Free Rising of a Mage by J. M. Fosberg Page A

black coat with a snowy trim at the top of both pockets. The inside of the pockets were lined with the same white fur. Master Gabriel walked in and paused.
    “That is truly the finest coat I have ever seen. The look of it will nearly match the greatness which it contains.”
    Master Gabriel led Anwar down a hall into a casting chamber. A large stone table stood in the center of the bare room. Anwar set the coat on the table, then Master Gabriel handed him a small sack containing the components for the first casting.
    “Well, go ahead then, boy. Set out whatever else you’re planning to use. Best have everything prepared. I will not stop you, but you may have to tolerate the counsel of your mentor.”
    Anwar smiled; of course, he knew. He took out another sack and laid the components on the table, and then pulled out the final sack and started laying out the components of the final and most difficult spell. “Those would be used on something very difficult… testing even my own ability, son. To cast whatever spell you are planning after casting the other two could be very dangerous. Again, I will not stop you, but I would advise against that third spell whatever it is.”
    “Sir, I know that once I have finished these spells I will not be able to add or remove any of them, so I must get everything I can into it at once before the magic is sealed.”
    “You are correct. Do as you will. I will not interfere; I am merely here to observe.” Anwar laid the components of the first spell on the coat in order and he began casting. He felt the pull as each item dissolved into the coat. When he was finished, he gasped, and took a deep breath as he organized the components of the second spell over the coat. Again, he began and felt the pull as each item dissolved into the coat. Finally, he laid the items of the third spell in order.
    Gabriel felt that this was familiar somehow, but he couldn’t figure out which spell the boy was about to cast. Anwar began the last spell and then he knew. This was going to take more energy than he could have predicted. Even though the boy had so much untapped potential, his body was not yet used to such great amounts of magic flowing through him. It was unlikely he would be able to finish this last spell successfully before he was drained. I would not even use this spell after casting the two lesser spells, Gabriel thought. Anwar watched as each item dissolved, the magic flowing into the coat. Each pull was hard and draining; he fought weariness. He had to fight just to keep standing. He let his eyes close and just focused on finishing the spell and standing. When he was finished, he felt the final pull that dragged him to his knees. He opened his eyes and watched the last item dissolve, the magic flowing into the coat. After a few seconds the coat began to glow. He said the final word that would seal the magic, and then lay down, put his hands under his head and was instantly asleep, a smile on his face.

Chapter Seven
    The Duel Duelz

    A nwar woke up one morning a full two days after the creation of Mariah’s coat. He squinted at Riah. “Well, if I must open my eyes and see someone, you are not the last I person I would choose, I guess.”
    “Anwar you are awake! Master Gabrielle said you would not wake up for days.”
    “How long have I been out?”
    “Two days! What happened? No one will tell me anything. I don’t think anyone knows anything to tell, other than Master Gabrielle and Master Gibbins.”
    “I tried some spells that may have been beyond my abilities. I will have to wait to find out from Master Gabriel how affective they were.”
    “Anwar, I was so worried.”
    “I’ll be fine, Riah. In three days I’ll be standing next to you beating on city guards and self-proclaimed blade masters.”
    She gave him a smile. “Anwar, the competition is not important. You need to rest.”
    “From your own assertion, I have rested two full days. Is that not yet enough?” He was trying