The HaRT Knight Decaverse

Heir of Magic

Chapter 05

The Phoenix Prophecy

Alexander was so excited to start his magical education he didn’t even bother to go to sleep. Instead, as Dante began to snore, he strapped his new swords to his back, threw on the phoenix cloak, and asked the servant to show him to the park. It came as no surprise when they arrived at the park that there wasn’t anyone else in sight. The rest of Moondrake was asleep, worn out from celebrating through out the night.
“Thank you, I should be fine on my own now. You should get some sleep,” Alexander said to the moondrake as he scanned the park for a place he could use to practice some sword formations.
The park was quite large with several benches and fountains spread out across the green hills. In the far north side, there stood a stone structure that might once have been a cabin, but a sign above the front door now proclaimed it to be the Saniel Museum. In the center of the park, built on an island in the middle of a fountain, was a large statue of a man who was without a doubt not a moondrake. He wasn’t human either. The figure did look mostly human though, but the simian features of his face, his long slender tail, and hand-like feet were all well-known features of the dhaesí race. But why the moondrakes would have a statue of a dhaesí was a mystery to Alexander.
He shrugged and made his way to a hill that was relatively free of obstacles and drew his swords. He weighed the weapons in his hands and took a few swings, trying to get a feel for the new weapons. The smith who had forged them had done a magnificent job. The curved blades felt like old friends in his hands.
“This is a surprise,” said the kite Moondrake that had served as one scout on the flying ship the previous day. Faulkner wore his military garb, from his brass helm and bracers, to his bronze spear, he seemed ready for battle. “I thought you princely types liked a good lie in.”
“Perhaps other princes,” Alexander said. “Personally, I find sleep to be a waste of time. Time I could use to get in some extra training. You’re Faulkner, right?”
“That’s right,” Faulkner said, sounding a little surprised that someone as important as Alexander would bother to remember his name. “I was hoping to get a little practice in, but I can go to one of the other—”
“Don’t be silly,” Alexander cut him off. “Since we’re both here, do you want to spar?”
“You would want to spar with me? But I’m just a commoner,” Faulkner protested.
“And I’m a prince without a kingdom. From my perspective that places us on an equal social status,” Alexander said. “Besides, it’s always better to train with a friend instead of alone. Prevents you from ingraining mistakes.”
“Friend.” Faulkner smiled.
“I would like that. but if you prefer—”
“No!” Faulkner said quickly. “I would like that too.”
“Good, then you can stop treating me like some pampered princeling and start thinking of me as an equal. After all, I’ve spent most my life among mercenaries and battlefields, not courtrooms and pillowed thrones.”
“As you wish.” Faulkner’s subservient mannerisms from before all fell away instantly, and he said, “I hope you’re good at least.”
“Never met an opponent I couldn’t beat,” Alexander replied.
“Good. Me neither.”
“Then it would seem one of us is about to have a new experience,” Alexander said with a confident grin. “If you don’t mind, I would prefer not to use practice weapons. I’d like to get to know my new swords a little better. But don’t worry, I’ll stop myself before I cut off your head.”
Faulkner’s eyes lit up with defiance and eagerness as he took the defensive stance.
Then, they began. Faulkner’s struck out with his spear like a wiper. Alexander blocked the thrust with ease and retaliated with a slice at the moondrake’s arm, but the curved blade only bounced off of the brass bracer. Blow after blow fell to no avail. They were close to equals in defensive skill, however, Alexander’s attack speed was superior. He delivered four blows for each one of Faulkner’s attacks. At first, their movements were erratic and aggressive, but after a few moments, their styles evened out as they got a feeling for their opponent’s movements. Now it was more like a practiced dance. For every move one of them had, the other had an answer. Time lost all meaning as everything faded away around them, only leaving themselves, their weapons, and their deadly dance; there was no past to lament and no future to fear.
But then, something shattered the illusion. The noise of clapping hands came from all around them. Both Alexander and Faulkner stopped when they heard the noise. At the edge of the park stood Claus with about ten Moondrakes behind him, all of them clapping hands with impressed expressions.
“You found an opponent that can keep up with you, Faulkner,” Claus said with a chuckle. The Moondrakes behind him nodded their heads in agreement. “But it’s time for today’s aeroturgy training, so you two will have to finish up later.” The admiral’s voice grew firm and authoritative as he said, “Everyone gather over at the trees and get ready. We will take it slow today so our new comrade can catch up with us.”
