The Magi
The Training Barracks

The walk back to the Roddick home was surreal. Elijah tried to focus on one thought at atime, but a whirlwind of emotions flooded his mind. He was filled with an anger he had never feltbefore. Just thinking about theMaliphists—especially the yellow-eyed rider—made his entire body tense up. He felt like exploding with rage. He wanted to destroy something.

Elijah was also filled with fear. He was scared for his uncle locked away in somesort of Maliphist prison. He wishedOlivia had just let the Maliphists take him. At least then, two people—his uncle and Olivia’s husband, Phinneas—wouldbe saved.

But most of all, Elijah was consumed with questions. What did the Maliphists want from him? Could they carry out their threat and takehim from Savenridge? And the question gnawingat him most of all: How did his familyrelate to all of this? Elijah couldn’toverlook the obvious links between his family and the Magi. The large book left to him at his uncle’shouse. His father and uncle’s picture atSaint Phillip’s Academy—a battlefield for the Magi. And apparently, his uncle was some sort ofMagi marshal, whatever that was. Aconnection had to be there!

Focusing on just one thought proved to be difficult, soElijah let them all spill into one another, creating a melting pot of feelings.

When he was finally able to focus, he found himself sittingin front of the Roddick’s fireplace, gazing at the dancing fire. He let his eyes drift out of focus, causingthe fire blur into a mass of yellow and orange. He eventually fell asleep in front of the fireplace in a trance-likestate.

Early the next morning, before the sun rose completely andthe new dawn brought the first shadows of the day into the house, Roddickjoined Elijah in the front room. Elijahhad been awake for several hours, staring blankly at the dying embers of thefire. Roddick looked as though he hadn’tslept much that night either. His facelooked scruffier than normal. His eyeswere swollen, and his shoulders drooped.

“Are you okay?” Roddick asked.

Elijah remained silent. Of course he wasn’t okay! Hewasn’t sure if he would ever be okay. Roddick shifted uncomfortably, waiting patiently before he spokeagain. “Is there something you want totalk about?”

“Did you know?” Elijah asked, deciding he wasn’t going toescape conversation. “About my uncle, Imean. Did you know he was there—in theircity?”

Roddick looked down and breathed out a heavy sigh. “No. Ididn’t. I’m really sorry.”

“Do you know my uncle?”

“I’m sorry, Elijah.”

“What about my parents? William and Julia Hawk. Did youknow them?”

Roddick shook his head. “No. I don’t think so. I’m so sorry.”

Elijah knew it was a long shot, but he thought maybe Roddickhad some answers. Perhaps, he thought tohimself, there wasn’t a connection at all. Maybe the events that happened the night his parents were killed werejust coincidence. Maybe the rider withthe yellow eyes was looking for his uncle then, and his family got in theway. After all, his father did standbetween Elijah and the rider.

But then he remembered his father’s voice: There is a plan.

“Why me?” Elijah asked suddenly.

“Why you?”

“I mean—why did you decide to bring me here?” Elijah asked. “Ofall the kids at the school, why did you choose me?”

Roddick looked as though he had never thought of thisquestion himself. He bent over, restinghis elbows on his knees and covered his mouth with his hands, deep inthought.

“When I offered to help—at first—I was just trying to guidea lost student.” Elijah remembered thatfeeling. He remembered the kindness ofMaster Roddick at a time when he needed it most. It almost made Elijah feel guilty now fordemanding answers from him. “I think—”Roddick continued slowly, “I think there was something inside me that saw yourpotential. You have such a unique mind. I thought you would fit in here. I still believe I made the right choice.”

They let the crackle of the fire continue their conversationfor a few moments. The silence wascomforting. Elijah wasn’t quite ready tocall everything a coincidence yet. Hedecided to let Roddick in on his secret.

