My short story

Preparations were already on their way for the Ethanimus celebrations. The streets of Noor-Aylard were full of pilgrims and travellers. Kail went through the streets of the busy city towards the great market. It was a noisy place with lots of people. The market was overseen by the city watch. Formations of soldiers went through the main street and guards patrolled the market. The great market could have attracted a lot of thiefs and thugs but the city watch guarded this area well. They also ensured the fairness of the trade, checked the gears regularly and the prices themselves. The main street leading to the market square was surrounded by workshops. Kail's favorites were always the blacksmiths. The shiny legionary armor and the curved Palandros sword always filled his imagination with stories and adventures. This time though he passed by the blacksmith and went to the market square.

"So where the hell do we find Noorian Carrots here ?" asked Allen looking at the giant market square "I dunno, lets just go somewhere" Kail answered. "Yea we'll SURELY find something in here. It's just great - they have literally anything here and we still wont find what we need ... " . They went to the closest stall line and went through it. The line was perfectly straight and quite wide, allowing the crowd to easily pass through. Merchants offered their goods from the stalls trying to interest the passing crowd with their goods. They found the Noorian Carrots faster than they thought somewhere in the middle of the row. They bought a full sack of carrots. "So we have 1 golden coin left for the ceremonial wine and we have all we need" Allen noted.

The Ceremonial wine was sold near the great temple of light. They went back to the main street and took one of the ring streets going through the city. It lead to the western side of the city where the great amphitheatre and the great temple were. As they passed by the great amphitheatre they saw the preparations for the ceremonies and the void tournament.

It was in the times of old when their great patriarch Aladarn learned the ways of the void from the great void dragons. He sat 7 months on the top of mount Ethan and learned the ways of the void and on the full moon of the 7th month he returned from the mount with the void magic in his hands. And for this they were said “7 days you will celebrate, from moonrise to moonrise of the full moon”, this was the meaning of Ethanimus. The void tournament was the closing celebration of the festival.

The giant amphitheatre was filled with the Aldarian flags – a big white dragon on the blackish background. Flower pots were put on the tribunes with thousands of colourful flowers, the remnants of the disappearing summer. One balcony in the middle of the tribunes was especially well decorated. It will be there where the king will watch the games. The sighting of the giant structure filled Kail with an awkward feeling . He knew almost nothing about void magic and he will be about to fight in a middle of that arena with tens of thousands of people watching.

They went by the great amphitheatre into the light square where the great temple was. Most of the other students got much larger shopping lists for the Ethanimus but Kail was given only two tasks for a reason: A giant crowd of people blocked their sight of the large podium where the ceremonial wine was sold. The best wine was sent to the temple for a rigorous check. Then it was sold at the great temple. Everyone needed the wine and so many went to the great temple to buy one. They weren’t cheap too. A few formations went between the crowd to keep a clear path to the temple doors. The crowd waited for their turn to the side of the temple. Kail and Allen took their place in the crowd. The crowd moved forward relatively fast but the process was still painfully slow. Kail wondered why couldn’t they build more podiums if this picture repeats itself every year.

Finally their turn had arrived. They stepped forward to the podium. A priest was standing there offering the wine. “We need two wine bottles “ said Allen. “25 silver coins each” the priest answered. Kail took out the golden coin and gave it to the priest who quickly took two bottles and gave them. “May the Creator bless your path” he said quickly and addressed the next buyers. They went around the podium to the other side of the square. The sun was already setting to their left so they hurried to the city gates.

When they returned back home it was already night. Kail already used to call this place home even though he spent a short time in there. The food was put into the basement storage room. It was a cold and dry place, perfect for storing food. This food will wait there until Ethanimus evening so this evening they will get the usual meal. The students set around the table. They were exited about the upcoming tourney and discussed many different matters.

“ So you think we have a chance ?” , “I dunno, I heard this year many schools signed up like the Taurus Banding school” , “You mean those guys who took last year’s tournament ? I heard they play really dirty” “and that they are one of the best too …” “I really hope we won’t shame our master” “We’ll be fine of nobody screws this up”. Kail’s heart fell to his stomach. He didn’t want to break it for everyone else.

They went to bed but kail couldn’t fall asleep. He imagined how he screws it all in front of the huge crowd that laughs at his pathetic tries, the face of his master, his father. His face filled in sweat as he turned around in his bed. He turned around again but still couldn’t fall asleep. He stood up and went outside, maybe some fresh air will help.

