The Last of the Sages (Sage Trilogy, Book 1) (9 page)

All the more reason to let myself shine now
,
he thought
.
In order to become a Sage, I’ll have to defeat him someday too
.
James tried glancing over some of his classmates’ heads, but to no avail. People were clamoring over each other, pushing and shoving to get a glimpse of the senior class-man. Finally disgusted and frustrated with not being able to see, James turned to leave when Dominic suddenly spoke out from the inside.

“Is that the new kid I see back there?” Dominic called in excitement. “Let him on through.”

The recruits reluctantly obeyed, letting James pass through to their idol, giving him a front row seat. James smirked, thinking that someday people would let him pass not because of his ignorance, but his power.

Dominic was in the corner of the room, sitting on the bed with his legs crossed and looking like he had just finished telling an epic story. Several young men and women sat at his feet like children, waiting hungrily for the next tale. Dominic beamed in delight at the sight of James and offered him the coveted seat by his side. James sat down obediently, not looking to cause any riffs in the room. He was ready to see what made the senior so impressive.

“So what’s your name, kid?” the upperclassman asked coolly.

“James,” he replied, fully aware that Dominic was no more than a year or two older than himself.

“James, I’m Dominic, and let me tell you, you are in for a treat. It’s not every day you get to meet a walking legend.”

“What makes you a legend?”

People began whispering in anticipation. The story of Dominic was coming. James was already sure it was anti-climactic and over-exaggerated.

“It all starts in ‘88. Surely you know what happened in that year.”

“The siege of our castle,” James said, remembering Arimus’s words.

“Well, I’ll have you know that I was there.”

“What were you, a drummer boy? You’re barely three years older than me.”

Gasps went throughout the room.

“You wish. The fact of the matter is that I was a recruit like all of you. Scared, nervous, unsure of what difference I could make in the world. Still, I had a mind to - no - I knew that I would become a great and powerful warrior someday - a Sage of great power.”

James scoffed and Dominic frowned at his reaction.

“You’re a Sage?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

“How could you possibly be a Sage?”

“Would you shut up and let me finish my story?”

“I’m sorry. I just can’t see how that’s possible.”

Dominic glared at James and quickly grabbed his shoulder. James barely saw him move. Instinctively he noticed the sheathed sword lying on the bed by Dominic’s side.

“We can settle this right now if you want. It’s a little unconventional, but at least you’ll be humbled.” Dominic spoke so confidently that James didn’t know what to think. All he could do was follow the upperclassman as he grabbed his sword from off the bed and made his way out of the dorm. The sea of students parted instinctively, letting him pass through like he was their savior, but James followed more out of curiosity than obedience. There was no way he could be a Sage. How could someone so vain, so pompous and arrogant, be a legend? How could he have achieved the rank of Sage?

“I thought you were just 1st Class,” James spat at Dominic as they walked. “Not even an infantryman.”

“I’m skipping all that now,” Dominic replied calmly.

James shuddered at the thought. Staring at Dominic’s cool composure, he suddenly realized that if this fool was a Sage, Arimus would’ve mentioned it to him. Wouldn’t he?

Dominic walked slowly in stride, as if he were a king, leading James to where the West wing Gymnasium lay. James couldn’t deny that he was beginning to get nervous. 

“So I’m going to get a demonstration?”

“You could say that,” Dominic said slyly, throwing the sword he held at his side to James. “Here, take this. I won’t need it.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“I’m going to prove -”

“- what, exactly?” Arimus boomed as he stepped from beyond the crowd. Everyone stopped talking as he stared down at Dominic with his steel blue eyes. Dominic’s resolve wavered but he still made no motion to answer the teacher.

“I asked you a question.”

“I was only going to show James here what it means to be a Sage.”

Arimus laughed heartily, the echo bouncing off the farthest walls. Somehow it only made James more nervous.

“Dominic, this is why I advised you to keep your ego subdued. Your delusions never cease to amaze me.”

Dominic’s smile faded as Arimus motioned for the mob of recruits to leave. They left sorrowfully, taking each step slowly so that they could catch as much entertainment as possible on their way out. But Arimus eventually grew weary of them and growled; then they dispersed quickly. The mentor turned around and shook his head in amazement.

