Under the Light of the World at War: Early Chapter 36

It felt like the whole world stopped. 

The gate behind us closed, the fighting was still going on behind it, and yet, it was over.

Almost everyone just collapsed in the dirt and grass. I forced myself up, to walk around, some people were still injured, harmed in the last flight to the gate. I found Kel’Etor with her son still hunched over her, she looked out of it, the after effects of the Resurrection at the very least. I crawled up onto the cart, and wanted to just pass out there, but I took a few moments to drink some water and regain enough mana to once more cast Holy Light.

The flare of power flowed over her, and to my relief, the injury that crossed across her face slowly vanished, until it was just healthy skin, and blood that was left from the wound.

She blinked, her eyes suddenly much clearer instead of overly dilated, as she made to sit up, but Mal pushed her down.

“No! Don’t move, just… Just be careful Mom.” He whispered to her, and she looked up at him, reached up and gently thumbed across his cheeks, wiping away his tears. 

“I’m okay Honey. I’m okay.” He bent over, crashing onto her and bawling like a child.

I just rolled away back to the edge of the cart and slipped off. She was okay for now, and I’d let them have their moment. I walked along the people. It wasn’t just us. While we were the vast majority there were others that had obviously managed to get behind the gate. 

A Noble of some sort, the man was young though, barely out of his teenage years, and he had four guards, and Hawkstriders to ride, but he looked completely out of his element, as if he just didn’t know what to do.

There was a merchant, with a cart of good that was just sitting next to his cart… His head in his hands. 

It was just starting, and already this war had caused so many losses. 

I shook it off and walked on, healing a few more of our convoy that had been hurt in the rush to the gates, but afterwards, tired and so very done I stumbled over to Mama and Papa, who had gathered together in a grassy spot. I didn’t say anything as I weakly dropped to my hands and knees where they were sitting until I flopped on my back slightly between them, staring up at the sky and just relaxing for a while.

“Rest My Light. You earned it.” Mama whispered, running her fingers through my hair, but she sounded way more exhausted than I did.

Not that I could do anything about it. My eyes closed. 

—--

“We will continue on to Silvermoon.” Ma’Rika called out, over the crowd. We had all seemingly crashed after getting through the gate. Dozens of exhausted elves finding whatever spot they could and just laying down to rest. 

Only the lovely weather of the Eversong would let us get away with it, but we abused it well.

Now it was time to move on. The Gate Guards were firm. They didn’t have the supplies or space to protect us, so we should move on to safety.

“Why go so far!? Why can’t we just settle somewhere close by until the Trolls are gone!?” I didn’t see the woman that shouted, but Ma’Rika standing on the cart did. She shook her head. 

“None of the nearby villages are prepared to handle so many additional residents. Magister El’Tela believes the best destination for us would be the capital… Especially as we won’t be the only people evacuating. The sooner we get to Silvermoon, the better chances we will gain temporary residences until this is over.”

I felt that was a bit of an odd reason, but I heard pleased chatter at Ma’Rika’s words and realized it didn’t matter if that was the real reason or not. It was reason enough to get everyone moving. 

There was still more argument. People wanted to rest longer, or even stay until the trolls were gone, but Ma’Rika was firm against them. They could not stay, and they should go to Silvermoon.

Eventually there was an agreement, and later afternoon the convoy set off, this time much slower than the pace we had set before. 

The Merchant was with us now, his cart an extra spot to rest, and even the Noble Boy was coming along, with his four guards.

It was still a long travel to Silvermoon. Miles and miles, but at least we didn’t have to worry about Trolls nipping at our heels every minute. 

But instead of walking I was picked up from behind by Mama without a word and dumped ass first onto the cart.

“Rest.” She demanded at me, as she walked beside the cart. I just pouted at her, but not really that hard.

I was kinda sick of walking anyways.

“Hey Dorah.” Kimi whispered, the quietest I’d ever heard her as she sat on the cart quietly, and I scooted over.

“Hey Kimi… Want to play a game?” I asked her and she looked up.

“What kind of game?”

“Hmmm. I’m sure we can figure something out, but not eye spy. Never was a fan of that one.”

“What’s Eye Spy?”

“It… Okay fine I’ll explain it, but I’m not playing!”

—---

“Eye spy, something… Green.”

“Grass?” I asked, trying to fake some energy, but I had none. I was lying on my back staring at the sky wanting this game to end.

