A broken spirit
Hello true believers on Minds. Once again, it’s Animeman73 here. I’ve got another addition to Inessa Burnell’s #IBASwordtember challenge.
Got a great vignette for you, the word/subject is; Magic.
The inspiration for this came from Loreena McKennitt’s song: The Mummer’s Dance.
Raymond Stiles sat at a distance from the rest of the festivities. The Spring Festival of the Druids of the Northlands was proceeding with no problems. The order of Nature’s Wrath hadn't dared show up.
Yet Raymond sat on his rock troubled. It’s good to see this festival is going on, but so many of these people have no idea of what I’ve seen or done. The blonde-haired young man thought.
From the scabbard on his belt, he drew forth the glowing blade. The powerful and terrible magical sword ready for the first sign of trouble. “Agent Stiles," a female voice called.
The 30-year-old from Carvash city looked up. A chestnut-haired female druid in rich brown robes approached. “What are you doing sitting here by yourself? The festival has many activities. I figured you’d be participating in them.”
The man shook his head. “I wish I could Miss Shaunessey. But my own mind is still troubled by recent events.”
The woman walked over to him and sat. “If you're troubled, I’d be willing to hear you out.”
Raymond shook his head. “No disrespect intended ma’am. But my thoughts are dark ones. The sort that would give any sane man or woman nightmares.”
“I fought on the front lines with my druidic magic Agent Stiles. I remember when the Order of the Black Fang sent their Necromancer cretons to ravage here. No horror will surprise or shake me, tell me your burdens.”
Raymond thought for a moment and came to a decision. “In the capital of the United States of Avalos I saw some terrible things on the day of the final battle. You know I was born there and have or rather had many friends there.”
The woman put the pieces of the puzzle together.
“Our traitorous ex-leaders killed them then turned them into undead. At least those they didn’t corrupt.”
Raymond looked surprised. “How did you figure that out?”
“Because you’re not alone in that. I had family and some friends murdered and turned into undead. The War of the Red Winter has had an effect on us all.”
Raymond looked over his magic absorbing sword.
“Silencer has seen a lot of blood in this Season long war. A magic Blade that can nullify any magic spell comes in handy. But when using it on the corpses of friends, colleagues, and even family…”
The woman nodded. “It’s harder than anything you ever did in the Bureau of Magical Affairs.”
Raymond nodded. “I still have nightmares about that battle. I knew the president was a puppet. But to think the most powerful and wealthy of people in the U.S. were Necromancers.”
“You helped stop them, and those monsters will never bother anyone ever again.”
Raymond shook his head. “The problem is I saw what was happening. I knew something was wrong, but didn't speak up until it was near too late.”
“Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve…I understand. But there’s no sense contemplating what ifs. Let me offer up something to you Raymond Stiles.”
He shrugged. “If you wish Miss Shaunessey.” He quipped.
“Please, call me Deirdre. There’s no need to be so formal.”
The blonde-haired man shrugged. “Those friends who stayed supported those heavy-handed laws set down right?"
Raymond nodded his confirmation.
“So, what good would it have done warning them. No disrespect towards the memory of your friends but consider this. If you had tried to warn them it would’ve made no difference, your friends would’ve still died.
“Worse still, you wouldn’t be here. The Black Fang cultists would’ve known of your wrong think sooner. As it stands, you’re lucky to be alive.”
“But I can’t help but feel I failed them.”
“I sometimes feel much the same way about the friends and family I lost. But I remind myself they chose to ignore the warning signs of what the cult was doing. But we live, and those monsters are no more.”
Ray looked at the glowing sword. “But what can I do now?” He asked
“You can live and help create a better world. Write down what you saw for future generations to read. Make sure no one forgets what almost happened.”
She reached out and took a hand. “And to get rid of that immediate melancholy, why not come join the festival. Enjoy some food, games, and the dance. It will make you feel better.”
Raymond thought it over and realized that this would help his somber mood. “All right Miss Sha… I mean Deirdre, lead the way.”