He went to the backyard. A bright crescent moon lit the dark sky and cicadas chirped in the forest. Some fireflies flew around. Kail went towards the lake when he suddenly heard a voice. “Can’t fall asleep Kail ? “ . Master Corus stood near the entrance to the house “Yes master”. He went down the steps towards kail and they went towards the lake. “What bothers you in such a quiet night ? It is the tournament isn’t it ? “ “Yes master … I don’t want to participate in it” “You do want to participate in it but you are not sure of your abilities. Don’t you want to put them to a test ?” “Yes but I’m not ready” “To be your true self ? Don’t you dream of an adventure ? Will you surrender your fait ? The future is in your hands.” “Wish I could master really” “I’ll tell you what, lets practise a bit and I’m sure you’ll change your mind.” Kail didn’t think anything could change his mind but he was ready to try.

“Go to starting stance, good. As void mages we influence the energy around us, manipulating the laws of nature around us and binding them to our will. What I’m going to show you now is a basic way bind gravity to our will. Create a force field like that” he created a large glowing transparent ball “Now extend this field, just like you do with a shield. Put one hand forward and one hand backwards like this” He created a large transparent ball around him. “Now let the energy lift you up, don’t be afraid to let it free. Now lean forward to fly forward “ suddenly master Corus began floating slightly above the ground. He leaned forwards and quickly flew to that direction. “Now you try”.

Kail created a force ball and began extending it. He put his hands as the master said. His body slowly rose above the ground. “Don’t be afraid of the energy, try to feel it and predict it’s behavior “ Kail leaned forward and he began moving forward, or falling. He felt like his body is being pulled forward as if he was falling forward. Suddenly he lost control and fell. “It will require some practice. You need to feel the force field up to the point you can control it intuitively. Try again” . Kail returned to starting stance and created another force field. He leaned forward and he started to move forward again, much faster than before. He leaned to the side to avoid a tree and flew towards the fence in a desperate attempt to turn. He crashed into the fence. ”try again”. Kail created another force field. He leaned forward and began flying around. He flew through the trees slowly along the stone path. He leaned to the right and began flying around the house. He slowly began to accelerate more and more. He turned around, make another loop around the house and returned to the backyard. He stopped near the master and dismissed the force field. “Very well, one day you will become a good mage “. He smiled and set down at the wooden platform near the lake. Kail went back to his bed, this time he fell asleep fast, mostly because he was so tired after this outburst of energy. Yet he felt much better.



End of Sixth chapter.

In the morning the students found that two stone pedestals were placed to each side of the courtyard. The stone pedestals were covered in carvings and had four dragon sculptures sitting on the sides of a flat bowl in the middle. Master Corus was waiting for them in the middle of the courtyard. “I want a straight line here” he pointed.

“Before you can go to the void tournament you will need to know one more thing. The energy that flows in us can wear different forms. We as void mages know how to convert this energy into useful forms. You already know how to use force fields, now its time to learn a bit about another of it’s forms – the lighting”

“The lighting is a much more pure form of energy. It behaves more like it’s origin than the force fields you used until now. We create a path for it separating positive and negative energy, just like we do with energy inside us. This time however you should learn how to do so with the space around you. move some energy to your fingers. Now imagine a line in front of you, this is the lighting. Move your hands to both sides of the line. Now pull them back as if you pull something along this line, in and push them as if you throw it out. Pull , push. Pull , push”

He went along the line to correct stances. “Very well Kail” he said and moved on. Those moves felt similar to what the master taught him about pure energy in his body. He could feel the flow between his hands but he couldn’t see it.

“Now lets practice a little”. He drew a long line in the middle of the courtyard. “Now I want two lines on both sides of this line”. Allen went to the opposite line. “Now everyone on each side of the line is a team. Your objective is to hit everyone on the other team, with this” He moved his hands and created a big lighting ball. And Kail thought they will just throw with Allen some invisible lightings at each other... Now they will throw big deadly lighting balls at each other. The teams went back from the line (Seems like the others think like Kail … ). Master Corus then launched the ball at the second team and the game has begun.

Emily was the first to jump on the opportunity. She caught the ball and launched it at Kail’s team, pull and push as the master said. The ball went at some unlucky student who simply jumped out of the way before he gets fried. The ball suddenly turned around and went back at Kail’s team. Ralf barely stopped the ball and redirected it at the other team. Emily didn’t miss this one too launching it straight at Kail. Kail wasn’t ready for the ball and barely stopped it mid air, turning it around and throwing as far away from him as he could. He could feel the heat when it passed between his hands. The ball went off-course, leaving the boundaries of the courtyard. The ball then turned around and went at Allen. Allen preferred to dodge. The ball went past him and almost hit the ground, then suddenly changed course and went back at the other team. “Faster faster ! Smoothly ! Remember that energy flows !” Shouted master Corus as the ball flew through the courtyard, smashing at it’s next target.
Suddenly it hit one of the students ain kail’s team. Everyone looked frightened at him, expecting him to burst in flames at any moment “Ouch, my chest “ was the answer, everyone could breath in relief. “Remember that as void mages we do not only control it’s direction but power too” said master Corus.

