Rise: A Tale of Eledor

The sun was rising over the peaks that guarded the quaint valley below. The morning mist crept across the fields and farms. The crisp bite of the breeze made the hairs on the back of Jason’s neck stand at attention. The scenery seemed almost perfect as though the day itself was preparing itself for what was to come. Jason cherished these brief moments of seeming stillness to collect himself before the hustle and bustle of the village began. Today was day of great importance, today was the day of the Trial. The little village was like many in the outskirts of Eledor, small and of no great repute. The town was mundane and seemed void of excitement. Day after day, the same routine without change. But today was different.

The Magi council from the capital would be arriving any moment and the year’s new Trial would begin. Once again, the capital, Neart had sent out its envoy to discover new talent to join the strength of the Magi Tower. The Trial was an illustrious occasion and one that Jason hoped would alter his future forever. Not much was known about the inner workings of the Trial other than it was always performed in secret. Those chosen are simply whisked away to the capital those who fail can never remember even being a part of the testing as though there very memories had been stolen from them.

Jason had yearned to follow in the footsteps of his brother who had already been selected in years past. It had been nearly a decade since his eldest brother Adam had been selected. Jason faced the new day with hope, and a glimmer of uncertainty. Was he prepared? Could he become a great Magi? Only time could tell. Jason collected himself and began his daily routine. Jason’s father was the town blacksmith and had taught Jason the skills of the forge. His father had hoped that perhaps his younger son would carry on the trade, but the allure of the Tower was too great for Jason to resist. There was so much to do before the Trial and he was determined not to miss out on the excitement.

As midday arrived the village horn resounded through the valley, the time had come. Jason was eager to join his friends Joy and Aaron and begin his life as Magi. Covered in sweat and dirt took off like a flash towards the village center. As he approached he saw the entire town gathered in preparation. The mayor Arus had just about come to the end of his address as Jason entered the square.

“…. our illustrious guests from the Capital will now begin the selection process. I present to you Eòlas the adjudicator for this year’s trial.”

Jason looked on with anticipation as the party of Magi gathered behind the mayor parted and a modest elderly woman stepped forward to the front of the stage.

“Greetings to you all!” She declared in a voice seeming much larger than her stature. “This Trial is an honored tradition. It is a moment of great possibility for our kingdom. Each year we seek out those who would join us in protecting Eledor against any foe by taking up the craft and joining in the battle against the darkness. There are many who yearn for the opportunity, but few are chosen. Should you be called to the life of the Magi know that your days may be few, your challenges will be many, and your foes will be endless.”

The crowd had died down, the excitement that had been there only moments ago seemed charged with tension. The trial was about to begin. Eòlas resumed her address

“As you all know all those men and women who have reached the age of adulthood this year may step forward to be tried. This will be your only opportunity to do so, consider wisely.”

Jason looked around and saw his friends Aaron and Joy standing near the front of the crowd. They had been nearly as eager as he was to approach the trial. Jason ran to their side.

“Where have you been?” Aaron remarked. “You almost missed the selection!”

“There was work to be done.” Jason replied, a smirk on his face. Jason reveled in poking fun at his friend. Aaron, the pampered son of the Mayor and while they had been friends as long as he could remember, and Jason never missed an opportunity to poke a little fun. In the entire time Jason had known though Aaron had never worked a day of his life. Renowned in the village for his fashion sense and his ability to throw the most extravagant parties. He was singlehandedly responsible for any kind of town night life. “We can’t all be a pretty peacock” Jason continued.

“Cut it out you two!” Joy exclaimed raising her nose from yet another book. Joy was eternally the voice of wisdom in their little party. A strong young woman whose passion for knowledge was only surpassed by the thrill of a test and even with the Trial upon them she seemed inseparable from her latest text. She could not wait to ace this Trial and begin a life devoted to studying the mystic arts. The trio smiled at one another and continued to listen as the Magi was just finishing the address.

“All those who are prepared to face the trial step forward.” Many familiar faces started to emerge from the crowd and as Jason, Aaron and Joy advanced to face the council. In all 12 hopefuls stood awaiting trial. Only 1 or 2 ever pass the selection process but Jason remained hopeful that he like his brothers before him would pass without fail.

The Council motioned for the 12 to enter the town hall. As the line walked through the massive oak doors they found themselves in an unfamiliar space. The town hall was typically arranged with benches and a pulpit so that town meetings could accommodate the monthly gathering to discuss village affairs. Instead as they entered the room the only things in sight were 5 podiums with ornate symbols floating above each.

Eòlas again began to speak in her booming voice “Welcome. The trial will not take long. There will be no knowledge required, no feats of strength demanded only a simple task. These podiums each represent one of the schools of Magic represented on the council.” She motioned behind her. “Flame, Water, Earth, Air, Light. Each of you will approach the podiums and place your hand on the symbol. When you have completed the trial, we will announce those who have passed the selection. For those of you that are not selected you will remember nothing as you leave these doors.” Jason watched as she spoke and seemed to conduct music in the air. Her hand slowly glide from side to side…she was casting! “Let’s begin!”