“Master Roddick, I need to tell you something.” Roddick straightened up. “That man—the rider with the yellow eyes,”Elijah began. “He’s not just someone whohas my uncle locked up.” Elijah took adeep breath. “He killed myparents.”

“How do you know?” asked Roddick.

“His eyes. I rememberthem.”

“You mean they were yellow?”

Elijah nodded.

Roddick scratched his face before deciding what to say. “Elijah, there’s more than one person aroundwith yellow eyes—especially Maliphists.”

Elijah stared at the fire. “Maybe so. But I know those eyes. When they looked at me, I felt—” Elijahthought back to the night he ran for his life. That memory haunted him still, even these many months later.

“What did you feel?” Roddick urged.

“I can’t explain it,” said Elijah. “I just know it was him. And now, he wants me again.”

Roddick put his hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “We’re going to do everything we can to makesure you’re safe. You have friendshere.”

“Am I safe?” Elijah asked.

“Safer than anywhere else, I imagine,” said Roddick. “But I’m not going to lie; you are indanger. Those are very powerful peopleafter you, but you have some very powerful people protecting you, too.”

Elijah wasn’t sure if he appreciated the honesty, or if hewould have liked Roddick to paint him a more encouraging picture.

“Tell you what,” said Roddick thoughtfully. “Maybe I can replace someone who may be able toshed more light on your uncle. Maybeeven your parents. I will ask around andtry to get more information. I really amsorry I’m not more help.” Master Roddickgot up and patted Elijah’s shoulder for comfort. “Let’s get something to eat.”

The Roddick household started to wake up. In the loft were the sounds of two littlegirls arguing over a toy, and the thumps and bumps of Mrs. Roddick getting dressedand ready in another room.

All of a sudden, Elijah remembered Samuel.

“What happened to Samuel yesterday?” Elijah asked as MasterRoddick walked back into the front room holding pots and pans forbreakfast.

“Oh, yeah. Thecouncil agreed to let him stay and train. It took a while, though. PoorSamuel was questioned to death. They hada lot of concerns.”

“Where is he?”

“He was taken in by another family for the remainder of theholidays until everyone returns to the barracks for the second term.”

“Where will I go during the holidays?” Elijah asked.

“Here, of course!” Roddick exclaimed.

Elijah was speechless. He knew the Roddick family cared for him, but taking him in for only anight or two was very different than caring for him as a member of thefamily. Elijah wished he could saysomething worthy of his gratitude.

The final days of the winter recess were much moredelightful. Elijah spent the majority ofthe time with the Roddicks. Hefrequently helped Mrs. Roddick around the house as she worked to keep it tidywhile chasing after her girls. Elijah foundhimself spending a good amount of time playing hide and seek with the Roddickchildren. The game the girls loved mostinvolved climbing all over Elijah and making him carrying them around the house. He enjoyed every minute.

He took time to visit with Mrs. Roddick too. He learned all about Master Roddick’sjourneys between Savenridge and Saint Phillip’s Academy. Apparently, the teachers from Savenridgeshared a position. For one term, Roddickwould stay at the school and teach. Then,he would get to spend the entire second term with his family. Elijah wondered how hard it was for the Roddickfamily to spend so long away from their husband and father.

By far, Elijah enjoyed Christmas the most. A few days before Christmas Day, MasterRoddick woke Elijah up early in the morning to buy a Christmas tree from thecity center marketplace. It seemed toElijah that every second from that moment on was spent decorating thehouse. They hung tinsel, which the girlsused to drape over Elijah. They hungwreaths and ornaments, which the girls used to hang on Elijah. They wrapped presents, during which time,Elijah hid from the Roddick girls.

Despite the Maliphist threat, a large crowd gathered onChristmas Eve at the center of the marketplace. A very long table was set out in the middle of the path and one by one,families and loved ones arrived with food and placed it on the table. Then, everyone ate like kings and spent theevening enjoying each other’s company. Elijah couldn’t remember the last time he ate until he was about toexplode, but regardless of his stomach ache, he had the time of his life. However, as much fun as he had, he missed hisfamily during his first Christmas without them.