“You have great skill Alex Twin Blade. I’m impressed,” Faulkner said as they all made their way to the trees.
“And you are one of the best I have ever fought,” Alexander said.
“Only one of the best,” Faulkner said in amusement.
When they reached the spot Clause had indicated, the Moondrake admiral gestured for Alexander to move closer to him. The rest of the Moondrakes all stood in a row, side by side, with the attention focused on Claus.
“A F-zero aeroturgy user will join us today. Seeing as he has joined us a little late this year, he will have to take lessons with you today. This means revision for all of you.”
The rest of the moondrakes just stared at their teacher as he talked, “Now, first we will need to explain how grading works. Who wishes to assist?”
Four hands shot in the air. Claus did not seem impressed with the fact that so few of his students were willing to answer his question. Eyes narrowed, he moved forward to stand in front of a wren moondrake who had not raised his hand. The reluctant moondrake gulped and pointed to himself with wide eyes. Claus nodded.
“Moondrakes who start training and have never produced aeroturgy before are referred to as F-zero. Once you can produce aeroturgy, you are promoted to F-one and can begin phase one training. This phase focuses on increasing consistency, accuracy and power. Promotion to F-two is next where phase two training will begin which focuses on increasing speed, control, and the distance at which you can use aeroturgy. An F-three is someone who is ready to learn how to combine everything learned in phase one and two for offensive and defensive aeroturgy. And—” the moondrake did not look up from the ground “—well, completion of phase three training is the minimum needed to join the Armada so I’m not really sure what phase four and five training entails.”
“Who can finish?” Claus asked, ignoring the downtrodden moondrake. Every single hand shot up this time. Claus pointed to Faulkner.
“Skulk was correct in everything he said, an F-four has the choice to join the armada as a soldier, however, they can also continue their training if they so choose. Phase four training is advanced, specialized battle aeroturgy training. Completion of this phase can take up to a year to complete, but doing so allows you to be promoted to F-five. Only a truly skilled and powerful aeroturgy user can move beyond this point, those who can, are promoted to admiral class.” As Faulkner finished his answer, he beamed with pride.
“Correct. Good work, Faulkner. Next, we need to discuss the basics of how aeroturgy works,” Claus said, turning to face Alexander. “Air is the same as everything else, to alter, move, or manipulate it, requires energy. The only difference is, unlike most other things, you cannot see the air. Because you can’t see it, it's difficult to take control of it, since the air already contains a great deal of energy. It constantly vibrates with it, it pushes and pulls it, and it all takes place at the same time. If you alter the flow of energy that is already there, without seeing the current flow, you can set off a chain reaction that may tear you apart. It is because of this that aeroturgy requires strength of mind, because you need to envision the flow of air. This is a hard concept to grasp for most ground walkers.” As Claus said this, everyone—except for Faulkner—gave Alexander a condescending look.
“But it’s simple to do,” Claus went on. “What you need to know to perform aeroturgy is the following information: You need to feel the air, feel the ebb and flow collide, merge, and separate before you. If you can envision it, you can alter it. You need to become one with the air around you and then you can use your will to take command of it. Do you understand?”
Alexander thought about it for a second and then shook his head. “I understand what you’re saying, sir. But I don’t quite understand how this would work.”
“I didn’t think you would. Very few ever do the first time. A demonstration will help.” Claus stepped forward and closed his eyes. “Clear your mind.” He opened his eyes. “Envision the flows of air around you. And then,” he swept his hand down as he said, “Impose your will upon them. Make them move to where you want them to.”
A sudden gust of wind rushed at Alexander, picked him up, and placed him back down on the ground a few feet behind the line of moondrakes. He kept his balance as he landed and stared at Claus in amazement.
“Now step forward with Faulkner and try to do the same thing to him I just did to you.” An outbreak of whispering erupted from the moondrakes in the park. Even Faulkner looked unsure of this. But Alexander obeyed his instructor without question, focusing only on not failing and embarrassing himself. Hesitantly, Faulkner stepped forward to stand opposite him.
“Very well.” Claus nodded. “Go!”
Alexander closed his eyes, trying to think of nothing but how to manipulate the air. Opening his eyes, he imagined rivers floating around him. With all his might, he tried to impose his will on the air, to force it to flow towards Faulkner. But nothing happened.
