Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Secret Histories

Heat poured from the hearth as Symon and Serafina sat down at the table. Symon glanced at the velvet bag on the table. The scent of burning wood filled the large, comfortable room. From the windows with partially open curtains, the light outside dimmed slightly, the sun lowering into late afternoon.

Symon couldn’t hide his curious gaze as he stared at the small, velvet bag. His mind ran with speculative thoughts from poison, to jewels. He didn’t really think she would have him go through all this trouble for some coin, just to poison him, but he had seen worse in his past. It was an odd habit to break, not thinking the worst outcome of every situation, but it did keep him alive to this point.

Serafina’s smile faded as she looked across the table to Symon staring at the bag. “It doesn’t contain anything nefarious, if you’re concerned.”

Symon looked up to the woman in black and gave her an understanding nod.

She continued, “Let’s see what you brought.”

The young man nodded again as he lifted up the coin pouch and placed it on the table. He loosened the pull string and turned the pouch. A pile of brown coins, a few silvers, and one gold coin spilled onto the table.

Serafina’s eyes shined with greedy delight. She reached over and helped smoothed them out on the table. Silently, her finger touched each one as she counted away.

Symon silently counted with her. She asked for fifty copper rooks, but this haul had much more. He wondered if she would let him keep any extra coins. He did do the dirty work of stealing it.

After a long moment of counting, Serafina sat back and looked at the young man across form her. “There are fifty-two copper rooks, three silver knights, and one gold queen. You did much better than I had expected.”

“What did you expect?” Symon asked with a smarmy smile.

“A humble attitude,” Serafina said and then let out an amused laugh.

Symon’s smile wilted as he waited patiently.

I can’t tell if she is actually this way, or it’s an act. Either way, she doesn’t seem to be the boring kind.

Serafina took hold of the velvet sack and sat back in her chair. The coins were all spread out in the middle of the table. The sounds of the crackling fire eased the tension in Symon’s shoulders. A calm floated across the room as the sun outside sunk lower in the sky.

“How much do you know about the mages and guilds of Gray Gate?” Serafina asked simply.

Symon shook his head. “Not a lot. I spent a lot of time trying to get a meal, but I did see some people who were doing nefarious things when they thought no one was watching. Back alley deals and quiet violence, such as beating someone if they owed coin to others.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed, “Did you notice anything odd or strange with those involved?”

Symon nodded. “Some of them wore the same color, or kind of clothes. There are different groups and they all had some hand in some dark alley dealings. I often moved on, not wanting to chance being seen as I picked out my next meal.”

The young man kept his curious gaze on the woman in black. “Why do you ask?”

Serafina gave a slow nod as she leaned forward. She pressed her elbows down on the table, laced her fingers and rested her chin on them. Her gaze took on a faraway gleam as she began to talk.

“A small history lesson, before we begin. As you may know, hundreds of years ago, Gray Gate used to be a poor fishing town and port. Very few people from the many races would come through here. The further north one traveled from Gray Gate, the harsher the world was. All manner on beasts and monsters lurked north, but they stayed to themselves, as everyone else stayed themselves the further south you traveled.

“During this time, and many thousands of years before, Norr was filled with mana.”

“Mana is the life blood of magic,” Symon said as he remembered his studies in his youth.

Serafina nodded. “Truly, it was and still is. You know about the Mad Mage. Everyone knows about him. He was skilled and powerful, powerful enough to harness the very mana from our world. No one knew his true intentions, but like all those with power, they will always crave more power. He discovered the secrets to the mana of Norr and used it to harness unknown and powerful magic.”

“He used his power to open a gate to another realm. In doing so, a flood of umbras came through. The monsters consumed what they could, and infected others, turning them into creatures like themselves. The umbra worms would burrow into living, or dead bodies, animating, twisting, and controlling them. Everyone on Norr knows of the stories,” Symon added.

“They do, but they don’t know all the stories behind the veil,” Serafina said. “The Mad Mage tried to harness the power of another realm. He was in such a remote location in the north, and with how quickly the umbra were coming through the gate, he would have succeeded, if luck had not intervened.

“Six mages were visiting Gray Gate nearly seven-hundred and seventy-six years ago. They were friends, each one from the six schools of magic. Each one was a master in their own right, and enjoyed each other’s company from time to time. They often performed research together, and had planned to travel north to explore the northern wilds. When the pulse of foul magic touched their mystical senses, they felt the danger and made the journey together to discover what had happened.”

Symon crossed his arms and tilted his head forward. “They found the mad mage and his army of monsters from another realm. They combined their skills and power to tap into the mana of Norr. There was an incredible battle and the Mad Mage was defeated, but the gate and monsters could not be stopped. With the last of their power, they called on the element of water and ice. They used everything within their power to freeze the north, encasing the monsters and the portal in an immense glacier. After they succeeded, they returned to Gray Gate, where each one died within days of each other.