He made another lighting ball and sent it straight at Kail. Though the fact he wont burn to death was relieving he didn’t take the chances and dodged. The ball turned around and went back at him. He dodged again and the ball flew at the other team. Emily quickly caught it and launched back at kail’s team, hitting one of Kail’s teammates. Master Corus launched another ball, now at the other team. Emily caught this one too and sent it at Kail’s team hitting again.

Soon enough kail’s side became almost empty with a few people remaining. Kail was dodging all the balls, Ralf was catching them from time to time and sending at the other team but Emily was quickly intercepting them and launching back at them. Another ball flew right above Kail’s head. Ralf quickly went to catch the ball. He caught it barely and sent back at Emily hoping to hit her. She quickly caught this ball too and sent it at Ralf who didn’t have time to dodge nor catch it. Kail was alone now.

Master Corus created another ball and sent it at the other team. Emily took the ball and launched it at Kail, he jumped to the right. The ball turned around and went back at Kail, he jumped to the left. Emily caught the returning ball and sent at Kail again. He was jumping and dodging as the ball went back and forth as if someone is playing a bad joke on him, tossing the ball back to Emily’s hands. People were laughing slightly around, the sight was funny indeed. Kail was getting tired. Emily caught another ball and sent it at Kail, faster than ever as if she could smell her victory in the air. Kail was ready to dodge but suddenly he froze in place. He pulled his hands forward and prepared to catch the ball.

The ball flew straight between his hands. He created a path for it as if he was pulling it, suddenly pushed his hands forward and threw the ball at the enemy team. It splashed into one of their team who was still laughing at his attempts to dodge the ball. Everyone looked surprised at Kail. Suddenly his team burst in cheering. Master Corus created another ball and sent it at Kail. He caught the ball and sent it at the other team. In the back he could hear his team cheering “Kail ! Kail !” . The ball hit his target. Master Corus sent another ball at Emily. She caught it and threw it, but instead of throwing it at Kail she threw it upwards. Suddenly the ball turned around and started falling with a blazing speed at Kail. He jumped aside but instead of smashing into the ground it flew back to Emily. She was moving he hands as if curving a tunnel for the lighting somewhere away from her. The ball flew towards her obeying her commands. She caught it and launched at Kail. He prepared to catch the ball, prepared his hands but suddenly when he was ready to catch the ball it changed course and went to his left, taking a small turn back at him. Kail dodged to the side. He had no idea how to catch something like this.

The ball went around and back at him. He made himself as if he was ready to jump but instead quickly pulled his hands forward to catch the ball. He quickly redirected it back at the other team. It felt less obeying then before but he could still handle it. The ball went at Allen who jumped out of it’s way. The ball turned around and flew back at him. He didn’t noticed it and it hit him straight in the back. Master Corus sent the ball at Kail. He could notice a small smile on his face. Kail caught this ball and sent it as fast as he could. It felt natural to him when he overcame his fear from the ball. He could feel the energy flowing through him as the ball passed by. He didn’t notice the heat anymore, he felt the energy instead. The ball hit another one in the other team. Master Corus sent another ball at Emily who was ready to finish this game. She quickly caught the ball and sent it into the air. The ball went quite slow up and was weirdly moving in an inconsistent pattern. Emily was trying to do something with the ball. She was unsure of her moves but suddenly a slight smile appeared on her face. The ball started moving straight and suddenly split into two. The first ball turned down at Kail, the second one was following it from behind. Kail dodged the first ball. It went back towards the fence. The second ball corrected course towards Kail. He caught the ball and sent at Emily. Suddenly he felt something closing on him, it was the first ball coming back from the loop. He jumped aside as the ball passed a few Centimetres from him. Emily caught the second ball and sent at Kail. He caught the ball and launched at Emily immediately as he saw the first ball coming towards him. He jumped aside. On a positive note it seemed like Emily couldn’t control both balls but it didn’t prevent her from sending them at him again at again. He felt tired, his hands hurt and breath was unsteady. He sent another ball at her dodging the other one. The second ball was closing on him and he was ready to catch it but suddenly he felt something closing from behind, it was already too late. The ball hit Kail in the back and he fell down. He felt a slight pain as if he was stung in his back. He opened his eyes and went to stand up. Someone gave him a hand, it was Emily. He stood up. She smiled at him “Good game” . It was time for a lunch break.

