Chapter 11: The final promise

The royal carriage soon arrived at the entrance of a small but luxurious estate on the outskirts of the capital. James and Henry exited the carriage and entered the estate. James had visited this house countless times but this was unlike the other times. A gloomy feeling loomed over him. 

Soon a woman with brown hair wearing a simple but fashionable dress came out to greet them. The woman got on one knee and bowed her head saying. 

“Welcome your majesty” To which James quickly responded. 

“Please you don’t need to be so formal Lavira. You are my master's granddaughter after all.” He said with an embarrassed chuckle.

 He was fine with others bowing but he knew Lavira for years. Also, she is 5 years older than James. 

“Anyway, is my master here?” He asked as they entered the estate. 

“Yes, he is in his room. You should hurry, he doesn't have much time left.” She said as her voice saddened. 

 James nodded and followed Lavira upstairs to the master bedroom. Once they entered James saw his master lying in bed with his signature staff beside him. He was an old man with a long white beard. 

Once James entered the room the man looked up at James.

 “Don’t look so pale young one. I’m not dead yet.” The old man gasped. James went over and sat next to his master. 

Henry turned away and said to Lavira. 

“We should give them a moment,” he said then closed the door leaving James and Odius to have one final conversation. 

“I’m sorry I haven’t visited you until now, master. I’ve been very busy” James said with a small sigh. 

To which Odius chuckled. “You young people are always so stressed out about everything. When I was your age the only thing I was worried about was trying to get a wife!” 

The old mage said with a dry laugh then started coughing. 

“Master, are you alright?!?” James asked quickly as he panicked slightly. To which Odius assured him. 

“I’m fine when you are an old man like me coughing no longer means anything. Anyway, enough about this old man. I’m hearing rumors that you took in a woman into the palace and want to make her into the court mage? Come now didn’t I teach you better than that? If you're going to seduce the poor woman don't bribe her with a status that comes after as a reward!” 

Odius scolded teasingly to which James blushed and said. 

“I-it’s n-not like that!” He protested. “I’m certainly not seducing her! I just see a lot of magical potential!” He argued to which Odius just chuckled. 

“You're the strongest mage In the world but you are still so clueless about human emotion, young one. I know you have high standards so I won’t waste time asking you if she’s good enough. But before I die. I want you to promise me one thing.” He said his usual cheerful tone becoming serious. 

“W-what is it master?” James asked curiously but also a little nervous. 

“Don’t repeat the same mistake twice. Fate has blessed you with another chance. I can tell this woman makes you happy. Don’t lose her like you lost Zaria. You loved her, didn’t you? But you hesitated and she chose someone else didn’t she?” The old man sighed and said. 

“James... if you don’t let go of the past and move on. You will never be happy. It’s not fair for you nor is it fair for her. You hide your magic, you bury yourself in your work. You even hide your heart. When are you going to stop hiding and accept that what happened with Zaria was out of your hands.” 

James snapped. “It wasn’t! How could I move on when I know I could have done more?! I hesitated for two years and so many people suffered because of my weakness… how can I ever forgive myself for that… for failing my friends…. For letting Zaria ravage my kingdom for two years…. Tell me how can I move on!” He said desperately then sighed and bowed his head.

 “F-forgive me, master… I went too far.” James said apologetically. 

Odius took a deep breath and said. “But no matter what you do. You can’t change the past. You can live in regret for a hundred years and nothing would change. 

It’s not fair for you and it’s not fair for that young woman who needs you. Many lives depend on you. You can’t change the past but you can still ensure that the future doesn’t repeat itself.” 

The old man said then reached out and grabbed James’ hand. 

“You possess incredible power. I have taught you everything I know. It’s time for you to become the master now. It’s time for you to pass on what you have learned.” Odius reached out and grabbed his staff and gave it to James. 

“You are the greatest student I have ever had, King James. There is no more I can teach you… it’s time for you to teach others. Magic is meant to be shared. Not hidden away. For better or for worse you must use your magic. Don’t be ashamed of your power. Use it for good. Use it to help others and ensure this kingdom has a bright future. 

You have the power to protect those you love. Don’t hesitate, young one. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to fall apart. But you must always get back up. You are a symbol not only to this kingdom but to the world… promise me, James. Promise me you will move on and be happy.” The old man gasped. 

James tried to hold back the tears as he said. “I-I.. will try…” he promised his old master. 

To which Odius nodded. “good..good.. my time has come…. You must continue your path without me. But don’t be sad… we will see each other again in the next life. And when I see you again. I want you to live a long and fulfilling life….”  He said then began coughing again. 

Odius could feel his life slipping away. “Listen to me, James. You know what’s coming. Someday she will emerge. The dark queen of righteous madness will come. When she comes she will either save the world or destroy it. It all comes down to you. Will you embrace the darkness in the light? Or will you try to destroy it? Choose carefully, my student.” 

He reached out and pointed at James’ chest. Odius let out his final breaths and said. “Your heart always knows what’s right.” 

When he said this Odius took his final breath and closed his eyes. His arm went limp. After 120 years of living, the great mage Odius was no more. 

Upholding his stubborn beliefs he only died when he allowed himself to. James stared at Odius for several minutes as he processed what he just heard and seen. 

James had cried so much in recent times that he ran out of tears. His throat was dry with dehydration after all the crying. He stared at the staff his master had gifted him. A staff was a weapon used to protect and defend. His master's staff was a staff made out of dark wood with a large blue mana crystal at the top. 

James sighed and bowed his head. “Thank you, master.. for everything” after paying his respects he exited the room with grief on his face.

 Lavira understood what it meant and was struck with grief, James said a few words of encouragement and assured her that they will have master odius’ funeral at the palace. 

After departing from the estate, James returned to the palace. He went to the balcony in his room and stared out into the distance. James remembered his final conversation with his master. Am I really going to hide forever….? James thought, he then took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. 

He knew he couldn’t hide forever. It wouldn’t be fair to him or Eria… he let out a final sigh as he exited the balcony. 

“Everyone wants to be a king so badly but honestly it’s just a pain” he mumbled to himself as he exited his room and walked the halls of the palace. As he walked across the palace he stopped in front of the training hall and saw Eria training. 

James was a little surprised since today was her day off but he silently watched her train. The more he watched the more he realized how much potential she had. He knew he wasn’t mistaken. When he first saw her that day in the garden he sensed a powerful aura. He watched as Eria created a series of giant spikes made of ice that thrust up from the ground and pierced a nearby training boulder. James stared in shock. Then let out a large grin. 

“She just might have what it takes to be a court mage after all!” He exclaimed “..maybe she’s ready for the next phase.” he said then began to walk over to where Eria was.