War Of The Wildlands(81)

With great care, Yori retrieved the ring from the ground. He handed it back to Master Eldon, who squeezed it tightly between both hands. In the blink of an eye, the enchantment was removed, and the ring was safe for Yori to use.

“Now you can see if this will work,” Eldon said, handing the ring back to Yori.

“What do I do with it?” he asked.

“Stones of the purple variety add extra power to items which can greatly benefit a sorcerer. You, unfortunately, are not a sorcerer. Your tiny mind can’t possibly hope to wield such power, so we must settle for the bare minimum.”

Yori stared blankly at him for a moment. “I’m afraid I don’t follow,” he said.

“Of course you don’t,” Eldon replied with pity. “Silver can hold a power enhancing spell that should be safe for you to use. We can’t add a purple stone, of course, because it would probably kill you. However, I believe you can etch runes that will enhance your power. Give it a try.” The old elf smiled triumphantly. All of his studying on Yori’s behalf was finally about to pay off. This was his solution, and now it was up to Yori to succeed or fail.

Taking a seat at the workbench, Yori’s mind raced with the different possibilities of runes to carve into the ring. Whichever word he chose would determine the strength of the enchantment as well as its overall effect.

Settling upon a word, he took out his chisels and began etching. The runes formed a word he had learned while reading Master Eldon’s scrolls. Not only did the word mean power, but it literally translated to “magical strength”.

Peering over Yori’s shoulder, Eldon nodded as the word took shape. “Excellent choice,” he said.

Yori’s eyes blazed with green fire as he completed the etching. The runes immediately responded with a purple glow. He placed the ring onto his forefinger and held it up to admire it. “This is an expensive gift,” he said.

“Consider it an offering to one who is less fortunate,” Eldon said. “Let’s see if that’s solved our problem.”

He brought out the same dagger that Yori had worked on before. Eldon handed him a new red stone that felt warm to the touch. Taking a deep breath, Yori set the stone into the hilt and attached it to the blade. The entire dagger took on a faint reddish glow.

“Well done!” Eldon exclaimed. “I knew it would work. The answer was so simple I had forgotten it.”

Yori beamed with pride. The ring had indeed done its job, providing him with the extra power he needed to set the enchanted stone without damaging it. He admired the dagger and glanced back at the ring on his finger. It felt warm as well, its runes shining brightly.

“It seems we’re all finished here,” Eldon said. “There isn’t anything else I can teach you.”

“Thank you for everything, Master Eldon,” Yori said sincerely.

Waving his hand, Eldon dismissed the comment. “Don’t forget to retrieve your things before you leave.” He sat down at his workbench and did not look up again. It would seem their master and student relationship had come to an end. Yori took the hint and left.

The sun was just coming up as Yori walked back to Eldon’s tower. Once again, he made the long journey to the seventh floor to retrieve the rest of his belongings. He packed his clothing into his leather bag and started back down the stairs. Chaos had erupted on the first floor as two apprentices were having an argument. They had resorted to tossing magical blasts at each other.

“I’ll roast you alive!” one of them yelled.

“I’d like to see that, you lizard sucking coward!” the other replied.

Energy blasts flew through the room, toppling books and displacing the furniture. Master Eldon was going to be beyond angry when he returned home. Yori didn’t understand how two such educated elves didn’t have enough sense to take their fight outside, but he was not about to interrupt them. I’m getting out of her just in time, he thought.

As he made his way to the docks, Yori paused near the stall where he had purchased his robe. Hoping for one last glimpse of the pretty elf inside, he leaned his head into the shop. No one was around except for her father. Instead of risking his anger, Yori decided to keep moving.

The docks were already buzzing with activity at the early hour. Yori strolled over to the nearest ship and approached one of the sailors. “Are you heading to Al’marr?”

“We make a stop there before heading on,” the man replied, looking slightly uncomfortable.

“Do you have room for a passenger?” he asked. “I can pay with silver.”

The man glanced nervously from side to side. “No payment is necessary, sir. We’d be pleased to have you aboard.”