“I dismissed your fans so that I can speak without restraint. I don’t want to embarrass you in front of them, but if you continue to lie that way in the Academy, there will be disciplinary action, understood?”

Dominic nodded shamefully as Arimus turned to James.

“James, you will keep this a secret. Dominic is, in fact, not a Sage.”

“HA!” James retorted. Dominic shoved his face away with an open palm. James almost managed to punch him, but Arimus caught his arm at the last second. Dominic barely noticed the retaliation.

“Why did you have to tell the new guy, Arimus?”

“And why do I have to keep this a secret?” James cried, backing away. “Don’t the students have the right to know?”

“The students look up to Dominic,” Arimus stated. “And believe it or not, he has inspired many of them to overcome obstacles that they previously struggled with. Nevertheless, the primary reason for my intrusion is because he will be the proctor of your second test, and I didn’t want you to get a head start.”

“Second test?”

“Which will begin immediately as a matter of fact. The sword in your right hand will suffice. We were supposed to wait until tomorrow, but considering the situation before us, we can begin. Prior preparation is unnecessary.”

“I never heard anything about having to give a test,” Dominic protested. “But if I am, then he fails, right now. Whatever it is I am proctoring, he’s not passing it.”

“That’s awfully mature of you, Dominic,” Arimus stated.

“Thank you,” Dominic replied without smiling one bit.

“Regardless of your prejudices, however, the test will be given. I know what you are thinking. Why is James given special treatment? Well, let me tell you, he is not. This test, also known as the Sage preliminary test, is always the second to be given. It is just that students receive it by different proctors so there is little discussion on the matter. You were given this kind of test by someone else, were you not?”

Dominic nodded, his spirits rising again.

“Then James will receive the same. Though the tests are all handled differently, the desired outcome must be achieved in order to pass. This test will be no easier or harder than the one you took.”

“Fine,” Dominic muttered, partly satisfied with the explanation.

“I thought you said he wasn’t a Sage,” James retorted. Arimus nodded.

“He’s not. The Sage preliminary test examines a person’s ability to become a Sage, nothing more. If you do not pass this, you are still able to go on to the third exam, which will evaluate your eligibility to stay in this Academy, but it would be better for you personally if that doesn’t happen. Should you make it through the second exam, you will go immediately on to Sage training, accomplishing the goal you have set for yourself. But if you fail, you will have no hope whatsoever.”

“So Dominic passed?” James asked humbly.

“Dominic is the only recruit I have seen pass this test since I became a proctor. Everyone else has failed, and that is why we do not discuss it openly. It is too shameful to reveal that they will never reach their dreams...”

“So Dominic is taking Sage tests right now?”

“Yes, and he is doing adequately.”

“Who is his teacher?”

“That’s irrelevant right now. But should you pass the test, I will reveal it to you. This is not a light matter, I’m afraid. There are not many Sages at this Academy. So little, in fact, that most students are given the Sage preliminary tests by those who are not Sages themselves. It is an unfortunate circumstance but necessary. Even Dominic’s original proctor was killed in battle a few months back. Make no mistake, James. Even Sages have a long road to traverse.”

“Then why am I given this privilege? To face someone who’s passed the tests?”

“Circumstance. Believe me, you are not the only one. There are fifteen others that Dominic will proctor after you are done. Do not think you’re special.”

Why was everyone saying that?

“You never told me that!” Dominic exclaimed, pointing a finger in Arimus’s face. “I never agreed to become a teacher.”

“Yet you will if you desire to continue your training,” Arimus said firmly. Dominic sucked his teeth but remained silent.

“So…” James continued. “Does that mean Dominic is stronger than you?”

“Enough with the questions, James. The test will now begin.”

Dominic smirked and jumped back into an offensive stance, placing his right fist on top of his left shoulder, as if he had a blade concealed there.

“So what am I supposed to do, just hit him with this sword?” James mused, turning the blade over and over in his hand. “That hardly seems fair.”

“Trust me, I’m more than prepared for you, rookie.”

