Sorcerer from Another World

The old Druid certainly was a busy man tonight. Sticking his grubby fingers in all my pies. 

I let out another long suffering sigh. It was petty, but one frustration after another. It was like the world was determined I should be involved in its affairs and deny me my peace and quiet. 

It was Amiya who was shouting when I approached, “No! My daughter will not be trained by this man. I have met his kind before. Listening to the promises of one such as him is why we are so far from home. No, the Druid Iris will nurture Samyia’s gifts. 

Bomdall turned and smiled at Nazir, “Nazir, shut your w…”

“Sorcerer Damian has promised she will be under his protection. I may not want my daughter to become a Druid and abandon the ways of our people…” He grinded his teeth.

“Fools!” Bomdall contemptuously spat. 

“But, it is Samyia’s choice.” Nazir affirmed while looking into his wife’s eyes, she took his hand and nodded in agreement. “I trust my wife’s judgement. I failed to before and will not repeat history. I trust that no one is safer than under his guard. More sure than a sunrise I know Samiya will be safe. I can ask for nothing more.”

I bowed, a simple nod of the head, with my hand over heart in response to the polite words, “I assure you Nazir, she will be safe. In fact, if Samyia agrees to it I can make her stronger with skin like thick armour.”

“Will it hurt her?” Amiya asked with tense eyed concern.

“No, and it comes at no cost. She will place her hand on mine and I will spend a mealtime’s length on the magic and she will be stronger than a bull, faster that a horse and weapons shall shatter against her.”

Bomdall didn’t have an answer for that. He stared coldly, “Why only the daughter. Why not everyone?”

Several eyebrows were raised at that comment. 

My eyes screwed up. I already knew the truth was not going to be enough. Not if he spread a lie. I told the truth with a lie for him. 

“It only works on those with certain magical potentials.” I gestured to Bomdall. “Your magic is far too mature and settled. Samiya’s is growing and is at the perfect age for the enchantments.”

An utter lie. I could do the same for Bomdall or any magical beings or so I judged from playing with my magic. 

He almost sneered but instead came off as compassionate and righteous, “Convenient that your chosen get this gift, but humble people are denied.”

I bled an easy smile, “I do not make the laws of reality or magic. I am a sorcerer. I act within them.”

He smiled back, “Even the great sorcerer has limits.” he said his voice oozing with false sympathy. 

A more genuine smile sprouted across my lips, “I’m only human.”

“If you say so. Until next time.” He answered, gave a short bow and left.

“Slimy git.” I muttered.

Iris lightly punched my arm, “Don’t say that. He is the senior Druid.”

I turned to her, feeling no pain and raised an eyebrow. “So?”

“It is a harsh life. We’re not accepted wherever we go these days. Not since the Romans first came.”

“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” I said holding none of my sarcasm back.

The guy was an asshole. The only difference between him and Shamus was the Bomdall was smarter. 

“He is looking out for our best interests.” Iris defended him. 

“So it seems.”

She smiled brightly, “I knew you would understand.” She wound her arm with mine.

I shared a glance with Amiya who merely shrugged. Nazir nodded in agreement with my opinion. Understanding, I thought my true intention behind my statement. 

“We should go.” I said to Iris, but loud enough to be heard.

“It was a pleasure, Master Sorcerer.” Nazir said stiffly.

“We look forward to Samiya’s lessons.” Amiya said more amicably. 

“A pleasure indeed. Until next time.”

“Talk to you later.” Iris said with good cheer as I pulled her away. 

I was not in luck that night. 

At least, that is what I thought when we ran into Morgana and Meredith arguing on our way back to the house. Everyone's plans for the future clashed with one another. Joyful celebration abounded while we duelled with words over our what was to come. 

“No Meredith, I will not seek an alliance with the Romans. They cannot be trusted. They have no respect for our ways: the common way, let alone druids.”

“Is this not a good thing for you? They do not care about the discrimination the common way has placed on you. You could rise far, I am sure. No doubt if the druid renounces her ways and we keep her past a secret. Then…”

“Then what?”

“Ferisdarm could be saved. My Aunt and Uncle might live. The warriors that I have led into battle might return to the fields. Honoured but alive. Cooperation with the Romans is the only way that happens. How can you not see that?”

“Victory, our victory is how we protect our lives. The Romans cannot be trusted.”
“They are honourable.” Meredith protested. 

“They think of us as Barbarians.” Morgana pointed out. 

“So, we show them our worth!”

“No! I do not trust them. I trust Iris, Damian and these people. As should you.”

“I was a fool to think you would understand. Their deaths are on your head.”

Meredith stormed off. 

I walked to Morgana and placed a hand on her arm, “She is scared. Don’t think too harshly of her.”

“I know. She wants what she thinks is best for her people.”

“Is she wrong?” Iris asked with a conflicted expression. 

“I imagine some people might see and prosper under Roman rule. Many including us would not. Their hatred of druids is legendary. Though, they are shrewd enough to work Unseelie druids when it is to their advantage. Romans will do whatever it takes to win. We must take a similar approach if we are to stand a chance against them.” 

I held her hand, and Iris grasped my other open palm. “You are right, of course.” I said with confidence I wasn’t sure I had faith in yet. 

However, anything less than my full confidence would be a betrayal. So, locked in was I to the paths of Iris and Morgana. For the first night, I chafed a little with resentment. For all my power, they were the price and my chances of happiness were greatly influenced by their opinions. 

How petty, and how true to my weak self. But then again, are we not all weak? Do we not rely on others to exist?

Morgana walked with us to our house, but decided to go back to celebrate. She wanted to mingle. Tired from the morning battle, and drained from all the social festivities, I pulled Iris back to our place.