Meddling Mage Novels & Stories

It even felt like she never got shot in the first place. All this time, Mariana was with a mage, and she wasn't even aware. She knew Ignis was strong, too since healing spells are hard to pull off based on what she'd read from her books. He must be a water mage, too — she knew no such earth or wind healing spell existed, but a water spell that could heal wounds; she hadn't heard of that. Mariana knew only that water mages could heal only poison and sickness. This only meant that Ignis was a genius, since not just anyone could create an original spell. This rocked Mariana to the core.

The mage wing curves ahead, its heavy doors carved with runic seals meant to prevent eavesdropping. Most people assume those spells work. Most people don’t control air. I lean casually against the wall beside a narrow window and allow the breeze slipping through the cracks to carry voices toward me. “…should have done it years ago.” A mage. Older. Impatient. “He's growing stronger,” another voice mutters. “If we don’t take control now—” “We will,” the first interrupts sharply. A pause follows. Then the words that make my stomach tighten. “We've taken the strongest.”

Pain lances through my chest. “During the war,” Eleanor says, “there were three greatest threats to the Dark Mage. First, the Amadeus wolves—unstoppable warriors. Second, the Castellanos pack—whose Alpha could seal him. And third, the Primarch Arcana. The strongest light witch.” Her eyes move to Dominicus now. “And as you are now,” she says softly, “you’re the only living being strong enough to fight Caedrim. The only one capable of stopping him if he ever returns.”

“Go on.” “A mage. One willing to get us through the Cursed Forest.” My pulse kicked. “Mages don’t work for the crown.” “This one doesn’t care. He’s not loyal to anyone but he’s willing to negotiate.” “Where is he?” “Not far. But…” Magnus lowered his voice. “He’s tricky and dangerous.” I smirked. “Good. So am I.” Magnus didn't argue. He turned and led the way. ---- The old mage sat inside what seemed to be a poorly lit tomb. His long, bony fingers tapping against a wooden staff that looked as old as he did. His sharp eyes followed Magnus and I as we stepped inside.

My soul sank to my heels, and Vasmiya and I pressed into our chairs, afraid even to breathe. Yafi and Ogis, meanwhile, had grabbed their swords, crouched low and ready, waiting only for the mage’s command. “The girls are not for sale,” the mage said with feigned calm, boldly staring down the giant. “We don’t want trouble, and we don’t want trouble for you either, so we’ll pretend you didn’t come over and ask something like that.”

I said. "Yes" Lira confirmed. "They wanted to destabilize your rule through political means and violence." "What about the mage" I asked. "Is the mage connected to them too." "No" Lira said. "That is where it gets strange. The mage appears to be working independently. They are not connected to the Northern nobles or the Shadow Guild." "Then who is the mage working for" I demanded. "Themselves" Lira said. "Eldric has been researching and he thinks the mage has their own agenda separate from everyone else."

The mage’s hands lit with cruel power as he hurled spheres of dark flame toward him, one after another, until Vargr collapsed, body broken and breathless. The mage stepped forward, brushing soot from his cloak. "You are strong," he said quietly. "But strength without cunning is a fool’s pride." He placed a hand upon Vargr’s brow, murmured a spell beneath his breath, and forced him into slumber. _ "Jade, lend me your hand," Lady Miriam commanded, her voice low but urgent. The young man hurried to her side as she bent slightly, whispering something into his ear. With a swift adjustment to her gown, Miriam began a brisk walk from the hall, her expression troubled.

The brothers tensed. "What's happening?" Darren asked. "The ward is resisting," the mage replied. Rhea gasped again. Her knees nearly gave out. Maren caught her. "Hold on." Rhea forced herself upright. "I won't let it break." I watched helplessly. The sight made my stomach twist. Every instinct told me to help her, but I knew stepping into the circle would destroy what they were trying to accomplish. So I remained where I was, my hands clenched tightly at my sides while the mage continued the spell.

"You were supposed to be dead! How are you still alive? I saw the horde swallow you!" Wade looked just as shattered. He staggered back several steps, lost his balance, and crashed to the ground. Then, a foul, yellow stain spread rapidly down his pant leg. The camp commander turned deathly pale as his body quivered uncontrollably. Realizing disaster had arrived, he shouted in a stammering panic, "Guards! Guards! Arrest this traitor!" "I'd like to see any of you try." I ignored their terror and unleashed the full force of my Tier Seven abilities.

They felt warm and my fingers tingled with the remnants of the magic he had been trying to cast. "My magic isn't working," Laeddin said. "It's like it wants to, but something is tamping it down. Peculiar." He spoke like a scientist methodically discovering different possible hypotheses. He gave me a wry look before glancing over at Rayne. "Any idea why, young one?" "How should I know?" She looked away again, avoiding his gaze.