Toman of the Cherokee 1

Through the dark billowing smoke I tried to see what was going on, finally it was going to end. I took a step… huh? Oh crap sorry I started at the end. This all started a few hundred years ago. Me? Oh I am Toman Wilbey yeah I know sucks right? Any way I am a mage, been one for a long time I… what’s a mage? Hmmm how to explain? Merlin from ancient times was an extremely powerful mage. So powerful he was an elite mage that was called a wizard.
 
I can only hope to be that powerful one day, though from what my grandfather said I will. Compared to what Merlin was I am weak though I have a secret that I know a lot of other mages would kill to know. Looking at the smoke I nodded, as a matter of fact a few had already tried, as many had been trying for centuries.
 
It appears that I got a little far into my cups one night at the mage academy. You know a school for mages. I opened my mouth about an ability I had and, that was the day I started fearing for my life. It wasn’t that much of a big deal really so I could increase my power and retain almost all of the levels I achieved. At least I thought it wasn’t a big deal. Not ’til my then only friend tried to kill me and take it for his own.
 
Betrayal, yup, that can be a real eye opener especially if you survive. I’m sorry to say that my friend didn’t, so I was then wanted for questioning. Then suddenly I was wanted for murder, and then I was sentenced to death, on sight! I went home started to pack, was on my way out when grandfather’s voice stopped me cold.
 
“Where in the hell do you think you are going?” I heard his older gruff voice call out.
 
“I’m leaving Pops; they will be after me soon I don’t want you killed when they come for me!” I said in a hurry as I tried to push my way out the door.
 
“Uh huh, and why would they do that?” His gruff voice asked.
 
I hung my head, I was caught, if anything grandfather would kill me mercifully. At least with him it would be quick and nearly painless. Sighing I opened up I’d never lied to him and wasn’t about to start. “I killed him Pops.” I blurted out. “He tried to power siphon me so I put up a defense but he wouldn’t stop. So I pushed back, I guess harder that I thought I would. I felt his heart slow, stop, and then explode!” Now tears were streaming down my face, “I didn’t even try, it just happened!”
 
“I see,” I heard Grandfather say, “You really expect me to believe that?”
 
Dropping everything I spread my arms leaving myself completely open to him. A moment later I felt his probe as he watched what had happened.
 
“You see Pops I don’t lie! You taught me that!” Kneeling on the floor I bowed my head. “I know you will make it as painless as possible pops. I’m ready.” I felt a movement next to me then I was flying backwards into the wall.
 
“I thought I raised you better than that,” came his bellowing voice! “Now get up! Come to the kitchen so we can plan.”
 
I looked up from the floor a look of disbelief on my face. He wasn’t going to kill me? Pops was an older retired member of the council. Here I thought it was his duty to take criminals in.
 
“Unless you want to get smacked around again I suggest you desist with the criminal thoughts!” He growled to let me know he wasn’t playing.
 
Nodding my head rapidly I got off the floor walking to the table. “I thought that since you were once a council member it was your duty. Sorry pops I didn’t mean to insult you. I forgot that they made you leave.”
 
Grandfather’s face softened a bit as he nodded. “You were always a good boy. You have always listened to the ramblings and rumblings of an old man. I just wish your father had sooner. Then I feel he’d be alive today. I have to admit he hid it for far longer than I thought him capable of.”
 
I could only stare at him what in the world was he on about? “Uh ok,” was all I could get out?
 
Pops chuckled a moment a faraway look came to his eyes. “You know your father was extremely powerful. Even Merlin had said that his power only rivaled your father’s.”
 
“Merlin? I thought you told me he died a hundred years ago?” I asked a look of astonishment on my face.
 
“Ah that’s just a story that he made up so he could enjoy life well what he’s got left. He’s very alive and living on an island. Wish I could have gone with him. Would have too had this trouble with your father hadn’t started.” Pops said a tear starting to fall from one eye. “I couldn’t leave not after your father died. Especially as suspiciously as he did. Besides I made a promise as you know we NEVER break a promise.”
 
I nodded as I agreed with pops as far as I knew no one from the family had ever broken a promise. Sitting at the table I waited as Pops sat also and started to outline his plan. “Alright Toman, we’ll be on the run for quite a while I am afraid. As I told you your father had a lot of power. You my boy are exactly like him, though I think after today you might develop a lot faster.”
 
Again all I could do was stare at Pops. I was like my father? I had no real power, no real abilities. “Ok if you say so Pops,” I replied.
 
Pops looked as if he was about to back hand me again. “You are, you may not feel it, but you are.