The lunch went nicely for Kail. Everyone talked about the match and his comeback. Analyzed moves and shortcomings of each other and talked about the upcoming tourney. “Hey you did great out there “ said Allen. Suddenly he pushed Kail on his back “Heeey !” “That’s for the ball in my back” he laughed. While everyone discussed their things Kail thought about how natural it felt to him to redirect this energy and how he could feel it. It felt strange and new. He didn’t understand how he could catch this move so fast while the others took him so long. Maybe it’s because it felt similar to how the master taught him to use energy, or maybe those moves are not that terrible after all. He was glad he passed the force fail stage of his life so he probably won’t have to fly across the courtyard ever again, that’s of course if he won’t be put against Emily.

After lunch the master was waiting for the students in the courtyard. “I’m sure you all know about the void tournament, many of you probably saw it. Many heads nodded around. Kail never was on the void tournament. It was a privilege of the wealthy or at least the middle class. He couldn’t effort to go to this tournament. He didn’t know anything about it besides it was a spectacular religious ritual, and an expensive one. “The tourney comes from the great trial patriarch Aladarn passed on mount of Ethan. The dragons wanted to test his skill and courage. He was faced with a task – to transport what can’t be taken in a form that can’t exist. He had to take pure energy from the dragons and bring it to their podium, without loosing the energy. The bounds and laws of our world are not known to the void mage and so they were for Aladarn. He took the energy with his bare hands to the podium and was rewarded with knowledge. In the tourney there are two pedestals with two ball of pure energy This energy cannot be manipulated the was you are used to. Your task as a team is to bring the energy ball of the enemy team to your pedestal. The one who holds the ball won’t be able to use his magic and if the ball falls to the ground it will disappear , reappearing at it’s pedestal. As said, easy to get in, hard to get out “.



“On both sides of the courtyard there are two pedestals. I will create two energy ball and put them on the pedestals. Your task is to take the opponent’s ball and bring it to your pedestal. The teams that were before seem to be fine. Remember that teamwork is the key to Victory.”’

The team quickly gathered together to come up with a plan. “So we need a protecting team and an attacking one. Who’s going to attack ? “, “I will” said Eve, “And I will !” said Ralf “I’ll crush em’ !”, “I’ll go too “ said Kail. “Alright so the rest on the ball. How we gonna bring theirs’ back though ? “, “Just get in – get out huh ? Wish it was that easy” ,“I say all on the ball and get it done with ! “ said Ralf “so that they sneak behind us ? not a chance”, “We need everyone on front as Emily will give us hard time” “So that she sends us flying all together ? I told you we need two teams for this” , “Or attack and defend in the same time.” Said Kail. “And how do you want to do it ? “ . “Have you ever seen a Legionary Phalanx ? My father is a Legionary. The Cohort forms into a live wall of shields. Each man covers the man to his left with the shield, the small hooks on the sides of the shields hook those shields together into an impenetrable wall. They let the enemy to crash into the wall and throw all what they have on it. When they are exhausted the Cohort pushes them back, punching with the Palandros through the shields. Eventually the phalanx breaks up and slaughters the first battle line then forming again to move on the enemy. The whole formation keeps moving forward while covering the other troops, acting both as defensive and offensive units. What I suggest is t create one big Force shield tougher and push as close to their pedestal as possible. We can leave a gap in the middle so that they will have to focus on two different groups. If they try to pass through the gap we can strike at them easily from the sides. Once we close to the pedestal we can try another trick. When the legionary cohort closes on the target it separates into battle formations. Each formation covers itself with the shields, using the same hooks, to create a shield sphere. Each formation is 16 men in size. We can send the attacking team forward in that shield while the defending team will keep the phalanx and lay covering fire. We get the ball, the two others cover with the shield and we safely walk away.” “Sounds good on the paper …”, “Lets give it a try and if it doesn’t work let’s just do it the ordinary way “.

The two teams formed around their pedestals. Kail’s team stood in a line right in front of the pedestal. “remember to keep up with the phasing, I will count”. The team prepared their force fields. The other team was ready too. The other team stood in a chess-like pattern throughout the other side. “May the best win” said master Corus and the battle begun. The first two rows of the enemy team became to close slowly on them. “everyone prepare” said Kail. The first enemy line prepared their force fields, ready to fire. “Push it now !” shouted Kail and the team raised their shields which quickly connected into a big one, right on time. A shower of force waves crashed into the shield put it held. “On my go, now !” said Kail and the formation became to move. The other team looked confused. The second row became to throw force fields. “now separate the wall” said Kail and the wall split in two. “One , two , stop. One , two , stop !”. A shower of force waves hit the walls again. The other team was disoriented. They threw the waves inconsistently , sometimes at the left side, sometimes at the right. “Push through the gap” someone said on the other team and the first line began to run towards the gap. Kail and Ralf quickly stepped out of the shields sending a force wave at the incoming force. The strike landed well, sending some flying back, the others pulled their shields and became stepping back. The wall slowly closed on the enemy pedestal. The other team threw more and more force waves but the shields easily held them off. “Go back !” Said Emily “Around the pedestal !”. The enemy team quickly ran back towards the pedestal and formed a thick living wall around it. They quickly put their own shields and prepared to defend . “stop” shouted Kail. The wall stopped 2/3 of the way towards the pedestal. “Let’s go” he said.

