SWNOVELS Chapter 7: The Surprise Party
Chapter 7: The Surprise Party
Tegus woke the morning of his 18th birthday. The weather was cold and even more so as they were high in the sky. However, the sun was out like every day due to being higher than the clouds. He sat near his bed and looked around. He somehow had gifts that had appeared. He smiled through his black goatee, a new look he was trying. His hair now grown out hung down to the sides to his shoulders.
There were new books and a quiver on the desk from Kalthion bound by a fine silk ribbon. Some kind on long pipe or wind instrument from Norsewind that had several holes along the side and what looked like a place for your chin. An apothecary set from another tutor with a collection of different frog spawn and ground red smorand and a series of other things.
He picked up the acorn from his bedside table he got for his tenth birthday and thought of his family and said a silent blessing to his parents. He loved his life here but wished he had known them. He stood up and looked over at a pile of clothes over a chair at the end of his bed. He picked them up to look at them, and it was a long robe, made of Astra-Inglarious silks from the south. It was made of cobalt blue, and mysterious purples, complete with hood.
He thought, “Thanks Nanny, I miss you” and put them on and put the acorn in his pocket for safe keeping.
Tegus knew these robes would feel fine to celebrate his birthday in without making a big deal of the day. After all, the day held both good memories and a sad reminder.
Tegus walked outside to be greeted by a hearty slap across the back and a very cheerful, “Happy Birthday lad!” from Norsewind, who was with Kalthion.
“Joyful returns.” Kalthion said placing his hand on Tegus’ shoulder, “I know birthdays mean more to humans, since you have so few.”
“Oh give in Kalthion, I know you’re pleased for him.” Norsewind pointed out and Kalthion just stayed quiet.
“Thanks.” Tegus said as he smiled, “got to get to class.”
Tegus went to walk away, but all of a sudden he felt himself feeling sleepy. He felt himself get heavy. He stumbled and fell forward!
“Il Flu Skaa” Norsewind said and managed to catch Tegus with the same floating spell he had taught him on his first day.
“Right, time to party!” Norsewind said with delight, “Well played with the sleep charm might I add Kalthion.”
Kalthion smirked, and they walked off with Tegus floating limp and asleep besides them.
Tegus awoke a little hazy. There was a loud chorus of people cheering. They were cheering him “Tegus, Tegus, Tegus, Tegus, Tegus, Tegus, Tegus!”
He stood up, a little confused. He was stood on top of Ocelot’s carriage with the wizards of the University surrounding him cheering his name. Still confused he looked for a friendly face. He saw Ocelot wave, stood among the crowd too far back. He saw Norsewind and Kalthion waving and smiling. He somehow knew they had something to do with this.
The crowd suddenly went silent. He gaped around and noticed everyone watching in amazement. To his left Grand Master Ilfirimain had appeared!
“Sir?” Tegus said shocked, “what’s going on?”
The crowd went silent to listen in on the pair.
“Well, it seems you’re far beyond any wizard for your age. The teachers and I feel you are ready to leave whenever you please. Think of this as your graduation.”
Tegus was speechless and the crowd looked on excitedly.
“Oh and Happy Birthday!” Ilfirimain added.
The cheer returned, and the party began. They celebrated all day and late into the night. They ate until their bellies were bigger than their trousers from feasts fit for the gods.
They drank like the oceans had dried up and laughed without the worry of the real world.
Kalthion enjoyed the fine wine.
Norsewind enjoyed the grog, and repeatedly told everyone how it reminded him of home!
Ocelot danced with movements like he had just been set free once again.
Even Ilfirimain laughed, joked and enjoyed the simple pleasantries of the night and often looked in the general direction of Tegus.
Tegus enjoyed himself, surrounded by wizards and other strange creatures and found himself looking for an escape. He needed to think.
He hadn’t considered about what to do after the University. He knew he wanted to make his Dad proud and to do great things, but never knew how or what.
He managed to slip past a few of the dancers and behind a huge furry pig like man, who smelled surprisingly not like he had expected, and down the side of one of the towers. He sat behind it with a swanky party hat on his head and a bottle of some kind of alcoholic green stuff in his hand. He looked out and up to the open night sky. The stars only stared back not giving any answers to the voices inside his head, no directions, no conclusions and definitely no sign of understanding. They at this moment did what they always did and just shined brightly.
“The stars are beautiful to look at but can’t speak. They only look back at you.”
Ilfirimain appeared beside him suddenly and caught Tegus off guard.
Tegus looked at Ilfirimain, “I have no idea what to do with my life Sir. I never have. I just feel I must do something important, something to make a man worthy of all this love and celebration. I don’t think I deserve this, and I don’t know what to do?”
“Tegus” Ilfirimain smiled, “all the years I have known you, I’ve never seen you so unsure on putting a foot forward.”
He paused for a moment.
“Natural Talent like yours is rare. Vakaroth is one of the most powerful wizards I’ve ever seen, but lacks the compassion to be a true master. The point I am trying to make Tegus is that you have the talent to do anything. Don’t be afraid to follow that talent, even if you are unsure of the journey.”
Tegus smiled and looked at him and said, “Thank you Sir. It means more than you would know.”