80 Heart-Breaker (2/2)
”A magnificent stick.” The chamberlain acknowledged.
”Niki said it's a weapon.” Elya offered, trying to control the laughter bubbling in her throat at Nikolai's exasperation.
The Duke looked up at Nikolai and nodded. ”Thank you for the stick son. I'll be sure to keep it in a place of honour.”
”It's not a stick!” Nikolai choked out, grabbing the staff from Jarek's hand and stomping to the desk. ”Why would I give my father-in-law a stick?” he mumbled under his breath and grabbed the rod, grunting under the weight. He chanted some spell, causing flickers of green light to bleed from the rod. The Draconic Aura in Elya's body pulsed in time with the light, a sense of familiarity tugging on her powers. She took a deep breath and allowed the Aura to flow through her body, resonating with the stick. Nikolai waved the staff and streams of light flowed to form a small orb at the end of the staff. ”Please hold out your hand patriarch.” He ignored the surprised looks on their faces at the Magic and placed the orb into his hand where it promptly unravelled to swirl around his fingers.
Nikolai chanted another spell and placed the rod into her father's open palm. His voice rose, a melodic cadence to the words weaving the Magic before them. The light settled around her father's thumb, coalescing into a wispy, ethereal ring. A hum filled the room as the green light grew brighter, almost blinding in intensity. Lidia shuffled back, reaching out to grab Elya's sleeve as the Magic spun around them and Elya reached out to comfort her. Compared to the dramatic displays of Nikolai's power, this was nothing.
Especially after Galicia.
Both times.
The light flared once more before winking out as if it had never existed.
”All ready.” Nikolai grunted in satisfaction and stepped back. ”Everyone please make some space for the patriarch to try it out.” They stepped away from the desk as her father stood up, a frown on his face as he weighed the rod in his hand. ”All you have to do is hold it like a sword hilt and say 'Tovotesk, battle'”
The Duke followed the instructions and grunted as dull clicks echoed throughout the room. In a flash the rod expanded, ebony liquid twirling to form a dark shaft that glowed with an eerie light. With a snap, a shimmering blade flowed into place at the head, sparks of blue Magic coruscating around it in a powerful halo. The halberd which formed was awe-inspiring, radiating immense might. Even her father was shocked, lips parted in surprise as he swung the weapon in a few practice swings, marvelling at the threatening buzz as it cut through the air. The room was filled with an acrid scent and Elya jumped when she realised the air itself was burning, hints of smoke rising from the blade.
”To close it just say 'Tovotesk, peace.'” Nikolai remarked, smug satisfaction rolling from him in waves. ”If you hold it against the ring, it will be stored inside and all you have to do to summon it is squeeze the ring for a short while.”
”This is a weapon fit for an emperor.” Lidia whispered after his explanation, still astounded by the display of Magic.
”One could say that it was.” Nikolai smirked voice hinting at some secret while basking in their awe. Jarek spared his Master a sour glance, clearly aware of the meaning behind his Master's mysterious words, before returning to his study of the weapon. [I should remember to ask Jarek what Nikolai meant. If this was a weapon meant for the Son of Heaven, then I have no idea what he was thinking. Although more importantly, what I don't understand is how he knew the length of halberd my father would prefer. It's a perfect fit as far as I can tell.]
”So if this is what you gave my father…” Elya chuckled and grasped his hand, proud at the demonstration. [Papa won't be able to complain for a while after this.]
”I haven't forgotten you.” Nikolai pinched her nose with his free hand. ”But you'll have to wait.” Mischief sparkled in his eyes but before she could ask he turned to her father. ”A little earlier than I'd planned but I hope the gift pleases you…” Nikolai grinned. ”Father.” With a short bow he left before anyone could respond. He pulled Jarek from the room without turning back, answering the boy's question's about etheric linkages his steps so light he was almost skipping.
”An astounding gift.” The Duke breathed, caressing the ring where he'd stored Tovotesk.
”Truly, a most impressive stick.” The chamberlain whispered, eyes glued to the green thumb ring.