But Kimi giggled.

“Noooo!”

“Is it a bird?”

“... How did you know? You aren’t even looking!”

“I just guessed.” I sighed. I hated this game! Far too many long car rides. “How about we play something else?”

“Okay!”

“Thank the Light.” I whispered, but at least she was perking up.

—---

We took more breaks, and people actually were allowed to ride the cart from time to time to rest. Ma’Rika was in charge of making sure people didn’t over use the time. It wasn’t as desperate that we didn’t overtax the Hawkstriders and Dragongawks pulling the carts, but it was still important.

Eventually I got out of playing tick tac toe with sticks, and leaves and rocks as our markers. 

Kimi really liked the game, and it kept her distracted which was good.

But I left her eventually and walked along the convoy checking on everyone, healing a few people that needed it, as I moved along.

Until I found El’Tela. She was floating along looking unhappy, but she always looked unhappy, so that wasn' t a change. She noticed me and jerked her head sharply, an order to come over.

I approached, and she even lowered her carpet which was nice, as I climbed on, and it rose once more and kept going.

Before I could say anything she reached out, and snagged my chin seemingly looking over my face back and forth.

“You rested well.”

“Uhh.. Yeah?”

“Good. You did well.” She said and I gave her a smile in turn. She didn’t often give real compliments like that.

“I… I tried.”

“You did more than try. Everyone here will remember what you did for them. Believe me. In these moments, when everything is dire, the one that acts as you did will be remembered. I am proud of you.”

“Oh… Thanks.” I said, probably sounding a bit bashful, that was too many compliments now!

“I saw what happened at the end… You brought that woman back to life.” I looked up, and met her eyes, the blue glow piercing as she looked at me.

“I don’t think I did it at all… Something… Came through me.”

“Not unusual. Could you do it again?”

“I… Think so? I know the right way to do the spell at least?” I closed my eyes, and brought my hands up. Starting to cast Resurrection but instantly I had to stop as my mana drained precipitously. I startled, nearly jolting at the feeling. Quickly canceling the spell, and even waving my hands to get the feeling of the drain out of them.

“What happened?”

“It… It needs too much Mana… I don’t think I can cast it again.” I whispered. It was like Holy Light. I wasn’t in the right mindset, or maybe I wasn’t skilled enough in handling the Light in general.

Whatever had spoken through me… It really had helped. I wasn’t sure what it was. Naaru? Elune? Just the Light itself?

The Sun!? We did worship the thing, who knows!?

“Hmm. A shame, but one that can be changed. I’m sure you will regain the ability as you grow. It would be better if you could prove it, but the rumors will spread. Best not to engage with them until you are able.”

“Okay?”

El’Tela sent me a look and then scoffed more to herself than me. “Don’t worry about it. If you aren’t ready to understand the situation, it’s not worth filling your head with such nonsense. Instead, focus on what is important.”

She pulled out a piece of paper of all things and handed it to me.

“Well, write down the Resurrection spell as best as you are able. Let’s see what you’ve come up with.”

I slumped a little but it brought a smile to my face even so. El’Tela was solid in how she acted. Troll Invasion? Bah! Spellwork was more important!

I was grinning at her, as I took the paper, which had her narrowing her eyes as if she could read my mind and hear the silly voice I was giving her.

“When you are done, I’ll see how far you’ve come with your other spellwork. Get on with it.”

“Yes Grandma.” I said, and my words seemed to surprise her for a moment, but she just nodded once as if all was right, going back to guiding the flying carpet along as I focused on the task given to me.

—--

It was a surprisingly peaceful few days. I spent them slowly relaxing, the Elf Gate, and the Trolls growing farther behind us every day and that distance giving me a chance to just unwind.

Playing with Kimi, helping out around the convoy healing, or offering water or food. Although we stopped to regain actual food supplies from the villages, my Muffins did turn out to be edible, although I hadn’t been brave enough to try them at first. 

They were a bit bland, but at least not awful.

And the rest of the day with El’Tela, continuing my slow work refining spells under her watchful eye. I kept meaning to work on the Light to try and increase my spell book, but she had me working rather hard on Evocation, which didn’t surprise me.

She was rather obsessed with it. 

And so a few days passed without me really thinking about what had happened. The change in my life.

Until I had no choice but to do so.

