Elendria’s POV

I stared down the trembling of my hands, trying to will them to stillness. Susan seemed quite shocked with the progress I had made in a week, but she didn’t know how hard I was pushing myself. For every two hour session I spent with her, I spent an additional four hours working by myself. This was one of my afternoon solo sessions, and I was sitting at a table at a restaurant just outside the entrance to the arena.

“Everything ok miss?” The waiter asked.

“I’m fine, thanks.” I said, covering my tea so that he knew not to refill it. I smiled inwardly, as the cup hardly rattled at all. The vivid nightmares were worth the progress I had made. I know Sean was wanting to start his trek to advance his species soon.

“Very well then. Since we are rather slow at the moment we won’t be instituting our consumption rule, but if things pick up I may have to ask you to order or leave.”

“That’s fine. I’ll be leaving soon for a party anyway.” I said. “How much do I owe you?”

“Twenty silver.”

“Keep the change.” I said, handing him thirty silver. He was only the third waiter I had this week, and hopefully they would all be more than willing to bend the rules for a more generous customer, should I ever need them to in the future.

“Thank you ma’am.” He said bowing as he left me alone. I forced a smile as a particularly loud cheer erupted from the arena. Shuddering, I finally gave in and headed back toward Bribis’ family’s compound. I might have been walking slightly faster than normal, but that was fine by me. I had just spent nearly a half hour near a raucous arena. Twenty minutes later, I walked into the compound and looked for Sean.

“He’s out back.” One of the workers said with a smile.

“You’re awfully peppy this late in the day.” I said with a grin. “What happened?”

“That Sean of yours? Swell guy, for a human. Said he needed training on some of his magic, and offered to load everything for us using telekinesis. So we just had to tell him how to load stuff up. Full pay for a day of incredibly easy work.”

“So I should keep him around?” I joked.

“Put it this way ma’am.” Someone else said. “I’ll be paying for lessons at the mage’s college to see if they can’t help me develop what he’s got. He loaded a cart in half the time it would take us, and with zero bits of pinched skin.”

“Sounds like a keeper then.” I chuckled, heading around back as I heard a few whispers of how lucky of a guy Sean was. I wasn’t about to correct them, that it was me that was the lucky one. I danced through the few people who were still setting up for the party, heading toward the sparring court where I could hear Sean working.

I was glad I went for the silent approach. Sean had lost his shirt at some point, and was covered in a thin sheen of sweat as he moved through some spear forms. By Shalora did he look good! Thrust, recover, cross slash into a figure eight, followed by an alternating side wheels to deflect incoming blows. He finished it with one of his own creations. As the spear tip went above his head, he created a low pressure vortex of air. This created a suction force that made a large portion of air follow. This went over and around, behind him, swinging around to end in a rising slash from left ankle to right chest. It was at this point that he unleashed the air, causing a wall of it to erupt forth. This air wall had some air blades hidden in it for minor damage, but the majority of the attack was a delaying action, forcing multiple enemies to halt their advance or even retreat if enough particulate was picked up from the ground.

“HeeeeeYAH!” Sean cried as he unleashed the attack. Three training dummies were forced backwards, covering their eyes to avoid simulated damage. This proved costly as the one on the left took a lightning bolt to the chest as the one on the right ended up pierced by stone spears from below. The central one recovered, but I knew by the way Sean shifted that it wouldn’t be long now.

Left foot forward with his hips slanted downward, his entire body telegraphed the vicious thrust he was about to unleash. The training dummy lowered its shield to intercept, as a dark violet glow encompassed his spear. “Ultramassive piercing thrust. YAAAAAAAAH!” He mumbled the name of his spell before yelling as he thrust forward with everything. In a normal attack, the shield would easily deflect the spear, leaving him wide open for a counterattack.

Sean was smart though, and he had explained how his move abused the laws of physics. A small gravity well moved the shield so that it met the spear tip head on instead of at a deflecting angle, forcing a massive collision. The tip of his training spear was hardened with metallic mana, while he used an overcharged version of leadweight to massively increase the mass of his spear. To counter the weight, a bit of gravity magic to make it much easier to swing. Increasing the mass while making it light enough to give incredible acceleration drastically increased his force. The end wasn’t pretty for the training dummy. The shield splintered immediately, while the spear kept moving and split the dummy in two.

