The Oyxia Chronicles: Shadow of Lorian

The first to step forward was a mage in heavy battle armor, broad-shouldered, his eyes glowing like embers. His voice was loud and sure.

“I am Dreim Kordan, head of the Flame of Battle. We do not hide behind words and books. Our fire is strong and direct – it shields us and burns our enemies to ash. We temper body, spirit, and magic, turning ourselves into living weapons. If you seek combat, if fire is strength to you, step onto my path.”

He raised his hand, and flames surged up around him, forming a burning suit of armor.

Next came a woman in an elegant black-and-crimson gown. Her movements were soft, but her gaze pierced straight into the soul.

“I am Leyris Virra, mistress of the Smoldering Embers. Fire is not only crude force. It warms, lures, awakens desire. We study the subtle edges of flame – its power to sway emotion, alter perception, slip unseen into hearts and minds. Whoever understands the hidden fire, understands the true nature of passion and power.”

She swept her hand through the air, and the hall filled with a sense of warmth, a strange stirring, an almost imperceptible pressure on consciousness.

After her, a tall man with long silver hair stepped forward. In his hand he held a small brazier in which a steady blue flame burned.

“I am Morian Falx, keeper of the Song of Flame. Fire is not only destruction – it is also creation. We forge enchanted blades, brew alchemical elixirs, weave fire into metal, glass, cloth. If you feel that fire is, above all, a tool of craft and making, not only of war, then come to us.”

He scattered a handful of metallic dust into the brazier, and it instantly fused into a small dagger, sparkling with magical energy.

The next to appear was a girl who looked almost young, yet her fiery golden eyes betrayed an ancient power. Around her floated tongues of flame that kept changing shape – turning into animals, then dissolving back into sparks.

“I am Arien Tark, mistress of the Living Flame. Fire can live, feel, exist. We give it form, call it into this world, turn it into an ally. If you want to speak to flame, to create fire spirits and gift fire with life – our school awaits you.”

She flicked her hand, and an enormous wolf of fire appeared before her, casting a quiet growl across the hall as it looked over the students.

Last came a mage in a black cloak whose edges smoldered like coal. He did not speak at once. Instead, he brushed his hand through the air, and the fire before him went out, leaving behind only bitter black smoke.

“Black Ash is not chosen,” he said at last. “We are those who look into the heart of fire and see its dark side. We know that flame does not only warm – it takes. When the time comes, the strongest among you will understand on their own whether they have the strength to walk this path.”

He turned and stepped back into the shadows, leaving behind only a fading trail of smoke.

When all the heads had finished speaking, the mentor surveyed the students.

“Choose your school. Remember – you are not chained to only one. Fire does not limit growth.”

The students glanced at one another, whispering. Some already knew where they would go, others hesitated. Elissa and Leonard stood among them, each lost in thought. They had not yet exchanged a single word – but something told them their paths would cross again…

The ceremony was over. But for the students, everything was only beginning.

When the trial ritual was fully concluded, silence settled over the hall. Only the magical flames continued to flicker softly in the hearths, filling the space with warm light. The young mages stood there, still feeling the lingering pulse of magic that had left its mark on their souls.

Then, as if answering that feeling, something else claimed their attention – a sudden sting.

On the wrists of Elissa and Leonard, a faint glow appeared. At first it was warm and almost unnoticeable, but gradually it intensified, turning into a slight burning sensation. The magic they had been granted now seemed to be branding its mark into their flesh. The pain was mild but distinct, like invisible needles piercing the skin and leaving a trace behind.

Elissa flinched and gripped her wrist, trying to understand what was happening. Leonard, though accustomed to fire, also felt unease. Instinctively, he pressed his hand to his chest. It burns…

But within moments the burning began to subside, then faded altogether, leaving behind a barely visible mark on their skin – a circular sign of fire, seeming almost alive, yet unchanged. Only its faint glow hinted that they were now bearers of the Fire’s magic.

At that moment Lord Helion appeared in the hall, his eyes grave. He stepped into the center, studying the new students’ reactions. Once he was certain the ritual had gone as intended and that the mark caused no further harm, he spoke. His voice was deep, filled with magic.

“From this moment on, you are mages of Fire,” he said, his words sounding both like a sentence and a blessing. “Each of you now bears this mark as a sign that the magic of Fire has become part of you. This symbol will remain with you to the end of your path. It is not ornament. It is a link – to the castle, and to its ancient power.”