It was late, and I was bedded down with Mama and Papa. The three of us camped under a tree off the road curled up with each other, and it was a pleasant way to sleep in a way. Until the scream had me sitting upright. The quiet night ended with a scream and it just kept going, horror filled me.

Trolls!?

I was half on my feet when Mama was there, pulling me down to stop me, and just hugging me, holding me tight until the scream stopped, and then…

Other than the grumbling of elves nothing. 

“Wh-what? Is it Trolls is-”

“Shh. Easy my Light, all is well. All is well.” Mama whispered, and Papa sat up I could feel him shift, and then rub at my back. I wasn’t the only one sounding upset, calls from some of the elves to find out what had happened filled the night.

“Someone had a nightmare. All is well.” Mama whispered to me, and I half froze at the thought, then relaxed.

“H-How do you know?”

“I can see them. Peace, go back to sleep, come let’s tuck you back in. All is well.” Mama whispered calmly, and I let her pull me back into laying back on the grass staring up into the stars through the tree tops, as Mama and Papa both cuddled in close to me.

I don’t know who screamed, but…

I closed my eyes. Distance wouldn’t take away what had happened. Nor would trying to simply forget it.

The trolls were coming, and I would have to do something.

—---

The next morning after we started on the way, I walked along checking on everyone. Something that had become almost a habit.

“How are your feet?”

“Sore, but I’m getting used to this.” Ma’Rika joked as I checked on her. She was smiling a bit more than she had at the start of this. “But I’m fine Alah’Dorah, why don’t you go check on Kal’Etor?”

“I will.” I said, and moved to do just that. Weaving through the walking Elves still stopping and checking on them, but we had just started, everyone was okay.

Kal’Etor was on a cart, despite the fact she was healed. The fact her eyes were practically purple with how many bags she had around them wasn’t a good sign.

She was the screamer.

“Good morning.” I whispered as I slipped along the cart, she wasn’t the only one in there, but she looked up at my voice.

Her face shifted into a small smile as she looked at me.

“Dorah, my little Hero. Good morning.

“How are you Kal’Etor? Are you hungry, thirsty?”

“Thirsty perhaps.” She offered, not sounding very thirsty, but I conjured some water, and handed it to her, and she did actually stop to take a little sip.

But she did nothing more than that, just sort of sitting there. 

“Do you have any plans when you get to Silvermoon? I bet everyone will want to enjoy your drinks.”

“No… No, I haven't considered it yet. I was never any good at business. The cafe was just something to do.” She spoke quietly, listlessly, and it made me want to do something. Anything, but what could you do?

Kal’Etor, had nightmares everynight, of an axe thrown at her, slowly coming closer and closer and…

She had died, she knew that. Everyone knew that. 

It had changed nothing and everything among the people I knew. People looked at me differently, but they had been looking at me differently since we had started the convoy. 

“The wind is nice today.” I said eventually, not sure what to do or say, but she looked up from staring at her lap, and the wind was nice, a breeze was blowing through the trees cooling and refreshing, and her hair waved as the breeze hit her. 

“It is.” She whispered, staring ahead, and just letting the breeze wash over her face.

I wasn’t sure if there was something I could do, but… Maybe she just needed some reminders about the good things in life.

I broke off from her. She wasn’t interested in talking, and I had no idea what else to say. Instead I headed towards El’Tela climbing on the carpet without a word earning a look from her, as she hadn’t invited me on.

“I’m going to try and make some new spells today.” I told her, and that shifted her attitude immediately.

“Oh?”

“Well, with everything that happened, my understanding of the Light has grown a lot.” I explained earning an almost pout from the woman. 

“There is much you still need to learn about the Arcane.”

“Yeah, but I can do things with the Light that I can’t with the Arcane.”

“There is nothing that Arcane can not do. You must simply learn it.”

“Sure, but… I can do both.” I said, and El’Tela was obviously annoyed at my response.

“Fine. Let’s see what you can come up with.”

“Great! I think…” I didn’t have all my spell refined papers with me, but I still know how to cast all of them, so I thought up the one spell I figured would be best to start with.

Arcane Intellect.

A buff spell.

Light had lots of buff spells. Blessings, empowerments. All sorts of things.

So I took the outline of the Arcane Intellect, and tore out all the parts about altering your mana into Arcane.

I didn’t replace them either, because the Light wouldn’t work with the same formula, instead, I just took the idea of how to shape the spell, and brought the Arcane up.