One by one the hopefuls approached the podium and placed their hands on the symbols. One by one they rejoined the group. Behind each of the podiums stood a representative from the council. They showed no signs of acknowledgement to any who passed by them. The group grew restless at last it was just Aaron, Joy and Jason left.

“I’ve got this.” Aaron announced boldly to the Magi gathered before himas he approached the first podium. One by one he boldly thrust his hand on the symbol. Still nothing happened. As he rejoined the group he shot Jason a smirk as though to boldly show is accomplishment of passing the trial. Jason ignored him.

Next Joy approached the podium and one by one she passed her hand over the symbol. First light, nothing. Earth, nothing. Water, nothing. As she approached the Air podium Eòlas stood watchful. Joy reached her hand out over the symbol and all of a sudden, the symbol began to rise and spin from the podium. The hopefuls gasped in unison.

“You are a Windspeaker young one. Welcome.” Immediately Joy was escorted from the room and the trials resumed. “Step lively” Eòlas commanded. Jason felt as though his heart was going to leap from his chest. He reached out his hand to the first podium. Light... Jason felt a tingling sensation shoot up his arm and as he looked down the symbol started to open. Jason thought he could see a light about to burst from the symbol when all of sudden it simply stopped. The Magi behind the podium seemed about to speak and paused, then shook his head and motioned for Jason to continue. As Jason continue down the podiums the same thing continued to occur. Earth seemed to shake and about to split open as an earthquake and then it ceased. The Water began to drip seeming as though it would splash onto the floor and it stopped. As each podium was passed the Magi who had previously been calm and collected seemed to grow more and more intrigued. Each of them simply shaking their heads and motioning for Jason to continue his Trial. As he approached the final podium of flame a small spark seemed to emanate from the symbol on the podium, but no flame would light.

Startling Jason, Eòlas’ voice boomed. “The Trial is at an end. All those who have not been selected please exit the way you came. You are not Magi.” Aaron opened his mouth to protest but before he could utter a word Eòlas shot him a powerful stare. She began conducting again and suddenly as if on command Aaron was spun to face the door and pushed towards it. Jason turned from the final podium and began to make his way to the door, broken…. he had failed. Suddenly there was a hand on his shoulder. One of the male Magi had grasped him. Jason could not move. “You will wait young one.” He uttered.

As the room emptied out Joy was brought back into the room. She saw Jason and was seemingly overwhelmed with happiness. Jason however could show no emotion other than fear. Had he done something wrong? Why was he being held back. As he stood in silence he watched as the council began talking back and forth in seemingly heated debate. Jason could not make out everything that was being said but whatever it was it had the Magi irritated. At last Eòlas stomped her foot to the floor. She began to gesture with her hands once again and the 5 podiums began to drift together she removed the symbols from each and they all began to float in front of her. She motioned for Jason to step forward.

“What has happened here today has not happened in centuries. It appears you have the potential for all the forms and yet the aptitude for none. I would ask that you again place your hands over the symbols, so we may end this debate once and for all.” Jason reached out his hand to once again repeat the process however as he did so Eòlas shifted her hand and the five symbols formed a single stack. The moment Jason’s hand was in position immediate the five symbols started to change. Air swirled, Earth quaked, Water flowed, Fire burned, Light gleamed. In seaming unison, the five symbols began to rotate and form a band around Jason’s hand. At this even Eòlas was taken aback, her composure shattered “What the hell….” She exclaimed. Suddenly, the circle stopped, and Jason collapsed to the floor.

title: Rise: A Tale of Eledor

genre: Epic Fantasy

age range: 15+

word count: Currently only 8 chapters written and manuscript is sitting at 13537 words (This excerpt is chapter 1 and is 2023 words)

author name: Dan Willis

why your project is a good fit: Passionate about writing entertaining face paced Fantasy novels for a wide demographic

the hook: The story will resonate with fans of the Jordan, Brooks and Eddings but also pulls in story elements inspired by manga/manwha

synopsis: The story of Jason a young man in the world of Tamahr and his journey to joining the ranks of great Magi of Eledor

target audience: Lovers of epic fantasy

your bio: CEO of a digital marketing firm and proud father of 7. Married for 12 years and has a fierce passion for good food, good times and most of all a good read.

education: Some college and nearly 10 years of professional experience as a CEO

experience: First foray into professional writing

personality / writing style: Fast paced and hard hitting. If I get bored reading it I re-write it.

likes/hobbies: As a Canadian fairly standard likes; beer, hockey, my wife and kids and a great read or movie from time to time.

hometown: St Isidore, Ontario

age (optional):32