The Oath of The Raven

Raven Covensinger plodded through the village of Crowbrook. The annual harvest festival currently brought outsiders to town to celebrate. It also gave farmers a chance to sell their crops. The festivities also brought a few local wizards looking for an apprentice to teach the ways of magic. It happened every year. However, every Master wizard left without taking an apprentice. They saw the chances of a local village producing magical talent unlikely in the Kingdom of Valter.
 
This is going to be my year. It has to be. With every day that passed, Raven's blood burned more from the magic that dwelled inside him. From an early age, his adopted parents knew he differed from the others. Even though Raven had the blood of an elf flowing through his system, he also had human blood.
 
It wasn't the elven blood in me that scared them. My magic did. He knew his parents loved him, but they saw him as elven too. His human father taught him carpentry skills and how to use a bow when they went hunting. Even his mother doted on him, much to his father's frustration. In the end, his power scared them. Like them, he wasn't sure if it was because of his elven blood or a curse from the gods.
 
This year, his parents pushed him to try for an apprenticeship. Now, in Crowbrook, Raven saw a potential future as a wizard that he never considered before. He hoped a Master wizard would take him on and teach him how to control the growing power inside him.
 
"Raven! You could've waited for your old father."
 
Raven snapped out of his reverie and turned his head. A middle-aged man ran toward him, with a small sack slung over his shoulders. He stopped and grinned. "Dad, you came!"
 
His father stopped and pulled Raven in with a hug. "Aye. I couldn't let my son face those wizards alone. Shady bastards, I will tell you all those secrets. Promise me you'll learn what you can but not lose yourself in your magic."
 
Raven hugged him back. "I promise. There's no guarantee they'll take me. I'm a commoner and nothing more. Most wizards come here to make an appearance and to show they're looking. They haven't taken a commoner like me as an apprentice in decades."
 
Raven's Dad slapped him on the back. "That's because they've never met you. You're special, my boy, and if they don't see that, then their magic is weak."
 
Raven sighed. He loved his family's support. They were clueless on how things worked for a wizard choosing him as an apprentice. In Valter, only the highborn could become wizards, according to the King's proclamation. Everyone knew this, but his parents supported his dream.
 
"It scares you and Mom, doesn't it?"
 
His father's face hardened up. "Aye, it does. Ever since the elves dropped you off with us, we knew you were different. They said you had a gift, but since you were human too, they wouldn't raise you as one of theirs. As you got older, things happened that shouldn't have happened."
 
"Do you regret taking in a half-elf?"
 
"No,your Mom and I wish we knew more about elves. You were so different from your friends. You held your own, though. It goes to show that your mother's personality rubbed off on you in a way."
 
Raven strolled toward a vendor's table, his Dad following. "It couldn't have been easy raising me. I'm sure the villagers considered it a scandal or an omen."
 
His father put an arm around his shoulders. "No, but no kids are easy to raise. We're proud of you either way."
 
Raven smiled at hearing those words. Knowing his magic scared his parents made it hard on him. Having them still have pride in who he was as their son made it easier to deal with. I guess I'm not such an outcast after all.
 
"I'm worried they won't take me on."
 
"Maybe your elven blood will help them change their minds."
 
Raven shrugged. He had heard stories of how wizards admired the elven kingdom and people. No one wanted a half-breed, including humans. Elves saw him as too human, and humans saw him as too elven. His mixed blood put him in a no-win situation in the world. Hopefully, if I can get an apprenticeship, they'll see me as someone unique.
 
"I hope so, Dad. If not, I'm not sure what I'll do."
 
His Dad stopped and turned toward him. "Does it still hurt?"
 
Raven took a deep breath and exhaled, letting it come out at a slow pace, trying to stay relaxed. His heart raced with fear. Anxiety threatened to shred his self-control, the one thing a wizard needed in the art of magic.
 
"Yeah. More than usual. It's getting worse like it needs an outlet, or it'll burn me up from the inside."
 
His Dad frowned and placed a hand on each shoulder. "We'll figure something out. No matter what, we'll see that you get this taken care of."
 
Though Raven gave his father a weak smile, deep down, it wouldn't happen. Getting denied an apprenticeship could prove deadly for him. While he was still untrained, Raven understood all too well that his magic would burn him up inside.
 
"Raven, I promise you we'll do what we can. Oh, I almost forgot this." His father pulled the sack off his shoulder and opened it. He reached in and pulled out a book with a greenish leather cover and a couple of scrolls. "Your Mom and I saved a bit for this. You can write your magic in it or whatever you wizards do. It's empty, though. The scrolls are from a local healer. She copied them for us and said you could use them."
 