My hands glowed, as I converted my mana into the Light, as I shifted the power, and then I ran it through the same structures.

The power flowed over me, twisting and shifting and then just fading away.

If Arcane spells had a tendency to pop when they failed, the Light was a bit different, like water coming out of a balloon or maybe more like the tide going out.

“I believe that was a failure.” El’Tela spoke, surprising me,

“Yep! I didn’t think it would work, but I wanted to see.”

“Arcane spellwork only works with Arcane knowledge. You will find taking up another path of Magic to be… dissimilar.”

“Exactly!” I said, smiling. “I’ve got an entirely different structure to work with! You thought Arcane Mind and Arcane Reinforcement couldn’t work together! But the Light can do something similar to Arcane Mind, so what if they synergize?”

“You will be more likely to burn your mind out… But go on. You have surprised me before.”

“Thanks!”

I was laughing because if she honestly thought it was going to burn my brain out she would have stopped me!

Probably!

So there was no choice, but to keep working on it. Just like Arcane I only needed it to work once!

I brought up the light and once more tried to shift it towards something similar to Arcane Intellect, trying to intuit where the spell failed, and if I could pull something from the idea.

—--

I spent the rest of the day with El’Tela listening to her call me a fool for what I was doing, since it kept failing, but it was fun either way…

I liked Magic, I liked learning about it, and using it. It wasn’t a waste. It was a pleasant distraction from everything.

But some progress would have been nice. 

Getting nowhere, I ate dinner beside Mama and Papa, still distracted by trying to make a new light spell, when we were all jolted by a scream.

I was half on my feet when I stopped.

It was Kal’Etor again.

My heart clenched. I sat down, I could hear her son Mal calming her, and I could hear her crying.

There was nothing I could do to fight these demons. Kal’Etor, would be facing them at her own pace.

I just hoped she would survive them.

“I’m not sure if there is anyone she can even speak with about the experience.” Mama said, more to Papa than me. “It’s not every day someone… Comes back from the dead.” 

That was said pointedly at me, and I looked up from the bowl of stew Mama was serving.

“I can’t do it again… The spell drains me to nothing in an instant.”

Mama nodded, but she wasn’t worried about me being able to cast it now. It was more she wasn’t sure how I had cast it in the first place.

“I’m just not sure I understand it, Dorah. That’s all. I’m proud of you for what you did, just…”

“Yeah I don’t properly understand it either.” I admitted. “I was desperate. I knew it could work, so I just… I did everything I could to try and make it happen… Something spoke through me, showed me how.”

“That’s the part I’m not sure I like.”

“It wasn’t bad. I was begging for help, so… It wasn’t bad.”

Mama frowned, not saying anything more. 

“I don’t know much about the Light. It wasn’t taught in the academies. It’s more of a privately taught art. Or you must go to the healing halls, and be lucky enough to have someone willing to show you.” Papa said, surprising me.

“So they do teach it in the capital?”

“Somewhat. Not everyone wants to study the arcane, and some people just want to heal others. It’s not unusual, It’s just not a common art.”

“Are they different from Hes’Tara? He wasn’t very good with healing, but he knew how.”

“Oh yes. I broke my arm one time, and father-...” Papa went silent as he realized what he had just said, but I was wide eyed.

Papa very rarely shared stories of his youth. He noticed me eyeing him up and eventually nodded to himself.

“Father took me to the healing halls. Couldn’t have me out of studying for so long. They had a healer look me over. He barely spoke to me, simply telling me I should be more careful, he healed me and moved on to the next patient. It’s very clinical.”

“Huh. I sorta expected more… Religious stuff.”

“Why would you expect that?” Papa asked, and I opened my mouth and closed it.

Because the Light was the central aspect of the main religion of the continent but that was centuries in the future!

That was when I blinked.

“Oooh. I’m dumb sometimes.” I whispered.

If I wanted to make a Light Spell. Holy was the main aspect! Stupid Dorah. I shouldn’t be trying to cast the spell exactly. I should be praying for it!

And since religion literally didn’t exist. I could pray for it in my own way!

Perfect. I’m so smart! Heeheehehehee!

“Ah, I think I gave her an idea.”

“With the way her ears are twitching I’d say so.”

“My ears don’t twitch!” I gasped reaching up and pressing my hands to my ears that definitely weren’t twitching around!

Mama just laughed and bent over to lay a kiss on my forehead.