The Wizard's Council Read Online Free

the raging tornado. As the water tornado grew, Paul opened his hands again and thrust his arms into the air. The water began to freeze around him, creating a large cone of ice. He created giant slabs of stone around himself and the others to protect them before shattering the ice. The slabs of stone slid back into the floor. Thaddeus was clapping, and Emily was amazed. She had never seen anyone of that skill who was untrained by a Conclave.
    “Where have you learned these skills?” Thaddeus asked as he led them back into the library.
    “My father made a deal with a mage when I was younger. He would teach me magic in exchange for my father keeping it all a secret. What better place for a magician to hide than a blacksmith’s shop?” Paul answered.
    “Interesting, did the man ever explain what sect of mages he was from?”
    “Cornelius never spoke of his past. That was the only topic that he forbade discussion of. In fact, I knew so little about him that I’m not even sure Cornelius was his real name.”
    Thaddeus shrugged and continued leading them through the library. The other mages were busy at work examining the tomes for some piece of arcane knowledge that had been missed by previous readers. Rolin instilled in his pupils a thirst for knowledge that was rivaled by few. They were encouraged to pursue the lore from ages past as well as build upon it with newer thoughts and approaches. The Carmalian Conclave was a head above the rest in their knowledge of magic, due in no small part to Rolin’s policies. Among the Wizards, there were two competing schools of thought at this time. The more traditional school felt that you needed to learn specific practices and building upon only those practices. Rolin held strongly to his opinion that all forms of magic built off each other. Thaddeus stopped and explained something to one of the other librarians before leading the two out into the hallway.
    “We’ll head to the initiation chambers and get you your robes and a decent staff. Rolin prefers that when we travel, we do it armed.” Thaddeus explained as he led them toward the air chamber.
    “I’ve got a sword, I don’t think I’ll need the staff. Thank you,” Paul replied.
    “I’m afraid Rolin insists. In fact, he even instructed me to get Emily one as well.”
    “I assure you, Thaddeus, that is not necessary. I am honored that Rolin would be so kind, but I prefer to stick to magic when my life is in danger.” Emily tried her best to decline the offer in a respectful manner.
    *
    Arcantos mumbled under his breath as he raised his hand to hail the Holy Order gatekeeper. He brushed the dirt off his cloak as he waited for the Holy Order’s envoy to come and greet him. The massive gate opened, and a smaller man in robes approached Arcantos, he was flanked by two tall men in plate armor. Their armor glistened in the sun, and they stood without fear. The smaller man held up his hand, telling the other two to hang back while he greeted the stranger. It seemed odd to Arcantos that this man would elect to confront him without his escort.
    “Hail friend. What brings you to the gates of the Holy Order?” The man asked.
    “I seek an audience with your leader on behalf of Galimdor and its King.” Arcantos bowed after he spoke.
    “Ah yes, your King sent a messenger not too long ago. I don’t believe we were properly introduced, I am Brother Timothy.” The monk extended his hand to Arcantos.
    “I am Arcantos, advisor to the King. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Arcantos could barely bring himself to shake the man’s hand.
    The two exchanged small talk as they entered the courtyard of the Holy Order’s stronghold. It was unlike an ything Arcantos had seen. From outside, the fortress looked large, but its true size was lost on anyone who had not seen it from the inside. The fifty foot tall, twenty foot deep, outer wall was dwarfed by the inner wall. Arcantos estimated it to be at least seventy-five feet in height. This