The Mind and the Heart
by
Kevin Wasser
"When I become Dungeonmaster, there will be no need for a Counsel of Wizards," Kyllan thought to himself. He sat in his favorite spot outside of Helix, a cherry orchard. Here he would sit for hours on end, meditating about himself being Dungeonmaster. "If it truly is the most important and powerful position in the Realm, then why bother sharing your power with a bunch of old crones?"
It was true; the title of Dungeonmaster was the most respected name in the land, and with good reason. The Dungeonmaster was given the power to basically keep the Realm from dissolving into total chaos. Before the time of the first Dungeonmaster, the Realm had been a harsh place for all life. But out of this rugged terrain was formed the first Counsel of Wizards, and after that came the first Dungeonmaster. And now the Realm was a land of peace.
A rustle of leaves behind Kyllan alerted him to the presence of his sister Karina.
"Can't you ever give me some time to myself??" he muttered.
"But brother, you've been here four hours already; we need to get back inside the city and prepare for tonight's ceremony."
"And we will, in just a little bit."
Kyllan muttered something to himself about sisters acting like Mother Hens and resumed his meditative stance, ignoring his sister who was still in the grove. With a soft word from Kyllan's lips, the wind came from nowhere and rustled the trees, scattering cherry blossoms to the wind. It was a beautiful sight that took Karina's breath away. Karina in turn spoke a word to the ground and flowers blossomed up around their feet.
Kyllan frowned. They had done this before many times in their early years of training under the Dungeonmaster. They would cast a series of nature spells that would bring about a symphony of plants and animals. But those days were years ago, and Kyllan felt they were a waste of time. With another word, the flowers turned to dust, and the wind brought forth a dreaded chill instead of a warm summer breeze.
Karina looked hurt, but had come to expect this type of attitude from her brother by now. She decided she should try to bring him out of this gloom.
"Oh, Eldrid..."
"Don't call me that!" was his harsh reply.
"Why not? It is your born name, just as Anora is mine!"
"I prefer the wizard name bestowed upon me by the Counsel. I'm not the skinny peasant boy that Dungeonmaster rescued from the wilderness, and neither are you the timid, sobbing girl crying out for her mommy!" He noticed her flinch. "We're wizards now. And as wizards, we get new names..."
He paused to look her over, her face was pointed at the ground, her blond locks of hair falling over her face. She looked hurt, but Kyllan showed no remorse for his words.
"Besides, there is a lot of power in a name. You know, I've heard that if you summon a demon by it's real name, you can control it. I've heard stories of a demon named Sirith; I wonder if that's it's true name-"
"Stop it, brother! You know you are not to talk about the creatures of the lower planes. It's bad luck!"
He grinned at her discomfort.
"Still, I'd like to know our father's real name. Maybe I could have power over him then!"
"Oh please brother, you're talking gibberish...no one except the oldest members of the Counsel remember Dungeonmaster's real name."
"Yes, and that is one of the reasons why I could never accept him as my real father. Sure, he's raised us since we were seven years old, but to never know his real name!"
Karina could see a sadness creep over Kyllan's face. The relationship between their foster father and Kyllan had been one of great respect for each other, but neither were ever totally comfortable with each other.
"I know my brother. But still, maybe we will yet learn it after the Wizard's Ceremony tonight. Now let's get back to the city."
Kyllan flashed a frown of disapproval at his sister, but got up and walked with her back to the gates of Helix.
"Sure Anora, and maybe Orcs will fly. You always were the optimistic one of the family..."
.......................
Trumpets blared, signaling the arrival of General Goldron to the Counsel of Wizards. As head of the Celestial Knights, he made sure that every appearance before the Counsel was a rememberable one. The Celestial Knights were formed shortly after the creation of the first Wizard's Counsel, and had worked hand in hand to bring order to the Realm for centuries.
"Presenting the most honorable Lord of the Celestial Knights to the Counsel of Wizards, General Goldron!" shouted out a squire who immediately bowed out of the way of the General. He walked into the counsel chambers with a look of royalty on his face and in his walk. General Goldron considered himself very important indeed.
The General scanned over the counsel sitting around the huge crescent shaped table. He noticed that all the counsel members were there, but the chair in the middle, the chair reserved for the most important member of the counsel was empty.
"Where is the Dungeonmaster?!?" Goldron started, "I cannot present my news to the counsel unless the Dungeonmaster is here!"
"Come now General Goldron, you know that Dungeonmaster is sometimes called to other places in need of his attention," came a voice to the right of the empty chair. It was Merlin, the head of the counsel.
