Embedded Files
After collecting enough bait, Ferson gathered the boys and demonstrated a water magic technique that allowed them to encase the sand worms in a small, swirling ball of water at the end of their fishing lines. “This keeps the worm alive and moving,” Ferson explained, his voice gentle but firm. “It makes it a more attractive target for the fish.”
The boys watched in awe as Ferson skillfully manipulated the water, showing them how to keep the worm suspended just above the hook. Zelnard, eager to try it himself, quickly mimicked the technique, his concentration intense. “Like this, right?”
Ferson nodded, pleased with Zelnard’s progress. “Exactly, Zelnard. You’re catching on quickly.”
The boys spent the next few hours casting their lines and waiting patiently for a bite. For a while, none of them said anything. They sat on the damp riverbank, boots dangling near the water, lines drifting lazily as the current slid past. A dragonfly zipped by. Somewhere downstream, a fish splashed and vanished again.
Jabar broke the silence. “Did you know worms breathe through their skin?”
Zelnard slowly turned his head. “Really? Where did you learn that?”
“I’m just saying,” Jabar continued, completely ignoring Z as if in his own world, “if you step on one, it’s basically suffocating.”
Gavid scrunched up his face. “That’s disgusting.”
“Also true,” Jabar said proudly.
There was another pause.
Gavid poked at the mud with a stick. “My toe itches,” he announced.
There you go again sharing news about your body parts that no one needs to know about,” Zelnard replied.
“It’s between my toes and if I scratch it it gets worse. Feels better in this cool water though" Gavid added helpfully.
Zelnard groaned. “You're gonna scare away all the eels with your smelly itchy feet Gav.”
They were quiet again, watching the water swirl around a half-buried stone. Jabar flicked a pebble into the river.
“If you had twenty thousand gold pieces,” Jabar said suddenly, “what would you buy?”
Zelnard didn’t hesitate. “A spell crystal from Eldonia. A real one. And a tower. Not a big tower. Just… tall enough so people had to look up.”
“I’d buy a hundred chocolate cakes,” Gavid said.
“A hundred?” Zelnard asked.
“Maybe two hundred. And I’d eat them really slowly so people thought I had infinite cakes.”
Jabar nodded thoughtfully. “I’d pay someone else to do all my chores forever.”
“That’s not how money works,” Zelnard said.
“It could,” Jabar replied. “With enough money.”
They sat quietly again, lines bobbing, the river murmuring to itself, until Gavid whispered, “Do you think eels ever get bored?”
Zelnard smiled.
The river was calm, and the only sounds were the occasional splash of an eel and the soft murmur of the boys’ conversation.
“What kind of magic do you want to master when you’re older?” Gavid asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
“I want to control storms,” Zelnard replied confidently. “Imagine being able to summon rain or lightning whenever you needed it. You could change the course of a battle, save people from drought… or even ruin Dunstor’s day with a well-timed downpour.”
Jabar laughed. “I’d be happy just being able to disappear whenever I want. No more chores, no more Dunstor.”
Ferson smiled, listening to the boys dream about their futures. He admired their enthusiasm, even if it was a bit naive. “You’ll all become powerful Mages one day,” he said, “but remember, true power comes from understanding when to use it...and when not to.”
The boys in a moment of quiet contemplated all manner of things. When you are sitting quietly with your friends what questions come into your head? Write it down in Thy Quests to continue.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse