Free Wielder of the Flame by Nikolas Rex

a festival or
something?” Marc asked tentatively.
    Soren nodded, “It is not just some festival or celebration,
it is The Gathering, a rich part of the history and culture here, a tradition
that runs deep in the roots of what it means to be free to choose one’s own
life-work. Once each cycle every Freelander has the opportunity to celebrate
the work that relic hunters do. Those who can work magic are few and far
between. During the Illuminated Era, before the War of Power, almost everyone
could wield magic, even young children grew up knowing how to use it. It made
the War of Power the most devastating time anyone can ever remember.
Even the lowliest foot-soldier could cast spells. Magic nearly wiped out all
living and breathing races of Lyrridia. Since that time, magic became a symbol
of evil and people stopped using it for fear of what it could do. Now, so many
cycles later the people long for the ability to create the wonders of the Illuminated
Era, before the War of Power. It seems that most these days cannot inherently
manipulate magic. The next best thing is using an item that was imbued with
magic from the ancient times, thus the esteem that relic hunters hold. They
inspire people. Every relic, every magical artifact they recover from the
Wildlands is a reminder of good times long past and a hope that one day things
can be like that again. This is why we have The Gathering. Seekers from the
guild also attend The Gathering. They are appointed by the various Guilds,
seeking out new and upcoming relic hunters, promising candidates that would do
well to join the Guild’s ranks. For those not quite as apt in the relic hunting
field, there are many smaller guilds with minimal requirements, with some
accepting any applicants with their own traveling gear, weapon, and a coin or
two in their pocket. The celebration is beneficial in other ways too, it
promotes trade, increases business, and lets people relax for a few days,
forgetting all their worries.”
    Zildjin chimed into the conversation, putting away his
little relic, “The Noble Kingdom hates it too. Every cycle they try and do
something to upset the celebration. That is actually one reason they moved the
celebration to Kolima a few cycles ago. Kolima is better fortified and
protected than most cities in the Freelands, the furthest from Terragur as
well. Ses, do you remember a few festivals gone by? They discovered one of the
relic hunters had funded his expeditions with Terragurion gold and he was run
out of Kolima by the large majority of the Freelander’s there at the
competition.”
    Sesuadra finally spoke, “Of course,” he grinned, “that relic
hunter was never heard of again.”
    Zildjin laughed and Sesuadra nodded his amusement. Zildjin
reached over to Sesuadra. They clasped each other’s arms, linking at the
forearm briefly as a gesture of their humor, similar to when Soren had first
shook Marc’s hand.
    He figured this was equal to a ‘high-five.’
     “Honestly,” Zildjin continued, “relic hunting is something
I have always wanted to do. The life of a true adventurer, there is excitement
in the boots of a relic hunter. Just imagine it!” Zildjin finished, “Poets and
bards writing stories and tales about the things you did! It is the
stuff of legends and heroes to be sure. One day I want to join the Reclaimers.”
    “Refoveo,” Sesuadra interjected, “is when the weather is
warm and the fields are rich with crops, it is the time when people gossip and
chat of the magic of the times gone past, and of the heroes and brave souls who
choose a life of danger. It is a chance to hear the stories firsthand, see with
your own eyes the tangible fruits of others’ labors. Street performers, music,
dancing and merriment of all kinds.”
     “Sounds exciting,” Marc commented.
    He felt a sort of coldness, an outsider’s feeling of
awkwardness, that was separating him from the other three there, start to
dissipate. Sesuadra was opening up,