“Here is the exam,” Arimus announced. “All you have to do, James, is cut Dominic. Even if it is the slightest nick. If you manage this within three days, you are eligible to begin Sage training. If not, your dreams will sadly end here.”

“That shouldn’t be too hard considering he’s unarmed. He’s gotta tire out sooner or later. Then I’ll slice him up.”

“You’re so confident, James,” Dominic mused. “But I think that’s the fear talking. You can’t imagine not being a Sage. No one can. Especially once Arimus tells you the legend. And you’re no different. So we’re going to see if you’ve got what it takes. Despite what your eyes tell you, I’m a lot more armed than you are.”

“What are you talking about, gabby?” James mocked, his hand snapping open and closed as if it were talking. 

“Dominic,” Arimus bellowed. “Reveal your eidolon edge.”

“His what?” James began, but Dominic cut him off.

“- gladly,” Dominic said, and in an instant, a flash of blinding light erupted from Dominic’s body, filling the entire room, and knocking James unconscious…

Chapter 4 - Eidolon

“Did I kill him?” Dominic laughed as Arimus shook James’s shoulder. Arimus gave Dominic a disapproving look and shook James again.

“Man, that was embarrassing,” James muttered as he came to. Waving Arimus’s hand away, he climbed to his feet.

“You’re telling me,” Dominic said in disappointment. “I didn’t even do anything. If this is a preview of things to come, I have to say, you’re just wasting my time.”

“Whatever, mouth,” James snapped in disgust as he picked up the fallen sword. “I get three days to make one incision. Keep talking like that, and I’ll be aiming for your tongue.”

“What a temper,” Arimus commented.

“What garbage,” Dominic chuckled. “Anyone can talk big. Problem is, if you don’t make the cut, you’ll be just another infantryman, stuck in depression over what could have been.”

“Shut up!” James screamed as he lunged toward Dominic.

With him talking so much, he’s bound to be distracted. I don’t know what an eidolon is or how he was able to knock me out so easily, but I won’t let him unleash it again. The sooner I cut him, the more potential I’ll prove to have.

Dominic pivoted backward as the sword that was aimed for his stomach went to the side. Securely out of the sword’s way, Dominic clasped James’s wrist and bent it to the right. James cried out as he dropped the sword and swung a random left hook - which was blocked easily. James couldn’t believe his eyes when his body was picked up and flipped over Dominic’s shoulder, right onto his back. Dominic punched at an imaginary opponent in the air as he danced in front of James’s fallen body. James tried desperately to catch the wind that was knocked out of him.

“Judo flip!” Dominic guffawed. “No one ever falls for the judo flip. It’s so juvenile!”

“You have to have patience with James,” Arimus stated as he helped James to his feet. “He has had no prior training as you did. He comes from the village.”

“What?!” Dominic yelled in shock. “He’s a walk-in? You mean he wasn’t invited to the Academy formally?”

“We are running at low capacity. We turn no one away.”

“Oh forget this. I only did some judo to play around. I was surprised myself when he actually fell for it, but now I see that he doesn’t have a lick of combat training. This trash doesn’t even deserve to see an eidolon.”

James clutched his sword in anger and determination as the upperclassman spat words of distaste at him. He had been arrogant before, but now it was as if James were less than a human being, as if he were an insect that had tried joining the Academy, and had the audacity to even think about becoming a Sage. Dominic found it ridiculous and disgusting, blasphemy against everything the Academy stood for, and he was going to let James feel every ounce of his hate.

“I refuse to pull out my eidolon. I refuse, Arimus. I’m just going to fight him with my bare hands, if that’s okay with you. He can keep the sword. I really don’t care.”

“If that’s how you want it to go, Dominic. I myself admit that if James cannot cut you while you’re unarmed, then he definitely isn’t worthy of becoming a Sage.”

James winced. That definitely hurt. Coming from Arimus, the words pricked his heart like poison.

“I still have three days! Remember?!” James yelled at them as he tried once again to pierce Dominic’s unmovable resolve. Dominic continued talking to Arimus, pushing James aside and sending him clamoring awkwardly to the floor. Again and again James lunged at his foe, each time thrusting weaker and weaker as every bit of strength and energy he threw at his opponent was turned aside with a simple parry. Hours went by, yet he was no closer to passing than when he had started.

