Heir Of The Fallen Flame

Chapter 5: The Council Of Mages

The horns did not stop.

They echoed across the academy grounds, each call heavier than the last. The air itself seemed to tighten with every sound, pressing down on the stone walls and the people within them.

Trainees gathered along the edges of the courtyard, whispering. Some stood with weapons in hand, others with magic flickering at their fingertips, but none dared step forward.

They knew who had come and they dared not attack.

The gates opened slowly and the Council of Mages entered as one.

Robes of deep crimson and silver trailed behind them. Many of them had their mouths sewn shut and a few of them had their faces covered in white fabrics. Their presence alone silenced the courtyard.

At their center walked Pelson, the Grand Mage Supreme.

His robes shimmered faintly, threads of gold woven through them. His eyes scanned the trainees in disdain, wondering who in their sane mind thought training under Zen was noble.

The n0bels have ever learned to weld their flames in his academy and the likes of commoners, illegitimate sons and daughters sought after the likes of Zen.

Pelson scoffed, this was a disgrace to the title of mage. Beside him walked Ronan. His jaw was tight, his gaze cold. He had witnessed a low life like Kael out spell his father.

He wanted nothing more than to squeeze the life out of him and make him pay for humiliating his father.

The council spread out slightly, forming a quiet line behind Pelson.

No one spoke. Not until Zen stepped forward.

Lord Zen stood at the head of the courtyard, his eyes fixed on Pelson in disdain. It's been years since he's seen his face and their meeting was anything but pleasant.

“You arrive uninvited,” Zen said, his voice calm. “And without notice. That is not how this academy receives guests.”

Pelson did not bow, it was a clear art of disrespect.

“We are not guests,” he said simply.

Zen’s lips curved slightly. “That much is clear.”

Zen have always detested Pelson's arrogance. Ever since they've been mages in training, Pelson had never failed to be the council's favourite and that was enough for Zen to walk away from Astra.

It seems the council never cared for hard work or skill but the one born of noble blood. They rule Astra with such an outdated mindset and it sickened Zen deeply.

“You have something that belongs to the council,” Pelson continued. “We are here to take it.”

Zen clasped his hands behind his back. “You speak as though this place answers to you.”

Pelson’s gaze did not waver. “Everything answers to order, Zen. Even you.”

A faint smile touched Zen’s lips. “You always did enjoy pretending that.”

Ronan shifted slightly behind his father, his eyes scanning the courtyard until it landed on her.

Lyra.

She stood near the entrance to Natalie’s quarters and her gaze locked on him. Ronan’s gaze softened on her but her cold and unfeeling gaze made his jaw tighten.

Whatever had once existed between them was long gone and she plans to make it remain that way. Not even an order from the council would make her marry the likes of him.

Pelson stepped forward slightly. “Bring the boy,” he said.

Zen did not move. “On what grounds?” he asked.

Pelson's jaw tightened. “Do not waste time,” he said. “You know exactly what he is.”

Zen held his gaze. “I know what you think he is.”

Pelson’s eyes darkened. “I know he's here. I saw it myself.” he said.

Zen’s eyes narrowed on. “You used it.” He said, “The filtered spell.”

Pelson did not deny it. “The Flame of Time does not lie,” he said. “I saw the awakening.And I saw your student interfere.”

Zen chuckled in disbelief, “You admit to using the forbidden spell.” He turns to face the council, “Is that against the rules as the grand mage supreme?”

Pelspn cuts in, “I used the forbidden spell because the time called for it! Something as powerful as that boy could have killed everyone! I had no choice but to find him before he got out of hand! I did it for the good of everyone!” He said.

The head of the council, a bald average height man, cleared his throat, “We will deal with this accordingly. First, the boy.”

Lord Zen chuckled, of course he would say that! Nelson seems to have a council, who were supposed to be independent rulers by the way, under his thumb!

Before Zen could respond, a door opened. All eyes turned and Kael stepped out.

He was dressed now, in a dark vest covering the markings on his skin, though the faint glow beneath them was still visible if one looked closely.

His face was calm and his eyes didn't glow like it had hours ago. Zen glanced at Natalie who stood by her door, did she do something to him?

She exhales and sends a curt nod his way currents turned back, his gaze following Kael in silence.

Kael's eyes moved once across the crowd and landed on Ronan. Heat rose under his skin, prickly his chest with an energy that threatened to burst open but it didn't.

Ronan's eyes narrowed on him but Kael remained unfazed. They had unfinished business and he hoped to get to the bottom of it.

Kael walked forward until he stood between Zen and Pelson.

“You’re here for me.” Kael said, and extended his hand. “I’ll come with you,”

A murmur spread through the courtyard. Zen’s gaze snapped to him and Lyra’s breath caught. What is he doing? He's going to get himself killed at this rate!

Pelson’s eyes narrowed on Kael.

“I’ll answer your questions, whatever they may be.” he added, “One one condition.”

The head of council tuts, “We are not compelled to answer to you.” He said slowly.

Kael took a step forward and the entire line of council members took a step back.

“It's either that or we have a problem.” Kael threatened.

Pelson's gaze narrowed, “How dare you threaten the council of the elders?!”

“Yake it or leave it.” Kael said, “As long as he talks first.” He gestures at Ronan, “I will come peacefully.”

Ronan’s lips curled slightly. “You think you’re in a position to bargain?”

Kael didn’t react. “Where is Alia?” he asked.

The name cut through the tension like a blade.

Ronan’s eyes darkened, that lowly peasant! If he brings up this issue in front of the council, in front of everyone, it would taint his reputation.

Pelson glanced at his son and then back at Kael.

“What does this girl matter?” Pelson asked.

Kael’s eyes did not leave Ronan nor did he give Pelson a reply.

Pelson studied Karl for a moment longer before turning to his son. “You will answer him.”

Ronan’s head turned sharply. “Father!

“That is not a request,” Pelson said.

Ronan’s jaw tightened. His eyes burned with something dark as they locked onto Kael.

“Fine.” he said.

Kael held his gaze for a moment longer before lowering his hand. Pelson gestured to one of the council mages.

“Bind him.”

A man stepped forward, his robes brushing the ground. His hands lifted, forming a small flame.

Kael extended his wrist, his heart pounding hard in his chest despite his rather calm exterior. The mage stepped closer and pressed the flame against it. It wrapped around his wrist, coiling around it like a living chain, glowing faintly as it tightened into place.

Kael’s jaw clenched slightly, but he did not pull away.

“It will hold him,” the mage said.

Pelson nodded once.

Lyra closed the distance between herself and Kael and pulled him into an embrace, arms wrapped around his neck.

Ronan’s expression darkened instantly. Kael stiffened in surprise. Lyra leaned even close, her voice low, barely above a whisper.

“Don’t trust them.”

Her hand moved quickly as she slipped something small into his clothing.

“Use it when it matters,” she murmured.

Then she pulled away. Kael stared at her for a moment, eyes blinking in confusion.

“Why?” he asked quietly. He'd wanted to ask her that all day. Why did she help him? She had no reason to but she did.

Lyra didn’t answer. She only held his gaze for a second longer before stepping away.

Ronan’s fists clenched at his sides, eyes burning into Kael, fury barely contained.

Pelson turned, already moving.

“We leave,” he said.

The council turned to leave with Kael right in front of them. The chain of flame at his wrist pulsed faintly.

Ronan's eyes landed on Lyra and she had that cold, chilling look in her eyes still. He turned to leave, joining the rest.

If Kael thinks he's going to tell him where Alia is now, he's a big fool!