Raven's eyes widened in surprise. Few villagers owned books, but to have one to write in made him happy. He grabbed the scrolls and read each one: herbs, healing remedies, and even notes on field medicine. I can't believe it!
 
"These are too much, thank you, Father!"
 
"The scrolls may be a little bent being in the sack and all, but I'm sure you don't mind."
 
"Not at all," said Raven, shaking his head. "They're wonderful."
 
"You like them?"
 
"Yes, thank you," he said, hugging his Dad.
 
"Save a hug for your mother. She'll be around shortly once she's done at the market."
 
"I will."
 
"You're not a sorcerer yet, but if all goes well, you can find a new beginning here."
 
Raven could only nod. He knotted the book in some string and hung it from his belt. He stuffed the scrolls into a deep pocket inside his light green tunic. After everything was in place, Raven looked up at his father with a grin.
 
"Yes, it's a start."
 

*~*

"They're going to turn you away."
 
Raven froze, his eyes darting back and forth, looking for the person who spoke to him. His father kept walking, unaware that he had stopped. Maybe it was all in my head. My nerves must have gotten to me.
 
He ran to catch up to his Dad. "Sorry, I got distracted."
 
"Distracted or worried?"
 
Raven shrugged. "Distracted from the worry of not getting picked to become an apprentice."
 
"Well, son, it won't be too long before you get your answer," said his Dad, motioning toward a large tent.
 
The white tent stood out from the others in size and the mysterious runes that decorated its edges. Its doorway hung like a wall of darkness, making Raven a little uneasy. Two figures in brown robes stood on each side, their faces hidden by the hoods they wore. Each one held a staff topped with a crystal.
 
The energy they radiated pushed against Raven. His power responded and flared, scaring him, unsure if he could hide it. The robed figures turned their hooded heads toward each other as if sharing a similar thought before moving back to their normal position. They felt it too. I know they did.
 
"Dad, I need to do this alone," said Raven, holding his hands at his side to keep them from shaking.
 
"I know. Go wait in line; I'll be making sure your Mom doesn't buy half the market."
 
Raven nodded and waited with the others. As his Dad walked away, he sensed the stares of the others on him. He closed his eyes and tried to calm his nerves. You're in a competition, Raven, that's all. It has nothing to do with your elven blood or the fact your power is raging inside you. He opened his eyes and noticed a few others looking away quickly, avoiding his gaze.
 
He turned toward another and heard another mutter half-breed. Raven shook his head and ignored the comment. He'd heard it before, many times growing up, and it had become more of an annoyance than anything else. Raven knew he had mixed blood, but he accepted it since it wasn't something he could control.
 
The others carried a staff like the figures guarding the tent. The staff was the traditional weapon of a wizard and used to channel his magic. It was a tool more than a weapon, as many mages rarely entered the battlefield or hand-to-hand combat.
 
Raven was the complete opposite. His Dad taught him how to fight, which came in handy when he had to defend himself because of his elven blood. He never carried a staff as he saw them as bulky and limited. Raven carried a couple of large knives in case things got bad. So far, the gods favored him with luck to not have to use them.
 
A commotion caught his attention. An older man in resplendent robes exited the tent. He had the look of every wizard Raven had imagined. The man's vibrant blue robes stood out compared to the villagers. His long staff had looked likesomeone made it of some exotic and polished knotted wood. Silver runes lined the sides of the wizard's staff with a large clear gem on top. The wizard walked toward him and the others. The brown-robed guards followed behind him, but a step in place behind him.
 
All three stopped a few feet from the group. The other hopefuls who wanted to have an apprenticeship stood in excitement. Raven's heart raced, and his blood rushed to his head, making him warm. It's time to see if I'm worthy or not. Arcanus, God of Magic, some favor would be great right now.
 
One of the brown-robed figures spoke. "Master Ivelore will now choose an apprentice. He will rarely pick someone who is of common blood for such an honor, but the gods work in mysterious ways."
 
The other figure spoke. "Line up so Master Ivelore can see you all better. Be respectful as few can meet his status."
 
Raven was the last in the line and determined to show the master wizard the respect he earned. He hoped to achieve the same status one day, but he knew the first step was becoming an apprentice. He watched as Ivelore appraised each one.
 
