Jackson’s eyebrow quirks up. “Wait, did I get that super wrong then? I’ll never hear the end of it if I get something that simple wrong after ninety nine years.” Jackson can hear his mother’s remarks now.
Hakeem regards them both with a knowing smile. “Actually, you areboth right in a sense. Jackson you’re about seventy-five percent correct. Now, allow me to elaborate.”
Hakeem borrows some magic from Jackson, waving his wand, and says a spell under his breath in an ancient tongue.
A white board is conjured between the island and the couch.
He begins to write on the white board an explanation of the magic of the realms. “We as magic users can draw from three sources of magic. Fae magic that powers elemental and druidic magic. Arcane magic, said to come from the spark of human ingenuity, man made spells and runes. Born from the magic that dwells deep in our souls. It’s where we get the term for magical humans, arcanists. Then we have divine magic, not holy. Divine magic is said to be granted in the forms of blessed or cursed magic, two sides of the same coin bestowed upon us by the gods or demons. This type of magic is used by members of the clergy and…infamously by…cultists.”
Hakeem’s eyes lose their shine for a moment, before he shakes himself out of the stupor, clearing his throat before continuing.
Jackson and Eddie exchange an uneasy glance.
“It’s where healing spells and curses originate from, the rarest form of magic due to its scarcity. Cultists form pacts with demons for their powers while clergy devote their lives to worship to gain their blessings.
“Now, here is where many academics argue. Where do these three sources we draw our power from, come from?” Hakeem points his wand between Jackson and Eddie, neither one has an answer so they both shrug.
“The ‘origin spark’ has been the subject of debate for centuries within the academic world. The origin of all magic in existence, predating the three main sources. Does it exist? Does it still exist? Is there an ancient god-like deity that presides over all magic? There is no definite answer. But all we do know is that magic has existed amongst all realms we know of. It lives in the song of birds on the wind, in the force of tectonic plates that move the very earth. It appears as hope in one’s darkest hour, as bloodlust in their cruelest moments. Ingenuity and creativity, the passion of the human soul. All these things have been accredited to the magic that fills our worlds. Once we understand that, once we allow ourselves to feel itflow inside and around us, only then can we start to understand magic and craft spells.”
Eddie and Jackson watch in awe, Hakeem is in his own world. He explains theory with no definite answer with such raw passion. Every answer he gives opens up to more questions. Questions he answers with enthusiasm, shine returning to his eyes. They could listen to him go on for ages, he probably could.
“Now that we have that out of the way, next question: What is a conduit?”
Jackson and Eddie both shoot their hands up. They stare at each other awkwardly. Hakeem lets out a hearty laugh, happy his roommates seem so engrossed in his lecture.
“Since Jackson will be doing a practical run with me–Eddie, why don’t you answer?”
“A conduit is a focus, something to channel magic through. It can be anything from a jewel, wand, holy scripture or even an enchanted blade,” Answers Eddie enthusiastically.
Hakeem’s wand lights up green and dings. “Correct, all good examples. In this day and age almost anything can be a conduit, guidelines applicable of course. In my case, when not using wish magic I find a wand fits my needs comfortably. A conduit is not needed but serves as a tool to focus one’s mana. Higher quality conduits can even lessen the mana usage of spells, through runes and enchantments. Certain materials work best with certain affinities. Jackson, I would like to know if using a conduit would help you control your shadow tendrils more.”
Jackson’s eyes darken, he lowers his head to the counter and clenches his fists in front of him. “We can skip that part, I’ve tried. Conduits rot in my hand and I haven’t been able to use a spell beside my tendrils for ages. Magic doesn’t respond to me like it does to you, Hakeem.”
Jackson feels a gentle touch on his hand, he looks up and sees Hakeem’s kind silver eyes, voice soft. “If you know, then we can move on.”
Hakeem places a beaker of water in front of Jackson, then flips through an old book to a page filled with odd words and lines. “Eddie, if you want to watch this next part you’ll need a better view. Join us in the kitchen.”Hakeem waves Eddie over, who gladly joins them.
“Is it okay if I watch up close, Jackson?”
Jackson turns to Eddie and gives a small nod, gesturing to the stool besides him. “Sure, Edmund. I can’t guarantee your safety if you get too close, though.”
Eddie chuckles warmly, “I’ll take my chances. Also, please, call me Eddie.”
They lock eyes, smiling at each other. A warm feeling fills Jackson’s chest. “Sure, Eddie. Hope you enjoy the show, heh.”
Hakeem clears his throat, eyeing the two men in front of him. “Alright gentlemen, let’s move on. Let’s talk about old runic magic.”
* * *
“In this grimoire we have examples of old runic spells, cast with a combination of hand motions and incantations or even with hand drawn symbols. The ones we will begin with are runes that rely on arcane magic used by mages of old. Specifically, these runes’ origins can be traced back to what is known in the modern age as the ‘Middle East’. The runes are far different from ones we use today; obsolete in the mass market, but are said to be the origin of runes we use in our technology and enchantments. They are a great starting point for mages trying to deepen their connection to their mana.”
Hakeem points to the strange symbols and old words on the grimoire. Jackson and Eddie can’t make any sense of it, a true niche as Hakeem said.
“I haven’t been able to use any spells, my tendrils keep popping out instead.” Jackson grumbles, lips turned down in a scowl.
Hakeem gets a knowing gleam in his eyes. “About that, I have a theory. I’ll have you try a spell from the book and whatever you do, just. Keep. going.”
A lump forms in Jackson’s throat when he attempts to swallow. “Okay, teach, I trust ya.”
