Eldritch Knightliness, 1.1

Why should I be resting when I could be impressing the god infused in my eldritch right arm?

I sat up, dirty blonde hair clinging to my sweaty face. I must’ve fallen asleep while I was reviewing my old school notes. Combat, healing, and homesteading were the magiks I loved most as a familiar witch, and it’s what I’m going to school for. Yet, I still had to show a basic knowledge of alchemy, summoning, animal domestication, and whatever else I wished to forget from school. I was to be a Godbear, a leader of students who showed talent, money, or luck. I was given an incredibly small team, compelling me to be a more impressive person.

I remember the letter, although I had tossed it out with breakfast three days ago. I’d lead two students: an Alicia Vvonder, a summoner and bard from Magnolia, with roots in mages and aristocracy, and a Darson Swan, who specialized in alchemy and shapeshifting. He was my concern, given that he comes from Goldek, the rival of my country. My concerns are likely based upon falsities and anxiety, and I should worry not for-

My right hand involuntarily slaps myself in the face. I look the the blue limb, clear enough to see bones. It’s a crystal.

The doctors said it was an infection. They wouldn’t believe that it was sentient. I eventually had a name for it that stuck well: Zircon. A god doomed to imprisonment a hundred years ago. None would listen, but the crystal spires I could summon did impress many professors and college scouts.

So, here I am. A day away from arriving at the School of Advanced Magiks, where I’d encounter Shade. After all these years, she hasn’t changed her challenge: drink whatever she hands you. It’s always alcohol and odd potions. The leader gets the first potion, usually something mocking their desires or features. I’ve never been publicly humiliated, and I imagine myself as an easy figure to mock.

I breathe dread and walk out to get some sunlight on me. The boat shook with the excitement of passengers. I can even hear one grown woman screeching with joy, something about a “Snot Otter”. Probably a family member of hers, as Shui is known for odd names. I shrug it off and walk to the end of the ship, dangling my arms over the edge. The sun beams down on the river between the countries of Teagre and Coffel, reflecting onto the crystal arm and my dark blonde hair. My eyes close, and I could almost imagine living on my own in the middle of the woods, perhaps by this very river.

“Snot otter!” the woman screeches again. I slump down and sigh, wanting only a relaxing few moments. Ah well, guess I’ll do this later. I press my palms against the railing, and shove my body straight up as a slimy figure plops its way up my left leg.

I fearfully glance down and lock eyes with some sort of lizard. Years of behavior classes prepared me for this moment.

Gracefully, I lean down to scoop up the creature. Its wrinkles curl around my fingers, with the wet creature serenading me with purrs. It escapes my grasp to climb to my shoulder. I feel it lick my ear. Gross.

I turn to face anyone behind me, and I discover an audience too shocked to speak, except for one.

The tall, skinny fellow uses his scaled wings to push his way to the front, showing off his Dragon Rock heritage. Many glowing blue horns shimmer on his face, with him having no visible nose. Dark blue scales resembling hair streak back, and his cyan eyes and skin strike me with fear. He extends a hand— first the one of three glowing claws— then his more human left hand.

“That’s an eastern hellbender. Rarer than an oar fish. Do tell: are you the reason it sits on this ship?” His voice burns like a blue fire that would hurt me more than his sharpened teeth and forked tongue.

“No,” I raise my right, crystallized hand to pet it, “but he’s quite friendly towards people. Is he yours?”

“I would wish, but I have a partner from Bronzel. They’re the only lizard I need.”

I nod, and look back to the creature. Its soft, stupid eyes bring me much glee.

“And, I’m sorry to ask, but what is your arm’s condition? I’m reminded of a tale by it.”

“I do not know. I believe I’ll check around the ship for the hellbender’s owner, if you do not mind, Mister…?” I extend my arm in a questioning manner.

“Dagohnn the Claw. If I’m correct, you would be the Archmage of Coffel, Mordred Coffee. It’s a pleasure to be with civilization again, young sir. But, I would recommend getting fitted for a long, slender glove.” He points to my arm. “It’s more of a shock than a dragon in these parts.”

“Yes, I understand. I’ve already gotten one, I had just forgotten it indoors. Thank you for the warning, I shall go to put it on right now.”

I walk off from the well-meaning but rude man, entering my room and gently closing the door behind me. Looking into my mirror, I sigh and strip out of my three-days-worn coffee gown, taking a stroll into the shower. The hellbender scrambles at my feet and follows me in, probably wanting the heat and water and wishing against the cleanliness. I allow it.

If it was someone else’s pet, it would not have gained the heart-shaped mark upon its back so soon. Clearly, a god has blessed me with a familiar to empower me on my journey, and I refuse to waste its love. I send a thanks to Zircon as I scrub my arm impulsively.

{Please email me if there are any issues. This looks good when one is tired of writing at 1:20 AM, but I cannot trust my sleep-deprived judgments.}