His gaze swept over them, almost as a warning.

“You will be protected from many dangers – but remember that the responsibility for this flame rests on your shoulders. There is no washing yourself clean of what you have become. The magic of Fire does not forgive carelessness.”

Elissa and Leonard exchanged a look, understanding that this day had become a turning point in their lives. What once seemed unimaginable had now become reality. They were part of something far greater than “just students.”

Lord Helion glanced at their marks one last time, nodded, and turned away, disappearing into the shadows.

“Now your path of magic begins. And with this fire, you will go wherever it leads you,” his words echoed in their thoughts.

They remained standing in the hall, quietly turning over everything that had happened. Each of them now felt both the weight and the strength of Fire in their body. And yet, despite it all, both were filled with resolve to go on, knowing that the mark on their wrists was not only a sign of power, but a reminder that they now belonged to the Lorian brotherhood of Fire Mages.

When the initiation ceremony ended, the students began to drift away in small groups, excitedly discussing the trial and the training to come.

Elissa felt emotions still raging inside her. Her hands trembled slightly; her heart refused to slow. The trial was behind her, but its shadow still lingered in her mind, refusing to let go.

Beside her walked a boy who looked just as shaken. Tall, with dark, slightly tousled hair, he let out a heavy sigh and rubbed his face with his palm.

“You’re shaking too?” Elissa exhaled, casting him a quick glance.

“Still can’t believe it’s over,” he admitted, looking around. “At one point I was sure… that was it. That I wasn’t getting out.”

“So was I. But we made it,” she said, offering a small smile, as though trying to convince herself as much as him.

“Leonard,” the boy said, introducing himself.

“Elissa. I’m from Pyrenholm.”

“Tirgold,” he replied.

“A village?” Elissa raised her brows.

Leonard nodded, anticipating her question.

“Yeah. They never found mages in our parts… I didn’t know I could do any of this either.”

“But you’re here now. That means fate chose you,” she said thoughtfully.

“That I’m not so sure about,” Leonard muttered with a crooked smile that didn’t quite chase away his doubts.

“Hey, you two – newcomers!” a cheerful voice called.

They turned. A boy was walking toward them, bright as the sun. His movements were light, and there was unmistakable fire in his eyes.

“I’m Kaylen Emberhart! From the Valley of Ignia. And welcome!”

“You’re new too?” Elissa asked, surprised.

“Of course! But I passed my trial a week ago. So you’re not shaking as badly as I was back then, believe me!”

Leonard snorted softly. “Not sure about that.”

“All right, come on – tell me. How was it?”

Elissa and Leonard exchanged a look, momentarily slipping back into the nightmare of the trial.

“The fire…” Elissa murmured. “At one point it filled everything. I thought I was going to burn.”

“It felt alive,” Leonard added. “It moved, probed, tested.”

Kaylen nodded knowingly.

“That’s the Trial of Fire for you. It tests not just your power, but your soul. But you did great! Now the fun part starts – choosing a school.”

Elissa drew a deep breath. “Have you already chosen?”

“Of course! Song of Flame!”

He broke into a proud grin.

“Artifacts, enchantment, alchemy! Can you imagine? Creating swords that never dull, cloaks that shield from the cold…”

Elissa gave a small skeptical sound.

“You’re sure about that?”

“Absolutely!” Kaylen declared. “What about you?”

Elissa fell silent for a moment.

“I don’t know yet… I like the Smoldering Embers.”

“Interesting,” Kaylen said thoughtfully. “Magic of emotion and suggestion? Dangerous path.”

Elissa nodded.

“But it feels like what I need. I want to learn to control not only fire, but what hides inside people.”

Leonard smiled faintly.

“And I’m leaning toward the Song of Flame too… I like creating fire, weaving spells. Not just using it as a tool, but treating it as something living, something you can communicate with, interact with. That sounds much more fascinating than just working with artifacts.”

Kaylen studied him with new interest.

“So you want to be a master of fire itself, not just a master of objects. I get that. Good choice.”

Elissa smiled, looking at them both.

“We have all the time in the world to decide.”

“And for now,” Kaylen spread his arms wide, “let’s just enjoy this moment! We’re part of something great now!”

Leonard and Elissa exchanged a glance.

Today they had not only survived the trial. They had found friends.