“That feels better, this space is now part of mine”, almost a hint of a smirk appearing on Sofia’s face. “I am going to use some of that leather and a bit of that sword as well.”

“…Sure, for what?” The leather and the broken end of the sword started to dissolve much the same way as the books did earlier.

“Just to help restore some of myself.” She smiled as Kaden stared at his now glorified two handed dagger. “Don’t worry I just took the broken bit off the end. I even tapered it for you so it actually looks better.”

“Well I wasn’t going to win any competitions with it anyway. I want to try out some magic, I have bits and pieces of different spells, but only one is complete. I want to test it.”

“You could always create something to practice on, let me show you.” With a wave of her hand she created a few target dummies.

“…Why do they have my face drawn on them?” Kaden, glaring at her.

“I felt you need all the help you can get. I know seeing that face on a target would motivate anyone to improve.” Sofia said with a hint of amusement. “I am doing this for your benefit, honestly.”

“Very funny! You really do have a point about being motivated.” As he waved his hand, the portraits turned from resembling Kaden to Sofia. “That’s better, I feel really motivated now.”

“Hmm… suit yourself” she shrugged.

Kaden walked up to the first dummy and swung the former long sword (now long dagger) at the target. The blade hit the target and slightly glanced off. “I guess there is a difference from knowing something and actually using it in practice.” He tried a few more swings making minor corrections as he went. “I am finally getting the hang of aligning the edge of the blade with the target, so this was one of the things missing in the damaged part of the book.”

“All right, magic time.”

“Gi Veme St Ren Gth” his voice chanted excitedly as he took another swing at the target. “Nothing? That’s strange, I did everything as it was written.” He started to scratch his head. “Gi Veme St Ren Gth”, he tried again, only to receive the same result.

“How do you plan to chant a spell when you don’t even know how the language sounds?” Sofia was laughing so hard, a tear almost fell out of the corner of her eye. “You’re making sounds with your mouth to what the words would translate to in your head but, you don’t actually know the language so all you’re doing is spouting gibberish.”

“Great, so not only can I not cast magic until I learn the language. I have to hear you laughing at me…”

“Well, you should have seen your face. Here, take this memory, you’re lucky I remember this from just before the fort was attacked.”

Kaden felt a memory slowly push towards him. He saw what appeared to be the fort commander in the room. The commander had the same blade Kaden was using in his hand and at the ready. The commander had pushed his closet in front of the door to try and create a makeshift barricade. Just then a giant axe with a red glow appeared in place of where the lock on the door was supposed to be. “Gi Vem Est Ren Gth”, the commander chanted, his voice had a strange unnatural eerie undertone echo to it. “Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess”, he finished his second chant as the door opened and the giant red axe chopped through the closet in a single swing. A man that would be best described as a mountain wearing some sort of animal skull mask walked in.

The intruder was a heavily armored barbarian complete with an equally heavy overbearing presence. To the commander’s credit, he didn’t seem intimidated. Instead he resumed his fighting stance and waited.

The intruder swung his axe down, the commander dodged to the left and made a quick slash to the intruder’s arm. His weapon bit in to the intruder’s flesh leaving a deep and nasty gash. Almost unaffected the axe came towards the commander’s side. The commander leapt back with unnatural speed dodging the axe a second time, he then leapt forward with a quick thrust towards the intruder. The intruder hadn’t yet recovered from the swing and the commander’s sword pierced part of the intruder’s leg.

The commander attempted to withdraw again, favoring the in and out tactic. The intruder however had other ideas and managed to catch the commander’s sword with one hand, bringing the axe down and through the flat of the blade with the other. Before the commander had any time to act, the intruder used the flat of his axe to knock the commander through his desk and out the window.

The rest of the memory was uneventful, the intruder’s men walked in and started looting the place. The knocked over candles in the room started to light various flammable objects on fire. The only other thing of note was the memory of a thinner man dressed similar to the intruder walking in with glowing green hands and healing the intruder without chanting. Kaden could sense the thinner man somehow manipulating the surrounding energy with his will.

Thinking on it further, Kaden realized that the commander was also manipulating the surrounding energy only he used a chant to do so.

I will have to figure this out later, I want to get a far better understanding of how magic works.

Kaden had always dreamed of being a mage, unlocking the secrets of the universe. Now he finally had a chance.

“Thanks, this helps me out a lot” he turned and smiled at Sofia.

“You gave me life, it is the least I can do. Also if you were to die too easily I doubt I would find a replacement capable of entertain me”, she smiled.

“I am here to entertain, if nothing else.” Trying to stifle a small laugh. “Now,” he turned towards the target dummy. “Gi Vem Est Ren Gth”