to why he needed to use solar power. But Iza silenced him by yelling, "I mean it. Fire magic is just as strong! And I know I can heal scorched skin ... but this..."

Connor was lost for words. He didn't know how to tell him that this was the only power that could save Macey nor could he find the words to say to him that he was okay with the pain it was creating. But rather than tell these words, all he did was stutter then said, "thank you Iza. For everything. I really appreciate not only your help but for being a friend — even when I didn't deserve it."

Iza smirked, then sullenly replied, "no problem nerd."

_______

There was a lingering murmur in the small meeting room of the summoners guild, which was filled with a variety of people from the different masteries of Grendilton.

A plethora of leaders gathered. From Logan to Raine to the dragoons leader and also the White Enhancer — Connor felt honoured to be there with them. While he stood by Logan, he couldn't help but crease his face at the lack of Paladins that were there, only seeing one who was only a third-year student. He knew his brother wouldn't attend because Michael had other issues to address. But that didn't keep away the disappointment shifting in his gut.

Surrounding the glossy table before them, Connor noticed that everyone present had a certain look about them. One that seemed like they knew this could be their last moments — even though they were still students. He noticed the fully plated alchemist who wore tech around their arms and saw the sheer determination in their eyes. He also saw a summoner with their familiar getting amped up for a battle.