The Path Unchosen

"There weren't always dragons in the valley", said Grandpa Ido, as we walked down the faded green trail back to the log cabin where grandpa called home.

"In fact, when a dragon did show up, it was usually an emissary come to fetch me on some mission of great importance, like they really had something they couldn't figure out for themselves!"

"But Grandpa, seriously, most times it was serious business, right?"

Grandpa Ido stopped short before we got to the cabin door, and sighed, "Yes Kai, sometimes it was, and those were the ones i dreaded most. which is one of the reasons why i'm glad to be retired as a MageKnight."

A MageKnight, as the title suggests, was a unique individual that not only was trained in the art of combat, but also born with magical abilities. As my grandfather explained it, elemental attributes, being able to control and use things in nature to fight and defend against enemies of any kind. Most people like this are born to it, their elemental abilities showing themselves in spurts after age 5, then more so as they reach puberty. By this time in the child's life, they are given a choice, become a mage and study the magical arts, or become a mageknight, learning both disciplines, and being a protector of both the mortal and immortal realms.

"A big pain in my backside is more like it", said Grandpa Ido. "Though being a Mageknight has been in our family for four generations, what started our path into this profession is unknown. but i've always had mixed feelings when one of our family members "awakens" to their abilities."

"Grandpa, is a mageknight family always born with the same element powers?"

After going inside the cabin, with a small chuckle, " Not necessarily. one child could have one elemental power, while their sibling, could have a different elemental power. very rare that one born and trained as a knight have two elemental abilities."

"Even still, sometimes the elemental part of it skips a generation or two, taking on only the knight side if they so choose. but when that power awakens, a master mage will sense it, and send someone so they can be tested."

"Tested how, and where do you go, and can you tell them you don't wanna be a mage, knight, or anything to do with them?" My questions to Grandpa went from frantic, to utter frustration. "If you do develop abilities, can't you be allowed to use them in more practical ways, like fishing, building bridges, or even.....cooking?"

Grandpa Ido hearing the frustration in my voice, looks at me, and places his left hand on my shoulder, "Look Kai, i understand that you are worried about being summoned. i understand that you're scared about seeing where your abilities lie compared to others of your age."

"While your father is away handling his duties, your mother thought it best you get to spend time with me, learning about your elemental powers, and getting a handle on them. besides, you're only 13yrs old once." "No matter what happens, you'll do just fine."

I was still uneasy about the prospect of being summoned, and taking a test that had no easy answers, but my grandpa's words brought me some comfort.

Calmly i asked Grandpa Ido, "Can you tell me about what to expect when they test me?"

"No", grandpa said plainly.

"No, why not? not even a hint?"

With a smile, grandpa said, "the test is a time-honored tradition, that goes back to the original elemental mages who started it. mostly, it was a way to find future apprentices to take over for a master mage in case of emergencies, or before that mage passed away. belief in yourself is what you should focus on mostly."

"Thanks a lot, grandpa."

"Don't worry Kai, you'll do fine."

Both of us share a light chuckle, then all of a sudden, the wind begins to pick up from outside the cabin door. We both go outside to investigate, and find the source of the gathering wind. With wings folded, standing about ten feet tall, gray with a white strip of fur on its back, a dragon!

"I am Silverclaw, emissary of the mages of the western tower, have come to collect you Kai Arcana, you have been summoned."

"Oh, it's you Silver. so, they sent you to take my grandson, huh?"

"Pleasure to see you again, Ido Arcana, good to know you're alive and well."

Puzzled, i asked, "Grandpa, you know one another!?"

"Yes, Kai, but that's a story for another time. it's time to go, this noble warrior will take you to the western tower. have faith and belief in yourself, and all will fall in line. don't forget to say hello to you father for me."

"I will, bye grandpa, i'll see you soon."

With his head down, i climb up Silverclaw's neck to his back, turn around, and held on to the dragon's fur as he unfolded his wings. With one jump, and flapping of wings, we take to sky, flying in the direction to the western tower. For four generations, the Arcanas have been MageKnights, and i was about to find out what that path holds for me.........