He , Ralf and Eve quickly stepped out of the shields and formed their own big cone. They began marching towards the pedestal. Emily stepped out of the shield and began unleashing strikes at the cone. Kail and the formation stopped in place. The strikes hit hard and they couldn’t keep moving. Strike after strike she was closing to collapse their shield. “Go back “ said kail and the cone slowly moved back into the friendly shields. “It’s not working we gotta do it another way” said Kail. “Start stepping back “ he said. The formation slowly began to back off. The other team looked confused but suddenly jumped on the opportunity to begin an offense. The three lines formed again and they began throwing force fields, together this time. It became harder to hold the shields but still possible. “Stop “ he said again. The formation stopped half way to their pedestal. “I have a crazy idea , on my go unleash all what you have on them.” He stepped forward and raised a force field around himself “NOW !” He shouted. The shields broke up and a massive wall of force waves hit the enemy team. While they were still confused Kail suddenly leaned forward. The gravity responded quickly to his magic and he began to “fall” towards the enemy pedestal. He landed right next to it and took the ball.

A strange feeling filled the tips of his hands. It suddenly became to disappear and Kail focused all his energy to keep this ball up, it was obvious now why he cannot use magic with that ball in his hands. His team that saw what happens began to run fearlessly forward, striking force waves all around. Emily who first got what happens stood up and prepared to send a force wave at him. Kail saw it and began running like crazy. She crossed her hands creating a force field and pushed them aside like a bird flapping her wings. A giant wave appeared right behind him. He ran as fast as he could and the wave was right behind him when suddenly it smashed into a shield, it was his team. Emily wasn’t ready to give up and rushed forward with her own gravity field. Those who were around kail quickly formed a shield around him but Emily didn’t seem to be interested in him, she went for their pedestal. Kail began to run towards their pedestal. The enemy team send waves at him, his team tried to cover him and hit Emily , the courtyard turned into a total chaos. He ran as fast as he could, Emily was already half the way through, he was almost there , just a few more meters. He jumped forward onto the pedestal and threw the ball on it, he fell to the ground, right on time to see Emily doing the same. Both teams froze in place to see what happens. Suddenly a bright white beam appeared from their team’s pedestal “We have a winner “ said master Corus when he was interrupted by a happy roar from Kail’s team, they won.

“Well played “ said Emily, smiling at Kail. He caught a sight of her beautiful eyes. He could see he managed to impress her. That evening everyone talked about the game. Even the loosing team had quite a high morale, as after all it was just a preparation for the true battle awaiting.



End of Seventh chapter.

The sun was setting outside of the Master’s mansion. The students set around the long tables in the main hall. On the white bright tablecloth stood big plates filled with delicious food. The students ate quickly, talkative as always. Such was the nature of the people of Alderon. Their warmness helped them to survive the nights below the skies in their tents as they wandered the plains in search for their home. It kept them together and gave them strength to overcome the challenges the Creator threw at them and become what they are today. Is that the land he promised them ? Or will the Garrens win this war and they’ll become nomads again ?

The white moon shined high in the sky at it’s full glory. Tomorrow the moon will be full and Kail will step into the big arena. The students discussed in excitement what awaits them there. Kail set quietly, listening. The training they had daily gave him a slight confidence which quickly faded away when he imagined the huge stadium and their enemies. “Hey Kail are you going to finish that chicken or can I have it ?” asked Allen “I’ll finish it” he answered, taking a big bite at it, maybe the food will distract him from thoughts. The students quickly swallowed every edible object on the table and went to sleep. The great tomorrow was falling upon them.