“Man, that could have been bad if it was a living opponent.” Sean muttered as he stepped back to take in the carnage. He went through a slow motion of his spear forms, and I knew he was winding down for the day.

“Chilling wind.” I whispered as I lowered the air temp just a bit. He tensed a bit but kept moving through his cooldown, and I enjoyed the view. How his muscles flowed smoothly through moves, highlighted by that sheen of sweat on his skin that was just now starting to evaporate into clouds of mist. As he finished, he turned and I got the frontal view. I had heard him describe himself as ripped, but I had no idea what the reference to torn clothing was. I was enthralled with the tone of his muscles, how it hinted at the hidden strength without going into those grotesque dimensions of those who focused solely on strength obtained.

“Finished with your secret training already?” He asked with that carefree grin, sauntering over and leaning against the fence I was resting on. “Ah this takes me back.”

“Oh? Do tell.” I said.

“Back when I was young, we had this game called basketball. After practice in the winter, we would all head outside with our shorts and sleeveless shirts. It felt great, even with the snow on the ground. The sweat we had built up would steam off just like this. The only thing that’s missing is the yelling of our parents that we were gonna catch a cold.”

“Catch a cold?”

“Get sick.” He explained. “Anyhow, enough of that. How is your training going?”

“Very well, thank you.” I said with a smile. “I’m getting close to finishing, I should be—“

“THERE HE IS! I FOUND HIM! PREPARE YOURSELF UNCLE SEAN!” I was interrupted by a gaggle of kids rounding the house with toy swords and shields in their hands. In the lead was Lodrano’s daughter and birthday girl, Annette. Six kids flanked her as Sean backed into the sparring area. With a bit of telekinesis, the training dummies were sent off to the side.

“Back for more? Come on then, I’ll take you all on! MUAHAHAHAHA!” Sean chuckled evilly, as the kids worked their way through the fence and formed a somewhat decent shield wall formation.

“We’ll get you this time!” Annette promised.

“Then I had better take this seriously.” He said, charging a ball of mana into his right hand. “Let’s see your shield wall withstand this! SPARK STORM!” Throwing his hand forward, the mana split into hundreds of motes of colored lights.

“Now! Scatter!” Annette cried, playing the role of general. The kids scattered, using their weapons to strike the lights. They immediately stuck to the weapons in small bursts of color, but none made it through to the children. Soon enough they had Sean surrounded. “Give it up Uncle Sean. We have you surrounded!”

“So I see.” He said in a serious voice, turning to try and keep the kids in view. “Impressive to avoid my initial attack like that. But what shall you do with this?” He said, spinning and releasing more of those lights. These stopped a few feet away from him, starting to orbit him clockwise. “Take this! SPARK VORTEX!”

I smiled as the kids tried several probing attacks to no avail. Sean sat smugly in the center watching the frown on Annette’s face.

“Darren, stick to my left and slightly behind.” She ordered the nearest child. “I’ll clear a path for you, make sure you get him, kay?”

“But-“ He started, only to get interrupted.

“I don’t mind being a sacrifice if we can take him down.” She said. “Ready? GO!” Give Darren credit, he only gave the barest bits of hesitation before falling in to position. Smart, if a bit foolish. Annette would use her body to clear the way for Darren in the hopes that he could take Sean down one on one.

“You know, when battling a mage, it helps if you have one on your side.” I called out. “Ice Tunnel.” Just before Annette could enter the vortex, I created a tunnel of ice through them to give them access.

“AWESOME! THANKS MISS ELENDRIA!” She called out, charging forward. “We’ll take him out together! Let’s go Darren!”

I chuckled as the two kids worked surprisingly well together. Annette went for the frontal assault, which Sean easily blocked with a horizontal spear. Darren darted behind Annette, using her body to hide him as he assaulted Sean low and from the side of the butt of his spear.

“A coordinated assault?” Sean acted surprised, but started to drop the butt of his spear to intercept. A move that was quickly countered by Annette, who grabbed just below the head of Sean’s spear to prevent just that. That bit was just enough to disrupt Sean, allowing Darren to strike. Though the smile on his face let me know Sean wasn’t using nearly his full strength.

“GAH!” Sean cried in fake pain as Darren’s sword struck his side.