Merlin and the Dungeonmaster were the same age, and vaguely similar in appearance. He was slightly taller then Dungeonmaster, stood at an even six feet tall, was bald on top, and had a long gray beard. Dungeonmaster's hair had only a touch of gray, but he was going bald as well. The real contrast was Dungeonmaster's vibrant young face, more then likely thanks to the powers that were flowing through his veins.
"You also know that the counsel can still function without his presence," Merlin continued, "so please deliver your report General."
The General's golden beard bristled at this, but he started his report.
"The Celestial Knights who guard the border to the Realm of the orcs and lizardmen have reported that there has been increased activities by the foul creatures for the last few weeks. There hasn't been this type of activity from them in years. They may be gathering up an army to attack the Good Realm."
"The elves live close to the borderlands, what do they report?"
It was the voice of Zandora, who sat to the left of DM's chair, and next in line of succession after Merlin. Though as old as DM and Merlin, she was still blessed with beauty in her age, and was one of the most popular members of the counsel.
General Goldron made sure to perform a perfect bow to the lady, and then continued.
"King Loranasius of the Elves reports several skirmishes with orc raiding parties. So far nothing his kingdom cannot handle."
"Yes, let the elves deal with the orcs, after all, they are distant cousins." The voice came from the right end of the table. It came from Kelek, the youngest and newest member of the counsel. He was a talented wizard, but many on the counsel did not share some of his views.
Several members of the counsel cast glances at Zandora and muttered to themselves. All of them, including Kelek, knew full well that Zandora was part elven, and this might also account for her radiant beauty. She turned to Kelek, her face as calm as a blue sky.
"The Elven Kingdom is about as far removed from the Orcs as humans are from snakes, counselman." She turned to address the whole assembly.
"If the Elven Kingdom ever needs assistance from the counsel, they have only to ask."
This of course met with applause, and a smile and a nod from Kelek, though his dark features concealed the true scowl behind that smile. Zandora then turned back to the General.
"Is there any other news, General Goldron?"
"Yes, I would like to remind the counsel that the next month is the Month of the Constellations, and the Celestial Knights will be going throughout the Realm recruiting young ones who show interest in joining the Knights."
"Of course General, the counsel will help in building recruiting centers in each of the major cities."
And with that, the General gracefully bowed and turned to depart. At the doorway to the counsel stood some of the Knights newest recruits who were chosen to accompany Goldron to Helix. Each of them came to attention when General Goldron walked by, all except for one that is. The General stopped in front of this young knight, a grave expression on his face. The knight assumed his best military stance, but the General was already furious.
"Pay more attention to your stance, Dekion. There is no place for laziness in the Celestial Knights. Once we leave the city, your duty will be to gather supplies for our journey till we get back to the Celestial Tower."
"Yessir!" came the immediate response, but the General wasn't through with him yet.
"You may be my nephew, but you do not get a free ride through the ranks of Knights, you got that Dekion?" The General was practically growling through his teeth.
"Yessir!"
And with that, the General left, and the young knight felt a wave of relief wash over him, followed deep in his heart by a wave of anger.
....................................
After the counsel had adjourned, the wizards and their attendants each went to supper or to their private chambers. Merlin was sharing a meal of Griffin Stew with Zandora in the counsel's dining room. They were alone except for the occasional attendant who would come in carrying the next tray of food.
"So where do you think Dungeonmaster has wandered off to today?"
Zandora simply smiled; she knew Merlin's familiar bitterness was about to kick in.
"I can never get over that disappearing act of his; one minute he's here in Helix, giving advice to the counsel, next he is in some far off dungeon giving explorers advice on which road to take, then he's in some village blessing newborn children, and it's all in a day's work for him!"
"Maybe that's why he's Dungeonmaster and you're the head of the counsel."
Many other wizards would have been offended by the blatentness of Zandora's words, for many wizards felt they were just as deserving of a chance at being Dungeonmaster as anyone else, but Merlin had accepted a long time ago that it was his friend he grew up with, and not himself that would be Dungeonmaster. They were both born and raised in Helix, and both were trained by the previous Dungeonmaster to wield the hidden powers they had within themselves, but while Dungeonmaster's training brought him to greater understanding of the universe, Merlin's training brought him to understanding the ways of the Realm. Merlin was always thinking about the here and now, while Dungeonmaster was always concerned about the future and the past and all places inbetween. That's why Merlin quickly became popular on the counsel and in the affairs of Helix, while his friend ascended to the position of Dungeonmaster.
"I only wish he would tell us where he was going." Merlin continued. "Goldron was right: the Dungeonmaster should have been at the counsel meeting this morning; the Orcs are a series topic that we must deal with."
"The Orcs haven't been a series threat to the Good Realm in centuries. I'm sure we will deal with them as the need arises."
