Tegus: and the Shards of Solaster

Chapter 5: The Masters Tower

Tegus felt the device drastically slow down as he reached the top floor. He almost fell off when it stopped. Before him stood a landing with a purple carpet. The landing was a circle, the wall in front of him was huge and there was an arched door. Beside the door were two tall braziers roaring with an azure flame.

Tegus stepped forward, and as the door opened the sapphire fires went out, and a blast of air hit him. His curiosity once again propelled him forward through the door.

As he walked through the doors, they shut behind him and the room was in darkness. All of a sudden, one by one braziers in the room lit up and revealed what seemed like a straightforward study with bookshelves all over, and a desk with parchment after parchment on it.

Then the room lit up fully from the ceiling! He looked up and there was a floating globe of the World! It was spinning slowly around. There was a perch next to it with the steps leading up just to the side. He looked around for the Grand Master with no sign. He knew what Kalthion said about not touching...but he never said anything about taking a closer look at something.

He climbed the steps to the perch and peered at the globe. It stopped at the University where they were and he could see it floating high above the clouds compared to the world. the detail on the University was unreal. It was so pure.

“Greetings young Lord Bulock,” came a clear and confident voice.

Tegus shot around and there stood an elf, tall like Kalthion, but instead of the glowing white hair, he had dark grey hair tied back.

“I am Grand Master Ilfirimain,” and he bowed to Tegus long and low.

“An honour Sir.” Tegus stumbled his words, “I…Err… was just looking” he said in defence.

“Looking is fine,” smiled Ilfirimain, “curiosity is something that drives you. Answers are your reward.”

He smiled again as Tegus stayed silent, “I know this Tegus as I too like answers. Now, firstly, I must say it’s nice to meet a student, especially one who has great potential, almost like that of a Grand Master.” he smiled with a smile that Tegus did not see.

“Thank you Sir, but I am not so sure.” Tegus questioned himself.

“Do not think Tegus, just do.” Ilfirimain reassured.

“Anyway the reason I asked to see you, other than meet you, was I had a curiosity of my own.”

"Tegus couldn't think of anything the Grand Master might want to see him about. True, his rivalry with Vakaroth was sometimes disruptive around the University, but would he really have been called all the way up here just for that...?"

“Vakaroth doesn’t bother me.”

Ilfirimain gave Tegus a puzzled look and replied.

“Sorry, Vakaroth?”

Tegus mumbled, “never mind…”

“Please Tegus, let’s take a seat.” Ilfirimain gestured to two chairs near a grand fire. There was a table with tea and cakes.

Tegus looked at the cakes and Ilfirimain gestured, “Please go ahead.”

Tegus tucked into the sticky toffee bun, and it was the greatest treat he’d ever had.

“Thank you.” Tegus said remembering who he was in the presence of as he swallowed the last piece.

Ilfirimain said, “So my curiosity involves your request. Why did you ask for the statues to move? We offered you almost anything as an incentive, or reward if you would rather call it that?”

“Well...” started Tegus, “Ocelot was nice, and I don’t think anyone should be made to not have any freedom.”

Ilfirimain smiled, “Over my ninety years as Grand Master, I have never seen such an act of selflessness, and you are rightly on your way to being a considerable wizard Tegus Bulock. Putting another first is a remarkable power in itself and many wizards fail to consider others, it is what set me aside from my brother, Kalthion.”

Tegus almost choked on his tea, “Kalthion is your brother?”

Ilfirimain smiled again and said, “Yes, no one knows as Kalthion doesn’t want people to think him as less of a wizard than me. I respect this and ask that you will also?”

Tegus nodded, “Of course.”

“Well young Tegus, my curiosity is fulfilled. Now as you were selfless, and as a way to remind you to be, take this.” Ilfirimain handed Tegus a small white pebble.

“Thank you Sir.” Tegus thanked him hesitantly.

“Tegus, that pebble is only one of two. It will let you return to this tower at will. Just hold it and imagine this place. I have the other. I spend most of my time elsewhere in the world, silently helping people in disguise. I use it to return here and back to where I was. This is more of a base for my possessions and a place to sleep. The pebble you have is as powerful as mine. You can use it anywhere. Just promise me you will use it only for the right reasons.”

“Of course Sir” Tegus said in amazement “Thank you”

“I must leave, Tegus. I will no doubt see you on your graduation, or if you need me.”

“Where are you going?” Tegus dared question

“No doubt you were told about the shard I possess? Well only a very small handful of people know but there are three in total. Two have been lost for centuries, and this is what I seek. The legend goes back to the first Grand Master as I know you would have heard. The other two shards are, in fact, of similar origin. The first Grand Master placed his power and knowledge in the shard, this is the shard of Solaster. The other two were the powers of his companions. A lot of considerable heroes became great for not just their power but the company they kept. I’ve learnt that one shard possesses the power of brute strength, allowing the holder to mortally end someone in one direct blow. The other allows the wielder to move silently and strike with effectiveness and speed. Both would be dangerous in the wrong hands, which is why I am searching for them.”

“Wow!” Tegus said impressed, “They sound amazing.”

“They do indeed Tegus and you must keep this knowledge to yourself.”

“Of course master.” Tegus reassured.

“Good, now be off it’s getting late.” Ilfirimain instructed.

“Yes Sir.” Tegus said as he saw Ilfirimain clap and Tegus suddenly appeared in his room. The window was open and the stars out. He looked outside at the night sky and realised one day he would be searching for artefacts and helping people, in one way or another, and at that he went to bed.