“Use your arms,” Faulkner whispered. “When you're a beginner, it helps to envision moving it like you would move water into a wave.”
“Yes, but remember, don’t move the air itself, merge with it, become one with it, and then all you have to move is yourself, not the air,” Clause said.
Alexander did everything again, this time using his arms. Again nothing.
“Clear your mind, Alexander. Merge yourself with the air, become one with it,” Clause said.
Alexander was feeling helpless, something he hated to feel more than anything in the world. But how am I supposed to become one with air? he thought in frustration. And then, it occurred to him. Of course! I’m so stupid. He smiled.
Clause, who had been on the verge of saying something more closed his mouth. The Moondrakes beneath the tree had been murmuring, but all fell silent. Everyone in the park could sense the change.
Alexander closed his eyes. They were an impediment in this situation. He breathed out slowly and instead of trying to see the air; he felt for it with his magic aura. There you are, he thought and opened his eyes. He didn’t have to imagine the flow of the surrounding air anymore, with his ruby and azure aura filling the air, he could see the rivers, in circles around everyone and everything. Alexander raised his hand and tried to move his aura towards Faulkner.
Every single river of air in the park reacted to Alexander’s will. The torrent of air blasted toward Faulkner and struck the him with more force than what Clause had used to lift Alexander. The impact sent feathers flying as it threw Faulkner clear out of the park.
Expressions of absolute amazement were present on every face in the park. Every face except one. Claus beamed and applauded. “I knew you could do it. You reached level one in less than one hour. Congratulations.”
“That was amazing, Alex!” Faulkner said as he walked back from wherever he had landed. A loud bout of whispering broke out from the other moondrakes again, but a look from Claus silenced them.
The next few hours were spent by Claus going into more detail about the intricacies of aeroturgy and the theory about how most of it works. In several of his tangents, the admiral even talked about the history of the moondrake people and how specific feats of aeroturgy had accomplished great things. By the time he finished, the other moondrakes, their eyes glazed over, were in a near comatose state of boredom.
“As Alexander is also level one now, we will resume the usual training tomorrow. There will be no slacking,” Clause said when he was done with his lecture. Turning to Alexander, he added, “My advice to you is to practice as much as you can. The others have a few more months’ experiences than you, but I will expect you to keep up nonetheless.”
“I won’t let you down, sir,” Alexander said.
“See that you don’t,” Clause said. “Very well, training is over for today. I’m sure we can all do with some sleep.”
The moondrakes spread their wings and flew off, but all of them looked back at Alexander. Claus gave his newest student a nod before he too took off. Only Faulkner stayed behind.
“Why does everyone keep looking at me like that?” Alexander asked as he saw the incredulous look on the kite moondrake’s face.
“Because you did aeroturgy,” Faulkner answered.
“So? All of you can do aeroturgy. Or is it just because I’m a land walker, or whatever you keep calling me?”
“No. It’s nothing like that.” He shook his head vehemently. “It’s not as much that you did aeroturgy, but that you did aeroturgy on your first day.”
“Is it that unusual?” Alexander asked.
“Most of us took four months before we could manage a mere puff of air. On your third attempt, you hit me with a small hurricane.” Faulkner gave a nervous chuckle. “I think Claus holds the record for a moondrake to learn aeroturgy the fastest, and he did it in two weeks.”
“Oh,” Alexander said. It was all he could think of saying. He didn’t feel as impressed with his performance as everyone else did.
“I was wondering,” Faulkner said.
“What?” Alexander said.
“I was just wondering if you wanted to be my sparring partner. Very few moondrakes appreciate the art of melee combat, so I have no one to give me a challenge. But you’re good. So, I thought we could train together before and after lessons. I could even help you practice your aeroturgy if you’d like,” Faulkner rambled at top speed.
“I would like that,” Alexander said.
“Great! When would you like to start?” Faulkner said.
“I was going to stay and practice my aeroturgy, as Claus said. So we could start right away.”
“Great!”
They spent the rest of the day practicing their aeroturgy. Faulkner proved to be more reliable and accurate, but he assured Alexander that this was because he has had a lot more experience. This made him feel a little better and renewed his vigor to train even harder. They only stopped to have a short lunch of more sweet fruit like those from the previous nights.
By the time twilight fell, Alexander could manipulate the air with enough precision to knock a moondrake pear off Faulkner’s head.