“Their final words and story were written down. Their story is revered and passed to nearly every corner of the continent and island nations to the south. Every child knows this story.”

Serafina gave Symon a knowing smile, “But, do you know what became of Gray Gate after the events from so long ago?”

“Gray Gate grew and became a city for mages and those seeking knowledge of the mystic arts,” Symon answered.

“Is that all?” Serafina asked with an amused gleam in her eyes.

Symon parted his lips to speak, but no words came out. Everyone knew the story of the cataclysm, but beyond that, the word grew and prospered, for the most part.

“I feel, this is the moment we will be speaking of secrets,” Symon said with a softer tone.

Serafina nodded and continued, “Using so much mana to stop the cataclysm drained and weakened the natural mana of Norr. It drained it so much so, magic had become weaker then it used to be.

“Mages, the heroes of Norr, were now a dying profession. With the threat of frozen monsters in the glacier hanging over the peoples of or our realm, magic needed to be saved if we had any chance of surviving. The cataclysm was never stopped, only delayed. Umbras escape from their icy prison from time to time, but there is always the threat that more and more of them will be free and wreak havoc across our realm.

“The mages knew this could not happen, not again. They rushed to find an answer to their waning power. By chance, they did discover how they could retain their power, should the cataclysm begin again.”

Symon leaned forward, all of his senses trained on the woman with the white lock of hair. Curiosity bit deeper as he listened.

Serafina sat up, unlaced her fingers and put her forearms and hands on the table. “All mages use spellbooks. When they cast, or channel a spell, the mana within the text of the spell is drained away. Mana, is the life blood of our world.”

The woman in black pointed to her bare wrist, “Mana is in the very blood, bones, and muscle of living creatures. A mage could use the mana within their own bodies, but that is much too dangerous an act. If too much mana from one’s self is used, there is a chance it will strip away their very life and die as a result.”

Serafina placed her hands down on the table as she continued, “That is why, to ensure mages would not be killed for performing their mystic arts, they channeled their power from a special ink in their spellbooks. Mana regenerates, much like most creatures in our world. It is believed, the mana of Norr will come back, but it requires eons to regenerate that kind of power again. Until our realm heals from the damage of the Mad Mage, mages must obtain the table scraps of mana to use their power.”

Symon kept his gaze steady as he looked at Serafina. His own memories crashed into his thoughts, frantic words of warning before shadows claimed a familiar face.

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“I’ve heard whispers of such things,” Symon said in a low tone.

Serafina nodded. “As I’m sure you have. Someone like you, is a rarity in these times. Someone must have told you.”

The memories continued to wash on the shores of Symon’s thoughts. Tears, weeping, and rushed words splashed on the rocks of his inner thoughts. When the memories proved too much, Symon looked away and tried to push down every last terrible memory into the deepest pit of his soul.

Serafina continued, “The mages call it ichor. It is the un-refined blood and meat of mystical creatures. When it is prepared in vats, it is turned into spell ink. The ink is used to inscribe mystical words, spells, and rituals on paper. When a mage speaks an incantation, the mana from within the words is used to create the desires spell effect.”

Symon nodded, knowing the implications for himself, and others like him.

Serafina kept a neutral gaze on the young man as she spoke, “It is an unwritten secret across Norr. It is whispered among many, but said little to the populace. Our realm needs mages to be ready for the day comes when the cataclysm continues its deadly rampage.”

“What does this have to do with stealing coins for you?” Symon asked with a glimmer of annoyance.

The woman in black gave him a slow nod. “It means everything. The city of Gray Gate has six mage academies. Each tower within Old Town, houses young mages who will be taught the mystic arts. Every few months, they rotate to each tower, so they may learn from specific schools of magic. The six forms of magic are Elemental, Divination, Illusion, Conjuration, Transmutation, and Necromancy. Each one, save for the last, is important to teaching young mages, so they may find their specialty.”

Symon lifted an eyebrow, “Each one but necromancy?”

Serafina gave a small nod. “I will speak to that later, but for now, you must understand what is the proper rules, history, and conduct of Gray Gate. Each academy of magic has a grandmaster of the mystic arts. They each teach a group of students for a time before they move onto the next grandmaster. Each academy may hold roughly twenty to fifty students, depending on the year and the number of those eager to learn.

“The mages involved, the grandmasters, are the ruling class of Gray Gate. Each one has a vote on what happens within and beyond Gray Gate walls. The emperor, and many other kingdoms, rely on the academies to bring fresh, new mages to their sides to help guard them from any umbra, or enemy kingdom, across Norr. To ensure there is a balance between the six academies, a Grand Magus is chosen by the people of Old Town, to serve for ten years.”

“Old Town? Residents of New Town cannot help chose?” Symon asked.

The woman in black shook her head. “New Town is considered too poor, and its residents too chaotic, to be trusted with aiding in the choosing of a grand magus. If you were to ask me, the grandmasters want nothing to do with New Town and are content to let us live out our poor lives as they enjoy their riches and status.”

