The Forsaken Hero

”Fate magic? Fortunately for you, I happen to be one of the fools who study it,” Lysander said, taking a seat beside me.

I stared in shock. He was sitting in midair! There hadn’t even been a magic circle or anything!

He cleared his throat and began talking, as though it were nothing unusual. ”Fate magic is the manipulation of the laws of time and self. Through spells, we can alter destiny, manipulate choices, and share fortunes. Everything that is, has been, or will be is encompassed within fate.”

His voice was light and cheerful, hardly matching the depth of his words. ”So what kind of spells does it use?”

He blinked and looked at me for a second. ”Why, it can do almost anything! For instance, ’Future Sight’ is a sixth-circle spell that allows one to see a minute into someone’s actions, proving extremely useful in a fight or during a conversation. The eighth circle spell ’Fateful Strike’ is an attack that strikes the very soul of a creature, erasing it from existence. And-”

I hesitantly raised my hand. ”I can’t use any combat spells. Is there anything else?”

He froze, hands raised mid-description. ”Can’t use combat spells?”

I nodded and he waved his hand. Immediately, magic circles flashed about him, disappearing just as quickly. I counted five before they were gone, but there had definitely been more.

”Interesting,” he said, staring at me with glowing eyes. ”A divine curse? Just what did you do...”

”It wasn’t my fault,” I said, looking down. ”It happened before I was brought here.”

”No, I imagine it wasn’t. The Sun God has had a grudge against Fate for as long as I can remember. Unlucky you were the breaking point.” He cleared his throat and blinked away his spell. ”In that case, let’s focus on something a little more manageable. Your other abilities, for instance.”

”Other abilities? Wait, you can see my stats?” I gasped, feeling violated somehow.

”Don’t look like that. It’s only natural, of course. Now, about your Divine Eyes, Eyes of Fate. I’ve heard only oracles have those, which makes you a rare existence.”

Oracles was a new word, and I sat forward, eager to learn. Unfortunately, Lysander moved on without further mention of them, explaining instead my ability. I memorized the information, certain it would be useful.

”The Eyes of Fate are a type of Divine Eyes that allow one to pierce the veil of reality and see the true workings of magic. With time and practice, a whole new world of sight will be available to you.”

”How do I use them?”

He raised a finger, wagging it back and forth. ”You don’t want to. Not yet, at least. Divine Eyes require mana equivalent of a third-circle spell to use for even a short time. Instead, why don’t I teach you a few first-circle spells?”

”Oh, okay,” I agreed, feeling a bit disappointed.

”Lower circle Fate spells mostly deal with individuals. They connect fates, providing protection and increasing aptitude. Take ’Aegis,’ for example.”

I leaned forward as he began to slowly cast a first-circle spell. He chanted slowly, and the runes were relatively simple, allowing me to memorize them by the time he finished.

As Lysander fell quiet, the circle disappeared and the air distorted around him like water evaporating in the sun. The aura shimmered a soft gold, giving off a sense of security.

”Aegis provides some resistance against magic and weapons. If someone were to run at me with a sword, the spell would turn it aside. Anyone with great strength or more powerful magic could penetrate it, but would have some difficulty in doing so, making it a fantastic spell for protecting someone during combat. Careful, though, as it draws the subject’s strength to resist attacks. If it takes too much damage, it will break.”

”Can I try?” I asked warily. Selena had asked me not to cast without her, and although I didn’t know Lysander’s identity, he seemed more than confident in his ability to handle magic.

He nodded, and I took a deep breath. Furrowing my brow in concentration, I called my mana and began the chant, reciting Lysander’s words as I pushed my mana out. Unlike before, the mana marched out in orderly waves, condensing into runes and forming a perfect circle. It felt stable and safe, giving me a sense of control.

”Excellent,” Lysander said, smiling broadly. ”Now, designate a target, preferably yourself. Just think about it, and the mana will respond.”

As he promised, the instant I imagined golden waves curling around me, the mana responded and a final rune fell into place. The circle disappeared, and the flow of mana ceased, allowing me to relax. A shimmering golden aura surrounded me, flowing about along invisible currents.

”Incredible!” I whispered, stretching out a hand to run my fingers through it. The light scattered at my touch, flowing in eddies behind my hand and reforming.

”Congratulations on your first spell!” Lysander said, looking pleased. ”Just as I’d expect from my chosen pupil.”

His words distracted me from the magic. ”Pupil?”

”Take no thought, simply the grumbling of an old man. It’s just been a while since I’ve personally taught someone something. Would you like help selecting a few other spells to practice with?”

I nodded eagerly, and we returned to the bookshelf. He selected a few other first-circle spells, each written in their own thin book.

”These spellbooks contain the chant, runes, and guide to casting. The back few pages are the wisdom and experience of other mages, and any advice they might have. I recommend reading carefully through them before trying anything.”

”I will,” I promised, clasping the books close to my chest. ”Thank you for helping me.”

”As I said, treat it as an apology,” he said dismissively. ”Now, I’d best be going. They’re going to be upset I’m late.”

Without another word, Lysander raised his hand and cast a fourth circle spell. I stepped back and watched as his frail body lifted off the floor and floated down the dome, landing safely on ground level. He raised a hand and waved, before floating out the door. The other priests and visitors of the library quickly got out of his way, bowing respectfully until he was gone.

I shook my head, moving back to the magical elevator. What a strange fellow. From how others treated him, he was clearly important, yet he acted humbly. Well, humble if I forget when he treated me like an unusual specimen in a lab.

Humming softly, I left the library to find Soltair and get some breakfast. What would he think of my new spell?