The mage waved a few away. Raven watched them go, their heads hanging down in disappointment. His nerves burned as anxiety threatened to take over. The power inside him responding with a surge of its own, making Raven sweat.
 
After passing a couple more people, Ivelore stood in front of him. Raven stared at the older mage, unsure if he should smile or remain stoic. He tried to relax and failed, which drew a smile from the wise wizard.
 
"Relax half-elf, as much as you can. I can sense the magic boiling inside you. It's wild, too wild, and I can't train you."
 
Before he could stop himself, Raven blurted out. "Can't or won't, Master?"
 
The wizard shot him a surprised look. One of the brown-robed figures took a step forward, but Ivelore raised a hand to stop him. Raven caught the small smile that played on the edges of the wizard's mouth. Yeah, if that didn't disqualify me.
 
Ivelore let out a snort. "I can't half-elf. It's a surprise to see one of your kind here. I'd think the elves would've trained you."
 
"No. My human blood prevented that. It doesn't mean you have to."
 
"I see. Few have ever questioned my judgment. You speak with fire, young one, but I can't teach you. It's too late. I suppose if you were ten years younger. Then I could help you control the magic inside you. Right now, it's become too unpredictable. The magic will burn you up before you ever gain control over it. It's too late, I'm sorry."
 
Raven's heart sank as fear rose to the surface. He clenched his fists and wanted to punch the wizard but knew it'd do no good. Raven feared this would happen as the magic inside him burned more than ever this past year.
 
"It's truly going to kill me."
 
The wizard nodded. "Sadly, it will, if you're lucky. If not, you'll go mad."
 
Raven grew angry and felt a tear run down his face. He wiped it off in frustration as showing weakness in front of a master wizard. He tried to calm down but found it challenging. Raven opened his hand and realized he had dug his nails into the palm of his hand.
 
"Is there no hope?"
 
Ivelore leaned forward, almost nose to nose with Raven. "Depends on your point of view. Some would say it's a denial of reality, but that pisses off the priests. Your power is overwhelming and chaotic. Hope, for someone like you, will be hard to find. For some of us, magic is a gift; for others, it's a curse."
 
"For me, it's a curse."
 
"Don't be so fast to call it such. While I can't teach you, it doesn't mean you're at the end of all hope."
 
Raven frowned. Everything he dreamed was over. Another tear ran down his face, and he didn't bother wiping it off. Let them see, and I don't care. He glanced back at the master wizard and saw the old man look at him with pity. Don't pity me. I'll survive this.
 
The wizard glanced past him, and he sucked in a deep breath. "That birthmark, behind your ear, how long have you had it?"
 
"Born with it. What does it matter?"
 
"It matters a great deal, half-elf," said Ivelore. "This year, I'll take no apprentices."
 
Raven ignored the wizard and the others as they walked back toward the tent and disappeared. What's so important about a birthmark? It doesn't matter. Raven turned and rushed away. He didn't bother looking back and wanted more than anything to get out of town.
 

*~*

He stopped at a large boulder on the edge of the woods. Climbing to the top, Raven sat and stared off at the town. The music from the fair echoed his direction, and he wished he was someone else for once in his life. Anyone else could enjoy the fair with their family. Unlike him, they wouldn't have to worry about having any magic that would kill them. Not that it mattered, Raven knew the gods wouldn't answer the prayer, but he still wished.
 
From where he sat, the village looked a little smaller. Still, from this distance, he could tell it held many people from neighboring towns. He knew many wanted to see a real wizard and participate in the games, but it meant so much more for him. Now, all his dreams shattered in an instant. I need to stop this self-loathing and find a way. There's always hope. At least Master Ivelore said I wasn't at the end of all my hope. Maybe there was an alternative to learning magic!
 
Raven stood. "Yes! That's it. Maybe he couldn't teach me himself, but he knew that there was a teacher out there who could."
 
The wizard was correct, young sorcerer.
 
That voice he had heard in the village earlier echoed in his head. He paused and scanned the area, hoping for some clue who would have spoken to him. The voice was in my head. It could be anyone in the village.
 
You don't believe that for a minute, half-elf.
 
Raven spun and faced the forest. The wind blew gently through the leaves, making the branches sway. Birds sang, and insects buzzed. Each let him know that the forest was a living being, as all elves believed.
 
He leaped off the boulder with a grace only those of elven blood possessed. "Then what do I believe?"
 
You believe you have hope. Young sorcerer, do you wish to tame your magic and become the powerful being you want to become?
 
"How do I know I can trust you as I can't even see your face?"
 