Merlin sighed and continued complaining while eating his stew. "I just hope that-"
"What you hope, my friend, is to one day finally get a vacation from your worries, even though your worries are what bring you happiness." came a voice behind the two wizards.
They turned around to greet their friend the Dungeonmaster, one with a smile, and one with a frown.
"Now what's that supposed to mean? How are my worries bringing me happiness?"
"Because though you won't admit it, nothing brings you greater pleasure than helping the Realm prosper," Zandora replied, having already figured out the riddle. "And what can be more worrisome than trying to make sure the Realm stays prosperous?"
"You are correct Enchantress." came the Dungeonmaster's smooth reply. Zandora blushed. She was the only memeber of the counsel that Dungeonmaster didn't address as Wizard. Being called Enchantress just had a nice ring to it.
The two wizards studied their friend over, for it had been a few days since they had seen the Dungeonmaster. He was five feet tall, had a full head of brown hair and those ever-sparkling eyes. Though he was old, the powers of the Dungeonmaster made him look as young as ever.
Merlin broke the silence. "Well, I'm glad you grace us with your presence today DM. I didn't you were going to show up for your children's ceremony tonight."
"On the contrary. I wouldn't miss the twins ceremony for anything in the world." There was a hint of pride in the Dungeonmaster's voice.
Merlin nodded his approval. "Yes, they have certainly come a long way, especially Kyllan. He is definently a worthy choice for the next Dungeonmaster.
"Yes, he would be, but Kyllan must first choose the correct path to that title."
Merlin scowled. "Come on now Dungeonmaster, either you'll pick Kyllan to be the next DM or you'll pick someone else, and since he's your son, I have a feeling you'll pick him!"
"You are wrong my friend. I do not choose who becomes the next Dungeonmaster. Rather, that person must choose to be Dungeonmaster theirself."
Zandora broke into the two's musing. "Well until that time comes, we have more immediate concerns to deal with. Merlin here is concerned about the Orcs. What have you to say about that foul race Dungeonmaster?"
"The Orcs have indeed started to build an army, but they are not a real threat as of yet. They await the coming of the Doombringer."
"You mean the one who will supposedly bring chaos to the Realm. Are those old prophecies being brought back to the light?"
Dungeonmaster's eyes had a touch of sadness in them when he spoke again. "Whether those prophesies ever see the light is yet to be seen my friend. Prophecies only come true if someone chooses to fulfill them."
There was something in Dungeonmaster's voice that gave the other two the chills. It was rare that their friend spoke with such worrisomeness in his voice. Usually, it was Dungeonmaster that spoke of good times while the rest of the counsel, usually Merlin in particular, fretted over some business that needed utmost attention.
Once again, it was up to the Enchantress to break the spell of gloom that had befallen them. "Well, I'd say that we should choose to go and get ready for the ceremony tonight, and to have a good time."
"Well said, Enchantress."
They quickly finished their meal, (Dungeonmaster not bothering to eat anything) and went on their way to their private chambers with a joy of tonight's festivities on their minds, and a fear of prophecies in their hearts.
.................................
A symphony of music once again filled the counsel room, but not from soldier's trumpets. This time it came from out of nowhere, the creation of magicians binding pleasing sounds to the counsel chamber. The counsel stood around the meeting table at full attention. Into the chamber from a doorway to the left strode Karina, and in from the right came Kyllan. They walked to the center of the chamber where they stopped and bowed to the counsel.
With a wave of his hand, Dungeonmaster silenced the music and began a speech that seemed well rehearsed, but he had made it up just a few minutes earlier.
"Kyllan and Karina, my two young apprentices. Far have you come from when you first joined the Wizards Guild. And we are gathered here tonight to award you for your diligence."
"As you may know, most of the wizards who join the counsel are wizards who have lived throughout the Realm, and after many good deeds have been nominated for service on the counsel. You two however have been trained since a young age for specifically serving the counsel and for serving the better good of the Realm. Few wizards have set out on this path, and when those few have reached a certain level of achievement, the counsel awards them with a magical item to help them focus their powers. It is the counsel's way of showing our gratitude."
Dungeonmaster walked around the table and over to the twins and stopped in front of them, the three of them now formed a triangle.
"Kyllan, step forward."
As commanded, the young wizard stepped forth, but then kneeled before his teacher. The Dungeonmaster smiled.
"My pupil, there is no need to kneel before me."
"I must master, for what good is a student if he does not pay respect to his master?"
"Rise Kyllan. Though you have come a long way in your wizard training, there are some basic principles you must always remember. I am no one's master. In the Realm, we are all equal."
Kyllan did as he bid, with a smile on his face. He knew that the Dungeonmaster had the power to command whomever he wanted. He just chose to never use it. "An oversight that I will not make when I have his title." Kyllan thought to himself.
