The Bastion

While the glory of the capital had been breathtaking the Hall of the Bastion was for lack of a better word plain. 6 chairs sat along the back wall, the only furniture in the room, each marked with a sigil of their respective element and one marked with the symbol of the Bastion; the chair of the Archmage. A single glowing orb floated in front of the chairs with an eerie low hum. The room was brightly lit but there were no windows and the source of the light escaped Jason.

At first Jason was unsure as to what he should expect when facing the Bastion and yet now as he stood here he was certain that the Magi gathered here were completely in control of his fate and he dare not move, dare not speak a word…just as Teine had suggested.

Gliocas was the first to break the silence. “A rare incident indeed.” Teine shoved Jason forward. “A young one that so troubles our steadfast Eòlas that an immediate jury of the Bastion is required.”

Teine stepped forward “He is trouble Gliocas. He should be detained and held by the fire clan indefinitely, he is a danger to not only himself but all those around him.”

Gliocas coughed seemingly surprised by the outburst. “Even more interesting, a young one capable of raising the shackles of even the mighty Fire clan.” Teine stepped back in an apologetic manner. “The Bastion appreciates your concern for the matter Teine. You are however no longer needed I would speak with this young one in private.”

“As you wish.” Teine turned and departed as quickly as he had first arrived.

Gliocas seemed to peer into Jason’s very soul as he leaned in and inquired, “Now then young one, your name?”

“J-J-Jason” Jason replied. Stammering as best as he could through the simple response.

“Well J-J-Jason quite a conundrum you have place before this Bastion. Never in my life have I come across a young one capable of communing with all 5 of the elements, let alone a young man from a remote village and a family of no repute. What is your family’s trade Jason?”

“My father is a smith sir. My 2 brothers were both chosen during the selection several years ago and we have had no word from them. My mother passed away when I was only a small child.”

“Very peculiar. Not only a powerful young one but several other selected from the same family. What think you Rabhadh?” Gliocas turned to inquire of the large surly looking mage sitting on the chair marked with the Earth symbol.

“This scrawny l’il whelp…I am not buying it” Rabhadh replied. “Proof him. More likely the Windspeaker screwed up the bloody test.”

“HOW DARE YOU!” A booming voice arose from the Wind Magi. “Windspeakers do not make mistakes you mud slinger.” Jason immediately realized he was in the middle of something much bigger then himself.

The following few minutes erupted into a cacophony of slurs being hurled back and forth between the clans. Gliocas all the while sat still, pensive in his chair, seemingly oblivious to the display around him. At last there was a pause as Gliocas rose to speak.

“Jason, step forward and place your hand on the Scry.” He gestured the floating orb. Cautiously Jason moved towards the sphere and apprehensively placed his hand on its surface. Immediately the room around them began to change. The empty space began to fill. A river erupted from the wall and divided the floor, a massive gust of wind nearly blew Jason from his feet. The bright light in the room grew even bright until it was almost blinding, Trees shot up from the earth at their feet and brilliant blue flame surrounded the orb.

Gliocas’ smile beamed from ear to ear. Rabhadh let out a bellowing laugh “The l’il bugger can actually do it!” He exclaimed. As Jason’s hand remained on the orb the room continued to come to life and he felt similar sensations to his time at the Trial.

“Enough.” Gliocas whispered to Jason. “You have proven yourself indeed.” Jason slowly removed his hand from the Orb, the room returned to normal. “We have enough proof. While the Trials can at times prove…uncertain there is no doubt in the Scry. He is an Omni.” A silence overcame the room again. The emotions were seemingly varied. Some smiles, some scowls and one face of absolute in trepidation on one overwhelmed young man.

“Rionnag is there any precedent in the Bastion Archives on the matter?” Gliocas inquired of the Windspeaker.

“It has been so long since the last Omni that all the archives entail are rumors and fables. Nothing factual and as such nothing of use in the current circumstance.”

“There is power in him.” The Fire Magi spoke for the first time. “While Teine often prefers to cage power the Fire clan is also open to wielding power.”

Gliocas paused. “We have much to consider. Jason there is no doubt that you are selected. There is no one here who can deny you have a unique ability to attune to all of the elements and the potential to be both a great risk to Eledor or a great blessing.”

Jason couldn’t help but let out a sigh of exasperation. To see the most powerful Magi of the nation speak this way about him, his aspirations to stand among them only a short time ago now seem so distant and his only desire now is to be back home tending the Forge.

“With all this said” Gliocas continued “The decision still must be made as to whether we welcome Jason into our ranks or whether we condemn him as an outcast to the Bastion. As with all things time can often be the determining factor and with so much to accomplish with the new selected I propose this solution, an experiment of sorts. We permit Jason the opportunity to join the selected in their initiation. As time progresses we will know more of his potential and his place within the Clans.”

“Give the runt a shot. It’ll make things interesting at least!” Rabhadh exclaimed patting Jason on the shoulder.

“The Bastion has always operated on a vote.” Rionnag nagged.

“Very well! As Rionnag suggests a vote. All those in favor of admitting Jason into the ranks of this years selected.” Gliocas replied.

Gliocas, Rabhadh and the Water Magi’s sigils lit up. Jason took this as a sign of approval. As the others glanced at one another time passed very slowly until at last Gliocas spoke. “As we cannot come to a conclusion for or against as the Archmage of the Bastion I approve you Jason as a temporary initiate of the Clans. After one year’s time we the Bastion will gather again to make a final decision as to your role within the Kingdom of Eledor and the role you will play within this Tower.” Grumbling resumed among the Magi for a time.

“All the remains now is for you to choose a Clan. The purpose of the Trial is to simplify this process and place you in a Clan that is best suited to your abilities. Given your particular affinity however as an Omni the decision of your Clan now falls on you Jason. Know that each Clan while different in nature are all part of a greater whole. The Light Clan stand as the Bastion’s great healers, they are known for quiet but kind demeanor. The Earth Clan are the architects and crafters of the Kingdom, they are strong and resolute. The Wind Clan are the keepers of wisdom, clever and curious in all things. Fire Clan are the protectors of Bastion and Neart, passionate warriors with fiery temperament. Water Clan the diplomats of Bastion, cunning and pensive they are the Clan that reaches to the outside world to represent the Bastion and keep the peace with the neighbors of Eledor.”

Jason stood even more dumbfounded. He stood in silence, intimidated by the mere presence of the council. As he looked from face to face he was greeted by variety of glares, stares, scowls, and smirks. He considered all that had happened since leaving the valley, all he had seen. In the end all his yearning brought him back to his time in the Forge at home and he knew where he belonged.