Chapter 1- Of Sieges and Fate

The drums beat in a methodical tune. Repeating the same stroke over and over. A large sea of black cloaks covered the landscape surrounding the city. It had begun, and the young Arch Mage knew this. He was the youngest person ever to be chosen as Arch Mage, and his reign had only just started, yet looked to be short lived. Those who had come before him would be know as great, the ones who successfully held the Shadows at bay, yet he would be the one to fail them. The doubt crept in, he should not have become Arch Mage, he was too young, too inexperienced. What was his father thinking, there were others more powerful, more suited to holding the title.

Glancing at the Mages behind him, he felt his resolve return, pushing away the fear of losing and the doubt he held. His father was one of the greatest Arch Mages to ever live, he would not make his decision foolishly. Although the young Arch Mage did not know the reason, he knew that his father had to have had one. The others were counting on him to lead them, for they would follow his orders, doing everything in there power to protect the city they valued dearly.

From the sea of black cloaks, ten solitary figures emerged, shimmering like smoke, charging forward they moved with grace and precision yet held an power more ancient than the earth. “Shadow Warriors” the young Arch Mage called out, turning round to face the other Mages who had gathered behind him. With a silent nod each of the Mages headed in different directions warning the others of the dangers. Within minutes every inch of the walls that surrounded the city was covered by a cover of white robes. Together every single Mage closed there eyes, linking there minds together sharing there memories and there power.

In front of the crowd of Black, one man stood alone, his face focused. Glancing at the city he remembered it’s secret. A secret that had been entrusted to him by his brother. The secret which could be used to destroy the light, giving the Shadow warriors the access they needed, and draining the power of the Light Mages. Holding his hand out he spoke in a deep commanding voice. The words were ancient and powerful, yet spoken in a language that was seldom heard. Closing his hand into a fist he watched as every light in the city flickered out. A move he was sure non of the Hikari would be suspecting.

His mind connected with the others, allowing him to draw on there power should the need arise. He was suddenly very aware of the memories of others, both sad and happy. Memories and feelings which strengthened his resolve, he would see that families were reunited, and every Mage got a chance to be with there family. Opening his eyes he focused on the Shadow Warriors advancing on the city, he was ready to release a spell when something that should never have happened did. Every single one of the lights in the city flickered out, leaving it entirely to the darkness. A move which he hadn’t been expecting.

The drop in power was so sudden, that he lurched forward slightly. Grabbing onto the wall he steadied himself before standing upright again. Closing his eyes he drew deep within himself searching for ever single drop of power he possessed. His eyes opened suddenly and a surge of power burst out from him in the form of a blinding white light. The lights in the city flickered on as quick as they had disappeared, back bathing the city in there light, cleansing it of the shadow. With a piercing scream the Shadow Warriors flew out of the city in a cloud of black smoke.

The mass of black cloaks descended upon the city, like the waves descend on the beach, catching the Hikari by surprise. As quick as the Dark Mages entered the city, the Hikari sprung into action, some weaving spells to defend others weaving offensive spells directed at the Dark Mages. Glancing down at he Dark Mages below him, he spotted a figure stood off to the side out of the battle. The young Arch Mage recognised him as the one who had managed to destroy the spells to keep the city lit. Stepping towards him the young Arch Mage launched a spell towards the figure, one which was easily deflected.

“Who are you” he demanded of the figure, launching another spell towards him, to which he simply stepped forward the spell whizzing past the figures ear. “What don’t you recognise me” the figure said his voice low. Pulling the hood from his face, the figure stared straight into the Young Arch Mage’s eyes. As soon as there eyes connected, everything made sense to the Young Arch Mage. He knew how the Dark Mages were able to unweave the magic that protected the city, for they had in there midst the only other Man alive to whom the secrets of the city had been revealed to. In front of him stood his Uncle, the great mage who unbeknown to the Hikari had rebuilt old alliances and formed the new council. They all had thought his uncle dead, but now the bitter truth had revealed itself, his uncle had turned, surrendered to the darkness. It was in this moment he knew they could not win. His uncle knew the ways of light, a concept which the young Arch Mage had not yet grasped. He had two choices, he could surrender, allow himself to be taken by the shadow, or he could fight, give the others a chance to escape.

Closing his eyes another surge of energy shot forward from him, knocking the surrounding Dark Mages far away. “Get out of here” he called to the others as he rolled away from a rogue spell. “We cannot win this, disband now.” Upon that order, there was a large flash of light and not a single Hikari was still fighting in the city. Looking towards his uncle he grinned, and gave him a mock salute.

His uncle strode towards him, a triumphant grin spread across his face. He had won and he knew it. Glancing towards the ground the young Arch Mage, made one final gesture to his uncle before fading away, dissolving himself to become one with the beams of light.