Page 38 of The Song of Sunrise
Humans need channeling stones to manipulate the Source, whereas Elves and Underlings are born with the ability. After the Breaking, the world erupted in chaos. Some say the Source was there all along, unleashing from the innermost layers of the planet’s core when the ground broke in half.
Awaking the Underworld below.
When the Old World became the new.
Decades passed, and eventually a new breed of humans was born with the Source: the Elves. They later clustered to the north, splitting into tribes and ruling their own, separate from the humans.
It is the history we all know. Myself especially as a Prentice Teller responsible for passing along the knowledge of the battles and wars that came shortly thereafter. But being at the Academy, holding a channeling stone, was eerie, like muddied memories from deep in my past clicked into place.
I twirl the small golden practice ring on my finger.
“Sunfyrestarts as a small spark but can grow to a large-scale fire if mastered,” the professor says. I gasp as his fingertips begin to glow then he lowers them to a small pile of twigs. “The first step is to concentrate on the Source around us. It isalways flowing around us, but it takes energy to pull it into your channeling stone. Imagine yourself sucking in a deep breath.”
All of us Sun’chers watch with eagerness.
“You will feel the Source pooling within you. It’s challenging to trap and hold. First-Stones aren’t expected to store any Source energy, but rather expel it right away. Watch this movement carefully.” He presses his pointer finger to his thumb and releases abruptly.
A small spark erupts from his fingers, setting the small stick pile aflame, just like Leaf did during our travels.
I clap alongside my fellow cadets.
The professor demonstrates to us once more, breaking down the hand signal—which turns out is very important for castingsunfyre.
“Now let’s take the rest of class to practice channelingsunfyre,” Professor Gregorio instructs.
We spread out, one cadet per small pile of sticks.
“Close your eyes, concentrate on the Source around you. It’s a little different for everyone. For me, it looks like swirling golden sun rays.”
I close my eyes and try to open my awareness.
“Once you see it, breathe in deeply. Will the Source to pool in your channeling stone.”
Some cadets make startled sounds, as if already feeling the effects of the Source.
I open my eyes. Ramona is smiling. Both Hevel twins, Leo and Lacerta, already have glowing fingertips. At least Sabra looks like she is deeply concentrating.
Exhaling in frustration, I close my eyes again.
The only thing I see is the blackish-brown underside of my eyelids.
“Pull the Source in as much as possible. You might feel uncomfortable. Then practice the hand motion I demonstrated before while saying the incantation:sunfyre.”
“Ah!” Ramona jolts as sparks ignite from her fingertips.
Breaking concentration for the second time, I open my eyes. Her pile of sticks is already burning brightly. “Nice, Ramona!” I say, proud of my friend and her natural ability despite my own shortcomings.
“Your parents would be proud.” Gregorio adds.
My heart skips a beat. And just like that, a familiar loneliness sinks into my gut. The tallies I scratched on my bedroom wall were both companions and daily reminders of that lonesomeness. I’m used to feeling this way only once a day, as I scratch a piece of my sorrow into each mark.
“Thank you, Professor,” Ramona says slumping in her chair. “Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said it takes a toll on your energy. I feel completely drained!”
The professor chuckles. “Over time, you’ll build up a stronger tolerance for the Source. Though some find channeling with one stone too unbearable at times—which is perfectly acceptable, I might add. It’s why we have such a strong WatchGuard program.”
“I’d rather die than be assigned as a magic-less WatchGuard,” Sabra says under her breath.
Professor Gregorio pivots to face Sabra. “Watch your tone, Cadet Clyopsko.”