In the morning everyone woke up a bit earlier then usual, a bit more nervous then usual. Master Corus who went down earlier too was surprised to see the students already waiting for him in the courtyard. “Sit down” he said. “You were preparing for this moment for quite a while now. I believe in each one of you, you have great strength and together you can overcome any challenge you’ll be facing. Kail, would you kindly repeat the plan for everyone, just to be sure” . Kail stood up and went to the master. He looked down at the sitting students, looking at him with interest, waiting for him to speak, it was his plan after all. Kail felt a bit awkwardly, he unsurely opened his mouth and began to speak. “The idea is similar to what we did in the first game. We divide into two teams, each team will create a shield and begin to push towards the enemy pedestal. Allen and Ralf will stand to the sides of each team right besides the gap to blow away anyone who tries to cross it. Me and Emily will stand on the opposite sides of the shields and give the pace. Once we reach two thirds of the arena me and Emily will dash forward from both sides while you throw some blasts at the enemy. Emily grabs the ball … “ “wait shouldn’t you grab it ? You are quite agile while I can cover you with my spells” said Emily “I … I don’t know …” “C’mon Kail” “You’ll do fine” “yea we’ll beat their butts !” some students said from the crowd “Alright alright … I’ll do it. Once we … I … get the ball, the walls throw as many blasts as they can while we get back. Don’t let your guard down even after we pass the wall as they might break through”. “Lets win this game ! For our master !” , the crowd answered with a roar. They were ready to go.

The way to Noor-Aylard was filled with travellers going into the city. The students passed through the big city gates. Two huge Alderian banners hanged down from the city gates. They went on the ringed street to the great stadium. Many people stood in front of the main entrance. The students went to the side entrance of the stadium. The corridors led to a large hall somewhere below the stadium. It was crowded with people , students like them. They were all talking among themselves looking with hostility at the other teams. Everyone in this room wanted their hands on the ball, most of them will actually get their hands on the ball but not many of them will return it to their pedestal as victors. A large group of students approached them. They wore black tunics with white texture on it’s sides. A man with a long, straight , black beard stepped out, carefully looking at them “So you think you really stand a chance against my students with this pity looking crowd ? I expected more from you Corus, but not much … “ he said with a cold smile “I see you are still trying to grow a beard, Ksardus, maybe you will win by the time it grows up “ master Corus answered, smiling at him. They moved on. “He still can’t forgive me the time I put his beard on fire, totally accidently of course” said master Corus, still smiling. Kail could spot a familiar face in there, Darec the sewer rat, seems like his father managed to buy his way back into a bending school, it might explain why the Taurus bending school earned it’s reputation …

The students set quietly waiting for their turn. Teams went in and out, they could hear the crowd outside, cheering. Soon their turn came. They were put against Lighwind bending school. The students stepped into a small room with two doors, one led back to the hall, the other one – to the arena. “I trust every single one of you will give today it’s best, you can overcome any challenge if you really desire to” said master Corus. The team quickly formed two rows in front of the door. It opened and the students went out. The sun was shining outside lighting the stadium. Tens of thousands of people set on the tribunes, cheering and shouting. In the middle of the tribunes on a special platform set the Royal family. Somewhere in the crowd set many from his village, including his mother. Kail asked master Corus to give a ticket for his mother, he gave him for the whole village. Kail had no idea where did he get those tickets from, it is hard to get that many even if you have the money to afford them. They set there cheering. “Here comes our boy !” said elder Megar. His mother set quietly, so excited for him yet so worried, she felt too much to talk. As Kail went further into the arena he realised how big it is. It was one of those times he hoped to become an earth mage and burry himself underground, this unfortunately won’t happen. They went to the middle of the arena and stood there in a long line. In front of them stood the rival team. They were as exited as they were. Both teams went forward to shake hands. “Good luck” said the guy who shook Kail’s hand “You too” he answered. They seemed to be quite nice but unfortunately there is only one winner. The teams went back to their pedestals and the game had begun.

“Arrange rows” shouted Kail and two rows appeared on the sides of the arena. “Formation prepare, on my go. One , two , one two …” The rows advanced forward fast. The other team divided into three rows, two of which went forward to meet the incoming team. “One , two , one, two… “ Kail counted, carefully watching the other side for even the slightest sign of aggression. The other team began to prepare their force fields. The rows passed one third of the way already, it seemed like they wait for them to come closer. He closely watched their moves, suddenly they stepped forward and launched force waves. “STOP ! NOW !” said Kail and a huge shield appeared, absorbing the damage. The other team looked slightly confused and continued to launch their force fields. Their attacks were not coordinated just like it happened during the training. “On my go, one two , stop . One, two , stop “ said Kail. Suddenly four of their team dashed forward towards the gap in the lines “STOP, Ralf NOW !” he shouted. Ralf and Allen stepped out and quickly launched force fields. The four didn’t have a chance to evade and the wave hit them straight in their faces. Not only this but they were flying towards it at a huge speed. The wave threw them backwards, knocking them out. “Forward, one , two , one , two” The other team began to slowly walk backwards towards their pedestal, throwing back force waves. Kail saw they won’t be able to pass two thirds of the arena in time “All stop, dash NOW” he shouted.