Dungeonmaster continued the ceremony. "Extend your hand, Kyllan."
The pupil did as instructed, upon which Dungeonmaster slid a ring down his pointing finger.
"This is the Ring of the Mind, Kyllan. A wizard of your intelligence knows that the mind is the instrument through which magic flows. The mind is the pathway to destiny, and it is my hope that this will help you focus on yours."
"Thank you father."
And with that, Kyllan stepped back, his thoughts already focused on the powers this ring might bestow upon him.
"Karina, step forward and extend your hand." The young lady did as commanded.
From Dungeonmaster's other hand, he produced another ring, which he placed upon her finger.
"This is the Ring of the Heart, Karina. The heart is the source of magic, and a pure heart is a source of great magic indeed. This ring will help your heart remain pure, so that your magic will stay true to your heart."
Karina smiled her approval, she hadn't had a present this nice since her birthday parties when she was a small child.
"Thank you very much father."
And with that, she resumed her place next to Kyllan, while Dungeonmaster turned to address the entire counsel.
"I now call upon the counsel to recognize Kyllan and Karina formally as magic users of the rank of Wizards."
The counsel had recognized them as such informally for sometime. The official ranks for magic users were Mage, (which the two young ones had already achieved), Wizard, Sorcerer, and of course the position of Dungeonmaster. There were other official titles that a magic user might acclaim to, such as Enchanter, Spellbinder, Spellweaver, Alchemist, and the rare Druid, but those titles were attained only through practicing specific types of magic. There were of course a few other titles for magic users out there, but these were generally shunned and avoided by the good counsel, and consisted of names like Witch, Warlock, and Necromancer.
Merlin stood up and spoke for the counsel.
"Long have we watched over these two young ones. Now their time has come. All in favor of the motion to recognize Kyllan and Karina as Wizards say 'Aye'!"
The motion was of course unanimous.
.................................
Kyllan sat in his private chambers after the ceremony examining the ring on his finger. Feeling its power surge in his mind, he closed his eyes and focused on the ring. "What do you want to do?" the ring seemed to ask him.
"Become Dungeonmaster." was his stern reply.
"What you mean is become powerful. Titles mean nothing to you really."
"All right then Ring, give me power!"
"To have power, you must first understand it."
"Then show me power so that I may 'understand' it!"
Kyllan's thoughts were a stream of anger now. He realized that he was out of focus, and took a moment to practice an old breathing exercise. He then once more meditated on the ring, and suddenly felt a strange sensation. It was like a new horizon was opening up to him. With a sudden popping noise, he found himself in a place far different then his chambers.
All around was empty black space. He could see many bazaar lights off to the far horizon. He found himself floating in this emptiness like a star in the heavens. He realized that he was in the Astral Plane.
"This is power," the ring seemed to say to him. "The Astral Plane is where all minds meet and all souls connect."
Kyllan was quite proud of himself. Sure, he had got here with the help of the ring, but with some more practice he would soon be able to access this void without the ring's help.
"Congratulations my son." came a voice from nowhere and yet everywhere. Kyllan shouted out into the void.
"Show yourself Dungeonmaster. I wish to speak to your face."
"My pupil, on this plane of existence, their simply is no need to shout." But still, the Dungeonmaster honored his request by materializing in front of him.
Kyllan smiled.
"So Dungeonmaster, now maybe you will realize the power I possess. This is only the beginning for me. You will soon be glad to hand me the power of Dungeonmaster."
"I never doubted your abilities for an instant. But be warned: The Astral Plane is the gateway to other planes of existence, and from there, there are even other planes of existence. We are but one spec in a universe that pays no heed to us. It goes on whether we do or not."
"Save me your speeches, Dungeonmaster. I am more then a spec of dust, and you are much more then you let on to be. It is all a matter of how powerful does one wish to become, and I plan on becoming very powerful."
The teacher smiled meekly. In the early years of Kyllan's training, the young child would sit at Dungeonmaster's feet and listen to his stories with eagerness. It was becoming quite apparent that now Kyllan chose to ignore the teacher's wisdom.
"Power is attainable by anyone, but the more one attains, the more one risks losing in exchange for this power."
Kyllan scowled at Dungeonmaster's proverbs. He turned away lost in deep thought. When he spoke again it was in a tone less harsh.
"You know what my childhood was like father. I will never again be like I once was: alone and insignificant."
"My pupil, those are the very reasons I sought you out to be raised by me."
"So you could train me to be something better, right?"
"No, because I wanted a pupil who had something in common with me."
"Huh-"
Kyllan turned back around to find his teacher gone.
"Wait Dungeonmaster, what do you mean?"
But there was no answer from the void…
The End for now…
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