Tegus: and the Shards of Solaster

Chapter 10: An Unexpected Change

Kalthion and Norsewind were sat at a table in Ilfirimain’s tower listening to him express his concerns.

“Tegus is a powerful wizard, one beyond any capabilities of other students we have had. I Just hope he comes to us for aid to fight Vakaroth as in his mind-set he will not be capable of beating him.”

“I could take him down no matter how I felt!” Tegus appeared at the door looking rather stern.

His hair had stayed white from the power he had used against Vakaroth. He seemed to stand taller and have more confidence.

“You once asked me Grand Master what I wished to do after I left this University. I want to destroy Vakaroth, and as I have left the University, I am now an equal to you three.” Tegus said.

He was angry, and his anger was getting the better of him.

Ilfirimain swung his hand at Tegus, lifted him from the ground with no effort and magically pinning him against the wall.

“Kalthion. Norsewind. Leave us!” Ilfirimain demanded.

The two had never seen the grand master act like that and hastily left the room with no argument.

“Now Tegus,” Ilfirimain started, “I can understand you’re angry. I can understand you want to find Vakaroth. However, I will not have you speaking to the people who are trying to help you like that. We are your friends and don’t forget it!”

And at that, Ilfirimain let him go.

Tegus lay on the ground coughing and holding his neck.

“You are a man of magic and power Tegus. Your magic comes naturally from your will. Being as powerful as you are, is a good thing, but it means you must always be more mindful of what is going on. Think before you act, otherwise Vakaroth can use that anger against you. When you are angry, your mind isn’t focused, and in turn your will is not. Therefore, your powers are almost useless, and he will see the weakness in you and destroy you.”

Tegus found his footing; his fists were clenched now. Ilfirimain’s back was turned as he went to walk away.

“Tegus I know there is a dark rage inside of you, and I believe it is powerful, more powerful than Vakaroth. But you must not let it win!” he said as he turned back to Tegus.

Tegus’ grip slipped away.

“Sorry Sir, I have no idea why that happened.”

He had calmed completely to the Tegus everyone loved.

“Emotion, especially bad ones like anger, betrayal and sadness can cause it in a magical being. Humans have powerful versions of these emotions. It is their weakness, as well as what can make them great! You must learn to control your emotions. That is why you magically gained white wings and changed in appearance. The scroll you used just amplified your emotions and allowed them to be set free. That is what this shard does.”

Tegus just looked on at Ilfirimain, taking it all in.

“The shard I possess has that power and that is what Vakaroth felt, and his hatred transformed him.”

Ilfirimain paused.

“Tegus, after Vakaroth turned me to stone he cursed me. I am slowly returning to stone and this time I will not be able to be brought back.”

“Sir! There must be something we can do, we must tell Kalthion and Norsewind.”

“Tegus they know. We have discussed it. I have been around for a long time now. My quest will pass on to you. I have arranged for you to be the new Grand Master. Kalthion and Norsewind will aid you anyway they are able to now, and you already know what I was looking for.”

“Master you cannot just give up, and I don’t know what I’m doing.” Tegus protested as the thought of being responsible for all of this passed through his mind.

“Tegus I’ve said it a thousand times and more. You are the most natural wizard I have ever seen. Just step forward with logic from your mind, but do what you believe is right in your heart.”

Tegus just looked at him, unable to comprehend what Ilfirimain was telling him. Ilfirimain was cursed, about to be turned to stone for good. He had made Tegus the Grand Master, and he wanted Tegus to be calm about it.

“Sir, I…′ he started, “I err.”

He was speechless.

“Tegus there is small lockbox on top of my, well your, bedside table for you,” he smiled, “Tegus take care. I know you will succeed, farewell.”

At that he smiled, winked and was gone!

“Kalthion! Norsewind!” Tegus cried.

They came rushing in.

“What is it lad?” Norsewind asked.

“He’s gone.” Tegus stated.

“We know, he told us. That means you’re our Grand Master now.” Norsewind said trying to give a reassuring smile to Tegus, but it was half covered by his facial hair.

Kalthion stayed quiet. His brother had gone. He had always hidden the fact Ilfirimain was his brother. Kalthion said a whisper of a prayer for his brother.

“May your memory live on in others, brother. I was never ashamed you were my brother. I was just too proud to admit you were better than me. Farewell, until we meet again.”

“Tegus lad,” Norsewind began, “We must uphold tradition. It’s what he would want, and we must declare you Grand Master to the students.”

He laughed as he said, “It’s odd as some of the students are older than you, but I’m sure they will accept it if it’s official. They all know your potential and who you are, lad.”

Tegus gave off a reluctant smile. Norsewind always could lighten the mood.

That evening as the dusk rays reflected from the cloud line, the students gathered in the courtyard to witness the passing of the title. All of the humans and elves were there, a handful of the dwarves, and a spattering of all the other creatures and races. The Carriage men all lined up at the back.

They watched on as Kalthion and Norsewind stood at the foot of the masters’ tower. They all waited patiently with simple chit chat between them.

Tegus was pacing around the Tower, HIS tower. He wasn’t sure what to expect. As he was pacing, he remembered the lockbox Ilfirimain had left upon the bedside table. He walked across the room and over to the box. It was a dark wooden round box engraved with a golden metal trim. It was no bigger than a small side plate.

He lifted the box, and ran his fingers across the trim. As he turned it, he came across the keyhole.

“Where is the key?” he thought.

Drums rolled outside.

“Oh shoot” Tegus thought and dropped the lockbox on the bed and darted out of the chambers and down the stairs in the tower.

Tegus heard Norsewind outside of the doors as he reached the bottom.

“Students of the University, teachers alike, may I present to you the new Grand Master, Tegus Bulock”

At that Tegus practically fell through the doors as his momentum carried him through. As he appeared in his purple robes, and white goatee and hair waving about, he nearly fell, but got his footing back as the crowd cheered.

In that moment, his fears of what the University would think of a young, yet slightly older looking human as a Grand Master faded.

They believed in him.