The force shield quickly broke up and the student launched a big force waves forward. The other team who were used to throw the waves barely put their shields on time. Meanwhile Kail and Emily were already dashing towards the pedestal while the other team was repelling the force wave. The other team didn’t even have time to react and when they notice Kail he was already by the pedestal. He took the energy ball. Their team suddenly switched to offense, throwing as many force fields as they could. The other team tried to organize defence, the row closer to the pedestal began to throw force waves towards Kail but nothing could pass through Emily’s shield. They began to run as the wall charged forward. The team quickly switched to force balls so that they won’t hit Kail and Emily. The force balls were more powerful and accurate, perfect for one vs. one close combat. A few of their team quickly ran towards Kail and Emily to help with the shield. The other team couldn’t do anything now. A big, organized strike could have hit through Emily’s shield or make a gap in the closing wall but they were all busy combating the enemy in close one vs. one. They shielded formation quickly ran through the arena, the other team tried to chase them down but it was already too late. Kail ran to the pedestal and placed the energy ball on it. A large light beam appeared from the pedestal and the crowed roared with approval. They won the first round.

The team went down to the big hall “So far so good” noted Allen. “So how’s the team holding ?” “A few people got thrown on the ground, nothing major “ “yea just like training with Emily” they laughed. They obnoxiously waited for their next match. The crowd roared above them as a bloody battle between two other teams took place. They hit and blasted each other almost to pieces. One of the teams won but it was in such a bad shape they decided not to participate further. With no enemy to go up against Kail’s team automatically qualified for the next round. They watched closely the other battle taking place. It was the Taurus bending school who fought above them now. Kail somewhat hoped they loose but it didn’t happen. The other team barely made it through and now they were against the old champions. One bright side was to this story – they made it to the final round.

The team quickly assembled in two rows and prepared to go out. The light hit Kail’s eyes and blinded him for a second, then he saw the huge arena again. He slowly went towards the other team. The two teams stopped one in front of the other and closed to shake hands. Kail closed to the student in front of him. He had a cold dead expression on his face. They silently shook hands, Kail could feel his disgust , he felt the same. “have a look at this sweetie” one of them said, laughing in a somewhat mocking way. It was Darec who was standing in front of Emily. She closed her mouth tightly and tried to ignore the comment. The teams silently turned around and went to their pedestals.

“Alright two lines quickly” said Kail. The lines assembled on both sides as before. “On my go, one, two , one , two” he counted and the lines began moving. The other team assembled in a triangle. “One, two , one , two” said Kail, closely watching for any hostility from the enemy team. The enemy team quickly created force balls and sent at the lines. “STOP STOP !” shouted Kail. The lines deployed the shields. The balls hit it simultaneously, Kail could feel all the weight of the strike. “One, two, stop” he shouted. Another strike hit the shields. They moved slowly towards the other pedestal. The Taurus team landed coordinated strikes trying to break the shield. The lines closed slowly towards the middle. The other team went forward too. They stroke at the lines again and again and their triangular formation threatened to cut them by half. The lines reached the middle. Kail saw they won’t make it to the mark again. “On my go strike , three, two , one, NOW !” he said. The shields broke up and a coordinated force wave went right at the triangle. They Taurus team quickly pulled their own shields. The wave was cut by the triangle with barely any effect. “We must do something now” thought Kail. “Close the gap between the lines “ he shouted and both lines connected together to one .

Emily ran quickly towards Kail “I have a crazy idea, remember the gravity fields the master taught us ? Launch me up, quick.” “You are crazy! You want us to launch you in the air ?!” “No, I want you to launch me directly at them” . Kail looked at her as if she was mad, another strike just hit the line. “we don’t have time, just do it. Once I land attack the triangle all together and you Kail grab the ball” she said. He and a few others surrounded her and created a force field. It slowly covered her whole bodey and she began floating in the air. “Do it , now !” she shouted, they raised their hand up and launched her forward. She quickly created a force field and landed right in the middle of the triangle like a meteorite, shattering it around her. Without giving them time to recover the whole team began to attack. Kail dashed around the broken triangle towards the pedestal. Soon force waves began flying towards him. He moved as quickly as he could towards the pedestal. He landed right near it and grabbed the ball. The triumph wasn’t long as he was quickly hit by force waves. He dodged them as best as he could. He saw another force wave closing but it was too late to dodge it. He fell to the ground, dropping the ball which quickly disappeared. His body hurt but he tried to stand back up as soon as possible, he should get out of there , fast. He stood up and prepared to run but suddenly he felt something closing , he dodged left as a powerful lighting bolt passed right where he stood. He tried to stand up again but he saw another lighting closing on him. “That’s it, this is the end” the thought. Suddenly the lightning changed course and hit the ground. He looked in front of him, it was Emily. More lightning began to fly towards them “Kail quickly get out of there!”. He dashed as quickly as he could back to the line, he flew right at it. The line split quickly to let him pass. He crashed into the floor and the line closed behind him, right on time to repel another strike.