“Gotcha!” Annette cried, adding her own thrust to Sean’s chest.

“To think, I was bested, by the likes of you.” Sean gasped out, playing into the death scene for all he was worth. I thought it a fine touch that the swirling lights slowed and fell to the ground in time with his body.

“WE GOT HIM!” Annette cried, getting cheers from her friends as they all danced around.

“Got taken down by the group of kids again, huh?” Carrigan chuckled as he appeared next to me.

“Yep. I did have to give them a hand in getting through his magical defenses, but the rest was all them.”

“Hard to believe that a summoned hero would be that comfortable around so many kids.”

“Yeah.” I said sadly, knowing we were both thinking about his daughter back home. “I don’t know what the gods were thinking picking him, but I’m glad I got to meet him.”

“Me too.” He agreed. “Alright you guys!” He shouted to get the attention of the mass of bodies that had devolved from the group. “Go get cleaned up, we got a party soon!”

“Aww, five more minutes!” Sean mockingly asked.

“Now!” Carrigan chuckled, shaking his head. “And stop teaching them to use puppy dog eyes Sean. I already told you I’m immune.”

“But, I had them right where I wanted them.” He said, quickly standing up and lifting each kid in a telekinetic arm, much to their delight.

“Sean, you have the boy upside down.” I said.

“Huh? So I do. Hey! Do you think if I shake them a bit, coins will fall out?” He chuckled, giving them a bit of a shake. “Aww.” He faked disappointment, then gently set the kids down. “I guess we have to get going. I think Lodrano is putting on a spectacular party.” He said, chuckling as the kids took off. “I need a bath as well. See you guys at the party?” He asked, getting nods from the both of us.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Several hours later

The party was in full swing, and everyone was having quite a blast. Part of that was the novelty of the food. Sean had come in a few days ago with an order for hundreds of metal sticks, and shown us what he called a kebab. So simple, and yet it worked incredibly well for a party. Alternating bits of vegetables and fruits with meat on the stick, letting it all cook. The stick had a ring for holding, and you simply ate the stuff off. It kept your hands clean and didn’t require plates. I was rather surprised nobody had thought of it before, but several of the guests had already said they were going to be trying it out for themselves in the future.

I had wandered off to a quiet corner, still not quite comfortable with large crowds. I had kept an eye on Sean though, who was in the midst of the kids performing party favors for whoever asked. Eventually though, he caught my eye and gave me a wink. I nodded at our prearranged signal, and headed over to get Lodrano.

“Excuse me.” I said, interrupting him and Susan. “Lodrano, would it be ok for Sean and I to give our present now?”

“Heh, this is gonna be great. I’ll bring out the horses.” He chuckled, turning to Susan. “Can you give me a hand?”

“Of course.” She said, and they disappeared. A few minutes later, and they headed towards a cleared area.

“If I could have your attention please!” Lodrano called out, and everyone quieted down. “As you know, tonight we celebrate the birthday of my daughter, Annette. I want to thank everyone for coming out and making her day feel special.” He gave them a minute for some applause, before raising a hand. “For your birthday, I hope you enjoy my present. Horse dummies for you and your friends to practice on.” He said, pulling off a sheet to reveal seven wooden horses waiting for the kids. Of course, the kids all immediately squealed and climbed on, smiling as they got seated and found that the horses were simple golems.

“Thanks dad!” She cried, the smile threatening to split her face.

“You’re welcome. Now, I do believe Sean has something as well?”

“I do.” He said, stepping forward. “Where I’m from, it is common to give something to the birthday person. Several days ago I asked Lodrano, as I didn’t want to cross any boundaries. He gave his blessing, so long as it was something that I spent no money on. I struggled on this for a bit, but I do hope you enjoy the present that Elendria and I have planned out for you.”

I stepped forward, clad in an icy gown I had conjured. While everyone was watching me, several others gave the kids their swords and shields, as well as making sure that the straps holding the kids in place were secure. “Brave adventurers, I ask for your help. I am the Winter Queen, and my lands are under assault. Even now, a terrible dragon burns his way through my kingdom, and my armies are powerless in front of it. Will you lend me your strength?” As I finished asking, a massive illusionary dragon appeared in the sparring area. Thankfully Carrigan had placed muffling stones around the property, as it gave a truly terrifying roar. I don’t know where he got the inspiration, but it was truly terrifying. According to Sean, it was the evolved form of the best starter in a game about pocket monsters.