Serafina’s eyes took on a serious gleam. “All of what I’ve said is to help you understand what is happening within the shadows of Gray Gate. But, before I continue, I must ensure you’re ready to enter a shadowy world where once you join, you may never leave.”

Serafina’s hands moved to the velvet pouch. Pale fingers worked with expert skill, loosening the pull string and sticking her hand inside.

Symon watched as she pulled out a crystal vial, a small knife, and a small, weathered book. She placed the items on the top side of table, above the coins. He quickly noticed the raven emblem on the small sack.

Serafina let go of the items and looked into Symon’s eyes. “The grandmasters don’t do all of their work themselves. They busy themselves with teaching and politics, and not the darker edges of their work. They rely on others for procurement of ichor, and carrying out special orders that require a little more exertion than a grandmaster mage wishes to provide.

“Each grandmaster has a guild that works for them. Each guild is dedicated to each grandmaster and their academy. They are the hidden hand behind the scenes. People who dedicate their lives to performing well-paid work for those who rule in Gray Gate. I wish I could speak more on them, but there is a price to pay for such knowledge.”

Symon looked into Serafina’s eyes. Her jovial, sarcastic self was gone. In place of it, was a serious woman with an unwavering gaze. Her eyes swirled with something Symon couldn’t put his finger on, like a weight of untold knowledge, and deadly consequences if she was ever crossed.

“Symon, I will not mince words. The door I present to you will be to a world of shadows, coin, and hidden knowledge. If you step through, there is no return to your previous life. You will be like all of us who have pledged our lives to the guilds. The only escape is death, or earning enough riches to buy your way out, but even those that do, never fully leave this life.”

Symon looked into her eyes. “Where are the rest of your guild members? This house looks like it should have dozens of people living here, but I have only seen you.”

Serafina looked to the side. “The Raven Guild has fallen on difficult times in the past thirty years. I cannot speak any more on it, until you make a decision.”

“What is to stop me seeking an audience with the other guilds?” Symon asked as his mind worked.

Serafina returned her gaze to Symon’s dark green eyes. “They will do one of two things. They will either rob you and leave you beaten in the street, or, if they discover your secret, they will sell you to a grandmaster for the highest bid,” she said with a flash of certainty in her eyes.

A cold chill touched Symon’s heart. The serious gleam in Serafina’s eyes told more than any words could ever say. He was at risk, his blood a prize that would heft a heavy reward, and sure enough, his own demise.

I can’t do this alone, and it appears, neither can Serafina. I don’t know if it was fate, the gods, or luck, but the door looms and I feel I already made my decision.

Symon leaned forward with a gleam in his own eyes. “How shall we begin?”

Serafina smiled. She reached over and pulled out the crystal stopper to the standing vial. She put it down and looked over to Symon.

“Put out our hand,” she said with a commanding tone.

Symon put his hand out on the table. It rested, palm up, on the coins in the middle of the table.

Serafina snatched up the small knife with one hand, and grabbed Symon’s wrist with the other. Her arm moved in a blur. A pinpoint of pain touched Symon and a drop of crimson red bloomed on a single finger.

“It is blood that unites us,” Serafina said as she put the knife down and took hold of the vial.

Symon watched as she pressed his finger to the mouth of the open vial and squeezed it. Several drops dripped into the crystal vial. After another few drops, she let go of his wrist and put the stopper back in the top of the vial. She then took hold of the small, weathered book and pushed it to the young man.

“When you turn the book over, you will see an oval indent. Press your finger to it,” she directed.

Symon did as he was told. He picked up the small book and turned it over. On the now visible side, there was an oval indent, large enough for the tip of his finger. It was stained in the middle, like it was used before by another. The weathered book was before him as he didn’t hesitate, pressing his bloody finger to the small, oval indent. The moment finger, blood, and book touched, a prickling energy ran up Symon’s hand, arm, and into his shoulder. It snaked further, prickling along his senses and body, until it reached his heart. There, it settled in, binding to him, forming a connection between himself, and the strange book.

“This is your ledger. It is an enchanted item. It belongs to you an no other, until the time of your death. You must keep it on, or near you at all times. It is sacred to each guild member. It will contain notes on knowledge you achieved, and the amount of currency and wealth you have gained.

“Should you be searched, the book is enchanted to be hidden from those looking. They will not see it, nor feel it. Only those of your guild will be able to see it. The words and knowledge within, will be written in a language only you may understand. If another guild member or stranger reads your ledger, all they will see is symbols and nonsense words. Guard it with your life, for it will be your prized possession.”

Symon nodded as he turned the small book over in his hands. He then looked up to see Serafina’s smile had returned.

“Welcome to the Raven Guild,” the woman in black grinned. “Now, our real work can begin. Let’s start with our history, and see where the night takes us from there.”

Outside, the sun touched the horizon as the last rays of light painted the high towers of Old Town in dreamy brilliance.

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