chapters delayed

The next few chapters are going to be delayed... I'm swamped with university assignments... half of which are already late because its end of semester... be back asap!

Black Magic chapter 3

Disclaimer: It doesn’t belong to me, but instead belongs to the great Trudi Canavan who is kind enough to let me play in her little world.


Chapter 3

Sonea approached the High Lord’s residence with great trepidation. Takan had found her earlier in the Novice’s library to deliver the High Lord’s summons to dinner, and try as she might, she couldn’t find any possible way, or rather a believable way for her to get out of it. She trudged up the front path towards the front door and hesitated before turning the knob. Perhaps I could plead ill…

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind, then the door opened, and Takan was there, gesturing for her to enter. Sonea sighed and crossed the threshold into the building. There was no getting out of it now. What was the good of the other Novices leaving in the morning for break if she was going to have spend all her time avoiding the High Lord?


Takan led her into the formal dining room and seated her in a chair to the right of the head of the table. He then left the room to, she presumed, head into the kitchen. She squirmed in her chair; the cool atmosphere of the large room was unsettling. Sonea took a moment to exam her surroundings. The table itself was large enough to seat at least 12 people and appeared to be made from blackwood, commonly found to the north in the mountains close to the border with Sachaka. The chairs were made for the same, with high backs that made one feel tiny in comparison. She noted that the head of the table was taller than the others, and also sported arms to the chair. The walls were lined with timber on the bottom half, with the upper being plastered, though she imagined that there would be stone underneath. The walls were relatively unadorned, save for a few paintings of the landscape of the countryside outside of the slums that surrounded the city. The ceiling was high, and only a few lights hung down in the centre of the room, leaving shadows in the corners. A hearth was on the opposite side of the room from the door she entered through, and a welcoming fire removed the bite of cold that came with the evening.


Sonea had finally begun to settle, reasoning that there was nothing in the room itself that was intimidating, then the Akkarin stalked into the room.


*****


Feeling Sonea’s reaction to his presence through the ring, Akkarin regretted momentarily the way he had entered the room. Stupid, Akkarin. She is already afraid of you. You should be trying to soothe her fears at least a little, not terrifying her everytime she sees you!


He schooled his features to a more pleasant expression and smiled at her as he took his seat at the head of the table. She nodded to him stiffly. It was going to take a lot more than a smile to repair the damage he had already done.


Takan, would you please hurry with the food? Akkarin sent the thought through the blood ring Takan also wore.


Yes, sir. It will be there in a few moments.


Akkarin nodded as if Takan could see him and turned his eyes to Sonea, who was staring determinedly at the table in front of her.


How about joining us for the meal, Takan?


He felt Takan’s refusal before he heard the thoughts. No, master. You are dining formally with your apprentice. It would not be proper. He ‘heard’ Takan pause for a moment. And it would not be right for you to defer to me for conversation over dinner instead of the girl.


Akkarin smiled wryly at that thought. Takan knew him far to well, and as well as he played the role of the servant he was undoubtedly his closest friend in present times. He hid nothing from Takan. He was the one on whom he could rely to support him through his task.


Again, he tried to return his attention to Sonea, and the awkward tension that now permeated the room.


‘How did your classes progress today, Sonea?’


She looked up at him, her face a mixed picture of shock and terror at the thought of him wanting to converse with her. She failed to fully hide her feelings when she attempted to to compose herself before answering. ‘Well enough, my lord. Very little has changed. We did begin to study the architectural drawings of the Guild this afternoon, which I enjoyed.’ She averted her gaze as she finished speaking, again focusing on the table.


Perhaps, he thought, this was the moment to mention what he knew about the events of her confrontation with Lord Elben.


‘Lord Elben mentioned in passing that you refused his offer for a seat in front of the class this morning,’ he paused a moment, choosing his words carefully. ‘Do you think that is wise?’


He watched as Sonea’s entire body tensed. ‘I…’


She was interrupted as Takan entered the room carrying food, which he noted with content was roast beef with a side of baked vegetables.


‘Dinner is served, sir.’ Takan met his eyes directly, and… was that amusement he detected?


What is this, Takan? Is there some private joke on me that I’m yet to become aware of?


Takan placed a plate in front of Akkarin, then turned to Sonea to do the same. Only if you believe there is, master.


Akkarin groaned inwardly with frustration, What kind of answer is that? However, his question was only met with an amused silence and Takan left the dining room again.


He sighed, and began to eat. He didn’t notice until a few minutes later that Sonea had yet to touch her food. ‘You may eat, Sonea. You need not wait for my permission.’


She gave no acknowledgement to his words, but did begin to cut her meat and begin her meal.


Surely I’m not that intimidating. He took a brief look at her thoughts through the ring and found an image of himself through her eyes. Or maybe I am.


