The Stones - Chapter I

The Stones - One

I - The Mage



It was dark in the hospital room. The only form of luminescence came from a boarded up window. A shaft of blue moonlight slipped silently past two wooden planks into the room. Silent to all but the girl who's face was lit by the sliver cast by the night time orb.

To this girl, a thousand songs of mourning from every race under the sun flooded into the room, leaving no room in her mind for her own grief. She had summoned these songs for that very purpose.

To see one's father die is bad enough, but to see him murdered was worse. And worse even than that was being unable to save him.

But it wasn't just her father.

Her fists clenched in fury and she expelled the songs. Now there was silence and mental space for the pain she so desperately wished to rid herself of.

Like a Tsunami, Mei was slapped in the face by her grief. Tears overflowed from her eyes, and she drew her knees to her chin, burying her head in her skirts. Why? She thought. Why him?

A commotion down the hall, raised voices and fast racing feet drew her to the present. Automatically, she reached for the staff her father had fashioned for her. Her heart beat frantically, as the voices rose and the feet slowed outside the rotten door that both protected and trapped her. Let them come, she thought angrily. Let them try to touch me.

The door opened slowly, cautiously, and a timid head peeked around the corner. Without a sound, Mei shot from the end of her staff a lightning bolt at the face. There wasn't enough electricity to kill, but enough to paralyse her intruder. Cries of shock came from the hall as the body of Mei's victim slumped to the floor.

The splintery door flew open with a bang. Mei moved to hit the next assailant with a ball of flame, but she was knocked back into the wall behind her. The air was ripped from her lungs, as though she were being crushed and her vision blurred with tears. But all she could think was, Oh gods! They have a Wind-Mage!

As her vision cleared, Mei saw a large, bearded man kneeling over her. Naturally, she cried out in fear and tried to get her staff between he and she. But calmly, calmly, he placed a rough hand on her forehead and said, "Easy, daughter. I intend no harm."

A flash of rage and frustration assaulted her. This man was NOT her father! Then the one rational part of her mind reminded her that Mage-Priest's always called other Mage's "daughter" or "son".  She also recalled how to address the Priest.

"What is your business here, father?" she breathed.

His blue eyes twinkled as the leathery skin around his eyes wrinkled as he smiled.

"You are, daughter."

Mei was stunned, "I'm sorry?"

He laughed a booming laugh, "Did you here that Evana? She apologized for shocking you!'

The petite blond girl who was surrounded by other visitors, gave Mei a cold yet slightly dazed look.

"No! I mean, I am, but I meant that I did not quite understand you."

The older man sighed, "I think we should get you away from here first, daughter. There are many dangers in this place."

Mei frowned, "Oaklore is my home."

"No longer."

Mei closed her eyes. This was too much for one day. The attack, the murders, and now this?

A memory came to her suddenly. He was talking to her, laughing.

"Do what is best for you, Mei-Moo. Don't be dragged down by others. I'd hate for you to miss an opportunity because of me."

Her eyes flicked open. She took a steady look at the other mage.

"Yes. I shall go with you."