“Let’s call it a day,” Dominic yawned finally as he kicked a heaving James to the side. “He didn’t even get close.”

“It is getting late,” Arimus agreed as he put out his hand, motioning for James to give him the sword. James grit his teeth as he stared at the imprints of the hilt in his hand - his own steel grip being the cause as he had swung again and again at the upperclassman. It was pitiable. How could there be such a difference in their skill? How could Dominic have dodged his attacks for hours without breaking a sweat?

What made it worse was that he hadn’t even fought back. Sure, he would throw him to the side or flip him to the ground, but he never threw a punch. It was like James was a child all over again, trying to do damage to the impenetrable wall that was his father.

“You want to know something sad, James?” Dominic asked, snatching the blade out of James’s hand before he even saw him move. “If you can’t hit me, let alone beat me, you’ll never – ever – ever – never – ever become a -”

“Don’t say it!” James screamed and began storming out of the hall. As he left he heard Dominic sneering behind him.

“Tell me, Arimus, what is the disciplinary action for one having a temper tantrum?”

Arimus didn’t smile as he stared at James’s back.

“You know, I wonder…could I beat you, Arimus? I mean, you’re not a Sage either. You don’t have an eidolon.”

Arimus turned slowly and glared at Dominic with calm yet warning eyes.

“I know how you are, Dominic. You won’t rest until you know for yourself.”

“I’m only curious.”

“I don’t play games.”

“It’s not a game, Arimus. I’m serious about this.”

“If Scarlet hears of this - ”

“Master Scarlet won’t know a thing, I promise. She’s always telling me not to involve myself with other teachers so I wouldn’t dare tell her. The punishment would be very severe.”

“It is not a good idea.”

Dominic was standing only a foot away from Arimus, plenty of space to make a move.

So he did.

His thrust was precise and calculated, straight and quick, but all it pierced was the air as a single gray strand of Arimus’s hair hovered before his eyes. As he exhaled, his initiative now over, he began calculating a defense when he realized the blade he had held in his hand was now at his throat. Arimus stood unmoving behind him, a powerful arm reaching around Dominic and gripping the entire fist that was enclosed around the hilt.

“I trust you will not do that again. We are not in need of men…that badly.”

Dominic felt the grip lighten and he turned quickly to catch a glimpse of Arimus’s face, but, as expected, he was already gone, out of the very room itself.

“Arimus of the wind,” Dominic whispered. “You truly live up to your name.”

Dominic left the hall, amused yet humbled…

* * * * *

James was not in the mood to see Catherine as he power-walked down the east wing. She was waiting for him by his room, leaning against the wall with legs crossed, deep in thought. He didn’t know what time it was, but he could tell that it was late by the lack of voices coming from the bedrooms. Catherine heard him grunt as he walked and she giggled at his approach. James waved a quick hi and stopped before her, not sure what to say. She waited for him to speak first as he tried to calm himself down but he never was very good at that. Still, it was a good time to practice. It wouldn’t be right if he took his frustrations out on her.

James attempted a smile and took a breath, noticing that in the dim hallway light he couldn’t see the small patches of freckles that lightly decorated her cheeks.

“So how was your day?” she asked cautiously, tired of waiting for James to stop analyzing her and actually speak.

“I didn’t pass if that’s what you’re asking,” James muttered as he folded his arms across his chest.

“At least you have two more days.”

“Yeah, but trust me, it would take a miracle for me to improve enough to pass that test.”

“Don’t give up yet. Just think about what you could do differently.”

“I guess so.”

“Wow, you really are bummed. You haven’t asked me one question yet. You’re usually so inquisitive.”

James sighed and didn’t respond.

“So, if you don’t mind me asking...” Catherine continued. “What was your second test? I know everyone has a different one.”

“I had to face Dominic.”

Catherine’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Wow. That must’ve been hard!”

“He’s not that tough,” James muttered, sneering at the awe in her voice. 

