Peace is an illusion

Alastair watched as Cara took a deep breath and relaxed herself. Her hands were placed at her side and clenched into a fist. Alastair noticed the uneasiness in her form, but he could not say anything to her. It was a training session, and the purpose of it was for her to gain independence from his instructions.

He watched as a mage stepped forward and gave him a bow. He returned the bow and then, the mage walked towards Cara. The mage, a young man, gave Cara a bow as well which she also returned.

Alastair exhaled as he looked at them

"Remember why you are here today. You are both here to horn those particular skills which have been giving you a hard time. Cara, you will spar with Reynold today. This sparring session will be violent. The only rule is not to kill each other.

Begin!"

Alastair said and stomped the staff he was holding on the ground. It created a wave of energy that thrummed around the training ground and settled on the pillars which surrounded the space. It was an open ground without a roof over it, and the warm morning sun made it a perfect time for training.

Cara focused her eyes on her opponent, and Alastair watched as Reynold clasped his hands together and suddenly created three more clones of himself. The clones surrounded Cara, and she slowly watched them from the corner of her eyes.

Suddenly, the clones and Reynold attacked her. Cara quickly dodged the first strike and punched the next clone in the face. She quickly twisted, using Reynold's own move against him, and kicked him in the guts.

Another punch and she sent a clone to the ground. Alastair watched closely as Reynold created three more clones of himself. He was getting uneasy. It was time for Cara to use the magic he had been teaching her.

Cara slowly became overwhelmed as she was surrounded by five clones. Reynold was pleased. He was certain he had won the sparring session. The clones attacked Cara who managed to fend them off with her fighting skills but it was not enough.

A punch to her face and she was on the ground, bleeding from the side of her mouth. Cara felt the Phoenix surge within her and the fire it carried started to rise. But she silenced it. That was not why she was there. She had to learn new spells.

As she tried to stand, another clone kicked her again, and more joined in. Alastair watched as the clones continued to beat her up. She shielded herself and grabbed one of the clones which she quickly snapped its neck. The clone turned to Sparks and Reynold groaned.

Cara smiled. She stood up and eliminated two more and Reynold was soon groaning as he managed to stand. His eyes were red with anger. He suddenly Joined the clones and pounced on Cara, pulling her down with their weight. Cara closed her eyes and focused her powers.

She tried to call to it but the magic of water was not responding. The weight began to hurt her. She tried again but still nothing. Then, she closed her eyes and screamed, emitting a wave of energy from her body that knocked Reynold and all of his clones to the ground, eliminating the clones in the process.

"Enough!"

Alastair commanded as he walked towards them. Reynold managed to stand and gave Alastair a finishing bow. Alastair looked at Cara who had a frustrated look on her face. She couldn't even face him.

"You may leave, Reynold," Alastair commanded and the young mage walked away from the training ground.

"I can't do it. It's just impossible. The magic of water can never come to me. I can't understand how it works." Cara said frustrated.

"You just need to focus..."

"Do you think I do not do that? I did it back there and I got nothing. Maybe I'm not cut out for this." Cara said and stood up.

"Nonsense. You are the most powerful mage the world has ever seen. Of course, you are cut out for this. Look, the secret behind it is to realize that there is water everywhere. It's all around you. You just need..." Alastair waved his hands in the air and formed a ribbon of water which circled his hand, "...to focus and channel it. You can make it grow..." The ribbon became larger, "...or you can simply let it go." The water returned to the air.

"It all depends on what you want to do." Alastair Concluded but Cara was not convinced.

"I need some time to think about it.", She said.

"What you need is more practice. You will stay here till evening until you are able to get the basics." Alastair said and Cara's eyes widened.

"But Alastair..."

"Master Alastair..." Alastair corrected.

"Master Alastair. Do I really have to?" Cara asked and Alastair nodded. She gave a frustrated sigh when she realized she could not win.

Just then, a figure appeared in the sky. Alastair smiled as Jaghryx, his dragon roared and flew towards him. The sight of the majestic beast always fills him with such Joy, reminding him of the wonderful times that had passed, and the Hope of the future.

Jaghryx landed and greeted Alastair with a snuggle. He looked at Cara and growled softly.

"It's good to see you too," Cara said and to jaghryx and rolled her eyes. She watched as Alastair mounted the beast.

"I have to be in the palace now. Keep practicing. I have set up wards to make sure you do not leave the training ground." Alastair said and smiled when he heard Cara groan.

Then, jaghryx flapped his large wings and flew into the sky. Alastair's eyes roamed around the Elderien's keep and he was pleased by what he was seeing.

It has been three years since they returned from the isle of mists. The exorcism of Asmodeus had brought about a better day for Cara and the world at Large. Cara's destiny was safer. Her powers were also more stable, and she was learning and getting better with the passing day.

Alastair touched the top of his right shoulder and a menu suddenly popped up.

Name:Head Mage Alastair

Status: Dragon Lord 

Affiliations: Elderien's keep

Power level: 2000

Pending mission: Nil

He smiled. It has been three years of peace. He began to rebuild the Elderien's keep as soon as he returned. Even his darling, Miranda had almost completed all renovations and monuments destroyed by the former war with the Mintovals. It was an era of peace.

So, why did he still feel uncertainty? As Alastair rode his dragon, he could not help but feel like this peace was an illusion. He felt like it was not going to last.

Just as he was still lost in thought, he felt a chill on his skin. The chill slowly spread all around his entire body and as he took a deep breath, Alastair heard his dragon growl softly.

He could not put his finger on it, but he knew something terrible was coming. But what was it exactly?