Page 2 of Ruins of Magic
To make matters worse, he knew he was only driving himself crazy. Nothing could ever happen between them even if she wanted it. He had sworn a celibate life to the apprenticeship of magic. As such, he had given up any chance at love. Having such familial attachments came at a price that would be too great in the event evil returned to Gavalon once again.
On the one hand, Zallon had told him over and over there was no reason to suspect dark magic would return to their kingdom again in his lifetime, but there were reasons such extreme commitments were expected from the protectors of Gavalon. Having been exposed to dark magic, Arion had finally understood and the decision to accept the apprenticeship had been made fully aware of the costs to his personal life.
Garron cleared his throat. “Arion? Did you hear what I said?”
“What? Oh, sorry. You were saying?”
“I said Valaria is well, but a little depressed.”
“Depressed? Why?”
“You really weren’t listening to a word I said, were you?” Garron challenged.
Arion gave him a sheepish look. “Sorry.”
“As I was saying. The King is really pushing the marriage of the princess to the Duke of Chellgar. He’s arranging a visitation party to escort her there for a visit.”
“But he is old, and Valaria doesn’t even like him,” Arion protested.
Garron gave a sad smile. “It doesn’t seem like she has any choice in the matter.”
The thought alone angered Arion. He closed his eyes and swore under his breath.
Garron watched in fascination as the air around his friend whirled into tiny tornados. “So cool!”
“What is cool about our friend being forced into wedding a man she does not want?”
“Not, that,” Garron said. “Look!” As Arion opened his eyes, the tiny spouts vanished. Garron sighed. “Nevermind.”
He knew Arion well enough to know that he would never believe him if he told him what he saw. Arion was in denial that he had any magic at all, aside from the few potions Zallon had taught him, but Garron had observed Arion using magic on more than one occasion.
The subject was quickly changed once again as the two friends caught up. By the time Arion returned to the Hall of Magic later that afternoon, he felt better than he had in weeks and was smiling.
“I knew some fresh air would do you some good,” Zallon said approvingly.
“I suppose you were right. What’s on our agenda for the remainder of the day?” Arion asked, anxious to get his studies complete so he could return to the library on his hunt.
“I’ve been summoned up to the castle, so you have the rest of the day off, however, that includes the library. I’ve placed a locking spell on the door and beg you not to try and break it.”
“That’s a little drastic, don’t you think?” Arion challenged.
Zallon gave him a look and shook his head. “Sadly, for you, no.”
Arion sighed. “Can I come with you to the castle then? I’ll have nothing to do here.”
“This place could always use a good cleaning.” Arion groaned and gave a pathetic look hoping Zallon would take pity on him. “Oh fine, but don’t dawdle.”
They walked in comfortable silence up the steep incline leading to the grand castle that overlooked the valley of Gavalon. Stopping to look out across the lands from the top, they stood in awe watching the unicorns run and play in the fields.
The people of the village surrounding the castle were bustling with their daily activities. Children ran about chasing a goat that had gotten lose. The clink of metal from the armory could be heard. And the smells of burning meat made Arion’s mouth water as they passed through the vendors along the way.
The village of Gavalon was a thriving eclectic mix of all the king’s people. It could be found in the northern territory of Gavalon. Only Kilrest was further north of the castle. Its jagged cliffs along the Miota Sea and the stretch the of mountains that bordered North Pyr gave a natural defense to the kingdom.
Gavalon stretched down the eastern shore of Amaria with its hub in the north, the southern territory boasted large fields of crops and farms governed by dukes and other nobleman. The only notable village was Chellgar, but various tiny towns also dotted the land.
The people of Gavalon were peaceful with simple lives. Everyone took a job that benefitted the kingdom in some way. The High Keeper of Magic happened to be one of the most notable of all assignments. Arion would lead a good life of the upper-class. He would want for nothing, well, nothing obtainable at least.
His thoughts shifted to Valaria and he quickly hoped he would not run into her. Seeing her only made it harder to stay focused on his own job.
