The Melaki Chronicle Read Online Free PDF Page A

as a Wizard of the First Ward,
but his life would be nothing but construction. First Ward Wizards were used to
move blocks into place for the palaces and aqueducts being built around the
Altanles Imperium. With his ability at the First Ward, Melaki might even have
captured a coveted construction position in the capital, Afalon. But
construction was not freedom in the sense hoped for. Some graduated the second
ward and went for the Northland, a large island recently reconquered and
reclaimed by the Altanles Empire.
    The fourth ward testing was done in the nearby arena
complex. Melaki enjoyed the humid air on the stroll to the arena. It warmed and
cooled him at the same time. The white cobblestones of the city streets were
almost as clean as the Rukha's. Trees shaded the avenue and apple sellers mixed
in with jewelry vendors lined the street in neat stalls.
    Just before entering the arena complex, Melaki stopped at an
apple vendor and purchased a bright red and gold-streaked apple.
    Elet Abisin cleared his throat in indignation. “The testing
is not the time for eating.”
    “Sorrow, Elet Abisin. Is eating forbidden between testings?”
Melaki cast his gaze to the ground.
    Several Elets muttered “No.”
    Wiping the apple on his white robe, he strode into the
complex. He ate the apple, seeds and all, by the time he ventured out into the
dirt of the arena floor. Only Daska accompanied him. The Elets stood in the
front row of benches above and behind the arena wall.
    Daska said, “Kill the prisoner. He has been condemned to
death.”
    With a nod from Abisin, a metal grate raised and a
scruffy-looking man emerged. He was holding a spear. Even condemned prisoners
were given a chance to fight.
    With a roar, the prisoner bolted forward towards Melaki. The
adrenaline that had been coursing through his body still served him. Though he
knew he was slowing down, he calmly constructed his spell. Shooting out his
hand, a bolt of pure blue energy raced from him and slammed the man's upper
torso backwards. The prisoner's feet flew forward and he landed on his back.
Smoke rose from the dead man's chest.
    “Most initiates use a ball of fire. Yours reminds me of our
energy crystals. Interesting.” Elet Abisin nodded his approval. Two of the
Elets actually applauded.
    Daska produced an apple from his robe pocket and moved
towards the Elets. Melaki followed.
    Daska held up the apple by the arena wall in view of the
Elets. “Wizard Melaki, blight the fruit.”
    The apple he had ate provided a pittance of needed energy to
keep him standing. His limbs were quivering and he still had the hardest ward
to come. He focused inward, drew his knotted pattern and put it into the apple.
He gave the pattern a small spin and opened his eyes. The apple was black with
mold.
    Daska dropped the thing in distaste. “Success.”
    Elet Abisin shook his head in wonder at Melaki. “I am
impressed, Wizard. Disease that dead man and let's see if you can progress to
the fifth ward.”
    Melaki's chest swelled with pride that the Elet did not
doubt he could pass the last of the fourth ward. He strode to the prisoner he
had killed and formed leprosy healing in reverse. That seemed the simplest way.
With his eyes closed, he focused on the rot and disease. His head swam, but he
kept the image.
    Dimly he was aware of groans. He kept the pattern working,
and made sure his magic covered the body.
    "Enough!" Abisin's voice was filled with ire.
    Melaki's eyes snapped open and he released the magic in a
panic. Had he failed? But he need not have worried; the body on the ground was
covered in lesions, pustules and split skin. Even he backed away from his own
work. The dead man no longer resembled a man.
    As they left the arena, Scribe Daska leaned in towards
Melaki. “Are you sure you want to try the fifth ward testing? We can see you
shaking. Surely this could wait until next week?”
    “I appreciate your concern, Scribe Daska.” His legs wobbled
as they climbed a small