How did you know you could trust the wizard at the fair? Power and might don't equate to goodness. That, my young sorcerer, lives in the person's heart wielding the magic.
 
"Pretty words for a faceless being. Show yourself."
 
If you wish to see me and find the hope you desire, then come into the forests. The red sparrow will guide you to me.
 
"Forgive me if I'm skeptical."
You would've blindly followed the wizard if he chose you, would you not?
 
Raven closed his eyes as he realized he would have done it without asking questions. "Yes."
 
"Follow the sparrow, half-elf."
 
A chirp to his left captured Raven's attention. A red sparrow stood on the boulder, staring at him, almost studying him. With one more chirp, it flew up and into the forest. It spun back and flew right past Raven's face, causing him to flinch.
 
"I guess if I want to learn magic, this may not be the weirdest thing I end up doing in my life."
 
Stepping forward, he shivered as his nerves stood on the edge of a sword. One wrong move, and he'd succumb to the fear that grew inside him. The sparrow flew back around him as if herding him deeper into the forest.
 
His elven’s ears and eyes sharpened as Raven tried to anticipate where he'd get attacked. After a few more steps, the forest grew still. The breeze stopped, and the life of the forest grew silent. He drew his long knives and hoped he wouldn't have to use them, while he knew how his skill was still far removed from a seasoned warrior.
 
The bird flew back, drawing him closer into the forest. Raven did his best to avoid roots and lower hanging branches. After a few more meters, he came across something he had only read about in books. His heart skipped a beat and his breath caught in his throat. Before him lay a giant dragon. Not like ones seen in murals, but one carved from rubies. Raven exhaled. A ruby dragon.
 
You're right, young sorcerer. I see you still found a way to study, even though you grew up in a small village.
 
It snaked its neck forward until its head hovered a few inches from Raven's face. Its eyes shone like fire, and its scales like precious gemstones. "You aren't supposed to be real."
 
"Yet here I am. Trust me; I'm not an illusion. I am as much real as the fear and power flowing through your veins."
 
Raven stared in astonishment. The dragon's head was larger than Raven. Curved horns ran from each side of its head and ended in sharp points near the end of its mouth. Raven stepped back in fright as the dragon grinned, baring teeth larger than his legs.
 
"Perhaps I'll change. It may make it easier for you to handle your current situation."
 
The air around the dragon shimmered, and after a popping sound, an older man stood in the dragon's place. He wore robes covered in scales, the color and texture of the dragon he once was. The former dragon leaned on a staff that pulsated with dark, shifting shadows.
 
"Is this better, Raven? I hope so, as this kind of magic takes a lot out of me."
 
Raven nodded, unable to speak. He stood still as the older man strode toward him with a kind smile on his face. The dragon sat, his human form-finding comfort on a fallen tree.
 
"Who are you?" asked Raven.
 
"Oh, you can call me Baloroth. I trust you to keep that name secret."
 
Raven nodded. "How do you know me? You called me by my name."
 
"That I did, Raven. Let's say that gemstone dragons, like myself, can read minds. It's the only thing that has kept us alive and safe from the other dragons that pollute this world."
 
"What else do you know about me?"
 
"Quite a bit, half-elf. I know the magic that lives inside you will kill you if you don't learn to control it. I'm here to help. The God of Magic, Arcanus, has chosen my people to help those like yourself. If we get to you in time."
 
"You can help me learn magic?"
 
"Oh, you already know the magic; you're born with it. Now, controlling it to do wondrous things will take a little time. Not as long as those wizards who lock themselves up in their towers with their apprentices. They horde their magic. It's not right as Arcanus has given magic as a gift to the world."
 
"I want to learn. It's something I've wanted my entire life."
 
"I know, Raven. There is a catch."
 
Raven took a seat, knowing he'd have to pay a high price. "Servitude or something like that?"
 
The dragon laughed. "Gods, no, Raven. Take an oath and bind yourself to the magic. It's the only way if you want to survive the power inside you."
 
"What kind of oath?"
 
"Now, young sorcerer, that's the age-old question, isn't it?"
 

*~*

The dragon, still in his human form, took a seat next to Raven. Raven sat straight, not sure if relaxing was even possible or if he'd get eaten. Still, Raven took some consolation that he'd learn how to use his magic.
 
"Young sorcerer, we have a problem with your situation," the dragon said.
 
"What is that?"
 
"In Valter, only noble-born can learn magic. Wizards can only teach magic at the academy, like all the other magic-users in the realm. That way, the King can keep a watchful eye on it."
 