Elijah’s experience at the marketplace on Christmas piquedhis curiosity. He had never seen such aplace. When he asked Master Roddick, heexplained that the marketplace was new and different every day. It was impossible to guess what you weregoing to replace! Christmas trees duringthe holidays. Fireworks for the newyear.

Roddick also told Elijah a story about Mrs. Roddick cominghome from the market with a bird caller for the girls. It worked very well! After an entire day of blowing the birdcaller, the girls had successfully summoned hundreds and hundreds ofbirds. Mrs. Roddick didn’t question whyTirzah and Lizzy kept coming in asking for bread (and when the bread ran out,other bits of food). After hearing adeafening amount of chirping, she finally went outside. The entire roof was covered with birds, andmany more were waiting close by for their share of food. It took Master Roddick two months to clean upthe poop.

One of the most fascinating things Elijah found aboutSavenridge was the variety of animals—wild and tame. Many animals were sold and cared for by manyof the Magi.

Elijah noticed lots of horse stables. Master Roddick explained that horses werekept close by for important journeys outside the Savenridge walls.

“What kinds of journeys do they take?” Elijah askedcuriously.

“Depends,” answered Roddick. “Most are used by our local marshals.”

“What’s a marshal?” Elijah inquired. He remembered the name mentioned before.

“The marshals are a sort of Magi police,” he explained. “It sounds like your uncle was one. There are many kinds of marshals. Most are located outside the city working insecret to stop the Maliphists, but we have local marshals keeping order here inthe city.”

“I thought all Magi were good,” Elijah said.

Roddick smiled. “AllMagi try to be good, but there arelots of Magi that aren’t the nicest people at times. We have our squabbles and conflicts. Savenridge has seen its fair share go bad,too.”

“What happens to them?” asked Elijah.

Roddick flashed his eyebrows. “They’re sent to a place called Valcore. It’s a city made entirely of stone, whereelements can’t be used. The Magi sendtheir criminals there. If a Magi goesbad—turns evil or threatens our existence in any way—they are taken straight toa city where they are held and can never leave. Savenridge isn’t the only city that sends them there. Valcore holds criminals from all the Magicities.”

“There’s more than one Magi city?” Elijah asked.

“Oh yes!” said Roddick. “The Magi live all over the world.”

“Where is Valcore?”

Roddick shook his head. “I don’t know. No one knowsexcept the marshals who transport the Magi criminals there.”

“So would my uncle know?” Elijah asked.

“I don’t think so,” answered Roddick. “Your uncle would have been an outsider. He worked among the common people. That’s why it’s going to be hard replaceingsomeone who knows him. Outsider marshalsusually work alone so people can’t trace them back to us.” Elijah began to feel discouraged. He was running out of leads to replace out whathappened to his parents.

The last day of the holiday recess was emotional. Elijah was supposed to report to the trainingquarters by the end of the day. After ascrumptious dinner, when it was close to the time Elijah needed to leave, Mrs.Roddick was still giving Elijah training pointers, as she had been doing allday. She continued reminding him it wasgoing to be tough, but he shouldn’t get discouraged.

“Remember, you can always come here and ask questions,” shesaid. “Plus, then I can make you a nicehome-cooked meal, or if you’d prefer, I can bring it to you at the barrackswhenever you’re feeling lonely.”

“Miranda, he’s going to be fine,” said Roddickchuckling. “And you’re really notsupposed to do that. Let him experienceit for himself.”

Miranda shot Mr. Roddick a scowl and then resumedinstruction. “You’re going to be behind,so remember to ask for help. Keep youremotions in check, but also use them to help you. Get lots of rest and drink lots of water,especially at first. Don’t forget to dothe mind exercises they teach you. Oh,”she said suddenly. “For heavens sake, becareful. If something happened to you, Idon’t know what I’d—”

“—Oh, Miranda for Pete’s sake,” Roddick interrupted. “You’re going to confuse him before he even getsthere.”

