Chapter VIII

Chapter VIII

Strategies and Doubt

       

       Tints of pink and orange were beginning to paint the skyline as Esperanza was gathering the mages in the kitchen for dinner. She had them take their seats as she loaded the table with food. There was bread, large platters of fruits, vegetables, and a main course of cooked duck. She placed goblets in front of each other them, filled with a strange purple colored wine. “Wow!” Kaizair exclaimed as if he had forgotten what it felt like to eat. Since the mages had began their journey, leaving the comforts of their home villages, a meal like this was long over due. “Ma’am, this is incredible!” Eona said, her eyes beaming. Esperanza blushed a bit, loving the feeling of appreciation. “Well, my dears, it is not much. But this is a treat for you all, as well as myself. I have been chosen by destiny to be your guide, to shelter you from doubt and to nudge you forward. The rest, however, is up to the four of you. But remember, that you are never alone. You have not only your companions that will forever be by your side, but you have the four dragon lords watching you from above. They chose you specifically, and what fantastic choices they made!” she lifted up her own goblet, the mages following the same suite. “To the future, and a sure victory!” Esperanza clashed her glass with the others, then took her seat.

       The evening was filled with large amounts of fun and laughter, something the companions would not experience for a very long time. Esperanza wanted to make sure that they could see that the true meaning of life did not have to dwindle away because of their new responsibilities. She didn’t want them to fill their minds with stress, for stress eventually leads to failure. And in terms of dealing with Astaroth, failure means death. After dinner had been eaten, Esperanza placed a platter on the table, bearing a large chocolate cake. She cut a piece for each mage, and let them devour the dessert. Once finished, the mages sat back in their chairs and sighed, their stomachs completely full. “That was one of the greatest meals I have ever had!” Kaizair said, contemplating having seconds. 

       Esperanza smiled, but then slowly looked away, her eyes reading a different emotion. “What’s wrong?” Marrin asked. The old mage shifted in her seat and took in a deep breath, clearly reluctant to relay her feelings. “Oh, it’s just that this is the most difficult part of the night. Discussing a strategy for the upcoming battle...” she said. The mages suddenly fell silent, looking at their laps. Esperanza filled with dread as she noticed the dark cloud that had gathered over the table. She looked at each one of the mages, noticing that Eona in particular had grown immensely angry. She looked up, suddenly determined. “Then, let us not waste any time. If this demon has the nerve to face us, then why don’t we show him that we are not just a group of trainees?” she grinned, attempting to reassure those in the room. Havock looked at her in shock. He hadn’t expected her to be so blunt. “I agree. I mean, who does this Astaroth think he is? He has no right to declare war upon those who haven’t committed any atrocities against him,” Havock was close to fuming. Beneath the table, Eona gently touched his hand, sending chills throughout his body. Luckily, no one seemed to notice. “Then, shall we begin?” Esperanza looked amongst the mages, watching as they all nodded.

       “Great. Let’s get started.”

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       Hours later, a plan had, for the most part been devised. Esperanza had mentioned numerous villages that the mages should visit to gain support for their cause. She explained that the harvesting of an army is the most crucial aspect of the battle. Without an army, the mages would be outnumbered four to at least a thousand. “Astaroth is nothing but ruthless. He may seem tired, but never underestimate him,” she had said. She had supplied the mages with a map, and had marked the places where they should stop for rest, where they could gain support, and places that they should steer clear from. The mages all looked exhausted, having difficulty assimilating all of this information. They seemed to understand, but were clearly reluctant to carry out such a task. Esperanza looked around the table at each of them, sympathizing with their fear, knowing it all too well. 

       “Now, listen. I know how scared you all are. I know how you’re all wondering if you can really compete with this enemy. But the answer is yes. Yes, you can fight him, and defeat him. It is true that you have extreme pressures. I did as well, but my companions and I triumphed. We went through exactly what you are right now, so I understand very well. The main thing that you need to remember is that you are not only companions, but you are friends. You must rely on each other for support. You must work together, for one of you alone will never complete this task. The friendships forged between you will be unbreakable, as long as you keep them to your heart, and never let them fade away. You may not understand that now, but you will,” the old mage smiled. While they still looked uneasy, the mages spirits‘ had lifted. They all looked at each other, relishing in the fact that for the next few months, they would be each others family. They would warm one another, cradle one another, and fight beside one another.

       Esperanza concluded their conversation with some more words of wisdom, and sent the mages off to their rooms to sleep. “When you wake up, all of your packs will be filled with supplies that you need. I will provide each of you with a map, food, and Marrin with medical supplies. Go now and rest, for this may be your last chance for a good night’s sleep for awhile,” she said, sending them on their way. 

       After it seemed as though everyone had fallen asleep, Eona found herself wide awake. Her mind was racing, unable to settle. She got up from her bed, fluffing out her night gown and exiting through the door. The halls were quiet, the hint of hearth fire smoke still filtering throughout the house. She passed by the kitchen doorway, noticing Esperanza’s cat lounging about on the table. It looked up at her, confused. Shouldn’t you be resting, young mage? Eona heard the cat’s voice. “Yes, I know. I can’t sleep. I’m going to go into the backyard to ease my thoughts,” she smiled, then continued down the hallway and slipped out into the night.

       The only way to ease her thoughts, she figured, was to meditate. It was an old practice in her village, allowing one to be at peace and sort out one’s thoughts. Normally, she would conduct her meditation by sitting in a pond or stream. But without the luxury, she would have to make do. She lifted her night gown over her head, her bare skin reflecting the moon’s rays. Traditional meditations were done without clothing, allowing the practitioner to expose their natural selves. She sat on the cool grass, crossing her legs and straightening her back. The water mage closed her eyes and breathed, attempting to clear her thoughts. After many moments, time had seemed to disappear. In her mind, she was perceiving only a blank image. After a while, a strange image flashed before her, displaying a large serpentine-like creature, staring into her with eyes as blue as the deep ocean. Its body was covered in light blue scales and its head adorn with two long, crested horns. Eona was initially terrified, but this creature showed no intention of harming her. It breathed calmly, as she did. 

       Eona its voice whispered.

     The young mage’s eyes shot open. As a child, her mother had taught her the arts of meditation, mentioning that some have the ability to connect with the spiritual plane. Was that what I just did? she asked herself. Looking all around herself, she searched for any signs that the creature may have been real. But there was nothing there.

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Author's Note

I welcome criticisms, as long as they are civil :) Thank you.