The Accidental Archmage by Edmund Batara (read out loud books .TXT) 📕

needed. Putting on the ring is accepting the trade. The oath will be permanent. It will

still be there even if you take off the ring.”

Tyler took the ring and put it on the ring finger of his right hand. He had no problem

about Odin’s oath. He didn’t plan on going against any deity unless they give him

reason to. And Odin’s request seemed reasonable. The ring looked ordinary, no sigils,

no runes, no symbols. It looked to be brass.

“An Egyptian divine masterwork. That way it won’t lead back to me. It's unfortunate

you find yourself in the middle of a possible maelstrom, Tyler. You would have made an

excellent priest of mine and helped build a better Skaney. Visitors now are rare and the

possible benefits arising from their arrival are immense. For Skaney to have two visitors

is enough to raise suspicions. But that’s what we have and we have to deal with it. With

the closing of portals as agreed upon between the pantheons ages ago, arrivals now

are pure accidents through gates the guardians have missed. Except probably for

Andreas, but don’t tell him that. It took me a lot of planning and energy to pull it off.

Plus calling in a favor from an Egyptian god and the fortunate circumstance of a bit of

magical energy remaining in the ruins of my temple at Gamla. I knew those desert

dwellers had knowledge of the location of one or two fixed portals. They’re almost as

sneaky as you mortals. Though those portals are good for one use, once a visitor

passes through, the guardians close it off.”

“Any idea about the nature of this magical energy? It does play a fundamental role in

Adar.” Tyler was gambling for information.

“Interested are you? I'm not surprised. It has been called many things, mana,

akasha, and the like. But it would be better to describe it as remnants of the divine

creative energy used to create a world. Adar and Earth among them. Think of it as the

sawdust remaining after a plank of lumber has been made, only it has remained with

the plank and not dusted off. As for the relationship between Adar and Earth, that

would be for you to discover,” smiled Odin.

“But enough philosophical discussions. My time here is nearly over. To my mind, you

can either stay here in Maljen and help as much you can but to me that’s the coward’s way out. You will be discovered eventually. Or you can go and explore, trying to learn

to use your unique gift along the way. And learn it you must. Your mastery of your gift

is the key to your survival given your singular situation. But I also believe that with your mastery also comes fundamental changes for Adar. You are a decent mortal, Tyler

West. Strong in your beliefs and with enough courage to stand up for them. Because of

that, I trust that if changes come, they will not be evil in nature. You may even be the

harbinger foretold in the Voluspa. But then again, you may be something else

altogether. Beyond that, I cannot foresee.”

“So where do you suggest I go?”

“Two choices. One, in the direction of Namdalen. Though the lands there are more

populated, leaving you fewer opportunities to learn, practice and test yourself. Or up

north, in the direction of Scarburg, the area is less populated but more dangerous. And

I also expect Ymir to start probing towards the Gap of Telemark. But up north is

somebody who may be able to help you, if you can convince him and if you can

understand him. Assuming, of course, you can find him. A mad godling. Mad as in

crazy. Of many names but mainly goes by the name Starkad. One of mine. Too much

bravery and middling common sense. Lost during the last Divine War but was then seen

in the north of Skaney, near the Gap. From what has been described, he has clearly lost

his memory and now acts like a mad hermit. I have asked Thor and others to find him

but to no avail.”

The old man stood up.

“It would be best if you leave the temple ahead of me. And by the way, try to tell

Andreas that you think his coinage idea is needed by Skaney. Please also suggest by

yourself the establishment of a center for magical learning and practice here in Maljen.

Integrated healing training as a part of the center for mages and non-mages alike

would also be a good idea.”

“I will. My earnest thanks again, All-Father.”

The old man smiled and waved him away.

Tyler walked out of the temple.

His mind was a tumultuous mess as he walked back to his room. Almost every day

resulted in a supernatural experience. He felt like a freak in a carnival. On top of that

were questions about the motivations of these beings. He didn’t doubt that Odin also

had ulterior motives in trading him the ring. At the very least, the ring made it appear

as if only one visitor was in Skaney. That would take some heat off the old man’s back.

He was not sure if the ring enabled the old man to keep track of his whereabouts but he wouldn’t be surprised if it did.

Even the information he got definitely served the All-Father’s purposes. Though the old

man did make it appear as if the knowledge was given in passing. Yet he had to admit

the knowledge did give him some valuable insights. Moreover, the old man appeared to

be the least crazy and homicidal among the powerful beings he had so far encountered.

But he admitted he pitied the old man. To his eyes, the pain and weight of ages he saw

on the old man’s face were real, not feigned.

But he still felt like a tool. Though the old man was right. To survive and be free, he

needed to master his ability. Or at least be adept in its use.

As he entered his room, he decided to try to grasp what the mysterious energy was all

about. He thought about all the fantasy novels and movies he had read and thought

there may be something to all those Hollywood special effects. Adopting the easy pose,

he went into meditation again and tried