“Oh all right, Glen,” said Miranda a little irritated at herhusband. She stepped forward to hugElijah goodbye. She leaned in andwhispered into his ear. “We’ll just keepthe homemade meal to ourselves then, huh?” Elijah smiled and hugged Mrs. Roddick back. He would miss her warmth and kindness. Before he knew it, the Roddick girls werehanging on his legs too.

“G’bye Elijah,” said Tirzah. “Come back soon.” Elijah bentdown and gave them both a big hug. Itwas the most wonderful moment he had felt since before his own family was takenaway from him.

Master Roddick left Elijah with Mr. Button at the trainingquarters just after sunset. It was awarmer night outside than earlier in the week, but the large fire in the middleof the oval room felt good. Mr. Buttonescorted Elijah up the large staircase to the second floor. They came to a room with chairs and couchesoverlooking a giant window. The room,which Mr. Button called the neutral area, divided two massive hallways eachlined with rooms. They turned right andstopped halfway down the hall.

“This hall is for the boys,” Mr. Button said. “The other hall on the other side of theneutral area is for the girls. Ishouldn’t have to tell you you’re not allowed over there. I walk the halls many times during the dayand night, so I’d better not catch you even thinking about going over there,eh?” Elijah nodded inunderstanding.

“Yes, sir.”

“Here is your room,” Mr. Button said as he opened up awooden door on the left side. To Elijah’sdelight, his room had a window. Mr.Button opened it, allowing fresh air into the room. Right under the window was a very largewooden chest with a big brass latch. Thechest was almost as long as the wall. Elijah ran his hand over the dark maple wood.

“It’s for your belongings,” explained Mr. Button. “Here.” Mr. Button opened one half of the chest, and Elijah saw dozens ofcompartments for his belongings. AfterSaint Phillip’s Academy, this was quite a treasure. To his surprise, Elijah found that not all ofthe compartments were empty. He hadapparently been supplied with clothes—lots of them! There were winter clothes, summer clothes,hats, gloves, shoes, boots, scarves, and a brown outfit that intrigued Elijahthe most. He pulled it out and examinedit.

“It’s for training,” said Mr. Button, referring to theoutfit. All students in training wearbrown.”

“What about the other colors?” Elijah asked, thinking aboutthe cloaks he saw the Magi wear in town.

“The other colors represent our selected element,” said Mr.Button. Elijah squinted and furrowed hisbrow in confusion.

“Selected element?”

“Yes. Each of us hasan element we are more natural to. Onethat speaks to us louder. That’s the onewe use,” Mr. Button said. Elijahremembered Roddick trying to explain this to him on their way to the city. Master Roddick used water, and he wore a bluecloak in town. He assumed this was whatMr. Button meant by an element ‘speaking louder’ to them.

“What do the colors stand for?” asked Elijah.

“Well, brown is for training. Blue is for water, green is for earth, whiteis for wind, and red is for fire.”

“When do I choose my element?” asked Elijah. Mr. Button’s eyes got real wide and he shookhis head.

“Oooooh, I can’t tell you that,” he said slowly. “You’re gonna have to make that decision withyour mentor, not me. But be patient,eh? You haven’t even been throughpreliminaries yet. You’ve got a ways togo,” said Mr. Button.

“Preliminaries?”

Mr. Button grinned. “You’ll replace out tomorrow. I’dsuggest lots of rest tonight. You everswing an ax for six hours and then try to climb a tree?”

Elijah looked horrified and wondered what he had gottenhimself into. “No.”

“Well,” Mr. Button said, “after tomorrow, you’ll only wishyour body felt like that.” Mr. Buttongave Elijah a key to his chest and walked toward the door. “Sweet dreams.” He left Elijah standing with his mouth hangingopen.