“All right, I think you’re all caught up now.” Faulkner laughed as he wiped the sticky blue juice of the pear from his face.
After that they sat down on two boulders to talk and drink some water. They were both exhausted seeing as neither of them had been to bed since the king’s celebration. Faulkner told him all about the city and his dream of one day becoming an admiral like Clause. Alexander told him the story of how Tír na Angelus fell.
“So, you fought him before? And you were only five. Amazing!” Faulkner exclaimed when Alexander finished.
“Not so amazing when you consider I lost,” Alexander said.
“But you were only a child. A child that managed to lay a finger on one of the most powerful beings in all of Primoris. That’s impressive,” Faulkner said.
“I guess, when you put it that way,” A smile crept across Alexander’s face. He stared up at the twilight sky as he thought back to that moment in time. He could still remember the entire thing as it had just happened a second ago. Even after all these years, Alexander still couldn’t remember how he had gotten from the doors to the royal quarters to his uncle’s side. All he remembered was seeing his mother lying on the ground as if asleep. Cain preparing a spell to kill her; and the next second, Cain screamed as Alexander hit him in the leg and sent a lance of fire through his knee.
“Ah, look,” Faulkner said, bringing him out of his memories. “The phoenixes have arrived.”
The sun was already out of sight, but it left its trace of shimmering orange light framed by the encroaching black night waiting to dominate. Above the orange flare, millions of crimson birds flew toward Moondrake.
Alexander stared at them, trying to imprint the sight upon his memory. When the phoenixes grew close enough to hear, they dominated another sense. Their songs were not like those of normal birds. This was more like music. All of them sang their song in unison, almost like they had rehearsed it.
“Do you want to see them land?” Faulkner asked.
“Yes! I would love to see that. Will they land here on Moondrake?” Alexander said.
“Yes, they land here every once in a while. They are intelligent beings. They have ceremonies just like us. If I am to judge, today’s ceremony will be a funeral,” Faulkner said.
A funeral. One of those magnificent birds is about to die? Why? Something of such magnificence can’t be allowed to die.
“Come on, let’s go watch,” Faulkner said, tossing Alexander his cloak.
He ran after Faulkner. He did not register much of his surroundings as they went; all he saw was the path in front of him. He was too distraught by the thought of one of those glorious birds dying to care much for his surroundings.
After about five minutes they reached a domed building standing apart from the rest. The building was not as tall as the rest of the structures on Moondrake. This one was more wide than tall, with windows across it. As Alexander and Faulkner reached the doorway, the first phoenix entered through a window. Inside the domed room, there were thousands of perches over glass funnels.
Alexander was about to ask what the funnels were for, when the last phoenix entered the room. It landed on a perch apart from the other birds, in the middle of the room on the only perch that did not have a funnel beneath it but a bowl instead. Close up, Alexander could now make out how magnificent the phoenix’s plumage was. its feathers were like jewels of crimson, gold and black, and its intelligent eyes were like molten gold.
The phoenix stared into Alexander’s eyes as it started to sing. This time, it was more than a mere melody; a mellifluous voice accompanied the song. 

Born as the Heir of magic, his genesis will be truly tragic.
The crucible of his life will lead him to the Pillars of Knowledge.
Generals will fall and kings will rise.
Hope and heroes shall be eclipsed as the feigning light dies.
From out the shadows will step the four archons of cataclysm.
From the dying sun will the Foe be born, and the end will begin.
The chains that bind his adversary are shattered along with all the world.
The Heir will step into the gate of flame, lost before the final battle can begin —

The song ended abruptly as the phoenix burst into flames.
“No, wait! What did you mean by that?” Alexander yelled. He turned to Faulkner, hoping the moondrake would at least have answers, but all he found was his stunned expression mirrored back at him.
“Did you hear that?” Alexander asked.
“Heard what? It finished its song then burst into flames like they always do,” Faulkner said.
All around them, the phoenixes burst into their sad song again. Alexander shook his head and stared around at the rest of the birds, hoping one of them might talk again. None of them did; they just sang their sad song and cried. Their tears, which were like small stars, dripped into the funnels beneath their perches.
“I need to see Dante,” Alexander said frantically.
“What? Alex, what’s going on?” Faulkner asked, sounding concerned.
“I’m fine. I just need to go see Dante. Please, just show me the way back to our room. I wasn’t paying attention when you led me here.”