#microstories

Warrior Magic

The master pulls his cloak more closely around himself, the room ice cold and drafty, all the windows open to the air year round.

He stands quietly as they came in. They rattle and clank, bump into each other in passing, looking around for a seat or a place to lean against the wall. He sighs, and is thankful he only has to do this a few times every year.

When their training is done, warriors are granted one small magic.

He feels the tension in the room, they all envy the magic wielders, even if they would never admit it. This is a small balm.

“There are four to choose from, but you can only have one. I cannot guide you in your choice. You must think on this and what would serve you best in the worst moment. And it can be many days before you are able to use it again. Most of you will regain your magic very slowly.”

“A small healing. It will not stop blood flowing nor take away poison. If it is your time to die, that will not change. It will reduce pain, a little, give energy, a little, slow the heart, free the breath, and clear the mind to see exactly what needs to be done.”

“Call your weapon back to your hand. If it is in your vicinity, even if you cannot see it, if it is in the hand of your enemy, even if your hands are bound, your weapon will return to you.”

“A minute of invisibility. One minute only, unseen but not unheard, a lot can change in a minute…”

“The Great War Horn, blown across the ether and heard only by your brothers in arms and your kin. When the odds are overwhelming and the threat is greater than just your blood and bones on the ground, summon help. It is not instant, not all will come. There may be surprises. Once in a suns return perhaps, a hero may be summoned from beyond the veil to aid you, we never know when or who.”

“Most of you will choose the wrong one for you, I cannot help that”. He shrugs a little, his face says it loudly, I do not understand you people of the sword. I come here to perform this task only, and am impatient to return to my books and quiet students.

And so they line up, each stepping forward in turn. As a kindness he also puts a small enchantment on the piece of gear they most favour, not to loose it, including loosing it in a foolish wager.

This time only one of them made the correct choice.

These stories are something new, I am having so much fun with them! More coming as I build the collection, e-book very soon.