Elijah walked over to the large wooden chest that lined thewall under the window. He used his new keyto lock the chest and then to unlock it, just to make sure it worked. He opened both sides of the chest and beganto survey the items inside. Thecompartments were more fascinating to him than the new clothes he had beengiven.

He pulled his pack off his shoulder and unloaded hisbelongings. Mrs. Roddick had packed Elijah a sack of non-perishable food andwrapped a loaf of sweet bread for him. Master Roddick gave him the boots he used to climb the mountain on hisjourney to Savenridge. He put them nextto the boots already in the chest. As hedid, he noticed a long, thick line of rope coiled up in the bottom of thechest. He thought it would have beenhelpful to have it on the journey to Savenridge, so he moved the boots next tothe rope. Finally, and most carefully ofall, Elijah selected a compartment to be the new home of his mother’s locket,Kyria’s diaries, and his father’s pocket watch. He closed the chest, but kept the diaries.

Elijah walked over to his bed and held Kyria’s locked diaryon his lap. He had been carrying herdiaries ever since he left his uncle’s house, but he never read a singleentry. It was too painful. Now, nearly five months later, it felt right.

He picked up the unlocked diary first. The inside cover had an inscription.

“To my little cricket:

I hope this is something you can use. Keep it safe.

-Dad”

Elijah flipped to the first page.

“Dear Diary –

Oh man! Did I reallyjust start with ‘Dear Diary’? Lame.

Anyway, I hope to replace this book useful. One day I may read back and think how stupidthis all sounds. Or maybe one day I canshare this with my daughters. Maybe itwill help them sort out their thoughts too. Until next time…”

—Kyria

Elijah sighed. Hissister would have no more thoughts to put down. There would be no daughters of hers to sharethis with. It was unfair!

He considered putting the diary down, but each time he toldhimself to stop, he read another entry. And then another. On and on hewent, until he was almost finished. Hefelt surprisingly comforted reading it, as though he learned things about hissister he never knew. Some of herentries were silly, but some were quite deep.

The last entry, however, made him sit up as he read.

“January 12

I found something out today. Something I can’t write about. I’m not sure what to think now. I’m sad Elijah doesn’t know. Idon’t know how I’m going to keep it a secret from him for so long. I hope when he replaces out, he will forgive me.

-Kyria”

Elijah reached for the locked diary, ready to pry itopen. No one alive seemed to be able toanswer the questions about his family, but maybe here, inside a book he hadheld for months, he could get some answers. Kyria apparently knew something he didn’t. Was this about the Magi? Did she know about this world?

The only thing keeping him from replaceing out was a tinygolden lock.

At first, Elijah thought opening the lock would besimple. It didn’t look very big, so hetried to gently pull it open. Noluck. He pulled harder. The golden lock remained. Before long, Elijah was violently banging thelock on the floor in frustration to get it open. He heard a metallic noise, and he thought itopened. Upon further inspection,however, he saw it remained locked, but the continuous smashing caused a dentin the lock, which made Elijah upset at himself. He was dying to know what was inside, but hecouldn’t bring himself to do any more damage to his sister’s memories.

Hearing a loud knock at his door, Elijah placed the diary inthe chest and opened the door. In frontof him stood a boy about Elijah’s age. He was very good-looking with sad, brown eyes and smooth, darkskin. He reminded Elijah of a lostchild.

“Hi,” Elijah said trying to be friendly. The boy held out his hand and Elijah shookit.

“Are you okay?” the boy asked timidly.

“Yeah. I’m sorry I madeso much noise,” Elijah said.

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” The boy had a sincerity about him Elijahliked. He looked Elijah directly in theeyes and never wavered.

“I’m sorry,” Elijah said. “I was trying to—fix something—and I must have made more noise than Ithought. My name’s Elijah.”