“This is not good” said Kail. “C’mon we can still cut through them” said Emily. “They throw lightnings, freaking lightnings ! “. A lightning barrage stroke at the line. Kail could feel the hit and power from those lightning, they weren’t those small sparks master Corus was teaching them with. Yet he could feel something different in them. They weren’t even, their power was, inconsistent. “Do you feel that? “ he asked Emily “The lightning bolts? “ “yea , they are not even, something is wrong with them” “I dunno what you’re talking about, I can’t feel anything.” “I think they know how to create lightning but not how to control it. Do you think we can redirect them like we did during lessons? “ “Worth a try”. “Alright on my go catch the lightning and send it back. Ready ? Three , two , one, NOW !” . The shields broke once more and the students caught the lightning bolts, throwing them back at the enemy. The other team was quite surprised and barely had time to pull shields but those shields couldn’t save them from the lightning. The bolts hit the shields and pushed them back, exhausted . “Keep striking!” he shouted. The team began throwing force balls as fast as they could .”That’s our chance” he said and dashed towards the pedestal. Emily also dashed forward, right into the enemy. She landed a big shock wave at them and passed through towards the pedestal, catching up with Kail. “Kail grab the ball and I will launch you up” “You WHAT ?!” he shouted grabbing the ball but she didn’t answer, She created a force field around Kail. He felt as if he was in water, floating . She pushed her hands and sent him up. Kail looked down as he flew above the enemy team. Not only he is now flying 8 meter above the ground without any ability to cast spells the other team is also throwing lightnings at him. He began to decent right on the line. His teammates abandoned the attack, preparing to catch him. He prayed they will actually catch him or he will smash right into the floor. He closed his eyes preparing for impact when suddenly his body stopped and began floating again. Suddenly his body gained weight and he fell to the ground. He began to run towards the pedestal. The enemy team was already on their feet. The threw force balls at the unorganized wall and crashed it. They arena turned into a bloody brawl. 4 people ran around Kail with force shields. Soon force waves began to fly from everywhere. The enemy team dashed forward towards their pedestal . The stood all around the arena constantly throwing force balls and lightning bolts at Kail. The team was exhausted and slowly began to break down. The strikes at the shield broke down the shield holders one by one. Soon Kail was running alone. He saw to his right how the enemy runner passed by with their ball. He knew he MUST get there first at all costs. Someone dashed to his side, it was Emily. She stopped letting Kail to pass and prepared to repel the attackers . 3 Dashers went towards her fast, she pulled her hands aside and created her signature force wave, knocking them down. The force waves began to fly towards her. She dodged them one by one and sent force balls back, striking down the chasers one by one. Kail ran as fast as he could. Lightnig bolts were passing above his head, he saw the pedestal, it was so close. Suddenly a lightning hit his back. He shouted in pain and fell to the ground. He knew he had to stand back up. He stood up with the last of his powers and jumped towards the pedestal, throwing the ball right into it. He crashed on the floor and turned around. Everything became silent. The tribunes waited in tension to see who won, everything froze. A tinny beam of light appeared in Kail’s pedestal and suddenly it grew up and lighted the whole stadium. The tribunes roared and cheered, they saw the new champions.

This evening they had the great honor of lighting the pedestals one last time for the celebration of the last day of the Ethanimus. Kail and Emily were given a torch to light the pedestal as they were the true stars of the game. Kail stood there proud more than ever. He imagined his father sitting there among the crowd, how proud he would be if he just could sit there. His mother sure was, so does the whole village who came to see the game. For the first time he had time to look at the pedestals. They were made out of old, gray, almost black stone. It was covered with reliefs and 4 dragons set on each if it’s sides , holding the energy ball above a large bowl where he was about to lit fire. It wasn’t an ordinary fire. It had a white color and gave out almost no heat. He looked at the pedestal one last time and went back down to the big hall below the arena. Only now he began to feel the pain in his back. They went through the main corridor towards the exit. On their right stood the Taurus team. Master Corus kindly smiled towards Ksardus who didn’t hide his anger. The teams passed by looking at each other when suddenly Emily stepped out of the line and pinned one of their students to the wall. “NEVER call me sweetie again” she said and threw Darec to the ground. “Someone will need a new pair of pants now “ noted Allen, looking at Darec with satisfaction.



End of Eighth chapter.