//------------------------------// // The Secret Meeting // Story: Winterspell // by KarmaPolice //------------------------------// Marvel trotted through the courtyard, watching the smoke drift up into the sky. He was headed for Lumin’s quarters, as his master had summoned him with some urgency. This was rare for him- Lumin was typically very reserved and quiet, and typically came calling himself rather than sending a messenger, despite his old age. Marvel ascended the ancient stone spiral staircase that led to the top of the Archmage’s tower,listening to the long echos of his hoofbeats. When he reached the heavy oaken door at the top, he knocked three times briskly, and then stood back. The door shimmered with Lumin’s dull green magical aura, clacking as the deadbolt was released and the door parted. Marvel walked in apprehensively. Lumin sat as his rough old table. A mare was there, who Marvel recognized immediately. It was Antares, who was ten years older than Marvel, and had been Lumin’s apprentice before him. She had moved to Highguard to serve as their castle mage and Marvel had only met her once before- yet she had made a lasting impression. She must have come along with Jian, Marvel thought. He bowed to Lumin. “You summoned me, master?” Lumin nodded. “Sit down, child. I’m afraid we have a matter of great importance to discuss.” As Marvel sat, Lumin’s horn flashed, and the door latched and locked behind him. “You remember Antares, I take it.” Marvel nodded. “A pleasure to meet you again.” Antares cleared her throat. “I wish I were here under more favorable circumstances. The information you receive here is not to be discussed outside of this room, no matter what. If you do not wish to carry this burden, you may leave now.” Marvel leaned forward. He said nothing, which served as a clear communication that he wished to stay. In fact, he thought, he wouldn’t leave this room at swordpoint. Antares blinked, unsurprised. “Very well. Master, shall I?” Lumin nodded, and Antares spoke in a neutral but serious tone. “As you know, Marvel, we have been sending scout parties beyond the wall for some time now. We don’t believe our enemies know of this, but observations from the field have made our situation… troubling. You have noticed the weather.” Marvel nodded. This year’s summer was short and precious few days were comfortable. “We believe that the deteriorating conditions are tied to the battles raging outside. The pegasi forces have been waging a large campaign against the earth tribe, with the largest battle in recent history occurring only weeks ago. At Highguard, we were able to measure an immediate drop in the temperature coinciding with this battle.” Marvel was confused. “What is the cause? Is it the pegasi’s doing, as Duke Jian says?” Lumin sighed and shook his head. “Jian is a fool, and his foolishness may yet be our undoing.” Marvel was taken aback. It was rare to hear his master comment on political matters, and even rarer to hear him speak insults about others. He prefered to stay grounded in the living moment and immerse himself in magic. But Marvel listened as Antares continued. “We can only conclude that this is the result of an unknown magical entity. As you know, Marvel, there is magic in all equine races, not only ours. And all our magical forces are tied to nature, as well. Somehow, the wars outside must be causing an imbalance.” Lumin spoke now. “This could be the end of all of us, should it continue. And now Jian stands to take an army outside our wall and attack a traveling party.” Marvel finally spoke up. “So, then, you wish to stop him? How can we do this?” Lumin grit his old teeth and drummed a hoof on the table. “We cannot stop him, child. Against my council, Lilac has decided to agree with Jian’s plans. The barrier will open and our army will march for the first time in a generation.” Marvel was confused. “So, then…” “Then if we cannot directly intervene, we will follow them in secret and see if we can directly interact with this magical entity. If it can be destroyed, then perhaps there is still hope for us.” This excited Marvel. He had heard stories of the barbarism outside the barrier, but the urge for adventure excited him still. He had seen nearly all the land inside the Round Table had to offer, and the thought of millions of acres outside of it with new and uncontacted races tantalized him. “Would you have me go, Master?” Lumin sighed. “No, child. It is too dangerous for you. Antares and I must go alone.” Marvel’s stomach sank. “But, master…” Lumin leaned in. “You have an important mission here, Marvel. You will need to take over my duties in my stead. It may be many months before I return. Greystoke will need someone of your talents.” Marvel was beyond disappointed with this revelation, but he bowed all the same. “As you wish, Master.” Lumin leaned back and closed his eyes. “I fear that there are a great many things we cannot see. We must use caution in the coming weeks.” He opened his eyes. “You may go, Marvel. Retire to your chambers. I will call for you in the morning.” Marvel got up wordlessly. He walked out and shut the door behind him.