Sonea seemed to picture Akkarin as a looming figure whose mere presence demanded subservience. He was draped in black, which matched his dark hair, giving an almost evil appearance, which he noted she found ironic considering his crime was ‘black’ magic. He almost would not have been surprise if in her eyes his hands were claws and eyes glinted red.


Well, he thought, she is right on one count. It is ironic that as High Lord I wear black robes.


The meal progressed in awkward silence. He did not think any further attempts at conversation would be welcomed, and Sonea gave no impression of wanting to break the silence. Rather than prolonging their suffering, he gave Sonea the option of escaping instead of sitting through dessert.


‘I’m sure you have study that you wish to continue. If you do not wish to have dessert, you may be excused.’


Sonea nodded and pushed back her chair to leave.


‘And Sonea?’


She turned to face him.


‘It would be best if you accepted Elben’s offer of a seat at the front of the classroom, as well as any similar offers from your other teachers. It is true, you can both see and hear better at the front of the room, and it would not be fitting for the High Lord’s novice to be seated at the back of the room.’


Sonea nodded again hesitantly, but he noted the fire of the will to defy him burning in her eyes.


‘That will be all.’ He only watched as she left the room to escape to her own rooms upstairs.


Takan?


Yes, master?


Akkarin sighed, Join me for dessert?


*****


Relief swamped her as she ran upstairs to her room. Dinner had been worse than watching her Aunt Jonna pulling one of her Uncle’s teeth that had gone rotten. Is this what I have to look forward for the rest of my time as a novice? She shook her head, denying it, and flopped onto her bed. No, Rothen wouldn’t let this last that long, and neither would Lorlen. Surely Akkarin’s secret wouldn’t last that long… but she did wonder what the cost of that secret being revealed would bring.

BM chapter 2

Black Magic - chapter 2
________________________________________

“Lord Yikmo?”

Sonea’s thoughts echoed Director Jerrik’s surprised response. Yikmo...Was that name familiar?

“…evening classes in other subjects that would allow time during the day,” Jerrik continued speaking.

Akkarin nodded. “That would be appropriate. I believe an assessment by Lord Yikmo will be sufficient to supplement the Warrior Skills tests Sonea missed yesterday?”

“Yes,” Jerrik replied. “It’s not normal, but I think an exception would be prudent in this case.” He smiled at Sonea, “I can draw up a timetable now if that pleases you both?”

Sonea remained silent as Akkarin rose from his seat, his black robe falling to hang just above the floor. “That will be fine, Director. I will leave Sonea here to collect it. Thankyou Director.”

He bowed his head politely to the Director, and then strode towards the door. He both felt and heard Sonea’s sigh of relief at him leaving. A pang of regret stung at him, and he brushed against Sonea’s mind as he walked down the corridor towards his office. Through her eyes he watched Jerrik begin to draw up the required table, his pen ruling lines and dancing over the page. He felt Sonea’s sense of irony and disbelief as Jerrik told her of her ‘good fortune’ and how her new position would better her situation both with the other novices and within the Guild.

At least the extra classes won’t be so bad, she thought. They will just make it easier to avoid him.

Akkarin firmly barred her thoughts from his mind. Perhaps it was best that she thought that way. While she was avoiding him, there was less chance of her getting involved in things she shouldn’t, and maybe her avoiding him would ensure her protection if his activities were ever discovered. He opened the door to his office and entered, collapsed into the chair near the fire and rubbed his forehead. He was going to have to trust that Sonea could take care of herself, because he couldn’t compromise his mission. If she got in his way-

If she got in his way he would have to deal with the problem appropriately.
________________________________________
Lord Elben’s eyes didn’t match his smile as he approached Sonea in the corridor outside the classroom.

“Good morning, Sonea,” his smile widened. “Congratulations on your new guardianship.”

Sonea took an immediate dislike to the cold glitter in his eyes. She bowed, “Thankyou, Lord Elben.”

He nodded, then moved past her and entered the classroom; hesitantly, Sonea followed.

She glanced around the room as she entered. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, surely they all knew? Gossip spread through the Guild like wildfire. A day had already passed, news that the High Lord had finally chosen a favourite, let alone that the favourite was the slum girl, should be common knowledge by now. Her eyes turned to Regin, who was lounging on a desk in the middle of the room, and she noted his smirk as he stared at her. Trouble.

“Everyone, take your seats,” Elben ordered.

Sonea began to make her way to her place near the window, but she had to walk past
Regin to get to her seat. She tugged her sleeve around to hide the newly attached Guild insignia, but his grin widened as she drew near.

“Your highness, how gracious of you to grant us the presence of the High Lord’s favourite. You humble us with your generosity,” his smirk grew bigger still.

All idle chatter stopped and silence reigned.

So, she thought. They didn’t know. How ironic that the last people in the Guild to hear the news would be her classmates. She schooled her features to stone and took her seat. She busily set about settling her box on her desk and arranging her things.

“Take your seat, please, Regin,” Elben growled.

Regin slid into his seat, satisfied with the class’ reaction to his news.

“Sonea.”

Sonea looked up. Lord Elben was standing in front of her desk, wearing the same smile as he had in the corridor.

“I have saved you a seat at the front,” he gestured to what had previously been Poril’s seat. “Please make use of it.”

Where-? Sonea glanced around the room. Ah, there he was. Poril sat glumly in the back row. He flushed when he saw her watching, and pointedly avoided her gaze.
Sonea turned back to face Lord Elben. “Thankyou, my Lord,” she said politely. “That was very generous of you, but I would prefer to stay here.”

His cold eyes narrowed, “Very well.” He turned and strode back to the front of the room.

He sat at his desk facing the class and pointed at a large stack of papers on his desk. “Today, you will be undertaking tests of your knowledge of Alchemy. The test will include both questions and exercises. Practical tests will not take place until after break.”

Lord Elben picked up the papers and began to wander around the classroom handing them out. When he had finished, he returned to the front of the room and faced the class.

“Begin.”
________________________________________

At the end of the session Lord Elben dismissed the class. Sonea packed up her things into her box and followed her classmates to the door.

“Sonea, wait, please. I wish to speak to you.”

Sonea sighed inwardly and detoured towards Lord Elben’s desk. She resisted the urge to raise her eyebrows at Elben’s stern expression as he sat behind his desk, hands folded neatly in front of him. He was silent until the room cleared.

“After break, I would appreciate it if you took the seat I’ve arranged for you,” he smiled grimly.

What was the importance of the seat? Surely she could learn just as well where she was. “I prefer to sit near the window.”

Elben’s fists clenched just enough for Sonea to notice. “I think it would be more appropriate if you were to sit at the front.”

Appropriate? Jerrik had said that her new guardianship would better her position within the Guild, but this was ridiculous. She did fine in her normal place, and she wasn’t going to make Poril move. She had enough problems with the other novices already; she didn’t need to risk furthering their dislike.

She raised her chin defiantly. “I’ll stay in my usual place.”

His eyes narrowed, “It’s easier to see and hear at the front.”

“I have no trouble doing either, Lord Elben.”

“Sonea,” his jaw clenched. “It may be seen as neglectful of me if you do not move to the front seat.”

“Perhaps I should tell Akkarin that you would not let me sit where I wished.”
He stared, wide-eyed. “You wouldn’t bother him over something so insignificant?”

She smiled, “I honestly doubt he would care about where I sit at all.”

He paused, then nodded. “You may sit where you wish. Go.”

Gossip followed her as she walked down the corridor, idle chatter of confusion and it being an insult to the Houses. They wouldn’t be so upset if they knew the real reason why he chose me, she thought. Regin attempted to waylay her on the way to the Foodhall, but was quickly quieted by the other novices, and chastised with, “Are you stupid? She’s the High Lord’s novice now.”

The novice’s stares were unnerving as she entered the Foodhall. She met their eyes defiantly, collected her food and sat at a table alone. What was happening to her? She had argued with a teacher. Novices did not argue with their teachers. Although Regin being forced to leave her alone had to be a good thing, right?
________________________________________

Akkarin leant back in his armchair, and tapped his chin. He had watched Sonea’s exchange with Lord Elben, and couldn’t help but smirk a little. Elben was foolish, and admired Sonea’s defiance, but really she should have taken the seat, but it was of little consequence. At least it seemed that she wax not above using her position to her benefit when the need arose.

The novices’ reactions did not concern him; their resistance was to be expected. It would not be long before they all began to hurry for her favour. However, he was going to need to show interest in her studies. He rose from the chair and stretched, arching his back. Perhaps weekly dinners starting tonight. Yes, that would be appropriate.

Takan?

Yes, master?

Don’t- Akkarin sighed. Tonight Sonea and I will be dining formally, and every Monday night following the break.

Of course. I will prepare your favourite.

Akkarin smiled. Thankyou, Takan.

Yes, Akkarin thought as he walked towards the door, some of his guilt assuaged. Things would get better for Sonea within the Guild now. She couldn’t have contact with Rothen, but that could not be helped. Things would turn out well.

Black Magic chapter 1

Disclaimer: The usual... yada yada yada... I own neither the characters or the setting to this story... both quite firmly belong to the magnificent Trudi Canavan...

'Rothen…'

Rothen turned to look at her. 'Sonea.'

Sonea searched his eyes, trying to figure out what was happening.

'It's ok, Sonea. Everything will be fine.' Rothen looked nervous, and his gaze kept shifting to look past her.