"I know. There was no chance Ivelore would've picked anyone, was there?"
 
"No, Raven. He only came to fulfill a tradition that should've died with the King's proclamation on magic use. The King's law requires your death."
 
"I thought that was if I learned magic outside of the academy?"
 
"Yes, but they have taken great strides to prevent common folk like yourself from learning. Many like you have died without knowing the power they carried inside them."
 
Raven stood and faced Baloroth. "Are you saying that I could end up murdered for having talent and not being of noble blood?"
 
"Yes, Raven. I can teach you to hide your power to a certain extent, but there will always be the chance that someone will find you. The King has clarified that magic is his to control under his reign. If you were to practice magic outside these laws, the King would brand you a renegade and have you disposed of."
 
"How come I haven't heard of this?"
 
"Raven, do you honestly think this would be common knowledge?"
 
"I'm a dead man either way. If I learn my magic, I could at least defend myself or run to another kingdom."
 
"Many have done that before you. Most have succeeded. The journey isn't easy, but you'll have to leave your home if you want me to teach you. We'll still be in Valter, but you can't go back soon. It would be best if you swore to that as doing otherwise endangers us both. I may be a dragon, but my kind is fugitives to other dragons, good and bad."
 
"Is that the oath I must take? Can I at least say goodbye to my family? Will they be in danger?"
 
"Yes, unfortunately no, and possibly. I can only teach you in secret and on the move to avoid capture. As for saying goodbye, I can arrange a messenger to deliver the news of a wizard taking you on as an apprentice. It would explain your abrupt departure and lack of goodbyes. As for them being in danger, they always were the minute they adopted you."
 
A tear ran down Raven's face. He knew his parents deserved an explanation, but too much of one would risk their lives. It wasn't fair that they carried this unknown danger when they agreed to adopt him from the elves. Now his disappearance could cause more problems.
 
"Damned if I do, damned if I don't."
 
"Arcanus blesses many with magic, but it comes with a price. How you deal with it is up to you."
 
Raven clenched his fists. I always wanted to learn magic but figured it'd be in a study with a master wizard. Now, my only choice is on the run with a dragon. I could also let my power consume me or let the King send assassins. Raven wiped the tear from his face.
 
"Can't be crying anymore over this. Teach me, at least then, I can use my power to defend myself and my family."
 
The dragon stood with a smile. "So be it, young sorcerer. The birthmark behind your ear will be the seal that binds us together as teacher and student."
 
"Yes, Master Baloroth."
 
"I'm a teacher, not a master. You're welcome to call me by my name."
 
Raven nodded. The dragon held up a hand, and a spark of ruby-red flame ignited over his palm. "Now, do you agree to follow me and learn the ways of sorcery? Do you wish to know the arcane rights of Arcanus and to dare summon the eldritch energies of the world? Will you remain silent on how you learned them?"
 
Fear raced through Raven's body. His skin pricked with goosebumps as Baloroth's magic ignited his. "There's no going back. To save my family and me, I will do this."
 
Baloroth smiled. "You have a noble heart. Arcanus has led me to a worthy person."
 
The flame from Baloroth's hand shot toward him. Raven kept his eyes open and grinned as the dragon's magic enveloped him. His birthmark burned, causing him to wince in pain. Reaching up, he felt it grow harder, scale-like.
 
"It's a scale like yours, isn't it?"
 
"Yes. It binds us together in ways a master wizard and apprentice could never understand. Now, Raven, for your first lesson, quench the flames I covered you in."
 
Raven, not knowing what to do, closed his eyes and imagined himself immersed in water. His magic grew and cooled him off. He doubled over as pain wracked his body. His face creased, and his breath came in shallow gasps because of the agony. Raven opened his tear-stained eyes and saw that the flames disappeared, and so was the dragon's human form.
 
"The pain will fade in time as you gain control. This test was a simple one that didn't require you to pass or fail. I wanted to see how fast you'd think on your feet. Now, Raven, we can begin your training. First, we need to let your family know you're under the tutelage of a wizard east of Valter. After some time passes, you can contact them yourself, but until then, remember your oath."
 
Raven took a seat as the pain inside him subsided. His muscles burned, and sweat covered his skin. He scratched the scale behind his ear and hoped that it'd heal sooner than later. A weak smile spread across his face, and he nodded in agreement. Now, it was time for his training to begin, and for once in his life, the world became larger than he thought possible.
 
~ the end
 

 

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