“Oh no - no, I’m not saying he’s like the best or anything. Only it’s a little unusual to have to face a student for your test. Especially one that has an eidolon!”

“Okay, you have to tell me, what is an eidolon exactly?”

“You didn’t get a good look at Dominic’s?” she inquired, raising her eyebrows suspiciously.

“I uh…” James stammered. “I was actually knocked unconscious by some blinding light when he supposedly pulled it out.”

Catherine giggled in response and James scowled, nearly turning and storming into his dorm room. It took a lot of restraint to remain still.

“I can’t believe you went unconscious…” Catherine said. “I mean, that is impressive.”

“Why?”

“An eidolon edge is a sword, but not just any sword. It’s actually a person’s very soul manifested into the form of a blade. The very word eidolon means ideal, so when a person’s eidolon is released, it reveals the inner desires of a person, transformed into blade form.”

“So you mean someone might pull out an eidolon that looks like a pink flamingo or something?” James said slyly, thinking of what ridiculous figure Dominic’s might take on.

“Not exactly. If you were to see someone’s eidolon, it may take some thought and interpretation to figure out what desires their eidolon represents. Unless you really know a person, odds are, you probably won’t figure out what the blade is revealing to you, but all of that is irrelevant. What’s impressive is what the eidolon can do. Each one possesses abilities that can take out waves upon waves of armies with little effort. It is a Sage’s ultimate weapon.”

“But Arimus said that Dominic isn’t a Sage,” James stated, forgetting his promise to keep it a secret.

“You’re not supposed to be telling me that, James.”

“Oops,” James said, shrugging his shoulders. He didn’t really care who knew Dominic’s little secret.

“In any case, I already knew that. Arimus told me as well.”

James looked at her suspiciously. How much did she talk to Arimus anyway? James made it a mental note to find out what their history was. Maybe he was her guardian or something. The way they looked, it would be hard to believe he was her father.

“Even though Dominic isn’t a full blown Sage, he’s well on his way to becoming one. The fact that he can manifest his eidolon is a testament to that. There is a lot more to a Sage than developing an eidolon, but one can’t even begin to live the life of a Sage without doing so.”

“Why? Why is having an eidolon so important? Why can’t one just live the life of a Sage without one?”

“It’s true that the eidolon is the weapon of a Sage, but don’t forget it is also the soul. A Sage’s life is such that a person’s spirit must be developed to a certain maturity - a level at which eidolon wielding would come naturally. When a Sage transfers their being into an eidolon, they are able to abstractly and efficiently determine their next move. When their soul is out in the open, the eidolon absorbs everything around it. The very air is taken in. For example, take a sword that it clashes with – the eidolon will instantly know the durability upon impact, and that knowledge is instantly absorbed so that the next time it comes across something similar, it can break it easily. It learns as we do, and the eidolon can only get stronger as one’s spirit does, reaching limitless heights over time.”

“This is a lot to take in…so, this eidolon is your soul, right? And it can absorb all this knowledge just by touching things?”

“It’s not as scary as it sounds. While it is your soul, it’s not like it turns you into a mindless drone once it’s out in the open. Now I’m not exactly sure how much of a percentage of your soul is taken and manifested into the sword, but I know there is still a link between you and it. I’ve heard that Sages can’t just let go of their eidolon either. If someone forced it out of your hand, it would just disappear and go back into your body. It’s not like you’d see it clank on the ground and shatter to pieces.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

“I’m sure it’s crossed everyone’s mind, once they find out what an eidolon actually is. I’ve heard that there’s more to a Sage than their eidolon, but I’m just not sure what it is. Their weapon is very, very important.”

“So the fact that I wasn’t even able to see Dominic’s eidolon means that he’s a whole lot stronger than I am.”

“I don’t mean to discourage you, James. The fact that you still got to fight means it couldn’t have been that powerful. You may have been knocked down by the light, but you did get back up.”

“You’re just trying to make me feel better.”

“Is it working?” She flashed an inquisitive smile that seemed to make her face glow.

“I’ll let you know.”

“What do you mean you’ll let me know?” she asked slyly. “Are you going to make me stay up all night wondering if you’re feeling better or not?”