'But what's wrong?'

'I found out something very interesting today, Sonea.'

Sonea whirled around, and found herself facing the one person she didn't want to see. 'Highlord, I-'

'Do not worry, Sonea,' Akkarin said as he stepped out of the shadows. 'What's done is done.' He glanced over her. 'Although I must say, it does complicate things.'

Sonea gulped. How did he know? What had happened?

Akkarin nodded absently. 'Yes, Lorlen's mind was most informative. I'm still not sure how he thought I wouldn't notice his nervousness-,' he paused, as if unsure whether to continue.

'Highlord?' Sonea prompted, unnerved by his sudden silence.

He jolted, and his attention was immediately drawn back to her. 'You and Rothen know more than you should about a situation you couldn't possibly understand.'

Rothen moved to stand behind Sonea, and placed a comforting hand on Sonea's shoulder.

'I have decided to take Sonea on as my novice. Rothen, you will do nothing that could harm Sonea, and you, Sonea, have the weight of Rothen's wellbeing resting on your ability, or lack of it, to cooperate.'

Sonea breathed in slowly. The Highlords's novice!

'You will have as little contact with each other as possible, other than what is necessary to not look suspicious.'

'But-' Sonea was cut off by Rothen squeezing her shoulder.

It's ok Sonea, it will be fine. Nothing is going to happen to you.

Akkarin ignored Rothen's mind call and pulled a golden ring with a red stone from his robes. 'As my novice, you are required to wear this ring,' he took her hand and slid it on to her ring-finger. 'You must not take it off. I will know if you do.'

Sonea's heart was racing. Akkarin was to be her guardian? She could not think of anything worse.
'I will send a servant to collect your things, I think you will find the Highlord's Residence to be comfortable,' he paused a moment, considering his next words carefully. 'Do not fight me, Sonea. I think you will find your life to be more pleasant if you do not.'

***********

Sonea sat on her bed in her room in the Highlord's Residence. Her new servant, Anya, had put all of her things away in the cupboard and on the various shelves that lined the walls, but it still did not feel like home.

'At least I won't lack of things to read,' she muttered as she studied the many bookcases that were in the room. It seemed that the Highlord's novice was meant to study, and by the appearance of this room, Sonea resigned herself to the fact that she was going to have to study a lot.

With the break coming up soon for the novices, Sonea was determined to spend as little time as possible in the residence. However, she didn't know what she would do, because she could hardly visit Rothen, Dannyl was still in Elyne, and no one was sure when Dorrien would next return for a visit.

Perhaps this will be an opportunity for me to make friends other than Rothen in the Guild, she thought.

As her thoughts strayed to Rothen, she began to ponder the red-stoned ring that she now wore. She had never seen one like it before, but she could hardly ask Akkarin of its importance. Rothen too, had been mystified by it.

'It seems to have power within the stone, but what kind and its purpose, I cannot determine,' Rothen had said. She sighed as she remembered what he had said next. 'But you must wear it, Sonea. We cannot risk upsetting Akkarin further, and I fear you are more vulnerable now than any of us.

Akkarin paused in his work. Was her situation truly that lonely? He placed his quill back onto his desk as he became lost in thought. Am I sure I am doing the right thing?

He knew from his exploration of Lorlen's mind that it had not been Sonea's fault. She had not known the full implications of what she had witnessed until she had been truthread by Lorlen and he had been shocked into explaining it to her.

None of them have done anything wrong...

He cut off those thoughts immediately. He had no choice; the fate of the Guild was at stake. He was the one thing stopping the Sachakans from invading, and if they found him to be weak, then there would be no stopping them.

Akkarin picked up his quill again and began to scratch words on to a piece of parchment. Perhaps if he 'requested' that the teachers be sure not to neglect Sonea's education. She was the Highlord's novice now, surely the other novices would begin to seek her favour. Or at the very least, tolerate her.

He signed the letter with a flourish and waited as the ink dried. Perhaps this letter to Lord Elben would help matters. He sighed, regretting that he could not allow her to have contact with Rothen, but until they understood why he did what he did, they would only seek ways to stop him and reveal him to the Guild. He could not allow that to happen.

*********

Sonea sighed, the days ahead promised to be stressful. She could only imagine what Regin’s reaction would be tomorrow. Perhaps having Akkarin as her guardian would make a difference to the way the other novices treated her, or perhaps that was just wishful thinking.

Beginnings

So I plan to use this blog to post my writing, both fanfiction and original, and I figure it's easier this way because i don't have to bother with all the different site restrictions for my writing... that and it's easier for anyone who reads it. My fanfiction will probably be mostly Harry Potter and Black Magician Trilogy... altho a few randoms may pop up... and as for original? Well... your guess is as good as mine...