“I’m Adam Flemming. I’m sorry to bother you.” He turnedabruptly and walked away. Elijah watchedAdam enter his room, which was four doors down on the other side of thehall. All around, he saw lots of boysmeandering the halls, visiting with one another. Elijah felt a sudden pang of loneliness. Clearly, most of the boys knew each other andwere getting reacquainted after the short recess. Elijah didn’t know anyone. He was about to walk back into his room andclose the door when he saw a familiar face approaching.

“Samuel!” Elijah exclaimed. “You want to come in?”

“Sure,” said Samuel. Elijah flopped on the bed and Samuel grabbed the chair in front ofElijah’s desk.

“I haven’t seen you since I left the council. How did that go?” he asked.

“It was strange,” Samuel admitted. “They kept asking me all these questionsabout my background and what I believed. Lots more than they asked you.” Elijah remembered Master Roddick saying something about Samuel’s casebeing very different, but he didn’t say why.

“What do you mean?”

“I dunno. They justwanted to know what I thought about certain situations. Like they asked me what I would do if I sawsomeone bigger than me hurting someone else. Or, if I had lots of money what I would do with it. Things like that.”

“What did you say?”

“You try remembering every answer to about a thousandquestions asked by different people! I’msure after a while I didn’t even make sense. I’m not even sure I spoke the same language after all that,” Samuel saidchuckling. Elijah laughed withSamuel. “But it’s over.”

“So who’s your family?” asked Elijah. “I mean the family you stay with.”

“Some old couple,” Samuel replied. “They’re real nice. They just don’t talk much and they go to bedreal early. I was pretty bored most ofthe recess, but I got to come here a day early. I’ve been here since yesterday, and I’m real excited now. Can you believe what we’re going to learn todo?” Elijah wasn’t sure what Samuel was talking about. He surely couldn’t be talking about thetraining Mr. Button mentioned because Elijah was not excited about that atall.

“Learn to do what?”

“Like what Master Roddick did to that guy who hit me atSaint Phillip’s,” answered Samuel. “Ijust think it’s gonna be fun, don’t you?” Elijah really hadn’t thought about it. He had been so preoccupied with the Maliphists and learning about hisfamily he hadn’t had time to think about what he was going to be learning.

“Maybe,” said Elijah.

Samuel looked down the hall. “Hey, you wanna play checkers?”

“Sure. Where? Do you have a set?”

“No, but we can get one downstairs. We can play by that oval fire pit!”

Samuel led him down the stairs to the first floor. It looked completely different now than itdid when Elijah first visited the barracks. There were kids and teenagers everywhere. Most of the seats were taken by olderstudents visiting. He noticed a fewsecond glances and stares his way. Elijah was used to the stares ever since Maliphists came into town andthreatened to take him. Even the olderMagi would glance at him when he would accompany the Roddicks into the towncenter, but they were all very friendly and supportive.

Elijah followed Samuel, who obviously knew where he washeaded. As they passed other students,Elijah overheard a conversation from a group of girls. They were talking about some boy, who by theway it sounded, they all had a crush on. Apparently this fellow had smiled and said ‘hello’ to one of the girlsover the recess, and she had made up her mind he was going to marry her. The other girls seemed to be quite thrilledwith this notion, which confused Elijah seeing that they all liked this boy.

Samuel walked through a door and into a room Elijah hadn’tnoticed. It was filled with games anddifferent crafts. Most likely, he didn’tnotice it because he had his eye on Hannah at the time. Thinking about that moment now embarrassedhim again even though she didn’t seem to be around. He glanced around, telling himself he didn’twant to see her. She was nowhere insight.

When Samuel walked out of the room, he carried a cloth boardand a bag of checkers pieces. They gotdown on their bellies, flush against the soft carpet, and played checkers untilthey were the last ones around. The eventualsilence in the large oval room told them it was time to go to bed.

Had Elijah known what was in store for him in the morning,he would have listened to Mr. Button and gone to bed much earlier.