“What do you say friends? Shall we slay a dragon?” Annette asked, getting a roar of approval from her friends.

“My magic is useless against the dragon itself.” Sean said, stepping forward. “But I will give you what help I may.” He said, making a show of blue lights that soaked in to the horses. As everyone chuckled and cleared a path, the horses rose a few inches from the ground to the delight of the children.

“Alright my friends, CHARGE!” Annette yelled, pointing her sword right at the heart of the dragon. The horses took off, as the dragon prepared for battle. When the wedge formation had reached the halfway point, it breathed out a blast of flames, causing the kids to scatter. Weaving around like a flock of birds in flight, the kids deftly avoided the attacks of the dragon. Flame and claw, wing and tail. It didn’t matter. The horses were far too agile, and the kids were having a blast. Though it was a stalemate, as the kids couldn’t land any solid hits on the dragon that could pierce its hide.

“Break off and regroup!” Annette called, and the kids rose above the battlefield. The dragon roared its frustration, though it didn’t take to the skies. “How are we going to hurt it?” She pondered. I smiled as I saw each of the children’s swords start glowing, then change into lances.

“This is the best I can do.” Sean called. “I have changed your swords into lances that may pierce any shield. Though you only get but one chance.”

“Then we’ll have to charge straight ahead.” Annette said, voice full of determination. The crowd was cheering them on, and I added in my portion as well.

“Brave adventurers, take these.” I said, making a shield of ice form in front of each of them. “Seven treasures of my kingdom. Shields of ice that shall repel any flame, even those from dragons themselves.”

“Alright! Everyone ready?” Annette asked, looking to her friends, who all had goofy grins on their faces. “Let’s slay us a dragon. One last time, CHAAAAAARGE!” They all lowered their lances, and dove straight toward the dragon. It opened its maw and unleashed a massive torrent of flames, and Sean caused each of the ice shields to glow as the flames parted around the charging kids. When the field had cleared, the children were on the other side of the dragon, who was now sporting seven colored lances piercing its body. A massive cheer roared out as it collapsed and scattered into motes of light, and the kids took a victory lap around the party.

“Thanks Uncle Sean!” The kids cried, grabbing him into a huge hug pile. A little hand reached out and pulled me in as well. “You too Auntie Elendria!” I couldn’t help the smile that was plastered on my face as we were mauled by overly excited kids.

“Thank you both as well.” Lodrano said, laughing as he walked over. “I never would have thought to give them such a marvelous adventure. Though I think there are going to be several people at the college who will be pestered into levitating horses in the future. Can I ask what magic you used?”

“Gravity magic.” Sean said with a chuckle, as the kids headed over to the sparring area to play some more with their horses. We all watched as they took turns leading the group. “Talk with Master Urushon. He will know who to set you up with. I’m sure there will be several mages willing to take a bit of coin for a chance to practice high level magic.”

“No doubt, no doubt.” Lodrano chuckled. With a sigh, he continued, “Shes. No. We’re all going to miss you when you go. Are you sure it has to be so soon?”

“I’m sure.” Sean replied. “I can hold off for another four days, a week at most. But things are in motion, and I need to be stronger if we are to survive it. But I will definitely miss all of you, and the smiles of the children. It’s not often you get to see pure happiness.”

“True, true.” Lodrano agreed. “Well, I have to go make some more rounds of people. Thanks again for a memorable adventure. I’m sure they will be talking about it for ages.”

“So. Four days?” I asked as Lodrano walked away.

“Yep. Will your training be done by then?” He turned to look at me. Was that a bit of hope in his eyes?

“Even if it isn’t perfect, you won’t be getting rid of me that easily. I’ll have my stuff packed and ready.” I said with a smile. “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I do believe all that acting and magic has made me a bit hungry again. I hope they still have a few kebabs left.” I headed over to the cooking pit as he chuckled, and enjoyed the rest of the party. Things didn’t last too long afterward, though I did get approached a few times asking about how they could set things up like that for their own kids. I worried for the future mages of Shineheart, we may have unleashed a new tradition upon them. From how some of the parents were acting, it looked like they already had plans to see if they could improve on battling a dragon.